《Rising Kite - A story from the world of HWFWM》 1. A delivery most important High in the night sky, two moons bathed the cliffs and forests below in their pale, silver light. The late evening was clear and crisp, and an observer sitting on one of the myriad stone spires would be able to glimpse shades of red, orange, yellow and purple from the foliage below even in the murky gloom of night. This was the Autumn lands, the northernmost province of the kingdom of Hua-Xi. Many would call it beautiful, and just as many would call it a mana-sparse backwater far removed from real civilization and culture. The valleys were dangerous, as the calls of monsters were ever present in the night. But even as inhospitable as it might seem, with its high and frequent cliff spires and valleys absolutely covered in woodlands, the same observer could see signs of habitation. While the villages were small, one could usually spot a handful if you climbed the highest peak, often built upon the more hospitable cliffs with gentler slopes. Most inhabitants were asleep at this hour, the wooden houses only lit up by the moons above. But in one such village, Starberry Peak, there was a rustic but beautiful wooden house where magical lamps still cast their warm glow from the windows.
Two women were waiting, and coping very differently with said wait. ¡°Dearest Dove, please gather your composure and have some tea instead. I¡¯m sure it will do you more good than carving an ever deeper groove in our floor.¡± The speaker was a thin, rather short celestine woman with crescent moon glasses and sharp features framed by straight onyx black hair. She sat on a pillow next to a low table, knees tucked in and posture straight and dignified. A pot of tea sat atop a small heated plate, its warmth ensuring a thin stream of steam continued to rise from the nozzle. The human woman she was addressing was taller and more curvaceous, with a small waterfall of brown locks that swished about every time she turned in her pacing. Her face was rounder and usually had a kind and serene look. At the moment, those same features were marred by lines of worry. ¡°Oh, Crow, you know they should¡¯ve been here by now. The letter was very specific. What if something has happened? Are we even prepared enough? Maybe there is something we forgot to procure? I should-¡± Dove said before closing her mouth after seeing the amused glint in Crow¡¯s eyes. She sighed, smoothed out her comfortable silken robes before joining her wife at the table. Crow remained silent as strands of her long hair gently picked up the kettle and poured a cup for the fretting woman while she gently draped her aura around Dove for comfort. She spoke up after Dove took her first sip. ¡°Their needs are rather simple when they are young, so I¡¯m sure there will be time to compensate for any oversight on our part.¡± Both women looked to be in their mid-thirties, but a person with the right experience would be able to spot the beautifying effects of being bronze-rank which probably put their true age somewhere above that. While Crow followed the more stereotypical leanness when ranking up, even the evolved essences hadn¡¯t been enough to smooth out the softness from Dove who somehow kept looking more warm and welcoming as the years progressed. It was that same look that was somehow even more endearing to Crow as she saw her companion fret, full of compassion and worry. She had to make sure her slight smile didn¡¯t break through her facade, either on her face or her aura, or she wouldn¡¯t hear the end of it. As she listened to Dove once again going over the list of things they would need for this new, grand undertaking, that she felt another bronze-rank aura. It pulsed gently outside their door, announcing that the object of all this fretting, waiting and preparations had finally arrived.
Dove had fallen silent as she belatedly felt the pulse, being caught up in her thoughts. Crow was already at the door, where she momentarily paused to suspend the house¡¯s defensive arrays before opening the door without much ceremony. The warm light from inside spilled out over the beautifully shaped wooden porch, bathing a travel-worn figure in the glow. A black cloak hid the majority of the silhouette, but Crow could see enough of the body clad in leathers as dark as the cloak to identify the person as male. As he lowered his hood and removed a black scarf wound about his mouth and neck, Crow caught a glimpse of a rather bulky, oblong box firmly secured to the man¡¯s back, almost like an over-sized version of the medicine boxes carried by wandering herbalists and doctors. Her scrutiny was interrupted as he locked eyes with her, now revealing a rugged face covered with black stubble around a small, once neatly trimmed mustache, and spoke up. ¡°Curious Crow flies Swift.¡± he said with a small bow, hands cupped. ¡°Brave Walker of Paths¡± she replied as she returned the gesture and was about to speak when Dove sidled up to her, almost pushing her off the porch with barely restrained eagerness. ¡°Oh please, enough with the formalities you two. Walker, please come in. We have been awaiting you. And congratulations on reaching bronze rank!¡± Dove said as she strode up to the man and started insistently leading, just a smidgeon short of dragging, him into the house. ¡°Waiting most eagerly¡­¡± Crow muttered with a smile as she followed, closing both doors and arrays behind them.
Moments later, a third cup had joined the first two at the table. Dove poured tea for their guest while she bombarded him with questions of his journey, adding a stamina pill to the cup before serving it to him. Walker could barely get a word in through the barrage but politely waited and instead took his first sip of tea, shoulders relaxing a bit when the stamina-restoring concoction spread warmth through his body. He took the time to take in his surroundings, his eyes scanning the plushly decorated common room filled with fabric and plants. A lone stick of incense burned in a corner, spreading a gentle, fresh fragrance throughout the room which mixed pleasantly with the medicinal smell of dried herbs. The house gave off a warm, soft feeling mixed with functionality and just the right amount of rustic beauty. This was a home, well worn in and the pair of women had truly made it their own. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Crow gently nudged Dove¡¯s aura in an attempt to provide Walker with an opening. As Dove paused to look at her, he cleared his throat and spoke up with a slightly gravelly voice. ¡°Lady Dove, I can assure you that the journey was a safe one, but I got slightly delayed since I had to circumvent a pack of galezards. Wouldn¡¯t want to risk the cargo to all those wind blades¡± he finished as he gently patted the box which now lay beside him. Dove listened to the tale with wide eyes while Crow gently patted the back of her hand. ¡°See dear, I told you that the messenger would be cautious. And it would seem that we got the region''s very best one too.¡± She comforted, before nodding toward the box. ¡°Might we, at last, see what all the secrecy and excitement is about?¡±. Walker looked a bit hesitant at her. ¡°You don¡¯t know what¡¯s inside? I was assured that-¡± he started speaking as Crow gently interrupted him with yet another nudge of aura. ¡°Master Walker, I know what it is. A baby isn¡¯t that much of a mystery. However, the communications and messages leading up to this most auspicious moment have been very vague about most everything else. It would be nice to at least be assured that the young one isn¡¯t some fabled lost royal scion, child of dark prophecy or anything else that would fill our life with assassins and intrigue.¡± The last part was added with a generous serving of dry sarcasm. Walker chuckled, relief evident on his face as he answered. ¡°Well then, lady Crow, while I do not know much and my oath does not permit me to disclose even less, I can at least assuage your apprehension on those accounts.¡± He paused for another sip of tea and a grateful nod at Dove, who offered him a rice bun, before continuing. ¡°As you may know this solution was a compromise between parties that have to remain unnamed, and while they have both power and influence it is nowhere as near the more¡­ spectacular¡­ fates you suggested. This solution was agreed upon to be the one that removed as little potential from the world as possible. I assure you that the compensation-¡± Crow interrupted him with a curt hand gesture. ¡°Yes, yes, more resources are all well and good and you have always upheld your promises before. But I think you better get on with this and actually show us the boy. Dove will probably poison you if you delay any longer.¡± She added the last with a smirk as Dove had been steadily inching closer to the box. Walker looked at Crow, then at his cup, back to Crow and then at Dove before clearing his throat a bit more nervously than last time. ¡°I believe you are right, lady Crow.¡± The box was a rather large affair, made of beautifully polished reddish wood and held together with sculpted iron fittings. One and a half meters long, half a meter wide and deep, it made for quite the package. Walker went about the box, flipping hidden latches and finally opening the lid. The interior was lined with azure silk, and most of the space was dominated by a cylinder seemingly made of clear glass. On one end they could see a metallic cap, covered with inscriptions and powered by several silver rank spirit coins affixed to the disc. While the craftsmanship was interesting enough, the small infant human boy suspended in the cylinder drew the most attention. Resting in the fetal position, he rested perfectly still with the small severe frown typical for the newly born. One could see neither breathing nor other movement, the child being kept perfectly serene by the stasis enchantment of the device. He looked like babies mostly did with slightly reddish skin and a small tuft of dark hair. Perfectly ordinary. The rest of the space inside the box was filled up by two smaller iron chests. Walker removed all three items from the box, being extra careful with the stasis cylinder. ¡°This¡­¡± he said while gesturing toward the first chest ¡°... is your agreed upon compensation. And this-¡± he gestured toward the other chest ¡°-is for the boy when he comes of age. There should be instructions inside, but you can probably figure it out by yourselves as well.¡±. The two women were busy examining the infant through the glass, Crow nodding absently to his instructions. After a couple more moments Dove turned to him, put her hand upon his and looked at him gravely. ¡°Thank you Walker¡± she said, her voice a bit unsteady. ¡°While I was a bit hesitant at first, I¡¯ve grown rather fond of the idea of raising something more¡­ substantial¡­ than herbs in this house. It has become rather important to me.¡± ¡°To the both of us¡± Crow added, albeit with a more serene demeanor. ¡°Although I must admit that I am curious. Why us? Why offer us, of all people, this task?¡± Walker looked thoughtful for a moment before seemingly coming to a decision. ¡°In all honesty, there were several candidates but I was the one who recommended you two when this contract was delivered to the local branch of the adventure society. If you look around here, you see stability. You are both proficient crafters, and in our dealings I¡¯ve found that, while you have your differences, you are both reliable and reasonable as well as kind and caring. And seeing the home you¡¯ve built in such a remote place-¡± He looked meaningfully around the house. ¡°- I could see the boy at least being safe and comfortable. Which was one of the criteria which the contract emphasized.¡± Crow nodded in satisfaction at the explanation while Dove was becoming a bit misty-eyed. ¡°I promise we will do our best, master Walker¡± she said while dabbing her eyes a bit. ¡°Could we meet him now? In an actual, animated state that is?¡± Walker smiled, retaining his good feeling about his recommendation of the pair. ¡°Certainly, lady Dove¡±. Not long after, they had laid the cylinder down on a big pillow. Walker was working the controls on the device, referencing a note with instructions, and after a short moment all three of them could feel a pulse of magic as the device started the process of bringing the child out of stasis. After a couple of seconds, the glass seemingly disappeared in the blink of an eye and the baby fell the few centimeters that separated him and the pillow. The small arms instinctively flew out to either side before an angry wail filled the room. The three bronze-rankers could feel the small aura, all chaotic and raw. It was a bit frightened but mostly slightly cold and lonely. Dove scooped up the little creature and wrapped him in a blanket, cooing and rocking him both with her arms and her aura as she stepped out into the kitchen to spare the others from the noise. Crow, who ever valued formalities and order, stayed to wrap up the arrangements and gave Walker a small smile. ¡°So, it seems life sure has taken a turn towards more exciting times. It will probably interfere a bit with our work, but our customers will just have to practice the art of patience a bit more thoroughly.¡± ¡°Well, quality is worth waiting for in my opinion.¡± Walker said with a smile. ¡°But I would expect that it will cause some frustration among the sects. There are some there who are not used to waiting. And speaking of work¡­¡± he said while glancing toward the kitchen where the wailing had subsided. ¡°Do you think lady Dove may be bothered to make a small order of pills? The road back to Gilded should be safe enough, but caution ever remains key.¡± Crow looked toward the kitchen as well, her bronze-rank hearing making out the soft humming of Dove and the even softer small snoozing noises of the baby. ¡°I think she might be amenable, but you will probably have to wait until morning. I have found it best to simply let her take her time with new, exciting things, or else she might be a bit¡­ cranky. And you don¡¯t want your alchemist to be cranky when making your concoctions.¡± She finished with a wry smile full of past experiences. ¡°We took the liberty of preparing the guest cabin, so please make sure to leave only once you are well rested and stocked up on supplies.¡± Walker looked hesitant, but smiled with a resigned expression. ¡°It would be most rude of me to turn down such an offer. Please then, lady Crow, if you would be so kind as to show me to my accommodations.¡± Crow nodded, and started toward a side door leading out to the garden and small guest house. As the door was closing behind them, the last they heard from the kitchen were soft, cooing words. ¡°... and I will need to practice more cooking. And baking. Because you can¡¯t feed on spirit coins yet. Oh, no you can¡¯t¡­ Oh, no you can¡¯t¡­¡± 2. Glimpses from a life Chapter 2 - Glimpses from a life Contentment. Warm embraces. Distress followed by an incorporeal warmth, swaddling like an unseen blanket of caring. Blurry shapes gradually becoming more clear. Seeing a smile and smiling back. Sleeping. Grabbing a fistful of anything within reach. Feeling. Tasting. Growing. A cry broke the nightly silence in the house. Crow, without opening her eyes, reached out with her aura to the distressed baby. Feeling the fluctuations of his little aura, she quickly deduced that he wasn¡¯t hungry, merely lonely since he awoke. As so many times before, she deftly used her aura to gently caress his, carefully guiding him back to sleep. ¡°Imagine doing this without an aura. Normal-rankers sure got it rough¡­¡± she thought to herself before sleep claimed her again.
Curiosity. Frustration. Crawling. Falling. Standing. Falling. Walking. Running. Falling. Laughing. Wanting things. Grabbing them. Having them taken from him. Grabbing them again! The toddler was laughing uncontrollably as he, for the umpteenth time this afternoon, made a stilting run toward the small pile of slightly shining water quintessence. Crow, sitting at her workbench making preparations for yet another array-plate, didn¡¯t even look his way as his not-so-subtle attempt at grabbing the shinies took place yet again. The strands of her black hair lengthened, snaked out along the floor and wrapped around his stubby arms and legs, stopping him just short of his price and lifting him into the air. He shrieked with laughter all the more. She broke off from her work to look at the little boy, held aloft in the air at an angle, his mop of dark hair being a slightly lighter shade than her own. Crow smiled as she reached out a finger to boop his nose. ¡°You¡¯re a persistent one, little chick, I¡¯ll give you that. But so far, your auntie Crow can still keep up.¡± She then returned to her work, the boy content with playing with the many strands of hair that were still animatedly moving around him.
Thinking. Talking. Playing in the gardens. ¡°Kite, this is Brook. And the little baby is her brother, Leaf.¡± auntie Dove was explaining to the three year old boy who was currently standing next to her, curiously inspecting a young girl of his own age as his auntie had stopped to speak with their father during a trip down into the village. The girl in question, with auburn hair and freckled nose, was busy trying to hide behind her father¡¯s legs while taking peeks at him. ¡°Pwetty!¡± the little boy exclaimed, pointing to her which caused her to hide again. Her father laughed. ¡°Well, you¡¯re quite the charmer, boy. I hope you will get along with Brook and Leaf here, and have lots of fun. As they left, auntie Dove patted Kite''s head. "It is very nice to say nice things that is on your minds Kite. Just remember to choose carefully when to speak the bad ones out loud." She didn''t expect him to understand much, but thought it wise to start early. The small boy looked at her for long while where he walked by her side, before nodding gravely.
Helping auntie Dove picking berries. Other kids are fun. Wondering. Questions. So many questions. ¡°Auntie Dove, why did you name me Kite?¡± the now four year old boy asked his auntie as he helped her carry a basket of herbs in their sprawling garden. He liked that she never seemed to hurry when they were out in the garden. He also liked that the weather was clearing up. That meant he could probably go out and play with the other children today as well. Dove bent down to gently caress a couple of leaves from some herb Kite couldn¡¯t quite remember the name of. The plant shed the leaves, seemingly of its own volition, after which Dove chanted a quiet spell. ¡°Life¡¯s bounty, heed my guidance¡± This caused the leaves to start growing back at a visible pace. She then turned to the young boy and answered as he helpfully held out the basket for her to place the herbs into. ¡°Well dear, you know that kites are viewed as a symbol not only for freedom, but also a good omen for future endeavors? That¡¯s why we named you Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. Since the night winds brought you to us, which makes us very fortunate.¡± She punctuated the last word by gently ruffling his hair. ¡°But I thought it was uncle Walker who brought me here? And why do we get so long names if we don¡¯t use them all the time? I don¡¯t call you auntie Graceful Dove below¡­¡± he began but trailed off as memory failed him. ¡°Graceful Dove under the Moon, dear.¡± She gently reminded him. ¡°Names carry meaning. For most, one or two words just can¡¯t encompass everything we see in our children or hope for them in the future. But as you say, it would be quite impractical to always use the full names. That¡¯s why we mostly use them for special things, such as when speaking to important people. But some may take offense if you forget their full name once they have offered it to you, so do your best to remember it. Do you understand, dear?¡± Kite nodded eagerly. ¡°Yes auntie Dove!¡±. ¡°Good boy.¡± she said while ruffling his hair again. Just about a minute later, the silence was broken once more. ¡°Auntie Dove?¡± ¡°Yes, dear?¡± ¡°What is the ¡®path¡¯ most adults are always talking about? Which one do they mean?¡± young Kite asked, looking around at the many small gravel pathways dotting the garden as if it might be one of them. Auntie Dove chuckled as she knelt in front of him. ¡°It is a little complicated, but I¡¯ll do my best to explain. The path they are talking about isn¡¯t a path in itself, like those in the forest or here in the gardens. It is a word we use for the way we choose in life. It can be your profession, what friends you make or any other choice really. For those with essences, such as uncle Walker and your aunties, it also means their path to power. Legends say that those who use their powers to build themselves a strong, steady path can walk it up into the heavens and beyond.¡± Kite¡¯s eyes widened as he looked up at the blue sky above them. ¡°Whoooaaa¡­¡± he said as he imagined that there was something beyond the vast blue expanse. "But- but how do I make my path go all the way up there?" "Not everyone can, little Kite. But if you work hard, eat your vegetables and remain the nice little boy that you are, I am sure that the heavens will reward it." Kite looked at her, even more questions visibly brewing in the confines of his young mind. But before he could ask more, his auntie fell silent as she seemed to be listening for something. Kite stayed quiet as he knew from experience that both his aunties had very good hearing. ¡°I think that little Brook and her brother just went out to play. Would you like to go with them, dear?¡± Kite brightened and ran off, while shouting ¡°Thank you, auntie Dove!¡± over his shoulder.
So many things to learn. Reading is fun. Herbology with auntie Dove is hard, but the rituals auntie Crow teaches me are fun. And I can show them off to the other kids, especially the one making colored lights! The aunties also get many exciting visitors. Some stay for some days while their orders are completed. Most don¡¯t care about me, but some are really nice! One told me stories about mythical monsters and one nice lady Stream taught me a strange game with black and white rocks. Uncle Walker is always nice to me too, and he even started teaching me how to wield a staff! Kite hissed as auntie Crow dabbed at the scratches on his upper arm. ¡°Well boy, let this be a lesson to you. While you were very brave defending Brook and Leaf from the frenzied ferret, even lesser monsters should be enough for you to call for an adult.¡± she admonished. Kite thought back to the recent event and the flurry of claws which the little creature had become while he tried to use a long stick to whack it away from Brook¡¯s younger brother, Leaf. ¡°Besides-" Crow continued, " -you are only nine and master Walker has only taught you so much. He will probably review this with you thoroughly the next time he comes to visit.¡± Kite hissed from the sting of the cleaning again before answering. ¡°But lady Shade also taught me things. And master Trance said I was really quick at learning as well!¡±. Crow looked at him, all stern but with a hint of amusement. ¡°While it has been very nice of our guests to give you their time and advice, the argument that you are but nine years old still holds. They don¡¯t expect you to know it all at your age, and neither should you.¡± She paused again, sighing. ¡°But it is good that you want to learn. While part of me would never want to see you hurt nor in danger, the world isn¡¯t so kind. Especially when you live out here.¡± The last part mentioned their province, which Kite had learned was called the Autumn lands. It was supposedly very remote, and he had heard more than one guest grumble about it and the amount of monsters in the forested valleys dominating the landscape. Kite was often frightened by their cries in the night, but when the frenzied ferret had chanced upon Leaf when they were playing in the village outskirts, he had been forced to swallow that fear. The thought of how sad Brook would be if her brother got hurt had also been a factor. She didn¡¯t speak much even at the best of days, and such an accident risked her becoming even more reserved. That thought made him sad. While Crow had cleaned his wounds, Dove had been walking back and forth between jars and pots of herbs and other components. She joined them at the table with a handful of different leaves and even small grains of minerals, scrutinizing them a bit before throwing them into her mouth one after another, chewing almost meditatively while listening to their conversation. After swallowing, Kite could see the familiar glow from inside her chest as she clapped her hands together. The glow flowed out along her arms as she chanted. ¡°Fusion of the internal cauldron¡±. Wisps of smoke giving off a medicinal smell escaped from between her fingers, and she soon separated her hands. Between them floated a small sphere, which she deftly snatched from the air and offered to Kite. He obediently took it and swallowed it, feeling the warmth of the healing pill spreading through his body, closing the scratches along his arm. While the pill worked its magic, auntie Dove smothered him in a warm embrace. ¡°You were very brave, Kite, but please remember that your aunties would also be very sad if something more serious happened to you. But as long as I live, I will always have a hug and pill or two for you¡±. That night, Kite fell asleep thinking of training, blood shed but also tears prevented.
Each new thing explained leads to two more questions. While Brook is often a bit scared of my aunties and their magic, I think that they''re awesome! "So I''m normal rank?" Kite asked auntie Crow, looking up from his book. The volume, called ''Foundational basics of magic'' was quite challenging for his young mind, but Kite had at least started grasping a little of it, his own place at the absolute bottom of the magical hierarchy now being the subject of inquiry. "That''s right, little Kite. As are most of the people of this world." Crow answered, ever patient with his questions where she sat working on some magical diagrams. "But you are not." the young boy stated. "You are brass rank?" "Bronze, dearie." "Why bronze?" Crow looked up from her work, adjusting her slightly shimmering glasses. "There have debates about the origins of the terminology for a long time, but the most prevalent theory is that it simply matches the colors emanated from one when reaching said rank." she said, chuckling when Kite looked almost disappointed at the simple explanation. "But does that mean that you and auntie Dove can go higher in the ranks to? To-" he paused, looking back to the book, "-silver rank?" "Yes, we might. But just because we can does not mean that it is the fate of everyone. For most people, ranking up means danger. And reaching the next rank usually takes a lot more effort than the previous ones combines." "But I can do it too? If I work hard, eat my vegetables and remain a good boy?" Kite asked hopefully, repeating the criteria Dove had often told him when asked the same question. "That you can, little Kite, if the heavens will it." Crow said, reaching out and patting him on the head. "But you''d better go through the basics-" she tapped on the book in front of him, "- before setting even loftier ambitions. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Kite sighed, but eventually went back to reading with renewed vigor. About the ranks and how one improved, growing capable of the feats he had only seen described in the stories and tales he so often enjoyed. And as he read, he imagined himself among their ranks, wielding power in his own climb towards the heavens.
A most fortunate encounter. Kite loved joining auntie Dove on her outings into the woodlands around Starberry peak. The colored leaves, the freedom to run among the trees and jumping between root and stone and the tasty berries made for a child¡¯s paradise. He had once asked auntie Dove if they needed to watch out for monsters. ¡°You should always be careful, dear, but most monsters will not dare to approach your auntie''s aura. Your auntie is stronger than most of them, after all.¡± she had answered while giving him a wink. Kite still couldn¡¯t really grasp what the aura that some adults talked about really was, but he figured it was some kind of grown up thing. Therefore, he was quite surprised when he looked up from an especially lucrative bush of lucul berries and coming almost face to face with a strange creature. It was a small feline creature, but instead of paws it had human hands and its tail was several times longer than its body. Most eye-catching was its fur, which had a distinct golden luster that glimmered in the daylight. This made the long tail almost look like a golden ribbon which seemed to dance in the wind. It sat just a meter away, perched on a rock, regarding Kite silently with eyes even more golden than its fur. Kite froze, and some long moments passed in silence. He didn¡¯t know how to react to the unknown creature, but in his moment of paralysis he remembered one of auntie Crow¡¯s many lessons she had repeated often during the years. ¡°When in doubt, politeness will rarely make any situation worse¡±. Not knowing what would be considered polite to such a being, Kite just went with one of the few things he had available at the moment. He slowly raised the hand which cupped a big pile of lucul berries, and slowly held it out towards the creature in offering. Golden eyes regarded the proffered berries for a moment, before a small hand reached out and picked the topmost purple sphere. It ate the berry, chewing slowly while maintaining eye contact with Kite. After another prolonged silence, it turned around as if to leap down from the stone. It didn¡¯t look at Kite, but he felt a certain kind of nudge that the creature wanted him to follow. The nudging feeling felt strangely familiar yet completely new. Kite hesitated but his childlike curiosity got the better of him as he cautiously followed the tail which danced in the air among the bushes. He wove around some trees, waded through some bushes and finally slid down a small slope when he realized that he could no longer see the swishing tail. The creature had simply disappeared. He now stood, alone, at the foot of a small rocky slope among yet more trees. This grove seemed to be full of old growth, with long and knotted roots and twisted trunks, making it a veritable paradise for a child who spent much of his time jumping, balancing about and climbing everywhere he could. Loosing himself in the challenge of traversing the discovered area for an indeterminate amount of time, he heard auntie Dove calling for him. Just when he was about to leave, Kite stumbled on one of the gnarled roots for what was probably the thirtieth time. From where he sprawled, his gaze fell upon a small nook formed between the gnarled roots curving upwards and the mossy ground. There was something shimmering inside. Reaching in, his hand returned clutching a rather sizable glittering stone. It was beautiful as it sparkled in pearlescent colors with a noticeable dominance of golden flecks. In his young mind, it was a true treasure, and he proudly showed it to auntie Dove as he returned. She ¡°ooohd¡± and ¡°aaaahhd¡± to a most satisfying degree when he regaled her with the tale of finding it, and promised him that he could keep it in his room. That evening he fell asleep while looking at the shimmering colors as the stone rested on a small pillow in his bookshelf among other ¡°treasures¡± he had accumulated during his short life. Auntie Crow smirked as she glimpsed the awakening stone just laying there on the shelf when closing his door, murmuring a soft ¡°Winds of fortune indeed¡­¡±
The monster surge. Staying at a new place. Afraid, but trying to be brave. ¡°-and my dad can also throw lightning at all the monsters! There won¡¯t even be any left after today!¡± the young boy proclaimed proudly to the other kids in his vicinity. Kite, along with Brook and Leaf, sat on the stone floor inside the rather bleak fortress town in one of the many dormitories. They were playing a game as the boy continued boasting about his father¡¯s prowess, apparently being an adventurer. Kite had actually met quite a few of them, as most of his aunties¡¯ customers were adventurers as well. That was why, during one of the few pauses in the boy¡¯s proclamations, he spoke up as even his patience had begun running a bit thin. ¡°There are many adventurer¡¯s here to protect us. My aunties are here as well. We should be cheering for all of them.¡± The boy looked a bit surprised at the sudden interruption before giving Kite a sour glare. ¡°Yeah? But my dad is the best of them all. I bet he will be the one who defeats all the monsters himself. He-¡± They were interrupted as the door to the dormitory swung open. A man limped in, supported by several braided strands of onyx-black hair as he was followed closely by auntie Crow. She helped him lay down at a cot, as the boasting boy forgot about the argument to rush up to what turned out to be the very father of which he had been speaking. ¡°Dad! Are you hurt? Was it a monster? Are you going to be okay? Where is-¡± he began, before being interrupted by the man¡¯s hand ruffling his hair. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, lad. I will be fine. This lady here pulled me out of quite a lot of trouble, so thanks to her your daddy will be out there fighting again soon enough.¡± His words left the gathered children in stunned silence, watching as auntie Crow had gone over to Kite and his friends. ¡°Are you alright, little chick? And you as well, Brook and Leaf?¡± She asked him as an animated strand of hair brushed some dust from his clothes. ¡°Yes, thank you auntie.¡± Kite replied with a smile as the other two nodded. ¡°Good. Now stay put and play nicely. This will be over soon enough.¡± she said as she rose to go back out, leaving only silence and slack-jawed kids staring between her and Kite.
Why is everything suddenly so complicated? And so awkward. Both my aunties and uncle Walker always have that smile. It is so annoying. Like they somehow know what I¡¯m feeling. They constantly mention ¡°growing up¡± and ¡°THAT age¡±. I¡¯m soon an adult, so there can¡¯t be much more growing to do, right? One good thing is that uncle Walker has been visiting more frequently and staying longer. I heard him talking about some kind of troubles between the sects, which put the aunties¡¯ wares in higher demands. He says I¡¯m really coming along during training too, which is nice I suppose. But he doesn''t know my feelings. No one does. Maybe Brook does, at least a little. She¡¯s a really good listener. Kite made a lunge, staff extended. Uncle Walker deftly struck the staff aside. Kite using the motion to transition into a sweeping spin. Which was also promptly deflected. A couple of exchanges later, Walker stopped them. He was dressed in the loose, simple gray clothing worn by both him and Kite during their exercises. The outfit was loose enough not to restrict movement but not loose enough to allow for easy handhold. It was Walker¡¯s third day staying with them, which meant he was usually in a good mood and clean shaven with the exception of the thin mustache he kept. His black hair was kept short as usual and he didn¡¯t look any different from what he¡¯d always looked like to Kite, courtesy of his bronze rank. ¡°Well, little Kite, I think it is time for us to broaden your training a bit. Do you remember why we¡¯ve focused on the staff for so long?¡± he asked while looking out over the finely crafted wooden roofs of the village. As Kite and his aunties lived on the highest point in the village, next to the starberry bushels, Kite was used to the nice view from above. He thought a bit before answering. ¡°You have taught me that the staff is versatile enough to build a solid foundation for most other fighting styles, both through grip and footwork. But why? Isn¡¯t it better to simply pick one thing and focus on it? How can one reach true mastery otherwise?¡±. Walker chuckled a bit, giving him a searching look. ¡°How old are you now, little Kite? Thirteen?¡± ¡°Fourteen in two months.¡± Kite answered, almost too quickly, which made Walker chuckle even more and him even more flustered. ¡°Fourteen then.¡± Walker continued. ¡°Do you perhaps know your future then? Your fated true path? What little Kite will do when he¡¯s all grown up?¡± ¡°No¡­ But do I have to? If I can work hard and save up to become an essence user like you and my aunties, then will it matter as much? Won¡¯t I be powerful either way?¡± Kite tried to hide his flustered state with reason, only partially succeeding. ¡°Oh you would be. But unlike the young masters and mistresses of the nobility or the sects, you probably won¡¯t be able to simply practice the sword your whole life while knowing that a sword essence awaits you when you come of age. What if you have only practiced with a blade, only to come across the axe essence, if any at all? Could you really afford to pass it over, when something more along your tastes might never come along?¡± Walker waited to let his words sink in a bit before continuing. ¡°I can understand your dreams of wielding essences, but understand that for the majority of the population it remains just that; a dream. But I wouldn¡¯t be a very supportive uncle if I didn¡¯t try to help prepare you for that dream, would I? So I thought I might try helping to at least give you a foundation to build upon if you manage to achieve it.¡± Kite¡¯s frown had both deepened and lessened during the lecture, but he seemed mollified. After a short pause of contemplating the view, the myriad of cliff peaks jutting out of the reddish-orange sea of foliage, Kite took a breath and looked back to Walker with the determination of youth. ¡°What will be the next step then, uncle Walker?¡± he asked. Walker answered with a smile and a slap on the back. ¡°For most adults, unarmed combat would have been the first step, but due to your young age and light body, I felt the staff a better starting point. I aim to correct that now.¡± His smile took on an almost gleeful expression. ¡°Prepare to be thrown around. A lot.¡±.
Confusing feelings turn clear. Longing, fear, wonder. Pondering, interpreting, fretting, pondering some more. Talking beneath the stars. Soft lips, warm bodies almost melting into one another. Fumbling earnesty. Bliss. Smiles, laughter. Contentment. The summer night was warm as Kite gave Brook a helping hand up to the roof of their guest cabin. The gradual slant of the roof gave them a surprisingly comfortable seating as they snuggled up close to each other, Kite breathing in her auburn hair. Brook had always been there with him, the shy yet earnest girl of his childhood growing up to a quiet youth but with a wit and passion hiding just beneath the surface. They had circled around each other for so long, yet now the distance which seemed insurmountable before had shrunk to almost nothing. She looked up, cupped his chin and he couldn¡¯t help but melt inside as her freckled face smiled at him. ¡°I love you, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune.¡± she whispered. Kite felt he really understood his aunties admonishments regarding the importance of names as he answered. ¡°And I love you, Still Brook in Blooming.¡± She giggled. ¡°It feels so unusual to hear you name me so, but I like it. It feels¡­ real.¡± "I can''t help but saying it, as it belongs to the most fair of maidens." Kite intoned, falling into an oft repeated little jargon between them. "Then know, warrior-sage, that your presence here is most appreciated- nay -required." Brook replied, leaning into him even more. They watched the sunset bathe the peaks and valleys in colours of peach then of purple, and lost themselves in one another.
Deepened learning and interests. And distractions. Plenty of distractions. "Kite, I know that you find Brook very pretty, but what I do not know if that you can admire her and actually listen to me at the same time." auntie Crow admonished with a wry smile, causing Kite to snap out of his reverie while Brook''s attention left Crow and turned to him. Meeting his gaze, she blushed, still doing so even though they had been together for several months now. "Sorry, auntie." He said abashedly. "You can redeem yourself by chasing down your wandering attention and bringing it back to this room. At least I have one attentive pupil here." Crow jibed, turning to Brook who blushed even more. "Mistress Crow, I- " she began, but her teacher interrupted her. "Please, Brook, auntie will do just fine." Brook hesitated a bit before continuing. "Auntie Crow. Thank you for letting me be here. For these lessons." Crow smiled at her words, shaking her head. "Dear child, you are always welcome here. You have a good head for this, and even though your presence might distract little Kite here, it is always good that he gets challenged a bit more. Let no one say that Curious Crow flies Swift does not properly engage the mind of her charges. But let us continue. As you can see, these two supplemental lines further aggregates the core of-" Even though Kite did listen this time, he still reached out beneath the table and gave Brook''s hand a squeeze.
Anxiety, impending loss. The world is unfair. Truly cruel and unfair. Kite stood with an empty gaze, looking at the road leading down the mountain from Starberry Peak. Not long ago, his gaze had been locked with Brook¡¯s as she sat in the back of her family¡¯s wagon as they left the village. The logical side of him had thought and processed. It told itself it understood. That life was like this. That sometimes a family needed to move, for new work and better opportunities. That they could find each other in but a few years. Yet still there was a part of him that raged inside. Against the pain of loss. The feeling of unfairness. That the happiness he felt was controlled by others. It remembered their last moments together, their last kiss. And it would not let it go. But as much as they would want to, even brooding sixteen year old boys could not stand looking at an empty road forever. So Kite walked up the sloping road toward his home. Days turned into weeks. He cried together with auntie Dove. And he had long talks with auntie Crow. He practiced his magic theory, some basic alchemy and most of all, his martial skills. He ran across the woodlands near the village, leaping, swinging and vaulting his way through the terrain until his body was wrung out. And gradually, the raging part inside him calmed down slightly, becoming more an ache. Weeks turned into months. And life continued.
The present day. The future seems so close, bursting with potential and the unknown. Almost close enough to grasp. ¡°You are doing well, dear. Keep your breathing just like I told you. It¡¯ll help you focus.¡± commented auntie Crow as she sat in the corner of the room, watching Kite¡¯s progress with the ritual circle. Her gaze rested on his work while strands of hair were deftly wielding carving tools for the big stack of basic array plates at her side which she was currently working on. Kite finished the last symbol and, after an encouraging nod from auntie Crow, added a few lesser spirit coins to their prepared places. He sat in the middle of the circle as they were absorbed, just as he had done many times before. Auntie Crow hadn¡¯t told him what the ritual was for, just that it was good practice. It normally produced a nebulous cloud of flickering lights around him for a while before vanishing. Expecting this, he was surprised when said cloud didn¡¯t manifest. Instead, the air around him was filled with more condensed motes of white-blue light, each little speck stable and solid. Small lines and connections began to form between some of them, before the ritual winked out and the phenomena vanished. He looked up and saw that auntie Crow had her full focus on him now, work forgotten beside her. Her smile was proud, but also a bit rueful. ¡°Dearest, it seems like I owe you!¡± she called out into the house. A small ¡°whoop¡± of triumph could be heard from downstairs as auntie Dove rushed up the stairs holding up the hem of her robes, brown locks trailing like the tail of a meteor. ¡°He¡¯s ready? He¡¯s really ready?¡± She asked excitedly, not stopping and instead catching the rising Kite in a fierce embrace. ¡°Ready¡­ for¡­ what?¡± Kite managed to wheeze. Whilst he now stood as tall as auntie Dove, there was no denying that her strength still made him feel small. Dove barely listened, continuing to ruffle his hair and spouting a constant stream of praise and so it fell to auntie Crow to once again give an actual answer. ¡°For us to get some more answers regarding your origins. Mostly you, of course, but I must admit that we have been very curious for all these years.¡± Kite¡¯s eyes widened as he took in her words. The question of his origin had arisen many times over his life. He knew that his aunties weren¡¯t his birth-parents, even though there was no question that he saw them as his true family. But he had often wondered why he ended up with them. They had told him the story many times. How uncle Walker brought him to them and the little he could tell them. While Kite had, in most ways, been content with the life he had been delivered to many years ago he still had that slight ache that he imagined most orphans harbored in one way or another. Then his brain caught up to him a moment later. ¡°But¡­ How could a ritual tell you that I was ready for that?¡± Auntie Crow and auntie Dove exchanged a meaningful look, ending in a resigned sigh from the former. ¡°You won the bet, dear, so you go ahead.¡±. Auntie Dove¡¯s eyes sparkled as she took his hands and, somewhere between a whisper and a squeal, told him. ¡°It means that you are finally old enough to absorb essences!¡± 3. Awakening Kite looked confusedly at his auntie, who seemed to be waiting for a much more exuberant reaction to her statement. Her words had sent a myriad of thoughts and feelings through him, joining the jumble that the thought about his origins had given rise to within. He had long carried a child¡¯s dream about wielding awesome powers, like his aunties, uncle Walker and master Point who was the village¡¯s chief defender. This dream had been tempered through the gradually increased understanding about the world that came with age, and while Kite still daydreamed about one day harnessing the same magic he knew that he needed a lot of work and luck to even get his hands on one essence, let alone three. He had even tried to start saving up parts of his allowance and the other small sums he¡¯d gotten here and there by helping his aunties or doing odd jobs around the village. Therefore, Kite tried to sound as mature as his seventeen years would allow as he answered her. ¡°While that sounds nice, auntie, I think I will have to work a lot more before I get to that point. But I do appreciate your encouragement.¡± She gave him a blank look before her eyes started panning between Kite and Crow. The latter smiled mischievously at Kite. ¡°About that¡­¡±.
A little while later, the small family sat gathered around the low, round table where they ate most of their meals. Auntie Dove was pouring tea, adding smaller stamina pills for an extra boost of refreshment, while auntie Crow had just flipped open the lid of a small metal chest on the table before sliding it to rest before Kite. He sat dumbfounded, staring down at the chest of dark iron, its blue silk lining and most of all its content. Resting in an orderly row were two cubes a bit larger than the size of his fist, with a row of three slightly smaller spheres below.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): [Void essence] Unranked - Legendary An essence containing the concepts of nothingness and the beyond. [Barrier essence] Unranked - Common An essence containing the power of interception and the blocking of paths [Awakening stone of Shards] Unranked - Uncommon An awakening stone containing the power of sundering [Awakening stone of Mana] Unranked - Rare An awakening stone containing the power of mana and renewal [Awakening stone of Karma] Unranked - Legendary An awakening stone containing the power of retribution and equalization
The left cube was seemingly made of black crystal that seemed like it should have been transparent, but no matter how hard one looked there was nothing showing on the other side. The other one was also transparent, but bright and clear. Its insides seemed to be segmented into a multitude of tiny sheaths, separating each distinct part from the others while still being part of the whole. After a full minute of staring, his brain trying to work through what he was seeing, Kite finally managed to speak. ¡°Are these what I think they are? Where did you get these? How¡­¡± he said, almost in awe, trailing off. He had seen drawings of essences and awakening stones in some books on magical theory his aunties had him read, which had also allowed him to belatedly understand the nature of the glimmering stone he had found when he was a child. They had shared a good laugh about him having something so valuable just laying there among the rest of the childhood treasures. Auntie Crow¡¯s answer brought him back to the present. ¡°They are. And yes, these were delivered together with you all those years ago. However, have mercy on your poor aunties for not showing them to you sooner.¡± she said with a smirk, continuing. ¡°There was specific instructions not to tell you this before you were of age to actually absorb them. And I must admit that, while frustrating for us as well, probably was for a good reason. Can you imagine the impact on your personality if you grow up knowing that this kind of power is more or less guaranteed for you? That you almost inevitably will take a step above the absolute majority of people when it comes to personal power?¡± Kite reflected on her words for a while as her meaning sank in. ¡°I could see that leading to someone acting like they were better than others. Like the others mattered less.¡± He answered with a sigh. ¡°A reasonable theory. And would such a person have an easy time making friends? True connections?¡± she asked. ¡°Probably not.¡± Kite conceded. ¡°Oh they¡¯d probably have lots of so-called friends, but I think calling them flunkies or minions would be a more apt description. And from their instructions, it would seem that your birth parents didn¡¯t want that for you. We felt that as well, so we chose to honor their wishes. And speaking of wishes, I believe that there is something more besides the shiny stones.¡± Crow finished as she gestured toward an envelope bound to the lining in the lid of the chest. Kite¡¯s head was swimming slightly as he reached for the envelope, his brain still having trouble coming to grips with the sudden change of his future¡¯s trajectory. The letter had no seal, just a simple string keeping the folded page shut. Kite took a calming breath before reading. Child. As not all paths lead to the heaven and beyond, neither are all bonds meant to be. We are those who brought you into this world, and when we met, our hearts and minds sang as one. But our oaths and their keepers did not. You were our final act of defiance, to leave something behind as our paths had to diverge. A symbol for us to carry with us in our hearts on the lonely way to the peak. As such, we send you the void to hide you and the wall to protect you against the world. The shards of a lost love and the magic of a life born of it. And lastly the severance of karma between us. We urge you to live your life free, never to put your path in another¡¯s grip. Foster your bonds and bind only those whom resonates with your heart. Fight for those important to you, not to the world or themselves. We hope you can find peace with our selfishness. Kite absently handed the letter over to auntie Crow, auntie Dove reading over her shoulder. His thoughts had gone remarkably still, as a myriad of threads and thoughts carried his whole life were dispelled one by one. He had envisioned everything between being a lost prince to simply a discarded wretch, of backgrounds both fair and foul. Turning his head, he took a long look at himself in a nearby mirror. There he saw a young man with dark hair which would reach his shoulders if it weren¡¯t gathered up in a small bun as it was right now. It was not the almost shimmering onyx hues of auntie Crow, but rather leaned towards leaden gray if viewed in brighter light. His face still had a bit of the roundness of youth but hinted at a moderately strong jaw. He rarely had to shave, but that did not bother him. And his eyes were blue with small flecks of light brown giving them an almost golden corona near his pupils. The older ladies in the village always called him a handsome young man and Brook¡­ Brook had always been fond of his eyes as she felt that they looked kind. He was well built after his years of frequent exercise and while not overly muscular he wouldn¡¯t be classified as lanky by any measure. A few more moments of contemplating himself led to him smiling. The inner turmoil had gradually lessened, giving way to relief and a mote of surprise at said relief. He thought that it should have bothered him more, not gaining much from the letter other than proof that his birth-parents did exist and the apology they gave him. But it also told him that he didn¡¯t have any other purpose than to simply be, to exist. To live for himself and for the bonds he wanted to form and keep. It was somehow liberating. So when Kite looked at himself, carrying the words of his birth parents, he felt free. He felt that he was simply Kite, no more and no less. And that the future that earlier seemed more like a vague dream suddenly became real and tangible. He turned to find auntie Crow giving him a questioning look while auntie Dove was flipping the letter around multiple times, scrutinizing every inch of it while mumbling ¡°That¡¯s it?! No more? There¡¯s got to be more¡­¡± Crow gave her a quick glance before returning her gaze to his. ¡°So... ¡° she asked ¡°... how do you feel?¡±. Kite gave her a smile, crossed the room and wrapped the nowadays much shorter woman in a hug. ¡°Thankful.¡± he said softly. ¡°And free.¡± Said feeling of freedom, at least the physical part, was quickly whisked away into the arms of auntie Dove, as she took the opportunity to join them in the hug. Enthusiastically. After the prolonged embrace, auntie Dove seemed to be the first to recover. ¡°Who would like to go out into the garden and do an essence ritual?¡±
Not long after, Kite sat on one of the smaller stone patios that were hidden away in their garden. Even after living his whole life in it, he could still appreciate his surroundings. The part furthest from the house were dominated by the starberry bushels that gave the village its name; dark blue branches capped with darker leaves grew in conical shapes where the biggest could reach up to one and a half meters in height if the climate and environment allowed it. As the berries ripened, they would go from barely visible spots on the bush to silvery dots that actually glowed faintly in the dark, giving a bush full of ripe berries the look of a small night sky. The rest of the garden was more cultivated, with a plethora of different plants following meandering stone paths which gave a very organic feel to it. Here and there were smaller patios, some which housed tables and chairs for relaxation while others had equipment to process the different plants. It felt smaller than he remembered from his childhood, but so did the village as a whole. He reflected that it too might be a part of growing up. ¡°Are you listening, little Kite?¡± came auntie Crow¡¯s voice. ¡°It might be good for you to at least grasp the basics of the ritual of awakening so you can perform it yourself in the future. Your aunties might not always be here to help you, you know.¡± She was busy drawing out the ritual pattern with chalk. On a nearby table, a magical paper lantern cast a faint glow. Auntie Dove had told him it was a special lantern which helped stabilize the ambient magic for the ritual. Kite blanched. ¡°Sorry, auntie Crow.¡± whereafter he did his best to memorize the pattern and her instructions. He quickly realized he would need more than one repetition of this one. ¡°Auntie Crow?¡±. ¡°Yes dear?¡± ¡°I¡¯m very thankful that you are doing this and all. But may I ask why outside? And why shouldn¡¯t I wear more clothes?¡± He was referring to his relative state of undress, only sitting on the cold stone in his underpants under a blanket to ward off the spring chill, a blanket that auntie Dove had made very clear would be removed before the ritual began. His aunties gave each other a knowing look before Dove was the one who answered. ¡°These rituals might create a bit of a mess dear. Trust me, it is better to go into them clad as lightly as possible.¡± Before Kite could ask for more clarification, auntie Crow clapped her hands together. ¡°The diagram is done. Little Kite, are you ready to take your first step on the path of power?¡±
As the ritual began, Kite quickly realized that this one was a lot more powerful than the small-scale magic he had been trained in so far, both from the materials consumed and when the magical tension in the air became more palpable causing the hairs on his neck stand on end. He sat cross legged, holding the clearer of the cubes which auntie Crow had called a barrier essence. Apparently it was a close relative to the shield essence, and was more common in this part of the world. Kite felt good about it being his first essence to absorb, as protection of himself and others felt like something worthwhile. The wind picked up around them as the magical circles and diagrams started glowing with a golden light, the air smelling like the calm after a thunderstorm. The cube in his hands started dissolving into tiny motes of golden lights which in turn circled around him before entering his body. Kite was the center of a maelstrom of light which was gradually absorbed until, all at once, the lights died down and the air was once again still. His body felt energized and brimming with potential, a tingling feeling which was exhilarating while at the same being just on the edge of the uncomfortable. At the same time, his mind was awash with input as the power the essence provided was ingrained into his being, bringing instinctual knowledge of its use. It had barely settled as gray light started shining from within his body, bringing with it a second wave of changes.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Barrier essence] A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Barrier essence has bonded to the [Power] attribute, changing [Power] from Normal to Iron 0 You have awakened Barrier essence ability [Heaven-and-Void Warding]. [Ability] Heaven-and-Void Warding Spell. Cost: Low to Moderate mana Cooldown: None Current rank: Iron 0 Effect: Form a temporary barrier around self or ally within 30 meters, absorbing damage for a medium duration or until released or shattered. Cost is increased to moderate mana if used on ally. . ¡ª------- Human racial ability [Essence gift] has evolved into [Warder]. [Racial ability] Warder Evolved from [Essence gift]. Effect: Spells, abilities and items that create barriers and shields have a shortened casting time and can absorb more damage.
Kite sat there, staring at his hands where the last specks of the essence were dissolving into the afternoon air. Receiving this new ability felt like discovering a new arm that he didn¡¯t have before, while somehow still feeling that he knew how it worked and how to make it move. As he and the aunties had talked at length about what to expect, he wasn¡¯t entirely surprised, but he also found that talking about and experiencing these sensations were worlds apart. After all, being a human meant that each essence absorbed did not only bring a single power but also evolved one of his essence gifts, the nascent power within the human race which only awoke when absorbing essences and adjusted itself to the essence and individual in question. As auntie Crow was going around the circle with a smoking stick of incense to calm down the ambient magic, he felt auntie Dove¡¯s long locks tickle his back as she bent over him and held out the other essence. ¡°Are you alright, dear? I know I was plenty excited when I did mine all those years ago, but it is perfectly alright to have a rest too.¡± He took the proffered cube with its seemingly infinite depth and nodded. ¡°I can definitely do one more. Thanks auntie¡±. She gave him a smile which he recognized by experience meant that she was plotting something. He was about to ask when auntie Crow interjected with a quiz on the construction of the new ritual diagram, and forgot the matter while scrambling to answer her questions.
The ritual for his next essence, aptly named the void essence, came to pass in the same manner as the previous. They had done a quick check through their reference material to find information on it, but could not find anything more than mentions as it seemed to be very rare. Kite had first been a bit apprehensive as void seemed quite an ominous concept, but a few minutes of debating it with auntie Crow had enlightened him to other facets of it and that nothingness as a concept might be one of the most neutral concepts there was. While there were essences that were generally shunned by society, such as death or corrupt, almost all other were accepted as the people wielding them were considered to be responsible party, not the power itself. None of them knew what abilities might awaken from it, but Kite felt more excited than anything else after their discussion. The unknown future had always had the potential of adventure, and Kite liked to think that this was just another part of that.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Void essence] Void essence has bonded to the [Recovery] attribute, changing [Recovery] from Normal to Iron 0 You have awakened Void essence ability [Spirit Singularity]. [Ability] Spirit Singularity Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Iron 0 Effect - Iron: Create a small vortex hovering above your right shoulder, draining the mana of nearby hostile creatures. Gain a boost to mana regeneration depending on the number of creatures affected. ¡ª------- Human racial ability [Essence gift] has evolved into [Void sheath]. [Racial ability] Void Sheath Evolved from [Essence gift]. Effect: Gain a pocket dimension capable of storing weapons. When drawn from the void, the first attack with a weapon will deal additional damage of the weapon¡¯s type as well as increasing any added from special attacks or abilities.
As he came to from his second reverie, he looked up to find auntie Dove crouching in front of him, auntie Crow standing behind her and resting a hand on Dove¡¯s shoulder. Auntie Dove looked like she could barely restrain an even wider smile as she held her hands behind her back, but auntie Crow spoke up first. ¡°Little Kite, did we ever tell you what we did with the compensation we got for taking you in?¡± As he looked at her with a blank expression she continued. ¡°A lot of it went to expanding our businesses as you might expect, but don¡¯t you go thinking that your most noble and caring aunties didn¡¯t think ahead properly regarding you either.¡± She nudged auntie Dove whose facade cracked, smiling even wider as she produced what she had been hiding. Kite still couldn¡¯t believe that most of this day had even happened, and it took another step towards wildest-dream-territory as he gazed at the cube resting in auntie Dove¡¯s hand. It was metallic and slightly scratched, but still gave the impression that the indentations would never be more than just that; scratches. Superficial and without real danger.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): [Resolute essence] Unranked - Rare An essence containing the power of determination and unyielding aspiration
¡°This one is called the resolute essence, dearie.¡± Auntie Dove said softly. ¡°You are still young, but we¡¯ve always seen that you¡¯ve wanted to be more than you were before. From now on, that path will only become more challenging. But true willpower is forged in the fires of life, and your auntie and I hope that this will make all those upcoming trials and tribulations just a little more bearable.¡± As Kite, overwhelmed by a day of revelations and new experiences, felt his eyes beginning to mist over, auntie Crow continued. ¡°Besides, there has been a lot of time, care, quarreling, fretting and love involved in raising you, little Kite. Surely you won¡¯t begrudge your aunties this extra step as we look out for our interests in the long term?¡± Her tone and the wetness in the corners of her eyes gave away the already obvious paraphrasing, and Kite leaned into them both. Even with an alchemist and an array-master as his aunties, the best cure for feeling overwhelmed still remained a hug.
As emotions settled and most of the inner turmoil along with it, Kite¡¯s earlier excitement were back in force. The surprising addition of the last gift from his aunties suddenly had him right on the edge of what, after being born and taken in by his aunties, would probably be the biggest precipice of his life. Each essence absorbed was a permanent addition to one''s soul, and absorbing three of them meant to literally start transcending mortality. All the abilities he awakened here would be with him the rest of his days, growing along with him, but he knew that they were also his responsibility to nurture as well. Therefore he tried to balance out his giddy excitement with a sober sense of seriousness, albeit with only moderate success. It didn¡¯t help that his aunties, each in their own way, generally seemed only excited for his steps forward, both now and in the hours leading up to this moment. He supposed that they¡¯d had to curtail their curiosity for a lot longer than him though. The last essence ritual went smoothly, as the solid cube of the resolute essence was dissolved and absorbed, seemingly phasing into his chest while retaining its form and integrity.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Resolute essence] Resolute essence has bonded to the [Speed] attribute, changing [Speed] from Normal to Iron 0 You have awakened Resolute essence ability [Implacable motion]. [Ability] Implacable motion Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Iron 0 Effect - Iron: Increased resistance to effects that hinder or impair movement. Effects that take hold will have significantly decreased duration, depending on the rank of the effect. ¡ª------- Human racial ability [Essence gift] has evolved into [Steadfast channeler]. [Racial ability] Steadfast channeler Evolved from [Essence gift]. Effect: Gain the ability to continuously channel mana into one nearby active ongoing spell to lengthen its duration. Mana cost varies with the spell in question.
Kite had just a moment to get a feel for his new ability before the last and final essence started manifesting. As the translucent cubes manifested from him and overlapped, they converged into another. This one looked like a semi-clear blue cube filled with small lights that seemed to be forcibly dispersed as quickly as they formed. After absorbing three essences, another would take form as a result. This fourth and final essence was called the confluence essence, generally seen as an expression of the combined concepts of those essences which came before. Kite reached out and touched it as he had been instructed, and it seemed to simply wink out of existence as its power entered him.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed the [Negation confluence essence] Negation confluence essence has bonded to the [Spirit] attribute, changing [Spirit] from Normal to Iron 0 You have awakened Negation essence ability [Disrupting strike]. [Ability] Disrupting strike Special attack. Cost: Low mana Cooldown: 2s Current rank: Iron 0 Effect - Iron: Strike an opponent to attempt to cancel an ongoing magical effect and deal disruptive force damage. The latter is increased if an ability or effect was affected. Some ongoing or very powerful effects might not be able to be negated entirely, and will instead be suppressed or reduced for a short duration. ¡ª------- Human racial ability [Essence gift] has evolved into [Nothing before Nothingness]. [Racial ability] Nothing before Nothingness Evolved from [Essence gift]. Effect: Your spells and effects that cancel magical effects or drain mana ignores resistance from rank disparity.
The power that flowed through him, which had felt plenty rich and intoxicating before, now rose to new heights. Kite felt fast, strong and in tune with the world. Every fresh scent of auntie Dove¡¯s garden in the spring afternoon had gained a whole new palette of variety, as had the feeling of the chill breeze on his skin as he could feel it brush against every exposed centimeter of his body. He turned towards his aunties, his jubilant expression turning confused. Why were they slowly backing away? ¡°I¡¯ll go get water.¡± auntie Crow said while turning for the pump next to the tool shed. ¡°Don¡¯t forget the brush. Take the old one so we can burn it afterwards!¡± auntie Dove called after her. As the words sank in, Kite got a distinct and sinking feeling that there was something they hadn¡¯t told him about this process. His eyes widened suddenly, as that sinking feeling left the realm of emotion and barreled far into the physical.
¡°I must admit that I¡¯m impressed, little Kite. You took this better than expected.¡± auntie Crow mused with an amused smile. The pile of gunk and misery named Kite was currently sprawled on the very same patio, as Crows animated strands of hair were dumping pail after pail of water over him while more of the strands deftly scrubbed his skin raw with a rough brush. From his aunties assurances during the nauseating, body-wrenching process when it had felt like every impurity of his body has forcefully been ejected this was only a completely natural step when ascending from normal rank to the first of the magical ones; iron. A completely natural step that they had both somehow failed to mention. ¡°The first step on the path of iron rank is somewhat of a rite of passage, you see." Crow continued as she saw Kite''s best attempt at an accusatory glare. "That¡¯s why we didn¡¯t tell you beforehand. Or perhaps misery just loves company. There is a certain satisfaction in seeing someone go through this tribulation the same way we did. An integral part of the psyche perhaps?¡± she mused, the smile never leaving. Kite tried to muster an even more withering look, but yet another pail of very cold water put a stop to the attempt.
A little while later, the newly minted iron ranker looked and felt a lot better. Now sitting fully dressed on the thoroughly scrubbed stone patio, auntie Dove led him through some meditation which mostly felt familiar, but with new additions to encompass his new step on the path to power. The process left Kite with a new appreciation for what he had been taught earlier, the meditative techniques that he had once thought of as boring now clearly showing their true purpose. His newly awakened powers were there, and Crow''s guidance helped him get a better feel for them as he explored them with his mind. While his perceptions had increased across the board, the addition of the aura sense was new. The new metaphorical limbs of his yet untested powers were foreign enough, and the combination with a whole new sense made for a challenge that should give pause to even the most arrogant teenage bravado. Suddenly feeling the auras that his aunties had always spoken of was like suddenly being able to see a new color and instantly knowing that it had always existed. Those sober thoughts put a slight damper on Kite¡¯s excitement since he knew it would be a while yet before he could leap about and fling abilities left and right. ¡°Why don¡¯t we bring this little process to a close with the awakening stones, dear? I believe it is soon dinner time, and we have some celebrating to get to!¡± chimed auntie Dove. ¡°I promise that the stones will come without nasty surprises¡± she finished with a sly wink. Compared to the essence ritual, the ritual of awakening was a much simpler affair. Each essence awakened a magical ability upon absorption, but had the potential for another four abilities to be linked to them via the use of said awakening stones. This meant that Kite might possess twenty magical abilities in the future, each one brimming with power and potential. Auntie Crow repeated the process for all the three awakening stones gifted to Kite by his birth-parents, and then finalized it all with the stone Kite found himself. As promised, the ritual was both quicker and did not cause any more unpleasant gunk to stark spewing from any orifices. Instead, it was almost as if he had suddenly become a vessel, albeit one only partially filled, and each stone absorbed took him just a little bit closer to completion. Later, as he sat on a plush pillow inside the house, smells of food wafting out from the kitchen, Kite was meditating yet again while trying to grasp the newly awakened abilities now added to his repertoire.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of Shards] You has awakened Negation essence ability [Pattern-Shattering counter] [Ability] Pattern-Shattering counter Special attack. Cost: Varies Cooldown: Current rank: Iron 0 Effect - Iron: Strike an opponent¡¯s active attack or magical effects in an attempt to negate it and drain an additional amount of mana and/or stamina, depending on which energy that was fueling the attack. Some ongoing or very powerful effects might not be able to be negated entirely, and will instead be suppressed or reduced for a short duration. Cost increases with the cost of negated attack. ¡ª------- Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of Mana] You has awakened Void essence ability [Chakra Implosion] [Ability] Chakra Implosion Special attack (Combination). Cost: Low mana Cooldown: 2s Current rank: Iron 0 Effect - Iron: Strike an opponent to implode part of their mana reserve in addition to the physical effect of the strike. Applies an instance of [Broken flow], a stackable affliction that reduces mana recovery. ¡ª------- Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of Karma] You have awakened Barrier essence ability [Spiritual Reprisal] [Ability] Spiritual Reprisal Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Iron 0 Effect - Iron: Any creature striking you or one of your barriers will suffer one instance of [Unstable flow] - a stackable affliction which increases the effect of one of your special attacks, which consumes one instance of this affliction. ¡ª------- Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of Fortune] You have awakened Void essence ability [Something from Nothing] [Ability] Something from Nothing Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Iron 0 Effect - Iron: Every time you defeat an enemy, a fragment of their essence is kept in a personal metaphysical space. When enough fragments have been gathered, they will manifest into a semi-random item. The item will be influenced by the fragments which have constituted it and the amount of fragments needed will vary.
While the individual powers and their use felt clear to Kite, the practical realities of using them felt a bit more difficult to wrap his head around. He liked that he could protect both himself and others, and his racial gift that evolved along with the void essence gave him more reason to increase his martial practice. But while it felt useful to protect himself from and cancel an enemy¡¯s magic, none of the abilities felt like they had the scope to individually swing the initiative in a battle. Kite felt a bit worried that his impact might be negligible if he, for example, faced one of the plethora of monsters found in the region. As dinner was ready, those thoughts moved to the back of his mind. He¡¯d taken the first steps on his path now, and he resolved to do his best with what he had been given. And during his studies, he had been taught that sets of essence powers tended to started interlinking and balancing themselves out as he awakened more of them down the line. This knowledge gave him even more hope for the future. But there was a a few question that his mind couldn''t shake, so he thought it best to at least give voice to them. "Auntie Crow?" "Yes, Kite?" "Why do you think they sent me these two essences in particular? And why two?" he asked, before hurriedly adding; "I am in no means ungrateful, neither to my mysterious progenitors or you. It just struck me as a bit of an odd number, especially as the void essence seems very rare." Auntie Crow looked at him from where she sat opposite on a pillow of her own. "From the rather vague letter, there seems to have been quite the amount of care given to symbolism in this act of giving, so I would imagine that there is purpose to both the nature and number of the essences and awakening stones. However, as we know little else I do not think we can deduce much more from it. But I would try not to worry about it, little Kite. It is at least clear that they wanted you to live your own life and do with it what you wished. And if fate wishes for it, your paths might cross in the future." Kite nodded along with her words. While they couldn''t provide clear answers, hearing her thoughts on the matter still helped ease his mind as he rose to follow her towards the kitchen. "And another thing..." he ventured as he helped set the table, half distracted by the wonderful smells of his favorite dishes. "While I know what my powers does, how do I talk about them? Do they have names?" "Of course they do, sweetie," auntie Dove said as she joined the rest of her little family at the table, bringing the last basket of steaming buns. "The magic society handles such matters. While not everyone wants to share the specifics of their powers, enough do that there is a pretty hefty register. Walker should be arriving in but a few days, and if memory serves me right he has one of their active, living registries. We can take some time and look them up there." "And for those we cannot find, you can just name them yourselves, little chick," auntie Crow added, strands of hair already at work in pouring drinks for them all. "If you take it seriously and come up with a good name, the society might even accept it as the official one." His mind abuzz with all the new potential, pondering things like how many synonyms for void he could come up with, Kite couldn''t help the smile which stayed plastered to his face throughout the whole evening. After all, he had an exciting future to grasp. 4. Owning your future Kite barely managed to jerk his head to the side, avoiding a thrust from a braided group of strands composed of black, animated hair. At the same time, his practice staff lashed out toward another of the animated appendages which were lashing out toward him at great speed. As the staff struck the surprisingly resilient mass of silky tendrils he channeled one of his special attacks through the weapon, which emitted a sharp pulse of shapeless energy giving off the feel of a mirror shattering. Named ''Pattern-Shattering Counter'' this counter-ability had proved supremely useful even in the early days of his training. If Kite could intercept an incoming attack, it attempted to negate the magical components of the incoming danger, even draining more of the energy used to fuel it. In early trials, they had found out that it worked against most types of attacks and spells as well as conjured weapons. While very useful against opponents relying on magically augmented attacks, there were still some serious limitations to keep in mind. First, Kite had to actually actively intercept the attack. If he couldn''t react fast enough, interposing a weapon or limb with the right intent, he would suffer the full brunt of the effects. This meant that reflexes and judgment became even more important, and that it would be all the more difficult to employ against very swift attacks, like those made by higher-ranking foes. Second, it didn''t interfere with most physical aspects of the attack. A boulder thrown with magically enhanced strength would still be an object of great mass moving with a crushing momentum, as there was no inherent magic to dispel even though magic made the throw possible. As would a heavy axe still carry deadly momentum even after the special attack that covered it with lightning was dispelled. Third, there was a short time after using it, around two to three heartbeats, when the ability couldn''t be activated. This gave Kite yet another reason to gain as much experience as he could, to lay a foundation for the judgment that he would need to cultivate to properly leverage this power to its fullest in the future. The braid dissolved and fell limp as the animating magic which fueled the attack was scattered, but he knew from experience that it would return in short order. He swerved through two more jabs, one which clipped his side, desperately trying to gain some order of initiative in the conflict, now in full swing, which took place in a forest meadow just outside the village. Kite''s goal for this practice was to reach his opponent and tap her with his staff, thus ending the practice bout. With a shout, he threw the staff at the next incoming braid attempting to dispel it using the same method as he did two heartbeats ago while simultaneously plucking a wooden practice sword from empty air to intercept and dispel what he thought would be the last active strands of hair for a few heartbeats. That should give him time to- Too late, he realized that his timing of the throw had been slightly off as he saw the staff disappear out into the bushes. Half a breath later, the very much not-intercepted lash of hair struck his chest with enough force to knock him back with a *whoosh* as the air left his lungs. ¡°I believe that¡¯s enough¡± barked the gravelly voice of uncle Walker from where he leaned against a nearby tree, twirling a plucked leaf between two fingers. The strands of hair retracted back to their original length, leaving auntie Crow standing in a relaxed pose, cup of tea still in hand. She took a sip while watching Kite getting back to his feet, Walker walking over to help him up as he continued. ¡°I must say, little Kite, that when I arrived a week back and heard about recent¡­ developments¡­ I was a bit concerned. In all honesty, I was worried if you¡¯d be up to the task of mastering such a complicated path. But that throw, while inaccurate and poorly executed, was exactly the kind of initiative you need to find more of. If you can reach out and counter your opponent''s attacks almost ahead of them even making them, it will be you who will control the flow of fights in the future.¡± Auntie Crow joined them as well, a strand of hair producing a bottle of water for Kite as she sipped her tea again before speaking. ¡°He¡¯s right, dearie. If you can manage to sharpen your judgment enough to know which attacks to counter, which to dodge and which to leave to your barrier, many an opponent will topple from mana fatigue long before besting you. I can even see you taking the top spot among the most annoying opponents I will ever have faced, should you have the tenacity to persevere and reach higher plateaus on your path. That infuriating little hole in the world alone will garner ire from any sane opponent I can think of.¡± she continued while nodding to the small, dark vortex hovering to the right of and above Kite¡¯s right shoulder which had been enthusiastically draining her mana during their spars. Spirit Singularity was apparently a rather common ability of the very rare void essence, and Kite thought it a fitting name as the hungry little vortex seemed to lead to an endless emptiness constantly hungry for the mana of his foes. Kite had the sheepish look of someone who was both satisfied and embarrassed by the praise. As he took a deep drink of water, Walker said: ¡°We should spend another day or two sparring and lay the foundation for some ingrained tactics. But nothing boosts motivation as much as a little danger in my opinion. That¡¯s why we¡¯ll follow that up by you and me going a bit further afield to find some monsters.¡± At his words, Kite swallowed the rest of his water in an audible gulp. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the adults around him seemed to enjoy this a little too much.
The week and a half since uncle Walker arrived felt like it had been the most exhausting and enlightening couple of days in Kite¡¯s life. They began with demonstrations and some strategizing, as the grownups around him discussed everything they knew about his powers and other skills. This included taking the time to actually go through the extensive registry which uncle Walker had brought. Fortune had smiled upon Kite in that all but one of his powers so far had been registered, the names helping him further gain a sense of what was now inseparable parts of him. But one ability had not been registered, as far as they could tell; the one awakened from the stone of fortune. Kite had spent some time pondering, and was quite happy with naming it Something from Nothing, as it felt apt due to its connection to the void essence. However, all this had been after a serious talk about Kite¡¯s future and whether he really wanted to walk this path. His aunties had assured him that there was no shame in keeping your essences for some extra strength and using monster cores for longevity, but all three of the adults had seemed a bit pleased when Kite confirmed that he wanted to learn, evolve and eventually see more of the region. Like many young ones he had dreamt of fighting monsters while having adventures in the wild lands around them, and he felt that his newfound freedom of purpose and inherited power would be squandered if he didn¡¯t give it a try at least. Kite was also surprised to learn that both his aunties had been active adventurers earlier in their lives as they sat around a table in the gardens during one such discussion of plans. ¡°Oh yes, we had quite a lot of journeys, mishaps and excitement.¡± auntie Dove confirmed with a wistful smile of nostalgia. She continued. ¡°While being a crafter can set you up for a comfortable life in the bigger towns or in the sects, neither of us wanted that many strings attached. Therefore we had to work, both gathering the materials themselves or at least the money to purchase them.¡± ¡°We actually met during such an outing. I was looking for minerals for a new type of engraving while Dove needed a plant which grew on that very same mountain.¡± auntie Crow chimed in before continuing with a mischievous smile. ¡°You should have seen Dove as a blushing youth, full of vigor and enthusiasm. I can only confirm that those traits have only grown, like a young bud blossoming into a blooming flower. I still find it rather pretty.¡± Auntie Dove¡¯s face had gradually reddened as Crow spoke, as Kite knew it was bound to do during any moment where auntie Crow praised her in public. Uncle Walker came to her rescue, as he brought them back onto the topic of Kite. ¡°If you want to walk the path, we can at least help you prepare. There is no need to rush. Better to take the time to properly get you used to your powers and form the foundation for your style. However, I see it as almost inevitable for you to join the adventure society somewhere in the future, which means that some more general training is needed as well.¡± Walker gestured to himself. ¡°Fortunately, few bronze-rankers know these lands better than your uncle Walker here, and your aunties have generously made sure that I can take some time from my other duties to guide you a bit.¡± ¡°But remember, in the long run it will be your path and no one else¡¯s. Those wings of our not-so-little chick will be tested, and sooner than you might think¡±. Crow added. ¡°Thank you uncle Walker. And thank you aunties. I will try to live up to your expectations¡± Kite answered, rather somberly. He knew a bit about the adventure society, and could see why his uncle saw it as necessary. Having their backing and channels for finding work were all but a must unless you wanted to live a more stationary life as the guardian for a village, or as part of the people operating in less than law-abiding circles. But he knew less about the sects, only that they were big organizations which focused on different kinds of training and advancement. Kite decided that now was as good a time as any to ask more. ¡°Should I strive to join a sect as well? I have often heard you mentioning them when growing up." This caused a rather distinct silence as his aunties and uncle exchanged glances before Walker answered. ¡°The sects are¡­ double-edged. For some, they represent great opportunity and a chance to gain both prestige and resources. But that would also mean joining your paths to theirs, and they view loyalty as a very serious issue. If an elder of your sect would order you to do something you are expected to oblige without question. And while most of them would deny it outwardly, they are not places of equal opportunity. Nepotism and at least a bit of corruption have abounded in all sects I¡¯ve come into contact with during my travels.¡± He paused to take a bite out of the rice cake in his hand. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like a very nice place. There must be a reason people still join.¡± Kite reflected with furrowed brows, his thoughts going back to the letter from his birth-parents. Had it been such loyalties that led to him leading the life he now did, separated from them at birth? ¡°For many it is indeed not very nice. But for those invested in local politics and wanting to rise in that arena, being part of a powerful sect is a sure way to gain a path of advancement. And for those who can rise to the top within a sect, many doors open for further advancement in the world outside.¡± answered auntie Crow. ¡°While me and Dove always wanted to remain free of such constraints, it will be up to you to seek them out if you want to. However, I would recommend to at least gain some more experience in the ways of the world before deciding¡± As Kite nodded, uncle Walker followed up on Crow¡¯s statement. ¡°Besides, if you join the adventure society you will soon get plenty of experience of sect politics reaching far beyond their compounds. Many adventurers are also part of a sect, which has led to severe problems more times than I can count. But since the sects have such an influence in these lands, the adventure society has little choice than to try and work around it as best they can. Take it from an experienced local member; stay out if it when you can. And try, when possible, to work with society officials originating from outside the country. They are usually less involved in the allegiances that draw the most trouble¡±. He stretched. ¡°But I digress. You joining the society is still a ways off. And we have a lot of strategizing and practice to get to¡±.
Kite stood among the trees, staring down his opponent. It was one and a half meters tall, vaguely shaped like a stocky humanoid. Its body was a luminous light green and looked slightly gooish to the touch, and the round head at the top was dominated by a pair of faceted eyes with no other features visible as it stared blankly at Kite. The lush, moss covered grounds around them were dotted with rocks and bushes, while the trees grew at least a couple of meters apart as their wide crowns combined to form a dense reddish-yellow cover high above them, patches of sunlight flickering along with the winds moving the rustling leaves. Several of the trees were missing huge patches of bark, courtesy of the Gyrmling as the monster was called according to uncle Walker. They had come across it while it was feeding on the bark, soft fingers ripping off big chunks and pressing into its body where it seemed to be slowly absorbed. Now it was looking at Kite, and while the faceted eyes gave away little, the body language seemed agitated. ¡°Gyrmlings are quite fond of their food and are prone to violence when trying to drive away rivals coming to take their territory. Which, according to them, is everyone.¡± said uncle walker from the edge of the clearing. ¡°Take it easy and use your abilities. I thought it best to start with a monster where they might make a substantial difference.¡± Kite¡¯s hammering heart skipped a beat as the monster turned away from the tree and rushed toward him, but not before ripping several pieces of bark from the tree. These were swiftly magically fastened and reinforced to various places on its body, forming both something akin to claws at the end of its three fingers and a crude kind of hodgepodge armor. While the rush was a bit surprising, it felt surprisingly slow compared to Kite''s previous bronze-ranked sparring partners. Both his aunties and his uncle had taken turns teaching him, and the initial fear was replaced with caution and determination. Kite took a measured pace toward the Gyrmling as his spiritual vortex manifested, the refreshingly cool feeling spreading through his body as he absorbed mana from his opponent. The flow was slow, but steady, and while he had yet to see it make a big difference his uncle had assured him it would in any prolonged fight. Just as the monster was about to leap at him, Kite lunged forward while swinging down with both hands. A weight fell into them as a halberd appeared from empty space, still wreathed in wisps of black nothingness as he drew it from his void sheath. Kite''s evolved racial ability allowed him to store weapons in a personal void, retrieving them with a thought. The ability was very convenient, even enhancing the first attack made after the weapon appeared. The appearing halberd was about as long as Kite was tall, built for balance rather than penetrative power. It had a long, slightly curving blade with spikes both at the top of the shaft and opposite the axehead. At the bottom of the smooth, unadorned shaft was a rather weighty metal ring which acted as a counterweight. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
WWJS (What would Jason see?) Item - Pragmatist''s Halberd Rank: Iron - common Effect: Increased durability Effect: Minor self repair Effect: Increased weapon balance
The gyrmling¡¯s body had barely left the ground before the blade of the halberd bit into a piece of bark covering what, on a humanoid, would be counted as the shoulder. Kite sent uncle Walker a thought of gratitude for gifting him the halberd, apparently having kept it with him for some time waiting for this very day. "It might not be anything overly special, but when it should help you get your bearings and remain a flexible choice until you find what suits you." he had said, a bit awkward at Kite''s earnest gratitude. The impact was much greater than the swing seemed to carry, courtesy of Kite¡¯s racial ability and was followed by a crunching sound as a pulse from the blade shattered the magic in the bark plate and even spreading to dissolve several adjacent ones. At the same time, blue cracks seemed to dig grooves deeper into the gyrmling''s body, visible only for a moment. Kite almost paused to marvel at the effect of his special attacks. The first, Disrupting strike, was another dispelling attack which felt like a companion ability to his counter. The effects were similar, but this attack was instead more offensive in nature. When Kite struck an enemy with it, it attempted to negate or suppress ongoing magical effects on his target. According to his uncle, this could be anything from conjured weapons and armor to magical boons and augmentation spells. This apparently also included the gyrmling''s bark armor. While the bark itself wasn''t magical, it was reinforced and held in place by it. As that magic was dispelled, it was easily shattered by the halberd and the attack¡¯s secondary effect; a small burst of disruptive force damage which intensified as it fed off the unraveled magic. While far from optimal against solid objects, it was still enough to sunder the now ordinary bark. The second effect, named Chakra implosion, was a mana-draining attack causing the target¡¯s mana to implode, taking away a chunk of their spiritual reserves and letting Kite gain part of what was lost. While it didn''t deal any additional damage, it left behind damaged magical circuitry in the form of an affliction which further reduced all sources of mana recovery. Each instance was but a small reduction, but as the affliction could stack up it became an increasingly intense nuisance. Most creatures did not fare well being out of mana, with everything between crippling headaches to unconsciousness as a result. The ability could also be combined with other special attacks, leaving Kite with a power he found few reasons not to use whenever he could. Kite snapped back from his reverie as the gyrmling swung an arm at him. It being unbalanced by Kite¡¯s strike gave him the opportunity to compensate for his lapse of focus, and the butt of his weapon snapped out to intercept the claw and sending another reactive pulse of mana in an attempt to shatter the claw as well through his counter. As the strike was deflected, the armored claw dissolved and left a prime opening for Kite to follow up. Planting his left foot firmly into the ground, he kicked out with his right. All of his special attacks awakened so far worked both armed and unarmed, so while the force of his kick did little more than knock the monster back a few steps, both of the effects once more ravaged its armor, body and mana reserves. Whilst training and familiarizing themselves with the different attacks, uncle Walker had seen little reason not to use them together most of the time and only neglecting the effect-disrupting one when he was absolutely sure that there was no more magic affecting his opponent. The wait between activations were rather short, but his mentor had still pressed that those few heartbeats were a much longer time in combat than one might think. While it allowed Kite to use them freely and frequently, they wouldn¡¯t work with a more all-out offensive style focusing more on quantity than quality to get as many hits in as possible. Instead, Walker had advocated a more flexible approach and chose his gifted weapon to Kite accordingly. The halberd had a mix of reach, flexibility and striking power that should work well for Kite as he got his bearings on his path. Kite gave uncle Walker another thought of gratitude as he used said reach to follow up the kick with a thrust into the now exposed softer body. The spearlike point sunk into the soft body, spilling a saplike substance as the retracted the weapon. From there on, it was mostly cleaning up an already decided battle. As the gyrmling fell, Kite could see a few glittering motes of green and brown being absorbed into him, accumulating in a space that both existed and didn¡¯t at the same time, courtesy of Something from Nothing. The accumulation was quite small though, and Kite realized that he would need to go through a lot of monsters before his rather odd ability awakened from the awakening stone of fortune would pay its first dividends. ¡°Not bad, little Kite. Versus an opponent relying heavily on magical reinforcement, it seems like our predictions of your effectiveness were proven true¡± said uncle Walker as he walked into the meadow, joining Kite and clapping an encouraging hand to his shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s continue on. I can assure you that it will only get more challenging from here on out¡±.
Kite limped toward the edge of the clearing, several bleeding injuries staining his clothes. Behind him lay the limp corpse of a rather large feline, its green, mottled fur blending in with the mossy ground even in death. He sat down against a tree, fumbled with a pouch at his side before producing a folded paper acting like an envelope for a small pill. As he popped the pill into his mouth, the familiar warmth of healing spread with a prickly, tingling sensation through his body. Auntie Dove always looked after her little chick even when she herself was not present. What was to be the last battle for the day had been a rough one. The monster, called a moss prowler, had been fast, stealthy and strong. It¡¯s only magical power was its enhanced camouflage, as it relied on surprise and raw force to fight. This left some of Kite¡¯s abilities with very little to impact, forcing him to rely on his barriers and general martial skill to prevail. While the barrier was quick and versatile, even more so due to his evolved essence gift, it still required a very short incantation to activate. Kite had thought that saying ¡°Ward¡± would be possible at all times, but the fight against the moss prowler had proved that it was yet another area where timing, skill and judgment would be required. His bleeding body was testament to that, and that was after the fact that his barriers actually had soaked up the majority of the monster¡¯s ferocious attacks. In the end, Kite had prevailed as the damage from his attacks mounted up and due to the fact that they were given a slight boost as the tiger was repeatedly striking his conjured barriers. The special ability responsible was called Spiritual reprisal, and Kite was currently very grateful for its constant assistance during his last ordeal. The passive power skill left a kind of charge in the body of an enemy who struck him or his barrier. Each of Kite''s own special attacks consumed one such charge to increase their effect, such as increased mana drain or additional disruptive force damage depending on the power in question. The increase wasn''t spectacular but definitely noticeable, meaning that Kite¡¯s general effectiveness increased versus enemies actively engaging him. Kite believed that the constant mana drain from his boosted skills and attacks had helped him come through victorious, as the monster had seemed more sluggish and slower to react halfway into the fight. As he sat and recovered, he whispered: ¡°Ward¡± while holding out his hand. His barrier manifested again in front of him, visible as a slightly curved disc bearing some kind of symbol in the middle, with other smaller symbols moving slowly in different directions along its surface. The whole affair was mostly transparent and hindered neither vision nor his own attacks in any meaningful way, as he could strike around the disc of force easily enough. "The person naming this sure had a colorful taste," he thought idly in appreciation. ''Heaven-and-Void warding'' had a certain poetry to it, although Kite was thankful that just ''ward'' was enough of a chant to activate it in his case. The symbols were especially curious. While he didn¡¯t know if they were based on any language, they still gave off a vague meaning. He got the impression that all the smaller symbols depicted concepts of defense and protection, while the central one hid some sort of greater meaning beyond his comprehension. Kite let the barrier drop as uncle Walker came and sat down beside him. ¡°For a while there, I was sure I¡¯d have to step in. There is an important lesson to be learned from this most fortuitous encounter.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t feel very fortunate, at least I didn¡¯t during the fight. Was the lesson that monster claws hurt? A lot?¡± Kite said, with a slightly sour tone in his voice as he remembered the frenzied strength and grace of the beast. Uncle Walker chuckled. ¡°A bit, but there is another more important one. That there is always a bad matchup. It might be the monster itself or the circumstances. But If you walk the path to power, you¡¯ll inevitably face them. The challenges that feel like an uphill run from the start. In the beginning, you¡¯d best do your best to be careful around them, little Kite. But after a while, those are the ones you need to seek if you want to improve. But before that-¡± he said while clapping Kite lightly on his knee ¡°-we shall do our best to help you find more tools, be it powers, skills or items, that will help you face those challenges¡±. Kite, who felt a lot better after the pill having worked at his injuries, rose with him. His spirit had improved along with the state of his body, and his mind had already started to process and analyze the fight, just as uncle Walker had taught him since he began training him in earnest. Next time, he¡¯d do better. A lot better if he had a say in it. ¡°We should head back.¡± uncle Walker said as he looked at the sky through the canopies. ¡°Your aunties will want to hear about everything you¡¯ve experienced, and it¡¯s better to let you rest up properly after the first day. Tomorrow, we shall do it all again.¡±
With a final, shattering swing of his halberd, Kite dispatched the gyrmling in front of him as its bark armor was shredded. Hearing steps behind him, he let the arc of the weapon carry him around to receive a glancing blow to one thigh while catching the second on a freshly conjured barrier. Kite lashed out two quick thrusts before backing away as the gyrmling¡¯s two companions were bearing down on him from each side. In the back, still observing, stood another gyrmling at least half again as big as the ones Kite were engaging. Its bark armor had substantially better coverage than any he had seen before and it showed a semblance of intelligence in its faceted eyes. Uncle Walker had called it a gyrmling brute, and they had seen it boss the other four around when they observed it earlier. The brute seemed content to let its minions handle the intruder and remain an observer, but uncle Walker had warned Kite that the brutes preferred easy fights when they could get away with it and often used the minions to weaken its enemy before joining in. Kite¡¯s focus remained on the smaller monsters, and as him jumping back caused the converging gyrmlings to have gathered before him, he let go of his halberd with one hand before reaching up and plucking a javelin from his void sheath. As his foot touched the ground he planted it and flexed, reversing his momentum and leaning into the throw. When testing his abilities in the earlier weeks, they had determined that Kite¡¯s special attack worked with both melee and ranged attacks. This was apparently quite rare, and uncle Walker had imparted the importance of incorporating this into his fighting style as it gave him greatly increased flexibility. They had practiced with a few common types of ranged weapons, but the lack of an iron-ranked ranged weapon had been a bottleneck for trying it out in actual combat. This changed two weeks ago, as one of Kite¡¯s more forgettable abilities paid its first dividends, as something had indeed sprung from nothing. He had felt the slow accumulation of the ability reach a threshold, after which he instinctively knew that he could give his assent to activate it. This had manifested the javelin which, in this moment, was traveling through the air propelled by iron-rank strength. The thrown spear looked like a barely polished natural branch that was relatively straight but still curved slightly on several places along its length. The tip was made of a gray, matted stone but was sharp as a knife and the uneven material created natural barbs. As the javelin struck the nearest gyrmling, it punched through its bark armor and shattered several nearby plates both disrupting strike and chakra implosion delivered with the throw. While the damage was nice, Kite had chosen this moment for another reason as the ability of the javelin activated. Root-like vines sprouted from the javelin and shot out to ensnare everything they could within around two meters of the shaft.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): [Item] Javelin of Entanglement Iron rank - Uncommon [Effect] - Ensnares creatures within a two meter radius. Creatures ensnared by this item have their mana and stamina drained for the duration. Cooldown: 15 minutes
The flailing gyrmlings were quickly ensnared in the draining mass of vines. Almost immediately they began to rip and tear at the grasping appendages and, if uninterrupted, would probably free themselves sooner rather than later. Kite aimed to be that interruption, and had begun to sprint back while the projectile was still in flight. He tore into the mass of vines and monsters with relentless slashes and thrusts, dispatching one after the other while they were still trying to break free of their confinement. The last of the smaller gyrmlings had just managed to claw its way to freedom as a lunging thrust finished it. Standing there, weapon extended, Kite had a sinking realization. In his periphery, he noted that the gyrmling brute no longer stood as a still observer. He barely had the time to shout ¡°Ward!¡± before an armored fist bashed into his hastily thrown up protection. Unfortunately for Kite, the punch carried the momentum of the leaping brute, and it broke through his barrier and sent him tumbling. As he rolled to his feet, his shoulder ached fiercely where he had managed to turn it into the strike. Kite gritted his teeth, summoned another barrier and re-engaged this enemy. A fierce fight ensued, as the gyrmling brute showcased its increased strength and durability. They traded blows, but among the splinters of shattered bark and dissolving barriers, it became more obvious that the brute had made a mistake in waiting so long to engage its opponent. During the engagement with the smaller gyrmlings, a small vortex above Kite¡¯s shoulder had been constantly active. While the mana drain wasn¡¯t spectacular on its own, the energy lost during the initial part of the fight quickly made a difference as Kite¡¯s other special attacks started imploding the mana in bigger chunks and the afflictions hampered its recovery even further. The brute almost looked to be dissolving from a critical lack of mana before the final blow from Kite at last struck its now unprotected head, courtesy of Kite¡¯s persistence in shattering the bark armor. It toppled with a loud ¡°thud¡± into the mossy soil, and Kite leaned on his halberd while breathing heavily. He felt triumphant and bone-weary at the same time. The triumph won the internal emotional struggle, as he felt that the energy gathered by his peculiar looting ability had once again reached critical mass. This meant that the last battle, both long and substantial, had provided more to the progress than any other that Kite had previously lived through. Kite gave his mental assent, and motes of magic started flowing rapidly from a point in the air like reality had sprung a leak. The glittering fragments swirled around each other until they formed a vortex not unlike what uncle Walker had described as a magical manifestation, which normally gave birth to monsters, essences or awakening stones. As the swirl condensed and the vortex vanished, Kite was left with a suit of armor. It looked like a set of half-plate armor, with a breastplate, long gauntlets and tall greaves. The pauldrons were flat in a lamellar style, and similar plates were attached to the breastplate to cover the thighs. What stood out was that the whole suit seemed to be made of dark, polished wood, with a rougher coating of coarser bark over more vital areas, including the pauldrons. It came complete with green silk padding, and Kite was busy admiring it as uncle Walker came over, having finished his usual post-battle sweep to make sure nothing would surprise them while evaluating. ¡°Well, little Kite, it looks like your feeling about that ability of yours holds water. Two more weeks of you fighting mostly enemies with the plant affinity seemed to have produced another item of the same theme. One time might be a coincidence, but two in a row gives a lot more credibility to the theory.¡± He scrutinized Kite and then the armor. ¡°It seems to fit you as well. Nifty. Let me help you put it on once you¡¯ve rested up¡±
Kite felt rather more imposing as he passed back through the gates of Starberry Peak than he had done leaving it. The armor was surprisingly comfortable and light, and wearing it for a while had given him a bit of a feel for its magical benefits.
WWJS (What would Jason See?): [Item] Armor of Planted Roots Rank: Iron - Rare [Effect] Rapid self repair while in contact with the earth and/or exposed to sunlight. If both criteria is met, the effect is increased further. [Effect] Increased health and stamina regeneration. This effect is dramatically increased while unmoving and in contact with the earth. [Effect] Activate to gain dramatically increased resistance to effects that would forcibly move you. Duration: One minute. Cooldown: 30 minutes.
The young man couldn¡¯t help almost glowing with pride as he envisioned how he must look; Like a woodland warrior returning triumphant from important battles, armor unblemished after villages rescued. Many of the villagers even stopped to look at him, some even giving shouts of encouragement. Kite knew it was a bit childish, but at the same time he reveled in it. Over a month of constant treks into the wilderness and many battles had gotten him far. He knew he was by no means a master of anything yet, but he felt that all his practicing over the years had given birth to myriads of pieces that were now being gathered and molded into a new whole. To summarize, Kite felt like he could become more of himself. ¡°I wonder if this is the path everyone has always talked about¡± he quietly mused. Looking forward to see what awaited him along the road. His path. His future. 5. A clash of paths Kite stopped in the middle of the long bridge and gawked, gazing out over rainbows cast by the light breaking through falling water and the valley below filled with mist. Said mist was created by a magnificent waterfall, which sprung from the top of a slanted cliff peak and fell hundreds of meters into the valley below. Multiple colorful arcs could be seen in the dancing lights, and the falling waters gave off a rumbling which echoed in the valley like the grumbling of a great water dragon. He didn¡¯t know if the spectacle was magical or natural in origin, but it was magnificent all the less. The area around Starberry peak had plenty of streams and brooks. However, most of them weren¡¯t wide enough that you couldn¡¯t clear them with a running leap. This was, by far, the most water Kite had seen in one place, and the forces involved staggered his imagination. The bridge further compounded the experience. It was a living rope bridge, made out of a multitude of entwined vines in an intricate weave. Barely swinging in the wind, Kite thought it looked sturdy enough for wagon traffic, while still sporting living leaves and flowers along its whole length. There was not doubt that magic had shaped it, but it seemed to have grown into a permanent fixture of its own during what Kite suspected to be decades since its construction. He was broken out of his reverie as uncle Walker waved him along. ¡°I think I saw the manifestation down around that side of the river¡± he half-shouted while pointing to where the cliffs of the river valley met the ground. There was only a couple of meters wide stretch of earth and stone that wasn¡¯t submerged, following the raging stream. Kite gulped as he saw the drop of about thirty meters down to where his uncle pointed. ¡°How are we going to climb that? Kite asked, while trying to mask the nervous tension in his voice. He wanted to trust his own abilities, but the dizzying height made it a more daunting task. ¡°How indeed? What would you propose, little Kite?¡± his uncle replied, turning this into yet another learning opportunity. Kite eagerly took the opportunity to lose himself in the more logical parts of his mind. He tried to assess the slick rock face, the amount of rope they carried and the landscape around them. ¡°My first option would be to look for an easier way downstream. The slope seems to become more gentle in that direction or-¡± he gestured to the trees at the top of the nearby cliffs ¡°-our ropes, if tied together might get us all the way down. Or at least close enough that my body can handle both the fall and return journey.¡± He stopped there, looking at uncle Walker expectantly. The older man chuckled and reached up to ruffle Kite¡¯s black hair. Kite realized that he was as tall as uncle Walker nowadays, but their difference in experience and long time together as mentor and student got him thinking that uncle Walker would probably always feel like a giant to him. ¡°You choosing caution as your first approach when unhurried gives you credit, little Kite. Your aunties will be pleased that I haven¡¯t ingrained too many bad habits in you yet. Courage and action have both their time and merit, but out here in the Autumn Lands you usually get to survive up to those brave, glorious moments if you exercise caution foremost.¡± He chuckles before continuing. ¡°This time however, your uncle can offer you a more expeditious path.¡± Walker proceeded to conjure a reddish-green vine which looped around his arms several time before giving the other end to Kite who did the same. Kite had seen uncle Walker use that particular essence power multiple times, as his conjured vines had let them cross many smaller streams, and even a modest crevasse, with ease during their journey. And he was under the distinct impression that the vine wouldn¡¯t reach all the way to the bottom, even if uncle Walker extended it to its maximum length. He was about to voice that concern as uncle Walker gave him a wink and said: ¡°Don¡¯t tell your aunties about this¡± before he slung his arm around the younger man''s waist and used his bronze-rank strength to make a big leap which easily carried them over the living railing of the bridge and had them falling toward the misty depths. Kite couldn¡¯t help it as a scream broke from his lips, his stomach lurching and heart hammering in his chest. Suddenly, the world lurched again as their descent slowed and became controlled and sedate. Kite looked sideways at his uncle who had a satisfied smile as he demonstrated a, to Kite, yet unseen essence power. Uncle Walker had conjured a leaf, but on a scale beyond anything Kite had seen. Its stem was more like the trunk of a small tree before it split off into two massive green petals opposite each other. Walker held onto the stem with one arm, with the foot on the same side firmly planted against the slightly curved bottom. His other arm still held Kite firmly as they sailed downward in a controlled glide. Kite¡¯s scream had faded away entirely at this point, and he let his jaw hang open in amazement as they sailed through the prismatic mist. This felt like a proper adventure, and Kite couldn¡¯t help to reminisce on how far he had come in these last few months. The future of his dreams was happening, right now.
The time leading up to Kite semi-voluntarily leaping of a bridge toward the base of a waterfall had been spent with his continued training around his home. He and uncle Walker had needed to go further and further afield to find more, and more varieties of, monsters. This had led up to one fateful evening, about ten days after his encounter with the gyrmling brute. As Kite, his aunties and uncle Walker sat around the dinner table there was a mood in the air Kite found hard to place. He had practiced his aura perception every day together with auntie Crow, who was by far the most proficient aura-wielder in the household, but his beginner¡¯s skills weren¡¯t up to the task of shedding light on the situation. Eventually, it was auntie Dove who broached the topic that seemed to have the adults in a thoughtful mood. ¡°Dearie, we-¡± she gestured to the rest of the adults ¡°- have been talking lately. About you and your progress. You¡¯ve been working so hard and we¡¯ve all seen it. And we think that it might be time for you to go with uncle Walker on a longer trip to Gilded.¡± Kite had heard quite a bit about the largest city in the region, which lit a flame of excitement in his chest. ¡°Really? I can go? You think I¡¯m ready?¡± he said, finding it hard to curtail his excitement. ¡°We do.¡± answered uncle Walker. ¡°Your path is a complex one, not easy to master. Which means that you will probably need a more complex environment and challenges to really make it yours. Gilded, and the adventure society, is probably the best place to make that happen.¡± ¡°If you want to, that is.¡± auntie Dove continued. ¡°Dearie¡­ I hope you know that you may stay here with us forever if that is what you want and that we would never drive you away. But after what you¡¯ve shown us these past months; growth, drive and that spark we¡¯ve seen in so many others in the past¡­ We think you need this.¡± Auntie Crow only nodded ascent as her partner spoke. It was obvious to everyone that his aunties, Dove through her sincere words and Crow through her stoic silence, found that the prospect of Kite leaving for an indeterminate amount of time quite painful. It tugged on Kite¡¯s heart and added weight to it. Part of him felt like refusing at that moment. To focus on protecting the village and area. To be a stable pillar of the community. To stay. But that would be living for someone else, at least in part. As he came into his abilities, Kite¡¯s imagination and dreams had only grown in scope. He¡¯d heard and read about so many fantastic things, and wondered what lay beyond them. And what lay beyond the horizon on his path. Kite reached out to each of his aunties and took their hands. His simple ¡°Thank you¡± was answer enough. He would live for himself, striding along his path and carried by the strength of their bond and all new bonds to come. He would return when he could, and send his thoughts when he could not. To Kite, home was both a place and people. And even when one¡¯s path took them far afield, to the highest heavens or the deepest abyss, he silently vowed for it to somehow always return home. The following days were filled with preparations and nostalgia. Old memories and reminiscence combined with advice and admonishment for the future. As he and uncle Walker began their trek south toward Gilded, he left with many gifts. Two small dimensional bags contained all the necessary supplies, including a book on magic rituals and defensive arrays and a veritable wagonload of different alchemical concoctions for all purposes. And the gift of a home where he would always be welcomed back.
The minute of gliding it took them to reach the riverbank was overall a pleasant one through the shimmering prismatic mist. However it also meant that, by the time they landed, they were as wet as Kite had ever been without actually submerging himself in water. Their skin was covered by a thin sheet of moisture, as were their armor and clothes. This didn¡¯t bother Kite, however. He had a wide grin as he looked to his uncle for directions. The roar of the waterfall and the stream was even greater down at the riverbank, so uncle Walker gestured a bit downstream and they set off. The bank was mostly rock and gravel, with sparse bushes and other plant life which thrived in the constantly wet environment. After a few minutes, they spotted what had to be the result of the magical manifestation uncle Walker had pointed out earlier. Along the cliffside, another small stream of water trickled down. One would barely notice it from afar in all the misty vapor of the waterfall, but up close Kite could even see how the small but constant flow had began to dig its own groove into the rock of the riverbank, with a deeper indentation where the water landed before running down to join the rapids of the river. In that groove lay a stone which definitely wasn¡¯t a part of the bedrock in the area. It had a much lighter, bluish tone than the surrounding rock, and a more clear cut shape than nature usually provided. Its surface looked to have been smooth once, but one could see a myriad of grooves and uneven indentations on it, as if hundreds of small rivers had carved their way along its surface. While most magical manifestations, a result of the ambient mana gathering in certain spots, took the shape of monsters, it was also common enough for them to take another of the shapes which solidified magic would assume in nature. And the awakening stone that lay in the small pool was one of those most sought after. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. ¡°You were right, uncle!¡± Kite exclaimed happily as he strode forward to pick up the stone. He didn¡¯t notice uncle Walker not answering, instead looking up along the cliff a bit further downstream with a raised eyebrow. Just as Kite was about to pick up the stone, he was interrupted. ¡°Halt! Halt, in the name of justice!¡± Kite looked up in surprise. First, he couldn¡¯t see the source of the voice, but a moment later a figure leapt down from the cliffside some meters further downstream. It was a young man around Kite¡¯s age. He was slightly taller than Kite with a distinctly reddish tint to his long black hair which seemed to come from some kind of dye. Clad in what looked like fine robes of red, gold and white, he landed with a wobble from what looked like a leap from a bit higher than one should attempt. As he strode closer, with head raised high and a slight sneer, Kite could see that the robe¡¯s gaudy design and color made them look to be of a better quality than they actually were. The young man stopped about five meters away. He gave Kite and uncle Walker a quick once-over, seemingly judging them wanting, before continuing in a high strung voice. ¡°Step away, commoners. These lands are under the protection of the Victorious Sunset sect, and thus this treasure belongs to me. I am Brilliant Bloom of Providence, initiate of the sect and third son of the Providence family. I claim these rights.¡± Kite thought that the young man would probably be very pretty if he didn¡¯t scowl as much. While his clothes tried to look like more than they were, his red jade hairpin with matching earrings did look valuable. Most of all, he had an iron rank aura. Kite was no master, but thought his control to be adequate. As he had rarely met people looking as rich or high strung as the young man before him, Kite was struggling internally to find the right level of deference among his lessons from his aunties. Luckily, uncle Walker came to his rescue, bowed slightly with hands cupped before speaking. ¡°Young master Providence. My name is Brave Walker of Paths and this is my student, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. We were also on the way toward this treasure as we saw its manifestation from afar¡±. While Walker was polite, he didn¡¯t show much deference to the younger man. Kite thought he would ask him later as to why, since the young man did look important. Young master Providence seemed to take in his uncle and his higher rank. ¡°Well, senior, mistakes can be made by anyone. I will show forgiveness for this oversi-.¡± ¡°Mistakes can indeed happen to anyone, young master." Walker interrupted, still smiling. "I suspect you are tired from this long trek into the wilderness, if you¡¯ve forgotten something so important as the decree made by the Queen of Jade and Sky.¡± ¡°But-¡± ¡°Please let a senior remind you that the decree states that any manifestation of power, wherever they may appear, shall fall to the individual who first happens across them. Neither city nor sect may lay claim simply by virtue of territory.¡± Young master Providence seemed to grow more flustered. ¡°But-¡± ¡°The decree has been in effect for about seven hundred years now, which should make it an integral part of each sects inter-¡± ¡°BUT I SAW IT FIRST!¡± the young man shouted with a slightly whiny tone, not being able to restrain himself any more after the multiple interruptions. Both Walker and Kite grew silent as the man stood likewise after his outburst, and Kite thought he could perceive a slight flush of embarrassment beneath the white face powder that the young master wore. Uncle Walker cleared his throat. ¡°Well young master, it would seem like that is a claim that could likewise be made by my student here, with neither of you being able to present definitive proof. How could we even determine an outcome?¡± Young master Providence seemed like he wanted to object at first, but suddenly changed as his manners became more smiling and benevolent. ¡°Why senior, I believe you are right. May I then propose that we solve this as honorable men? A clash of paths would seem like a reasonable way to settle this to everybody¡¯s satisfaction.¡± he said, smile growing. ¡°An excellent suggestion. Young master shows both honor and reason.¡± praised uncle Walker. "May I have the honor of presiding over the clash? ¡°It would be an honor if senior could bear witness, but I expect complete neutrality even if my opponent is your student.¡± ¡°My neutrality as assured, young master. Everyone needs to defend their own path, because in the end it is ours and ours alone to walk.¡± Kite stood listening to the exchange with a sinking feeling. A clash of paths was a duel to settle differences between two opposing parties with certain terms determined beforehand. His mentor had described the clash and its rules to him many times. The clash could only be issued to one of similar rank, and was otherwise a one-on-one fight until either party surrendered, or was killed. Killing was frowned upon but not unheard of, which was the reason that a clash needed to be supervised by a third party who would be ready to step in if tempers flared too hot. During the fight, one could use all powers and permanent items available, but it was prohibited to use temporary, consumable items as this would skew the clash in the favor of one¡¯s wallet rather than one¡¯s path. During his many lessons, uncle Walker had reminded him that this rule evened the playing field only in theory as the richer combatant probably would have an advantage in other equipment and probably training as well. ¡°Young Kite, do you accept young master Providence¡¯s challenge to a clash of paths, where this awakening stone is the price to the victor?¡± Asked uncle Walker. His voice was deeper and more formal, but Kite could see a twinkle in his eyes. Did his uncle believe he could win? After a short hesitation Kite nodded and answered. ¡°I, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, will stand by my path in face of this adversary.¡± ¡°And I, Brilliant Bloom of Providence, will also stand by my path in face of this tra- I mean adversary.¡± Uncle Walker let his gaze remain at the young initiate for a few meaningful seconds before continuing, guiding the pair to stand opposite each other roughly ten meters apart. Kite knew that this range would increase if the participants were of higher rank. ¡°Ready yourselves to defend your paths. Fight with honor, and may you both walk away stronger for it.¡± He lifted his hand. Kite got into a combat stance, neither defensive nor aggressive. He wore his wooden armor and could feel it spread a warm tingle through his body from his feet which were in contact with the ground. His opponent stood wholly relaxed, still with an expectant smile. Uncle Walker¡¯s hand fell, and Kite¡¯s first fight against an unknown essence user began.
Brilliant Bloom of Providence saw the trash outcast that was his opponent enter a fighting stance. He¡¯d expected more fear visible in the aura of this commoner, but some apparently did not know their betters. ¡°Oh well, it¡¯s not like he would amount to much either way.¡± he thought to himself. ¡°An outcast like him could never build a proper foundation for his path, especially not comparable to an initiate of the Victorious Sunset sect. I would do him a favor to simply show him what the heavens look like and how he can never achieve it. He will thank me down the line, for tempering his expectations.¡± He began to channel mana into his most powerful skill, received from his light essence. As he began raising both his hands, he saw a small vortex manifest over the outcast¡¯s right shoulder. The moment after, he felt a surprisingly powerful tug at his mana, before it began to leave his body. Not in a raging torrent, but definitely in a pace that wouldn¡¯t be sustainable in the long run. ¡°No matter.¡± he thought to himself as he activated a second ability to increase the power of his next attack at a greatly increased mana cost. ¡°This fight will be a short one¡±. As he continued raising his hand, a pillar of searing light started shining up from him, reaching well past ten meters into the air. Brilliant Bloom of Providence smiled as he felt the raging power, and couldn¡¯t help to indulge himself in some frivolity as he seemingly grasped the core of the radiant pillar and began to bring it down like a great blade. As the great concentration of light descended, he shouted: ¡°Sky-cleaving Heavenly Divide!!!¡±. His grin grew just a bit more as his opponent¡¯s eyes widened in surprise before striding forward. ¡°I pity you¡± he thought as the trash ran straight towards him instead of dodging. With a final heave of both physical and spiritual might, the pillar accelerated during the last part of the swing towards an earth-shattering conclusion. His opponent was entirely obscured from view in the last instant of the attack, but he could barely make out a halberd appearing from thin air in an upward swing before the light would consume his opponent. As expected, a shattering sound followed, but just as Brilliant Bloom of Providence¡¯s mind realized that the sound was more along the lines of an ephemeral mirror shattering rather than the sundering of the earth and stone, it was too late. Even more mana was forcibly drawn out of him as, to his horror, the pillar of light simply dissipated while bringing neither destruction nor victory. Through the remnants of the spectacular special attack strode his opponent. His mind still reeling, it took a second for the young master to snap back and realize that the fight was still going on. That he had not won. In a fight between essence users, even as low as iron rank, one second of inactivity can be very costly indeed. Before the fog lifted from his mind, the trash- ¡°His name was Kite something¡± -had stepped up to him, grabbed the voluminous front of his robe and struck his face with a gauntleted fist. Once-twice-thrice in quick succession. As the world blurred, he felt himself falling as his dazed mind wandered idly where the halberd had disappeared to.
As the young master went limp and sagged, Kite froze and remained standing there while still clutching the front of his opponent¡¯s robe. He looked at the semi-unconscious young man, then gently lowered him to the ground before looking at uncle Walker with a question in his eyes. His heart had been hammering in his chest, but as danger loomed it had calmed down slightly, tempered by the last months of intense hunting. Kite had to admit to himself that his opponent¡¯s attack had been impressive, intimidating even. His first instinct had been to run, but he had remembered one particular advice from auntie Crow, given to him during one of their many sessions of strategizing and planning. ¡°After all we¡¯ve seen for you during these few months, little Kite, I believe you might have a clear advantage when fighting other essence users. While the cost of that most annoying counter of yours seems to scale with the intensity of the attack you negate, you should still be far less drained than your opponent. As long as you are facing someone of the same rank, you need to trust that it will see you through even if what¡¯s coming toward you might seem overwhelming¡± This advice, combined with the months of practice he had been through, helped him snap out of feeling small. Instead, he felt decisive. That decisiveness had paid off as the spectacular attack had shattered before him, his pattern-shattering counter leading to the quick and rather straightforward conclusion of the duel. Walker looked surprised as well at the quick resolution of the fight, but shrugged and walked up to join Kite standing next to the prone form of the young master. He bent down and gently splashed some water over the powdered face, and after a short while he received a response as the man came up spluttering. ¡°Young master Providence. I believe that the clash of paths has been concluded. You displayed great power, and I imagine that you both have learned something from this encounter to further temper your paths.¡± stated uncle Walker, voice still formal. The young man stumbled to his feet, still swaying a bit as his indignation seemed to reach new heights as he stumbled about while trying to stay on his feet. He tried gesticulating angrily, which made staying on his feet even more challenging on the wet stones of the riverbank. ¡°Cheating! That had to be cheating. This was a farce, a trap! Who put you up for this? Was it the Descending Star sect? You will suffer for this treachery, you and all your co-conspirators. I swear tha-¡± His accusatory diatribe was interrupted by uncle Walker, suddenly lunging forward towards him. While the motion was sudden, it was not one of aggression but rather intervention, Walker being to only one present who had managed to detect the bronze-ranked aura which had stealthily crept closer to them in the water. "Watch out!" came the shouted warning of the older man. Too late. 6. Leaves over raging stream Several tentacles shout out of the water, where two swiftly wrapped themselves around young master Providence who stood with his back toward the water. He was yanked into the air with a scream as uncle Walker seemed to be struck by the third glistening appendage, only to disappear in a scattering of leaves. The older man reappeared out over the stream, holding the great conjured leaf as he drifted in the air and took stock of what appeared below. From the water rose a huge bulbous body, at least four meters in diameter. Its skin was a slimy, stringy dark green, the central mass of the body dotted with small, beady eyes looking in all directions. At the top of the body, four petal-like flaps were peeled back to reveal a huge mouth with circular rows of teeth and a multitude of small, fleshy tubes. It had four long tentacles emerging from beneath the water, each ending in a flatter section covered with spikes, and seemed unaffected by the streaming torrent it had erupted from.
WWJS (What would Jason see?) [Monster] Catcher of the Rapids Rank - bronze
As if that wasn¡¯t enough, three smaller lumps had started lumbering onto the shore towards Kite. Each of them had only one tentacle, but they too sported central maws with multitudes of teeth and one of the weird, fleshy tubes. Fortunately, their auras was of iron rank.
[Monster] Catcher spawn Rank - Iron
Kite heard uncle Walker shout over the splashing of water and the roaring waterfall further upstream. ¡°I will try to save him! Try holding them off and prepare a landing spot for me!¡± In the next instant, he released the leaf glider and dropped toward the monster as it moved the tentacles holding the screaming young man toward its mouth. As he plummeted down, he conjured a curved green sword seemingly made from a slender, stiff leaf. If one looked closer, you could see both veins and venules along the weapon, reinforcing the organic look. After seeing his Walker in action during their journey, Kite knew that the blade was terrifyingly sharp and only one of the many tricks up his uncle¡¯s sleeve. Uncle Walker¡¯s essences were sword, hunt and plant, which produced the domain confluence with a clear inclination towards forests. Most of his awakening stones had themes of nature and forest, with a whole of nine awakening stones being of the leaf. After completing his full set of essences well into adulthood, he chose to remain a free agent in the Autumn lands, as his confluence essence lent itself well to long journeys in the vast forested valleys. Over his many travels during iron rank he found one awakening stone after the other of those varieties, with leaf being the most common followed by vine, which led to his path being locked into one of a forest walker. Unaligned adventurers like him were usually called outcasts, and since he didn¡¯t have any additional sponsorship he had made the best he could with what he had. Now being at the very peak of bronze rank, his experience made him a force to be reckoned with as long as he remained in his favored environment among the forests. Kite only had another split second to see how a swarm of smaller leaves of every color manifested around his uncle during his descent, before one of the smaller monsters opened its mouth. The fleshy tube at the center of the gaping maw contracted before shooting a magical projectile of pressurized water toward Kite. Snapping back to his more immediate concern, Kite just managed to mumble ¡°Ward¡± under his breath. His barrier sprang up and scattered the watery projectile, but the other two quickly joined their companion, adding more projectiles. Kite took a steadying breath, channeling mana to keep his barrier up with the help of his racial gift evolution, Steadfast channeler. He could hear the scraping of the projectiles that missed, which cut shallow but noticeable grooves in the stone of the riverbank or cliffside behind him. His ability to channel mana into ongoing effects, both his own and those of others, to reinforce them and keep them going had multiple facets of use, but all very situational and depending on which ability Kite kept going. Most often he had used it with his own barriers, but as it required a fair bit of concentration he had trouble fighting effectively while channeling. His aunties had assured him it would become easier with the increased cognitive functions as he rose in ranks, but at the moment it could mostly assist him in remaining defensive for an extended amount of time. Kite used this time to take stock of his situation. The monsters seemed content to blast away at his barrier. During the seconds of observation, Kite tried to get a feel for the rhythm of their attacks. There seemed to be a few seconds delay between each spurt of magical water an individual beast could produce, and as the monsters kept firing as fast as they could the barrage had a kind of uneven cadence. *Frsshh¡ªFrsshh¡ª-------Frsshh¡ª----------* *Frsshh¡ªFrsshh¡ª-------Frsshh¡ª----------* While Kite could keep up the channeled protection for quite a while at the current rate, remaining defensive got him nowhere in assisting uncle Walker. Waiting out one more rotation of water projectiles, he acted. Letting the barrier remain just long enough to block the first of the next trio of attack, he simultaneously dashed forward and to the side to dodge the second. The third was his opening, its timing was a bit removed from the other two. As it came at him he swung upward with his hand as his javelin appeared in it, intercepting the projectile and scattering it into droplets through his pattern-shattering counter. The droplets still had quite a momentum, but became scattered by the interposed weapon and lost the magic which kept them a solid projectile. They became a slightly stinging rain instead of a flesh-rending torrent, not stopping Kite as he reversed his grip on the javelin and launched it at the middle one of three monsters. The draining roots and vines shot out to ensnare the trio, which became even more agitated. Tentacles flailed about, but the flexible limbs were not well suited for dislodging the entangling tendrils. Their oversized maws were slightly better at chewing through the magical plants, but having neither necks to aim with nor much intelligence to guide their efforts, the process of freeing themselves would be slow. Most creatures of iron rank could usually free themselves before Kite could cut down whole groups of them, but the anatomically challenged monsters would probably be unable to do so before the ensnaring effect ended on its own. Kite fell upon them, slashing at the flailing tentacles when opportunity arose but mostly thrusting with the spearlike top of the halberd while aiming for their main bodies. Their skin was rubbery and thick but surrendered to the piercing point of his weapon. Since his special attacks lent little help in dealing damage to these creatures he had to rely on his own strength. This made for grisly, methodical work as he ended the trapped creatures, one by one.
Walker ran along the side of the bulbous body as he leapt over one tentacle before sliding beneath the next. All the while he mentally directed his cloud of razor sharp leaves which struck out against the myriad of beady eyes all around him like a swarm of green, surprisingly intelligent bees. From inside the mouth, tens of fleshy protrusions fired projectiles of magically pressurized water against him, giving him yet another reason to keep moving. Now gripped in only one tentacle, he could see the struggling form of young master Providence as the tentacle was well on its way to the great maw located top and center of the monster. The young man, to at least some credit, had stopped simply flailing and had instead started to wildly slash at everything nearby with a conjured sword made of solid light. It left searing marks on the tentacle, but the monster paid it little mind as its bronze-rank resistance made it hard for the young master to even pierce its skin as his position didn¡¯t provide much leverage. Walker was closing in steadily, but a third tentacle tried to intervene with a sweep along the whole top of the beast. He dove to the side, off the monster¡¯s lumbering body and down toward the rushing waters. In the last moment he completed his flip, and just as his toes would touch the water they instead landed on a big, conjured lily pad. The magical plant seemed strangely unaffected by the rapids and buoyant enough to let Walker both land on it and leap off it. He took three more running leaps, leaving a trail of similar plants floating serenely among the rushing water and splashes caused by the monster. His last leap carried him upward, once more landing on the monster. He had touched down right next to the tentacle which carried the young master, and he swung his blade without hesitation as he channeled a special attack. The limb was severed with an unerringly straight slash as the attack, called deforestation, was especially well suited for severing both objects in the environment and limbs of enemies. The tentacle, now severed, spasmed wildly as it fell and the young man caught in its grip took the opportunity to break free. He tried leaping off the tentacle, moving with surprising speed due to an activated ability, but failed to account that the falling limb would be a less than ideal place from which to initiate such an escape. Young master Providence almost fell short and down into the waiting maw of the beast, but was saved by a conjured vine from Walker who dragged him to the dubious safety of the monster¡¯s body. The monster still flailed, wild with pain, and the young master seemed equally wild, frantic and disoriented. This led to him lashing out against uncle Walker with a wild swing of his glowing sword, eyes darting all around as he acted in panic. Walker ducked in close, dodging the swing and slapping the young man hard across the face. ¡°Regain your focus, initiate, lest you shame your sect and benefactors whose names you so readily invoke¡± he growled, before looping his conjured vine around the man¡¯s waist. Dazed and still from the slap, the young initiate''s eyes widened again as Walker spun twice. The vine extended like the string of a sling before releasing, turning young master providence into the metaphorical stone as he was launched toward the riverbank with bronze-rank strength supported by the magical might of the vines. ¡°One less to worry about for now.¡± Walker muttered as he turned back to the three remaining tentacles. The monster had recovered enough to make at least a partially coherent effort of smashing the annoying little thing scuttling about its central mass, although this effort was further hampered by the fact that many of its eyes were damaged beyond use. It still had plenty as the beady orbs dotted the whole humongous creature, but its coverage had steadily worsened as Walker¡¯s swarm of leaves had kept up the attack. Vines sprouting from one arm and blade low in the other, Walker dashed to meet the oncoming tentacles with a small smile on his face.
Kite stood in awe as he watched uncle Walker go all out. While he had seen him fight occasionally, nothing they had met together had been of this scale. He suspected that this monster was at the peak of bronze rank, but he did not have enough experience to tell for sure. As the fight progressed, uncle Walker battled on and around the big monster. As it lost another tentacle, it began employing its barrage of water projectiles as fast as it could fire them. Walker kept moving and weaving through the hail of danger, but Kite quickly realized that he and the other young man who stood equally frozen beside him were in danger of becoming collateral damage. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Young master Providence had been quite winded as he landed on the rocky shore, barely noticing as Kite helped him to his feet and then just remained standing there beside Kite as the fight unfolded. As the projectiles started flying wild, Kite stepped in front of him and whispered ¡°Ward¡± as he raised his barrier and continued to channel mana into it. He glanced back and saw young master Providence was looking at him with an expression that was hard to read before was brutally returned to looking at his fore, when a stray projectile crashed into his barrier. The attacks of the iron rank monsters had been quite manageable for his conjured barrier and would have lasted several barrages even without Kite actively channeling mana into it. As the stray blast from the peak bronze rank monster collided with it, at an angle no less, it almost shattered instantly. Kite groaned slightly as a lot of mana left him in short order to keep reinforcing the barrier. He realized that he would not last too many of these hits, especially if the monster would attack him directly. However, as there were no places to hide on the riverbank, he remained resolute to give his all before considering more options. ¡°One¡¯s path is tempered through adversity and strife. Thus does it gain the strength to carry oneself towards the heavens.¡± he mumbled to himself, reiterating the lesson that uncle Walker had given often and liberally during their many hours spent together the last months. He blocked one projectile, then two. His reserves were dwindling and he felt slightly light-headed when a third projectile struck, leaving Kite on his knees with a pounding headache. Kite had felt the effects of low mana before, but had been rather spared from it all due to his abilities rarely demanding that much from him and his vortex increasing his own recovery. ¡°I don¡¯t envy my opponents.¡± he thought, as his thoughts drifted to his own set of powers and their potent mana-draining. He felt that a fourth hit would leave him unconscious, and sent a silent prayer to Warrior to give uncle Walker the strength to finish the beast thrashing in the water in front of them. In the end, no divine intervention was needed. As Walker had fought, more and more razor sharp leaves whirled around him and more lily pads and other conjured plants floated around the now desperate monster. Only one tentacle remained and many of the water-spouting protrusion had been damaged or severed. Walker dodged one last swing from the flailing limb as he landed with a spin, letting it carry him into several more steps that looked more like a ritualistic dance with controlled, rotating movements. As his dance began, all of his conjured plants dissolved into even more of the razor sharp leaves which joined the sizable swarm. The leaves started moving in tandem with uncle Walker, swirling ever faster as his pace increased. Suddenly, all the leaves took on a deep crimson sheen, speed increasing dramatically as the great cutting vortex contracted. The red color deepened as it was joined by a fine mist which, according to the shrieks and fading movement of the monster, allowed Kite to make quite an educated guess as to the origin of said mist. Uncle Walker landed on the riverbank beside the younger men, dismissing a freshly conjured leaf glider. Behind him, the storm of petals gradually dissolved, leaving behind only a mound of shredded flesh which colored to stream a deep red for kilometers downstream as the blood was carried away by the moving water. He looked weary but had the ghost of a triumphant smile playing on his lips, before schooling his expression into formality. Both younger men looked quite spent, both in body and spirit. ¡°Young master. I believe you had some issues with my rulings in addition to questioning the honor and integrity of my student?¡± he asked impassively while locking his gaze onto the initiate. Brilliant Bloom of Providence paled. He regarded them both, and was apparently exhausted enough that even Kite could see some conflicting emotions radiate from his aura. In the end, he gave uncle Walker a low bow. ¡°I extend my apologies, senior. Those were words spoken in haste and anger.¡± he said before bowing a bit more shallowly toward Kite. ¡°My apologies to you as well. I questioned your honor while you showed complete trust in mine.¡± ¡°Your apology is accepted, Brilliant Bloom of Providence, and I hope both you and my student carry lessons from this encounter.¡± uncle Walker replied with a nod. He reached into his dimensional satchel before retrieving a small scroll sealed with a clear crystal. Walker gazed intently at it with obvious focus, relaxing as the clear crystal changed colors to a swirl of green, yellow, orange and red which reminded Kite of looking out over the woodlands of the Autumn lands. He reached out and gave the scroll to young master Providence, who winced slightly before accepting it. ¡°My mentor will thank you for your evaluation of the clash, senior.¡± he said, reluctance clear in his voice. ¡°It is only my duty, young master, and I assure you that I have made a fair assessment. I will handle my student¡¯s evaluation personally this evening¡± ¡°Then I will take my leave, senior. May your path take you to the heavens and beyond¡± said Brilliant Bloom of Providence as he gave Kite another long look before turning and leaving along the riverbank. Walker looked at the retreating figure before nodding toward a small pool next to the cliff side, almost forgotten. ¡°Don¡¯t forget your prize, little Kite. You sure earned it.¡±
WWJS (What would Jason see?): [Awakening stone of Erosion] Unranked - Rare An awakening stone containing the power of gradual but inevitable sundering.
As evening fell, Kite sat looking into the warm glow of the magical heater uncle Walker had brought along for the journey while weighing the new awakening stone in his hand. Both men sat leaned back against their own tree, facing one another. Around them, uncle Walker had placed a rope loop with wards etched into wooden plaques spaced evenly along its length. It was a simple but effective tool to help mask their auras to casual observer, but Walker had warned him that it would not hold up to concerted effort. ¡°Uncle Walker?¡± ¡°Yes, little Kite?¡± ¡°What did the young master mean when he said I placed complete trust in his honor? We didn¡¯t really get a chance to talk so how would he know?.¡± Walker was busy crushing some herbs with mortar and pestle, but stopped his work to give Kite more of his attention. ¡°Think about it some more, Kite. What could have given him that impression?¡± Kite creased his brows in thought. He went through their short initial exchange and the hectic aftermath. They had barely interacted at all. Kite had barely had the time to even look at him except- ¡°Was it because I shielded him?¡± Kite asked incredulously. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I, when I could? He was rather rude, but that should matter less during such a situation. Shouldn¡¯t it?¡± Uncle Walker gave Kite a weary but warm smile. ¡°It is quite uplifting to be around those of you who have lived in the more remote villages in these lands. Among the bigger cities and proud sects, such assistance is seldom rendered without compensation or social gain. Especially not to a person who you perceived has wronged you. And make no mistake, little Kite. Our young master, while polite at the end, probably still carries a good share of resentment towards you.¡± He chuckled. ¡°But you probably muddied those waters a bit there at the end. I couldn¡¯t spare you more than glances, but I saw you shield him. But I think what stunned him the most wasn¡¯t the shielding in and of itself but something else.¡± ¡°You shielded him with your back wholly turned to him.¡± Walker finished, as if that explained it all. ¡°Well, I had to look forward and stay focused¡± ¡°Yes. But what if he had attacked you while your focus was elsewhere?¡± ¡°What. But¡­ Why in the heavens would he do that?¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that leave him free to grab the stone and abscond?¡± Kite looked even more incredulous. ¡°But he had agreed to the rules, and I won.¡± ¡°There are many different people and paths in this world, little Kite. While many will obey rules and laws, there are many who will not. A lot of people will even use said rules as a tool to be used only when it suits them while doing whatever they like when they think they can get away with it.¡± The younger man was silent in thought for a while longer before replying. ¡°So when I turned my back at him¡­¡± he trailed off. ¡°You made it clear that you counted on him being honorable. That you saw him as such.¡± ¡°But if he had been dishonest, that wouldn¡¯t have mattered¡±. ¡°Indeed it wouldn¡¯t have. But young master Providence showed that he possessed plenty of a certain characteristic in our early exchange. Pride, Kite. Pride is a dominant trait among many of those who come from means or swear allegiance to the sects. It can be used as both weapon and shield, but is a rather brittle tool.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t the saying that pride comes before fall?¡± ¡°Indeed, little Kite. And that lesson should probably have been clear to the young master after the result of your rather short bout. Pride led him to his fall, but the same pride wouldn¡¯t let him betray the trust you showed him. Young master Providence probably views himself as many things, but I wouldn¡¯t expect backstabber or thief to be one of them. His pride would not let him stoop so low. So in the end, his pride got him into trouble but it also helped him make the honorable choice in the end.¡± ¡°It sounds like being prideful must be quite exhausting.¡± Kite mused, which prompted a laugh from his uncle. ¡°Truer words have rarely been spoken, little Kite. Speaking of the young master also reminded me that we have our own evaluation to go through. There is plenty for us to discuss¡±
As Kite awoke the next morning, the sunlight of dawn filtered down between the foliage above. Last night had been a thorough evaluation of the short duel, with mostly amused praise from his uncle. He did press one issue, repeatedly, in that his was as fortunate an encounter Kite would get in such a duel. Not all essence users would make the mistake of underestimating Kite so thoroughly, and even fewer possessed such a spectacular and costly attack that the duel was effectively over as it failed. His last words before retiring to his bedroll was ¡°We will have you fighting plenty more duels in the future, little Kite, so don¡¯t you go and absorb too much pride from the young master. Stay true to your path and see it through.¡± Before continuing their journey, there was one more thing left to do. This had Kite checking and double checking a magical diagram he had drawn around him using powdered chalk. As he found it to his satisfaction, he lit a stick of special incense which he carried around the diagram several times before sticking the still smoking stick into the nearby moss. He could feel the ambient mana settling down, and after a steadying breath he went to work. It was the first ritual of awakening which Kite had wholly performed himself. Auntie Crow had drilled it into him before leaving, but he still wanted to be doubly sure that he had made no fatal mistakes as the consequences would be quite spectacular. As the diagram lit up, he felt his heart calm down a bit. The light had the correct color, and not long after it was done as the stone seemed to erode down into sand which entered his body.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of Erosion] You have awakened Negation essence ability [Discarnate Erosion]. [Ability] Discarnate Erosion Special ability, aura. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Iron 0 Effect: All hostile magical effects affected by your aura start to erode, reducing the duration of ongoing effects and lessening the impact of spells and special attacks within the area. Effect increases the longer the hostile effect remains inside the aura.
Kite could feel the changes to his aura as it became a lot more stable and connected to him with this addition. Apparently, uncle Walker could notice the change as well. ¡°Well, little Kite, congratulations seems to be in order. Wielding your aura is an important tool if you are to be regarded as a proper adventurer worthy of your path.¡± he cheered while clapping a hand to Kite¡¯s shoulder. ¡°And it gives us another thing to practice in the evenings. Believe an old man when I say that you will never regret time spent working on your aura control¡±. Kite spent the upcoming hours of walking by testing out the new and improved control he had over the unseen part of him. What before had felt mostly like another sense now also became a way to interact with the world more directly. It still felt awkward and clumsy, like using a non-dominant hand for a task requiring care and coordination, but Walker assured him that he would get there as long as he continued to practice. As Kite looked out over the path through the woodlands ahead, he felt the excitement still bubbling inside his chest. He had traveled further than ever before. He had fought his first duel, learning lessons both martial and personal. He had witnessed natural wonders. He had awakened another power, one he felt meshed well with the other aspects of his path as it took form. Kite reveled in the feeling of being on his way toward something, something unknown yet exciting. He wondered what lay beyond the next valley, quietly vowing to keep his momentum. 7. Path tempered in friendship ¡°I thank you for your assistance in tempering my path¡± Kite intoned while bowing respectfully to the young woman opposite him. ¡°And I thank you for the same¡± she intoned, returning the bow. As the formal moment ended, she gave off a huge sigh before grinning at Kite. ¡°That was great, Kite! I really thought I had you there, but your abilities are sooooo annoying!¡± ¡°You flatter me, Dragonfly. I¡¯m sure the bout could have gone either way. Your axe is quite terrifying, enough that it will probably cleave the heavens if they would deny you entry.¡± ¡°Aaaw, you really think so?¡± Kite and Dragonfly continued chatting while strolling back toward their respective mentors, who were watching from under the shade of a nearby tree. Uncle Walker was busy pouring tea for the woman beside him, who smiled at the two youths as they approached. ¡°Student, it would seem that our training is in need of intensifying. This is the third time young Kite has bested you, no?¡± Dragonfly looked stricken as she sat down in the grass next to her mentor. ¡°But master FoooOOoorrce¡­¡± she whined. ¡°Whining does not awaken mercy in me, girl. Give me results before expecting leniency.¡± her master answered with a wicked smile. ¡°Young Kite is most kind to give me the opportunity to beat all of your complacency out of you.¡± she added with a wink. As the good-natured berating continued, Kite smiled as he half-listened while drinking some water from a nearby bottle. Their journey sure had become livelier lately.
They had happened upon the pair about three days of travel after the encounter by the waterfall. As the winding paths from the forest had led to an actual road, it hadn¡¯t been long before uncle Walker announced that he felt a friend nearby. Kite assumed it was his aura which helped him notice, and not long after they had met the two women.. Even as they closed the distance, it became clear that their respective mentors knew each other from their familiar greetings and that the students were both iron rank as they could sense each other''s aura. What followed was the younger of the women immediately charging forward and challenging Kite to a clash of paths. No bets or prizes, but simply for practice and to prove herself. Today¡¯s duel had been the third such challenge during as many days. Kite had prevailed during all three with some difficulty each time, but contrary to Kite¡¯s earlier and only experience, the young woman seemed to like Kite even more after each duel and was always in high spirits afterwards. It was only after the first duel that the young woman had gotten around to introducing herself. Her name was Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s Reflection, and had so far been chatty and energetic with a stubborn streak. She had rosy pink hair with bouncy curls and a freckled face with clear laugh lines, and stood about a head shorter than Kite. However, during their sparring it felt like Kite was facing a giant. She had freely divulged that she had the might, axe and fire essences which created the avatar confluence, proudly proclaiming herself an ''avatar of the inner flame''. Kite could understand the naming as he had fended off an onslaught of swings from the huge, burning axe she summoned. Each of his attacks had felt like it fanned a fire inside her which only led to her coming at him even stronger and faster. To Dragonfly¡¯s annoyance however, she quickly lost her rhythm when they fought, as Kite¡¯s rather unusual power set constantly removed the different enhancing skills and her conjured weapon. Never all at the same time, but definitely enough that she would be hard pressed to reach that critical mass that her powers could produce. Her master, Force of Raging Torrent had taken it all in stride from the beginning, and often praised Kite that he forced her student to become more flexible and make do without all of her powers available. She was a tall, statuesque woman with short-cropped brown hair and a single long braid hanging from the base of her skull. Kite didn¡¯t know her fighting style, only that she too seemed to be at the peak of bronze rank, but uncle Walker had assured him that it was even more forceful than her student¡¯s. Apparently, her name had been given to her as a title for her deeds during the last monster surge and she had taken it on as her given name. As it turned out that the two pairs were all on their way to Gilded with the same objective, they had joined up for the second half of the trip which was estimated to take about another week. The length was also dependent upon how many monsters the traveler¡¯s would catch wind of on the way, and Kite and Dragonfly had been taking turns fighting all the iron rank ones they had come across.
¡°So Kite, why do you want to be an adventurer?¡± Dragonfly asked as they walked next to each other on their fourth day of traveling together. It was a fine day in late summertime, clouds lazily drifting through the skies as the wind rustled the myriad trees on either side of the road. Ahead of them, their mentors were still talking amicably while updating each other on the goings on in the area and the progress of their respective young charges. Kite looked up at the clouds while thinking. ¡°I suppose there are many reasons. It is one of the best ways to earn a living as an essence user, if you don¡¯t mind the many dangers. Helping people should be rewarding too.¡± He smiled wistfully while looking out at the forested landscape. ¡°But most of all I think that it will give me the opportunity to be free, at least in some ways. It was not so very long ago that I received the knowledge that I simply exist for that very purpose; freedom. And it feels important that I make that freedom my own. To go where I want to go, to meet fated people and form unbreakable bonds. To have¡­ well, adventures. According to uncle Walker, the adventure society should enable that.¡± he continued ¡°So it feels like the right means to that end.¡± Dragonfly regarded him while he spoke. The young man looked so wistful while he spoke. Some strands of loose hair had escaped the small bun in which he normally kept it, and played around his face in the summer breeze. She thought that somehow fit his ambitions, those few strands of hair being a small omen that freedom was within his grasp and that his journey had just begun. She giggled as she realized that his rather earnest reverie had snared her thoughts and put her in such a philosophical mood. ¡°Did I say something amusing?¡± Kite asked with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Oh no, don¡¯t mind me. I just thought it was funny how we can be at a similar place in life for such different reasons. You almost had me reflecting over my reasons to exist there for a while.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that important?¡± ¡°Sure, sure in a way. But for me, it has always been about getting stronger. To see how far I can go and if I really will be able to ¡®cleave the heavens¡¯ as you so aptly put it. While adventures and travel sound nice, they really are just means to a different end for me. I feel like I need to keep pushing forward. To keep my momentum.¡± She winked at him. ¡°So in a way, I think that you might be the greatest danger I¡¯ve faced yet. Dragging me into reflecting about myself and my existence like that. But you gave me your rice bun yesterday, so our karma is all good and balanced!¡± she added cheerfully, and their conversation drifted away into Dragonfly¡¯s favorite subject of evaluating their battles.
It was evening as Walker and Force sat in their camp, drinking tea while listening to the sound of clashing weapons, battle cries and essence abilities being discharged that echoed between the trees. ¡°How are they doing?¡± asked Walker as he looked at his colleague and friend. Her aura senses were sharper than even his, and she could probably sense the battle raging in the woods in greater detail. Force took a calm sip of tea. ¡°Dragonfly¡¯s aura feels like it¡¯s on fire, so all should be well. Kite¡¯s remain quite calm and collected too. The boy seems to have taken well to aura training. It was only a week ago that he awakened an aura ability, correct?¡± ¡°Indeed. Crow would be proud of him. She was always a stickler for proper aura control. But I believe Kite¡¯s introspective nature is doing the most work. It¡¯s a trait that has matured along with him for his whole life as far as I can remember from my visits.¡± ¡°Speaking of Crow, how are the lovebirds doing nowadays? Have they built the nest Dove always went on about?¡± ¡°Oh yes, they have quite the nice home. Two story wooden house on the absolute top of a peak next to a patch of starberry bushes. It might not surprise you that Dove has cultivated quite the garden as well. The guest cabin has been my home for many a night, and the view is spectacular.¡± ¡°Sounds quite dreamy.¡± ¡°Oh it is. The interior matches the personalities as well. If the path to power could be achieved by creating a safe and comforting environment, they would both be diamond rank already.¡± Walker finished his statement with another drink from the steaming cup in his hands. ¡°Speaking of safe, how did starberry peak weather the last surge? It was seven years ago now, I think?¡± asked Force, before halting slightly as if listening to something. ¡°Dragonfly¡¯s aura surged a bit, so I think they¡¯ve downed another of the beasts¡±. Nodding to the last part of the statement, Walker went on to answer her question. ¡°According to the lovebirds, it went as well as expected. They all retreated to the nearest fortress town, and Crow¡¯s arrays kept the collateral damage quite low. Unless a silver ranked monster traipsed through, that village shouldn¡¯t suffer too much damage unless people remain. As usual, the beasts get a lot more motivated if there are people inside.¡± ¡°That they do¡­¡± Force muttered, eyes distant in memory. ¡°Did I tell you where I picked up Dragonfly?¡± Walker shook his head, waiting for her to continue. ¡°We got word that the arrays of one of the most remote fortress cities were failing. Unfortunately, they did just that before we got there. The defenders must have fought like possessed however. When me and my team arrived, the only ones to remain were a handful of civilians, a couple of whom had a single lone essence. All the rankers had perished, taking the beasts with them.¡± ¡°One of them was a little girl of about nine years. When we had secured the place, she suddenly marched up to me and tried to shove a might essence into my hands. Apparently she had found it under the corpse of one of the biggest beasts, and she wanted me to use it to kill all the monsters in the world.¡± Force had a sad smile on her lips. ¡°The young thing barely knew what it was, only that it meant strength. So she wanted to give it to an adult who could make all the monsters go away. The monsters who killed her older sister, one of the iron rank defenders. Apparently, it was the only family she had left. So I explained that I couldn¡¯t use it, and instead asked if she wanted to become strong. Strong enough that no monster could hurt her again. And thus, our young battle-maniac was forged.¡± She looked wistfully into the forest, where battle still raged. ¡°The years with her have been exhausting, but also rewarding. Children are quite remarkable. The horrors of the surge have left scars, but still she fights on and finds a perplexing amount of joy from life. I find her confluence rather fitting. So hurt, yet stronger for it.¡± Walker had listened intently to his friend. He felt they were in similar positions, yet their charges were quite different younglings. ¡°Kite has always been a more gentle soul. Honestly I wondered if he would balk at the violence of the world, but from what I thought were meek soil has bloomed a surprisingly resolute flower. He mostly needs a nudge here and there, but oh how he grows when he finds his momentum. His path is complicated, but I think he can become one of the best if he can make it his own and master it.¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Force chuckled. ¡°And young Dragonfly is almost the opposite. The growth is so wild that a little pruning is needed here and there, lest she loses herself in progress. Let us hope that their paths may coexist so that they may continue tempering each other as they grow.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll drink to that.¡± Walker said with a smile. He listened as the sound of battle had been dying down. ¡°But for now, I think it might be best that we see how our little wildflowers have fared.¡±
Kite was once again sprayed with swathes of webbing. It tried to cling to his form, but seemed to have trouble finding purchase on his form as his next movement had it sliding off him and ending up in a tangled clump at his feet. Implacable motion was a power awakened through his resolute essence, constantly hinder enemy attempts at restraining, snaring or otherwise hindering his movements. When practicing, Kite had been surprised to learn that it would even affect someone or something trying to grapple him. While very efficient against opponents of similar rank, Kite knew that more dangerous or wily foes might still be able to leave him at their mercy. Saying a silent prayer of thanks to Fortune, the power let him have his arms free to counter and dispel yet another gout of acid spit which followed after the webbing. His opponent was an iron rank monster in the shape of a humanoid-spider hybrid. Sporting an arachnid body the size of a heidel, it had eight hairy legs ending in sharp claws. The body had bristles of grey-green hair and a surprisingly flexible rear which allowed it to cast its webs in most directions. Where a normal spider would have face and mandibles, there extended a humanoid body with paler greenish skin. It had the slender torso of a female and a surprisingly human face framed by even greener hair. Kite¡¯s teenage brain still had trouble handling the view of exposed breasts as his thoughts warred between embarrassed interest and logical disbelief of why a spider-creature would have breasts in the first place as they weren¡¯t mammals. The whole experience got new, horrible nuances as her mouth had distended to reveal a set of glistening mandibles as she shrieked and spit acid at him all while her arms ended in long, singular sharp claws which were slightly hooked at the end. To Kite¡¯s relief, he had been able to use his special attack to negate both the flung magic and some other abilities. One of which seemed to be some kind of coordinating ability for the monster¡¯s young. Because it had a lot of young. Swarming around the dueling pair had been over two dozen smaller spiders, although small was only in comparison. The spiderlings were about the size of a human torso. They lacked their mother¡¯s humanoid body but still sported her acid spit which they applied liberally. The reason Kite hadn¡¯t been overwhelmed by their numbers and devoured was named Dragonfly. The young woman was currently busy swinging her fiery axe in cleaving circles. Her powerful strikes and swathes of flame had left over half of the brood as charred husks. Dragonfly fought with a semi-controlled abandon, dodging most attacks which seemed to want to grab her or had a big impact while ignoring the smaller streams of acid, letting them at least glance her when possible. Two minutes into the fight, her skin and clothes were seared and burnt by the acid in many places, but from all such wounds shone an inner glow. This glow seemed to increase her physical parameters even further, which meant that while the swarm was doing small bits of damage at a time the damage to their whole was increased in leaps and bounds. Combined with Kite¡¯s constant dispelling of the mother¡¯s mental coordination meant that Dragonfly was having a rather one-sided rampage among the smaller monsters. After thrusting twice against the matriarch, forcing her backwards, Kite had a breath to spare as he chanted ¡°Ward¡± while glancing in Dragonfly¡¯s direction. A barrier sprang up just in time to stop a leaping spiderling from clinging onto her back, and he heard a ¡°Whooop¡± of thanks as he turned back to his opponent. The spider-woman-thing tried taking back the initiative with another combined gout of acid and web, but as neither gave the desired effect she met him as Kite closed into melee. A furious struggle followed, where claws and acid mostly met barriers or was dispelled before they could do any substantial damage. Kite¡¯s defense wasn¡¯t perfect by any means, and some attacks had struck true. His wooden armor was shredded in places, but he could feel both it and his body repairing as they fought on the mossy forest floor with the sun¡¯s light trickling in through branches and leaves. The battle came to a close like many others Kite had fought during his travels; the monster eventually growing more sluggish due to Kite destroying its mana reserves and damaging its body. While he was still pleased with his victory, he still sorely missed some kind of special attack that packed a punch in and of itself. He knew not every battle would spare him the time for victory by attrition, and couldn¡¯t help feeling a pang of jealousy as Dragonfly, looking almost like a wheel of flames, finished her last opponent with a spectacular, double-vaulting finisher. She gave off a victorious howl as she threw her axe in the air where it vanished as her internal light died down. ¡°Great job, Kite! You are really getting better with those barriers. It felt like you had my back all the time.¡± she exclaimed cheerfully. ¡°It left me with only the fun parts. I think I¡¯ll keep you!¡± ¡°You may meet others on your path to power, tempering yourself with and against theirs, but ultimately your path is only yours.¡± cited the voice of master Force as she and uncle Walker emerged from the trees. The proverb was common, and Kite had heard it more times that he could count even before he received his essence. ¡°You are both coming along very well, and it is good that you continue to practice teamwork. But remember, little Dragonfly, that Kite will not always be around with protection at hand. Use the experience to temper your judgment, and remember that complacency is the biggest bane to any path¡±. ¡°Yes, master Force.¡± Dragonfly replied, barely masking the sigh.
As they wandered back through the forest and continued following the road towards Gilded, their mentors had them evaluating the battle and their performance. When that discussion was petering down, Kite asked a question that had been in the back of his mind for a long time. ¡°Master Force, uncle Walker. Why is it that the path of power is always described as such a lonely one? I¡¯ve heard it many times but I don¡¯t think anyone has ever explained why. In stories and books, especially those from other parts of the world, adventurers often seem to fight in these tightly knit groups.¡± The two mentors gave each other a look before uncle Walker answered. ¡°That, little Kite, is a question with a rather complicated answer. You are right that there are many different views on what is the correct way of battling and adventuring. In most cases it tends to come down to how a culture views self-sufficiency.¡± ¡°Here in Hua-Xi, in all our recorded history, we¡¯ve had independent rulers who have ascended to the throne by virtue of power. While their families and friends have always risen with them, the throne itself has never been hereditary. I don¡¯t know if you know this, but the succession is actually decided with the same clash of paths that you¡¯ve already fought in. So while connections, family and resources can take you far, in the end there is only your personal prowess that can take you all the way to the top. Hence the saying ¡®ultimately, your path is only yours¡¯.¡° Kite thought with a creased brow. ¡°But if that is the case when ascending the throne, why would it matter for the rest of us? Are the politics of the capital really so far-reaching?¡± ¡°Both yes and no. Let me ask you, little Kite; when someone wants to solidify their power through legitimacy, how do they do it? What or who do they look to?¡± ¡°Other people with power?¡± Kite replied tentatively, after some thought. ¡°Indeed! Let¡¯s say that you are a powerful warrior who¡¯d want to found an organization as a base of power, say a sect. You want the leaders of said organization to be viewed as legitimate, so you emulate the most solidified and traditional power in the country; the royalty.¡± The younger man¡¯s eyes widened a bit in understanding. ¡°But then someone emulates the sects, and someone them in turn until¡­¡± ¡°Until it has become a cemented part of our culture, yes. Everyone wants to be like people they view as powerful, so they emulate them in the ways they can.¡± ¡°Is the adventure society like that as well? Does that mean I can just fight my way to the top?¡± This time it was Dragonfly who posed the question. She had pretended not to be interested at first, but couldn¡¯t stave off her question any longer. ¡°No, at least not in structure. The adventure society follows the rules laid down by the international council. There have actually been problems in the past with our culture and their rules clashing, to the extent that the director of almost every branch in Hua-Xi is brought in from outside the country. While not perfect, this tends to ameliorate most of the problems.¡± Uncle Walker explained. He seemed to enjoy giving these kinds of lectures and showing off his worldliness. ¡°Every official in our branches of the adventure society are thoroughly trained as well, so expect that they will for the most part remain neutral and stick to the rules quite rigidly. So no marching straight up to them and challenging them, young lady.¡± said master Force, while directing a pointed look at her student. ¡°Does that mean that everyone works alone then?¡± asked Kite, master Force shaking her head as she continued. ¡°Fortunately, no. It would be way too dangerous. But it does mean that registered teams are quite uncommon and that people more often form a network of contacts for sporadic collaboration depending on their needs. It can work around here, where being self-sufficient is seen as an ideal, but definitely has its weaknesses. For example, those with more dedicated support powers tend to be viewed as weaker as they are dependent on others.¡± She suddenly stopped in front of them, which made the rest of them halt as she faced them and locked gazes with the two iron-rankers. ¡°This is an important lesson, younglings, so listen carefully. I have seen prideful people reach an early demise trying to uphold the image of their self-sufficiency in the wrong situations. While it is admirable to want to tackle the world by yourself, as this will prove your path to the heavens, you need to survive as well. And in the end, your path is your own. But while some might argue that it only means your own strength, remember that it can also be your own choices.¡± she finished.
The few remaining days of the journey were rather uneventful as the traveler¡¯s settled into a routine. After rising and some basic physical training they continued their trek. Kite and Dragonfly sparred before lunch and evenings in the camp were spent discussing and evaluating. If master Force or uncle Walker sensed any of iron rank, they sent their student¡¯s to handle them. Kite and Dragonfly were both quite spent when they finally arrived and could see the city of Gilded in the distance. For Kite, who had never ventured far beyond starberry peak before, the city felt enormous. At home, all villages occupied a single peak rising from the forest below. The city of Gilded was built around a dozen such peaks, and they were only the outer ring around the cityscape. Between each of the twelve stone peaks ran a wall which used the natural mountains as a kind of tower. The valleys below were filled to the brim with houses, some three or more stories high. The houses looked to be a mix of stone and wood, where the roofs¡¯ slant was usually slightly curved inwards. Even at a distance, Kite could see rows of colorful paper lanterns hanging over the streets, What gave the city its name was the woodlands in the area. In and around the city, the foliage had predominantly yellow and orange colors. While much sparser inside the city, the trees were still a dominant feature of the cityscape, and Kite could understand that it could be likened to a city in gold as he saw it in the light of the afternoon sun. During the final week of the trip, they had met an ever-increasing number of other travelers; from adventurers to merchants and farmers. When they were drawing near the actual wall, it had become a denser crowd which had Kite spending his time mostly looking at people. Here and there they could sense an iron- or bronze-rank aura, both in the crowds entering through one of the three gates but also among the guards manning the gate or walls. Since both uncle Walker and master Force were adventurers, the process of entering the city turned out to be rather simple. They simply produced a badge each which they held against a magical glyph which verified them before identifying Kite and Dragonfly as their respective students. The guard noted both their names and affiliation to their masters before sending them on their way. As he was putting it away, Kite saw a bit of uncle Walker¡¯s badge. It was bronze-colored with the emblem of the adventure society on full display. There was also a row of three stars, whose meaning Kite did not know. Walker took the lead through the tiled streets, which Kite felt grateful for as his head was soon spinning from all the noise, movement and auras mingling to form a wall of stimuli. His dazed mind took in new, alluring scents from street vendors and some less pleasant from certain alleyways. It was snapped back to reality as Dragonfly sidled up to him. ¡°This is your first time in the city, right Kite?¡± ¡°Mhhmm¡­¡± and a nod was all Kite managed to produce in way of answer. ¡°Then let me show you around tomorrow! Master Force had some business to attend to so I¡¯ll just be waiting around anyway. Please, master Walker?¡± The last part was directed at uncle Walker, as she didn¡¯t get much response from Kite who was lost in all the new experiences. ¡°That would be splendid, young lady, as I too will have business to take care of. I¡¯ll make sure he¡¯ll meet you at the adventure society campus, outside the administration building.¡± Dragonfly gave him a beaming smile in response, before following her master as they went their separate ways. Kite waved a forlorn farewell. It wasn¡¯t until the door of uncle Walker¡¯s small apartment closed behind them, shutting out almost all noise, that Kite felt his faculties returning. Walker guided him to sit at the small table while he retrieved some dried meat from his dimensional satchel which he offered to Kite. ¡°Thank you, uncle. I can¡¯t believe we¡¯re really here. The city sure is¡­ a lot.¡± Uncle Walker smiled wryly. ¡°It sure is. While it has its definite perks, there is a reason that I¡¯m mostly out on the road.¡± He gestured to the small apartment around them. ¡°It''s not much, but this is where I live. For the few days here and there that I¡¯m actually in the city at least.¡± Kite¡¯s tired mind had recovered enough to take in the small home. It was the attic floor of a three-story house. The insides were clean and simple, with a bed, table and bookshelf being the biggest pieces of furniture. While the pieces of furniture were few, the amount of memorabilia scattered around the place was substantial. The slanted walls were clad in a hodgepodge mix of tapestry and other decorations, and the bookshelf and other surfaces also had their own collections. Kite could see a rather large, uncut crystal, the hilt of a broken sword, a few loose scales shimmering in rainbow colors, bottles of perfume and a myriad of other paraphernalia. Uncle Walker continued. ¡°I have a spare key, so make yourself at home for as long as you like. If all goes well, you¡¯ll also be an adventurer soon enough and have your own contracts and trials to manage. It would be my pleasure to house you, and good that someone actually looks after the place a bit more frequently.¡± ¡°Thank you, uncle Walker.¡± Kite was bone-tired after the long journey, but couldn¡¯t help the smile which broke through his weary exterior. He knew uncle Walker wasn¡¯t beholden to take him in and that his duties probably had ended long ago. It felt good to have another to count as family. ¡°Now get some rest, little Kite, while I go and procure an extra bed.¡± he said while getting up and moving toward the door. ¡°Tomorrow, we¡¯ll see if we can¡¯t get you started on your way to becoming an adventurer.¡± 8. Sundering and preferences ¡°Kite, there you are!¡± The young man turned around from enjoying the view, chewing on a meat skewer he had bought from one of the nearby vendors here on the seventh pillar. As Dragonfly approached him, pink hair bouncing with each step, he held out another still warm skewer in offering. ¡°Why thank you, benefactor.¡± she said with a mock formal curtsy. ¡°Auntie Dove always said that the way to a woman¡¯s heart is through her stomach.¡± Kite said idly as his gaze returned to view the city below, still held by the impressive vista. ¡°So you do view me as a woman, eh?¡± she said with a teasing grin while elbowing his side as she joined him at the low wall separating them from the ledge. It was only then Kite realized that he¡¯d actually said it out loud, as the phrase had sneakily taken the place of the intended ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± or ¡°I thought you¡¯d be hungry¡± that he had meticulously planned out beforehand. He tried to keep a firm grip on his suddenly very slippery calm as explanations rushed out of him just a little too quickly. ¡°Well, I mean- Auntie Dove is married to auntie Crow so I guess she would know- But I mean, it is just a saying. She said it all the time. And- I mean it really is interesting, now that you think about it, that the heart is a metaphor with so many facets-¡± Dragonfly, being a most kind paragon of mercy, interrupted him by bumping her hip into his side. ¡°Well I for one don¡¯t mind getting food from polite and ever so philosophical young men as yourself.¡± she said with a wink. ¡°Especially not with this view. I¡¯ve been here many times, but it sure is something.¡± Earlier this morning, Kite had followed uncle Walker through the now less crowded streets of the city. It turned out that their destination, the adventure society campus, occupied the whole top of the closest mountain peak. This was the reason uncle Walker had chosen that particular part of the city. Each of the twelve peaks surrounding the city was a small district of its own, simply named in numerical order with the first peak housing the city lord¡¯s palace. The adventure society occupied the whole of the seventh peak, second only to the first in size. Kite had been both excited and impressed as they rode one of the elevating platforms to the top. Up there had been a sprawling campus of beautiful buildings, most being several stories tall and separated by different marshaling yards, dueling arenas and other kinds of venues requiring open space. Like the rest of the city, Kite saw many curved roofs ending in decorated peaks and spires. Every building was decorated differently, with murals and wall paintings depicting brave warriors fighting foul monsters of all kinds. Walker had left Kite outside the administration building, one of the largest dominating the northern part of the district. He was going to be busy for the majority of this day, so Kite was left on his own while waiting for Dragonfly. It was during that wait he happened upon the quite scenic overlook where the pair now stood, munching on their food. Between two buildings there extended a small ledge that extended from the top of the cliff out into empty air. A small wall was built around the edge from the same stone with white-gray marbling as most of the city. Over the wall, one got a supreme view of the city as a whole. Spread out into an uneven circle between the twelve peaks, the vantage point allowed Kite to really take in the size and beauty of it, from the colorful wooden facades to the tiled roofs to the meticulously planned streets. He could even spot that the central network of streets spelled out the sign for ¡®prosperity¡¯ if viewed from the first peak where the city lord¡¯s palace rose with a sprawling complex of towers and estates. All of it rested among the sea of gold that was the foliage, gently flickering in the wind to give the impression of a glittering treasure. ¡°So, where do you want to go first? I know a lot of great places!¡± asked Dragonfly as she broke the silence. ¡°I am but a drifting leaf, my lady, and will go wherever your warm winds may take me.¡± Kite replied with a theatrical somberness. ¡°You planned that out in advance, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Yeah¡­¡± he confessed sheepishly. ¡°Well then, I shall do my best to guide the poor little leaf through the big, scary city. Let¡¯s go!¡± she exclaimed before she took him by the hand and dragged him off.
As Kite returned to the small apartment he now shared with uncle Walker, he had a tired smile on his face. Dragonfly had been a decently knowledgeable guide, making up for the lack of formal education on the matter with sheer enthusiasm. They had walked through busy streets, bought new kinds of snacks and treats from food carts and street vendors, perused stores and gawked at impressive buildings. Kite had been especially impressed with the temple district. While his home village had small shrines to many deities, a small altar beneath a wooden awning couldn¡¯t really compare to the colossi of stone and wood that were the main temples of the area. As he plopped down on the bed at home, he idly let his fingers run over the armband of small, clicking stone beads with the affixed charm. He had bought them from the temple of Fortune, giving one to Dragonfly while keeping one for himself. His aunties had often thanked Fortune that he had grown up to be healthy and strong, and Kite thanked the goddess again as he relaxed on the bed. ¡°May our lives continue to feel your touch, as I have done so many times these last couple of months¡± he mumbled. He felt happy, and the feeling of connection he had made with Dragonfly in only a few days made him a bit giddy. ¡°Forming bonds is indeed worth it.¡± He thought, dedicating it to his birth-parents, wherever they might be. A while later, his reverie was broken as uncle Walker returned home. He put a bag of steamed meat buns on the table, and they talked as they ate. While both could get by perfectly well on spirit coins, Walker seemed to enjoy the food quite a lot. ¡°Why simply eat a spirit coin when the same coin can get you this treat here in the city? The forest paths have few food vendors, I assure you, so might as well take the chance.¡± He answered when Kite asked him. ¡°But onto more important matters. I have made reports to the adventure society, and also applied for your membership. Since you are my student, I managed to arrange an entrance examination for you in two days instead of waiting for the public one at the start of the month. I don¡¯t know if you¡¯d noticed, but your uncle is not entirely unimportant around here.¡± he said with some smug pride. ¡°But it might have helped that Force had a similar request, so Dragonfly will come along as well¡± he added in sheepish afterthought. ¡°Is that why your badge had three stars on it?¡± Kite asked curiously. ¡°Ah, so you saw.¡± Walker said and produced the badge. He took a while to explain the system to Kite and what the different number of stars meant. ¡°I got my third star rather early, as my path allowed me to travel far in these lands quite reliably, even when carrying complicated or sensitive cargo. The kind that can¡¯t go into a dimensional bag.¡± He said while looking meaningfully at Kite. ¡°Have you done it a lot then? Delivered others like me?¡± Walker chuckled. ¡°No, little Kite. You were, and remain, the most unique contract I have ever taken. And look what came of it! Now I¡¯ve got a young student brimming with potential, and someone to regale with my worldly knowledge too! I¡¯m quite satisfied with the results.¡± he said before pausing, giving Kite a smile. ¡°I¡¯m proud of you, little Kite.¡± ¡°Thank you uncle. For everything. I¡¯ll do my best to keep the flame of that pride bright and strong.¡± Kite answered, his voice carrying the thickness of emotion. They sat in silence for a while, enjoying some tea and one another¡¯s company. ¡°I think we are due for some more training before turning in for the night though. Can¡¯t have you slacking off before the examination, so expect tomorrow to be quite busy. ¡°
After an evening and subsequent morning consisting of intense physical training and sparring, Kite stood beside uncle Walker on the elevating platform that carried them up toward the adventure society, were they would seek out the trade hall for some last minute supplies. ¡°Did you bring the coins your aunties gave you?¡± Kite nodded, unconsciously feeling for the second dimensional bag he wore hidden under his clothes. ¡°Good. They were quite generous with you starting stipend, but as you will soon notice we are entering a world where a lot of money is in circulation. We adventurer¡¯s are paid well because we are willing to face a lot of danger. This means that an adventurer who wants to survive will spend a lot of that money on said survival.¡± He gestured to Kite¡¯s wooden armor. ¡°You have quite an enviable power there, little Kite. It will save you a lot of money down the line on equipment, as long as you remain flexible and open the adapting after what you get. But unless you awaken a power or two to conjure equipment, it will still remain a huge money sink during your whole career. But as you¡¯ve got a decent amount of starting gear, we can instead focus on your powers. I didn¡¯t lie when I said that you are talented and use your powers well. But as we¡¯ve discussed earlier, you sorely need something more straightforward to gain a bit of an extra edge against those enemies that don''t rely on fancy tricks. It might not be possible at the moment with the funds you have at hand, but I thought we might use my access to the three-star part of the trade hall and see if we can¡¯t find ourselves an awakening stone that might give you a chance for it. No guarantee of course, but it doesn¡¯t hurt to keep an eye out for the opportunity.¡± ¡°I thought essences and awakening stones were only sold at auction?¡± Kite asked, remembering his uncle¡¯s earlier lectures on the society and its workings. ¡°Most are, but the adventure society keeps a certain stock available to their three-star clientele. Mind you, this is rarely of personal use for us since very few adventurers are promoted to three stars before they¡¯ve come into their full set of powers. The stones are almost exclusively bought for those in the same situation as you. Personal students are quite common among more experienced adventurers, and to further encourage this the society created this option. That way, they get more competent young adventurers as well as additional income. They did have to limit it to us three-stars though, both due to availability and to lessen the amount of nepotism and bribery. Those who reach three stars have already been thoroughly vetted and deemed to have good enough judgment, after all, so the risk of them using the opportunity for selfish gains is acceptably small.¡± While they talked, they had stepped off the platform and were now ascending the stairs to the trade hall. The building was huge, both in height and area, and filled with different shops and stalls who catered to what Kite assumed was an adventurer¡¯s every need. Following uncle Walker, they passed by rows of weapons, potions and other everyday consumables. Through an open door, Kite could see a young man being fitted into a bright red leather armor by a severe looking tailor. There was quite a lot of foot traffic, with auras of iron and bronze mingling, sometimes struggling against each other. Kite noticed one woman they passed whose aura he could barely feel at all, only giving off the slight hint of even greater danger than his uncle or aunties. When he looked closer he could see the crowd subconsciously parting before her, many stepping aside seemingly without noticing. ¡°Silver ranker.¡± uncle Walker informed as he saw Kite¡¯s gaze. ¡°I¡¯m impressed that you noticed. You¡¯ve really been diligent with your training.¡± He nodded toward the back of the woman. ¡°Her name is Frost among Morning Dew. Rather famous around here. A bit detached, but decent enough.¡± This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. ¡°You¡¯ve met her?¡± Kite asked, a bit starstruck. The subtle power he¡¯d felt from her aura had been impressive, as if gazing upon a snow-clad mountain peak from the stories. ¡°I did tell you that your uncle was rather important around here, did I not?¡± uncle Walker said with a rakish smile. ¡°But a story best saved for another time. Up those stairs.¡± he finished while nodding toward a set of wooden stairs leading up. Walker led Kite up one more flight of stairs, while the amount of people and subsequent noise lessened with each floor. Up on the third floor there were almost exclusively bronze rankers, where the occasional iron aura belonged to an often younger adventurer who seemed to be a personal student like Kite. Walker seemed to know most others on this floor by name, and nods of greeting or short stops for conversation were frequent. They were on their way to a stall closed of heavy silk drapes when a call interrupted them. ¡°Kite! Master Walker!¡± It wasn¡¯t hard to find the source of the voice as Dragonfly came running up to them, her master following at a more relaxed pace. As the young woman bounced up to them, she greeted Walker with a bow before wrapping Kite in a quick hug of greetings. Kite had by now gotten used to the young woman¡¯s physical way of showing affection, be it hugs or punches on the arm. ¡°Walker, young Kite¡± greeted master Force. ¡°How fortuitous to meet you here. I assumed you are here for the same thing we are¡±. She punctuated the last statement with a nod towards the silk-draped closed stall. ¡°Indeed we are, Force. While it''s a bit of a gamble to awaken new powers so close to the examination, Kite is in sore need of a bit more power of the straightforward kind.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Our young Kite¡¯s methods are rather slow and steady. Fortunately for you, this humble teacher might even be able to help with that particular problem.¡± she said with a smug smile, before producing a small sphere from within her long, open sleeve which she tossed to Kite. He almost dropped it out of surprise, before holding it up to inspect it. The sphere was clear, its inside divided by a single crack which should have cleaved it in two, yet did not.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): [Item] Awakening stone of Sundering Unranked - Rare An awakening stone containing the power of breaking and separation.
Uncle Walker gave off a low whistle. ¡°So, your power has reached silver? Which one is this? Momentum?¡± ¡°Sundering¡± Force answered with a satisfied smile. ¡°And yes, it has. A few months ago.¡± ¡°You should see it, Kite! It¡¯s amazing! Dragonfly exclaimed. ¡°It''s like master¡¯s strikes just punches the ambient magic into submission.¡± ¡°You made this?¡± Kite exclaimed, wide-eyed. ¡°But¡­ but how?¡± ¡°In a way.¡± answered Force. ¡°I have a power which allows the leftover force of my attacks to compress the ambient magic. In some cases, it¡¯s enough to manifest something useful. Before it ranked up to silver rank, it mostly produced quintessence, but nowadays the occasional awakening stone has appeared a lot more often.¡± ¡°That¡¯s amazing. But¡­ isn¡¯t this too valuable? I really can¡¯t accept thi-¡± ¡°Oh hush, boy. I think you are in more need of it, and might as well help out a friend.¡± she said while nodding to uncle Walker. ¡°But you truly are Crow¡¯s little chick. She was always such a stickler for the formalities.¡± She straightened and took on a formal expression. ¡°I, Force of Raging Torrent, transfer all karmic imbalances between us to my student, Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s reflection. Be her benefactor, as I have been yours. Thus shall our karma be severed. Really though, just think of our little Dragonfly if you find something fitting and we¡¯ll call it even.¡± she finished with a sigh. Kite looked gravely at the stone in his hands. ¡°This is gonna require a lot of meat skewers.¡±
They entered the stall together, after both Walker and Force had verified their badges. All noise was dampened by the interior, which was as draped in silks as the outside. The space inside was dominated by a single glass counter, manned by a young woman in crisp, black robes with a severe expression on her face. She gave them each a polite bow as they entered. "Welcome, benefactors. To your right, you can find a list of what of our inventory is available at the moment." She gestured toward the counter top, which was made of a clear crystal with subtle magical runes at the edges. Below it lay a multitude of awakening stones in orderly rows upon silken padding. They had many different shapes and sizes. Some matte and dull, other shimmering or flickering. The attendant remained impassive as the group perused the lists and spoke, the silent environment prompting soft voices even though there were no other customers in the stall. Kite balked at the prices. He knew that the stones were expensive, but he had thought that more of them would be within his price range. Walker noticed his concerned expression. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, little Kite. If you can pass the examination and work hard, these numbers won¡¯t seem so staggering.¡± He looked over the list again. ¡°Now that Force was kind enough to gift you the sundering stone, you should have a bit more flexibility. Which is lucky, otherwise I believe we would have left this place disappointed.¡± He pointed at the list of available stones. ¡°The awakening stone of eyes should be a solid pick, since you haven¡¯t awakened any perception power yet. Its price is affordable without leaving you destitute, and I¡¯m sure you would not want to miss out on the utility a perception power provides.¡± Kite looked over the list, imagining all the fantastical abilities the different stones could provide. In the end, he acquiesced to Walker¡¯s suggestion. ¡°I can¡¯t do much for myself or others if I can¡¯t detect an enemy after all.¡± he thought for himself before speaking. ¡°Your wisdom is like the heavens, uncle. Ascendant and eternal.¡± Walker had a smug expression as he listened to Kite¡¯s praise. ¡°Well of course, little Kite. Shall we?¡± while gesturing to the counter. As they went over, Kite told the attendant which stone he wanted to purchase and produced the coins in neat stacks on the table. All of the bronze spirit coins gifted by his aunties went into the purchase, leaving him with a tidy sum for everyday needs but not enough to make any more big purchases. ¡°Very good, young master.¡± the attendant replied. Kite was just about to correct her choice of title, but his words got lost in fascination as she bent forward. She leaned on the counter top with her left hand while plunging her right through the crystal. It was only then that Kite noticed a crystalline bracelet on her right hand, glowing faintly. She quickly produced the stone and pushed it toward Kite on the small silk cushion. It was round and slightly amber colored, with a darker patch at its core which gave it the distinct look of an eye which seemed to look straight at him no matter which angle he observed it from.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): [Item] Awakening stone of the Eye Unranked - Common An awakening stone containing the power of vision.
He bowed in thanks as he stored the stone into his dimensional bag. Dragonfly was up next, having chosen an awakening stone of the foot. Another common stone, she had the hope of receiving some power relating to movement which Kite knew she was lacking at the moment. He hoped to receive something similar in the future as well, but left those concerns for further down his path. ¡°Would you like to use our adjacent ritual chamber? It is included with any purchase.¡± the attendant asked as business was concluded. ¡°Yes please.¡± Kite answered after a glance at his uncle. ¡°I can do your ritual as well, Dragonfly. If you don¡¯t mind, that is.¡± ¡°Oooo, that would be great, Kite!¡± she cheered. ¡°Iiiiiiihhh, this is so exiting!¡±. The attendant led them into an adjacent part of the stall with a patch of floor made of smooth stone and magical diagrams sewn into the surrounding silk to stabilize the ambient magic. Kite began using chalk to draw out the ritual. ¡°When did you learn these rituals?¡± Dragonfly asked, curious. ¡°One of my aunties taught me. Auntie Crow. She¡¯s really skilled with all sorts of rituals and arrays, and she made sure I could do this one in my sleep before our journey here.¡± ¡°You sure are handy to have around Kite. I don¡¯t have the mind for rituals. Never could seem to get them right.¡± Force took this moment to comment. ¡°I don¡¯t believe it is a matter of mind, little Dragonfly. Patience is probably the virtue where you need the most practice.¡± She received a sour pout from her student as a reply. ¡°You might want to calm yourself, Dragonfly. I believe it¡¯s done. Remember, a still lake gives you the best reflection.¡± Kite added with a smile, as it was his turn to become the target of her pout. The ritual went off without incident, as did the two which Kite performed for himself. As they left the trade hall and went onto the plaza outside, Dragonfly couldn¡¯t stop leaping about. She had been lucky, and her stone had given her a power which let her make enhanced leaps and increased the power of leaping attacks. Kite himself had mixed feelings, but that was more due to the severe sense of nausea he was experiencing at the moment, having to lean against uncle Walker for support. The root of his suffering was one of the new abilities, namely the one from the stone of the eye.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of the Eye] You have awakened Resolute essence ability [Gaze of Adamance] [Ability] Gaze of Adamance Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Iron 0 Effect - Iron: Provides perfect peripheral vision and increased ability to swiftly process visual stimuli.
As Kite had opened his eyes after the ritual, his world had literally expanded. All of his vision was clear, without blurry periphery. It was weird not actually having to shift his gaze around. It was a bit dizzying inside the chamber as his mind got used to the new, increased amount of stimuli, but manageable. He could immediately appreciate how easy it was to evaluate his next magical diagram as he could take it in as a whole. The troubles had started when they were done and left the isolated environment. Kite¡¯s brain worked overdrive to keep track of all the new details, leaving him wobbly and nauseous. They sat down on a stone bench outside, as Kite focused on not moving his head while letting his mind adapt to the new, improved circumstances. ¡°Hmm, this gave us an easy answer as to what to practice today for tomorrow''s examination. Observation and perception training is important. I must admit that I am more skilled in the woodlands, but I should know enough to teach you the basics.¡± said uncle Walker as he sat beside Kite. ¡°You should sit in on this one as well, Dragonfly. Working on both awareness and patience will do you good¡± Force said as she nudged her student onto the bench beside Kite. ¡°But master, don¡¯t you hate perception training? I believe you said something like ¡°as long as one¡¯s path is strong enough, it doesn¡¯t matter if you can¡¯t see it coming.¡± Dragonfly sulked. ¡°I have no idea what you are talking about, student. However, I shall leave you to it while I peruse the food carts nearby.¡± Force said hastily, already moving away. ¡°How you got that third star must be a mystery only the heavens know!¡± Walker shouted at her swiftly retreating form. ¡°Oh go hug a tree!¡± came a shouted response. Sighing, he proceeded to spend the next couple of hours leading the two iron-rankers through extended practices of observation and perception, part meditative mind-techniques and part methodology. Fortunately, the nausea gave way rather quickly, but Kite surmised that both he and Dragonfly would have a headache this evening. As they left the elevating platform, now on ground level, Dragonfly suddenly halted. ¡°Kite, you never showed us the new special attack!¡± she exclaimed. This led to them being gathered in the small back yard behind uncle Walker¡¯s apartment house. It was mostly flat and open, but two rather large trees occupied a corner each. Kite looked at his trio of observers. ¡°I just want to point out that I haven¡¯t tried this out myself either, so don¡¯t expect anything¡­ Well, competent.¡± ¡°Less explaining, more sundering!¡± Dragonfly cheered back. Kite sighed and focused inwards, feeling his new power resting there. A force of destruction, ready to be unleashed.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of Sundering] You have awakened Void essence ability [Void-Sunders-Firmament] [Ability] Void-Sunders-Firmament Special attack. Cost: Moderate mana Cooldown: 5s Current rank: Iron 0 Effect - Iron: Surround your melee weapon or unarmed attack with spatial tears, dealing high damage and resonating force damage. Can be used either as a wide, sweeping attack or as a more focused, directed attack.
Kite drew his halberd from the void sheath and spun into a swing. As the attack was channeled into the weapon, it started trailing what looked like a jagged, black tear into space itself. As the tear expanded, it did so with a sound like a thin sheath of ice breaking, although it was felt more than heard. As Kite completed the sweep, the tear vanished as reality mended. He spun around, did a quick series of jabs and thrusts into the air before lunging and activating the attack again. As the bladed head of the halberd had extended fully, thrust into an imaginary opponent, Kite unleashed the attack. Multiple smaller spatial tears appeared in a chaotic tangle all around the head of the weapon for a split second before disappearing. Both Force and Walker were nodding appreciatively at the display, while Dragonfly stood with wide eyes as she stared at the appearing tears which shredded the insides of said imaginary foe. ¡°I can think of so many things I¡¯d rather have inside me¡­¡± 9. A different kind of brutality Kite came out of a rolling dodge, barely getting low enough to dodge the swing of a massive, muscular arm. As he rolled to his feet, he once again summoned his halberd which came appeared in a cutting arc as it trailed a jagged tear in space. The special attack cleaved through the rock-like skin of the humanoid monster who now stood with its back half turned to him, and was enough to drop the third such monster Kite was fighting. Called Void-Sunders-Firmament, it utilized another concept of the void to tear through solid objects and flesh alike, its resonating force damage especially efficient against rigid structures, such as armor or the stone-like skin of certain monsters. The monsters in question were of a species called triple-horned ogre. They were ranked somewhere in the middle of iron rank, stood about two and a half meter tall and were built like boulders. It had actually been easy to mistake them as such, since their craggy, gray skin gave them surprising camouflage among the peaks of the Autumn lands. While they possessed no spectacular or exotic abilities, they were very strong for their rank and often manifested in small packs. This particular pack had been four when Kite started the fight, and were now down to one. Kite heard the footsteps behind him too late as the last ogre, who had spent the last twenty seconds or so breaking free from magical vines, had freed itself and rushed him. He had a barrier active, but it had taken a hit from the third ogre and had spent some of its strength. Due to the quite hectic battle, Kite hadn¡¯t gotten the time to channel mana into it in an attempt to strengthen it again, so as the ogre¡¯s open handed strike collided with the cracked ward he hear a *pop* as it shattered. Kite had only half-turned, but his new and improved visual power meant that half-turned was good enough. He let go of his weapon with one hand and swung it single handed in an attempt to block the strike. The shaft got there in time, but the awkward grip meant that the block was half-hearted at best. Instead of pushing through the resistance, the ogre closed the open hand around the haft and ripped it from Kite¡¯s hand with a jerk. The monster followed up with a headbutt, its three curving horns making a formidable ram. Kite had a short moment of indecision as he weighed the option of another barrier versus a counterattack, but went with the latter as he had completed the turn and had a firm stance. His left fist shot out to meet the descending horned forehead, the fist having an ominous dark outline. As the opposing forces met, Kite felt a painful jolt down his arm, shoulder and leg as the tremendous force transferred through his body. He could hear the cracking of both his wooden armor and probably some fractured bone in his hand. The ogre, however, fared much worse. Kite¡¯s armored fist had made a slight indentation into the craggy skin. The monster would have shrugged this off without effort, had it not been followed by multiple small spatial tears appearing inside its skull and throat, the second application of Void-Sunders-Firmament. His new skill had proven both reliable and useful during the last few days, especially against the armored ogres. The monster continued on its trajectory, dead, and Kite just managed to shove it enough to the side so as to not be caught under the corpse. He breathed heavily before straightening and calmed his mind with one of the meditative techniques uncle Walker had taught him and Dragonfly to help in staying alert. ¡°An adequate performance.¡± said a voice which belonged to a middle-aged man clad in grayish-blue robes and exuding a neatly controlled bronze-rank aura. He was thin, but with the natural grace which all bronze-rankers embodied to at least some extent. His hair was white, even though he looked no older than forty, and he wore a small pair of glasses clipped to his nose. ¡°Thank you, instructor Whisper.¡± Kite said while giving a low bow, while trying to hide the proud wink he sent to his co-test taker. Dragonfly was leaning against a nearby tree and gave him an enthusiastic wave followed by gestured clapping. They had been away from the city for four days now, as instructor Whisper had guided them through various parts of the wilderness west of Gilded. There they had looked in on the small villages they came across, gathering some of the notices from the board in each one as they hunted down what would become future threats. The days had been both stimulating and exhausting. Instructor Whisper had not only tested their combat ability, but also knowledge and judgment. He had pitted them against monsters outside their comfort zone, where their powers wouldn¡¯t be too easy to use to their fullest effects. The three-horned ogres had been such an encounter for Kite, as the instructor wanted to see how he fared against simple, strong enemies in modest numbers. ¡°We shall move on to one more village before we head back toward the city. I hope we can find something suitable for the final part of the evaluation.¡± the instructor continued as he conjured a scroll from thin air and wrote something in it with the tip of a glowing finger. ¡°Just a moment please, instructor.¡± Kite murmured. He had felt one of his abilities reach a critical threshold, and gave a mental ascend. [Something from Nothing] A small rainbow vortex appeared before condensing and revealing a belt which promptly fell to the ground. Kite bent down and picked it up with his right hand, his left still being rather tender even as he could feel his own body and his armor working to restore the damage. The belt seemed to be woven from thin, even roots into a surprisingly pretty braided pattern. The beauty was marred a bit however, as the buckle was a rather huge affair, seemingly made from craggy stone with three horn-like protrusion.
WWJS? [Item] Belt of the Woodland charger Rank: Iron - Uncommon [Effect] Increased footing in woodland and mountainous areas [Effect] Activate to make a charge with greatly increased movement speed for five seconds. The first attack made during the charge deals additional damage and attempts to knock away the target. Targets with great mass and/or higher rank are more resistant to being knocked away. Cooldown: 1 minute.
Kite looked incredulously at the belt, before sighing and putting it on. Dragonfly was attempting to, and failing, to stifle a laugh as the oversized belt buckle clashed quite a bit with Kite¡¯s otherwise smooth and toned-down wooden armor. ¡°Well Kite, I must admit that I¡¯ve thought you almost too reasonable and level headed. It¡¯s somehow comforting to see that you also have some insecurities you try to¡­ compensate for.¡± Kite gave her a flat look and turned to humor in an attempt to save some of his dignity. ¡°I suppose I will have to pray to Fortune that it will produce a codpiece next time then, to really complete the ensemble.¡± This made Dragonfly laugh all the more, and Kite was actually pleasantly surprised that the retort hadn¡¯t been too terrible. ¡°But you must admit that the bow you got after the spiders was slightly more fashionable at least.¡± she managed to get out as the laughter had receded a little. ¡°Did you actually get a chance to train with it?¡± ¡°Just a little, but I still have too many weapons to train with alread-¡± ¡°If you young ones are quite done, I believe it is time to move on.¡± said instructor Whisper, a slight smile on his lips. ¡°Your looting power seems to be a peculiar one. Since I haven¡¯t seen you use it earlier, I assume it is not available all the time?¡± ¡°That¡¯s correct, instructor.¡± Kite answered while Dragonfly was still stifling fits of giggles. ¡°It builds up over time and then produces an item. So far it has given me mostly items with a woodland theme, so I think it¡¯s influenced by what I defeat.¡± ¡°Peculiar indeed, but useful. It probably won¡¯t make you as rich as someone with a more ordinary looting power, since they tend to bathe in lesser treasure such as quintessence, but I¡¯d speculate that this power compensates in other ways. Maybe in quality or more according to your needs? Either way, it¡¯s time for us to move on. Come along, young ones. And, young Dragonfly, please try not to alert every monster in the area of our presence this time.¡±
¡°This should make a perfect ending to our little excursion.¡± instructor Whisper exclaimed as he took down the lone notice from the board in the village and held it out to the pair. Kite looked it over and read that it was a notice of a pair of bandits which had recently started causing trouble in the area. Travelers had been robbed and a more recent addendum noted that two people, a young man and a young woman, had gone missing. The notice also said that they were essence users. ¡°We¡¯re going after people this time?¡± Dragonfly asked, a bit hesitant. ¡°Indeed. While monsters are the most common notices, banditry is unfortunately quite common in these untamed lands. Especially since the fall of the Unbreakable Chain sect.¡± The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Kite had heard a little about the former sect which the instructor mentioned. Apparently, about ten years ago there had been a great conflict in this area as two of the three local sects banded together to destroy the third, the Unbreakable chain sect. Rumors said that the destroyed sect had been engaging in heinous acts of violence and debauchery. Kite didn¡¯t know much more about it, other than the fact that a lot of members of the fallen sect had managed to escape and scatter out into the autumn lands, leading to a sharp rise in banditry for the last decade. ¡°Being an adventurer is about protecting people, even if the ¡®monsters¡¯ in question are people themselves. Therefore I want to see how you conduct yourself in such a hunt. While taking them alive is an option, it''s by no means required.¡± instructor Whisper finished. Kite and Dragonfly gave each other a severe look. Both their masters had prepared them that this could happen, but standing in front of this looming reality was another matter entirely. Dragonfly tried giving Kite an encouraging smile, but it felt as forced as Kite¡¯s own.
Actually beginning the hunt for the bandits helped distract them from the trepidation in the bottom of their stomachs. Together they devised a plan where they began asking around the village they were in, before doing the same with two others that lay within an hour''s travel from the one where they took the notice. In doing this, they could roughly triangulate an area where most of the robberies and sightings had been reported. It wasn¡¯t very precise, but it was a start. Kite had felt a pang of homesickness as they¡¯d visited each village. The wooden houses with simple but homey decorations scattered along the flatter parts of the peak. Stone stairs with wood and rope railings leading up and down where the elevation shifted. People being a bit wary of strangers but mostly polite and helpful as long as you didn¡¯t start any trouble. He could almost glimpse a comfortable two-story house at each village¡¯s peak, smelling of herbs and home. After taking a couple of hours to navigate, Kite checked his map again. ¡°We should be near the area now. Let¡¯s split up but remain within earshot. Follow the plan?¡± he asked Dragonfly, who nodded enthusiastically. ¡°I will let you conduct your hunt independently,¡± said instructor Whisper. ¡°But will naturally be observing you.¡± As he talked, he had produced a paper charm which began to spill an inky fog through the air, obscuring him from sight. It only lasted a handful of seconds, but the instructor was nowhere to be seen. They didn¡¯t pay it much heed, as he had done the same before each monster hunt. Their trepidations about fighting other people had been dampened somewhat by the stories they had heard in the villages, as those who were robbed had never been left unmolested, sent back in varying degrees of nakedness and often sporting cruel injuries. The bandits seemed to enjoy tormenting their victims. The area, like most of the Autumn lands, were heavily forested with the usual mountain peaks and slopes. The underbrush fortunately wasn''t too thick, and Kite found that his new belt made navigating the terrain even easier. Just over an hour later, Kite was walking next to a small stream. It was barely a meter across and a hand deep, but something drew his attention in the water just a little bit further up the stream. He walked over and crouched down, reaching into the waters to pull out a bit of wire with some shiny bits of polished metal fastened along its length. He frowned, but dropped it as his hand snapped up. Half a breath later, a chain sporting a cruel hook tried winding itself around his lower arm. The hook failed to find purchase in the polished wooden armor, and Implacable motion caused the chain to just slide off his arm as well as the links were quickly retracted, the chain returning up into the foliage of the nearby tree from which it had been launched. Kite realized that without his perfect peripheral vision gifted by his perception power, Gaze of adamance, he might have missed the chain as it was aimed at his throat. ¡°Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. What a bothersome little fish. Why couldn¡¯t you swallow the lure like a good boy?¡± came a voice from the trees as two figures leapt down from the branches. It was a man and a woman, both clad in patched bits of leather armor and geared for the outdoors. He could see a lot of wear and tear on their equipment, but their faces were alert and smiling. It was the woman who had sent the chain at him, and Kite could see it retract back into the loop held loosely in one hand. Only an essence power could have a metal chain fly with such precision, an assumption reinforced by the iron rank auras they both exuded. Kite didn¡¯t like the feel of their auras, as they felt a bit unstable and volatile. He wondered why he couldn¡¯t feel their auras before, as he did not think they were capable of hiding this instability from him, or anyone with even a modicum of training. ¡°But such a prize fish who came swimming into our waters.¡± the man continued. ¡°Look at that equipment. And he¡¯s so pretty too. Senior would reward us well for such a prize.¡± As they talked the pair had split apart, ever so slowly moving toward Kite¡¯s flanks. Kite had his back to a tangle of bushes, and his aura sense picked up something from that direction as well. Focusing back up front, he projected his own aura out with all the force he could muster. The pair flinched slightly before managing to push back his aura. The efforts were crude by the standard Kite had been trained to, but together they managed to ensure that theirs weren¡¯t fully suppressed. ¡°You see that, Prowler?¡± the woman called. ¡°The little fishie thinks he got teeth enough to handle us. Think he will feel the same when we got him strung up, all writhing and bleeding from that supple little body?¡± she purred as she started spinning the hooked chain. Kite was a bit taken aback by the intensity of their gazes, but his senses told him that he needed a couple more seconds, so he called out. ¡°I must thank the two of you. I thought I would have more qualms about fighting you, but seeing you both made it rather easy. But I must ask, why? Why torment people like this?¡± He tried to sound as stoic and calm as he could, hoping it would mask his rapidly beating heart. The pair laughed, and Kite was surprised to hear how wicked it sounded, like something straight from a tale portraying wicked villains. The laughter didn¡¯t feel natural. ¡°Why, you ask?¡± answered the man. ¡°Because we can. Because it pleases us. Because pleasure is the only true path!¡± he grinned wickedly as he drew a curved sword from the scabbard at his waist. ¡°But unfortunately for you, the pleasure will be all ours.¡± He started to rush forward as he finished, while the woman released the chain which flew toward Kite with an almost sentient accuracy. Kite felt more movement just behind the shrubbery behind him now. Instead of replying, he started his own rush forward toward the man. Between Kite advancing and his aura still on full blast, it was a few more heartbeats until the pair noticed the second iron rank aura advancing on them. It too pulsed out, filled with fiery passion, as Dragonfly cleared the bushes in one mighty leap enhanced by her latest ability. She flew through the air as her fiery greataxe manifested in her hands, descending towards the advancing man. Dragonfly¡¯s aura pulse had been a simple way to signal Kite of her trajectory, and as he felt it he pivoted fully toward the woman and the chain still closing in on him. He struck out with his hand again toward the hook, but the woman seemed to have been waiting for the same response as last time. The chain curved impossibly in the air as the hook flew past Kite¡¯s gauntlet and continued toward his throat. Her smile of vicious triumph turned to surprise as Kite¡¯s hand instead continued forward to strike at the links, which in turn caused the chain to dissolve with the sound of a mirror breaking, Kite''s counter dragging more mana from the unsettling bandit. Kite took that moment to activate the charging power of his new belt. His speed got a substantial boost as he crossed the distance between them and aimed a punch toward her torso. While it wasn¡¯t necessary, Kite still wanted to see if he could take her down alive. And he had an idea as to how. While his heart still hammered, his aura was steady and controlled. The woman managed to get an arm up to block the incoming fist, as new lengths of conjured chain snaked around her arm and wrapped it in makeshift armor. Kite unleashed two of his special attacks, the by now usual duo of Distrupting strike and Chakra implosion, with the punch, and as the chain disintegrated again he could see the blueish mana-draining cracks spread down into her body. The chain had absorbed most of the impact before being dispelled, but she was still thrown backwards from the charging strike to collide with a tree as even more mana was forced from her. His opponent dazed by the impact, Kite pressed the advantage. He fell upon her as she still had her back to the tree, raining punches and the occasional knee strike into her frantic defense. Kite realized that while he had superior training, his opponent seemed to have enough experience to level out the difference somewhat. She tried summoning new chains to reinforce her defense and retake the initiative, but they were dispelled time and time again by Kite¡¯s special attacks, allowing him to stay on the offensive. Each time she lost more mana and her recovery slowed further, and all the while, the ever-present small vortex continued to greedily absorb mana from both opponents. It wasn¡¯t long until she started visibly flagging, eyes unfocused. She made a last ditch effort to use a special attack which normally worked as a finisher, where multiple barbed chains were supposed to spring from the ground, ensnare her opponent and tear them to bloody shreds. Not thinking straight due to a concussion- and mana-induced headache, she failed to reflect upon the rather hefty cost of such an ability. The chains barely had time to appear before she went limp, eyes rolling backward as the last dregs of mana left her body, her attack never finished. Kite stood towering above her in a rain of orange leaves, caused by her repeatedly striking the trunk. He had experienced the different kind of brutality that a life-and-death-clash between essence users entailed, and reeled a bit in the aftermath. The sounds of another battle behind him snapped him back to reality and he turned around, confident that the woman wouldn¡¯t wake any time soon after passing out from mana-fatigue. However, the battle concluded before he could close the distance. The fight between Dragonfly and the man had the same kind of intensity as Kite had experienced, but the brutality was of a different kind. Around them lay swathes of blackened underbrush and several burnt-out husks of what Kite assumed were conjured entangling vines of some sort. Both combatants sported several wounds, but while the man was panting and exhausted, Dragonfly¡¯s breaths sounded more like those of excitement as the air shimmered with the heat of her exhalations. She was glowing faintly from within as they clashed. The man thrust out with his sword, almost stopping in surprise as Dragonfly took the thrust clean through her lower arm before twisting the blade out of his grip, the sword still stuck. Kite saw that in almost the same instant the sword entered her arm, the great axe in her other hand flashed with blue-white intensity. Even the one handed swing of her retaliation was enough to bisect the man as the massive, burning blade passed through first his left arm and then his lower torso. She roared once in triumph, before dismissing her burning axe and taking a steadying breath. Kite could see her inner glow spreading, heat dissipating as it instead became a potent restorative effect. She slid the sword out without a wince, the wound closing at a visible pace. ¡°I figured taking him alive wasn¡¯t really a part of your purview, so I was gentle with mine.¡± Kite mused aloud, as feelings of triumph and nausea warred inside him. They had fought monsters and witnessed the gory parts of adventuring life, but it awakened a bit of primal wrongness in Kite to see the crimson blood of his own kind splattered across the ground like that. Dragonfly was just about to answer as Kite felt something new, descending quickly. It was another aura. Bronze rank, but like the earlier pair it felt slightly wild and unstable. He was just beginning to jump toward Dragonfly and scream a warning as the foliage above exploded inward around a descending figure. Kite heard the rattle of spinning, thrashing chains as he caught a glimpse of bulging muscles and a too wide smile, along with an open hand descending toward the back of Dragonfly¡¯s head. 10. A deviants path The world seemed to slow down. Kite could more clearly see the hand reaching for Dragonfly¡¯s pink curls, and just as the fingers were about to close, it all changed. From too slow to almost too fast to follow, an inky cloud exploded from Dragonfly before disappearing almost as fast. The descending man landed with the shattering of stone and the splashing of water as the stream suddenly sported a new pond, courtesy of the small crater caused by the forceful landing. He looked at his empty hands, then up at where Dragonfly had been standing. In her stead hovered a small paper doll, vaguely human shaped. The man barely had time to scrunch up his eyebrows in frustration as a myriad of glyphs lit up on the doll, the resulting explosion launching him back into a nearby rock formation. Instructor Whisper appeared next to Kite in a similar cloud of smoke. ¡°Follow this charm and stay out of the way. If things are looking bleak for me, I recommend that you run. Understood?¡± Kite barely had the time to nod before a slip of paper with flickering glyphs caught his attention as it flew in front of his face, before gliding off through the air. Not long after, he crouched next to Dragonfly behind a mossy boulder some forty meters down the small stream. They sat close and peeked out at the same side of the stone. This let them both get a proper look at the unexpected assailant as he rose from where he had fallen. It was a human man of medium height but built as an ox. His body was swollen with muscle until it almost became obscene, veins clearly visible on his bare upper body. He was clean shaven of both head and face, and still sported the severely unnerving smile below small, beady eyes. Instructor Whisper stood straight and dignified about twenty meters away from the man with a detached and severe expression, robes still immaculate. ¡°It¡¯s not very nice to deny a man his path like that.¡± the stranger spoke between clenched teeth. ¡°And they looked so delectable too. Enough that these idiots-¡± he gestured to the fallen iron-rankers ¡°-apparently lost their senses and were put down. It¡¯s hard to find proper initiates out here in the middle of nowhere though, so I have to take what I can get.¡± All while he spoke, the rictus grin remained frozen on his face. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you dare bring your tainted path close to these lands again, deviant. You know you will be hunted down like the beasts you are after I report back.¡± answered instructor Whisper in a clipped tone. ¡°Then I believe we live under vastly different assumptions, little man. Because if we follow my path, you will soon lie broken beneath my hands and not be in any position to report anything to anyone while I break those little treats you brought me with something entirely different.¡± ¡°Our paths will forever be at odds, deviant. The adventure society has principles that are created to protect the people from beasts like you, and today I will be their arbiter.¡± instructor Whisper stated as three more paper charms appeared in his hand. His opponent had already began moving, and as he took a hulking leap, four chains sprouted from his back. Two wound themselves along his arms in a way Kite recognized from his earlier fight, while the other whipped about like the heads of rabid snakes. His muscles pulsed with a sickly purple light which sent nauseating images of formless horror through the minds of everyone present. Both Kite and Dragonfly reeled from the disturbing mental effects before they managed to shield themselves with a united effort of auras. Instructor Whisper did not remain idle either, as he sent the three charms flying to hover in different static positions around the mossy battleground. As the bandit closed the distance, the same ability replaced the instructor with another exploding paper doll. The bandit, now wiser to the trick could at least protect his face with a meaty hand and he swiftly pursued the smaller man, using his chains to grab branches and stones to gain speed or change direction abruptly. Instructor Whisper continued to dodge the ever-increasing frequency of punches, conjured chains and barreling charges, his margins lessening with each second. The bandit almost shrieked in triumph as he, after tens of missed attacks, finally managed to predict where his elusive opponent would appear. Huge fists reached into the appearing smoke and lifted the instructor from the ground while squeezing, muscles pulsing again with the purple light. ¡°We have to do something!¡± Kite whispered frantically. ¡°I know!¡± Dragonfly hissed back, ¡°but even I am not fool enough to dive into that fight. They¡¯re both bronze rank, and not in the early stages either. We¡¯d be paste. Heaven damn it!¡± She punctuated the last part by punching the boulder which, judging from the thin cracks, looked more hurt by the experience than her. Kite suddenly stepped out from behind the boulder. Before Dragonfly could drag him back down, he had plucked a short, curved bow from his void sheath. It was made from supple wood which still looked alive, and between its curves were a spider¡¯s web instead of string.
WWJS: [Item] Gladespinner¡¯s bow Rank: Iron - Uncommon [Effect] Conjure arrows for a small cost of mana. [Effect] Arrows fired inflicts and instance of [Gladespinner venom], a stackable poison which drains stamina over time
Kite had received the bow after the battle with the spider¡¯s and their brood mother. However, he only had a basic proficiency with the weapon, and that was a bit too generous of an evaluation. ¡°Better than nothing.¡± he mumbled as he drew the string and fired. Arrows flew along the stream, almost all missing the stationary and rather large target. The last one which actually hit simply bounced off the swollen muscles of the bandit¡¯s arm, not even garnering an ounce of attention from the man. To the horror of Kite and Dragonfly, a loud cracking sound could be heard as the huge man¡¯s fists broke the body of instructor Whisper. And once again, they were all surprised at what came next. Instead of a spray of blood, paper streamers erupted from the smaller man¡¯s body. They were apparently quite sharp as the bandit stumbled back covered in lacerations. At the same time, instructor Whisper appeared standing on a fallen log some ten meters away. Along with him appeared dozens of additional charms hovering around the glade. ¡°Imbecile.¡± he commented, before chanting a spell. ¡°Let thine freedom be taken by scriptures of power¡±. Lines of magical symbols started flowing out of some of the floating charms, connecting and forming a cube around the bandit. As the big man lunged toward him, his fist met an invisible barrier which glowed slightly on contact. ¡°You think this flimsy thing will stop my path!? The bandit shouted in a voice broken between a roar and a squeal, before he started to pound away at the barrier. However, instructor Whisper was not done. ¡°A stroke of the brush shall seal thine fate!¡± The rest of the charms lit up, before they started to shower the trapped bandit with hundreds of small beams of bright force. From a distance, it looked as if he was bathed in needles made of pure light, as if to excise the foulness trapped between them. They were relentless, and the damage dealt was visible even from where Kite and Dragonfly watched. At this rate, it seemed like it would soon be over. However, it seemed like the bandit shared the instructor¡¯s sentiment of not giving in so easily. He staggered back, and wheezed out a chant of his own through the apparent pain. ¡°My flesh stands ready for the most sublime of pleasures. Let it awaken true ecstasy, so that I may make the world my receptacle!¡± Once more they could all feel the disturbing pulse, albeit more subdued as it seemed to have a different focus this time; inwards. The glowing light from within the man¡¯s body intensified, and both his speed and power seemed to increase drastically. He renewed his frenzied assault on the barrier, which now started to show cracks at a disturbingly quick pace as he seemed to ignore the rays of force that still showered him . Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Kite recognized the signs of a certain type of ability; where the user gained powerful boons at the cost of a weakened state afterwards. As Dragonfly had one, he was quite familiar with how they could swing a fight if used at the right momentum, lessons learned during their sparring. And thanks to those lessons, he knew that he might actually be able to make a difference in a situation where he otherwise would have to remain a passive observer. He flashed a smile at Dragonfly as he brandished his bow again. ¡°This always annoyed you so much!¡± as he took a breath and fired. The arrow flew wide, as did the three following. Kite tensed with each miss as he could see the barrier weakening quickly, and that it might be too late in just a few seconds as his target would no longer remain stationary. He counted two more heartbeats, praying to the goddess Fortune and made a silent vow to Warrior that he would increase his time spent practicing if he could only land this arrow. Dragonfly, only now picking up on the reason why Kite renewed his efforts, seemed to have her own solution to the problem as he suddenly heard: ¡°Say ¡®aaaaaaah¡¯.¡± ¡°Wha-¡± he started to ask as something was shoved into his mouth. A current went through his body, as the bronze spirit coin dissolved and the world slowed down. He could feel his hands stop shaking. The coolness of the stream through his greaves. The smell of Dragonfly, flowery beneath a generous dose of the smells of the forest, sweat and blood. His eyes focused as his arrow crackled slightly before it was released. For an iron ranker, mortal limitations were very much real. While their abilities made them dangerous, their physical characteristics had not yet changed all that much. As Kite hadn¡¯t put too many hours into his archery, which meant even hitting a huge and stationary target at that range was quite unlikely. This changed as his body channeled the more potent bronze rank magic, as borrowed strength, perception and clarity took the hit chance from ¡®very unlikely¡¯ to ¡®routine¡¯ as long as he wasn¡¯t too particular of where the arrow struck the target. The projectile flew along the waters of the stream now tainted with blood from the intense battle upstream. With his increased perception, he could see it enter the shower of bright rays still fired from instructor Whisper¡¯s many wards. Fortune seemed to have heard him, as it flew the final stretch unscathed and pierced the swollen flesh of the man¡¯s back. The damage was entirely negligible, but the added special attack was anything but. Upon contact, Disrupting strike delivered its shimmering energies into the man. As the pulse traveled through the bandits body, helped along by the bronze spirit coin in his body and his racial gift which let such abilities ignore the resistance from rank disparity, the swollen muscles deflated like a water skin hit by a ballista bolt. Kite had used the tactic several times during his sparring with Dragonfly, as such high risk-high reward powers became a trap when facing Kite¡¯s rather unusual power set. The bandit shrieked and fell down to one knee, as his mighty punches became a weak flailing. Then clawing. Then nothing. Instructor Whisper kept the attack going for a little longer, but as the bandit leader remained still, he eventually released the attacking wards, the barrier-cage following shortly after. Kite missed a bit of the aftermath as the world became blurry as the strength from the coin left him. He wobbled on his feet and had to lean on Dragonfly as the pair walked back up the stream toward the instructor, who rose up to face them after fastening a suppression collar around the still unconscious woman. ¡°Report.¡± he asked them rather curtly. They were both a bit taken aback by the formality in his voice, but began piecing together their recollection of the events. After hearing them out, the instructor nodded approvingly. ¡°That is in accord with what I saw as well. You are to be commended for your assistance in the matter. While staying was a risk, you took action within reason and therefore saved me both injury and valuable resources. As you might have surmised, things get a lot more messy for me if I can¡¯t contain my foe. Thank you.¡± ¡°Can you tell us who they were, instructor? You seemed to know them. Or of them, at least¡± Kite asked, albeit with a careful tone. ¡°He spoke of initiates. Were they really of the Unbreakable Chains sect?¡± Instructor Whisper sighed. ¡°You are correct. Deviants from a not so distant path. While you are not yet members and don''t meet the qualifications for some of the classified knowledge, there are some things I can relay. What do you know of the sect?¡± ¡°Only that it was destroyed and that they supposedly did a lot of really horrible things. I tried not to put too much stock into it though, since I thought it was mostly rumors.¡± Kite responded. ¡°While it might not hold true for every member, it did for most. At least at the end. The sect had always taught a path of dominating the battlefield through abilities that left enemies helpless, and having at least one power which restricted enemy movement were a criteria for joining. While strict and domineering, their values weren¡¯t beyond common sensibilities or far removed from the teachings of other sects. But some rumors got out a little too frequently, and a covert investigation revealed that quite distasteful practices had become commonplace among the elders of the sect. By the time the other sects struck, only the most newly inducted disciples were uninitiated into these dark rituals. Use of restricted essences had spread among them, especially the corrupt essence, but also the essences and awakening stones of the darker gods. The horrors of these practices were varied and I shall not name them all, but some followed what they called the path of pleasure, albeit that no one but the practitioner would be pleased by such a path. They essentially act only to gain access to new heights of pleasure, no matter what or who would suffer the consequences. While varied in their inclinations they are all quite twisted individuals. You did the kingdom a service today.¡± Both Kite and Dragonfly had listened with increasing unease, and the latter broke their silence. ¡°But weren¡¯t they hunted down? Why aren''t there more adventurers out here to fight them?¡± Instructor Whisper¡¯s mouth became a thin line. ¡°A most reasonable question. Unfortunately, sect politics have become involved. Which means that both the Victorious Sunset sect and the Descending star sect lay claim to further larger scale purging contracts. As they bicker over each one, dragging the society into the mess, the punitive patrols are few and far between. Therefore it is mostly small-scale contracts for bandit hunting that are done with any regularity.¡± He spat to the side. ¡°This barely makes a dent in the numbers, unfortunately, as there is no shortage of desperate souls escaping to this corner of the kingdom, so the deviants have their pick of new people to induct. But I believe that I might have overstepped my professionality and slid into the lands of personal opinion. Please forgive a weary instructor for the lapse.¡± Holding up a hand to forestall more questions, he gestured to the collared woman. ¡°We shall bring her back with us and let the society¡¯s interrogators see what they can wring from her. You both did well today, and due to the circumstances I shall break protocol and congratulate you both for passing. As of now, you are one-star adventurers of iron rank. Your first contract shall be to arrange transport and bring the prisoner back to the city. As soon as we return to the village, I will travel ahead of you and make arrangements for your arrival. Understood?¡± Both Kite and Dragonfly nodded, as the sudden weight of responsibility settling on their shoulders quieted any thoughts of protest.
The freshly-minted pair of adventurers watched the retreating form of instructor Whisper, as he rode what looked like a big lizard made out of folded paper, complete with saddle and bridle. He had debriefed them thoroughly, and left after giving one final word of advice. ¡°This has been a perfect lesson as to instill one truth of the adventurer lifestyle. That the information in the contracts is a loose guide at best. Neither you nor I suspected to encounter a bronze-rank bandit, yet we did. It is up to you both to use your judgment and meticulousness to discern the best way forward. And remember that there is never any shame in stepping down and calling for assistance. No matter what members of certain sects would tell you. Your paths are only as fragile as you make them.¡± Dragonfly looked down at their cargo. The woman was collared and bound to a stretcher they had constructed from two sturdy branches with a pelt stretched between which they had bought from the villagers. She was fast asleep, which she¡¯d remain for the remainder of the trip, courtesy of some quite potent sleeping pills auntie Dove had included in the collection she had sent with Kite. The woman had awoken earlier, and started shouting obscenities which gave the pair the impulse to both blush and vomit, and they¡¯d unanimously decided to keep her as sedated as possible. Fortunately, the trip back was largely uneventful, with the exception of a rather hectic night battle against a pack of rummager hounds. The canine monsters weren¡¯t individually threatening to an iron ranker, but could create quite a mess as their long, multi-pronged prehensile tongues made them quite proficient thieves. As they neared the gates of Gilded, they got a lot of odd looks from the other travelers around the gate, but the whispering died down as they were met by an escort of adventure society officials for the final stretch of the journey.
The very same evening, Kite and Dragonfly sat together on the roof of the apartment Kite shared with uncle Walker. He was admiring his badge in the last rays of sun, as the sky took on a rosy color which melded well with the golden foliage all around them. Putting the badge away, he picked up one of the meat skewers from the huge basket of food they had bought to celebrate. Brandishing it like a mock blade, he held it out toward his companion whose pink hair seemed to meld with the evening sky above. She gave him a grin and picked a skewer of her own to cross ¡®swords¡¯ with him. ¡°As the rains follow the slopes to create fertile fields, may our paths carry us to glory.¡± he intoned with mock seriousness. He had found that he really enjoyed how relaxed he felt around Dragonfly, as her amicable nature and passion had worn down a bit of the serious teenager in him who always felt like the world judged him. ¡°So far, our paths have mostly carried us to sleeping outdoors and fighting pervy bandits. So I¡¯ll definitely be on the lookout for more of that glory.¡± she replied with a wink. 11. Bonfire Following his acceptance into the adventure society, Kite got to work thoroughly exploring the adventurer lifestyle he had heard so much about. While he had gotten quite the introduction to it during his training and travel with uncle Walker, taking a contract and traveling out into the more sparsely populated wilds really drove home how much freedom, and danger, that the lifestyle had to offer. As an iron-ranker, there were no special expectations thrust upon him by the society. On the contrary, he seemed to be expected to keep his head down and focus on completing contracts without making too much of a stir. For the moment, Kite was quite content with this arrangement, and there certainly weren¡¯t any shortage of contracts for him to complete. For the first few weeks he consulted uncle Walker, or master Force if the former was unavailable, before taking on each contract. On their advice, he had also purchased a magical index of monsters from the magic society to help him better understand the beasts of the area. Some he completed together with Dragonfly, and some he did alone. So far they were all simple monster hunts of rather well-known iron rank monsters, and he had so far avoided any unpleasant surprises along the lines of the unexpected bronze rank bandit. Overall he had fallen into a comfortable rhythm as he tried to find his place in this new life of excitement and travel. Between traveling between contracts, weapons training with some extra archery practice he barely had time for more pleasant distractions, such as reading. Kite had been an avid reader during childhood, and had reunited with the literary world now that he had the money to purchase his own books and scrolls. In addition to novels, he had also bought a collection of manuals on aura training and meditation, which had belonged to a deceased adventurer and was sold off by his family. He tried taking some time for reading and practice every evening, but it was one thing to do it in the comfort of his own bed and another entirely while lying in ambush for a nocturnal monster. One evening, Kite entered the small apartment to find that his uncle had returned from his latest excursion. His contracts usually lasted at least several days, so it was a happy coincidence the chance upon him these days when Kite operated quite independently. ¡°Little Kite! Welcome back!¡± greeted his uncle, and as they sat down to eat at the small table he had Kite tell him everything he could recollect from his last couple of contracts. He mostly nodded approvingly, throwing in some bits of advice here and there. ¡°It looks like you are coming along well, youngling. If you can keep it up, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll have opportunities to earn some more awakening stones soon enough, if not only through tenacious gathering of funds. ¡°My last contract took me northward, so I made a slight detour to give the good news to your aunties. They both send their regards and are very proud of you. Dove also gave me some more pills to replenish your stores.¡± he finished as he slid a small bag toward Kite. The young man felt warm inside as he held the bag to his chest. While the freedom of his current life suited him well, he still longed to travel back to starberry peak and visit them. ¡°Soon enough¡± he quietly vowed to himself. ¡°Oh, I almost forgot. Remember the young master we met at the waterfall? Whom you faced in your first clash of paths?¡± his uncle asked suddenly. ¡°Young master Providence, was it?¡± ¡°Indeed. And remember the evaluation I sent them?¡± he continued, Kite nodding affirmation. ¡°His family seemed to have received it, and even sent a reply. Ostensibly, it was the usual overly formal thanks for teaching their young scion, but it seems like me saving him from the monster became a bit of a nuisance for their collective pride.¡± As he talked, he produced a small, rather pretty wooden box which was bound shut with bright red string. ¡°Apparently, they felt the need to sever the karmic debt they felt connected us, so I had this waiting for me at the adventure society. Go ahead, open it.¡± Kite obeyed, untying the knot and flipped open the lid. Inside lay a beautiful jade token with iron engravings depicting a sky, complete with sun and clouds. Kite regarded it for a while but came up blank as to what the token may be. ¡°That, young Kite, might be the most convoluted hidden insult I have heard of. This is an iron rank Jade-Sky token.¡± As Kite¡¯s expression remained blank, he continued. ¡°You have probably heard of the Queen of Jade and Sky?¡± Kite had indeed heard about her. She was a mythical figure in Hua-Xi¡¯s history as one of two rulers since the kingdom¡¯s founding who had managed to reach diamond rank . Apparently she had abdicated the throne over six hundred years ago, but not without leaving a legacy. One such legacy was a code of law which guaranteed that everyone had the right to claim naturally occurring treasure regardless of territorial claims, and she instituted the clash of paths to resolve such disputes. Another legacy, more pertinent to their current conversation, was the jade-sky gates. These were powerful artifacts in the shape of round gates of heavenly jade, which were rumored to possess some kind of spirit of their own. They would apparently descend from the skies of Hua-Xi to stabilize proto-astral spaces, which formed rather frequently in this part of the continent. Usually these kinds of dimensional spaces destabilized and vanished after some time had passed, but these artifacts apparently had the power to change that. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. No one but the queen knew why certain spaces were chosen, but it was confirmed that the gate both stabilized and changed the space within, turning them into trials of worth. The space became inaccessible to someone without the corresponding token matching the individual''s rank, and was rumored to contain great treasures with even greater dangers. She had declared them arbiters of the strength of one¡¯s path, which one could only enter alone. Only after someone managed to overcome the trial did the gate leave, ascending once more into the sky and the space broke down as usual. Kite looked at the token with newfound reverence. ¡°But uncle, how is this an insult? Why would they give away such an opportunity?¡± ¡°Why indeed, little Kite? Why wouldn¡¯t they have kept it for one of their own family? Ostensibly, this is a valuable gift worthy of one who saved a life. If I told you that only about one in four have been rumored to survive the gates, how would you think that would affect the attitude of the noble families and sects who are usually the ones to possess such tokens?¡± ¡°Only one in four¡­¡± Kite mumbled, before he stopped to think it over. ¡°Oh I see. It isn¡¯t worth the risk for them.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°They probably work hard and put a lot of effort and resources into raising their essence users. Why risk such investments for treasure, which they would probably accrue anyway given time?¡± ¡°That is the assumption the rest of us outcasts are working under as well. See, little Kite, how much you understand if you take the time to think and look beyond the obvious.¡± Families like Providence usually have a lot of pride, and one of their own being outmatched by an unknown outcast shortly before being saved by another probably is a stain on that pride.¡± ¡°Even after you saved his life?¡± ¡°Especially after saving his life. Therefore, I¡¯ve come to the conclusion that this token is a way of saving face and ostensibly giving me a great gift in return. By now they probably know of our connection, and by giving me this iron rank token is almost the same as giving it to you. And due to the danger, most iron rankers would suffer a high risk of perishing if they used the token.¡± ¡°So¡­ They¡¯re basically telling me to go and die? Disguised as a gift?¡± Kite asked incredulously. ¡°Welcome to the world of pride and nobility, young Kite.¡± uncle Walker said, raising his cup in mock salute. ¡°Well, you at least got another piece of pretty memorabilia.¡± Kite said, leaning forward to close the lid. He stopped as his uncle had raised his hand, eyes twinkling. ¡°Not so fast, my young proteg¨¦. I only told you that the gates were very dangerous, but did I ever tell you why?¡± he said, still grinning mischievously. ¡°I just assumed that the monsters were powerful and numerous.¡± Kite answered, quite curious of where his uncle was going with this line of thought. ¡°In a way, but not the one your thoughts are wandering along. But first, time for a moment of imparting my vast knowledge unto your young mind. Do you remember why higher rank monsters are considered such a danger?¡± This one Kite knew by heart, drilled into him over multiple impromptu lessons such as this. ¡°Due to their superior inherent capabilities, but only in part. The majority of the increase in danger comes from greater complexity, with more exotic and potent abilities.¡± ¡°Correct again. Good to see that the rain that is my wisdom has watered such eager soil. According to those who have prevailed in the trials, that seems to hold true for every trial regardless of rank. Which means that even the iron-rank trial will have monsters whose complexity is quite rare for their rank. And I know of a certain, up-and-coming young iron ranker who happens to be even more effective the more complex his enemy¡­¡± he said while giving Kite a meaningful look. Kite had started to catch on as his uncle spoke, nodding along in part disbelief and part excitement. ¡°You really think I could pass the trial of the gate?¡± ¡°I do, little Kite. I believe you have both the powers and level head to see you through such a challenge. But I must be very certain you understand three things. First, while I feel very optimistic about the prospect of you receiving the prize from such a challenge and making the Providence family choke on their poor choices, the choice is ultimately yours. I do not doubt that the trial of the gate would be supremely dangerous for anyone, and you know that I care about you like a son. I want you to know that I will be as proud of you even if you choose not to go through with this. Second, you are not ready as you are. I would only recommend you to enter the challenge whenyou have awakened all your abilities and are able to actually advance toward bronze rank. All of you, mind, body , soul and powers, would need to be ready for such a challenge. Third, your aunties might do quite unpleasant things to me if they found out that I pushed you toward this kind of danger. If you have to tell them, I would hope that you keep your poor uncle¡¯s health in mind when choosing how you phrase it.¡± Kite chuckled, before closing the lid of the box. He held it up before stowing it away in his dimensional bag, eyes mirroring his uncle¡¯s excitement. ¡°It looks like I have a lot of work to do then. Those awakening stones will not earn themselves.¡± he said as he stood. ¡°Thank you uncle, both for the gift and your trust. This just became a worthy bonfire to direct my path towards.¡± That night, he fell asleep thinking about unknown trials as he swore resolutely to work even harder. While the freedom so far had been exhilarating, having an additional goal was just what he needed to continue along his path. He didn¡¯t know if the path led toward the heavens, but he thought he could see the hint of stars on his horizon. 12. Verdant steps Kite stood with a thoughtful expression as he looked at the contracts board at the adventure society campus. One peculiar contract had caught his eye for a couple of days now, as it had remained untouched during that time, probably longer from the look of the paper. It was a contract from a village in the northeast. Apparently, the village claimed to be haunted with descriptions of spectral entities frightening or even hurting the villagers. The contract even started out as a two-star job, but seemed to have languished long enough on the board for it to be downgraded to one star, but with the added requirement of needing a team of at least three adventurers if they only had the lowest ranking. Kite had done some research, and thought he knew why the contract had remained unclaimed. The village was quite remote and the listed pay was barely enough to actually get noticed by the adventure society. While Kite had tried finding the most lucrative contracts, he had quickly become painfully aware of the political landscape of this branch; sect politics. Most local adventurers had either a firm allegiance or actual membership in one of the two sects close to gilded, the Victorious Sunset sect and the Descending Star sect. As the sects were ever at odds with one another, this created another level in the social landscape. One adventurer would rarely, if ever, work along a member of the opposing faction. At first, Kite had hoped that being a neutral party would open more avenues of cooperation. He had been mistaken. If anything, most sect-affiliated adventurers seemed to despise the so-called outcasts even more as they had the temerity to not take their side in the competition for the best and most lucrative contracts. Kite had a good feeling about the contract regarding the haunting though. He could probably rope Dragonfly into coming along. That only left the question of finding the third participant, but fortunately he knew where to start there as well. He reached out and took the contract. The mystery of it piques his interest by no small margin. And he did have a good feeling about it.
Kite¡¯s goal waited at the end of a line of people in the administrations building. Behind a counter waited an elven woman, clearly from another part of the world. Most elven families in Hua-Xi had fair skin and hair color ranging from black to deep blue. This woman¡¯s hair was a rare vibrant hue of green, which stood in pleasant contrast to her amber eyes. He¡¯d had the chance to observe her several times when he stood in line to turn in a contract, and as so often before, she had a polite smile which never quite reached the eyes as she conducted most of her business. Therefore, Kite felt a slight sense of victory as her features softened somewhat as she turned to him. ¡°Ah, hello again Kite. Here to turn in another one so soon? ¡°Good morning, Adelaide. Not this time I¡¯m afraid. I haven¡¯t got the movement powers for that kind of pace.¡± he said with a smile as he produced the contract he¡¯d taken from the board earlier. ¡°I¡¯m here for this. More specifically, I¡¯m wondering if the society can recommend a third participant for me to approach.¡± Adelaide of clan Riuzic was one of many functionaries in the Hua-Xi adventure society who served five-year tours of duty there on the behest of the continental council, so as to stay above local politics and feuding as much as possible. It was hard to miss her frustration with the local situation, but she remained strictly professional in her outward dealings even when she was patiently repeating adventure society regulations to an adventurer who felt entitled to more preferential treatments. Kite had only seen her soften somewhat toward himself and other outcasts, as he figured they probably were a lot less of a hassle to deal with. ¡°Ah, the haunting. Glad someone finally accepted it. You need some recommendations, you said. I¡¯m happy to be of service. Follow me, please.¡± she said before quickly closing her counter before leading him toward one of many side rooms used for smaller conferences. The rest of the people behind Kite in line weren¡¯t very pleased with the development, and Kite could hear angry grumbling and a call of ¡°the Descending Star sect won¡¯t stand for such treatment toward an initiate!¡± before the door closed with a *click* behind them, quickly followed by a privacy enchantment humming to life. One would need to be a very perceptive silver ranker or above to eavesdrop on such a meeting. As they sat down in the comfortable chairs, Adelaide spoke first. ¡°I still do not understand why this place can¡¯t just have guilds like most other sane places on this world.¡± she muttered before straightening and returning to her more business-like demeanor. ¡°So, a third participant. Shall I assume Dragonfly is your second?¡± ¡°Indeed! I¡¯m surprised you remembered.¡± ¡°I tend to keep an eye out for those of you who actually get the job done quickly and seem to value at least a modicum of pragmatism. Dragonfly has a lot of passion, but she is neither a fool or rude, so our professional relationship works quite smoothly. You should keep her close.¡± ¡°She¡¯s quite fond of hugs, so no worries on that account.¡± Kite said with a small laugh. ¡°But yes, I believe that the path towards the heavens has room for companions and will treasure them. Did you have another in mind for us?¡± ¡°I might. You ¡®outcasts¡¯-¡± her expression soured at what she felt was a needlessly derogatory term. ¡°-tend to narrow the options down a lot though. The one I¡¯m thinking of is a bit of an odd case. There has even been an incentive added by her temple for taking her along.¡± ¡°So she¡¯s part of the clergy as well?¡± Kite asked with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Which one?¡± ¡°The goddess of Song, actually, if you¡¯d believe it.¡± He was indeed surprised to hear that, as Song¡¯s clergy rarely had that many active adventurers compared to Warrior or even Healer. ¡°Consider my interest piqued. But why would she even need something like an incentive to get someone to bring her along?¡± he asked, trying to deduce a reason but coming up short. Adelaide sighed. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me saying, it is mostly due to the culture around here, as are most local problems if you ask me. This priestess has a collection of abilities that supports her allies while keeping herself obscured. Healing, enhancement and a bit of stealth all in one person. Very few of her abilities deal actual damage though, which leaves her quite vulnerable lacking personal defense.¡± As she spoke, Kite began to understand the problem. Among the often fiercely individualistic essence users of Hua-Xi, many hesitated in going to others for help. A few went so far as to reject abilities from others which would enhance them, as they held to the opinion that it ruined the purity of their path and the strength it contained. Combined with a lack of personal defense powers, some would even dismiss such an adventurer out of hand for having a path that was too weak to even associate with. Kite had been raised too far away from the bigger cities and therefore didn¡¯t have that notion as thoroughly ingrained in him as most, and his training with uncle Walker and master Force had stamped out any remaining tendencies. They both valued survival a lot more than such, according to them, prideful nonsense. ¡°I can see the problem this would raise, yes.¡± he said with a thoughtful look. ¡°But you¡¯ll meet her anyway? At least consider it?¡± Adelaide pressed. ¡°Yes I will. Dragonfly shouldn¡¯t be hard to convince, and my curiosity is quite thoroughly raised by now. Besides, a closed mind is like a closed book; just a block of wood. These last few months I have come to think that very few people, if any, should ever be dismissed out of hand.¡± ¡°Then you show the beginning of a different kind of wisdom than many of your peers. I¡¯ve actually tried several times to convince her to relocate to another land entirely. Her array of powers would have her practically courted by different teams in most other places. She could do so much better, but unfortunately she seems to have unfinished business here. But it is not my place to elaborate further. Go to Song¡¯s temple and ask for a Serene Breeze. Tell them your errand, and I¡¯m sure they will assist you.¡± she finished while rising to her feet. ¡°If there is nothing else, I believe our business to be concluded¡± ¡°Thank you, Adelaide.¡± Kite said while bowing with hands cupped. She replied with a wave over her shoulder as she, while returning to her counter, had the gait of a woman returning to the front of a war.
As expected, there was a lot of singing going on inside the temple of Song. As Kite was escorted by a young clergyman through the small temple complex, he was fascinated by how almost everyone they met were singing their own melody, but somehow still remained in harmony with every other song within earshot. The stone building had a lot of architectural peculiarities, with more care given to acoustics rather than aesthetics. He was led to what he assumed to be the wing of the temple housing the personal quarters of the clergy. His guide stopped in front of one of the doors from where Kite thought he heard the sound of chimes. ¡°She¡¯s waiting for you in here.¡± the young man gestured. Kite nodded and knocked at the door, his knuckles almost unconsciously rapping the door in concert with the music. The sound of chimes stopped, and a moment later the door slid open. He was greeted by a young celestine woman, clad in the sky blue silk robes of her church. She was almost as tall as him, with features more pretty rather than striking. Her hair, cut just above her shoulders and with straight bangs, were the turquoise color of jade as it framed her face with irises matching her hair. Her aura struck him even more than her looks however, as it had a depth and nuance he had never experienced before. It was iron rank, but had qualities he hadn¡¯t even encountered in any bronze-ranker he had met so far. ¡°By the heavens, it¡¯s beautiful¡­¡± he said almost breathlessly before catching himself as her eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Your aura, I mean. Very nice. Much depth. My name is Kite. There is a contract. May I come in?¡± he quickly stumbled through in an attempt to escape how his mind had yet again produced his inner thoughts, with him noticing too late. A few moments later he sat on a small chair in the small room as his host sat on the edge of the bed, still regarding him in silence. He had given up almost immediately in trying to glean her feelings from her aura, as it behaved in ways he couldn¡¯t comprehend. It was as if he stood before a real dragon after only seeing it in paintings before, realizing how flat and unexpressive his earlier experiences had been. As his hostess seemed to wait for him to continue, he cleared his throat. ¡°As I said earlier, my name is Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. I hope you would acquiesce to simply calling me Kite.¡± he paused, waiting for her reply. After giving him another long look, he heard a voice not unlike a wind gently rustling a myriad of chimes. It was light and rather pleasant, but with a certain otherworldly quality to it. ¡°I am Serene Breeze, or just Serene.¡± Kite was absolutely sure that her lips hadn¡¯t moved as she spoke, but the air around her seemed to convey the words just fine. ¡°Well met on the path to power, Serene.¡± he replied with a smile that couldn¡¯t quite hide his wonder at her peculiar way of speech. ¡°Adelaide of the adventure society sent me your way. I have a contract, one companion and the need for one more. And she seemed to think we would work well together.¡± While talking, he took out the contract and slid it across the table. She looked at it briefly before looking back at Kite. He could feel her aura flutter slightly, but did not know what to make of it. Her expression seemed a bit downcast though as she spoke. ¡°Then she told you about my situation? My weakness?¡± ¡°She did, but I think she¡¯d be affronted if she heard you talk about yourself like that. Adelaide seemed to regard them quite highly.¡± Serene had shown a small but rather sad smile as he¡¯d spoken. ¡°Adelaide is nice to say so. And she is probably the only one around here who has that sentiment.¡± she chimed in a small voice. ¡°I for one must admit to have been very curious when she told me about you. And after meeting you, even more so. Would you mind telling me more about yourself? About¡­ this?¡± he said while gesturing vaguely at the air around her. She looked at him apprehensively for a few heartbeats, before relaxing somewhat. Kite didn¡¯t know why her expressions changed as they did, which made him want to find out. ¡°You really are genuinely interested, aren¡¯t you?" Serene chimed after her scrutinizing of him. ¡°While your aura control is quite adequate, your curiosity is still written all across it. While there are some sub-currents of embarrassment, some nervousness and a bit of attraction, it has remained the dominant current of your aura through our conversation so far. Ah, wait. The embarrassment has grown substantially.¡± Kite looked at her a bit aghast. He thought he¡¯d composed his aura quite well in an attempt to give a good impression, while she had apparently still read him like a book. ¡°Uhm.. Wait. How¡­ I mean, you are quite pretty but I assure you that my intentions were never-¡± He was interrupted as she waved a dismissive hand, her smile having grown slightly. ¡°Don¡¯t fret about it. It is almost always present in any interaction to some degree when speaking to a person of one¡¯s preferences. It is I who is the outlier in this situation, as I can pick up on it easier than most. But I believe it was I who derailed the conversation. You were asking about me?¡± ¡°Ehm¡­ Yes, yes I was. Would you mind telling me more about yourself? At least as an adventurer?¡± Kite said, gratefully accepting the conversation getting back on track. Serene seemed to compose herself a bit as well, before she continued in the same chiming voice as before. ¡°I possess the wind, harmonic and renewal essences, as well as the divine essence of Song given to me by my goddess. So far, almost all of my awakened abilities are more supportive in nature which has led to quite a bit of problems so far. Most regard my path as weak, and without company I have few means to temper it properly. And before you ask; no, I do not view monster cores as an option. Suffice to say I have a reason for it, even though it leaves me at quite an impasse.¡± Kite had mostly nodded along as she spoke, but took that moment to raise a question. ¡°As I believe you¡¯ve noticed, I find your aura to be amazing. If you don¡¯t mind me asking, is it a technique that gives it such depth? Or an essence ability?¡± ¡°The latter. In fact, four of them.¡± ¡°Four aura powers? I didn¡¯t know that was even possible.¡± Kite said, astonished. ¡°I¡¯ve been told that is quite rare, but not unheard of. Three awakened on their own, and the fourth was a blessed gift from my goddess. She told me that she felt it was needed to bring me harmony.¡± ¡°So that is why you can read people so readily?¡± ¡°Yes, although most other adventurers I¡¯ve met don''t take such a kind view to the matter.¡± ¡°Have you gotten many chances to go on contracts? ¡°Some,¡± she sighed, ¡°but so far rarely more than as a single occurrence with any given group. I tend to mesh poorly in the kind of environment where all participants are expected to be rather self-sufficient. It felt more like some kind of competition between them, to show that their path was the strongest, rather than the harmony that can be found in cooperation. Trust me, my goddess ascribes a rather high value to said harmony.¡± she finished. Kite sat, slightly fascinated, as it seemed not to take much more than questions asked with actual interest to have Serene open up a bit more, even showing some wry humor he wouldn¡¯t have expected from the initially reserved woman. After a short while he realized she had stopped talking and was looking at him. Fortunately, she didn¡¯t seem displeased. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Sorry.¡± He said sheepishly. ¡°What you said gave me a lot to think about. Both about you and the lands we live in. About the path, really.¡± ¡°According to your aura, the line of thinking didn¡¯t seem too unpleasant.¡± Saving him from further embarrassed explanations, Serene continued. ¡°So, knowing all this, would you still want me to accompany you?¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± Kite said without pause. ¡°I must admit to be very interested in getting a better feel of you- I mean for what you can do. But I must ask; do you want to? Come with us, that is?¡± She giggled slightly, with a sound like someone gently drawing their hand along a series of metal wind chimes. ¡°When an earnest young adventurer comes seeking assistance from me, how could I reject him? When do we leave?¡± ¡°Tomorrow morning, if that works out. As you saw, it is not a quick journey to get there. The mountains are more numerous to the east, after all.¡± Kite didn¡¯t know what had sparked the unexpected laughter, but felt pleased that she seemed happy with the arrangement. ¡°Then we meet tomorrow morning at the jobs hall on the seventh peak.¡±
As the door closed behind Kite, Serene remained on the bed. She took a deep breath, humming on the exhale as the song of wind and chimes once again filled the room. This opportunity felt like one of the good ones. While most contracts had left a sour stain in her memories, there were some which had been quite acceptable. This one definitely felt like one of them. What put her most at ease had not only been his words, but his aura. From the start, it had the calming movements of earnestness and genuine interest, but what really surprised her was how well he had took it when she had taken more control of the conversation as she revealed just how much she could see of his emotions. While self-conscious and embarrassed, he hadn¡¯t been rattled by it. This pleased Serene, and it was why she accepted such an unusual contract and long journey together with the relative strangers. Kite hadn¡¯t shied away as he lost control. He had continued as he was and tried to do what he could to go on. He neither submitted or tried to wrestle some modicum of control back, instead simply accepting that she could see some of his emotions and moved on. ¡°Is that what it really means to trust one¡¯s path?¡± She thought as she continued to sing, feeling a faint melodic answer from the goddess which merged seamlessly into her song.
After four days of traveling eastward, Kite still had quite the good feeling about this endeavor. Dragonfly had, at first, been a bit hesitant to bring along a person with such an unusual path. They had discussed it over food, and as Kite described the priestess he could see that her interest was further piqued. In the end she had acquiesced. ¡°Master always tells me I have to continue practicing flexibility lest I become complacent. And worst case scenario, there are more monsters left for the two of us.¡± she had said with her typical grin as they had gone their separate ways. She had been even more impressed than Kite as she had met Serene and heard her speak, and the three felt well on the way of becoming fast friends a couple of days into their journey. Presently, their small campsite for the night was embroiled in a fierce struggle. Serene sat on a fallen log, calm and humming. Kite and Dragonfly sat on opposite sides of her. While they were all still, their auras were not as Serene¡¯s was under assault by the combined forces of both auras of her companions. If seen, it would have looked like two fluids trying to mix with a third in roiling attempts to pierce or encapsulate their target. At the moment, as well as the previous night when they started this practice, Kite and Dragonfly were failing quite thoroughly. ¡°You did better today.¡± Serene chimed happily as the two others were splayed out on their bedrolls, lost in the fatigue emanating from their souls. ¡°You¡­ are a monster¡­¡± Dragonfly panted as she pointed an accusing finger at the other young woman. ¡°Indeed.¡± Kite muttered through gritted teeth, albeit with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s like trying to wrestle with a cloud. I¡¯ve practiced a lot with uncle Walker, and his aura is more like a wooden wall. It¡¯s solid and I always get the feeling I¡¯m simply not strong enough to break through. With yours, I feel like I¡¯m just barely out of reach of grasping it, but then it moves as if it had more dimensions to choose from and I¡¯m left stumbling.¡± ¡°That¡¯s it! That¡¯s how I feel too!¡± Dragonfly exclaimed. ¡°Sometimes I envy your way with words, Kite. It feels like the best words are never the ones to come out when I talk .¡± ¡°What you lack in eloquence, dear Dragonfly, you make up for with passion. And gratuitous amounts of force.¡± ¡°Heh. Yeah, I do, don¡¯t I?¡±
During their journey, the trio took the time to stop at the villages they came across. If it had any appropriate notices posted on their board, they took the time to complete them. This let them get a better feel for Serene¡¯s powers. Kite and Dragonfly were fairly used to fighting alongside each other, due to both training and completing contracts together. While it was not the legendary, instinctual teamwork of epic tales, they at least had a feel for each other¡¯s rhythm and could usually perform acceptably in tandem. Their power sets were both rather self-sufficient and rather in line with the norms of Hua-Xi. As they knew beforehand, Serene¡¯s set of abilities were of a different kind entirely, which had only been proven in the battles they had fought together so far and the same held true during the skirmish currently being fought along the top of one of the smaller cliff peaks. Kite had his barrier raised before him and was currently channeling mana into it continuously to keep it up beneath an onslaught of wind blades. Dragonfly stood behind him, axe in hand and waiting for her moment. Serene was positioned further behind them, albeit that he found it hard to focus his attention properly on her. Even so, the chiming, melodious humming which filled the air was a clear sign of her presence. Further along the somewhat oblong top of the cliff was a pack of galezards. They were serpentine creatures with pale, blue scales with long legs and talons ideal for climbing. Their back, tails, legs and snout sported long frills of a deeper blue. The whole creature had around the same mass as a full grown man, but spread long and thin. Galezards were pack hunters and mainly fought by projecting razor-sharp blades of compressed air to slice their foes to bite-sized chunks. Kite was holding up surprisingly well as the eight monsters kept up a steady stream of projectiles. This was due to many factors, but most of all were Serene¡¯s fourfold compounded aura. Her aura awakened from the wind essence passively but noticeably increased the movement speed of herself and her allies. From the renewal essence came an aura which restored health and stamina to allies, while the sound essence¡¯s aura reduced enemy damage resistances through dissonance. Finally, the aura from the divine essence of Song increased the effect of aura powers for all allies within range. All of these effects were soon going to be put into use, and as Kite¡¯s own aura effect was increased, each wind blade was severely weakened before it even hit his barrier. Kite''s aura power, named Discarnate Erosion in the magic society index, followed the theme of his other abilities in that it affected magical phenomena. While the aura wasn¡¯t spectacular, it was a constant hindrance to Kite''s enemies as all hostile magical effects inside the aura started to erode, be it attacks in transit, enemy afflictions or even the enhancements on the enemies themselves. This further helped Kite bring a battle into his own pace, but in this particular battle it was mostly the erosion of wind blades that was noticeable as the empowered aura broke down a significant amount of their integrity before they struck his barrier. The galezards were keeping up the barrage as they slowly advanced on the stationary pair. The storm of projectiles had scoured the clifftop of all plant life taller than moss or grass, except in an uneven furrow behind Kite¡¯s barrier. As the monsters reached a, to Kite, invisible threshold the pair heard a soft voice on the wind. ¡°They should be within range now.¡± chimed Serene ¡°Then may the heavens witness me!¡± Dragonfly shouted enthusiastically as she leapt into the air. At the same time, a spell chant could be heard woven into the humming melody. ¡°Carried by the heavenly wind¡± Dragonfly¡¯s leap was an ordinary one, but as the spell was completed a fierce and directed gust of wind flung her towards the enemy in a low arc. The galezards weren¡¯t slow on the uptake, and as she was about to fly into a fresh wave of wind blades, Kite let his own barrier drop. He chanted a quick ¡°Ward¡± as his panoramic gaze took in enemies and ally alike. Another barrier appeared before Dragonfly and soaked up the cutting projectiles as her arc took her downward straight. Meanwhile, Kite had already activated the charging power of his belt as he rushed towards the pack as well, halberd already in full swing. As a furious melee ensued, the trio¡¯s tactic had gained them a distinct advantage as both Kite and Dragonfly could arrive almost simultaneously with great impact instead of being separated. The galezard pack was thrown into chaos as the adventurers tore into them, wide swathes of flame searing monsters all around Dragonfly while Kite focused on finishing off wounded individuals and keeping a barrier on himself and his companion. Through it all, Serene¡¯s song debilitated their enemies while her allies were boosted in turn. When needed, she applied small bursts of healing as well. A handful of minutes later, Kite and Dragonfly stood among the fallen galezards as the pulse of battle settled to a slower rhythm. Serene came into more focus next to Dragonfly, still humming as she stopped obscuring her location with her aura. Kite had known that her aura skills were in a league of her own, but after seeing her in battle his amazement had risen. Serene could control her aura to such an extent that she would be harder to notice for all beings who couldn¡¯t penetrate that aura shroud as their gazes wanted to slide over her and focus on other, more pressing things. Combined with this was an ability from the sound essence which let her manipulate sounds, both in strength, timbre and origin. Therefore she could suffuse her song through an area, giving it no clear origin and leaving her even harder to pinpoint. Kite suspected that creatures of their rank would need extraordinary aura senses or some other kind of special perception to easily detect her as long as she refrained from overt, offensive action. ¡°Well done, as before.¡± Serene chimed. ¡°I must say, our little plan worked rather well.¡± ¡°It was great!¡± Dragonfly exclaimed. ¡°You should have seen the looks of those galezards when I dropped down on them!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think their eyes or facial structure are that expressive, Dragonfly. I think uncle Walker once told me that they communicate through moving those frills.¡± Kite commented, amused. ¡°Well then you should have seen the frills of those galezards when I dropped down on them!¡± ¡°Weren¡¯t the frills rather busy creating all those wind blades?¡± Serene half-whispered to Kite in a gentle breeze. ¡°Just let her have it. One should not disturb the happy carp in the water, lest it remembers you once ascended as a dragon.¡± Kite replied, his voice filled with mock wisdom.
After a total of two weeks'' travel and some delays fulfilling contracts, they reached their destination. It was midday as they came upon the village named Verdant steps. It was, like most settlements in the autumn lands, built around the plateau on the top of a cliff peak. This particular peak had many adjacent cliffs of differing height around it, and the village had spread to them as well. This created a kind of winding set of ¡°stairs¡±, consisting of clifftops filled with houses and gardens. The ratio between woodlands and stony peaks had also shifted quite a bit in favor of said peaks, it almost felt like walking in a rather wide corridor at times as the passed between the small mountains. The trio was rather weary after a long time on the road, and looked forward to sleeping under a roof again. As they ascended the stairs leading up toward the gate, Serene stopped them before the final stretch of stairs. ¡°It is concerning. I can feel only a few people and there are certain spots ahead which my aura can¡¯t penetrate. Not to sound too prideful, but this is not a common occurrence unless something has been specifically shielded.¡± she said in a low, windy whisper. Her companions both nodded, and they ascended the last part in a more wary, perceptive manner. The gates were closed as they reached the entrance at the lowest plateau. As with most villages, this one had a wall with a heavy wooden gate as a barrier toward the winding path leading down the cliff. Not many monsters could scale the rather steep sides of the cliff peaks, and the small wall would deter most of the ones who would find their way up the path or at least act as a buffer which gave the villagers more time to retreat into their houses and defenders the time to repel the threat. As they stood before the gate, Kite raised his voice and called out. ¡°Greetings! We are adventurers from the society, and have come regarding the contract you sent to Gilded.¡± They remained there for a minute, then two. ¡°Shall I scale the wall and see what¡¯s taking them so long?¡± Dragonfly whispered, a bit impatient. ¡°No need.¡± chimed Serene. ¡°I have felt some movement inside. Their auras are afraid, but I sense no hostility. They keep moving in and out of the blank spaces where my senses cannot reach. Ah, here they come. Three people. All anxious but with some hope.¡± A few seconds later, Kite and Dragonfly could pick up the people as well, albeit that their senses couldn¡¯t even come close to the level of detail that Serene could perceive. After some latches were opened and a crossbar removed, the gates swung open. The small group which came to meet them consisted of two women and one man. The man had a normal rank aura, and was of upper middle age with streaks of gray in black hair kept in a neat bun. He looked gaunt and hardy, like many of the people Kite knew from his childhood. ¡°Adventurers! It has been so long, we had almost given up hope.¡± he stated a bit gruffly but Kite could see his shoulders relaxing slightly. ¡°I¡¯m village elder Sprout. This is defender Scythe-.¡± he stated while nodding to a woman at his side in her thirties. They could feel that she had absorbed at least one essence, maybe two. ¡°-and this is Iris. I believe she can make her own introduction.¡± he finished as he gestured to the other woman, younger than her companions. ¡°My name is Iris of Clouded Skies, but please call me Iris. I am a journeyman ritualist of Gilded¡¯s magic society¡± she greeted with a formal bow. The woman was a quite short elf with dark blue hair and a myriad of freckles beneath round glasses. Her short, slender form wore simple magic society robes and Kite could sense that she had essence-magic as well, albeit not the full set. The trio of adventurers all made introductions before elder Sprout waved them through the gate. As they entered Kite saw that the village was quite sizable, probably twice as large as Starberry peak. However, there was little to no activity in the village commons or in the small yards even though it was only early afternoon. All movement Kite could spot came from within the houses, which increased as more and more curious faces appeared behind curtains, windows and cracks of slightly open doors. ¡°We¡¯d best head inside. There we can talk properly. Ain¡¯t safe out here any more.¡± the village elder stated as he led them through the village and up to one of the bigger houses next to a small plaza around an old tree. Kite knew a gathering hall as he saw one, the communal space used for important gatherings and festivities. As they approached, he noticed Serene looking much more intently at the building. He could soon make out oddities on the ground around the building, as someone had formed a series of interconnected diagrams around the whole building, with some additional ones painted along the walls. Those on the ground were traced out in salt, and as they were about to pass Iris spoke up. ¡°Please step carefully around the diagrams.¡± she asked politely as she bent down and straightened one of the lines slightly smudged by the wind. ¡°I have made redundancies, but we will want as much magic as possible to be gathered within them before the spirits return again.¡± ¡°Spirits?¡± Kite asked as they carefully made their way through the formations. ¡°The contracts mentioned a haunting, so I assume that it has been confirmed?¡± ¡°They¡¯ve been appearing for weeks since the contract was posted. And as no one deigned to show up to help us with it, we¡¯ve now lost good people." Elder Sprout stated in clipped words. ¡°Hush, Sprout. At least they came at all.¡± said Scythe, the village¡¯s defender as she laid a calming hand on his shoulder before turning to the adventurers. ¡°But no one here would say that help coming sooner wouldn¡¯t have been appreciated.¡± ¡°If this was before the mine started to dry up they would¡¯ve been here before the final hammer strike had fallen when we nailed up the contract¡­¡± elder Sprout grumbled as he opened the door and let them inside.
A little while later, the two trios were seated around a small table in what turned out to be elder Sprout¡¯s kitchen. They had each received a bowl of vegetable soup which they ate while the villagers and Iris filled them in more on the situation. ¡°So the spirits have started actually hunting? And during the daytime as well?¡± Kite asked as he put his bowl down. ¡°That¡¯s unfortunately right. When we sent the contract, there were only sightings during the night outside the village. But in short order it became worse. First, the spirits became more numerous. Then they were seen closer to the village. Then some showed up inside the village one night. Scythe managed to drive them off. And then it only became worse. We lost two people. If not for Iris and her formations, we would have lost a lot more.¡± finished elder Sprout as he nodded to the younger woman. ¡°What¡¯s a magic society journeyman doing out here by the way?¡± Dragonfly asked while gesturing with her spoon. The woman in question cleared her voice. ¡°Well, I was commissioned to come here by the village. They wanted a geological survey, and since I¡¯m proficient in such rituals I was sent here. I¡¯ve been staying here for quite some time now, but I¡¯m no fighter. My salt essence is mostly useful for rituals.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t sell yourself short, Iris. As Sprout said, if it wasn¡¯t for your formations then the spirits would have entered our houses at will and we would all be dead or fleeing for our lives.¡± Scythe added with a comforting hand on the other woman¡¯s shoulder. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking, what kind of formations are they?¡± Kite asked curious. ¡°Simple aura-blocking formations. The spirits seem to navigate mostly by aura senses. It¡¯s been a tight fit, but we¡¯ve managed to find places to sleep for everyone in just a few houses. I would be incapable of keeping the formations intact on any more.¡± Iris answered abashedly. Kite had guessed at something along those lines, as Sprout''s home had been filled to the brim with bedrolls and villagers. Apparently, daylight hours were usually quite safe but as soon as midday had passed, there was an increasing chance of the spirits appearing even before darkness had fallen. After nightfall, going outside of the formations almost certainly meant being attacked. ¡°Can you tell us more about the spirits? It sounds like they have started going berserk already, so they might be nearing the end of their lifespan.¡± This time it was Serene who chimed in. She usually remained reserved during the interactions with villagers during their journey, as her strange voice often made people wary of her. That had been the case here as well, with the exception of Iris who had drowned her in questions borne from scientific curiosity while they had eaten. ¡°According to their looks and behavior I believe that they are called mourning revenants, or mourners for short. At least that¡¯s what the magic society index says, and the ones I have observed match the descriptions. They¡¯re assessed to be in the upper end of iron rank and usually manifest alone and in areas with a heightened death affinity. That¡¯s where these spirits deviate from the description. We¡¯ve seen at least four at the same time here in the village at night. And this area has no places with higher death affinity that I have found so far, and I have charted it quite thoroughly as a part of the geological survey.¡± She took up a white, thin stone slate which Kite recognized a similar index as the one he owned, where she read: Mourning revenants navigate and hunt prey using aura senses. They can exude sprays of ghostly tears which slows and debilitates their victims, and their tendrils inflict necrosis on touched flesh. As most spirits, they are incorporeal beings and therefore immune to non-magical attacks and vulnerable to disruptive force damage.¡± ¡°I could barely damage them when I faced off against the first one which came into the village.¡± Scythe admit with a frustrated frown. ¡°I only have three damaging powers, and while it was enough to chase it off it¡¯s not even close to facing down those numbers.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it weird though¡­¡± Dragonfly mused. ¡°Master always told me that a berserk monster stops at nothing. It¡¯s kill or be killed against such a foe. Why would it have fled, if that was the case?¡± The others nodded, concerned. ¡°There is a lot we don¡¯t know here.¡± Kite stated as he rose. ¡°I would suggest that we take a look around the village to get acquainted with the area, make a plan and see if we can face off against the spirits when and if they return. We need to think this through properly though, so we can properly lever our paths against such numbers. If we succeed, we can take it further and see if we can find something to indicate why such an anomaly has occurred.¡± Both his companions gave him nods of ascent. Dragonfly looked eager as usual while Serene looked more thoughtful. And with that, began making plans. 13. Mourning vigil Kite stood in the middle of the small plaza, on the second lowest of the four cliff plateaus which housed the village. The last rays of sun had vanished from the horizon as the blue of the heaven gradually faded to the black of night. He stood with a straight posture, brows creased in focus as he projected his aura prominently outwards. Most observers of the same rank would think him alone, too distracted by his projection to notice a figure crouching on a nearby roof. He had held the same pose for about a quarter of an hour now. At first, it was easy to imagine himself as a vigilant warrior stoically awaiting his enemies. As the time passed, however, that feeling gradually receded, being replaced with slight embarrassment. ¡°Brave warrior, keep thine vigil with a proud heart. I assure you that you look very imposing.¡± came a wind-like whisper accompanied by a slight giggle. Kite gave a flat look toward Serene, needing a few seconds to properly focus on her, and resumed his wait. Fortunately he did not have to wait much longer. The windy voice of Serene returned, this time carrying no mirth. ¡°They are coming.¡± After a few seconds more Kite felt it as well. Four auras were approaching them, each carrying a paradoxical feeling of the stillness of death combined with an aggravated and raw sorrow. Unlike the complex nuances exuded by the feelings of a mortal, the sorrow the auras emitted were flat and singular in purpose. A scant moment later, Kite saw the first mourning revenant as it appeared from between two houses. It seemed to be made of a greyish vapor, lit from within with a slowly flickering light. It had a central, rounder mass where the vapor was more condensed in the shape of a huge, unnerving eye. Around the eye reached a myriad of tendrils which constantly formed, faded and reformed. They were about one and a half meters long, and according to Iris they were the medium through which the spirits delivered their necrotic touch. One more appeared from behind another house, then two more following them. The spirits moved like a fish through waters, their movement overall smooth but with small, sudden jerks here and there. The constant pace and gliding, inorganic movement made it harder to gauge their true speed and they had closed in on Kite in short order. As they closed in, Kite raised his barrier in front of him with a short whispered ¡°Ward¡±. He knew this probably wouldn¡¯t be a pleasant experience. The first of the ghostly figures was about five minutes away as its central eye flashed, causing a wave of grayish mist to roll over Kite as it expanded outwards. He suddenly felt like his mind was swimming through a thick soup, each thought drastically slowed and an ache of sorrow in his chest. It tried affecting his muscles as well, but thanks to Implacable motion, the iron-rank effect couldn¡¯t get a hold of him. This allowed him to start backing off, walking backwards as quickly as he could while keeping his barrier raised. The spirit pursued, the other three joining it in a rough half circle around Kite as more waves of sluggishness splashed over him. His aura was faltering and his eyes were tearing up as the sense of loss began overwhelming his conscious mind. The backwards motion became more stumbling and almost halting as his feet, while unhindered by the magic, still lost their guiding purpose. ¡°Why am I even doing this?¡± he thought as a sob escaped his lips. ¡°There had to be a meaning to it. But what? Does it matter? I think it did. Or used to.¡± He cast down his gaze as the spirits were closing in, tentacles swaying like ravenous seaweed as they snaked closer. As his gaze landed on the stones beneath, small tufts of grass sticking up between them, his addled mind noted the curving white lines at his feet. Was that¡­ salt Lines of salt? As he looked at the lines at his feet, a huge diagram taking up most of the plaza, the tendrils were almost upon him as a pulse suddenly passed through the whole salt formation. Kite was almost at its center, with the four spirits well inside its boundaries and focused on their victim. This allowed a certain trembling magic society ritualist to carefully sneak up on the edge of the formation, kneel down and energize the whole thing with a touch of her hand. The spirits let out wails of confusion, the first sound made from them so far, as the aura senses of every creature inside the large diagram was blocked. At the same time, two others sprang into motion. Serene¡¯s song erupted over the area as a wellspring in a desert as her auras unfolded and she sang a spell: ¡°Let the song of thine soul purge the disharmony.¡± As her words were carried by the wind to Kite, he suddenly felt his mind clear and his gaze sharpened with purpose as he took in the four, flailing spirits. He raised his halberd as his retreat shifted into an implacable advance at the same time as Dragonfly, who had been crouching on a nearby roof, brought a cleaving descent down on one of the mourners. The trap had been sprung. Iris had spent nearly five hours drawing out the huge diagram, a multi-layered variety of the same ones used to shield the houses from aura senses. Every creature inside would have its aura sense properly scrambled. While only slightly confusing to the adventurers, they could easily navigate by ordinary senses. The mourners could not, which meant they had just temporarily lost their one sense to interact with their environment in any meaningful way. Kite had been the bait, as his projected aura had helped mask even Dragonfly as she lay in wait, her aura as retracted as she could make it. He was the only one of them who wouldn¡¯t be as hindered by the mourners'' mental attacks as he resisted part of the effect, and the one most likely to survive if things went wrong. Now, his mind cleansed by Serene¡¯s song, he and Dragonfly had to make the most of the opportunity to hurt the disoriented spirits before too much of the salt formation was ruined by the chaotic movement of battle. Dragonfly¡¯s descending axe scattered a big part of the central body of her target, and she noted to her surprise that she felt a bit of resistance as it disrupted the mourner¡¯s form while the flames of her axe snuffed out the vaporous substance. She suffered multiple grazing hits from the flailing tendrils, each one a slight tingling followed by cold numbness as her flesh blackened. But each such hit still stoked the fire of her soul, and as Serene¡¯s song restored the color to her flesh, she fought on with greater intensity. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Meanwhile, Kite had closed in on his target. His footwork as careful as he could make it, he initiated a deliberate disassembling of the spiritual form of his foe. He let the tendrils flail against his still active barrier as he thrust into the vaporous body with the halberd, a small dispelling pulse scattering its substance surprisingly easy as the disrupting force of his special attack tore through the type of foe it was most effective against. He alternated between it and tearing at the mourner with the spatial rifts of Void-Sunders-Firmament, always imploding its mana as often as Chakra implosion was available. Even though Dragonfly refrained from using her waves of flame to increase the duration of the salt formation, it was quickly breaking down as movement and rippling air caused by special attacks scattered and blurred the white lines beneath. Kite had just finished his first target, his foe dissolving before him as he noticed that the two unengaged spirits seemed to be regaining their bearing. He took a snap decision and used the charging power of his belt to rush at the one engaging Dragonfly. She had just taken a step back due to the backswing from one of her attacks as Kite flashed up behind the mourner, halberd pulsing with disrupting force as he finished it, thereby freeing them both up to engage one each as the magic of the formation finally gave up entirely. None of them wanted a mourner to be freed up in case it would go seek an easier prey elsewhere, such as the now retreating Iris. Five hours of work for about thirty seconds of active formation might have seemed like an ineffective use of time, but it had allowed the adventurers to halve the enemy numbers before the mourners could mount an effective counterattack. None present regretted the effort spent as the battle began anew. The mourning revenants became quite the challenge to fight when they weren¡¯t hampered and effectively blind. Tendrils which had been flailing aimlessly before now lashed out in a relentless stream towards their chosen target. Kite threw out barriers on both himself and Dragonfly as often as he could while trying to fight past the dangerous appendages, and it didn¡¯t take long for him to realize that he would be hard pressed to keep up that pace for too long. He had to limit himself to a more measured offense, prioritizing his attack dealing disruptive force damage as the higher cost of the spatial tears wasn¡¯t worth the reduced damage they did to the incorporeal foe. Even through Kite¡¯s intensive warding, attacks still slipped through. They even seemed to partially ignore Kite¡¯s armor, as he felt the stinging tingle and cold numbness spread through his body. As if it weren¡¯t enough, the spirits pulsed out their waves of sorrow quite often. Serene did an admirable job keeping her companions as cleansed as possible, but it still stacked up enough that she had to use her wind magic to pull Dragonfly out of engagement for a short while in order to get the time for a more directed healing spell while the mourner pursued. The fight was one of impeccable attrition, as the mourners moved with singular purpose. There was no footwork, feints or unnecessary deviations in direction. They simply advanced, relentless in pursuit and attacks both. Kite was once again the one who first managed to bring down his opponent, his disrupting force attacks giving him a clear advantage. However, by that time Dragonfly had gotten enough time and attacks to really ramp up her pure physical parameters, and Kite didn¡¯t have time to close the distance to assist her the second time as the last mourner fell, devoured by a fiery swing. Only grayish, glittering residue was left behind on the ground, some mixing with the scattered salt in the evening breeze. The trio of adventurers were all quite spent as mana and endurance ran low. ¡°It¡¯s done.¡± Kite called out to the hiding villagers as he sat down by the lone tree on the plaza, quickly joined by a slumping Dragonfly and prim Serene. He handed them each a pair of pills, and Dragonfly let out a loud sigh of pleasure as her mana and stamina started recovering. ¡°Kite, if I ever meet that alchemist auntie of yours, I might just kiss her.¡± Dragonfly said dreamily, still a bit lost in the pleasant warmth of restoration. ¡°My other auntie, her bronze-rank wife, might object.¡± Kite remarked with an amused smile. ¡°Eh, I can kiss her too. Bronze-rankers are hot.¡± she retorted, her smirk turning to laughter as she saw Kite¡¯s incredulous glare.
An hour later, the trio of adventurers, along with elder Sprout and defender Scythe, stood looking over the shoulder of journeyman Iris as she knelt on the ground. She was drawing another ritual diagram, albeit much smaller than the plaza-spanning one used in the battle. Apparently she was a bit more unfamiliar with this one, as she was constantly referencing the book which lay open at the ground to her right. In the middle of the diagram lay a small pile of dust. It was a bit of the remnants left behind from the mourners. The rest had been swept up and stored in glass jars, as Iris had told them it was a fairly valuable magical reagent. This particular pile had been repurposed to something other than sale however, as she finished by laying down a small, smooth stone on top of the pile. ¡°That should be it. Mind you, this is the first time I¡¯ve done this ritual so we might need to try again¡± she said as she surveyed her work, sprinkling some powdered monster core over it to see how it held up to the ambient magic.. Kite, who had been looking over her shoulder, took in the pattern with his widened field of view. ¡°You¡¯ve done well so far, journeyman, so it should be fine.¡± he said, clapping the ritualist on the shoulder in encouragement. She sighed. ¡°Well, may the heavens witness us.¡± she mumbled as she activated the completed ritual. As the diagram grew, the pile of mourner dust started dissolving as it seemed to enter the stone without the stone itself increasing in size. A few heartbeats later, only the stone remained as the diagram went inert. Iris picked it up, and after holding it a short while nodded in satisfaction before giving the stone to Serene. ¡°It seems like it worked!¡± she exclaimed. ¡°One affinity-divining stone, as promised. It should give off pulses if you come near an area with a similar affinity as the material it was infused with, as long as it isn¡¯t hidden by magical means.. The shorter the interval, the closer you are.¡± ¡°Which should be death affinity.¡± Kite noted. ¡°Splendid work, Iris. We can search the area and see if we can find the origin of these spirits. So we can report it back to the adventure society, if nothing else.¡± Iris blushed slightly as she was praised, but collected herself and nodded. ¡°Indeed. The enchantment should hold for a week at least. And we can always repeat it again if the need arises. But it would be a shame to waste more precious materials, so let¡¯s hope that the one will be enough.¡± After the battle, as they rested against the tree, the trio had unanimously decided that they still weren¡¯t done with this contract. The numbers and aggression of the spirits had been unusual enough, and the thought of leaving behind an area with a death affinity did not sit well with either of them. Such places were dangerous if they were allowed to remain, as the undead monsters that manifested there tended to be quite dangerous for their rank. That was why the trio set out immediately, braving the dark of night to see if they could find the source of the trouble which had beset Verdant steps. 14. Deathly exhalation Beneath the light of the two moons, a trio of adventurers stood looking at what looked to be the entrance of a closed up mine. It was half overgrown by bushes and some fallen stone as one of the beams which propped up the entrance had given way. From the villagers, they had been told that Verdant steps had sprung up next to a vein of iron-rank celestial jade. In the last decades, two of the four shafts had been closed as all of the jade had been extracted, and many in the village feared that the same would happen to the rest soon enough. Serene, with the sharpest aura senses, had also been the one chosen to carry the improvised tracking stone. After about six hours of searching the dark forests, each of them with a glow stone hovering above their head, she had felt the stone beginning to pulse. After some trial and error, they¡¯d managed to triangulate this entrance as the pulse had grown ever stronger. As they stood in front of the entrance, Serene could feel it almost vibrate in her hand. ¡°This seems to be the place. Can you feel it?¡± She whispered, words formed by wind right next to the ears of her companions. The others nodded. They had to strain their senses to feel what was obvious to Serene, but the ambient magic in this mine definitely carried the cold timbre of death. ¡°Then let us head down there and see what we find. I believe in our united paths, but we should look to make our escape if things seem dire.¡± Kite stated. ¡°Yeah.¡± Dragonfly said. ¡°I might be a bit battle-crazy at times, but master Force has definitely beaten that lesson into me enough times. This place gives me chills, and not the pleasant, tingly kind.¡± They each looked at each other once more for resolve, before Kite took the lead, entering the abandoned mine shaft. None of them could escape the slight sense of dread as the feeling of death literally filled the air around them. The mine shaft itself was rather dilapidated as it led downwards. Fortunately, it seemed to have been dug out by someone with an essence power to shape stone, as the tunnel was both stable and smooth. Only near the entrance had it begun to show signs of instability. Here and there, small branching tunnels broke off in other directions, but so far all of them had been dead ends from their quick looks inside.. Verdant steps¡¯ mining operation had been relatively small in scale. Instead of a vast, deep complex there were a series of separate, smaller mines where the precious jade could be found, at least according to what they had been told by the villagers. That¡¯s why it was a bit odd to see the tunnel suddenly veer off to the right and downward, breaking the otherwise smooth layout. As they got closer, the light of their glow stones revealed that the oddity looked like a more recent addition to the mine. Almost at the bottom, someone seemed to have broken through the wall on the right side, connecting the tunnel to another. This continuation had the look of a naturally formed cavern, and the floor became both uneven in most places and quite slippery. While the wall looked to have been broken down later than the rest of the tunnel was abandoned, it still didn¡¯t look to have happened in the last few days. More like the last few months. A fine layer of moss was already growing where the two tunnels were now connected. With nowhere else to go, the trio continued after having checked all side tunnels to make sure that nothing hid behind them. The cold feeling of deathly stillness was even more prominent down in the natural caverns, after about fifty meters of passing through a series of smaller, connected caverns filled with moss, they ducked beneath a passage with a lower ceiling. As they did, the creeping sense in the air intensified, and the trio realized that they had found the source of the deathly affinity. The cavern was the biggest yet, oblong and about ten meters wide and forty meters deep. Moss had grown here as well, but apparently changed by its surroundings. When he was younger,Auntie Dove had told Kite that mosses were some of the most adaptable plants and that some had astonishing abilities of absorption to fit into a new environment. The moss in the cavern had blackened, but not withered. One could even see a faint grayish flickering light from within the clumps, like the embers deep in the coals of a dying fire. What drew their attention though, was the effigy in the middle of the cavern. It was about four meters high, almost touching the roof of the cavern, and seemingly consisted of a mass of interconnected bones from animals, although some bones from the mortal races could be spotted inside the twisting thing. All of it seemed fused together by a layer of white-gray calcified stone, and the same gray white glow pulsed deep within the grooves of the skeletal components. It looked not entirely unlike a grotesque tree. ¡°You don¡¯t need to be a great scholar to know that this quite certainly isn¡¯t a natural formation¡­¡± Kite mumbled, stunned by the sight. They began to carefully move into the room, but hadn¡¯t taken many steps Serene gave off a sharp whisper; ¡°Something is here. Something foul, discordant. Dangerous.¡± As in all cases regarding aura detection, Serene was the first of the group to detect a change that had begun in the effigy before them, the others not noticing until a couple of seconds later. A potent aura had begun to unfold from within the effigy, thick with the deathly feel they had been forced to familiarize themselves with. Its bronze-rank strength meant that the intensity was taken to new, unsettling heights. ¡°Bronze rank¡­¡± Kite said, almost out of breath as the aura fell upon them. With Serene¡¯s potent aura as a bulwark, they managed to stabilize their own and avoided having them entirely suppressed, but the pressure was palpable. It felt as if a vast, cold fist had taken hold around them, slowly squeezing. They could see how something was emerging from within the effigy. ¡°Do we fight or flee?¡± Serene asked with a whisper of wind. ¡°Fight!¡± growled Dragonfly, summoning her flaming greataxe. They could see a faint glow starting to pulse within her, the air shimmering with her exhalations. Kite let out a steadying breath. ¡°It will be the greatest challenge our paths have crashed against. The danger will be great. But yes, I say we fight. However, let us remember the words of my master. Pride is a sword too brittle to keep you alive. If things are turning for the worse, we make our retreat.¡± Serene thought for a while before nodding. ¡°I need to face this. If I¡¯m ever going to face them again without cowering, this will have to be a stepping stone.¡± her voice whispered, the small chimes replaced with the deeper timbre of a gong. With that, they advanced at that which emerged from the effigy, now distinguishable as a creature. It was vaguely humanoid, at least the arms and torso now which had emerged so far. Its body looked only semi-corporeal, consisting of a gelatinous fog of a gray color so dark that it might as well have been black. The arms and torso were elongated and rather thin, each appendage reaching over two meters out from the calcified bones of the dark monument. The head was only a swirling, blank mass of the same material as the rest of the body, turning to take in the trio with quick, twitching movements. As the whole, long torso seemed to have exited the confines of the effigy, it didn¡¯t progress any further, either unable or unwilling to wholly emerge. With another surge of aura, a myriad of conjured bones appeared around its body, forming an asymmetrical armor. A huge skull, complete with antlers, formed over the creature''s head, giving it hollow eye-sockets which seemed to gaze at the adventurers approaching it with cold anticipation.
WWJS: [Monster] Tenebral Wraith Rank - Bronze
The final conjuration was a long mass of bones capped with a jagged head of black, blank stone, which formed a cruel mace for the creature to wield. It didn¡¯t roar at them, but all three could feel its aura flicker menacingly. Serene hung back while her two companions advanced the remaining ten meters toward the thing, which her instincts told her was another spirit albeit quite a lot more dangerous. Her song and auras flowed around them, strengthening their advance as she sang a spell. ¡°Find the rhythm of your heart¡¯s song¡± The spell enhanced an ally with a certain resonance which increased their damage dealt. The additional damage increased with each attack in proportion to the force of the blow, up to a certain limit. So far, few battles had been long enough that the spell would have a chance to build up enough to make a difference, but Serene felt that it was quite likely to be worth it in this situation. Kite was the first to receive the blessing, Dragonfly having to wait about a dozen seconds for her turn. As the duo closed in, the spirit adjusted its position on the effigy as the point where the monster emerged from slid over the surface and therefore disproving the notion that it was completely immobilized. Its body faced Dragonfly, whose quick advance became a sprint due to the sudden attention as the monster exhaled torrent of black drops against her, trailing a line on the ground. The cavern floor seemed to crumble and melt slightly where the liquid-looking spiritual matter landed, before a flicker of light heralded a calcified bone spear erupting from the ground at that spot. This meant that Dragonfly currently advanced toward a rapidly closing line of spiritual acid and erupting spears, a collision she didn¡¯t quite feel like experiencing. With a shout she leapt, daringly waiting until the final moment before pushing off the ground with a magically enhanced leap. She cleared the exhaled attack with only centimeters to spare, as her charge continued through the air. However, the bronze rank monster was both faster and slightly more clever than any beast or spirit they had faced before. Its jagged mace was already moving in an upward arc to intercept her in an attempt to smash her from the air. Kite whispered a short prayer to Hero as he saw the counterattack begin, and activated the charging power of his belt. Combined with the boost from Serene¡¯s aura, it felt like he flew across the rocky terrain in an attempt to help his friend. The additional speed let him arrive just in time to raise his arms before bringing out his halberd in a downward swing to meet the rising shaft of the mace. A bronze-rank monster of this size and strength had considerable strength and momentum invested into each swing. Had the mace been a thing of true bone and stone, Kite¡¯s attack would lack the force and mass to hinder such a blow. But Kite had seen it appear along with the rest of the bone armor, and knew that his intervention wasn¡¯t doomed. With the sound of a cracking mirror, the conjured weapon dissolved halfway through the swing, Pattern-shattering counter breaking it apart. The additional drain on mana was even amplified by Kite¡¯s racial gift, Void Sheath. The spirit¡¯s arm continued upwards, but the sudden loss of its reach meant that its aim was off as the swing passed harmlessly in front of the rapidly approaching Dragonfly. Half a breath later, her flaming axe collided with its bone armor in a spinning special attack. The blow cut deep into the bone and cracked the plate, but most of its momentum was stolen by the armor. Any iron-rank monster would probably have been badly staggered by such an attack, but the tyranny of rank took its toll. This was in more ways than one, as it not only suffered less from the attack but had also begun a counterattack. Its other bone-covered fist snapped up against Dragonfly, still airborne. Kite barely had time to shout ¡°Ward'''' before the attack struck, crashing through the barrier and colliding with the side of Dragonfly¡¯s torso. She was launched towards the side of the cavern, but while Serene¡¯s spell had been too late to help her avoid the blow, it was enough to arrest her path toward the stone wall. Dragonfly was caught by a torrent of air as she tumbled to the ground, winded and staggered. Soon after, another chant echoed in the song which filled the cavern. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. ¡°Renew your flesh, return thine song!¡± The spell was a rather conventional healing spell, providing a burst of healing followed by a lingering restoration of health over time. Thanks to the spell and her gradually ramping abilities, she snapped out of it and ran back toward the battle now raging between the dark spirit and a beleaguered Kite. Its attention on him after it sent Dragonfly hurtling towards the wall, it had conjured a new mace and swung at Kite. Fortunately with the same result as last time. This had given Kite some opportunities to land attacks of his own. His javelin sat lodged in the bone armor near where the spirit met the effigy it emerged from. Roots had spread and even dug into the incorporeal body beneath. While the restrictive roots had a non-existent effect on the monster, Kite hoped that the draining would at least accomplish something over time. After that, he had scored a hit with his halberd against its armored torso, as his magic-shattering special attack sundered a part of the conjured armor and delivered the disruptive force into the spirit¡¯s body below. After using the Disrupting strike quite frequently in every fight, Kite had learned more about how wide-spread its effects were. Smaller, simpler or more singular magical conjurations such as weapons or limbs were usually dispelled in their entirety. However, larger and more complex objects might only be partially removed, and such was the case with the bony armor which covered the hostile spirit. His special attack dissolved the parts he struck and often more in a small area, but not the whole armor. While it wasn¡¯t applicable at the moment, he also knew that it would work against most enhancement magic as well. Their first exchange was followed by more as the spirit, which seemed to possess only a rudimentary intelligence, repeated the tactic a few more times. It was still quite the ordeal, as Kite¡¯s ability was hinging on him actually being able to actively intercept the weapon which was wielded with a speed and strength much higher than his own. So far he could keep up, even delivering some damage of his own, but he felt relief as Dragonfly rejoined the fray. As she ran, she even grazed herself on a couple of the bone spears which still jutted from the ground to further stoke the blazing power within her. Multiple, small attacks were perfect for giving her ability the boost it needed to make a difference. She went in hard, attacking the creature''s other arm with heavy swings to keep it off Kite¡¯s flank as he had quite enough to deal with. All the while, each of their swings built up the damaging resonance provided by Serene. This benefited them both, but Dragonfly felt it the most as the resonating force helped her axe shear through the bony armor while Kite usually dispelled the plates anyway.. For a short while, they found a bit of a rhythm as the creature had to split its attention between them. Apparently having enough of being on the defensive, it once again employed its exhaled attack of corruption with the forest of spears following in its wake. Dragonfly once again leapt above the sprayed line as the creatures swept it back and forth in front of it, forcing the pair to scramble out of its way. Kite quickly realized that his options were quite more limited as he tried to sprint out of range, not quite making it. The foul attack splashed over his right lower leg, his wooden armor crumbling before him almost fainting by the sudden pain. Short spikes of bone had shot out at chaotic angles from the point of contact, most angled out and away from his body. Two of them had not, unfortunately, instead piercing through his lower leg. Blood ran freely as he stumbled into a roll, further aggravating his injury. The line continued pursuing him, but he was saved from a more thorough exposure by another gust of wind from Serene which carried him out of immediate danger. Breathing through the pain, he pushed himself up to one leg. After a short delay, he heard Serene¡¯s wispy voice. ¡°I can¡¯t cleanse it. It is the wrong kind of magic.¡± she frantically conveyed, as Kite understood that she was talking about the cluster of bone spikes stuck in his leg. ¡°I can handle it, but I will have to borrow your strength with the recovery.¡± he hissed through gritted teeth. Not waiting for a reply, he bent down and struck the mass of conjured bone, unleashing his dispelling attack again. Fortunately, this bone was as conjured as the rest, and the spikes dissolved into nothingness, followed by a spurt of blood. Serene was quick to follow up with the more directed healing. He took stock as he stood unsteady on the cavern floor while waiting for the healing to progress enough to allow him the use of his leg again. Dragonfly had won a few moments as the monster had trailed Kite with its breath attack, and she had not been idle. After a couple of heavy, sundering strikes which also bathed its form in flame, it had been forced to return its attention to her. By now, her internal fire had progressed her speed to a level where she could remain engaged with the spirit a bit more easily. What would earlier have been a square hit could now be dodged or at least turned into a glancing blow, while her ramping attacks tore ever more at her foe. Kite felt a stirring within as he witnessed her fight, pink curls trailing her ferocious yet controlled movements, her grinning face lit from within with a fiery glow. Bloodied, but defiant. Returning to the present, he withdrew his bow, already in the motion of drawing the string as it fell into existence in his hand. Shuffling forward, limp slightly less prominent with each step, he let loose a steady stream of arrows. Three heartbeats. Release. Three more. Release. He was injured, but so was she. And as she fought on, so would he. Since their encounter with the fallen sect members turned bandit during their adventure society examination, Kite had practiced a lot more diligently with his bow. He was not a master archer by any means, but at least proficient enough to have a chance at hitting a human-sized moving target. As his current was quite a lot larger, he felt confident in at least contributing. Each arrow struck the wraith, dissolving the armor and dealing the disruptive force damage anathema to spirits. The arrows weren¡¯t expertly placed, the hits not even close to clustered. But after the third arrow, Dragonfly caught up to what he was doing. While her fiery axe wasn¡¯t as dangerous to the wraith as the disruptive force of Kite¡¯s special attacks, the flames would still damage it even through the bronze-rank resistance. The more of the damage not absorbed by the armor the better, and she started capitalizing on the openings created by Kite¡¯s arrows. She got two solid hits in before she had to duck beneath the swung mace. A follow-up in the shape of a gauntleted fist clipped her shoulder which sent her spinning away, but she rolled quickly to her feet. ¡°It''s preparing its breath again. I can feel it in the aura!¡± a shrill windy voice suddenly warned them as Serene recognized the signs, having witnessed it two times before. By this time, Kite felt comfortable enough using his tender leg, and he decided to try and seize the initiative instead of being caught in the attack again. ¡°Dragonfly! Head!¡± he shouted before activating the charging ability of his belt once more, as it had become available again. His charge carried him toward the creature at an angle. He stepped up on a lower, protruding part of the vile effigy before pushing off. While Kite didn¡¯t possess any powers to assist his leap, his momentum and increased speed helped him along as he quickly gained altitude. Passing along its torso, he swung upward with his halberd which struck the creature''s conjured skull. It dissolved with a sharp cracking sound, once more revealing the amorphous mass of vapor which formed something akin to a head on the wraith. Even as he descended, he could see Dragonfly once more leaping in, already looking like the disc of the sun as she and the fiery axe spun end over end in one of her most powerful special attacks. The wraith had already raised its mace high to strike down at Kite, but changed its target as the new threat closed in. Kite saw the telegraphed attack, and had barely landed before shouting as he threw his halberd in a spinning arc toward the raised weapon. While his aim was true, only the shaft of the weapon struck its target at an awkward angle. That slight touch was enough though. The jagged mace descending toward his friend dissolved yet again, moments before Dragonfly¡¯s whirling attack struck. The axe''s head parted the roiling, smoke-like substance of the creatures ¡®head¡¯, coming to a stop close to its sternum before a terrible gout of flame tore out from the weapon, straight down. This attack was one of Dragonfly¡¯s more powerful finishers, and the unleashed jet of explosive flame quickly filled out the entirety of the bone armor, light and fire blazing out from every crack. Almost the whole of the spirit''s incorporeal body was wreathed in the inferno as the armor became a container for Dragonfly¡¯s fiery wrath. That was how the trio, while bloodied and exhausted, felled their first bronze-rank monster. They could each feel as the deathly aura winked out of existence, the spectral body losing all coherency as the bony armor dissolved. The effigy remained, inert but for the small flickering glow deep in its recesses. Kite almost slumped to the ground in pain-mixed relief, but remained on his feet as this was no place to relax just yet. The deathly pall in the air had lessened, but not dispersed entirely. ¡°I sense no more auras here.¡± Serene chimed in relief as she joined them. While undamaged, she still looked weary after casting quite the number of spells during the battle. ¡°You both fought very well. I am most impressed with your paths. The temple will sing your praise when we return.¡± ¡°Well-¡± Kite answered between breaths, ¡°I must say that people who look down on yours are prideful fools. Your mere presence helped us reach new heights and made sure we did not falter.¡± ¡°Besides, it¡¯s also most beneficial to have someone along that can sing of my glory.¡± Dragonfly added with a grin, earning an amused look from the priestess. It faded quickly however, as she gazed around the room. ¡°I promise to regale you with more melodies when our business here has been concluded. This one is still standing, after all.¡± she said while nodding at the dark effigy. ¡°While I believe that having someone study it would be important, we can¡¯t just leave it behind for weeks as we travel back to the city. The societies will want to know of this, but they¡¯ll have to manage with the remains.¡± Kite said grimly as he turned to Dragonfly. ¡°Would you mind doing the honors?¡± The radiant grin he got in response felt like it could light up the entire cavern, deathly energies be damned. ¡°Kite, you sure know how to treat a lady!¡±
¡°So, this was inside the effigy?¡± Iris asked as she was examining the dark cube on the table. Its glassy surface contained depths of gray mist and it felt cooler to the touch than it should be, given the temperature in the room. ¡°Indeed.¡± answered Kite. ¡°We found it as we took it apart.¡± ¡°It sure makes sense that a death essence could be used as a base for such a creation. But my mind is still reeling as if to why? Why set up something so dark down there? From what you described, it definitely wasn¡¯t a natural manifestation.¡± Iris mused, looking thoughtful at the object. When the trio had returned, dawn had just begun to cast its light over the sky as the stars faded from view. Tired after a long night of searching and fighting, they had still made it a priority to tell of their findings to the leaders of the village who had been horrified when hearing about the effigy and its guardian. ¡°It was a good thing that you managed to prevail. From what you¡¯ve told me, it''s not unlikely that the effigy might have continued to spread the deathly affinity. As it did, more numerous and dangerous monsters would have manifested over time. But there seems to be something here we do not understand, and I do not like it. Neither the means or motivation for such a creation is known. You should report back to the adventure- and magic societies as soon as you¡¯re rested enough to travel.¡± Iris said grimly. ¡°Then we shall do just that.¡± Kite replied before gesturing to the death essence on the table. ¡°And we should bring that in as well. Better to let the adventure society dispose of it than risking being used for other dark purposes.¡± He picked it up and stored it in his dimensional bag, before the trio of adventurers were led to a cottage lent to them as a place to rest. Even as the sun rose, sleep overtook them all quickly.
After a proper rest and a small feast laid out by the village, it became time for the trio to offer their farewells to Verdant steps and its inhabitants. They had gathered beneath the tree, on the small plaza where they fought the mourning revenants. Elder Sprout, defender Scythe and journeyman Iris had all gathered to see them off. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to join us on the return journey?¡± Kite asked Iris. ¡°Thank you again for the offer, but no. I still have some geomantic rituals left, as the small siege of spirits left me unable to complete them all. As long as you pass on the need for an escort back in four weeks time, I¡¯ll be ever grateful.¡± she replied with a smile, as Dragonfly gave her a farewell hug. Elder Sprout cleared his throat for attention. ¡°You sure arrived late, but you also saw our village through this ordeal. We¡¯re grateful.¡± he stated gruffly, holding out a small box to Kite. ¡°Something we thought to keep for the future, but you¡¯ve gone and deserved it.¡± In the simple box lay a small, green stone with a faint green light in its center. Every now and then, there appeared a small mote of light on its surface, which was drawn into its depths before merging with the central light.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): [Item] Awakening stone of Gathering Unranked - Uncommon An awakening stone containing the power of collection.
¡°An awakening stone¡­¡± Kite breathed. ¡°Such a precious gift. I¡¯m not sure we can-¡± ¡°You can and you will.¡± muttered elder Sprout. ¡°Found it in one of our rice fields, and Scythe needs another essence before she could use it anyway. This way, our karma is severed. Go with the heaven¡¯s blessing.¡± he finished, reaching out and closing the lid before turning around and marching off. ¡°What he means to say is that our gratitude cannot only be expressed in words and the rather meager reward from the contract. Let us contribute to the path of one of you. That way, what you did here will be immortalized in you, as will our village.¡± Scythe added with a smile before bowing with cupped hands. ¡°May your paths reach the heavens and beyond.¡± After returning the gesture, the trio started their journey back toward Gilded, occasionally waving to a villager or returning words of farewell. It was a long journey back, after all. 15. My song isnt theirs to keep On a chilly but clear evening, the kind of night inviting stargazing and warm tea, a trio of adventurers sat around a magical heating lamp in a warded camp. They did in fact drink tea, and looked at the stars in the heavens above the meadow where they would rest for the night. And there was singing, words and melodies only heard by the three as a magical wind whisked away the tunes before they could travel further. Unlike on the way toward Verdant steps and the contract, their evenings had been mostly silent. The company had been pleasant, but polite. That politeness had been washed away by shared experience and strife, leaving behind a more relaxed camaraderie. So Serene sang for her companions each night, sharing her prayer to her goddess to the delight of her small audience. As the song died down, leaving only a low wordless hum, it was Dragonfly who spoke first where she rested against the trunk of a tree. ¡°Can¡¯t believe that the journey is already over. We should be arriving in the city tomorrow. Master Force is gonna be so impressed that we defeated a bronze-rank monster. She has to, right?¡± Serene regarded her. ¡°You¡¯re nervous.¡± ¡°What? No? I¡¯m not nervous! Who¡¯s nervous? You¡¯re the one who¡¯s nervous!¡± ¡°You know, it is alright to want praise from those close to us. Their approval matters.¡± Dragonfly sighed. ¡°What if she thinks we were stupid? That we lacked judgment? I just¡­ I just want to make her proud. As proud as I felt when we won. Survived.¡± ¡°Then I believe your earnesty will show. It does to me, at least.¡± ¡°Well you are basically cheating with that absurd aura of yours. I¡¯m still an open book to you apparently, even after all the training we¡¯ve done¡± Dragonfly quipped before standing up. ¡°Well, I¡¯m done fretting now. We should decide what to do with the loot instead!¡± Kite looked at her with a question in his eyes before his mind caught up to her meaning. He produced the wooden box with the awakening stone and placed it on the ground between them, lid open. ¡°So¡­¡± Dragonfly said, looking at the stone. ¡°How do we decide who gets it? ¡°Well, I for one will not lay claim to it. I have only a few abilities left to awaken, and would rather await more guidance from my goddess. Journeyman Iris said that it was an awakening stone of gathering, and I do not believe that it will harmonize with my path.¡± Serene stated ¡°That makes it easy then.¡± Kite said with a smile as he pushed the box closer toward Dragonfly. ¡°I do believe that our karma is unbalanced since your master helped me. Would this do as recompense?¡± Dragonfly looked blankly at him first before she seemed to remember what he was talking about. She bent down and picked up the stone, letting it roll between her fingers with a pleased smile. ¡°Nope!¡± she suddenly exclaimed, flicking the stone to hit Kite in the forehead which left him blinking in surprise. ¡°You take it, Kite. First of all, friends shouldn¡¯t really count favors. Second, I already have a lot more awakened abilities than you. It would be boring if my path rushed too far ahead of yours. I do need my sparring partner in top shape, after all. Third, I¡¯ve gotten so many tasty snacks out of this ¡®karmic imbalance¡¯ so far, so I don¡¯t think this particular stone is worth giving that up!¡± she finished with a wink. Kite looked down at the green stone in wonder, before he locked eyes with Dragonfly. ¡°Thank you. Truly.¡± he said with a smile. She stared at him for a short while before breaking eye-contact with a blush. ¡°Dear heavens, I can¡¯t handle that ridiculous amount of earnesty, Kite. That¡¯s not how friendly rival banter is supposed to go down!¡± she grumbled, face as pink as her hair. Sensing his friend¡¯s fluster, Kite tried to hide his mischievous grin as he strode over, knelt before her and took one of her hands in his. ¡°Alas, dear Dragonfly, my mind was overwhelmed by your gracious gesture. You truly walk the path of the mighty, bestowing such gifts. I shall treasure it and make it part of my path, and as eternity takes us towards the heavens it shall forever remain part of me. An eternal reminder of you, and my earth-defying gratitude.¡± he professed, face mostly somber. For his troubles, he was chased around their camp followed by an indignant young woman only capable of indignant growls. Serene smiled as she watched their antics, and began to sing once more.
On the afternoon of the following day, the trio sat in a meeting room in the adventure society campus up on the seventh pillar. They had managed to find Adelaide, who fortunately were on duty today, and she had been happy to oblige in receiving their report. ¡°- and after recovering for a day in Verdant steps, we headed back here. The journey was uneventful as we didn¡¯t make any stops. We brought back these-¡± Kite said and produced the stack of contracts they had completed on their journey toward the village, ¡°- and this.¡± he finished as he put the death essence next to the stack of papers. Adelaide had listened intently to their retelling of the contract, nodding in satisfaction as Kite finished. ¡°It sounds like some fine adventuring work from you three. If only all of you path-crazed locals could be as diligent¡­¡± she muttered, before continuing. ¡°I will send word to the magic society at once to send someone of higher rank to inspect the effigy you mentioned. We need to understand more about what transpired there, but as for now that will be above your heads. You can expect a bonus for this contract, both for turning in the restricted essence and uncovering a potential source of trouble if the effigy was indeed purposely built as you seem to think. Please return tomorrow and claim it. As they left the jobs hall, Kite turned to his companions. ¡°I have a suggestion. How about we take the day to settle down and consolidate what we¡¯ve learned. This trip turned out to be quite the experience, and I at least have some introspection to do. Then, after claiming our rewards tomorrow, we¡¯ll go out and celebrate? We did defeat an unexpected bronze-rank spirit and save a village in need, after all.¡± He knew even before he spoke that Dragonfly would be on board with the idea, which was immediately confirmed by a happy exclamation. This was the reason why he mostly directed his attention toward Serene accompanied by a questioning nudge of his aura. He was able to do the latter a lot more proficiently after their many nights of training under her tutelage. The celestine regarded him for a while, before nodding with a small smile. ¡°I would be delighted.¡±
Kite spent the rest of the day eating and reading, but also in meditation.. It was early evening as he sat in the small garden beneath his apartment, beneath one of the trees. The chill wind caused golden leaves to fall here and there around him, a sign that winter was fast approaching. While the trees of the Autumn lands shed some leaves as the winds and chill picked up, the increased plant affinity of the area caused them to keep most of the foliage even during the colder seasons. That was why their golds, reds and oranges could still be visible below the white covering of snow on the rare occasions that the lands were covered by the white, cold cover. He had long practiced meditation techniques together with his aunties since he was a child, only later realizing that they were laying down a foundation for what he was to become. As he had continued the practice together with uncle Walker, and later Dragonfly and Serene, he had become quite proficient in reaching the tranquil, contemplative state he was in. Kite had always had a tendency for introspection, which had been nurtured and cultivated to become the young man he was today. As his body sat at peace, he was gently guiding his mind to where he wanted to go. Uncle Walker had given him some quite cryptic advice on how he should make his path the foundation of his meditation, but left Kite on his own in the process to discover how. He had said something about this being the way of this land. At the moment, he was building his path in his mind''s eye. Among all the inputs, memories, stray thoughts and other phenomena which constituted his mind he began with an empty space; a void to stabilize the inner world around his path. Then, brick by brick he patiently and resolutely began constructing a tiled path, imagining leading off to an unknown, unseen horizon. It was still incomplete, as he felt that he lacked the metaphorical building blocks to fill in all the gaps and cracks in the tiles. The path meandered quite a bit, and he left it to do so as it pleased, the void clearing a way wherever it went. Here and there, the chaos of his subconscious tried encroaching on the calm emptiness. When it did, a part of his mind swept over it, negating its attempts to encroach upon his path. He noted to his satisfaction that he could keep the mental exercise going for longer each week. The sense of incompleteness remained however, and after a while he could feel the mental image crumbling as he could not keep it stabilized. He let out a sigh as he opened his eyes toward the night sky. Not quite there yet. But he was making progress. ¡°Well, time for some practice before bed.¡± he said to himself, rising and bringing out the halberd. There was another weapon which he was aching to try out, but not yet. He had to make sure it was safe first.
The next day, Kite, Dragonfly and Serene were back at the adventure society campus. Adelaide had looked quite pleased as she had lain out a quite sizeable stack of spirit coins in front of each of them. ¡°I managed to get a quite good bonus for you, if I may say so myself. Let it be known that the society rewards collaboration in good faith. And- ¡° she continued while adding a small lockbox before each of them as well, ¡°-the best is saved for last. As you prevailed over a threat much greater than the contract entailed and brought back both the information and the death essence, you¡¯ve all been granted an awakening stone as a bonus. They were picked out by our scholars using what we knew about your capabilities, and I must admit that they are quite the treasures.¡± Kite had heard of the practice before, but was surprised that their deeds had warranted such a bonus. The surprise was a welcome one though, and he flipped open the lid of his lockbox. The stone inside had contained the almost ethereal image of a flaming bird, wings outstretched.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): [Item] Awakening stone of the Phoenix Unranked - epic An awakening stone containing the power of flames and resurrection
¡°The scholars surmised that you, Kite, would benefit from having another avenue of survivability if or when your barriers fail or are an infeasible solution. According to magic society records, the stone tends to give out powers with a fiery aspect or rather powerful personal healing effects. As the information you graciously shared with the magic society left no indications of flames and fire being a part of your path, they felt confident that it would provide you with the latter. This hypothesis should be further reinforced by the quite high rarity of the stone.¡± Kite was impressed, and felt even better about sharing some basic information about his powers during his registration to the adventure society. ¡°Thank you, Adelaide. This is a most generous reward.¡± he replied to her apparent satisfaction. The others had opened their boxes as well, regarding the stones with interest. Adelaide was quick to provide them with an explanation as well. ¡°Dragonfly, your reward is a stone of animation. Our scholars had to give it a lot of pondering. At the onset, they thought of something along the lines of more personal protection, but found that it might negatively affect the ramping effects of your path. Instead, they went with a stone that should give you additional flexibility. The stone of animation tends to give more independence, reach or flexibility to other powers. Unless you are an area controller, such as one summoning stone pillars. Then it would probably allow you to animate any objects conjured. But since that is not within your purview, we hope you will find it a useful extension of what you already do best.¡± Dragonfly had looked a bit skeptical at first, but was visibly swayed by Adelaide¡¯s explanation. She had an expectant grin as she nodded her approval. Lastly, Serene has been gifted an awakening stone of the dirge. It was quite rare, but we managed to have them bring it here via portal along with other supplies that were inbound yesterday. We hope that it will be acceptable to both you and the goddess, as it should allow your songs and sound-based abilities to further hamper your enemies and bring another tool to your supportive repertoire. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Serene had looked distant for a short while, but as clarity returned to her eyes she smiled and nodded. ¡°The goddess sends a most harmonious thanks for your gift and consideration. I will treasure it.¡± she said, her voice a light breeze filled with the light tinkling of bells. ¡°I¡¯m pleased to hear that.¡± Adelaide replied. ¡°Keep up the good work, you three. The society will provide what help we can. If there was nothing else, I believe you might have some awakening rituals to set up.¡±
While Serene would awaken her essence ability with the help of her fellow clergy members, she still accompanied the others as they rented a ritual chamber at the local magic society. Located on the eleventh pillar, it also consisted of a sprawling campus with even denser construction as they had less need for marshaling yards and training grounds. The buildings were more austere as well, lacking the epic murals of the adventure society. Kite did suspect that there were quite a lot more arrays built into the campus as he could feel the increased magic in the air even without special senses. The ritual room was a simple affair with a polished black stone floor and blank walls. As one closed the door, a palpable shift occurred as the ambient magic stabilized. It was as if the air suddenly became easier to breathe, except that it had nothing to do with actual breathing. Or air. Light faded as the awakening ritual for Dragonfly had just finished, the diagram and stone dissolving. She sat in contemplative silence as she tried to get a feel for the new ability, giving them a wide grin as she opened her eyes a short while later. ¡°Oh, I can¡¯t wait to try this out. Not in here though. The room is way too small.¡± she almost purred, apparently envisioning something quite pleasing. ¡°Go ahead, Kite! You¡¯ve got two to go this time as well!¡± Kite took her place on the floor as he began to draw out another diagram. ¡°I think I will go with the stone of the phoenix first. It¡¯s important to save the most precious gift for last.¡± he finished with a wink at Dragonfly, reminding of his good-natured teasing the other night. She stuck her tongue out toward him in response. Some minutes later, the light faded for him as well as he completed the first of the rituals. He could feel a new wellspring of power within him, like an indomitable force waiting to be unleashed and make him whole again no matter what he faced.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of the Phoenix] You has awakened Resolute essence ability [Immortality] [Ability] Immortality Special ability (healing, recovery). Cost: None Cooldown: 24 hours Current rank: Iron 0 Effect - Iron: Instantly restore a large portion of health, mana, and stamina. Amount restored is based on how depleted health, mana, and stamina are when the ability is activated.
Kite was astonished as he felt this new power well up inside him. He wasn¡¯t very well read about all the different abilities out there, but this matched a description of one that even he had heard about. Unsurprisingly, it was quite sought after. ¡°Soooo?¡± Dragonfly asked expectantly. ¡°Anything to show us?¡± Kite looked rather smug as he turned to her. ¡°Alas, fair Dragonfly, this ability of mine will show itself only in the most dire of circumstance and greatest of needs. It is a heavy burden given to me, keeper of its wondrous secret.¡± ¡°Oh well.¡± she said with a shrug. ¡°Then I guess it wasn¡¯t very important. Sometimes Fortune''s favor simply eludes us. Want a consoling hug, or just move on with the next?¡± ¡°Wha- wait¡­¡± Kite floundered, ¡°It truly is awesome and magnificent.¡± ¡°Meh. Didn¡¯t sound like it.¡± Dragonfly shrugged Some more back and forth along those lines had Kite eventually spill the information about his new ability, consternation clear on his face as his attempted teasing had backfired to put him in such a position. Both Dragonfly and Serene stared wide-eyed at him after his description. ¡°Heavens¡­¡± Dragonfly breathed. ¡°It would have been worth getting teased quite a lot to hear about that. But that means¡­ ¡° she said as she brightened, before storming up to Kite and enveloping him in a hug. ¡°You won¡¯t die! Or at least not easily! Oh, imagine what this will do to our sparring. I can go almost all out!¡± Kite felt the consternation leaving him as he leaned into the hug. It felt nice to have people be happy for him. He imagined doing this alone, and realized how hollow it would feel. After the cheering and celebrating died down a bit, it was time for his next ritual using the awakening stone of gathering. That one gave completely different results.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of Gathering] You has awakened Void essence ability [Astral Gatherer] [Ability] Astral Gatherer Ritual (Familiar). Cost: Extreme stamina, Extreme mana Cooldown: None Current rank: Iron 0 Effect - Iron: Summon an astral gatherer to become your familiar. The astral gatherer is an incorporeal creature without physical substance. While manifested, the astral gatherer accumulates small remnants of mana each time mana is spent in its vicinity, which is substantially increased if the skill in question drains or destroys mana. Amount of remnants gathered will vary in accordance with the amount of mana spent, drained or destroyed. When enough remnants have been gathered, it can unleash the stored power in one of the following ways:
  • A destructive beam of energy, dealing resonating force damage or disruptive force damage.
  • A burst of mana recovered for the summoner or a chosen ally within range
When subsumed into the wearer¡¯s body, the astral gatherer becomes an incorporeal vortex resting beneath the summoner¡¯s sternum. As long as it remains subsumed, the gatherer exudes a subtle pull on the ambient mana in an extreme radius. This may trigger magical manifestations that were already on the brink of manifesting.
¡°A familiar. And a rather curious one at that.¡± Kite mumbled. This time, he relayed the details right away to his companions, leaving them all with a thoughtful look. ¡°That sure was something to wrap my head around¡­¡± Dragonfly muttered, eyebrows creased. ¡°Indeed.¡± chimed Serene. ¡°Especially the part regarding magical manifestations. It sounds surprisingly double-edged. As you described it, it sounds like both monsters and treasures would be affected.¡± ¡°Uncle Walker often says that every manifestation is a treasure in its way, at least for those with a strong path. It sounds like this will test my path, but it might also help temper it more expediently. And the path of those around me as well.¡± he added with a meaningful look toward his companions. ¡°Besides, it has to be rather limited while only at iron rank.¡± ¡°Well, that is true.¡± Dragonfly said. ¡°Little more to do than summon it and see what it looks like. What materials did you need?¡± Kite focused inward, as the information was available as instinctually as the use of his ability. He blanched a bit. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing we just got that extra bonus.¡±
Before they left, Kite had one more errand at the magic society. After inquiring at a desk, he was directed to one of the members of staff. ¡°Heavens guide your path,¡± he greeted the bearded young man who sat at a counter marked with a plaque which read ¡®results and retrieval¡¯. As he reached the counter, he handed the man a paper slip. The functionary took a look at it. ¡°Aaah, yes. The spear.¡± He rummaged around beneath the desk, before retrieving a dimensional bag from which he in turn retrieved a long spear. It looked rather eerie, as it seemed to be made wholly from bone. It was a two-handed spear with a pale, smooth shaft topped with a slightly wavy long blade. Just beneath the main blade, two shorter blades protruded diagonally upwards. As the man laid it on the table, faint gray vapor began forming around the blades, dissolving as it got a few centimeters away from the weapon. Overall, it gave off a quite sinister feeling. After defeating the bronze-rank spirit, Kite¡¯s ability which created items had filled up immediately. Apparently both it and the mourning wraiths had quite the impact on the ability, manifesting the bone spear as a result. Kite had been wary about what kind of weapon such a fell influence would form, and had not used it so far. Instead, he had turned it in at the magic society for a deeper analysis and evaluation to make sure there were no adverse effects or other consequences of wielding it. ¡°I think it was a wise choice to submit this for evaluation, due to its origins.¡± the functionary began, as he read through an attached document detailing their findings. ¡°The weapon is of high quality. Iron rank, but close to peak potential. It is more sturdy than other weapons of similar rank, and inflicts a curse on those wounded by it that gradually impairs their speed. It also has an activated ability with a quite nasty effect, as it will try to warp the bones of the target in destructive ways. Overall, the weapon is quite sinister, but our examinations have not determined any other curses or restricted effects. It should be safe to wield, albeit less so for your enemies.¡± he finished with a smirk. Kite thanked the man before retrieving the weapon, looking at the sinister vapors before having it disappear into his void sheath.
WWJS: [Item] Boundless Sorrow Spear Rank - Iron - epic [Effect] Greatly increased durability [Effect] Hits inflict a stacking curse which lowers the target¡¯s speed attribute. [Effect] Activate to unleash a wave of bone-warping energies into the body of struck enemies, which destructively warps the skeletal structure of the affected area. Only affects creatures with a skeleton, chitin or other similar bodily structures. Cost: High mana Cooldown: 5m
That evening, Kite, Dragonfly and Serene sat around a table covered in empty plates of food. At Serene¡¯s request, they had taken their celebration to one of Gilded¡¯s restaurants which also provided live music of a quality which could entice even a priestess of Song. The evening had been pleasant and conversation kept light. Regaling each other with their own versions of the events, highlighting especially memorable parts and even some good-natured aura-wrestling. To the surprise of no one, Serene dominated the latter. As the evening drew to a close, the priestess produced a pouch clinking with the crystalline sound of spirit coins. ¡°The bonus incentive from my church. For bringing me. I am ever thankful, and it feels like I¡¯ve learned a lot. And come a bit closer to my goals.¡± she said, with a happy chime in her voice. ¡°What are your goals, Serene? I¡¯ve heard you mention them, but never any specifics- If you don¡¯t mind sharing, that is. A girl is entitled to her secrets, after all.¡± Dragonfly asked, leaning closer in interest. As she was phrasing her question, Serene seemed to visibly and spiritually withdraw into herself. It was even palpable on her aura. For a brief moment, even Kite could feel the shudder going through it. Dragonfly must have felt it as well, as she backpedaled quickly. ¡°Never mind, sorry I asked. As I said, entitled to secr-¡± ¡°No.¡± Serene stated, her windy voice surprisingly small. ¡°Understandable.¡± Dragonfly continued, before awkwardly trying to change the subject. ¡°So, Kite, what¡¯s your plans for the near future?¡± Before Kite could answer, Serene spoke again, slightly more forcefully. ¡°Sorry, I meant ¡®no¡¯ as in ¡®don¡¯t apologize¡¯.¡± She sighed, and Kite could once again feel her shudder. ¡°But I¡¯d like to be outside first, if that¡¯s acceptable?¡± Dragonfly and Kite exchanged a look. ¡°Roof?¡± she asked. ¡°Roof.¡± he confirmed. About an hour later, after navigating the busy evening streets of Gilded and brewing a pot of tea, they all sat up on the roof over Kite¡¯s and Walker¡¯s small apartment. The latter hadn¡¯t returned to the city yet, but Kite thought he¡¯d be back any day now according to the message he¡¯d left for Kite. They had both gotten into the habit of updating each other via message when they left for contracts. Serene sat with her cup in both hands, her aura stable but more retracted than usual. The silence was still a companionable one though, as they gazed up at the twinkling stars. ¡°Uncle Walker told me that looking at the stars became a whole new world once he reached bronze rank.¡± Kite said. ¡°That there are nuances to the heavens we can¡¯t even see. I hope we all get there.¡± ¡°If we continue like this, I don¡¯t think anyone can stop us.¡± Dragonfly agreed cheerfully. ¡°Indeed.¡± Serene chimed. The timbre was a complicated one, almost bittersweet. ¡°I want to follow my path and see where it will lead me as well. But first, I need to mend what lays behind me.¡± Both of the others watched her with interest, and almost baited breath as they felt the fragility of the moment. Concern and curiosity mingled in their auras. ¡°I believe you have faced remnants of the Unbreakable Chains sect during your examinations. Followers of the path of pleasure?¡± Both nodded again, and Serene could feel their concern growing as their minds started predicting what would come next. ¡°There were other dark paths beneath the surface of that sect. The path of Undeath. The path of Lies. And the path of Pain. My father was so proud when he was accepted into the sect, as he hoped it could build a new life for us. It was only me and him. He didn¡¯t even know what lay beneath the surface, the deviant paths. This was about ten years ago, near the end before the sect was exposed. We were only there for a month, but it was enough. As the facade of the sect fell, they took us. The uninitiated. I was given to those who followed the path of Pain. And they took my voice, in addition to other horrors which I will not disclose. But they literally took it. To them, my screams were a prized possession, something to be saved, treasured and flaunted. I don¡¯t know if someone still carries it, or if it simply was lost as the sect fell and the survivors scattered. But I am fortunate to be alive, and even more fortunate that the goddess gave me a voice. To speak, laugh. And sing. My goal is to face them again. I do not need vengeance. All I need is to be strong enough to face them, even through the fear. And sing to them. Prove that my song isn¡¯t theirs to keep.¡± As her wispy voice died down, both could feel a shudder through her aura, like the breath one takes to ease trembling and bring calm. They felt relief from her, and the old aches of terrible memories. Dragonfly was the first to close in. Her communication had always been quite physical, which she once again proved as she wrapped the taller young woman in a fierce hug. Serene tensed up at first, but visibly forced herself to relax before leaning into the hug just a bit. Kite scooted over to the other side, before tentatively reaching out with his aura in question. He could see Serene give off a small nod, after which he laid his arms around them both. They sat there for quite some time. Serene hummed a hauntingly beautiful melody. And Kite pondered that one¡¯s path should not have to be neither lonely nor cold.
Before they went their separate way, Kite held out a small bag toward Serene, containing a third of the bonus incentive that the church had provided. She looked a bit dumbfounded at it, then up at the earnest young man. ¡°Your share.¡± Kite said with a smile. ¡°I would say that anyone who declines to fight alongside you is a prideful fool, Serene. I hope you will turn to either or both of us in the future as well.¡± ¡°However, we will graciously accept the bonus as long as it''s offered. Adventuring life can be quite expensive. But you will always get your share. And we will always welcome you, incentive or not.¡± Dragonfly continued, cheerful as always as Kite gave out her share as well. As Serene walked through the lively city, she clutched the pouch in both hands as it contained not only the coins but also acceptance. She was humming a happy tune, in perfect harmony with the one only she could hear. They were both quite content. 16. Venture Kite gave thanks to the adventure society functionary behind the requisitions counter, taking the small box before taking his leave. The day was crisp and his breath steamed in the cool air. Most people around the campus wore additional layers to ward off the chill, but those with bronze-rank auras generally strode around as casually as if it were a pleasant summer day. He stopped next to a wall and opened the lid of the box. Two small piles of quintessence filled the interior. One was devoid of color and gave off no reflection, looking almost like small holes in the world. The other had more varied colors and looked as if they instead took in miniscule aspects of the world around them. He closed the lid again, nodding in anticipation. Those small piles of quintessence had cost just over a third of his earnings, but void and gathering quintessence of iron rank was not very common. This meant additional fees of transportation, but Kite had been pleasantly surprised that it had only taken a week. During the wait, he¡¯d passed the time with weapons training and completed a couple of smaller contracts, taking Serene along. Dragonfly had left a few days after their celebration, joining her master for some ¡®complementary training¡¯. Master Force had been suitably impressed that the trio had fought and defeated the bronze-rank spirit, but had found some aspects of Dragonfly¡¯s post-battle insights quite lacking. With the box in hand, Kite once more made his way to the magic society and a ritual chamber. He knew that the ritual would be more complex than any he had performed before, and was thankful for the instinctual knowledge on how to complete it properly. It took about half an hour to finish the complex diagram, complete with the piles of quintessence and spirits coins in their proper place. Kite sat down to collect his mind, centering himself and the mental image of his path. Then he began the ritual. ¡°An existence among nothing demands to know everything. A gathering of everything leaves nothing unseen. Come forth, scholar of realities. My world and my soul is yours to know.¡± Kite felt prodigious amounts of energy leaving his body as the diagram glowed, consuming the gathered materials. In the air above him, a tear formed in the empty air as if someone had made a brush stroke depicting a hole in reality. More tears followed, an unseen cosmic calligrapher completing the image. The result was a series of shorter, curved lines which formed a circle around a central symbol consisting of many abstract ¡®strokes¡¯. It felt like it contained meaning, conveying a vague concept even though Kite could not understand it. In that way, it was similar to the symbols of his conjured barrier, albeit he did not recognize this particular one. The whole thing was around thirty centimeters in diameter. As the ritual was completed, the symbol was left hanging in the air. After a short delay, Kite could see it visibly animate. Each of the different lines and strokes felt more animated and organic, some wobbling slightly independent from one another. However, it moved as a whole as it floated down through the air and hovered before Kite. He looked at the bizarre entity with curiosity, feeling a distinct bond to it through his summoning power. ¡°Ehm. Greetings.¡± he said, tentatively. Kite did not know what kind of being his power would summon, the magic society index not having such a creature in their records, at least not from what Kite had been able to find. It wobbled slightly in the air, its central lines reconfiguring into another symbol which gave off a vague meaning of a greeting. Then, as if not being able to curtail some kind of curiosity, it floated off to one of the nearby walls, inspecting it intently. It continued through the room, being especially fascinated by the glass window and Kite¡¯s hair. ¡°You seem to be a curious one.¡± Kite chuckled as he rose, swallowing two pills to start replenishing his depleted mana and stamina. ¡°The ritual chant said that I apparently invited you to see my world. Want to come along?¡± He got a definite affirmative feeling from it, and proceeded to absorb the familiar into him, following the instinctual knowledge provided by the ability. As the incorporeal being dispersed through his aura, he felt a slight tingle as its spiritual senses merged with his. It was a new sensation to not be alone inside his own body, even though the familiar did not do much to draw attention to itself. As he walked out through the corridors of the magic society building, he could once in a while feel a faint sense of curiosity as it reached out through his aura to inspect whatever caught its interest. ¡°Well, fellow traveler, hopefully you won¡¯t regret tagging along with me. It feels nice to have someone join me on my path. I suppose that it¡¯s more our path now.¡±
That evening, uncle Walker returned after one of his longer contracts. The whole area north of Gilded consisted of terrain where bigger roads were hard or even impossible to maintain without a great expense in magical personnel and resources due to the dense forests and cliffs. While the region had natural resources enough to warrant settling, it simply wasn¡¯t considered important enough to sink those kinds of resources into it. That was why adventurers capable of traversing the inhospitable terrain, such as uncle Walker, were vital for the survival of some of the more remote settlements as they could carry wagon loads of supplies in dimensional bags. While certainly more expensive than more conventional merchants, it was still preferable to starving. This meant that uncle Walker had traversed far during the weeks he had been gone, enough that even his bronze-rank body looked a bit weary. He did brighten considerably as he saw Kite sitting at the table, as it had been many weeks since they last saw each other. Soon they were both slurping down noodles and catching up to what both had been doing during their time apart. ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that you took my advice to heart, little Kite. A bronze-rank monster is not to be trifled with at your rank, and I¡¯m relieved that neither of you suffered more permanent injuries. Once I¡¯m a bit more rested, we should go through what you¡¯ve learned more thoroughly.¡± He said before emptying the last of his bowl. ¡°Was during that little adventure that you picked up your new friend? ¡° Kite looked at him blankly at first before realizing who he was talking about. ¡°Ah, yes. I had the fortune of receiving an awakening stone, and this was the result.¡± Kite answered as he let the familiar manifest. ¡°This is Brave Walker of Paths, or uncle Walker.¡± ¡°Greetings.¡± uncle Walker nodded to the entity, which in turn floated over to him and inspected him curiously while hovering around to view him from different angles. Kite told him about what he knew of its capabilities, leaving Walker as surprised as Kite and his friends had been after the awakening ritual. ¡°The first part feels easier to wrap my head around. You are fortunate to have awakened a familiar which meshes so thoroughly with your path, little Kite. It is the ability it confers when absorbed into you that has me more confounded. I suppose you might see more manifestations around you in the future, albeit that usually would mean more monsters. Your path will have to work hard. Fortunately, the last few months have shown me beyond doubt that you are not averse to tempering your path through the fires of contracts.¡± Kite smiled at the praise, and they continued to discuss different approaches to fuse the familiar into his current way of fighting. After a while, uncle Walker posed a question Kite had not previously pondered. ¡°What will you name it? I know that not everyone does that, but I believe it would be a better fit for you, Kite. I think you work best among those you feel close to, and a name should go a long way toward helping you work closer together. As he said it, Kite felt a bit foolish for not giving the familiar a name right away. ¡°Do you want a name?¡± he asked the floating bundle of symbols which were busy inspecting the myriad pieces of memorabilia decorating the apartment. It shifted its attention to him, floating over and stopping quite close to his face, as if waiting expectantly. Kite gave it some thought as he gazed into its shifting patterns, trying to discern what best would fit the enigmatic entity. ¡°You seem to be of the void, but you are not nothing. I don¡¯t know much about you, but you seem to like knowledge and new things, at least according to the chant. ¡®Scholar¡¯ doesn¡¯t really roll off the tongue, and ¡®researcher¡¯ doesn¡¯t really fit¡­¡± he mumbled to himself, brows creased. After a short contemplation, something snapped together in his mind as he found a name. ¡°Sage!¡± he exclaimed happily. ¡°Your name should be Sage. Would you be alright with that?¡± The familiar, now quite close to his face froze before starting to bob up and down repeatedly while giving a sign that conveyed gratitude. Kite always felt his mind tingle slightly as his mind comprehended the meaning of a symbol he technically didn¡¯t know, a sensation quite odd. ¡°Uncle Walker, meet Sage.¡± Kite repeated, as his uncle chuckled. ¡°Sage is not unusual as part of the names of children, given in hope that they grow up to become wise. Let¡¯s hope that is the case for you as well, little Sage.¡± he said with a smile and a raised glass towards the familiar before turning to Kite. ¡°On another matter, I may have an opportunity for you. I stopped by an old acquaintance on my last contract. He lives even further up north than Starberry peak, and more to the west. He¡¯s a practitioner of a martial art, one I believe that you could stand to benefit from.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Kite queried, interest obvious in his posture and aura. ¡°You are coming along splendidly as an adventurer, Kite. But this old man would hope that your path will carry you further than mine has so far. You are coming into your abilities, even completely awakening one of your essences. But do you remember what I taught you regarding growing into this kind of power?¡± ¡°That it is not only having the power to act, but how you act?¡± ¡°Correct again, little Kite. This saying is a favorite of mine as it has nuance and depth. While it can apply to how you treat and act towards others, it can also be said about the way you fight. If we¡¯d just awakened your essences and thrown you against monsters, you¡¯d be dead at worst and a barely competent adventurer at best.¡± ¡°But you did train me, uncle Walker. You, and some of the other guests of my aunties as well.¡± ¡°That we did. And you have used it well. If you had remained a normal-ranked person you would have been considered decently skilled. But as a walker of your path, you will rise above it. Far above, if you can manage it. That is why you need to keep looking toward your future regarding your martial skills as well. When you have all your essences awakened, you will start to leave the earlier limitations behind you. And your fighting style will need to incorporate that. While I believe we did a decent job with your foundation, you will need to seek out another master, probably more, during your life to truly create the style that is in complete harmony with your path.¡± ¡°But I have seen you fight, uncle. Your skills with the blade are inspiring.¡± Kite protested. It was no overstatement either. To him, his uncle seemed like a deadly force of nature as he fought and Kite was always spurred on to one day be his equal. ¡°This old man is happy to hear he can still instill respect in the youngsters of this age¡± uncle Walker shuckled. ¡°In all honesty Kite, I am decent but not more than that. I completed my set of essences rather late, and didn¡¯t receive much in the way of weapons training during my youth. Most I learned myself while out on contracts. Don¡¯t get me wrong, I am proud of where I am today. But I am a courier first and a warrior second, both in spirit and in skill. But you Kite, you have potential. I didn¡¯t mention this during your childhood, as I wanted to avoid the complacency that Force is always going on about, but you have a truly remarkable talent for picking up and mastering different fighting styles and weapons. It might not seem that way to you, but not many would have the mind, sense and discipline to constantly practice with all the different types of weaponry that you do. While you won¡¯t reach the deeper, more profound specialization some strive for, you don¡¯t have to as long as it harmonizes with your path. Heavens, your gift evolution alone even encourages a wide arsenal. ¡± Kite was stunned by that particular piece of praise. He truly hadn¡¯t thought about it, as he never had an opportunity to really compare. Kite mostly practiced his weaponry alone, not out of a particular need for privacy but more of practicality, such as during evenings or early mornings. He sparred with Dragonfly, but it was rarely singular weapons training that they evaluated or practiced together, instead focusing on their paths as a whole. He could even envision her right now, giggling about how ¡®earnestly humble¡¯ he must seem. It was one of her favorite topics to jab him about, after all. As he opened his mouth to argue, he was forestalled by a gesture from his uncle. ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is that you, Kite, can go far. If you can manage to learn different styles of combat from actual masters, you yourself might be able to weave them into something heaven-defying. If you keep up that diligence of yours, of course.¡± he finished, seemingly remembering his persona as a sterner mentor at the last moment. Kite¡¯s mind warred between embarrassment, pride, excitement and a slight bit of disbelief. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. ¡°It seems like I still have a long way to go in knowing myself, uncle. Thank you, for the kind words and the lesson. I will keep it with me in my meditations.¡± he said, voice low but a smile on his lips. Then he remembered where this conversation began, as he backtracked. ¡°You did mention an opportunity earlier. A master residing far out to the northwest?¡± ¡°Ah, yes. His name is Unyielding Soul of Stone, a name he received about a decade ago as he was instrumental in the purging of the Unbreakable Chains sect. Like Force, he has spent a lot of time refining and developing his martial arts. As I happened to be in the area on my latest contract, I stopped by. We happened to talk about you, and after regaling him with the stories of a proud uncle, I believe his exact words were ¡®Send the whelp here before you ruin quality raw material too much¡¯.¡± Uncle Walker said the last part with an exaggerated, gravelly voice. ¡°How come you think he can help me develop? Will I even be good enough to study under such a master?¡± Kite asked, hoping that his uncle hadn¡¯t given the man too high an expectation of Kite¡¯s abilities. ¡°Stone is probably at the peak in the Autumn lands when it comes to effectively using all kinds of barriers, walls and other such creations in battle. While it is not the singular focus of your path, I still believe that it would be a good place to start. During our training, it is probably your barriers that feel the most disconnected from the rest of your path, and Stone should definitely be able to remedy that.¡± Kite thought it over, knowing his uncle¡¯s words to be true. His barrier power had been used quite a lot, but often as a completely different option to the rest of his skillset, such as when they were baiting the pack of galezards during the contract in Verdant steps. He had been practicing conjuring and removing it in short order to block specific attacks. It was a challenging power to use, as it was as solid to him or his allies as it was to his enemies. Using it at the wrong moment might hamper himself or the one he was trying to protect. Fortunately, its strength was quite decent for a power deployed so quickly, but it had still left it a bit underutilized. Nodding in agreement with his uncle¡¯s last statement, Kite posed another question which came to mind. ¡°What kind of payment or compensation will this master Stone require?¡± Uncle Walker waved it off. ¡°Stone isn¡¯t interested in most things you¡¯d have to offer, little Kite. His stations require more valuable and high-rank resources than you would reasonably get your hands on. If you were a supplicant from a wealthy or influential family it would have been different, since he has no compunctions getting what he can from them. I think you are an opportunity for him as much as he is for you. He has begun training students he deems interesting during the last couple of years in an attempt to gain new insights into his own path. However, I think it would be best if you¡¯d find the chance to awaken at least one more ability of your barrier essence before heading out. If that is your plan, that is.¡± Kite nodded his ascent. ¡°I think I should have the funds left for one of the more common awakening stones, if you wouldn¡¯t mind escorting me to the emporium in the trade hall again?¡± ¡°That¡¯s the spirit! Your path will be tempered to perfection in no time if you keep this up, little Kite. I once heard a saying attributed to some academy master from a far away land. It was something along the lines of ¡®A great adventurer is able to turn opportunity into fortune¡¯.¡±
Kite and uncle Walker were leaving the awakening stone emporium and making their way back out when they were stopped by a minor adventure society functionary who relayed to them that their presence was requested at the administration building by Adelaide. ¡°We¡¯ll go straight there then. This old man is curious to hear what warrants a personal summon, for the both of us even.¡± uncle Walker replied, Kite nodding along. During the short walk, they discussed some possible reasons for being called upon in such a manner. ¡°I have heard some vague hints about the local branch undertaking something more ambitious in the future, but it has been hard to get anything more than that out of my acquaintances. Since neither of us should have done anything to warrant a slap on the wrist, it shouldn¡¯t be unreasonable to hope for something positive.¡± Walker said as they walked up the stairs toward the administration building. The lobby was a pleasant, functional environment with plenty of comfortable seating and tasteful decor consisting of curiosities gathered by the branch over the years. Not long after announcing their presence to the functionary manning the reception desk, they were led up to a meeting room Kite had not seen before. It was on the top floor of the five-story tall building, and the double doors they were walking towards had lavish decorations. ¡°The branch director¡¯s office. It has been quite a while since I¡¯ve been here.¡± uncle Walker said in a low voice. They entered a richly decorated office with a magnificent view over Gilded and the golden valleys beyond. The room had even more paraphernalia as decoration, and was far more exotic than the lobby. Kite¡¯s attention lingered on one piece in particular, which was a sphere of glass containing a miniature stormy ocean, complete with a waterspout in constant motion. ¡°A sliver of a Rimarosian storm. Safely contained, of course.¡± said a male voice unfamiliar to Kite. He looked up to see a man approaching him from the direction of the large desk dominating one part of the room, Adelaide in tow. He was a handsome human with bronze skin and golden hair. His chin had a neatly trimmed golden beard along the whole of his jawline which combined with his shoulder length hair, combed back over his head, to give him the look of a lion. This was further enhanced by his imposing silver-rank aura, giving him an almost radiant glow to Kite¡¯s mind''s eye. Kite hurried to bow deep to him, hands cupped, as he realized that this must be Jarvan LanCaire, the branch director himself. As with most branch directors and higher functionaries, he was not a native to the kingdom. Kite didn¡¯t know much about the man, but his office indicated that he was widely traveled. Uncle Walker bowed next to him. ¡°Director LanCaire. We came as soon as we were called.¡± ¡°It has been a long time since I saw you last, Walker.¡± the director said with a smile. ¡°And this must be the young proteg¨¦ of yours. Greetings, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune.¡± he finished, directing his attention at Kite. His presence was one that easily filled a room. ¡°Greetings, branch director LanCaire¡± Kite said, trying to convey as much politeness as possible. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, calling me Kite will do just fine.¡± ¡°Excellent!¡± the director exclaimed. ¡°While I appreciate the poetry of your naming culture, it becomes quite a mouthful when in formal settings where the full name is used all the time. Walker, Kite, please come sit with us. We have an opportunity to discuss.¡± Not long after, they sat in a group of comfortable couches of a make Kite hadn¡¯t encountered so far in his life. The plush, high-backed seating was quite different from the piles of pillows they had during his childhood. He could really understand the appeal. ¡°Director, I must admit I am quite curious as to what brought on this meeting.¡± uncle Walker said while nodding thanks to Adelaide who was pouring him tea. ¡°To call both me and Kite was a bit of a surprise, and I¡¯m curious as to what matters concern the both of us.¡± ¡°While catching up with one of my hardest-working members is always nice, Walker, we do have some more official business to discuss. I asked Adelaide to join us as well, as she has had many professional interactions with the both of you. First, and most simple order of business; Kite, the actions taken during your last major contract to Verdant steps has shown us that you are able to make sound judgment and cooperate with others, enough to react in an appropriate way to an unexpected level of danger. Combined with your otherwise sterling record of service so far, we have made the decision to promote you to a two-star member. Please present your badge to Adelaide.¡± Kite was stunned by the sudden revelation, producing his badge in a daze as Adelaide used a small magical rod to add a second star to the badge. He felt a nudge of aura from uncle Walker, snapping him out of it to manage a ¡°T-thank you, director.¡± ¡°Modesty is all good Kite, as I believe there is enough pride to go around in this world. But don¡¯t hesitate to enjoy your success as well. I can assure you that the continental council would not have transferred me to this position if I was one to give out promotions for the wrong reason.¡± Kite smiled and straightened, trying for a bit more confidence. ¡°Then I shall hopefully continue to perform to your expectations, director LanCaire.¡± ¡°That¡¯s more like it! Give confidence some practice and I believe you¡¯ll be quite a presence here in Gilded.¡± the director said, while grinning at him and giving him the aura equivalent of a slap on the back. With a silver-ranked aura, this left Kite almost as winded as if the director had brought his physical strength to bear. The director continued. ¡°For our other matter, this regards both of you. However, I would have an oath from the both of you that, no matter your answer to our offer, you will keep it to yourselves.¡± Kite looked at his uncle, who nodded encouragingly. ¡°Then I swear on my path and my place in the heavens that I will keep it secret unless I am told otherwise.¡± Kite said somberly. ¡°As do I¡± uncle Walker followed. ¡°So please, director, enlighten us as to what it is you¡¯re planning.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± director Jarvan said after giving them a long look each, apparently satisfied with what he saw. ¡°As you are aware, cleaning up after the purge of the Unbreakable Chains sect has been a rather lengthy affair. Several expeditions have been arranged, each and every one delayed by sect politics as their pride prohibits cooperation in most situations. However, we are beginning to see tendencies of increased activity from the scattered remnants of the fallen sect. You yourself, Kite, have already witnessed part of it. While my sources and scouts so far haven¡¯t seen any evidence of attempts to gather the remnants of the sect again, it is still concerning. A long term plan needs to be formulated, but as usual I have to play around the local¡­ idiosyncrasies. We have made a proposal that has been approved and authorized by the continental council. While I am not at liberty to fully disclose more details, I can say that in around one year¡¯s time, there will be a new attempt at scouring the remnants of the fallen sect from the region. While both the Descending Star and Victorious Sunset sects will be participating, we have received resources to organize a force of our own as well with unaffiliated locals. ¡®Outcasts¡¯ as you are apparently called. And we believe that both of you would make good contributions to such a force.¡± Kite tentatively straightened in his seat, indicating that he had a question. At a nod from the director, he asked: ¡°Even a relatively new iron-ranker like me?¡± ¡°Even iron-rankers such as yourself, Kite. We don¡¯t have myriads of bronze- and silver rankers at our beck and call, but neither should our quarry. While you are young, you have already shown that you and your ilk can handle danger. Instructor Whisper even recommended you for this after your examination, as he believed that your rather unusual path would be a good match against other essence-users. However, it stands to reason that those of iron rank will be the most vulnerable members of this venture. That is why we have an additional offer for those of you who choose to participate. It is of great importance that you can start to truly progres, and for that you need awakening stones. The adventure society would be willing to supply you with an advance of additional stones to ensure that you are as ready as you can be for such a venture, but also know that the stones come with a price. You will repay the society in service at this venture, and will receive significantly less monetary compensation for it when the time comes. We also expect you to remain an independent adventurer for at least ten years. It would not be wise for us to invest too heavily in having competent free agents in the area, only for you to directly join a sect to partake of their resources as well in exchange for your loyalty. I freely admit that I do not care much for the particular flavor of rivalry and politics, and will have no part in giving them more members.¡± He turned to uncle Walker. ¡°For those of you who are above iron rank, we will have substantial monetary rewards available, as well as a merit system which you can use to exchange contributions for services and wares from the society. I assure you that you will find it quite lucrative.¡± Walker sat in thought, considering the offer. Kite, however, did not need much time. ¡°I accept this offer, director LanCaire. In all honesty, it would only benefit me to do something that I intended to do anyway. While I am not entirely sure, I suspect that such politics are to blame for some quite significant parts of my personal life. So far, I haven''t seen the allure to join a sect and restrict my path.¡± ¡°Then I think you haven¡¯t seen the benefits they offer, but I shall not argue a point which benefits me greatly. Then I welcome you to this venture. While you are free to act however you want, I would strongly recommend that improving your strength during the upcoming year should be your strongest priority. See to it that you are in the vicinity of the city as autumn arrives next year.¡± ¡°May I ask something else then, director?¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± ¡°As you may know, I have two companions who I frequently fight alongside. I believe they would each contribute to and want to join such a venture as well, albeit for different reasons. I would ask you to consider them as well.¡± ¡°I can already confirm that Force of Raging Torrent and her student will receive the same offer the next time they return to the city. I must admit though, that I hadn¡¯t considered the priestess. That was mostly out of assumption however, since her clergy isn¡¯t known for supporting such brutal business. Do you think she would accept such an offer.¡± the director asked, curious. ¡°I do. She would at least consider it, but I¡¯m quite sure she will want to join.¡± ¡°Then we shall extend the offer to her as well.¡± said the director, nodding in satisfaction. ¡°You can count me in as well.¡± uncle Walker stated as he broke into the conversation. ¡°I can¡¯t just leave young Kite here without support. His aunties would be quite cross with me if I did. And it sounds like it might give me just what I need to take the next, great step on my path.¡± ¡°Splendid!¡± director Jarvan exclaimed. ¡°You will be an invaluable scout and relay in this kind of terrain. Kite, Adelaide can help you come into contact with our scholars regarding the stones. I hope you understand that we don¡¯t have the rarest stuff just lying around, but we shall do our best with what we have to make you as formidable as possible. Then we seem to have concluded our business. Adelaide will be your contact for this venture, so please turn to her if you have questions.¡± he finished, rising from his seat. Everyone recognized the dismissal, and left the office. ¡°See, Kite. I told you. Fortune from opportunity.¡± Walker chuckled as they walked along the hallway. ¡°And thank you, Adelaide. Don¡¯t think I wouldn¡¯t recognize your hand in this as well.¡± The elven woman gave a pleased smile. ¡°It was just a nudge and a proposal, but I am happy with the results all the same. I don¡¯t mind showing some favor to two of my most cooperative adventurers if it keeps the director happy and the amount of finished contracts flowing.¡± ¡°About that¡­¡± Kite said sheepishly.
A few hours later, Kite and Adelaide exited another wing of the administration building after meeting with the scholars and keepers of magical items employed by the society. With their help, Kite had picked out two additional awakening stones. The scholars had seemed pleased that Kite hadn¡¯t opted for more at the time, as he didn¡¯t want to add too many new and unknown factors to his path at the same time. They had advised him to properly induct the new abilities into his fighting style at first, as it would help the final few that awakened to better harmonize with his path as a whole, as well as increase the chance to shore up weaknesses. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe you are going away for a few months¡­¡± Adelaide muttered, still grouchy after the revelation as her amber eyes thinned, turning towards him. ¡°Promise me again!¡± ¡°I promise I will take the time to do what I can on the contract boards along the way.¡± Kite repeated, trying to mollify the functionary¡¯s frustration. ¡°Especially the far-off ones?¡± ¡°Especially the far-off ones.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± She harrumphed. ¡°But you better learn quickly. I need all the reasonable people I can get around here." ¡°Patience is power; with time and patience a mulberry leaf may become a silk gown.¡± Kite stated sagely. ¡°You can keep all your normal-rank silk for all I care. I have magical problems requiring magical solutions. Magical violence is usually preferable," Adelaide sulked. ¡°I will miss you too, Adelaide. You have given me much assistance, and I shall never forget it.¡± Kite said, stopping for a low bow with cupped hands. She froze, before sighing and shaking her head with a smile. ¡°I can understand why Dragonfly always grumbles about your earnestness, Kite. Sometimes it¡¯s okay to keep it more casual. Don¡¯t keep her waiting for too long, you hear.¡± ¡°Waiting for what?¡± Kite asked, confusion plain on his face. ¡°Heavens keep you safe on your travels!¡± She called over her shoulder as she walked back toward the building housing her office. ¡°Waiting for what?!¡± 17. As always, a matter of judgment ¡°Ward!¡± Kite snapped as a barrier appeared before him in the nick of time. A flaming greataxe crashed into it, cracks spreading over the translucent surface. The axe rebounded, flying back through the air to Dragonfly who caught it in a spin, using the momentum to launch into another throw. Over the course of their spar, Kite had gotten plenty of first hand experience with the new power awakened by her awakening stone of animation. She could now throw the flaming greataxe with quite good accuracy as the new magic compensated for its normal lack of aerodynamics, even returning to her after each throw. As she had proudly described it beforehand, she even had hopes that it might evolve to fight on its own in the future. Dragonfly also showed how her recent training excursion with her master had paid off, not only in power but in guile. She hammered one more throw into his barrier and flung the axe once more. Kite, knowing that the third hit would break his barrier, instead dodged. The barrier broke with the sound of glass as Kite had moved out of its way and begun sprinting toward her in an attempt to seize the initiative. However, as soon as it passed by him, the axe disappeared as she released the ability. To his chagrin, Kite saw that she was already flying through the air towards him, having leapt even before her throw broke his barrier. Having learned from many previous spars, she didn¡¯t even bother to conjure a new axe, since that would mostly be a waste of mana against Kite in close quarters. Instead she opted to go at him unarmed, her enhanced strength making her quite formidable. Kite usually won most spars since the matchup simply was skewed too much in his favor, but one of her victories had been when she had foregone her weapon and instead grappled him in a crushing embrace. As she was now hurtling towards him through the air, Kite foresaw a similar conclusion unless he managed to intervene. Fortunately for him, he could. ¡°Wall!¡± he chanted as he drew his hand in a straight, horizontal line before him. The gesture helped him determine where his newly awakened ability would appear, and the inbound young woman¡¯s eyes widened as a wall of force ten meters across and three meters tall sprang up before him. It had the same visual look as his personal barrier, with the almost translucent surface covered in signs bearing subconscious meaning. While Dragonfly¡¯s momentum was quite decent, it was not enough on its own to break through his latest addition to his arsenal. She crashed against it full force, landing in a stunned heap. As the bout was effectively over, Kite dismissed the new spell before he went over to check on her. ¡°Heavens, when you told me about that ability I must admit that I didn¡¯t see that particular use of it¡­¡± she groaned after a while, rubbing her arms and shoulder which she had managed to turn just in time to avoid jumping face-first into the barrier. ¡°It does seem to have many uses, albeit requiring judgment. Yet another one of those kinds of abilities to my path, I suppose.¡± Kite said with a smile as he helped her up and held her steady. Kite¡¯s new ability had come from the awakening stone of the wall he and uncle Walker had bought before their unscheduled meeting with the branch director. The resulting power wasn¡¯t surprising in the slightest, but Kite could appreciate it as another interesting tool added to his arsenal.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of the Wall] You have awakened Barrier essence ability [Leyline Warding] [Ability] Leyline Warding Spell. Cost: Moderate mana Cooldown: 30s Current rank: Iron 0 Effect - Iron: Create a solid, translucent barrier anchored to a surface. The barrier can be up to 3 meters in height and up to 10 meters long. The length can be split among multiple barriers. Only one casting of this spell can be active at a time.
The pair unclipped their sparring bracelets and returned it to the society functionary on the way out from the training area. They had rented a space up on the adventure society campus, where the bracelets allowed for something close to full-contact sparring between lower-ranked essence users. Connected to a major magical power source, the band could provide a shield and burst of healing if the wearer reached critical damage to lower the risk of mishaps. Accidents still happened though, as was bound to occur when people were throwing bolts of lightning at one another, and the society was clear that it took no responsibility for such accidents. Kite had heard of the mirage chambers employed around the world, but the low mana-density of the Autumn lands meant that the expense for running such a facility had simply not been deemed worth it. ¡°Talk about bad luck with the timing though. I¡¯m finally back and now you''re leaving for a couple of months.¡± Dragonfly sulked. ¡°Yes, it is most unfortunate.¡± Kite agreed. ¡°I had looked forward to taking some group contracts together. Would you mind taking Serene along for some action while I¡¯m gone?¡± ¡°Of course! You won¡¯t even recognize us when you return, as we will be stronger than you could imagine. Besides, that will give us plenty of time for some girl talk!¡± she answered with a grin. ¡°And there is no chance of me being named honorary girl so that I can join you?¡± ¡°Nope, sorry. Those are the rules.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t the so-called ¡®girl talk¡¯ more about feelings and such? Why would that exclude me exactly? I think it is important for everyone to be able to express themselves to their friends.¡± Kite muttered, feeling a bit excluded. ¡°Hnnggg, see that would be the problem. You¡¯re so earnest with these kinds of things. It would make me all flustered. The giggling is an important component after all. Lightens the mood.¡± she explained sagely. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll have to practice my giggling then.¡± Kite answered, smiling at the thought. Dragonfly seemed to remember something as she changed the subject. ¡°Before I forget; would you mind lending me your books on aura control while you are away? Master Force keeps insisting that I read to supplement my practice.¡± she said, the last part with some chagrin. ¡°Of course. Come pick them up right away. It''s even on the way to the dumpling restaurant I told you about.¡±
As Kite fell asleep that night, he felt happy that he¡¯d had the time to see Dragonfly before he set off toward the home of this master Stone. He¡¯d missed her passion and energy while she had been away, and he felt pleased about how ecstatic she had been over the good food they had shared. ¡°Bonds truly are important.¡± he thought, dedicating it to his birth-parents. He then thought a bit about the stack of books he had lent to Dragonfly. Kite had accumulated a small collection by this time, mostly about aura control and meditation. He didn¡¯t even remember all the titles, but let go of any other thoughts on the matter. There surely couldn¡¯t be any danger in lending them to her. ¡°Fortune, guide me along my path in the upcoming days.¡± he sent as a silent prayer before sleep overtook him.
At the same time, a young woman was wrangling her pink curls into submission in an attempt at a ponytail to keep them from obscuring her vision. She was going to try to ¡®expand the horizons of her mind¡¯, as master Force had said ever so often lately, by reading the books she had borrowed from Kite. The problem was that most titles seemed rather off-putting as she went through the pile. ¡°A treatise on iron-rank auras and their capabilities. Maybe. The history of aura-techniques as a basis for cultural analysis. Nope. Meditation and you - overcoming the mind-body separation. Meh.¡± The dyadic tempering of auras. Nah.¡± She was just about to put the last on top of the rejected pile as it slipped from her grasp. As she picked it up, she glanced over the open page, stopping. When gazing upon the rather detailed imagery therein and glimpsed words like ¡®unity¡¯ and ¡®entwining¡¯ or phrases along the lines of ¡®-as the participants share their bodies with one another, remember to-¡¯ Dragonfly realized that this book was quite unlike the rest.
Three days later, Kite found himself running through a frosty forest. He heard the heavy tread behind him and the angry snorting of the monster as he weaved between the trees, frozen moss crunching beneath him. ¡°There was a clearing ahead. I need to-¡± he thought, but was interrupted by a tree root which had risen to grab at his leg. Fortunately for him, its controller was only iron rank and Implacable motion made sure that the root failed to find purchase on his wooden armor. His pursuer was closing in however, and Kite knew that he needed to get to the more open ground if he was going to negate a fair bit of the disadvantage he was in. While he had hoped to save it for later, he decided to activate the charging ability of his belt. The burst of speed carried him the rest of the way out into the clearing on the crisp winter day. Frosty red and orange foliage surrounded him and the sky was clear, now open above him in the meadow. He quickly turned toward the pursuing sound and chanted ¡°Wall¡±. Five barriers, each two meters across, sprang up in a line before him, the more recently awakened Leyline Warding being employed in an attempt to shore up his defenses. Through their translucent sheets, he saw his quarry come barreling out from the forest at great speed. It was a rather huge monster, at least for iron rank, with four stubby legs and a solid body with thick, hard skin. Its head was even further reinforced by a rounded bony plate covered in a multitude of horns. He could see the small, beady eyes gazing out from between the bone ridges, as the root-slinger rhinoceros charged at him. The beast was a rather exotic monster at the top end of iron rank, and Kite had picked up its contract in a village far to the north of Gilded. He had once again felt ever-fortunate to be in uncle Walker¡¯s care, as he had a contact with a flying magical mount who was going on a delivery to the north. Kite had been welcome to tag along, and had therefore spent the last three days on the back of a giant azure sparrow, gazing down in wonder at the forests and cliffs below. The courier''s destination had been only a couple of days'' travel away from where Kite was going. It saved Kite at least three weeks of traveling, and he had stopped to go through the rather full contracts board in the village where they had landed. Most had been rather routine hunts, but the root-slinger rhinoceros had been a different challenge. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Kite had read up on it beforehand in the living document of the magic society, so he had known it was mostly dangerous due to its charging attack and plant-controlling powers. It had been something else entirely to see the beast hurtling through the forest against him, trees simply bending out of the way of the charging monster, roots even reaching out to increase its speed as they helped fling the monster toward Kite. Now it shot out of the canopy like an avalanche, colliding with the first of the layered barriers Kite had conjured before it. The first two simply shattered like panes of glass. The third slowed it slightly, as did the fourth and fifth. Kite summoned his personal barrier as well to prepare for the impact, as well as activating another of his latest abilities which had come from one of the two awakening stones he had been given by the adventure society.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of Solidity] You have awakened Resolute essence ability [Unyielding] [Ability] Unyielding Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Iron 1 Effect - Iron: Become highly resistant to all hostile effects that would move or displace you, including physical momentum. Any additional damage that would be dealt to you by the canceled momentum will instead be transferred to the environment. Additionally, this ability may be activated for a cost of moderate mana to give increased damage reduction from external sources of damage for a short duration.
While Kite had been able to feel and use the effect of Unyielding during the contracts leading up to this one, this was the first time he was truly able to see the scope of its effect. The monstrous rhinoceros crashed through his final barrier before hitting the shaft of Kite¡¯s raised spear. While much of the momentum had been spent going through the barriers, it still collided with Kite carrying a terrifying force. Kite felt a painful jolt through his whole body, but where he before would have been thrown away if launched by a catapult, he only slid backwards a few steps. The surrounding ground was not as lucky, as great gouts of frosty grass, dirt and moss were sent flying. From above, one could see how a conical area behind Kite had been torn apart as his magic transferred the force through the environment instead. Kite still felt the effects of the attack quite thoroughly, and if it hadn¡¯t been for the damage-reducing aspect of the ability, he was certain that relying on the barriers alone would have left him at least partially broken. The monster seemed quite taken aback as its momentum was halted rather abruptly, its heavy body careening off to one side as it came to a halt. Some roots emerged from the ground to steady it, but as that happened, Kite was already on the offensive. He lunged forward with his bone spear, its wicked point trailing gray vapors and streaks of nothingness as he aimed for the eye of the beast. The rhinoceros managed to throw its head to the side, and the point of the spear missed the eye, instead sinking a bit into its hardened head a couple of centimeters behind the eye. It snorted and howled in pain as the spatial tears of Void-Sunders-Firmament appeared in chaotic patterns around the head of his spear, cutting deep grooves into the bony exterior and hurting its insides. As the vulnerable eye had escaped his attempt to injure it, he gave a quiet prayer to Fortune as he activated the power inside the bone spear. As the mana left him, it traveled through the spear and into the skull of the monster. He heard and felt a grizzly cracking sound as the bone of the creature¡¯s skull warped around the point of impact, becoming a mess of sharp spikes pointing in every direction. His investment paid off, as one of the warped spikes pierced the monster¡¯s eye and tore it free from the beast. Kite felt a shudder of revulsion as the gruesome weapon did its work, but it did not stop him from pressing the advantage. The monster was quite slow except when charging, and Kite took full advantage of its partial blindness. It thrashed around wildly, as Kite tried to stay on its blind side as much as possible while thrusting against what looked like softer parts and gaps in the thick, hard covering of skin. He tore through its body with his spatial tears as often as he could in addition to all of his other special attacks. Unfortunately, most were rather inefficient against the more physically gifted rhinoceros, their damage rather small. He did make progress, as the beast was slowing from the mounting injuries and the gradually increasing curse from his spear. The monster soon realized that it was outmatched and attempted to plod away in a straight line, gaining speed. Kite had injured its legs as best as he could, but the rhinoceros-monster was quite tough and still managed a decent, albeit limping, attempt at escape. He struck a parting blow as more spatial tears carved through the monster, before a javelin struck it and conjured roots attempted to hinder its flight. While the roots proved mostly ineffective, it still gave Kite an opportunity to use another of his more recent additions to his arsenal. During the whole battle, Kite¡¯s familiar had remained manifested where it floated like a dark circle behind Kite¡¯s back. Unless otherwise instructed, Sage remained close to Kite¡¯s body where it constantly gathered remnants of spent mana. That was why he had even bothered using the more inefficient attacks, and Kite could feel that the astral gatherer now carried a decent amount of power. As Kite gave a mental command, Sage floated up above Kite¡¯s left shoulder, its lines reforming as a light seemed to be flowing out from the void that was the familiar¡¯s form. The light gathered into a thin beam of white light which hit the retreating form of the monster. The resonating force of the beam carved through the tough skin and ravaged its insides. It dealt a good amount of damage, but to Kite¡¯s chagrin the monster managed to continue staggering away, albeit a good deal slower. ¡°Sorry Sage, I¡¯ll have to work on my timing a bit more.¡± Kite quipped to the familiar as its power was spent for now without having dealt the killing blow. Gripping his spear, he pursued the monster to finish what he had started.
At the end of that day, Kite left a thankful village with an empty contract board to travel on foot for the last leg of the trip. He realized that he was further north than he¡¯d ever been in his life. While he wasn¡¯t entirely sure, he thought that the trees grew a bit more sparsely here while the cliffs continued to densely cover the landscape as far as he could see. He had been taught that the Autumn lands eventually gave way to the Gray tundra, a cold and desolate landscape with even lower magical density than the Autumn lands. His destination was not that far up north, however. Even from this distance, he could see an area to the northwest where the cliffs stood close enough to almost form a small mountain range. Apparently, that was where Unyielding Soul of Stone resided. Uncle Walker had provided Kite with instructions as to how to find the reclusive master, so Kite set off in high spirits. His bag had plenty of provisions brought from Gilded, and he had bought additional in the village he just left. During the next two days, Kite mostly traveled and took in the landscape around him. It was often clad in frost and rather beautiful. Kite himself was not bothered by the chill, courtesy of a magic item he had bought for the trip. It was called a hearth bracelet, a small metal band into which he fed some fire quintessence every now and then to recharge it. He had been told that such bracelets existed in many different varieties across the world, such as the oasis bracelet used in the warmer regions or windwheel pendants to fight off extreme humidity. His hike had not been without interruption however, as he had gotten some more demonstrations of the ability his peculiar familiar had when absorbed into his body. Sage apparently did something to help trigger certain, minor magical manifestations more frequently in Kite¡¯s vicinity. This ¡®vicinity¡¯ could be several kilometers away however, so close was a relative term. Kite did not have anywhere near a perfect understanding of the process, but through the sense provided by his ability and him asking Sage and trying to interpret its broad, vague way of answering, he had a rough idea. Apparently, Sage was rather sensitive to the magical saturation and was sometimes able to ¡®nudge¡¯ events already close to triggering over the metaphysical edge. Guided by Sage and the often visible rainbow vortex, Kite had happened upon freshly manifested iron rank monsters of different varieties, but also some small collections of quintessence. Plant and earth dominated as usual, but he had also found the slightly rarer ice quintessence. ¡°Well, you will certainly make my life a bit more interesting.¡± Kite said to the familiar on their second day of travel as he sat down to rest. He had just fought a small pack of galezards, courtesy of Sage as he had seen their manifestation from afar. As it was only five of them, he had no compunction of engaging them by himself. It even gave him another opportunity to test out the last of his newly awakened abilities.
WWJS (What would Jason see?): Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune have absorbed [Awakening stone of the Wave] You have awakened Negation essence ability [Ripple of Cancellation] [Ability] Ripple of Cancellation Spell. Cost: High mana Cooldown: 30s Current rank: Iron 1 Effect - Iron: Release an expanding wave of magic-canceling energy. Creatures or objects hit by the wave will have one random beneficial magical effect canceled. If that effect came from a magical ability, the ability will be unavailable to activate again for a short duration. If multiple targets have the same kind of magical effect active, there is a higher chance that it will be the one which is canceled. Magical projectiles hit by the wave will be negated, as will temporarily summoned creatures and the ability which fired will likewise be unavailable for use for a short duration. Projectiles or creatures of a higher rank or creatures from modified summoning rituals might not be entirely negated or dispelled.
During his consultation with the adventure society scholars, they had picked out an awakening stone of the wave in the hope of giving Kite the ability to affect a bigger area. Once again, his power set gave him something a bit more niche. As he was used to this by now, Kite remained optimistic as he had tried out the spell in different ways. Named Ripple of Cancellation and often associated with the negation confluence, it was not the easy-to-use area attack Kite might have hoped for, but he still found that the ability could turn certain situations in his favor rather drastically. His quick altercation with the galezards had proven that. The pack of wind lizards usually remained at range, attacking with their wind blades. They only closed in if they suspected their prey to be weakening or pinned in place by the barrage. If Kite advanced them with a raised barrier, they would retreat and scatter. While not impossible to deal with, it was both more time consuming and sometimes dangerous as he might find himself surrounded by a scattered pack still able to freely continue their barrage. His new spell had proven effective versus the numerous opponents relying on their single magical ability. He had waited for just a few seconds with his barrier raised before casting the spell and immediately following the wave with the charging power of his belt. It had caused a rippling distortion through the air in a wide cone ahead of Kite, attacks winking out as they came into contact. As the pack was gathered, the sudden negation of their latest wave of wind blades and Kite¡¯s sudden charge spelled a quick end to the battle. He could down three of them before they could scatter, and mopped up the remaining two without much difficulty in short order, since the monsters greatly relied on their numbers to compensate for their rather fragile physical bodies. At the moment, his familiar was busy floating around inspecting the environment, seeming especially interested in the light vapor rising from the puddles of hot monster blood hitting the frosty ground. Kite knew it would dissipate into the foul-smelling rainbow smoke in a while, and tried getting as much of it off his armor before that happened. ¡°Come along, Sage.¡± he called as he absorbed the familiar back into his body. ¡°I think we¡¯ll reach our destination tomorrow morning if we can keep up the pace.¡±
Kite stood dumbfounded as he looked up at what was, without a doubt, his destination. When uncle Walker had told him about this reclusive master, he had envisioned something along the lines of a mountain hermit, living in an austere cave while meditating on a mountaintop. He had not expected a veritable palace carved out of the cliff side. It had a grand stairway leading high up onto the mountainside where a sprawling courtyard led up to a grand pagoda tower, eight stories tall. The complex even had smaller waterways, with bridges for crossing, which ended in small waterfalls as the water flowed over the edge of the platform where the buildings resided. And it was all carved out of stone, down to the many trees and bushes which were tastefully arranged around the courtyard. Most of it was made of the gray stone of the cliffs, but there were plenty of decorative elements using other minerals. There was no gate to hinder him, but Kite still stood frozen on the final step of the grand stairway, both in awe and the sense that him being made of flesh and blood would somehow sully the inanimate beauty of the place. His reverie was broken by a deep voice suddenly echoing out over the courtyard. ¡°Boy, get moving and come in already. Standing there until the wind turns this place to dust will do neither of us any good.¡± Kite could not see the speaker, but felt the pulse of a silver rank aura as a way of greeting. It felt solid and at the same time unyielding like a rockslide. After a moment of focus, he could get a feel for its origin at the top floor of the pagoda. He took a steadying breath and stepped up onto the courtyard. As soon as he did, he felt a new sensation. The air felt more comfortable and easier to breathe and he could almost feel his body drinking in what could only be a higher level of ambient magic. The difference was not enormous, but definitely noticeable as he crossed the courtyard and entered the bottom floor of the pagoda. The inside was sculpted with equal care, both pillars and furniture being made of stone. However, there were also items of comfort or decoration which did not consist of hard minerals, such as the piles of pillows crowding the couches or the colorful drapes and tapestries. A stick of incense stood smoking on the table, giving off a pleasant and discrete smell. ¡°Take a seat, boy.¡± said the same deep voice as a human man came walking down the stairs leading to the upper floor. He was huge in every dimension, built as the mountain he lived on. His voluminous white robes and long sleeves did little to hide his muscular frame, his steps, voice and presence sending tremors through the stone surroundings. He had an amused smile as he gestured to the still dumbfounded Kite to have a seat on a nearby couch as his frame dominated a whole couch for himself when he took his seat. As Kite sat down, he reflected that the face really matched the aura in this man. It was all hard angles and prominent lines, further exposed by his deep black hair being tightly gathered in a knot atop his head. ¡°Welcome, boy. I assume you are Walker¡¯s little whelp? I am called Unyielding Soul of Stone, and it sounds to me like we have some training to do.¡± he said with an expectant grin. 18. Glimpses of improvement Over the following days, Kite quickly became quite a bit more familiar with his new master. Master Stone, as he insisted on being called rather than his full name, was a kind but stern man. He brooked no nonsense in his dealings with Kite, but still surprised with a fondness for philosophical debate and pondering on the essence of things. Less surprising was his passion for creating great and beautiful things out of simple materials, as demonstrated by his dwelling. And he was very keen on challenging Kite, body, mind and soul. At the moment, master Stone sat meditating on a large flat rock near the bottom of the grand stairs leading up to his abode. Even with his eyes closed, a chunk of limestone floated in the air in front of him as chip after chip was shaved from it. Not long after, a beautiful statuette in the shape of a local monster was put down on the stone beneath him. It looked like a bear with crystalline carapace, its sculpt giving off the sense of power and motion. Another piece of limestone floated up into the air, the process beginning anew as he opened his eyes to gauge Kite¡¯s process. The young man stood in a wide stance beneath a nearby waterfall, its waters crashing down on the barrier held above him. He was clad in only a pair of simple, loose pants and looked to be quite strained by the force of the water which hammered on his barrier in addition to the uncomfortable chill of the air and water. ¡°While your tenacity is admirable, boy, it doesn¡¯t look like you¡¯ll manage to hold on until I¡¯ve carved the whole set as instructed.¡± he noted, his deep voice easily carrying above the noise of the waterfall. ¡°Why do you think that is?¡± ¡°Because- I¡¯m not- strong enough yet?¡± Kite answered through gritted teeth, body and mind too strained to give the matter any deeper thought. ¡°That might be one part of it.¡± master Stone acknowledged. ¡°But facing something stronger or more relentless than you is not something uncommon. It''s not even a serious enough problem that it should stop you.¡± ¡°H-h-h-h-ow s-s-s-so?¡± Kite managed to get out, as his teeth had started to chatter. ¡°Ponder this then, boy. Two warriors are facing each other. Their bodies, training, equipment and powers are identical. Impressive mirrored specimens. No one is inherently more powerful than the other one. When their strength and power are equal, what determines the victor?¡± Kite tried to force out an answer, but was unable to gather his thoughts under the strain. ¡°Calm your mind, boy. Meditation is a good tool in almost any given situation.¡± As master Stone¡¯s words got through to his addled mind, Kite took as deep a breath as his situation allowed. Slowly, he managed to calm his mind and leave the tribulations of his body in the background. He thought about the situation that master Stone had described, then thought it over again. And again. After taking his proper time, Kite managed an answer, even managing to curtail his chattering teeth long enough for coherent speech. ¡°There should be many deciding factors. Which one uses the terrain to their advantage in the best way? Who takes initiative? And other outside factors. And who makes the smartest use of their pow¡­¡± he said before trailing off, looking up at his barrier. It was slightly cracked, held straight up like an umbrella as the water from the small waterfall hit its center before cascading off to the sides. ¡°...powers.¡± he repeated, not seeing the grin on master Stone¡¯s face. Little by little, Kite started to angle his raised barrier, even taking a half step to the side. The streaming water started hitting it at an angle, streaming off to one side, and Kite immediately noticed the strain lessen. It was still heavy going, but with this he should be able to make it. ¡°Master Stone, I understand! I understand wha-¡± he started, words drowned in a splash as his moment of lost focus unbalanced him beneath the pressure still hammering down from above, which moved his barrier and let half of the stream of water crash down directly on him. His master was laughing aloud as he pulled himself from the small stream beneath the waterfall, spluttering and coughing. ¡°Not bad, boy. You did indeed get it, and learned another valuable lesson in the process. Epiphanies are ever so satisfactory, but losing your focus will always cost you no matter the circumstance. Come, let us get you dried up. We have some sparring to do.¡±
During the weeks to follow, master Stone truly pushed Kite through his paces along the general guidelines he had presented to Kite after their first day together. That day had consisted of Kite showing, describing and theorizing about each and every one of his abilities, in addition to a marathon of combat demonstration against master Stone where Kite demonstrated as much as he could of every weapon he was proficient with. As he had lain splayed out in exhaustion on the stone courtyard, master Stone had given his verdict. ¡°It seems like Walker has turned you into fertile soil and planted a few seeds of competence, but there is much to be done if you want those seeds to grow into heaven-defying trees, boy. The main focus of my path is barriers, walls and others like it. They are my offense and my defense, motion and strategy. I have built my whole combat technique around it. But it is clear that this path is not yours. Your barriers are a supplement, secondary to how you fight. There is no shame in that, and I believe that you can learn much from me on how to properly incorporate them into your combat technique without them being the dominant factor. However, you should know that I am no weapons master. I can give some guidance on how to mesh your barriers with what you have, but it will be up to you to find more teachers and experience to further those parts of your path. Knowing this, do you still want to train under me?¡± Kite had managed to produce a weak ¡°Yes, master Stone¡± between panting breaths. ¡°Good. Walker wouldn¡¯t have sent you here if you didn¡¯t have some tenacity.¡± the older man said, before adding; ¡°And you truly need it. Your barrier-work is atrocious. You treat it like a separate part, removed from the rest of your technique and powers. But I believe we can rectify that.¡± Master Stone had proceeded to deliver as promised. After Kite¡¯s lesson at the waterfall, they got into more in-depth lessons about the importance of angles and transference of forces. Intense practice-sessions helped Kite start to get a grip about when to block an attack straight on, when to deflect it by angling his barriers and when to simply dodge or employ other tactics. Kite had once more been surprised by the older man¡¯s academic and philosophical approach to his powers, in addition to being impressed by his skills and knowledge.
One evening, the pair was meditating on the top floor of the pagoda with a splendid view over the landscape. It was master Stone who broke the long silence. ¡°Boy, I can sense you have a question. Better ask, than letting it chip away at your focus. It shows in your aura.¡± Kite opened his eyes and looked at his master. It had felt surprisingly familiar to have another person be able to glean so much from your aura, and Kite felt a small tug in the pit of his stomach as he thought about Serene. And Dragonfly. And uncle Walker. But those were not the objects of the question which had nagged on his mind, so he refocused and spoke. ¡°If I may ask, master Stone, why have you been here for so long? I had the impression that most who had progressed as far as your rank had left this region long ago, in search of greater challenge to further temper your path.¡± Master Stone looked at him for a while before answering. ¡°Parts of that answer is something you are not yet ready to know, boy. But some I can tell you. I realized that I was stuck; that my path had reached an impasse. And sage guidance from someone I trust very much led me to the realization that what I needed was not to do more of what I did. It was to see if I could do the same even if I had less to work with. Coming here was about limiting myself, to use fine control instead of simply taking in and using more mana. To use patience and meticulousness to accomplish what I couldn¡¯t do with more raw power even if that power was available. Over the past years, I have gained many insights. Partially from my own training and meditation, and partially by training whelps such as you. And I believe these insights will be enough to reach my goals.¡± ¡°Which are?¡± Kite prompted. ¡°For you to find out if you can take your path far enough, boy.¡± master Stone chuckled. ¡°Now, calm your mind again. Remember that meditation we practiced.¡±
After reaching a level which master Stone called ¡®an adequate foundation¡¯ they proceeded to continue with more real-life practice. He had Kite hunt down different monsters of the region, which proved to be a different challenge. Due to the more mountainous surroundings, there was a greater propensity for tougher, more armored monsters to manifest. As Kite still struggled the most against tough enemies with less reliance on the purely magical, it was not only his barriers which got a lot of practice under the stern oversight of master Stone. His practice with angling his barriers really paid dividends under the heavy fists of stone elementals, as each blow took less out of the barrier and significantly increased Kite¡¯s endurance in a fight. Versus more numerous opponents, he had started using the conjured wall of force to create funnels in the terrain to minimize the amount of opponents being able to attack at any given time. Master Stone even gave praise to Sage, calling the familiar an unprecedentedly useful training tool as long as Kite could manage the increased frequency of monster manifestations. It still wasn¡¯t any kind of spectacular increase, but master Stone seemed to believe that Kite needed anything he could get. The astral gatherer seemed quite pleased with the praise, floating in what Kite thought were excited circles around his mentor. Their outings were mostly the same repetition of hunting the monsters which master Stone located with his aura and reflecting on the battles afterwards. But two things happened during those weeks that broke the rhythm. The first was when Kite¡¯s ability manifested another item. This time it was a greatsword, albeit rather short and wide for such a weapon. Its rectangular blade had no point, but seemed to have veins of different minerals throughout its length, and the handle and wide crossguard looked to be made of polished stone.
WWJS: [Item] Stratum Shield-blade Rank: Iron - Rare [Effect] Greatly increased durability [Effect] While wielded, increases strength of barriers, shields and earth constructs conjured by the wielder. [Effect] Plunge the blade into the ground to create an area of medium radius around the blade. Allies within the area benefits from the strength of the earth, increasing their physical strength and damage reduction by a small amount. This weapon count as wielded while this is in effect, even if not held by the wielder. Effect requires a surface of stone, earth or other similar substance to work. Cost: Low mana per second. Duration: Until retrieved Cooldown: 1h
Master Stone had thought it a quite fitting memento of their time together so far, urging Kite to work on how to incorporate it into his fighting style and when to bring it out. The second event was during an outing on the northern slopes of the mountains. While Kite hadn¡¯t seen it, he got the distinct feeling from Sage that there had been a magical manifestation in the area. Master Stone was amenable to the detour, and they followed the familiar toward a more geothermically active region some kilometers to the north. Here, the lower slopes formed a kind of stair with several, sulfur-smelling scaldingly hot springs of water. Sage led them toward a hole in the side of the mountain, which rather frequently shot out a great stream of scalding water. After spending a short time searching around, master Stone¡¯s more magically sensitive senses located the source. Apparently, the manifestation had occurred in the depths of the geyser. Kite had felt a bit disappointed as he realized that he could not brave the hole and see what had manifested, as his iron-rank body would be thoroughly boiled by the scalding eruptions. Master Stone had no such compunctions, simply jumping down into the opening. Kite felt a bit concerned as the geyser went off several times during this time in its depths, but his master emerged not long after with a smug grin. He was wet, but unharmed. ¡°What did you find, master?¡± Kite asked, curious and quite impressed by the resilience of a silver-ranker. ¡°Perform well enough during training, boy, and I might let you know what it was.¡± master Stone answered with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Another rock was launched against Kite, who brought up his barrier with a snapped ¡°Ward¡± which it impacted before ricocheting off to the side as he released the barrier again. He repeated it again and again as the frequency of the rocks increased, as did the complexity of the angles. The one assailing him was none other than master Stone, who used an iron-rank magical gauntlet to control and launch different loose stones at him. The lower rank item was what gave Kite a chance to actually interfere with the projectiles in any meaningful way, as any launched by his mentor''s own silver-rank power would be too fast and too strong. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. The purpose of this particular mode of training was reaction speed, and during his ten weeks training with master Stone, Kite had been able to hold out for longer and longer. To further complicate things, his mentor even started varying the size of the launched stones to force Kite to judge and adjust the angle of his barrier properly. This intense training had helped Kite to fine-tune the chant of his spell as well, finding the shortest time forming the word and the lowest volume of speech necessary for the spell to work. As they reached the limits of what Kite had previously been able to handle, Stone could feel a surge from Kite¡¯s aura as he projected determination, urging his master to continue. Seeing something simmering under his student¡¯s aura, master stone acquiesced with an eyebrow raised in curiosity. Kite strained under the barrage, feeling like the tenuous control he had was steadily slipping away from him. He soldiered on, attempting to use some of the meditation techniques he had been taught by master Stone which were meant to keep his mind calm and focused during combat. As he strained to keep going, the clash between his outer tribulations and inner calm forced his mind into new patterns to better handle his ordeal. Eventually, this led to a mantra coalescing in his beleaguered mind. It was something which had been on the edge of his mind during his meditations lately, brought out in the intensity of the moment and out of what that moment forced him to become. ¡°My path will not be shifted by the world. My path will not be cracked by the world. My path will not be moved by the world. The world will be moved by my path.¡± As the mantra repeated again and again, he felt something inside him break. Suddenly, his barriers seemed to hold fast better, each deflection made in the last fraction of a second strengthening his grip on the situation rather than causing it to slip away. Gray light shone from his body, as Kite stood taller than before in the face of the onslaught.
WWJS: Essence gift (Barrier) - Warder has evolved into Deflection master Deflection master - Spells creating barriers and shields have a shortened casting time and can absorb more damage. For the first few moments after creating a barrier, said barrier is impervious to damage. Deflecting an attack during this time refunds the majority of the spell¡¯s mana cost. Attacks of a higher rank or especially devastating attacks may not have their whole damage canceled by this effect.
Kite knew that something substantial had happened, but was still too pressured by the practice-session to reflect much about it at the moment. He did get a distinct feeling that timing the barriers properly both improved their capability and saved him quite a lot of mana. Not long after, master Stone stopped the steady flow of stone projectiles. ¡°A racial gift evolution. You must have really been pushing yourself, boy. Well done. I assume it has something to do with your barriers? From what my magical perception could pick up, they seemed different for a few moments when appearing.¡± Even though Kite had been doing better there at the end, he was still quite wrung out after the intense session. Master Stone noted that as well, and spoke up before he could answer. ¡°You can explain more after some rest and a spirit coin. Come along, boy.¡± he said before turning for the pagoda.
¡°Master Stone?¡± ¡°Yes, boy?¡± ¡°What will you do when you leave this place? Where will you go?¡± His mentor turned to him. They were sitting on the stairs leading down from the courtyard, watching the sunset while drinking tea. ¡°I will go back to the heartlands of the kingdom. I have unfinished business there, and someone who¡¯s waiting for me.¡± he said, words cryptic and gaze distant. Picking up on the obvious queue that he would not receive more answers than that, Kite changed his line of questioning instead. ¡°You¡¯ve been to the heartlands then? The capitol?¡± Upon seeing his mentor nod, he continued. ¡°Can you tell me about it?¡±. Master Stone leaned back a bit, relaxing slightly. ¡°That I can, boy. The capital, Heavenward, is a grand place. The architecture is grand, and it houses the richest families and strongest sects in the land. But it is also a place of high ideals. Be they fair or foul, kind or wicked, everything is simply¡­ bigger, for a lack of better terms. I would urge you to visit it, but also warn you off until your path is suitably strong. Otherwise, you risk having your path swept up by someone else and no longer yours to choose. Trust an old man when I say that. It is not worth it.¡± ¡°But I can go there? Some day?¡± ¡°If the heavens will it, yes. It is said to be the first step in the climb to the heavens and beyond, after all. But be sure you are ready, and take your time. No need to get ahead of yourself, but I admire your ambition.¡± Kite turned down his gaze. ¡°I must admit, master, that I¡¯m not sure that ambition is the right word to describe it. I think my path is more about going where I want to because I want to. Power seems to be the way to allow just that, but I don¡¯t think power alone will take me where I want to go. At least not toward that which is most important.¡± Master Stone looked at him for a moment before laughing merrily. ¡°It seems like you¡¯ve really begun to form your path then, boy. After all, a path is only yours if it leads where you want to. The nuances, motivations and directions of each path might be different, but all of the great ones seem to have that in common. Agency.¡± He rose to his feet and began to walk back toward the pagoda. ¡°I believe it¡¯s time for you to complete your training here now, boy. We¡¯ll set up a proper test for tomorrow.¡± Kite¡¯s heart was torn as he heard master Stone¡¯s words. He did feel like he had built the foundation for something great here during his thirteen weeks of training. Time had both flown by and and felt like a slow crawl. Kite knew that his fighting style had begun a small reincarnation, the first of many along his path, and was eager to return to Gilded. But he also had a melancholy feeling. He liked master Stone and the interesting thoughts their conversations seemed to bring. While he ostensibly was hard and stern like the stones he shaped, his aura felt more like the safe haven of a fortress rather than an imposing mountain. ¡°Thank you, master. I hope that I am ready. And I will miss you when I leave.¡± Kite answered, following him towards the building. Master Stone seemed a bit taken aback by Kite¡¯s sudden earnesty. After a short moment of silence, he tentatively reached out a hand to put on Kite¡¯s shoulder as they walked side by side. ¡°I¡¯ll miss you too, boy.¡±
The stone warrior raised its heavy sword in an overhead swing, chopping down hard toward its smaller opponent. The young man was stepping in fast, keeping track of the descending sword in his perfectly clear periphery as he had begun a sideways swing of his own with the rectangular, heavy sword. He didn¡¯t halt his swing or alter his motion in the slightest, simply muttering a clipped ¡°Ward¡± in just the right time as a barrier sprang up above him. It was angled slightly to the side, cracking slightly under the bronze-rank strength of the construct before deflecting the descending blade. His own swing continued, leaving an afterimage of black tears in space as it crashed into the side of the stone soldier, heavy blade and special attack both contributing to a spray of stone shards which left a jagged rift in the construct. Kite¡¯s foe was a pristine stone soldier, summoned by his mentor as a test of his abilities and what he had learned. Master Stone had used a magical lens and a bronze spirit coin to lower the rank of the cast spell from silver to bronze rank, which still was a quite dangerous foe for the young iron ranker. Kite continued, resolute to perform at his very best for what could be his final lesson and test. As he had delivered the first strike and was about to retract the blade, the construct¡¯s other fist was already approaching at high speed. Deeming it too close for a barrier, Kite instead angled the blade of his greatsword downward and close to his body, taking cover behind the flat of the blade which covered over half the width of his torso. The punch crashed into the blade and Kite felt a painful jolt through his body as slight cracks formed in the stones below as one of his abilities kept him from being pushed back. [Unyielding] Keeping his initiative as the fist rebounded from the blade, Kite stabbed the blade towards one of the construct¡¯s feet and the stone courtyard below, activating one of its abilities. The force was enough to carve off the tip of its sculpted greave, and the blade sank into the stone below as if plunged into sand. It anchored itself almost immediately, and Kite felt a slight boost to his power as the strength of stone was channeled through him. Noting that the sword of his foe was closing in again, this time in a sideward swing mimicking his previous, Kite quickly stepped up onto the crossguard of his greatsword, which was now firmly anchored in the stone, before leaping off it at an angle to carry him past his foe. The bronze-rank speed was too great however, as the sword would catch up to him before he could get out of range. A quickly muttered sequence of ¡°Ward. Wall¡± produced his personal barrier yet again as a wall of force sprang up behind Kite. The construct¡¯s blade hit his barrier, its higher rank causing cracks to form even though Kite¡¯s evolved racial ability greatly strengthened it for a short moment. Having no environment to channel the force into, Kite was launched back. He managed to retain enough control to plant his feet on the conjured wall of force behind him, pushing off before gravity reclaimed him. His sudden reversal carried him back toward the stone soldier as a wicked bone spear appeared in his hands, once again channeling the power of his void-summoning special attack. The spear only grazed the construct¡¯s head, finding it difficult to penetrate the bronze-rank hardness of the stone warrior. The spatial-tears which appeared around it did a better job of it as parts of its head fell in chunks to the side. Kite managed to conjure another barrier in time to absorb the body slam delivered by his foe, him still being airborne meaning that he was thrown away yet again. This time, he let the throw carry him away a couple of meters, rolling once before springing to his feet to meet the construct which relentlessly pursued him with precise, heavy movements. Their battle continued in a similar fashion as Kite used his barriers to enable a more aggressive way of fighting, as all his hard-fought training with his barriers let him land more attacks as he did not have to divert his movements to intercept. His void special attack chipped away at the creature, little by little. Kite was not left unhurt through all this, body aching and bruised, but had so far been able to avoid any solid hits which would impede him all the more. As the battle drew to its climax, the construct¡¯s movements seemed to speed up as its structural integrity was failing. Kite could see that it was starting to crumble from the strain, but realized that he would be even more hard-pressed to keep up with its ramping pace. He needed to change the pace of this fight. The crumbling stone warrior charged him again, sword descending once more in an overhead strike. Instead of his aggressive deflection, Kite planted his feet. Catching the blow with precise timing on yet another barrier, this time he took the blow squarely in its center. Its increased imperviousness caught the brunt of the blow, but the construct continued to press down on the barrier with the sword held in both hands. Cracks rapidly grew across each translucent surface even as Kite continuously channeled mana into it through his essence gift to keep the barrier intact for just a little while longer. A sudden bright light flashed across the courtyard, as Sage made the decisive move. Floating down from behind Kite¡¯s back, it stopped beneath his raised left arm and unleashed all its pent up energy up into the torso of the stone soldier. The white ray unleashed by the familiar punched straight through the construct¡¯s chest, unleashing a considerable amount of pent up mana released during the lengthy battle. The pressure on the barrier ceased, followed by a cloud of stone dust as the construct disintegrated. Kite took a shuddering breath, triumph and exhaustion warring inside him as he straightened and started calming his mind according to master Stone¡¯s teachings. The master in question gave Kite an encouraging smile. ¡°Well done, boy. You truly showed what you have learned!¡± His expression shifted to a more mischievous one. ¡°But do you think you can handle one more?¡± As he spoke another stone warrior rose from the courtyard, brandishing its blade in challenge. Kite responded with a flat look before he chanted: ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power¡± A ripple shot out from him in a quickly widening cone, passing through the summoned construct which promptly disintegrated to fine stone dust before dissolving, Ripple of Cancellation proving its effectiveness against the temporary summon. One of Kite''s essence gifts made his spell ignore the rank disparity and affect even the bronze-rank summon, but Kite had a reasonable suspicion that a summon of silver rank would not be so readily dispelled, rank disparity being ignored or not. Master Stone looked blankly at the space where his stone warrior had stood, before breaking out into uproarious laughter. ¡°Bwahahahaha! It seems my lesson in humility fell rather flat. Good job, boy! Don¡¯t let an old man like me stand in the way of your path.¡± he finished, still grinning before he threw a small object to Kite. ¡°You sure earned the little surprise I picked up from the geyser. Come on now. Let¡¯s take tonight and celebrate. I¡¯d say your foundation with barriers has become pretty decent for your rank. Now it¡¯s time for you to go back into the world and make proper use of it.¡± His mentor was already walking back toward the living quarters, leaving Kite standing there staring at the small stone in his hand which seemed to brim with shackled potential.
WWJS: [Item] Awakening stone of Potency Unranked - epic An awakening stone containing raw power not yet unleashed.
Kite once more found himself at the top of the stairs leading up to the residence of his mentor. This time around, it was the light of dawn which colored the beautiful sculpted complex. He was geared for travel, currently bowing with hand cupped toward master Stone who had chosen to see him off at the grand stairway. ¡°The heaven¡¯s truly blessed me with kind masters.¡± Kite said as he rose from the bow. ¡°Thank you, master Stone, for spending your time with me. I feel like a lot of fragmented knowledge and ideas have come together in ways I could not imagine before. You truly have the sculptor¡¯s talents for us small ones as well.¡± ¡°Well, boy, you did show both tenacity and a reflective mind, so how could I give it my best? As I said to your uncle, a gem in the rough needs proper attention. If you can keep your tenacity and stay true to the path you are building, I have faith that Fortune will see us meeting again when you have come even further. And remember, even a stone wall can be flexible if you know how to properly make use of it.¡± he finished with a smile. ¡°Safe travels. May Journey bless your steps.¡± ¡°And may Fortune favor your future endeavors. I hope this place will eventually bring you to what you seek.¡± Kite replied, giving a wave over his shoulder as he started walking down the stairs, heart filled with the bitter-sweet feeling of farewell. Unyielding Soul of Stone watched his latest proteg¨¦e make his way down the stairs, eventually reaching the mountain path below. He followed him with his gaze until even his silver rank senses could no longer perceive him amongst the myriad of trees. Flashes of memories took him back to the same situation, as he had stood there many times before and seen young men and women leave. Many with smiles, some without. Most had even left him as improved versions of themselves, in body, mind and path. He smiled wistfully. His time here had truly given him an appreciation for the small things. His youthful drive for greater feats of prowess seemed almost foolishly singular. Was there true glory in moving a mountain if it blinded you the small, yet deeply meaningful, things around you. Kite had been one of the best of his students, his earnestness, kindness and tenacity surprising even him at times. It felt good to have had a hand in shaping such a little seedling. ¡°He may only be of iron rank, but even the smallest part of a wall is important. The villages on the way back to Gilded will probably be quite grateful. If even the tiniest part of a grand wall is worked to such perfection, none left unattended and unpolished, the grand total would be unbreakable.¡± he thought, before frowning. The last parts of his thoughts seemed to resonate with something, a shudder going through him. He swiftly turned toward the pagoda, moving with his silver-rank speed. He eschewed the interior stairs as stones from the courtyard rose to become a stair under his feet, carrying him upward toward the top before retracting down into the smooth surface again. His mind was already picking up speed as he sat down, the small tremor caused by him impacting the stone floor giving his inner eye a perfect picture of the buildings around him, even spreading out into the surrounding mountainside. Unyielding Soul of Stone could feel everything, from the small bird landing on far off stone and the beetle crawling below it. The small shift of gravel on a nearby slope. The minerals which the mountain consisted of. His mind went deeper, as smaller components previously unseen were suddenly visible to his mind. He lost himself in the new revelations. Three days later, as dusk painted the skies above in colors of rose-gold, peach and soft purple, every soul within kilometers suddenly felt the urge to gaze upon the mountain slope. Bearing witness to the golden light which shone like a beacon of the heavens, as a gold-rank aura spread out like a powerful wave. 19. Of homecomings and loaned books It was a weary, yet happy young man who now stood in line waiting to be let into the city of Gilded, the biggest city in the Autumn lands. Contrary to his first visit to the city, the throngs of people around him felt more comfortable and less overwhelming than they had been. It almost felt like a different life after these many months, Kite reflected as he held his aura under tight control. This didn¡¯t stop Sage, his familiar, from reaching out through his aura senses to inspect his surroundings. Its attention mostly went unnoticed, but Kite could see some in the crowd look around as if feeling watched but not being able to make out from where. He gave his familiar a mental nudge to be on his best behavior as he reached the gates, showing his adventure society badge and giving his name. He had been on the road for just short of four weeks since he left master Stone¡¯s abode, and had quite the stack of finished contracts in his dimensional satchel along with some other curiosities he had picked up along the way, either through happenstance or the manifestations triggered by his familiar. As he walked through the city streets, he bought food from quite a few vendors, enjoying the savory tastes of cooked meat, mushrooms and vegetables after weeks of mostly feeding on spirit coins. Kite had so many things he wanted to do now that he was back. Turn in his contracts, browse the trade pavilion of the adventure society, meet up with Dragonfly and Serene, practice some of his new techniques and maybe even buy some more books he had been holding off earlier to save funds. Maybe even complete his set of awakening stones, if the offer from the society still stood. But first off, he wanted to go home. The apartment he shared with his uncle wasn¡¯t large, but it had become more and more like a proper home to him over the last few months. A calm haven for rest between exciting and dangerous travels. While not unexpected, he was a bit disappointed to find the apartment empty. A letter from his uncle told him that he was once again out on a contract, and Kite smiled when reading the well-wishes at the end of Walker¡¯s message. He plopped down on the bed and began unpacking his things. One of the things he took out from his bag was a small scale which glittered in all the colors of the rainbow. He put it next to the rest of the twenty-odd scales in a bowl on one of the bookshelves. His uncle had collected most of them, but this was the third one added by Kite. Uncle Walker had told him that he had found them here and there in small streams over his many travels, and that he collected them in hope that they would bring luck. Or at least just be a pleasant decoration in his home. He also produced two identical awakening stones, circling them in his palm as he looked at the tiny reliefs of a spear in each. During one of the contracts on his way back, he had been hunting a pack of rummager hounds led by one of the more rare alphas of their kind. The crafty monsters had been terrorizing the village and its surroundings, stealing many things. While no person had been attacked, they had still caused quite a lot of damage in stolen goods and destroyed property. Kite had found their nest in the ruins of an old bastion, a smaller precursor to the fortresses where people nowadays would gather to weather out a monster surge. After dispatching the monsters, he would have left if Sage had not alerted him to a manifestation deeper inside the ruins. He had needed to use his special attack with the spatial tears to gradually carve through a fortified door, which had been protecting a small armory. Rows upon rows of spears had stood in racks, and Kite had recognized them as lesser magic items called militia spears. The weapons were a simple affair, where a normal wooden shaft was capped with a spearhead which could be charged with a small level of magic to the level where it just barely passed into iron rank. This weak charge allowed even a normal ranked person to wield it with only minor discomfort, and the spears were a common emergency contingency in case of a breach or catastrophic loss of essence wielders during a surge. All the weapons inside had long since lost their charge, and Kite simply noted the ruin¡¯s location in case the governing city lord would want to reclaim the stash of weapons. However, he had gladly helped himself to not one but two awakening stones of the spear. The first seemed to have manifested long ago while the second had been triggered by Sage¡¯s presence. As he sat on the bed in his room, he said a prayer of thanks to Fortune. While he didn¡¯t intend to use the stones for himself, as he didn¡¯t want to push his path toward the spear, the find would probably allow him to sate his curiosity on a different matter. But he put them back into his bag for now as he rose. His first order of business was in the jobs hall. He hoped Adelaide would not be too displeased by his work.
¡°-and there. That should be the last one.¡± Adelaide said, a pleased look as she brushed a strand of green hair from her face. She had just finished counting out a final stack of coins for the last of the contracts Kite had turned in. As usual, she took the opportunity of his visit to drag him off to a separate room for some peace and quiet as they sorted out their business. As he had watched her work, Kite had noticed nuances of green in her hair which he previously hadn¡¯t been able to discern. The difference was very slight, but Kite was once again impressed to see the result of his spirit attribute fully awakening as his perception and cognitive speed had seen a slight increase. This was all thanks to the awakening stone he received from master Stone at the end of his training, and Kite was itching to show off his new ability to Dragonfly as he thought she would be suitably impressed. His recovery attribute had been the first to fully awaken after he got his familiar, and it too had been a boon during his recent travels. Spending less time to recover his health, mana and stamina was nothing to dismiss. Kite was pulled back to the present as Adelaide had posed him a question. ¡°So, will you be completing your set of awakening stones soon then, now that you are back? I think it would be good to use the remaining months to really come into your powers and the increased capabilities of your body.¡± Adelaide spoke from experience, having her full set of powers. From the feel of her aura, Kite thought she was well on her way to bronze-rank. He nodded at her question. ¡°Yes, but not today. I have some other matters to attend to first. Coming into my full set will probably take some time getting used to, so I want to get as much out of the way before that as well.¡± he answered. ¡°Could I trouble you for your help this time as well? Your insights have led me right so far, and I truly appreciate your company.¡± She gave him a slightly longer look than he expected before answering with a smile. ¡°When asked like that, how could I say no? How about in four days? I¡¯m off desk duty then so I should be able to make time.¡± ¡°That sounds great, thank you Adelaide.¡± Kite said as he was gathering his not-so insubstantial earnings. ¡°I¡¯m off to the trade pavilion, as I¡¯ve had some experiences I¡¯d like to be more prepared for in the future.¡± ¡°And I¡¯m back to desk duty.¡± She said with a sigh and roll of her eyes. As she left, he could hear her muttering something about young masters and privilege.
Kite was looking down at a pendant on display. It was a delicate piece of work as it incorporated a small, azure feather gently entwined in threads of silvery metal. Kite was trying to imagine how someone had crafted it without damaging the fragile looking feather, only looking up as the store''s proprietor approached him. The Resplendent Treasury was a small store on the second level in the trade pavilion, accessible to Kite since his promotion. Its owner was an older man of the smoulder race with ash-gray skin and the faint glow of blue flames in his eyes, the latter crinkled in merriment as he approached. ¡°A fine day to you, benefactor. I see that you are admiring the azure heron charm. Are you in the market for anything in particular?¡± Kite replied to the man''s polite bow with one of his own. ¡°I am indeed, master craftsman. During my latest travel, I was thoroughly humbled as I almost fell to my demise. While I can forgive myself for a mistake once, the heavens would surely strike me down if I did it twice.¡± Kite answered, falling into the more formal way of speaking that was common when making business with strangers. ¡°Then you have a good eye, benefactor. That very charm is made with the feather of the azure heron. I took great care in keeping the integrity of the material, as I hope you can see. As I prefer simplicity and directness in the effects of my work, benefactor will have to forgive that it provides nothing more than the advertised slow fall. However, I am proud enough to say, with confidence, that you will not get more duration or control over said fall from any other iron-rank charm.¡± Kite looked again at the item in appreciation. ¡°Then I will trust your knowledge, master craftsman. I will buy it.¡± An hour later, Kite left the trade pavilion with a lighter heart and the new charm hanging around his neck while his bag carried the rest of his purchases. The amulet was the most significant, and expensive, of the things he had bought, but he did not regret it for a moment as he remembered his battle against the rocktopus. It had been another of the contracts he picked up on his return trip, a simple hunt of a high-end iron-rank monster. He had encountered the multi-limbed monster atop one of the many cliffs sprouting from the sea of foliage, and had almost been thrown off the side when the creature had managed to snare him in its tentacles and lifted him off the ground. Apparently potent enough to not be negated by his ability [Implacable motion], only quick thinking had saved Kite from gravity¡¯s ruthless embrace as he had pulled out and stabbed his javelin into the tentacle with his only free arm, taking hold of the conjured vines to prevent the risk of an ignoble death. Kite had been unsure if he would even have had the time to activate Immortality to bring him back to peak condition, or if the fall would have killed him immediately. He had prevailed, with the close call spurring him to shore up such a weakness. The feather was rather pretty too, giving off a slight azure shimmer as it reflected the midday light.
WWJS: [Item] Charm of the Azure Heron Iron rank - rare [Effect] Activate to slow any fall for a low ongoing mana cost. Gain excellent control over said fall regarding falling speed, body positioning and minor control of direction. Cooldown: None.
After arriving back at his home, Kite tried the charm a couple of times by jumping from higher and higher vantages. The charm performed as advertised, slowing his fall to a leisurely pace on command. He could adjust his direction only slightly, which came nowhere near an actual ability to glide, but it provided great options for controlling his position in the air. Even when diving head first from a roof, he could easily adjust to falling feet down in less than a second. Satisfied, Kite left for other errands. He had a lot he wanted to do, after all.
Kite had always liked the temple district as the different gods had such distinct places of worship. From Warrior¡¯s austere, fort-like complex to Fertility¡¯s rather overt decor of people entwined in acts much approved of the goddess. While Kite wanted to tell himself that he was an adult now and that sex merely was a natural, if pleasurable, part of life, he still felt quite flustered each time he passed that particular temple. Much to his chagrin, he sometimes felt like the temple itself saw him, and that it could tell. Seeing the temple also reminded him of Brook. It felt like more than a lifetime ago, where his first love had blossomed. It had been a beautiful time, of sweet romantic vows and fumbling, earnest intimacy. While his past self had not believed it possible, Kite had eventually been able to move past their unwilling separation as life tore them apart. He thought he remembered that her family moved to Bulwark, a city quite a bit southeast of Gilded. Promising himself to at least look for her if he was ever in the area, simply to catch up if nothing else, Kite continued toward the temple of Song. He found Serene sitting in prayer in one of the small courtyards, an achingly beautiful song seemingly manifesting in the air around her. Recognizing it as one of her many songs of prayer, he leaned against the nearby wall to let her finish. Knowing her aura senses, there was no way she hadn¡¯t noticed his arrival. When the song came to a close, she rose to greet him with a smile. ¡°Welcome back, Kite.¡± she spoke as a gentle breeze around him, a warm sound of jingling chimes accompanying her words. She seemed to scrutinize him without looking straight at him. ¡°Your aura has matured quite a bit these last few months. It feels more collected and united. This suits you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s great to see you again, Serene.¡± Kite said before giving her a quick hug in greeting. ¡°How have you been? As usual I can¡¯t really fathom the whole of your aura, but it does feel different. A bit more complete and calm, maybe?¡± Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Kite really meant it, too. There was something different about Serene overall, in the way she moved. Her jade-colored eyes looked the same, yet watched the world a bit differently. She giggled slightly. ¡°It seems you haven¡¯t forgotten to practice. I¡¯m glad you noticed. Me and Dragonfly have been working hard while you¡¯ve been away, and the goddess recently blessed me with my final awakening stone. I am now well and truly on my way toward bronze rank.¡± ¡°A cause for celebration then!¡± Kite said with a smile. ¡°Want to join up with Dragonfly and catch up? I went by her place before coming here, but she was out at that moment. She might be back soon though, if we¡¯re lucky.¡± ¡°I would very much like that. My next duties begin tonight on evening choir though, so I will probably retire early. You go ahead and see if Dragonfly is back, and we¡¯ll meet up at the usual place?¡± ¡°A fine plan! See you soon!¡± Kite called after her as she walked off toward her personal quarters. Leaving the temple Kite walked by the temples of Healer, Merchant and Lust while making his way back to see if Dragonfly had returned. While the temple of Fertility made him slightly flustered, the temple of Lust made most people blush. Kite had never had any business there so far, and was quite surprised when what he assumed was a priestess opened a window as he walked by, calling ¡°Good luck!¡± after him. He stopped to look at her in confusion, to which she merely responded with a wink before disappearing behind the drapes inside the window. ¡°What was that about?¡± Kite mumbled perplexed, before he continued walking.
Fortune favored him yet again as Dragonfly had returned home while he had visited Serene. She lived in a small cottage on the property of her master. Unlike uncle walker, master Force owned a rather large townhouse with a garden. When Kite had been walking up to her house, she had apparently sensed his aura. He hadn¡¯t even crossed half of the garden before she threw open the sliding doors to her little home. ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± she shouted joyfully, activating her leaping power before colliding with him like an enthusiastic, pink-haired comet. Much to her consternation, Kite wasn¡¯t felled to the ground by her assault-grade hug, as Kite¡¯s ability transferred some of the force to the poor lawn instead. Fortunately, the damage was only minor. Not long after, the trio was united again on the roof of Kite¡¯s apartment. The day was sunny enough to chase away most of the chill, but they still enjoyed hot tea and were catching up on events from their time apart. ¡°-you should have seen her, Kite! She literally sang the ogre apart. It started vibrating, then *pop* it was gone.¡± Dragonfly described animatedly. Serene looked a mix of pleased and abashed at her enthusiasm. ¡°You still did most of the work, Dragonfly, but you have been very accommodating in letting me try out that particular ability.¡± she said before taking another sip of tea. ¡°It sounds like you¡¯ve had quite the adventures.¡± Kite said, chuckling at Dragonfly¡¯s antics. Her passion always made him happy, contrasted well against Serene¡¯s prim grace. ¡°My last few months have mostly consisted of standing under waterfalls and being pounded by flying stones. I did bring you these, though. Master Stone made so many, so I could keep any I wanted.¡± As he spoke, he produced two small stone statuettes carved with exquisite detail. One was a dragonfly sculpted from rosy quartz, landing on a lily pad. The other was a beautiful bird in a pose of silent song, carved out of green jade. ¡°I might have requested the particular materials and motifs for these ones.¡± he added sheepishly, inwardly pleased with the appropriate level of ¡®ooooing¡¯ and ¡®aaahhing¡¯ from the recipients. As the teapot emptied and the sun was beginning to set, Serene rose. ¡°It is time for me to head back, but I¡¯m glad that you have returned, Kite. You both should finish your set of awakening stones when you can. We have a certain venture to get ourselves ready for, after all. Oh, and Dragonfly, you should remember to return the books Kite loaned you.¡± she finished with a wink. Kite didn¡¯t think more of it until he noticed that Dragonfly, still seated on the roof, had frozen slightly. Her aura was fluctuating a bit, but she didn¡¯t seem truly distressed. ¡°Yes indeed. Yes I should.¡± she answered quickly before Kite could ask more. ¡°I¡¯ll fetch them for you, Kite!¡± she said, also rising. ¡°I¡¯ll walk you there, if you don¡¯t mind the company.¡± Kite said, rising as well. Serene gave off a giggle as she was leaving. ¡°Good luck then!¡± ¡°What was that about?¡± Kite asked Dragonfly as they got down from the rooftop. He could feel the same fluctuations of her aura, but still could not grasp their meaning. ¡°Oh, nothing. Girl talk. Super secret.¡± she answered, rather quickly.
Dragonfly had been uncharacteristically silent during their walk through the city, mostly content with asking him questions about his time away to keep him talking. Kite had tried giving her time to see if she would eventually tell him what it was. She didn¡¯t seem sad or angry, but there was definitely tension. Her aura kept fluctuating as well. His curiosity and slight concern defeated his patience just as Dragonfly opened the door to her cottage. ¡°Dragonfly, are you nervous?¡± he asked, finally having arrived at some kind of conclusion regarding her behavior. ¡°What? Me? Nonononono. I¡¯m not nervous. Or anything el-¡± she started, but stopped under Kite¡¯s incredulous gaze. She stared at him with an unreadable expression for a short moment, before seemingly steeling herself with a breath. He could feel her aura calming down as well. ¡°Come in. We can talk about it after I¡¯ve returned your books.¡± Not long after, Kite stood looking around Dragonfly¡¯s room. It looked like he remembered from previous visits. The small cottage was dominated by a low bed, a table surrounded by pillows for comfortable seating and the usual appliances for running water. As usual, it was very tidy and smelled of old, dry wood and the flowery smell of its occupant. ¡°So, how did you find the books? Did you try any of the techniques they taught?¡± Kite asked as she was retrieving the stack. As he asked, he once again noted a shudder of her aura which was quickly calmed. ¡°Yes, I did. While some of the titles were quite boring, their contents were surprisingly good. But there was one book which I couldn¡¯t really translate to any kind of practice.¡± ¡°There it was again,¡± Kite thought. ¡°That shudder in her aura. What could it me-¡± His thoughts stopped as he looked down on the book she was holding out to him. The cover read The Dyadic Tempering of Auras. Kite¡¯s mind proceeded to perform some kind of fusion between a deathly stillness and internal scream. Any thoughts on being a calm, collected adult went straight out the window as he realized that he had lent her that book as well. The Dyadic Tempering of Auras was a book describing techniques to combine sex with aura training, using the trust and closeness of the sensual and sexual acts as a foundation to practice close aura contact and fine control without the unsettling feeling from aura suppression. While not usable as a combat technique, it did seem really useful for developing a delicate aura touch to easier convey meaning through the abstract medium. Kite had always been torn between a lustful fascination and quite a bit of embarrassment that he had owned the book, feeling like a young teenager being caught peeping at his neighbor. And now he had inadvertently shown it to Dragonfly. Was that why she had been acting so strangely? What did she think of him after this? ¡°Ah. Yes, tha- I mean, it really has some inter- I mean I bought it by mis- No, I mean it is mostly academical intere-¡± ¡°Kite?¡± ¡°... yes?¡± ¡°Have you been able to practice these techniques?¡± ¡°Wha-¡± he began before calming himself slightly. ¡°No, only in theory. They do seem nice. And useful. Why do you as- He was interrupted as he felt a tentative, gentle caress as her aura had reached out to his. It felt a bit fumbling, but also quite pleasant as the hairs on his neck stood on end. ¡°Would you like to practice them then? With me?¡± She asked, as he could sense the same kind of fluctuation from her as before. With context, he now understood. It had been nervousness, but with an undercurrent of something he hadn¡¯t felt from another since he had awakened his aura senses. Longing. And a bit of vulnerability. Taking another steadying breath, he tried recalling what he had read in the book. He gently returned her gesture, his aura gently touching hers with careful ¡®movements¡¯. She visibly shuddered this time, blinking once. When she opened her eyes, the passionate spark he usually saw in her had returned. ¡°Do that again.¡±
If an aura-sensitive person passed by a particular townhouse in the eastern parts of Gilded, they might notice a pair of auras quite close to one another. What might at first glance look like a struggle would, at closer inspection, turn out to be quite a lot more intimate. At first their interaction would seem hesitant and tentative, but also eager. As time passed their movements would be more overt, balancing back and forth as the auras pressed into each other until there was a kind of equilibrium. Then, ever so gradually, the unseen forces would start to meld. Keeping the equilibrium while still entwining into one another softly. Not like the brutal suppression of an aura battle, but more like an embrace. As that embrace became tighter and firmer, there would be a ramping pressure, rising and rising. Until a ripple pulsed through the auras, born of unity and balance. And then, gradual separation. Carefully retreating until they were once again adjacent and in balance, close and at rest. As they gradually let go of their embrace, Dragonfly leaned back from her seated position in Kite¡¯s lap, brushing aside some stray pink curls. ¡°Heavens. I love aura training.¡± she breathed, still a bit winded from the experience. ¡°I mirror the sentiment.¡± Kite answered, a dazed smile on his face. The experience had been quite enlightening, both a bit dumbfounded to discover that even sex could have nuances previously unknown before their powers awakened. It had been hesitant at first, but as they had found a common rhythm in the teachings of the book, they had glimpsed a whole new layer of experience. Using their auras like that had been very challenging, but Kite was the first to agree that if this could be considered practice, then it was a skill worth learning. ¡°Dragonfly?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± she answered dreamily. ¡°Was this why you were so nervous before?¡± ¡°Well¡­ yes.¡± ¡°I believe I can understand it, at least partially, but I would still like to ask why? Did you think I would react badly?¡± ¡°Not really, but¡­¡± she trailed off, before picking it up again. ¡°You would never be mean, Kite. I know that. I could even imagine you, all worried and earnest. ¡®I truly cherish you, Dragonfly, but I already have another partner to practice with.¡¯ or ¡®You are a delight, but I simply do not see you as someone to share this with¡¯ ¡° she said with her best Kite-impression, before continuing. ¡°But even if you were nice, rejection would still hurt. At least I think so. And it was a long time ago since I¡¯ve been with someone. A long time. Heavens, I did really need this. First I tried dismissing it, but that book had put the idea into my head and I couldn¡¯t get it out. Didn¡¯t want to, to be honest. You are nice, and you are cute, especially when you get all earnest. And you feel safe. Who would be better to try it with?¡± As she spoke, Kite¡¯s mind was processing this new development. He was pleasantly surprised that the mental process remained calm and collected rather than the semi-panic he had experienced earlier. His processing led him to a rather important question. His first instinct was to avoid it as it would risk complicating things, but he resolutely pushed the instinct aside. If he wanted to take a step toward the so-called maturity he had thought himself capable of, keeping up the honest conversation was the least he should be able to bear. ¡°Then where do you want to go from here? Regarding us, I mean?¡± he asked. ¡°I must admit that I had never expected you to see me as a potential lover? Or partner? The life we lead¡­ I must admit that I hadn¡¯t thought of any of it at all. Everything has been rather overwhelming these few months. In a good way, mostly. It feels like I have begun to find a place in this world, but at the same time it feels like I¡¯ve barely landed.¡± The words had begun spilling out now, showing no sign of stopping. ¡°And I realize I should have said this before we¡­ became intimate. You are important to me, and I didn¡¯t even ask you before-¡± His words were interrupted as she leaned forward to put a finger on his lips to silence him before giving him a hug, all soft skin and pink curls tickling his nose. After a couple of seconds, she leaned away slightly, with a big smile. ¡°There it is again. That almost silly earnesty when you just speak your mind even as you try to outpace yourself to get everything across at the same time. It is quite endearing, Kite, and you should never stop with it. But you should stop assuming that it is only you who would have made any mistake or that you bear all the responsibility for everything that happens. I didn¡¯t ask you either before all this. It was actually rather selfish of me, now that I think about it. See, both of us did the same. It¡¯s not only you, Kite.¡± she finished, lightly flicking his nose with a finger. Her words helped Kite visibly relax as his mind, which had begun racing again, was once more brought to heel. ¡°So, how do you feel about it then?¡± he asked, with fewer words and a bit more calm. She looked towards the ceiling in thought. ¡°This might come as a surprise to you, but master Force tells me quite often that I can be a bit impulsive.¡± She stopped in a fit of giggle at his flat look. After collecting herself a bit, she continued. ¡°In all honesty, Kite, I hadn¡¯t thought much further. I wanted to try these aura techniques, I was horny and I felt that you were the person I wanted to explore this with. If I got to choose only based on myself, I would like to do this again. Lots of times, preferably. I mean, it felt very, very good and we¡¯ve just begun practicing. But I wouldn¡¯t want the rest to change, at least not too much. You said it yourself, the life we lead and the paths we follow are a bit of a mess at times, and tend to not leave much room for calm and steady living. Based on what I feel from your aura, which I¡¯ve become rather intimately familiar with by the way, you don¡¯t seem upset or anguished by this. Rather relieved, actually. Or am I mistaken?¡± ¡°No, I believe you are correct.¡± he said, hugging her again. ¡°But will you promise to tell me if anything changes?¡± ¡°Oh I think you would notice. My aura control is becoming decent, but apparently I¡¯m not as good with keeping a lid on my emotions as I would like. But as long as you promise me the same, then yes.¡± ¡°Then may the heaven¡¯s bless our efforts.¡± Kite said with a grin. Realization seemed to strike him, as he continued. ¡°Dragonfly, I just thought of something.¡± ¡°Do tell.¡± she responded, while laying herself down to sprawl content on the bed. ¡°If we continue our united practice, we should probably consider getting some simple, basic formation to mask our auras. It was probably Fortune¡¯s providence that master Force was not home. The way we were projecting, any bronze-ranker passing on the street probably got a quite decent idea of what we were doing.¡± What followed was Kite¡¯s first time witnessing that a full-body blush was indeed possible. 20. Spears ¡°So, I see you managed to work up the nerve, Dragonfly. Good for you.¡± Serene greeted her two companions as they arrived at the teahouse they had chosen for the day''s meeting. It was two days since Kite had returned to the city, and the trio had decided to meet up for the simple joy of companionship. Both Dragonfly and Kite froze, half seated. ¡°Please, you two. Fourfold aura, remember? The way Dragonfly¡¯s aura shuddered every time we spoke about you in your absence, it was not hard to deduce. And now you both seem rather serene, if you don¡¯t mind the wordplay.¡± she finished with a chiming laugh. ¡°Serene!¡± Dragonfly hissed. ¡°How dare you break the sanctity of girl-talk?¡± ¡°I believe the results indicate that Kite seems to be quite aware of your¡­ urges, dear. I¡¯m more surprised that you didn¡¯t come in here brandishing him over your head as a trophy.¡± Kite broke down in snorting laughter at Dragonfly¡¯s look of chocked indignation, and took the opportunity to break into the conversation and forestall any more attempt at objections from his spluttering companion. ¡°I can, with a clear conscience and dignified respect for privacy, confirm that Dragonfly is an exemplary companion for aura training. The method is quite¡­ enjoyable, so I can recommend that you give it some consideration if you ever find yourself a worthy person for such an endeavor, Serene.¡± he said with mock formality. ¡°Yeah, I bet even you could benefit from some company, Serene. Is there maybe anyone special in your life which makes your song a bit unsteady?¡± Dragonfly chimed in, quick to jump on the opportunity to change the subject of said conversation. Serene smiled primly. ¡°I assure you that my standards are quite high in that regard. While I can respect a more¡­ casual approach, I feel that it is quite important to be highly selective. Most importantly, if the person in question cannot sing to a decent standard, he or she would simply not be worth my time and attention.¡± They continued that particular line of conversation for a while, Dragonfly bombarding Serene with different ¡®matches¡¯, each worse than the previous. After one collective laugh at a particular outlandish suggestion where Serene should woo a priest of Purity with a song purer than even his god, Kite called them back to order. ¡°Before we go too far into the realms of heresy, I believe we have a bit of strategizing to do. I hope to have procured my final three awakening stones the day after tomorrow. Afterwards, I will need to spend some time familiarizing myself with the new pieces of my path. Both uncle Walker and master Stone put great emphasis on that particular process. I thought the best way to do so would be to take some contracts. A lot of contracts. And I would ask if you both wanted to join me. I think we would all benefit from more practice in fighting together, especially with the upcoming venture that our ¡®mysterious¡¯ benefactor has planned. Think of it as learning to merge our paths when the need arises. And besides, I¡¯m always happier when I am with you.¡± he added, the honest appreciation seeming to slip out of his subconscious yet again. His companions gave each other a knowing smile, Kite being Kite. Dragonfly spoke up first. ¡°I for one got another awakening stone from master Force before she left, so I¡¯m only missing one. If I can join you when you meet the scholars of the society, I can pick out the last one. As long as you help me with the ritual, I¡¯m all yours afterwards. For contracts. Fighting monsters. Travel and violence.¡± The last part she added quite insistently, retorting with a flat look as Serene¡¯s facade was slipping into a grin due to her particular choice of words. ¡°I would like to join you as well.¡± Serene confirmed. ¡°My temple has given me leave, and my songs will reach the goddess from wherever I may find myself.¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. In just a few days, our journey towards the heavens truly begins.¡± Kite said with an expectant smile, after which he rose from their table. ¡°Now if you¡¯ll excuse me, I have a meeting which only said heavens knows what will come of it¡±
During his time in Gilded after he joined the adventure society, Kite had regularly spotted a rather curious notice in the trade pavilion. It was a note announcing that the one who posted was looking for awakening stones of the spear, offering generous compensation. Over the coming months, he had seen it again several times. Every time he saw it, there had been an increasing sense of urgency as its wording became even more insistent and the promised rewards even grander. Kite was not all that surprised that it had not been an easy search for whomever had made the listings. While the awakening stone of the spear was not a rare one, most people around the more provincial Autumn lands tended either to use any awakening stones themselves or kept them for future family members or children. Only the richest or most influential had the amount of resources and contacts to find specific stones at their leisure, and Kite doubted that they would need to go through something so mundane as a notice board at the adventure society. That was why Kite¡¯s surprise went through the roof as he found himself seated opposite the very image of a young, influential scion. The young elf was a tall and handsome man, probably a year or two older than Kite. His clothing was of impeccable make in silk the colors of a deep, rich red which nicely complemented his golden hair. He had an iron-rank aura, like Kite¡¯s own, but a confidence Kite had come to associate with the wealthy and the powerful in the admittedly small number of dealings with other adventurers of that background. Kite had contacted a functionary of the trade pavilion regarding the notice, as he had not one but two awakening stones of the spear on hand. As the functionary had disappeared to deliver the message, he had expected to be provided a time and date for a meeting. Kite had been quite bewildered as a portal had sprung into existence a few meters away before the functionary even had the time to return. From the portal, the young elf now seated before Kite had emerged, accompanied by a bronze-rank escort who was clad in the crisp, black robes of a close family servant. The older elf had black hair combed back to neatly cover his head, and stood impassive behind his younger charge as the very embodiment of his role. When they had emerged, it had looked like the younger man had been engaged in rather intense battle mere moments before stepping into the portal. This was quickly alleviated as the servant had tipped a bottle of crystal wash over his charge, leaving him in the pristine state Kite was currently looking at. ¡°Well then, outcast! I was overjoyed to finally have someone take me up on my most generous offer. I must admit I am surprised that a person of lower means would be willing to part with these treasures. As you are the first to respond to my offer, I must assume that it is not a common occurrence. I had to drop everything to see if my luck had finally turned.¡± Despite his words, Kite only felt joy and excitement from the young man, as opposed to the thinly-veiled scorn he had expected. ¡°Maybe not every young master is the same.¡± he mused silently to himself before speaking. ¡°I have indeed the requested stone you seek, young master.¡± Kite said, choosing the way of cordiality to preserve the pleasant tone of the exchange. No point in needlessly aggravating the man, after all. He produced the aforementioned stone and put it down on the table, to the visible delight of the young man. ¡°See there, Grim!¡± the young master exclaimed to his servant. ¡°I knew that turning to the free agents of the lands might pay dividends. The look on father¡¯s face will be something to treasure, once he sees that I am one step closer to my goal!¡± ¡°Young master, I believe that your father only wishes what he thinks is best for you.¡± the servant, Grim, answered in the tired voice of repetition. ¡°And I believe in my path, Grim. As should he. If he only knew that I am but one step away from-¡± He froze, mutely staring at the second stone Kite had just produced and put beside the first. ¡°Would the young master be on the lookout for more than one stone? Fortune favored me recently, as I found the pair in an old armory out in some ruins.¡± Kite explained, trying to interpret the sudden silence. The silence in question was suddenly broken when the young master leapt from his chair. Kite almost thought himself under attack, but as he sensed no hostility from the other iron-ranker''s aura, he managed to forestall activating his barrier. He remained seated as the young elf threw himself on his knees in front of Kite, taking one of his hands in both of his. "Outcast, what is your name?" He asked, gravity in his voice. "Ehm. Kite. Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune. But just Kite is fine." "A most auspicious name, since you have brought me true fortune indeed! If I may purchase these two stones for you, my path will be complete. After all this time, I can truly march toward the heavens! Ofcourse, you will be greatly rewarded, both in worldly treasures and in the undying gratitude of me, Triumph of Indomitable Will. Thanks to your help, the heavens will have no choice but to recognize me as the Saint of Spears! But please, call me Will! I can already ascertain that we were fated to meet! " "Indomitable¡­" Kite answered faintly. "As in-" "Yes, yes. My father is the city lord, Indomitable March of Glaciers." Will said with a dismissive gesture. ¡°Young master, I am sorry for any discou-¡± ¡°Nonsense dear- Kite, was it? As of this day, you are my friend! I will only be known as Will to your lips. But please Kite, will you sell these to me? Will you complete my path? Complete me?¡± the young elf asked. ¡°Is this how Dragonfly feels when she calls me all earnest?¡± Kite thought to himself, slightly flustered by both the directness and rather unfortunate phrasing of the man before him. He could see a growing, if tired, displeasure on the manservant as well, who took the silence to speak up. ¡°Young master, I must once again ask you to reconsider. Think of the stones your father procured for you at great cos-¡± ¡°Ah, Grim, you are brilliant as always!¡± Will exclaimed happily. Reaching into a pocket he withdrew a small, dark stone which he put on the table. Kite instantly recognized the kind of fathomless depth in that darkness.
WWJS: [Item] Awakening stone of the Void Unranked - Legendary An awakening stone containing the power of nothingness. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
¡°Void¡­¡± he breathed. ¡°Ah, so you have heard of it. It is most rare, I assure you. Would that stone suffice as trade for the pair?¡± Will asked with a grin. Meanwhile, his manservant seemed to be having a fit which he barely managed to mask. ¡°Young master?! Surely you cannot? Do you know the worth of tha-¡± ¡°Oh I have a vague idea, Grim. And I know my father said that I wasn¡¯t allowed to sell it. That I ¡®had to realize this foolishness on my own, and that I would receive no help from him on the matter¡¯. Now I have the chance to do just that. You cannot put a price on one¡¯s path. And besides, he did not forbid me to trade it, now did he?¡± The young elf finished with a grin of triumph. ¡°Is it acceptable, Kite?¡± ¡°Well, I¡­¡± Kite said, taking in both men waiting with baited breath. The younger barely contained his excitement while the older had an almost pleading look in his eyes. ¡°Sorry, Grim.¡± Kite thought. Opportunity into fortune. ¡°I accept, young ma- Will.¡± Kite said, changing from the title to the name at a glare from the young elf. He could see Grim draw a resigned breath before his professional facade returned. Will, on the other hand, joyously leapt from his chair while almost throwing the dark stone toward Kite as he reached for the pair Kite was offering him. ¡°Kite, I can feel it. The beginning of a most fortunate friendship. Knowing you will bring me many great things. I can indeed feel it. Praise be all gods and heavens!¡± Will continued, ecstatic. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking, Will, why were these two stones important? And how come you couldn¡¯t get them by other means?¡± It took a little while for the overjoyed scion to calm down and actually answer his question. ¡°Ah, a most reasonable question, Kite. It all began when I was sixteen-¡± he began telling as if it was the beginning of an epic tale. ¡°I will go procure some refreshments.¡± Grim announced, apparently expecting this tale to be rather lengthy. Over the next two hours, Kite was regaled with the story of how Will came to walk this particular path. As the fifth child of the city lord, he was given some leeway of freedom regarding his path as opposed to the often very strict cultivation of many young scions. He had apparently chosen a path, and a most singular one at that. Will¡¯s favorite tales when growing up had been the ones telling of the Saint of Spears. Storied to have lived two thousand years ago, she had been a paragon of the art of spear fighting and led an exciting life of adventure. Her great deeds had earned her the moniker, and immortalized her name. Apparently, Will¡¯s fascination for the stories had him adamant about following in her footsteps and picking up her mantle. But not just in name. No, the young elf decided to become one with the spear on a level unheard of in all the lands. That was why he had chosen the spear, adept and pure essences, resulting in the master confluence. But his envisioned path had not ended there, and it was here that his troubles also had begun. When Will had resolved to become the spear, he truly meant to take it all the way. As such, he vowed to only awaken powers using the awakening stones of the spear. This was dismissed by his father and trainers as the foolishness of youth, but as the young man quickly began using his funds and influence to procure such stones, the city lord had decided to step in. He had cut Will off from using any of the family¡¯s considerable fortunes for such an endeavor, even forbidding him to sell his possessions. Thinking that the delay in completing his set of powers would make the boy see reason, he thought the matter settled. What did it matter if Will took a year or so extra to finish his awakenings after all? He did, however, underestimate how much Triumph of Indomitable Will would live up to his name. Over four years, Will had used all of his personal resources he had saved up from before the restrictions to procure the stones. While it had taken time, he had not faltered, and eventually accumulated fourteen of the sixteen stones he would need. But the last year had seen a disturbing lack of progress. Will even suspected that his father might have tried to procure every available stone in the region, a claim vehemently protested by Grim. But now, Kite had been his saving grace. With these last two stones, his path would finally be complete. ¡°... and besides, even the heavens themselves have blessed my path, as I was gifted a racial gift evolution to further enhance special attacks.¡± Will stated proudly. Kite, who had just finished a rather savory meat bun provided by Grim, swallowed the last mouthful before asking: ¡°So, what have your powers been like? I believe it safe to assume that a lot of spears are involved?¡± he asked, curious. Will paused before sizing up the young man in front of him. ¡°Would you like a demonstration?¡±
Both young men were sitting on the floor of one of the practice yards outside on the adventure society campus, panting with exhaustion. Myriads of spears of all shapes and sizes still seemed to swim before Kite¡¯s vision. Will had truly not lied when boasting of his singular path. There had been spear strikes of every kind, thrown spears, floating spears appearing in the air to strike at Kite or be used at will by his opponent. One of the more outlandish powers had been when Will was rapidly carried forward on a wave of spears emerging from the ground. He had even summoned wings. Of spears. While not providing true flight, they had allowed great leaps before launching spears in all directions when landing. While the power set might have sounded spectacularly single-minded, Kite had to give it to Will. His elven affinity for spells and increased mana pool combined with the evolved affinity for special attacks resulted in a surprisingly varied set of powers, even if the fulcrum of said powers always were spears of some kind. Will became an aggressive, relentless attacker. He even had an ability which increased his speed depending on the number of spears summoned and present. On top of that, he was skilled. Very skilled. While his father seemed to have wanted to curtail his son¡¯s single-minded focus, he had not begrudged him proper teachers. Kite was proud that he had held his own quite well, his abilities constantly breaking the young noble¡¯s flow and periodically removing the amount of spears which were accumulating on the battlefield. In the end, Will¡¯s skill and aggressive style had prevailed before Kite could land any decisive attacks, albeit that he had held off on his two finishers, the power of his familiar and the one awakened from his gift from master Stone, in fear of actually hurting his new friend. While it had mostly been Will who had talked of friendship, Kite couldn¡¯t help but like the young scion. He was vain and privileged, but somehow remained likable as he truly never seemed to mean ill in words or actions. And he had a drive which was rather infectious. Kite thought he wouldn¡¯t mind being Will¡¯s friend, resolved to keep it to himself and his closest friends. He did not want to risk getting mixed up in the politicking of the mighty. They were both utterly spent after their bout, which had been overseen by Grim in stoic silence. ¡°Well, Kite. You fight very well for an outcast. And I mean no disrespect when I say that your powers might make you the most aggravating foe I¡¯ve ever sparred with.¡± Will said with a wide smile. ¡°One of my aunties back home predicted that I might leave that impression.¡± Kite answered, still winded. ¡°And I think that you may truly become what you aspire to be, Will. When I hear of your name in the future, I will announce to any who might listen that I¡¯ve had the honor of crossing blades with you.¡± ¡°If I may impose, young master, I believe it is time to return. And to call on the family ritualists¡­¡± Grim said, resignation once again rising to the surface during the last part. ¡°Ah, you are right Grim. You usually are.¡± Will exclaimed, missing the incredulous look given him by both Kite and Grim. He turned to Kite and helped him to his feet. ¡°Farewell for now, Kite. May your winds of fortune bring us together again soon!¡± Kite gave him a tired wave as Grim opened a portal, looking like a round disc of glass inside a translucent arch. The pair left, and Kite sat contemplative in the silence that followed. ¡°That was definitely not what I expected from this meeting.¡±
¡°Enter.¡± a strong voice called. The lavishly decorated sliding doors opened as Grim entered, crossing the lacquered wooden floor to the source of the voice. ¡°My lord.¡± Grim said with a deep bow. ¡°It is done.¡± City lord Indomitable March of Glaciers was a regal elf with the almost unearthly look of most silver rankers. Like his son, he had blonde hair which he kept in a tight knot held in place with two long hairpins which gleamed like crystal. Only at touch would most realize that they were made of ice. He sighed in response to Grim¡¯s words. ¡°The boy truly live up to his name. I should have foreseen this outcome, yet I still had hope. But the heavens grant us not the lessons we want but the lessons we need. I will ponder this in my meditations. As of now, you may lift all restrictions on Will¡¯s access to the family resources. If he insists on being the spear, we might as well make him the sharpest one.¡± ¡°It shall be done, my lord.¡± Grim answered, bowing again. ¡°Did he at least return the awakening stone? The price for it was steep, and I had hoped that its novelty would have been able to sway him in the end.¡± Grim hesitated, and his lord could feel his trepidation in his aura. Lord Indomitable sighed even louder this time. ¡°Speak freely, Grim. What did he do?¡± ¡°He traded it, lord. There was an outcast adventurer who had procured two of the stones your son sought. Your son offered the stone of the void in trade for them. The outcast seemed to recognize it for what it was and might at least have had a hint of its rarity and value.¡± ¡°Do you think he will sell it?¡± ¡°I do not, my lord. The meeting actually ended with the young ones sparring, which gave me a substantial glimpse of the outcasts powers. I think it safe to assume that one of his essences is the very same as the stone. And from what I read of his aura, I believe he was genuinely grateful for the stone itself for the value to his path, not its monetary value.¡± ¡°This outcast. Tell me more about him.¡± lord Indomitable requested. After listening to Grim¡¯s recollection and thoughts regarding Kite¡¯s actions and ability, the lord nodded. ¡°Interesting. See if you can find out more. Discreetly. He is of little relevance to us now, but he has a rather unique path. I have never heard of its likeness. It would not hurt to know of such an adventurer if he continues to distinguish himself. Our family might need his particular path one day.¡± ¡°I take it you do not want to try and recover the stone before he uses it, my lord?¡± ¡°No. Will was given it, and he used a loophole, albeit of questionable quality, along with it to further his goals. I will trust that the heavens had a plan in this most fortuitous encounter for my son. You may leave, Grim. And tell Will that I request to dine with him this evening.¡± Grim bowed low, before leaving the city lord in contemplative silence.
Kite felt a twinge of excitement as he looked down at the two stones before him. His and Dragonfly¡¯s scheduled meeting with Adelaide and the scholars of the adventure society had been fruitful, albeit slightly lengthy as the pair''s abilities were always disseminated at length. In the end, Kite had received the awakening stones of wisp and balance which were two stones of the uncommon rarity. The first had been chosen as it stemmed from wisp-type monsters famous for their mana-draining abilities, while the second had been chosen for its wide scope and tendency to balance out some deficiencies in a power set if used as one of the last. Dragonfly had gone with an awakening stone of the feast, in the hopes for more options of restoring her own resources as her path often took her to balancing on a knife¡¯s edge. This meant that every trick that allowed her to nudge that balance in a desired direction was very precious. Kite took the chance to thank Adelaide as she accompanied them on their way out. ¡°Thank you again, Adelaide. And please give my thanks to the director again as well. I may only have an inkling of how precious all these stones are, but that inkling still leaves me awed by your generosity.¡± ¡°The director wouldn¡¯t have chosen you, Kite, if he didn¡¯t have faith that you would be a worthwhile investment. Believe me, we are going to have plenty of work around here over the upcoming decade.¡± she added with a wink. Kite smiled in response. Not joining a sect or other organization for the upcoming decade had been an easy promise to make. He didn¡¯t doubt that he would be paying with a lot of hard work in the future though. ¡°We all have to temper our paths somehow, so might as well be through contracts.¡± he responded, remembering a question he hadn¡¯t yet put into words. ¡°But you probably won¡¯t be here to see most of it, if I¡¯m not mistaken? How much longer is your contract keeping you here?¡± ¡°Just two more years.¡± she said with a wistful smile. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I have at least enjoyed part of my service here. And it was probably the only way I could get the full set of awakening stones. The clan hierarchy back home is rather strict, so we¡¯d have to lose a lot of young talent before I would have been next in turn.¡± ¡°What will you do then? When you return, I mean?¡± Dragonfly asked, curious. ¡°Probably stay a while to catch up with my family. After that, I will probably leave looking for work. It is time for me to have some adventurers of my own.¡± she answered with a wink. They went their separate ways, Kite and Dragonfly heading for the elevating platform. ¡°We are just some rituals away from having the complete set. It feels satisfyingly momentous.¡± Kite stated as they were on the way down. ¡°Yeah.¡± Dragonfly acquiesced. ¡°And after that comes the fun part.¡± ¡°Practicing aura techniques?¡± She giggled. ¡°I was actually going to say contracts. Lots of contracts. But there will probably be plenty of time for practice as well. I¡¯ll make sure of that.¡± she finished, bumping the side of her hip into his. 21. Strength through adversity A faint, gray light shimmered from within Kite as he sat meditating in the trio¡¯s chosen campsite for the night. As he opened his eyes, tentatively flexed his fists to feel his muscles tense up. There was a strength there, a slight increase which hadn¡¯t been there before, but as his abilities ranked up so did the connected attribute. ¡°It is a rather odd, if satisfying, feeling to actually be able to feel yourself become stronger. And faster.¡± he said with wonder. ¡°I know, right? The heavens come closer every day now.¡± Dragonfly acquiesced where she sat holding a meat skewer over the fire. They had the fortune to stumble upon a small pack of mountain boars during their outing, and had resolved to make the most of it. This meant a veritable feast of meat, of which their iron-rank bodies seemed to be able to eat more than before. They wanted to take every chance to eat warm food, as they suspected that there would be many days of only eating spirit coins ahead. As always during their evenings, Serene was singing as she meditated. The wordless melody was a soothing addition to their evening rests as they had been working themselves quite hard lately. After finishing their final rituals of awakening back in Gilded, they had spent some time provisioning properly for an extended stay out in the wilds. As winter was still covering the lands with frost during the nights, the trio had even pooled some funds to buy an enchanted tent big enough to comfortably house them during the nights. It had some basic enchantments to make it harder for those outside to detect auras inside, as well as to help ward off the elements and make some minor self-repairs. Kite and Dragonfly had taken the time to leave written updates for their mentors, with details of their development and when they expected to return to the city. After all this was completed, they left Gilded together. The road and contracts awaited, adventure and camaraderie. And growth.
After over a week on the roads, the group had already completed a few of the contracts in the nearby villages. While the two-star ones were the most interesting, they gladly took the chance to hunt any and all monsters in the postings. The concept of merging their complete power set into a unified whole had been driven into both Kite and Dragonfly by their experienced mentors. One didn¡¯t survive too long as an outcast adventurer in the autumn lands if they weren¡¯t competent, and both uncle Walker and master Force had at least a bit of renown for their respective paths. That was why the trio took the opportunity to let Kite and Dragonfly take on certain contracts alone. While Serene had a few offensive capabilities, her path was still too oriented around supporting others to handle such threats on her own. At the moment, Kite and Serene were the observers, their auras retracted and Serene¡¯s greater aura control helping them stay unnoticed. Dragonfly was busy facing down a surprisingly large pack of grymlings and their commanding brute. There had been twelve of the smaller monsters when they had begun, a number unseen by any of the three so far. Currently there was only five left. Dragonfly had plowed through the pack like an avalanche, using whirling and jumping special attacks to constantly stay in motion. As soon as she struck even remotely clustered opponents, swathes of flame spread from her attacks to engulf them. While the direct damage was only middling, it left her foes burning. She had become quite practiced at dodging attacks that would risk staggering, grappling or otherwise leave herself vulnerable. The rest she simply let land, and she was covered in blood and claw marks. Dragonfly wore only light armor, but her strength allowed heavier metal plating over vital areas to further increase the chances of suffering smaller, but more numerous wounds. The inner flame was stoked time and time again as she fought, increasing both her speed and power. In addition, she had effects that gave her increased damage reduction and health regeneration the more damaged she was. Due to her fighting style, potent self repair was among the most prioritized properties of any armor she would wear. In her current state, every swing of her axe cleaved through the gyrmlings, sometimes even two at a time. She scattered their burning remains, apparently satisfied with dispatching the minions to go for the master. The brute had begun to move, but her speed allowed her to seize any and all initiative in this fight. As the beast struck down in a double-handed crushing slam, she simply leapt into the attack, her body flaring. One of her more potent defensive options was a short lived dramatic increase in her damage reduction. Instead of being brutalized by the powerful attack, it only bruised her while pushing her downwards. As soon as her feet were firmly planted, she flexed her legs to shrug off the arms which tried to pin down. Her strength, enhanced both by her simple yet effective strength enhancing power and further increased by the number of hits taken, could easily shrug off the brute¡¯s strength and mass. After that she finished the fight, as her axe took on an even fiercer glow, seemingly drawing power from her many wounds as motes of cinder flowed to it from all over her body. The upward swing that followed almost bisected the gyrmling brute before the rest of its body was ripped apart by the following jet of fire. She stood, breathing hard before straightening to chant a spell. ¡°Retrieve the sparks. Stoke the fires of life.¡± The flames from the surrounding area and the burning wisps on the remains of the gyrmlings was all drawn into her, as her body healed at a rapid rate. ¡°Aaah, that¡¯s better.¡± she sighed, stretching and enjoying the increased regeneration. ¡°Efficient work, Dragonfly. I believe these kinds of encounters do not challenge you overly much anymore. It is probably better to let Kite go at these kinds of encounters in the future.¡± Serene praised, her voice a light breeze. The trio knew that they would eventually need to push themselves properly against enemies they were more ill equipped to face. Many of their abilities who had been with them the longest had recently seen a drastic lessening in their rate of improvement. Kite hadn¡¯t thought it would be quite so early in their outing, but looking at the demolished pack of gyrmlings left little for debate. ¡°There sure were a lot of them.¡± Kite remarked. ¡°But that isn¡¯t too surprising. The next surge should hit within two years, at least from what uncle Walker said.¡± ¡°That would put it almost exactly a decade from the last. I like that it is reliable, at least.¡± Dragonfly said. ¡°We should definitely work hard to reach bronze before it arrives. That would let us join in the more interesting battles.¡± she added, with a grin. ¡°Let us not get ahead of ourselves. There are a lot of verses left before the chorus.¡± Serene chided with a smile.
After a week and a half on the road, the group stood in front of a notice board. It was located in one of the many villages in the autumn lands whose principal industry was the processing of different types of lumber. Wood was plentiful in the expansive forested region, but these villages had cropped up where there were special, rare or magical varieties available. One particular notice was of special interest to the trio, who stood debating whether to take on a particular challenge. ¡°The rune heron seems to be rather troublesome.¡± Kite muttered as he was browsing the magic society¡¯s living document. ¡°But you did say it was fragile, right? It should be something we should be able to handle. We did take on a bronze-rank monster before, and now we are even stronger¡± Dragonfly argued. The subject of their discussion was a bronze-ranked monster which had been seen in the area. Known as a rune heron, it was a monster from a broad and surprisingly diverse subtype of monsters united by their rune-based magical abilities. Other known variants were the rune tortoise, rune spider and the almost mythic rune whale. They also had variations across the different ranks. All of these monsters had magical abilities based on different kinds of magic runes. The rune heron had a certain kind of feathers with magical patterns, which it could launch to create a variety of magical effects. As a bronze-rank monster, the arsenal of different effects were much greater than any of the iron-rank specimens in the diverse monster family. ¡°I am worried about it being a flying monster.¡± Kite murmured. ¡°Neither you nor I will perform at our best at range. But with Serene, we might stand a decent chance.¡± He looked to his companions. Serene looked determined with a slight crease of worry, while Dragonfly looked more excited than anything else. He continued. ¡°But I feel that we ought to test our paths against it. And I have some ideas as to how.¡±
The rune heron had been sighted in the vicinity of the village, about an hour''s walk away. It had apparently frequented the groves of copernica trees, one of the rarer types of wood in the area. While not inherently magical, it was a kind of wood which was almost stark white below its dark gray bark. This left it uniquely suitable for coloring with alchemical dyes to aesthetically pleasing results. Fortunately for the workers in those parts, the rune heron was quite non-aggressive against normal ranked beings while very territorial against the more magically charged species. However, due to its wide range of magical abilities, it could wreak catastrophic havoc upon non-fortified settlements if it were allowed to remain until it reached its berserk state. As such, the trio had a simple plan to lure out the beast. They found assistance in the villagers who went ahead and warned any workers in the area before Kite, Dragonfly and Serene made their way over. They planned their ambush a bit outside the grove of the valuable wood, as Dragonfly didn¡¯t want to accidentally cripple the local economy if the fight got out of hand. Kite was crouching in a tangle of bushes at the edge of the road that led to the grove. The forest had been cleared enough for actual wagon traffic, which left a surprisingly wide open stretch of terrain as opposed to the norm in the Autumn lands. Dragonfly had a similar hiding spot closer to Serene, who stood in the middle of the road. The team had discussed different tactics, and had once more landed with an aura lure as they had done with the mourning revenants. Serene had volunteered as bait this time around, as they had to reach a larger area in the hopes that the heron would come to investigate. ¡°Ready?¡± Dragonfly called over to her. ¡°May the goddess sing of our victory after this.¡± Serene said, tense but also with a slight expectant smile. ¡°It would seem that the timbre of your companions have begun to color your own, dear singer. You make a beautiful choir.¡± a sublime voice sang in her mind. Feeling her goddess¡¯ presence, Serene smiled and began a song of her own. It was accompanied by her aura which unfolded like an unseen, ethereal flower. Kite was always in awe when he felt Serene¡¯s aura wash over him. Its strength definitely rivaled that of many bronze-rankers, but also contained a richness which made his own seem like a painting consisting of only the outlines, devoid of color and substance. As she sang, it felt like the world stopped to listen. Soon, another cry echoed across the sky from the north. It was melodic in its own way, but also had a primal quality. Kite could see the rune heron approaching through the air along the open road in search of the invader it was sensing. The rune heron was a huge, beautiful bird with the long neck and beak of its normal-ranked counterpart. It had a body the size of a heidel with a massive wingspan. The most striking aspect was the feathers. They seemed to glow in rainbow colors even in the full light of day as it glided toward Serene. As it got closed, Kite could even make out small colored dots on many of the feathers along its wings which he assumed were the famed runed feathers. It gave off another cry of challenge as it steered straight toward where Serene stood, descending to fly around ten meters above the ground. As it approached, some small pinpricks seemed to light up along the underside of its wings before a hail of glowing, fiery projectiles was launched toward Serene. According to the plan, Kite was ready for this. ¡°Wall¡± he chanted as a wall of force sprang up in front of his friend. During his training with master Stone, they had thoroughly tested out his two barriers and their different qualities. His mentor had deemed his wall to be a more cost-effective use of Kite¡¯s mana against a hail of lighter ranged attacks. While the monster was bronze rank, each individual bolt of flame was rather weak which meant that the barrier held so far, even if cracks had begun to spread over its surface. The heron was not dissuaded however, and was preparing another attack when Kite deemed it close enough to spring the second part of the trap. He stood from his hiding spot, trying to gauge the monster¡¯s trajectory as he leaned back and threw the javelin that appeared in his hand. It shot through the air with greater force than ever before, courtesy of Kite¡¯s increasing attributes, and looked as if it would strike true. Hope turned to dismay however, as the heron noticed the incoming projectile. Instead of the glowing motes of light from before, a single strong white light shone, originating from its chest. A shockwave of force which shook the air and nearby trees burst from its form. Not only was the javelin deflected, but the resonating force blast from the bronze-rank heron broke the low-end iron-rank weapon into splinters which fell harmless to the ground. Kite winced internally and fought down a sense of loss as he saw the first item manifested by his ability suffer such an ignoble fate. The mourning would have to wait however, as he sprang from his hiding place and began sprinting toward Serene. Fortunately, the ensnaring javelin was only the first surprise they had planned. A mere second after Kite threw his javelin, Dragonfly¡¯s axe was spinning through the air toward the closest wing of their foe. It looked not unlike a glowing disc of fiery judgment. Before even seeing the result, its wielder was jumping after it with her leaping power. The heron banked to the side and even lower to the ground, narrowly avoiding the projectile and even getting low enough that Dragonfly would pass above her target. Fortunately for them, Serene was both the lure and the final part of their trap. While her companions had launched their attacks, she had been chanting a spell. ¡°Be swept away by the hammer of the hurricane¡± That particular spell created a wide torrent of very powerful winds from a point within its impressive range and Serene controlling its direction. It did not differentiate between friend and foe however, complicating its use. Combined with the lengthy incantation, it required a great deal of timing from its caster. Fortunately for the group, Serene was very proficient at that particular skill, as would most of Song¡¯s clergy. Rhythm and timing was what held a choir and its harmony together after all. It was this particular talent of hers that let the trio work very well together even though both Kite and Dragonfly were varying degrees of individualistic in their paths. As they had practiced together so far they had worked up a good deal of trust in Serene¡¯s judgment. Even when they specifically hadn¡¯t planned in advance, they trusted her to use her spells to the best of her abilities and capitalized on the opportunities she created for them. When they did have a plan, Serene could truly work wonders. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. In this case, the small hurricane Serene created was directed straight downward. She released the spell just as the heron was wobbling in the air while recovering from its dodge at the same time as Dragonfly was passing straight above it. As most avians, the rune heron weighed rather little in proportion to its size, which meant that not even its bronze rank resistances and attributes could keep it aloft. It was slammed into the ground a couple of meters in front of Serene, as insult was added to injury when Dragonfly came crashing into its other wing. Due to Serene¡¯s impeccable timing, the gale had launched her downwards toward her target and she summoned a new axe while descending which promptly buried itself into the right wing of the creature, grounding it until it could recover. Denying it the advantage of flight was only the first part however, as it was still a bronze-rank monster with a plethora of magical runes. Kite reached it just as the second phase of the battle began in earnest. He managed to cast his smaller barrier on Serene just in time to deflect a large conjured stone which flew through the air. At the same time, Dragonfly was dodging the long beak which struck out repeatedly against her. Kite¡¯s barrier had let Serene back off to a more comfortable distance, and she used her smaller gust of wind to carry Kite the final meters and interpose himself between a staggered Dragonfly and the pecking beak. Deflecting two strikes on hastily conjured barriers, the heron flapped its wings to get some distance between itself and its foes. The injured wing prevented flight, but was not severe enough to hamper its functionality completely. However, there was a consequence to the attacks beyond them just being deflected, as blue cracks seemed to run over its beak and partially up over its head as they leaked mana.
WWJS: Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of the Wisp] You have awakened Barrier essence ability [Spiritual Futility] [Ability] Spiritual futility Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Iron 2 Effect - Iron: Opponents who makes a melee strike against or come into contact with your barriers have some of their mana drained. The drain is continual if the opponent remain in contact with the barrier.
Having been an ability not yet in the magic society''s register, Kite had named it spiritual futility, its mana-draining capabilities feeling similar to his vortex. The power was a convenient, passive addition to Kite¡¯s set of powers which gave him yet another vector to deprive his opponents of an important resource. Every strike deflected was now both damage avoided and mana lost for the opponent. The heron was not deterred, however. Even before landing, another set of glowing feathers created a sustained torrent of wind filled with oversized pine-needles. Both Kite and Dragonfly received a myriad of small wounds before Kite brought up another wall which he started channeling mana into in an attempt to keep it up for longer. They could both feel Serene¡¯s aura starting to heal the multitude of injuries. ¡°This is perfect for me. Just a second!¡± Dragonfly shouted over the gale and sound of needles hitting Kite¡¯s barrier. Before he could ask more, she had stepped out from behind the wall. With a fierce inner glow, she activated her brief but powerful damage reduction, lowering the damage of the multitude of weak bronze-rank attacks to a manageable level. Her clothes and skin was still torn asunder, but the damage was only superficial. Just before the increased damage reduction winked out, she dove back behind the wall. Her inner glow, which increased with every individual attack that damaged her, had gone from faint lumination to an inner bonfire. Steam rose from her whole body and Kite could see ripples of heat in the air as she exhaled and spoke. ¡°Wave. Now!¡± On the command, Kite chanted a spell and stopped channeling mana into the wall in front of them. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power¡± The wave that was Ripple of Cancellation spread out before him, dissolving his wall and each of the small projectiles which collided with it. Dragonfly dashed after it, almost keeping up with the rippling wave as her speed had been greatly increased by the vast number of individual attacks which had struck her. While the monster was smarter than most iron-rank specimens, it was still a creature of instinct. These instincts mostly consisted of trusting in the destructive force of its magic, which was why it too late realized that, while it had been channeling its magic, one particularly dangerous opponent had now gotten very, very close. Dragonfly tore into the creature''s other wing with abandon, Kite right on her heels. He focused on keeping the monster distracted, using his barrier and walls to block its strikes and hinder its movements. As Serene was constantly assisting them with healing spells and the enchantment which ramped up their damage while the heron was wildly discharging its runes, Kite quickly got the feeling that not just one, but two internal thresholds had been reached. The first made itself known as Sage, who as usual had hidden close to Kite¡¯s back previously during the fight, floated out and discharged a blue beam of disrupting force damage which punched through part of the heron¡¯s body. Quite a lot of magical effects had left energy to be accumulated by the familiar, and the potency of the blast was nothing to dismiss even for the higher-ranked foe. The second was his latest addition, courtesy of the awakening stone of potency which he had found along with master Stone.
WWJS: Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of Potency] You have awakened Negation essence ability [Potential of Stolen Power] [Ability] Potential of Stolen Power Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Iron 2 Effect - Iron: Gather charges each time an effect is dispelled or mana is drained/destroyed. After a threshold is reached, use accumulated charges to give a potent boost to an ability, partially changing its scope and/or effect.
The power was yet another one which accumulated potential as Kite fought, potential that he could spend to provide a potent boost to another of his abilities. He had tried it together with all of his special attacks so far, and now went with the one that was Dragonfly¡¯s favorite. Summoning his greatsword, Kite swung in a diagonal slash. Instead of merely trailing the black tears in space, the void rifts flowed up and around the blade to extend several meters in front of it for the duration of the swing, Void-Sunders-Firmament being boosted to new heights. Effective against multiple smaller opponents or larger monsters without robust bodies, the void-cleave carved through half of one flailing wing and partially through the creature¡¯s neck before winking out in the face of bronze-rank damage reduction. The monster reeled in pain, multiple runes flaring up across its body in preparation to unleash magical fury. Fortunately for the adventurers, Dragonfly was not far behind Kite as her spinning finisher completed the decapitation of the creature, severing its head in a small explosion of fire. ¡°Potent indeed.¡± Kite commented as he stilled before the twitching corpse of the beast while the glow of runes faded and Serene brought her song to a close. Kite turned to Dragonfly before he froze as she was walking up to him. ¡°What?¡± she asked, confusedly. Kite let his eyes wander down her body, then up again before giving her an appreciative smile. She looked down, only now seeming to notice that the veritable storm of bronze-rank needles had dealt quite extensive damage to her armor and clothing which did not heal as quickly as she herself did. With the exception of the scattered metal plates, she was left practically naked. Dragonfly looked down at her not at all relative state of undress before shrugging. ¡°Eh, it''s nothing neither of you haven¡¯t seen before. Besides, I know that you quite like how I look.¡± she finished with a wink toward Kite before turning to the monster. ¡°Weren¡¯t these feathers worth quite a bit? Let¡¯s get on with the looting ritual already!¡± Serene, who had been approaching them during their exchange, just shook her head at Kite with an exasperated smile. Kite began setting up the looting ritual, one of the many utilitarian ones which he had been taught by auntie Crow. As its cost in materials and spirit coins wasn''t negligible, he usually saved it for bronze-rank monsters where the payoff felt worth it.
Their victory over the rune heron had spurred the group¡¯s confidence, and they continued on their journey with renewed vigor. Fortunately, Serene was a good counterpoint to the eager Kite and the downright ecstatic Dragonfly which allowed them to keep their collective overconfidence at bay. They continued to clear as many contracts as possible, but kept a special lookout for appropriate bronze-rank ones or those of iron rank which would give them a particular challenge. As always, the information on the contracts were unreliable at best, which had led to some less than pleasant surprises. In one such case, the group had been on the hunt for some ice elementals. It was an iron-rank contract, and had been off to an easy start as the group had found and dispatched a trio of the creatures which looked like crystalline, giant snowflakes which attacked through gusts of icy energies. However, having beforehand researched the tendency of elementals manifesting in large numbers, they had determined to search the area thoroughly. This had led them to the trio carefully navigating into a rather wide crack that formed an uneven tunnel into a large cliff. The obvious snow-filled winds which seemed to flow out of the crack had been a rather dead giveaway that it would, unsurprisingly, lead to the place where the elementals were forming. More surprising and concerning was what awaited them on the other side. As many times before, it was Serene¡¯s keen aura senses which saved them from stumbling straight into the trio of bronze-rank ice elementals, consisting of even more elaborate crystalline ice-shards than their smaller counterparts. They were surrounded by around a dozen iron-rank elementals, and only Serene''s warnings had allowed the group to detect them and start their retreat before the bronze-rank monsters were upon them. This led to their present situation, as Kite¡¯s shout of ¡°Run!¡± had them scrambling back up through the frosty tunnel as they could all feel a palpable cold gathering behind them in the cavern inside the cliff. As they had looked up the monster beforehand, they knew that the bronze-rank ice elementals were able to fire even more devastating beams of frost. What was worse, they could combine said beam with others of their kind, even those of lower rank. This meant that what the trio saw before turning to flee was the three huge elementals and the smaller form together into something akin to a magical formation, each sending blue-white pulses of energy towards a central point in the icy formation. Energy whose strength was growing rapidly, palpable even to the adventurers without special magical senses. It grew steadily as they ran, the air around them feeling eerily still. Unfortunately for the trio, the tunnel was fairly straight which meant that whatever would be unleashed by the monsters would have little problem hitting them, and that there was nowhere to take cover. A more panicked part of Kite¡¯s mind urged him to activate his belt and charge ahead, but he dismissed it. He was the one with the barriers after all, and he was not alone. ¡°Serene! Hurricane!¡± Kite shouted as he ran behind his companions. If there was no cover, he would have to make some. ¡°Wall!¡± he shouted, as he split his conjured wall of force into five different pieces, with a few meters between them. He could hear Serene begin her chant as she ran. ¡°Be swept away b-¡± Her words were drowned out by the energy unleashed from below, and Kite knew he had to give her just a few more heartbeats. He could see the pale, blue torrent shooting toward them from the depths and almost breathlessly mouthed the incantation. ¡°Void.¡± Kite felt a large amount of mana leave him as a sheet of nothingness appeared before him, like a hole in the world without bottom or end. This was the power awakened from the stone of the void. Expensive but powerful, it was a barrier capable of swallowing almost any attack, energy or other magical effects. It was active only for a short while, and effects of a higher rank seemed to overload the gate itself rather than the nothingness beyond, but it was a very effective defense in most situations. If the need was really desperate, Kite could even use his racial gift [Steadfast channeler] to keep it active for longer but the cost of such a feat was precipitous. Only desperation should force such a choice, but standing before a unified attack by a trio of bronze-rank elementals and their minions would indeed be classified as such.
WWJS: Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of the Void] You has awakened Barrier essence ability [Gate of Nihility] [Ability] Gate of Nihility Spell. Cost: High mana Cooldown: 1h Current rank: Iron 1 Effect - Iron: Bring forth a short-lived wall of nothingness, up to five meters wide and three meters high. You have some control over the overall shape of the barrier. Any projectile or spell effect striking the wall is absorbed into the void and negated. Any being that comes into contact with the wall suffers a high amount of damage as they are forcibly ejected from the barrier. Attacks of higher rank may not be entirely negated. The barrier cannot move once created and cannot be summoned into the space of any creature.
Knowing that Serene needed only moments, Kite channeled everything he had into the final barrier. Where the first five had been scattered like newly fallen snow, the void gate stood fast as it swallowed the torrent. At least for half a second. Kite could see how the gate started blurring around the edges and felt his control slipping even further. One more second passed, and just as the gate started to unravel, Serene finished her incantation. ¡°-y the hammer of the hurricane!¡± The wind originated just in front of Kite as the wild gale threw him toward the exit, his companions caught in it as well. For the duration of a breath, Kite flew through the tunnel formed by the crack as he was violently buffeted and scraped against the wall. During the moment of flight, he could see the pursuing frozen torrent. As they were thrown out of the opening mere moments before it caught up to them, Dragonfly and Serene barely escaping the icy wrath. In that moment of slow clarity, Kite had realized that he would not get out in time. He barely had the time to send a thought to activate his potent renewal power, immortality, before he felt a sharp cold followed by warm darkness.
Kite awoke to the sensation of burning. It was a special kind of sensation, as if small icy yet hot needles were pricked into his skin over half of his body. His vision was rather blurry and a bit off, as he realized that he couldn¡¯t open one of his eyes. As his surroundings cleared, he saw the inside of the pavilion-like tent shared by the group. The heating lamp was out and gave off a radiance which was ever so pleasant to one part of his body while painful to the other. He groaned slightly and attempted to rise, but a firm hand kept him down as a concerned face surrounded by pink curls came into his field of view. ¡°Oh no, don¡¯t you think of getting up yet.¡± Dragonfly said sternly, her enhanced strength easily pinning down the rather weak Kite. Not that he would have been able to best her even if he had his full strength. Relaxing back into the bedroll, he spoke softly as part of his mouth and throat didn¡¯t feel right. ¡°It seems like Fortune has shown me kindness yet again.¡± he croaked, already looking forward to the increased resiliency of higher ranks. ¡°Are you injured? What about Serene?¡± The voice of the latter was the one that answered him like a low breeze barely heard. ¡°We are fine, Kite, thanks to your intervention. The gods did favor us here, both through your barriers and your own renewal power. I will sing songs of gratitude tonight.¡± Serene said, tone lighter at the end. ¡°But you should rest. I have healed what I needed in the short term and now you will mostly need some more rest and energy as your body recovers. At the moment, it looks worse than it is.¡± ¡°Was it bad?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Serene answered somberly. ¡°If we would all have been in your condition, even partially hit as you were, I am not sure any of us would have survived. Fortunately for us, the elementals did not seem interested in pursuit but Dragonfly carried you a good distance just to be safe.¡± ¡°But you look like a half-frozen corpse.¡± Dragonfly said, still concerned. ¡°Can I see?¡± Kite asked. While part of the thought filled him with dread, another needed the closure of knowing. Dragonfly produced a small mirror, holding it up to him. Kite could see his mostly undressed body with only his underwear remaining for a bit of modesty. He could see clearly where he had been partially hit by the blast, as that side of his body was a mix of mottled black and gray with other odd colors thrown into the mix where healthy skin met frostbitten. It was odd, as if looking back against a body partially not his own. I could only imagine suffering such a wound without the luxury of his iron rank, as he would heal and be restored to full functionality from most injuries while a normal-ranker would be crippled for life. Kite nodded thanks to Dragonfly, who stowed the mirror. ¡°When I¡¯m well enough to move, we need to get back to the village and send word to the society. This is way beyond our ability as we are today.¡± His companions nodded and Serene spoke again. ¡°If things progress as they are now, you should be ready for careful travel tomorrow. We should take at least two more days back in the village, which should give us time to arrange for word to be sent.¡± There was silence for a while before Serene spoke again. ¡°Yes, Dragonfly, you may hug him. But be careful to not touch the frostbitten parts.¡± she said, some amusement in her voice as she had apparently been able to glimpse the wish from the other woman''s aura. Dragonfly, ever fond of hugs, snuggled up close to Kite¡¯s healthy side which enjoyed the warmth. He fell back to sleep, thankful that not all paths needed to be walked alone. 22. Of carps and homecomings Kite enjoyed the warmth of the sun on his face where he had stopped on the slight slope where he, Dragonfly and Serene were currently following a small forest path along a glittering stream. The trees surrounding them had even more vibrant colors as the frost had melted away and the feeling of early spring was in the air. They were now nearing the end of their second month out on the road as they had traveled from village to village in search of contracts. After their close call with the unexpectedly strong and numerous ice elementals, they had rested for two days during which Kite had recovered back to look like his usual self. After that and making sure a message was sent to the adventure society in Gilded, the group had moved on. They were humbled, but still in good spirits. The following weeks had brought a cavalcade of monster hunting, a few investigations into strange occurrences and even tracking down a missing person, the latter found via Serene¡¯s sharp aura senses. Fortune had continued to show them kindness, and there had been no other serious injuries. On the contrary, they had been able to defeat enough monsters for Kite to manifest quite a few items through his powers. Most had been of little use, as Kite already had more useful equipment of similar types, but some had been deemed useful enough to be handed out among the trio, such as a pair of boots for easier traversal of snow. Many had been different kinds of weapons, where one in particular had found its way to Kite¡¯s personal arsenal.
WWJS: [Item] Seeking Hornet Iron rank - Rare Throwing star [Effect] Returns to user after attack is completed [Effect] Pay a small amount of mana to have the weapon ricochet toward one additional nearby target. Any special attack imbued into the throw will be applied to the secondary target as well.
It had been manifested after the trio had cleared a nest of heartseeker hornets and their bronze-rank queen. Fortunately, the swarm of kitten-sized hornets had been iron rank and the true threat, as the queen had little to no fighting capabilities. Serene¡¯s channeled area healing had gotten a good workout during that battle. The affair in question had been rather miserable, but Kite was happy with the dividends. The throwing star had a diameter of about the length of Kite¡¯s hand and was made of a brass-colored metal, decorated with stylised black hornets. Since Kite had several attacks that mostly needed to hit, such as his Disrupting strike or the mana-draining Chakra implosion, he was very happy with the weapon easily affecting two targets instead of one. The trio was currently heading westward. Kite had been very happy that his companions had acquiesced to steering the final part of their trip toward Starberry peak, as he hoped to finally return to visit his aunties. He realized that it had soon been a year since he left last spring with uncle Walker. Kite was brought out of his reverie when he perceived a slight glimmer from the nearby stream. It had a slightly different feel than the rest of the ripples on the stream''s surface, and he gave off a slight nudge of aura toward his friends which indicated for them to stop. While very simplistic, the trio had worked out a small series of aura ¡®nudges¡¯ to wordlessly communicate. It wouldn¡¯t work too well if they had to retract their auras too much, but it was a good practice of fine control as well. Dragonfly had grumbled a bit about other aura practice she would rather do, but had to admit that the basic tricks might be useful one day. Moving toward the glimmer, Kite stepped out on top of a pair of rocks before he reached down toward the source. ¡°I thought as much.¡± he said as he retracted a small scale shimmering with rainbow colors. ¡°What is it?¡± Dragonfly asked as she leaned closer from the bank of the stream to get a better look. ¡°It¡¯s a scale of some kind. Uncle Walker has found quite a few of them during his travels, all in different streams, and has been collecting them. I thought I might bring him another one. He hoped that they would bring him luck.¡± Kite said, readying himself to go back. ¡°It looks like you might not have been the only one looking for the source of that which glittered.¡± came the amused voice of Serene with a small chiming laugh. Her comment halted Kite in his tracks, and he looked around. From the nearby water, a fish had stuck its head above the surface and was looking straight at him with golden eyes. It had a pale pink color and slightly flowing fins of a slightly deeper shade of pink, and was around the length of his lower arm. On both sides of its mouth was a tendril, akin to a mustache. As Kite met the blank gaze of the fish, he thought he could detect a faint magical aura from it. He was certain that it wasn¡¯t a monster, but knew that there were many other creatures in this world that had a magic of their own. After a lengthy silent stare, Kite asked: ¡°Did you want it? The scale?¡± He thought it bobbed slightly, but it might have been his imagination. Thinking himself a bit foolish, he still bent down and offered the scale to the fish, expecting it to flee as he came closer. The small creature remained still for a few seconds, before tentatively closing in and taking the proffered scale in its gaping mouth. To the group¡¯s collective surprise, it quickly proceeded to swallow the scale. Just a few moments later they could all feel a small burst of aura as the faint magic within the fish suddenly expanded, maturing to a full iron-rank aura. Along its length, Kite could see that some of its own, smaller scales had changed color to a shimmering and vibrant rainbow hue. That was apparently not the extent of the transformation, as it suddenly floated up from the stream, carried on top of a small cushion of water. Kite stood frozen in disbelief as it stopped in height with his eyes, the blank eyes staring at him intently. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m glad you liked it.¡± he finally said. ¡°Unfortunately, I don¡¯t have any more.¡± He wondered if he was imagining that the fish looked a bit dejected, and hurried to add; ¡°But I actually have more at home, where I live. I could come back one day and bring them to you? Would you like that?¡± While he spoke, the fish had resumed its intense stare. In the silence that followed, it seemed to hesitate before ever so slowly floating closer and closer to Kite¡¯s face before finally giving his nose a light bump. As the fish touched him, he felt something from the creature. It was a faint conveyance of an undeniable meaning. Without knowing that many details, Kite instinctively understood that it offered him something. A bond. ¡°You.. want to be my friend?¡± Kite asked, disbelieving of the encounter he currently found himself in. *Slight bob* Kite looked at his companions. ¡°Do any of you know this kind of fish?¡± Serene looked amused and Dragonfly was holding in her laughter. Both shook their heads. ¡°I don¡¯t know what that is, but how could you say no to that face?¡± Dragonfly got out between snarks of barely contained laughter. Kite turned back to the blank, fishy stare. It seemed surprisingly comfortable out of the water, its small mustache wiggling expectantly. ¡°Opportunity to fortune¡­¡± He thought silently to himself before speaking. ¡°Well, I like friends.¡± Kite stated with a smile. ¡°If you want to be my friend, I will gladly be yours.¡± The fish responded with what Kite thought was a happy bobbing in its little floating cloud of water before it began to glow, a gray light spilling from its little body. Kite was surprised to see himself glow as well as he could feel himself change as an intangible connection was formed.
WWJS: Racial ability [Human ambition] has evolved into [Forger of Bonds] [Forger of Bonds] Evolved from Human ambition Essence abilities advance more quickly, with a further boost if used in conjunction with allies. You may form a familiar bond, binding that familiar to you until either of you die. As you increase in rank, your familiar will increase alongside you. You have formed a familiar bond with Celestial Carp (Unnamed).
A rather dizzying amount of sensations flowed through that bond. For a short while, Kite saw himself standing there. Feelings of gratitude, love and admiration apparently welled up inside the little fish as it gazed on Kite, and he got the distinct feeling that it was a female. It was so unexpected that he saw himself fall backwards into the stream, the connection breaking from suddenly being immersed in cold water. Dragonfly¡¯s uproarious laughter reached him as he emerged from the shallow stream, surprisingly not by his own power. It was as if the water was actively lifting him, righting him to stand on his feet as the drops were expelled from his body. The little fish was the obvious, if unexpected, source of such control over the water. It then promptly floated over to Dragonfly and spit a small stream of water in her face, causing her to fall over spluttering in surprise. Kite felt some indignation from the fish as it apparently wanted to defend him. ¡°It seems that your new friend is most loyal.¡± Serene giggled before turning to the carp. ¡°Welcome, little fish. I am Serene, also a friend of Kite.¡± ¡°And this is Dragonfly.¡± Kite introduced with a wave towards the glaring woman as he was climbing out of the stream. ¡°She is also a friend.¡± He got a small wave of disbelief from his new companion. ¡°She is nice. Friends are allowed to laugh at each other, as long as the misfortune is slight.¡± he explained with a smile. ¡°Did it bond to you with a gift evolution?¡± Serene asked, curious. ¡°I have heard that the evolutions are flexible, but not that they can be initiated by another creature.¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t heard of it either.¡± Kite admitted, ¡°but I believe Fortune has favored me yet again.¡± The carp bobbed happily as it continued to float in slow circles around Kite. ¡°What will you name it?¡± Dragonfly asked as she got to her feet. She eyed the fish suspiciously, but apparently dedicated to playing nice for now. Kite turned to the fish. ¡°You are quite pretty, little fish. I would like to name you Glint, if you are alright with that. It was a glint in the water which brought us together after all.¡± The newly named fish seemed pleased with the praise and the name, and thus Glint joined them in their travels. That very evening, Glint and Dragonfly seemed to have become the fastest of friends despite the rocky start. Glint¡¯s slight water-controlling abilities had ingratiated her to Dragonfly as she could repel rain in a decent area around them, demonstrated when a sudden spring rain fell heavy over the forested valleys. The woman won the carp¡¯s favor in turn as she took any opportunity to feed her breadcrumbs and even caught some insects to offer the fish. As they traveled onward, they discussed different means of constructing some kind of container for Glint so that she could rest easier when she didn¡¯t want to levitate on her cushion of water. Carrying her and some water in a bucket was an acceptable start though, and the new company became a pleasant distraction for the group as their journey carried them toward their destination. Kite was going to visit home.
Four days and some monster battles later, courtesy of Sage, they finally reached their destination which marked the beginning of the last leg of their journey. ¡°There it is!¡± Kite said while pointing at the village on the peak. Little seemed to have changed over the past year, and the wooden walls and tiled roofs looked just like Kite remembered. And there, on the very top of the peak, stood the two-story house he had called home for almost his entire life. ¡°This is your home?¡± asked Dragonfly as she took it in. ¡°It¡¯s no Gilded, but it does look cozy.¡± ¡°As long as it has beds, I would be quite happy.¡± Serene added. ¡°Unless something has changed, there should be plenty of room in the guest house. Come on, let¡¯s see if my aunties are home!¡± Kite cheered as he set off on very familiar paths.
Graceful Dove under the Moon, also known as auntie Dove, was humming happily as she walked around her garden. Here and there, she muttered a spell as she channeled her magic into the soil to enrich it in wait for the planting. She stopped and felt the sun on her face. ¡°Dear Crow, isn¡¯t there something special with the spring sun?¡± she asked, happily. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know, dear. You are glowing enough that I haven¡¯t noticed if the ones in the sky have shown themselves yet.¡± Curious Crow flies Swift, or auntie Crow, answered with a smile without looking up from the array blueprint she was working on. Dove, wildly blushing as she still always did when Crow praised her, halted her retort as she felt her wife freeze and drop her pen. ¡°What is it, dear?¡± she asked, knowing that her aura senses were not as sensitive as Crow¡¯s. Crow turned to her with a smile as her animated hair began to stow away her tools and pen. ¡°I believe the winds brought us some fortune, love.¡±
Walking up through the village had taken its time, as Kite had been stopped quite regularly by acquaintances and neighbors with myriads of questions. Begging off most with promises to return later, Kite had only the time to lead his companions up to the small fence surrounding his childhood home before auntie Dove came striding from around the house, auburn locks almost flying behind her in her haste. Auntie Crow was not far behind, but as usual she preferred a more dignified and measured approach to most things. ¡°Little Kite! You¡¯ve returned!¡± Dove cried happily before catching Kite in an embrace which reminded him very thoroughly of her bronze rank. She smelled of herbs and home. As they hugged, Kite thought that he might soon match her height but still had a centimeter or two to go. As she let him go, auntie Crow also came in for a hug. She in turn smelled of ink. And also of home. ¡°Welcome back, little Kite¡± she said as she looked up at him. ¡°And you¡¯ve brought company, I see.¡± Kite turned to his two companions who had been hanging back respectfully to let the family reunite in peace. He waved them forward as he introduced the two women. ¡°These are my companions, Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s Reflection and Serene Breeze. We have joined our paths together during our adventures so far, and I have come as far as I have thanks to them.¡± He then gestured to the bucket which Dragonfly currently carried. ¡°And this here is Glint, a recent addition to our company.¡± As he spoke, the carp came levitating up from her bucket to see what was going on. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°And these are my aunties, Graceful Dove under the Moon and Curious Crow flies Swift. They are my dearest family.¡± After the round of introductions, they were all ushered into the house as auntie Dove made tea. Then it was time for stories. As Kite began to tell them of everything that had happened since he had left home, it felt like a dam opening up. He realized how much he had wanted to share with them over the months he had been away, if only for the reason that he wanted them to know. He talked about his journey to Gilded, of the encounter with young master Providence and the meeting with Dragonfly and master Force. Of experiencing the city and how he shared the apartment with uncle Walker. Of his examination and subsequent contract. About how they helped Verdant steps with their spirit problems. And his journey to and subsequent training under master Stone. And of their adventures coming here. The only things he left out was the Jade-Sky token and the venture they were about to undertake for the adventure society. As he talked, his aunties asked questions, gasped, laughed or just listened in silence. His companions joined in as well, adding to his stories when they could. When Kite seemed to have run out of words, a comfortable silence fell over the kitchen. The teapot had been refilled, and food had arrived and disappeared on the table. Night had fallen outside. ¡°Well love, it seems like Kite¡¯s first year as an adventurer might even be a bit more exciting than ours were.¡± auntie Crow noted with a smirk. ¡°I must commend you as well for your aura control, Kite. It is coming along nicely so I can assume you have been diligent.¡± ¡°It is thanks to these two,¡± Kite said with a smile while gesturing toward Dragonfly and Serene. ¡°They both help me practice in their own ways.¡± He was unsure, but he thought he could see auntie Crow¡¯s eyes flicker ever so slightly toward Dragonfly during his last comment. However, she gave no more indications of that as she continued. ¡°It does sound troubling, however, that the remnants of the fallen sect seem to be acting out. Those troubles started when you were but a child and we only heard about it from Walker.¡± ¡°Such vile paths.¡± auntie Dove added with a shudder. ¡°I thank Fortune every day that you didn¡¯t join them when you were offered, dear¡±. ¡°You were offered to join the Unbreakable Chains sect?¡± Kite asked, surprise evident in his voice. ¡°I was, about thirty years ago while I was still at iron rank. Apparently, my hair essence met their criteria enough for them to justify trying to recruit me for my skills with formations and arrays.¡± Crow answered. ¡°But I had already met your aunt and our plans were quite different. Neither of us wanted the prestigious but demanding life of a sect. We wanted a nice house in a cozy, small village somewhere away from that kind of politics. It turns out that Fortune favored my choice in many ways.¡± she finished, a strand of hair gently stroking the back of auntie Dove¡¯s hand. ¡°Promise me you will be careful if you meet such people in the future, Kite. Monsters are merciless but rarely cruel. People on the other hand¡­¡± Dove said before trailing off, her meaning quite clear. ¡°Have you fought many other essence-users then? Any stories about that?¡± Dragonfly asked eagerly. ¡°Hmm, not that many but-¡± Auntie Dove giggled. ¡°Did we ever tell you about the contract we took back at iron rank? The one with the bandit who had the rooster essence?¡± ¡°If I remember correctly, he had quite a different name for it.¡± auntie Crow smirked. Together they began telling some stories of their own. They had rarely spoken about their adventuring days when Kite was younger. Knowing about the often violent life, he could understand. And now, he could also understand even more as he got to see a new side of his aunties as they regaled their guests with stories. That night, Kite fell asleep in the room that had been the last thing he saw for almost every night of his life. It felt smaller, somehow. ¡°Or maybe it is just my world that has become a lot bigger.¡± he mused, right before sleep claimed him.
The day after they had arrived at Starberry peak, Kite was sitting next to auntie Crow in a meditative pose out in their garden. While the winds hadn¡¯t truly picked up the warmth of spring yet, the suns still provided ample warmth. Glint was floating about the garden on her cushion of water, inspecting the different plants. She was joined by Sage, who Kite had released from within his aura to satisfy the familiar¡¯s growing curiosity. Auntie Crow was currently guiding Kite through a meditation to help him get used to sharing senses with Glint. Over the hour of practice, it had become gradually easier to distinguish the different emotions coming from the curious carp, as well as less nauseating to perceive the world through a creature with a quite different anatomy. ¡°I believe you¡¯ll have to keep an eye on Glint, little Kite. Dove always longed for a familiar, and might just attempt to lure her away from you with as many treats as she can sneak to her.¡± Kite chuckled at the thought of Glint being fishnapped by his auntie. ¡°Well, at least I would know that she¡¯d have a good home.¡± Neither of his aunties had any familiars of their own, but auntie Crow had enough books and knowledge to provide him with some basic guidance regarding the familiar bond. ¡°Glint is a curious creature though. I haven¡¯t heard about her kind, although it is not a subject I am very knowledgeable in. And Sage¡­¡± she trailed off, watching the curious symbol-being hover around. At the moment, it floated hypnotized in front of a small paper pinwheel which spun in the wind. ¡°I have not the faintest idea what it is. You should consider seeking help in identifying the both, if only to understand them better. But I am glad that you have company, no matter the kind.¡± Kite¡¯s humanoid company had been drafted into helping auntie Dove gather herbs in the forests below the cliff on which Starberry peak rested on. ¡°Speaking of company, are you and Dragonfly lovers, Kite?¡± Apparently, Kite did not remain as calm and collected as he wanted to her question, as she smiled and continued. ¡°I thought as much. While I couldn¡¯t read it from your aura, her reaction when you spoke about aura practice was quite a giveaway. When I started looking closer, I thought I saw some similarities in how you approach the finer nuances of your auras.¡± Kite was blushing quite thoroughly at this point. Auntie Crow had always had good aura perception, but Kite had to admit that he hadn¡¯t thought them quite as sharp as to pick out this kind of information. His mind was currently tying itself into knots on how to give voice to the subject. While the thought of talking about it with his close family flustered him quite a bit, it had always been auntie Crow he had these kinds of conversations with. It was, after all, she who had sat him down on his thirteenth birthday and explained the concepts and details regarding sex and procreation. ¡°It is acceptable to want to have private parts of life, little Kite. I will not pry overly much, but your auntie is concerned about your well-being as well.¡± she explained gently. ¡°If I may ask, how do you feel about your current relationship, whatever form it might take?¡± Taking a deep breath to collect his thoughts, helped along by her question, Kite was able to form a coherent line of thought stable enough to put into words. ¡°I¡­ I like it. We kind of stumbled into it, but it seems to have gone well. I had this book about paired aura practice-¡± ¡°Ah, yes. The Dyadic Tempering of Auras if I¡¯m not mistaken. I thought I recognized the hint of those techniques in your auras.¡± Forestalling his obvious question, she continued. ¡°Please, little Kite. I have been an adult and an essence user quite a lot longer than you. I can even loan you the book with more advanced techniques when you reach bronze rank. Please continue where you were.¡± Kite¡¯s mind simply packeted her words and stowed them away for later dissemination, as it simply couldn¡¯t handle more flustering subjects at the time, before he continued. The words came easier after that, helped along by auntie Crow¡¯s familiar wry humor. He told her about his return to Gilded, how Dragonfly had asked if he wanted to practice with her and their conversation afterwards. Auntie Crow nodded as he finished. ¡°It seems like we have done a rather acceptable job when raising you, Kite. While it was long ago, I still faintly remember the more disorganized thought processes involved. It seems that you have matured quite a bit over the year and that it helped you both communicate clearly on the matter. Just remember, Kite, that situations may change. Feelings are complicated. Show them respect, whatever they may be or how they change. And keep putting them into words. It is always good practice.¡± ¡°Thanks, auntie Crow. For everything.¡± She patted his head, having to reach upward quite a bit these days to do so. ¡°You are such a nice boy, little Kite. And I believe that your fish is trying to get into one of Dove¡¯s bags of seeds. We should probably intervene, unless we want carp for lunch today.¡±
Two pleasant, relaxing days passed as Kite and his companions spent their time in Starberry peak. Overall it was pleasant, where the trio helped his aunties with some daily chores while they in turn helped the group. Auntie Dove dipped into her stores of herbs and materials to create more pills for the group, as well as working personally with Dragonfly in regards to her fire powers. Dove also possessed the fire essence. While their power set was quite unlike each other, the older woman still had a lot of experience to lean into, and Dragonfly was eager to learn. Auntie Crow took the time to polish up Kite¡¯s knowledge of rituals, and even deemed him ready to learn some more, mostly focusing on utility in everyday adventuring life. Serene participated as well, curious to at least gain some basic knowledge on the subject. During that time, Kite had noticed a subtle hint of withdrawal from Dragonfly. Outwardly she was her vibrant self, but it felt like she had withdrawn slightly. The feeling had increased gradually over the two days, and it was on their third evening in the village when he decided to ask her about it. He made up a reason to have her help him bring in some water from the pump in the garden, and led her toward where it stood near the fence which circled the property. It was a simple affair, with a tap controlled by a magic rune. After filling a few buckets, he remained standing there looking out over the woodlands bathed in the light of the sunset. ¡°How are you?¡± he asked, thinking it best to start simple. ¡°What? I¡¯m fine. Your aunties are nice.¡± she answered, but it still didn¡¯t shake the feeling he got from her. She smiled as usual, but it was a bit dulled. Kite didn¡¯t respond, only continuing to look at her as he gave her aura a gentle nudge, the equivalent of a gentle shoulder bump. She looked at him for a long moment, before sighing and putting down her held buckets. Dragonfly sidled up to him and leaned her head against his arm. ¡°Don¡¯t take this the wrong way, Kite, because I don¡¯t mean it the way it might sound. But I¡¯m jealous of you. Of this.¡± she waved a hand toward the surrounding garden and the house. As he didn¡¯t say anything, only leaned into her a bit to urge her to continue, she pressed on. ¡°If some things had gone different. If I had been stronger at the time, if the walls hadn¡¯t been breached or if help had arrived sooner¡­ This life could have been mine. Well, not exactly this. Our house wasn¡¯t as big, nor was our garden. But I might have had a family to return to.¡± The words seemed to be coming easier as she spoke, and she needed no more prompting to continue. ¡°If things had been different, my parents might have been bronze rank now like your aunties. I don¡¯t think that they even had all their powers awakened yet. And they could have been here to listen to tales of my adventures, to give sage advice or just lots of hugs.¡± Her voice broke slightly. ¡°Seeing all this just brought up all the things I never got to share with them, and it hurts. I thought I was over it. I will be ever grateful to master Force for taking me in and giving me everything. And your aunties are awesome, and it makes me happy that this is where you had the chance to grow up. It just hurts more than I realized it would. It used to make me angry, to have me train harder so I could kill every monster there is. Now it just makes me feel sad.¡± Kite had been standing there, focusing on listening and sensing. Both at her words and how her aura shifted as she spoke. He then sensed a pattern he recognized, the one he thought meant that she needed a hug. So he wrapped his arms around her and held her for a time. She sniffled a bit, but mostly melted into the embrace as she always did. Dragonfly had always been a good hugger. After a few minutes, she stepped out of the embrace with a slight reluctance to look up at him. ¡°Thank you, Kite. How did you notice? I¡¯m not sure I had completely noticed myself yet.¡± ¡°I have gotten quite familiar with your aura and well, you. Something just didn¡¯t feel right, and I felt that asking was a lot better than just leaving you alone with whatever it was.¡± ¡°Well, now you¡¯ve seen me emotionally naked as well as physically.¡± she said with a slight smile. ¡°And you are very pretty either way.¡± he answered lightly, drawing her back into the hug. ¡°Damn right I am.¡± a muffled, faint voice could be heard against his chest.
The group stayed for two more days, although not all the time spent in Starberry peak was rest and relaxation. The day after his talk with Dragonfly, one of the villagers came with a reported monster sighting. Starberry peak usually had an empty notice board, since most monsters were handled directly by auntie Dove and auntie Crow. That was why they and Kite¡¯s group stood listening to old Bough, whose grandson had been the one to spot the manifestation as it was still ongoing. ¡°- over behind the peak to the northwest, near the tangle.¡± the old man finished. ¡°Well then, we shall go there at once to have a look. I think this might be an excellent opportunity to let the younglings show us what they have learned.¡± auntie Crow stated with a smile. This led to all five of them traveling down from the village on the peak and back into the woods where Kite had played growing up. Kite knew of the area called the tangle, although he had only been there along with his aunties as it was about an hour''s walk from the village. It was an area where many roots surfaced and wove into each other, creating an almost solid mat of gnarled, wooden tendrils beneath. As the group neared the area, they could spot movement ahead between the trees. About a hundred meters away, a huge ball of tangled roots was making its way between the trees, rocking back and forth as it crossed the uneven terrain. ¡°Oh, it has been a long time since an autumn pawn manifested around here. This should be fun!¡± auntie Dove cheered. ¡°What is an autumn pawn?¡± Kite asked, not knowing what to make of the spherical being. ¡°It is a creature that usually manifests only up north, here in the autumn lands. It is a kind of forest wisp which animates and forms a versatile shell of roots. They begin at bronze rank, such as this, but if it manages to roll far enough south to a territory with higher magical density, it can evolve to silver rank. Those are called autumn knights. There are rumors of higher ranked specimens, but none confirmed as far as I know.¡± auntie Crow explained sagely. ¡°How about you spry younglings give it a go? We¡¯ll be here if you need us.¡± auntie Dove asked, excited at the prospect of seeing their little sprout and his companions in action. Kite looked at his companions, who nodded determinedly. ¡°Let us handle it then, aunties. Mind keeping Glint company while we fight it?¡± ¡°Of course, dear. I think I even have something for her to snack on here somewhere!¡± auntie Dove exclaimed while eagerly taking the bucket with the carp. Glint happily splashed about before she floated up to hover expectantly before Dove. Kite and his companions began advancing toward the rolling sphere, Serene picking up a resounding song while Dragonfly summoned her burning axe. Dove and Crow watched them head toward the sphere, which seemed to have picked up their auras and had changed course to intercept them. As they saw the young ones charge ahead, Dove leaned closer to Crow and asked; ¡°Do you think it was mean of us to not warn them beforehand?¡± in a whisper. ¡°Adventurers need to learn on the job dear. Besides, an autumn pawn isn¡¯t that bad. Just a bit frustrating.¡± Crow answered with a smile as a strand of hair picked a breadcrumb from the bag they brought and threw it to Glint with a flicking motion. ¡°They seem to be off to a strong start. Serene has good timing with that wind spell.¡± ¡°Indeed she has! It surely won¡¯t like that fiery axe much. Will probably respond with- aaaand there she went.¡± ¡°Kite seems to be able to keep up the pressure though. See the timing of his barriers? I must admit I¡¯m surprised he can bring them about with such precision. That master which Walker sent him to seems to have known his business.¡± Crow said with an approving nod. ¡°And Dragonfly seems to return. That sure is a lot of spinning and fire.¡± ¡°Yes dear, but not as impressive as you. You definitely burn hotter.¡± ¡°Oh hush you, I don¡¯t have time for blushing right now.¡± Dove hissed. Blushing. ¡°Oh Kite, watch out for- Hmm¡­ That wall is new.¡± ¡°He has awakened all his powers now. There are a lot of surprises. His dispelling attacks sure seem to frustrate the monster. It is very fond of those roots.¡± ¡°Oh Crow, look. Is it just me, or is Dragonfly getting faster?¡± ¡°You are quite right, dear. All those lashings of the roots seemed to have helped. Didn¡¯t they say she had a confluence which needs a bit of a beating to really get going?¡± ¡°Well, it didn¡¯t seem to help her clothes much. I hope Kite isn¡¯t too distracted by it and makes a mistake. That was a good swing by the both, though. Nice timing.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry about distractions too much dear. They are already having sex.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Dove gasped, blushing furiously. ¡°Oh, you didn¡¯t notice? Kite held it together rather well, but Dragonfly gave it away with her aura. Oh, good timing yet again, Serene. It is like watching the conductor of an orchestra.¡± ¡°But.. but¡­ Our little Kite-¡± ¡°Is a grown man now, dear. Besides, they''re even practicing the dyadic tempering. It¡¯s good training.¡± ¡°So- so are they a thing? Should we be expecting to be grand-aunties?¡± ¡°Hold your heidels, dear. They seem to prefer it casual. Adventurer life and all that. Even had a proper talk about it, all mature. They do grow up fast. Speaking of growing, when could Kite produce a void rift of that size?¡± ¡°But why wouldn¡¯t he tell me?¡± Dove exclaimed, looking like a hurt puppy. ¡°I don¡¯t think he would have told me either, dear, at least not now. But since I figured it out, I thought I might make sure that he was alright with their relationship. And besides, you know how you get around more intimate subjects. There was a reason why it was me who gave him the talk when we saw where he and Brook seemed to be heading.¡± ¡°What do you mean? I can handle it just fine.¡± ¡°Oh really?¡± Crow asked with a dangerous smirk. ¡°Then, tonight, why don¡¯t we practice some of the third volume of the dyadic tempering? You know, the technique where I-¡± Crow broke off as Dove had become a spluttering mess, blushing from head to toe. ¡°I think I made my point clear, love. And I do find it ever so pleasing to make you blush. Speaking of heating up, I think they might have found the trick to dispatching the pawn. Let us see how they handle the root cannon. ¡­ ¡­ Well that wasn¡¯t so bad. That dark wall sure seems handy for those more spectacular attacks. And I believe this is it. Yes, that¡¯s it done. Come along now, dearest Dove. Let¡¯s go cheer on our victorious young ones. And do keep it a secret that you know now, alright?¡±
When the group was about to set out on their journey back toward Gilded, the farewell was as emotional and joyous as the greeting had been. Auntie Dove hugged each of them in turn, keeping Kite a little longer in her arms. ¡°My little Kite. All grown up and mature.¡± she cooed while patting his head. After hugging auntie Crow farewell, Kite spoke up. ¡°Thank you for everything, aunties. Know that this place, and you, will always be my home. And I thank Fortune every day that it is so. I love you both.¡± They left the village, waving farewell to the pair of women in the house at the village peak as well as to villagers that they passed. Kite felt like the visit back home had soothed his soul, and thought that at least a bit of that feeling had rubbed off on his two companions as well. With a cheer in their step, the trio started their journey back to Gilded. It was still some months off before autumn and the hunt for the fallen sect¡¯s members would begin, but Kite had something he needed to do before then anyway. There was a certain token in his bag which needed to be used. 23. Gratitude is the least I can show for it The journey back toward Gilded was pleasant, if uneventful. Kite did take pride in showing his companions the great bridge of vines where he and uncle Walker had found the awakening stone of erosion. Otherwise, they made straight for Gilded as they were eager to get back. Kite noted that the journey was bound to be at least two days shorter this time around, if they kept their current pace. "It is probably due to our physical bodies having greater speed and endurance now." Dragonfly mused as he had shared his observations. "And that we don''t have our mentors who throw us towards monsters regularly." "You''ve traveled here before?" Serene asked. "Yes, when I first came to Gilded. When I first met Dragonfly, the first thing she did was storming up to me and demand a sparring match." "Oh I can imagine." Serene giggled. "How did it go?" "Kite cheated!" Dragonfly exclaimed at the memory. "I merely used the powers at my disposal." Kite replied smugly. "Well, your powers are cheating." "So I should stop disrupting enemy defenses so you can''t hit them as hard?" "... See. Cheating."
¡°- and a meat skewer, no, five meat skewers. And sleep in my own bed. And maybe see master Force. Did I say meat skewers already?¡± Dragonfly pondered, busy counting all the things she wanted to do once they were back into the city with its offered comforts. The trio stood in line to enter the city, as it was busy as usual. They were waiting among people and carts when a voice along with a forcefully projected iron-rank aura silenced the susurrus of the crowd, followed by a loud voice. ¡°Make way! Make way for a disciple of the Victorious Sunset sect!¡± People behind them started to scramble out of the way of three young men in a row walking forward at a brisk pace. The one in the front was the one shouting for people to move aside, his aura rudely projected. While not stellar, it was decently controlled. Kite could feel the hint of two other iron-rank auras behind him, where the one who walked in the middle felt the most powerful. ¡°I think the middle one is the disciple.¡± Kite whispered to his companions as they too stood aside. ¡°He¡¯s the only one with a full set of powers if I¡¯m not mistaken.¡± Serene nodded in confirmation. All three of them had witnessed similar scenes like this before. Members of the two sects tended to demand a lot of respect, especially as they left the first stage of membership, called initiate, to become disciples. This provided them with more resources, often the final awakening stones they needed. And more often than not, quite a lot of pride. Kite and his companions tended to simply stay out of the way and let the sect members go about their business. As the small procession passed them by, Kite realized that he recognized one of them. The disciple was unknown to him, a human man slightly shorter than Kite with a shaven head and a golden tattoo of a sun on his scalp. But the one bringing up the rear was familiar. Recognizing the young man with the black hair dyed red, he realized that it was Brilliant Bloom of Providence, the young master whom Kite had beaten in the clash of paths near the waterfall. Kite couldn¡¯t help but stare surprised at the young man, who seemed to notice and recognize him in turn. Kite¡¯s confusion grew as the young man looked almost afraid as he met Kite¡¯s gaze, shame playing over his aura. Apparently someone else had noticed too. ¡°You there, trash!¡± the disciple called out as he stopped. ¡°Drop your gaze and show some respect. You are in the presence of your betters. It is not for the likes of you to stare so rudely at initiate Providence.¡± Kite stood, dumbfounded at the sudden and rather silly turn of events. The disciple apparently chose to interpret Kite¡¯s disobedience as a personal affront. ¡°Initiate Providence, do you know this outcast trash?¡± ¡°Disciple, he is of no conse-¡± ¡°Speak up, initiate. Do you know him?¡± ¡°Only in passing, disciple. It was a long time since we last met.¡± The disciple looked back at Kite with thinned eyes. ¡°Initiate Providence, you once told me that some outcast trash beat you in a clash of paths through trickery and cheating. Was it this man?¡± ¡°Disciple, it doesn¡¯t-¡± ¡°Was it?!¡± ¡°Yes, disciple.¡± young master providence said, eyes downcast. Kite felt some outrage at the apparent falsehood, but stowed it aside. It would not help him at this moment. He could feel Dragonfly starting to anger, but Serene¡¯s aura gently but firmly clamped down on her to keep her in check. As the disciple started marching toward him, Kite got the sinking feeling that this would probably be trouble no matter what he said. Or didn¡¯t say. ¡°Well then, initiate Providence. It seems like we have found the knave, and without his bronze-rank trash of a mentor to hide behind. Maggot! I, Rise of Morning Glory, challenge you to a clash of paths. When I win, you will have to grovel before initiate Providence here and provide him with two awakening stones as compensation for your theft and trickery.¡± Kite heard some stifled snickers from the crowd as the disciple announced his name, Serene needing to clamp down like a vice on Dragonfly, whose anger was rapidly transforming to barely contained snorts of laughter. Fortunately for them, the disciple seemed too occupied with Kite to notice. At the sound of the challenge, Kite felt surprisingly calm. He was afraid that this would turn into some kind of drawn-out scene of social maneuvering, an area where he did not excel. Fighting, that he did know. Deciding to try and be the more mature of the two, Kite gave a formal bow, calm in both features and aura. ¡°I, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, accept your challenge. If I defeat you, you will provide me with an item of my choice from within the trade hall¡¯s second floor, as well as deliver a report from the officiator to your master.¡± ¡°A trivial request, and unnecessary. I have already won, trash.¡± the disciple said. ¡°As for officiator-¡± he began, turning to the third man in their procession, when a woman¡¯s voice broke into the conversation. ¡°I will deem myself worthy to take the post of the officiator of this clash. May any who feel themselves more suited speak up in challenge.¡± Previously unnoticed by all, apparently even Serene as Kite felt her stiffen in surprise, the speaker stepped out from the crowd. She had flowing silvery hair and lips painted a pale blue. Her beauty was otherworldly, her aura only hinting of a shadow of her silver rank. Kite recognized her as Frost among Morning Dew, the woman uncle Walker had pointed out to him many months ago. She was one of the few silver-ranked outcasts still remaining in the autumn lands as an active adventurer. Everyone present seemed paralyzed by her appearance, stunned into silence. Kite found his words first, seeing a chance for an officiator which should at least be impartial. ¡°I would be honored for you to officiate this clash, Frost among Morning Dew.¡± he said, while bowing with cupped hands. Uncle Walker had praised her work on several occasions, after all, which made Kite hold her in high regard.. Rise of Morning Glory seemed to find his words as well. ¡°Mistress Dew, this is surely beneath your grand notice. I assure you that-¡± he began, but halted as he suddenly seemed to be struggling for air. ¡°I did not invite you to speak so informally to me, disciple. No matter your family, you should never forget to respect the actual power here. Rank.¡± she said, voice cold as she let go of the disciple with her aura suppression. He stumbled slightly before answering, his voice almost trembling as if shivering from a deep cold. ¡°My deepest apologies, Frost among Morning Dew. I will, of course, also be honored for you to officiate.¡± ¡°I suspected as much.¡± she answered with a cold smile. ¡°Follow me.¡± She led the way out of the line and toward the short stretch of open grassy field around the city, the crowd parting like a school of fish around a shark. Dragonfly and Serene followed, as did the two initiates from the sect. Some of the crowd did as well, albeit at a safe and respectful distance. Kite could hear young master Providence frantically whisper to the disciple. ¡°Disciple, do not underestimate him. He is-¡± ¡°Do you doubt my skills, initiate?¡± disciple Rise almost spat out the last, silencing the young master. Frost among Morning Dew directed the two combatants to a starting position, ten meters apart for iron rank. ¡°Adversaries, name yourselves.¡± she commanded in a formal tone. ¡°I, Rise of Morning Glory, disciple of the Victorious Sunset sect, will stand by my path in the face of this adversary.¡± ¡°I, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, will stand by my path in the face of this adversary. ¡°You have both declared what you fight for. At my command, may your paths clash and you both come out stronger for it.¡± One heartbeat passed. Then two. On the third, they sensed a powerful pulse of aura, marking the start of the clash. ¡°You truly are a fool, outcast trash! This will not require more than one move!¡± disciple Rise shouted, before he started chanting while an armor of golden flames formed around his body. ¡°Wrath of the sun, scour the lands with the arrows of the pure!¡± Kite had begun moving at a measured pace toward his opponent, whose spell had finished. In the air around him, glowing circles of light produced ten huge, burning arrows which hung ominously in the air. ¡°Say farewell, you fool. Your family will have to pay your dues as your corpse will be ashes.¡± the disciple sneered. Kite¡¯s response was twofold. He chanted; ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power¡± Then, he activated the charging power of his belt. The ripple flew out before him, Kite close on its heels as he leaned into his enchanted charge. As Kite had begun chanting, disciple Rise gave some curt gestures which launched the solar projectiles toward his advancing foe. His grin turned quite sour as the glorious sun bolts winked out of existence as they came into contact with the dispelling wave, as did his armor which was the only magical effect currently active. ¡°No matter, I will get another chance.¡± he thought as he lashed out with his hand, palm out. A forceful gust of wind tore into Kite, attempting to knock him back and create a comfortable distance yet again. As this too failed, Kite remaining unmoved, Unyielding showing its presence as the grassy ground behind him was torn apart, the disciple only had time to widen his eyes as Kite¡¯s fist collided with his gut, all of Kite¡¯s strength and power of his charge behind it. He doubled over as the air left his lungs with an audible *whoosh*, coughing as he was thrown backwards. The disciple did show his training as he remained on his feet and managed to summon his golden armor again even through the coughing. As he had done with the bandit during his examination, Kite continued attacking relentlessly. Another punch carrying Disrupting strike sundered the golden armor, while a quick barrier deflected a bolt of solar light fired at point blank before he landed a knee to the already battered torso of his opponent. Between being battered with blows, the disciple tried another gust of wind to no effect as well as a punch of his own, fist smoldering with power. However, he was dizzy from the beating he had taken so far and Kite punished the sluggishness by slapping the punch to the side, all the energy invested into the attack and more being forcibly ripped from his system by Kite''s counter. Kite landed several more quick punches, and as his opponents had no more magical effects active at the moment, many of the blows sent a faint pulse of light shimmering in gold, silver and blue through the disciple¡¯s body in addition to the blue cracks of Chakra implosion destroying the young man''s mana reserves. The multi-colored pulses were the effect of the final power Kite had awakened before leaving Gilded.
WWJS: Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune has absorbed [Awakening stone of Balance] You has awakened Resolute essence ability [Undeniable] [Ability] Undeniable Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Iron 4 Effect - Iron: Each time your effects are resisted or do not take effect, deal a small amount of transcendent damage to the target. Examples include an opponent being immune to one of your attacks or damage types, or one of your effects failing to dispel due to a lack of magical effects on the target
Undeniable was another ability that was constantly active, like almost all of his abilities awakened from the resolute essence, and had been a boon to Kite through the battles of attrition during the journey with his companions, where his dispelling attacks had little to no effect. The powerful transcendent damage would always take effect regardless of enemy defense, even if the amount was very small. It gave Kite yet more reasons to always use his dispelling attacks, making more of his arsenal relevant against more opponents. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. This was not the kind of battle where it mattered the most though, as the transcendent light was almost an afterthought to the pain which disciple Rise was currently in. Kite had continued to hammer his torso whenever he could, and it was adding up as the disciple¡¯s attempts at countering grew weaker and weaker. As disciple Rise tried another glowing punch, his legs buckled and he stumbled. Kite snapped out a quick ¡°Ward!¡± which blocked the projectile his opponent then fired from his almost kneeling position. It scattered off his barrier, but instead of dropping the ward Kite continued channeling mana into it as he used it to tackle the kneeling disciple to the ground. As the personal barrier moved with him, and was solid from both sides, he let the momentum carry him onward and down, pressing the now prone opponent down into the torn grass field and keeping him there as he lay on his back. Disciple Rise clawed on the translucent ward, each moment of contact draining more mana from him, Spiritual futility making his struggles just that; futile. ¡°Do you yield?¡± Kite asked, tone clipped. ¡°No, never!¡± disciple Rise shouted, followed by wheezing, screeched accusations of cheating and calling for the officiator to act. Kite simply stood silent, continuing the pressure. His opponent had started blinking woozily as the combined mana drain of Kite¡¯s barrier and the small vortex of Spirit Singularity was adding up. About half a minute later, seconds feeling ever so slow, it was over as the disciple¡¯s body went limp and unconsciousness took him. ¡°This clash is over. Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune has defended his path, and is the victor.¡± Frost among Morning Dew stated with a neutral tone. Kite walked to stand by her side as the two initiates from the sect rushed out to their fallen companion, trying to prop up his limp body as he had fallen unconscious from the combination of physical trauma and mana exhaustion. ¡°You.¡± the silver ranker said cooly, pointing at initiate Providence. ¡°Come here.¡± Not meeting any of their eyes, the young man walked over. Frost among Morning Dew brought out a slip of paper Kite recognized, similar to the one uncle Walker had written on. She produced a pen and started writing, taking her time in front of the silent onlookers. After she was done, she rolled it up and affixed a seal to it before handing it over to the initiate. ¡°After he has woken up, give the disciple this letter to present to his master.¡± she stated, voice still frosty, before she took out another slip and started writing anew. The second one she gave to Kite, although he noted that she did not put a seal on it. ¡°And this is for Walker.¡± With a raised voice, she continued. ¡°May you both learn from this encounter, and your paths grow stronger for it.¡± Frost among Morning Dew then turned and left, striding through the crowd towards the city gates. Kite felt surprisingly calm as he looked at young master Providence who still remained standing where he had received the letter, looking at it as if it were a sentence upon him rather than meant for another. ¡°Falsehoods don''t always bring misfortune upon the ones we intend them to.¡± he said to the initiate, before turning and striding off. Dragonfly and Serene joined him as they went back toward their place in the line. This became rather awkward as everyone around gave them a wide berth as well, ushering them forward. Kite considered insisting on waiting for his turn, but decided to go along after sensing the anxiety and trepidation from the normal-rankers around them. When they had passed through the gates without further incident, Dragonfly gave of an exalted *whoop*. ¡°Kite, that was amazing. You were all calm and collected while that idiot thought he caught you in a trap, and then you just beat what little sense he had straight out of him. Do you think it is that name that makes him act that way? Is he compensating? No matter! Kite, I want to fight you next!¡± she exclaimed in an unceasing series of excited chatter. Kite sighed. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, Dragonfly. I¡¯m not meek enough to just stand down from such a challenge, but it feels like this will mean trouble down the line. Such a brittle pride will hurt everything around it when it shatters. I suggest we try to lay low in the city, and not leave unless we are together for the upcoming weeks. You know the stories.¡± The mood turned a bit more somber. While not terribly common, it was not unheard of for disgruntled sect-members to ambush and severely injure people who they deemed to have wronged them in some way. Few of the incidents were ever confirmed though, but Kite had seen the pride of many young initiates around the society enough times to not discount them either. That said, not all members of the sects were like this particular disciple. ¡°Do you believe that such a man will even pay you what he promised?¡± Serene asked. ¡°He did seem like the kind of man to have a very flexible definition of honoring an agreement.¡± ¡°If he doesn¡¯t, I¡¯m not worse off. But if the letter reaches his master, I think the sect will see it done. They wouldn¡¯t tolerate such a stain on their honor, and the whole matter did become quite public. Speaking of the trade hall, we really should head by the society campus and turn in all the contracts. We can expect quite the payday, I¡¯d imagine. I need to see about commissioning a better mode of transport for Glint.¡± Kite finished, nodding to the bucket where the carp was currently residing, poking her head over the rim and looking at her surroundings with wide, blank eyes. ¡°The reception aside, it is good to be back. I long to sing along with my goddess on her holy grounds.¡± Serene said, wistful. ¡°So let us get the formalities done, so we can indulge ourselves in some much earned rest.¡± ¡°I can think of other things I need more than rest.¡± Dragonfly grumbled, too low for anyone to hear over the crowd.
On the morning after returning to the city Kite waved farewell to a barely awake Dragonfly, who still lay tangled in her bed linens, before gently sliding closed the door to her little cabin. After collecting their pay from a rather excitable Adelaide the day before, Serene had bid the others farewell to return back home to her temple. As she had left, Dragonfly had let Kite know, in no uncertain terms, that the months of travel without much privacy had left her quite lacking in her aura training. Kite felt quite relaxed and pleased as he left her to indulge in some much deserved sleep, while he had some more errands he wanted to get to now that they were back in the city. As he started walking through the rather empty streets, enjoying the fresh breeze and how it rustled the golden leaves of all the trees. His relaxation quickly fled however, as he suddenly found himself having company. ¡°I am pleased that you didn¡¯t take too long to rise. The days are short on the path towards the heavens, after all.¡± said the low voice of Frost among Morning Dew as she had appeared next to him, although Kite did not know if it was by aura or power she had masked her presence. While her aura was neatly gathered and controlled, it still gave off a dangerous chill. Kite almost stopped, but her aura firmly nudged him along. ¡°Frost among Morning Dew.¡± he greeted politely, quite wary of the sudden and unexpected attention of a silver ranker. ¡°You may call me mistress Dew. You¡¯ve already shown me deference and an adequate judgment, so might as well spare the tedium and formalities.¡± she calmly responded. ¡°Very well then, mistress Dew. Is there anything I can help you with?¡± ¡°Probably not as you are right now, but as I have walked my path I have learned that a favor owed by someone with potential might be worth quite a lot down the line. Tell me, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, what were your reflections after yesterday''s little debacle at the gates?¡± ¡°Just Kite is fine, mistress. And as to yesterday, it felt¡­¡± he trailed off, pausing to gather his thoughts. ¡°To me, it was yet another proof that my own pride might become my greatest enemy, should I let it.¡± ¡°Explain.¡± ¡°I find it hard to believe that someone promoted to a disciple in the sect would be completely unskilled. And he did show signs of some good instincts and training. But it seemed like he was so enamored by his own powers that he did not adapt or adjust to what was actually going on. Instead he kept repeating the same response, as if convinced that the last failing was just a fluke. If I¡¯m not mistaken, that man should have all twenty of his abilities awakened, yet I only saw a handful. It was as if his mind froze when things didn¡¯t go the way he was assured it would. And I think his pride was the cause of that.¡± As he talked, mistress Dew regarded him with a thoughtful expression. ¡°I see that you have given this some thought. Then how about your own performance?¡± She could see Kite look a bit chagrined at her question. ¡°It feels a bit shameful to admit, mistress Dew, but this subject feels a lot more muddled. Part of me wants to reflect deeper on my own actions and what I should have done differently. Another part constantly muddies the waters. It says that I won, and rather handedly at that, even though I held back a lot. I think I am not as immune to my own pride as I would like.¡± His companion¡¯s answer was an amused smile. ¡°Walker did say you were an introspective one, young Kite. He was not wrong.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve met my uncle?¡± ¡°I have, both in the city and on the road. A pleasant man, who walks his path at his own pace. The many roads he has traveled have given him perspective, and with that comes wisdom. Some, apparently, he has imparted to you. I have an offer for you, young Kite, if you would listen?¡± Kite nodded for the woman to continue. ¡°My path is one of frost, the cold robbing my opponents of everything before they succumb. I steal the strength from their muscles, the vigor from their movements and wit from their thoughts. As such, I have found the need to become relentless and adaptable when I fight. And after seeing you yesterday, I believe that our paths have some similarities. You too need to be relentless, to deny your opponents their means of victory, but instead of their bodies you cripple and deny them their magic. I am not too proud to admit feeling afraid of facing one such as you, provided the individual has the skills to back those abilities. I have about three weeks until I plan to take on my next contract. If you would be willing to owe someone like me a favor, I am willing to give you a bit of my time each day for training. And should you die before I can collect said favor, I have at least satisfied my own curiosity and helped out an old acquaintance.¡± Kite had not expected this turn of events on this particular morning. And one in his position would be a fool to turn down such an opportunity, karmic imbalances or not. While mistress Dew was slightly terrifying, she had yet shown any unnecessary cruelty. And uncle Walker had spoken well about her. In Kite¡¯s opinion, that accounted for a lot. ¡°Mistress Dew, I¡¯d be hono-¡± he began, but was interrupted as she snapped her head to gaze off into the distance. She looked impassive for a short while before smiling. Chills went up Kite¡¯s spine, as he had never seen a smile so faint look so predatory. ¡°I felt your assent in your aura, young Kite. Good choice. Meet me up at the seventh peak after dawn tomorrow. I will find you.¡± she spoke quickly, before finishing. ¡°As for now, I have something to take care of.¡± Not sparing Kite another glance, she took a step forward as if going up an invisible stair. A chill mist started coalescing beneath her foot, forming a floating sword made of ice which was longer than Kite was tall and proportionately wide. It hovered flat side up as she stepped on to it, standing regal as the sword lifted into the air and started flying away to the southeast with ever increasing speed. Kite was left with a slight layer of rime across his clothes, staring after the disappearing figure. Glint plopped her head up out of her bucket, joining Kite in following mistress Dew with her gaze. He turned to her, smiling. ¡°Well, Glint. I think I have some dues to pay. I do not know how my life became like this, but gratitude is the least I can show for it.¡± He started wandering toward the temple district. The temple of Fortune would receive an appropriate donation on this day.
Brilliant Bloom of Providence swallowed hard while reaching out a trepidatious hand toward Rise of Morning Glory. ¡°D-d-disciple, you might want to reconsider¡­¡± After staying in the city overnight to let him recover, they two initiates and the disciple had set off back toward the sect at dawn. He had felt the disciple¡¯s aura becoming increasingly agitated as he had walked most of the way with his gaze locked on the scroll given to him by Frost among Morning Dew after the rather disastrous showdown at the city gates. Moments before, something in the aura had seemed to burst as he had suddenly shrieked and started tearing the scroll apart, throwing its pieces all over. He then took his time stomping around the road, his aura wild with agitation. ¡°Stupid outcast trash. It was a hoax. A trap. It must have been. And the stupid bitch wouldn¡¯t even step in to stop it. I bet she even planned it. When the elders hear of this, they won¡¯t stand idle. If I¡¯m lucky I might even get to give a lash or two myself after she¡¯s publicly flogged.¡± he rambled, apparently not being able to control his fury and shame. Initiate Providence tried some meek protests. He knew this was bad. But maybe he could salvage this for the disciple, at least a little bit. Not knowing what else to do, he tried remaining as hard to notice as possible while he carefully started picking up the pieces near him. Having gathered about a dozen, he was bent over to pick up yet another when he noticed a patch of frost creeping over the ground.
Lark above the Clouds, grand elder of the Victorious Sunset sect, had quite a pleasant morning. Through the open terrace doors he could see the shape of his wife, still sleeping peacefully beneath the blankets. He was taking his morning tea up on his personal terrace, overlooking the sect which had been his home for the last five decades. The sect complex was a sprawling estate about four hours'' travel southwest of Gilded. Built on and around two cliffs which had suitable faces towards the west, all of the sects buildings could witness the sun depart each dusk, celebrating the glorious accomplishments during the past day. His pleasant morning was interrupted as a call reached him from below his terrace. ¡°Grand elder! Grand elder! There is trouble at the northern gates.¡± Grand elder Lark¡¯s silver rank senses had heard the young woman, a junior elder and functionary of the sect, drawing near but he had hoped until the last moment that her distress would not involve him. Sighing, he put down his cup and looked longingly back to the bedroom before going to the edge of the terrace. ¡°Thank you, junior. I shall see to it.¡± he said, his displeasure obvious. He produced a small, silk mat which he laid out on the floor beneath him. As he stepped onto it, he started channeling mana into it which caused the intricate embroideries on it to glow. The mat levitated up into the air and carried the grand elder toward the north gates of the sect. He constantly needed to provide mana to the flying mat as the ambient mana were too thin in these lands to allow it to propel itself. As he was nearing his destination, he began to pick out the auras of the initiates manning the gates. They felt upset and agitated, but also afraid. He could feel two more initiates, fear even more evident in their auras, as well as one that gave only the faint impression of someone barely conscious. That meant trouble had indeed reached his doorstep, and the silver ranker he could sense made his blood boil contrary to the chilling aura it gave off. Activating an ability, he leapt off the flying mat and landed hard on the ground in front of the gates, green flames licking the ground beneath his feet. ¡°You better explain yourself with great haste, outcast. Because laying hands on one of our members, a disciple no less, leads to the harshest of retributions.¡± grand elder Lark almost growled at Frost among Morning Dew. She stood with a regal posture, one hand lazily carrying the unconscious disciple Rise as he hung limp and coated with frost. Two other initiates stood behind her, radiating the fear he had sensed. ¡°Grand elder.¡± she acknowledged with a slight nod. ¡°I hope that the standards of your sect have not yet sunk so low as to what I have witnessed today. Otherwise, I would fear for the future of your glorious institution.¡± Frost among Morning Dew finished before locking her cool gaze upon one of the initiates. ¡°Show him.¡± As the initiate came forward, a young man with reddish-black hair whom grand elder Lark did not know the name of, he saw something cupped in the younger man¡¯s hands. It was paper scraps, some dirty or muddied, as well as the ripped remains of a seal in white wax. The grand elder¡¯s inner rage grew somewhat as he recognized that the scraps were, his mind piecing the situation together. The conclusion was most unsatisfying. ¡°You were the officiator?¡± he asked brusquely, but slightly less hostile than before as he smelled trouble coming. Trouble he would find it hard to explain away. ¡°I was. Yesterday afternoon. The young disciple here-¡± she shook the limp man slightly, ¡°- decided to take offense at the existence of another young adventurer. He challenged said young man, and lost. This morning I sensed the improper opening of the seal, and went to investigate. You can see the results, both of what I found and how I dealt with it. To their credit, these two initiates were polite enough to help in the gathering of said sundered message. I am sure you can piece together its contents. And I trust that you will relay this to the master of this disciple in question. It would be a shame for people to hear of such an upstanding sect and its representatives acting with dishonor, would it not?¡± she finished, a smile on her blue lips. Grand elder Lark seethed inwardly at such treatment by this outcast, and even more at the young idiots who had put him in this situation. Trying to keep what he could from his voice and aura, he responded. ¡°It would indeed be most unfortunate, and I assure you that the matter will be handled. Decisively. Do you know if the offended parties would be amenable to compensation for their discretion in the matter? It would be a shame for a single stain to darken the reputation of the whole sect.¡± he said, managing to keep his voice neutral. The smile on the blue lips widened slightly. ¡°I do believe they would, grand elder. This one is relieved to see such honor and dignity in the actions of the leadership of the sect. Therefore, I will leave it up to your discretion as to what shape said compensation will take. With your great judgment, I am sure whatever you choose will be most satisfactory.¡± ¡°Then I, on behalf of the sect, am most grateful for your understanding.¡± grand elder Lark finished stiffly. Frost among Morning Dew handed the unconscious disciple off to the other accompanying initiate, before summoning her flying sword of ice and stepping up on it. ¡°May the heavens bless your path, grand elder.¡± she said as she bade them farewell, still smiling. Grand elder Lark stood watching her leave, still as a statue while he inwardly prayed for the heavens to strike her down. By leaving the compensation up to the sect, she had placed a knife to the throat of the sect¡¯s honor. Had she demanded something specific, he could have bargained it down. Now they had to make doubly sure that the compensation was lavish, lest rumor would spread of the sect not owning up to their debts. He merely looked at the initiates with scorn, before he turned his back on them and returned through the gates. The Victorious Sunset sect would not forget this slight. 24. What might slip between the cracks ¡°Kite! What has happened to you? I thought you wouldn¡¯t leave for any contracts so soon?¡± Dragonfly asked with concern as she saw his rather sorry state. The pair had agreed to meet up for lunch. It was a day since they had last seen each other, and Kite looked about as sturdy as the noodles in the soup in front of him. ¡°Tra- training.¡± he managed to groan. ¡°Aren¡¯t you overdoing it a bit? I mean, I¡¯m all for a good workout but this feels a little extreme. The heavens are hard to reach if your legs won¡¯t carry you.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s just say that a new opportunity arose yesterday¡­¡± Kite began, telling her about his surprise encounter with mistress Dew and the subsequent training session this very morning. It turned out that mistress Dew, like Kite, fought with a veritable arsenal of different weapons, the difference being that she conjured hers from ice. The morning had only been sparring as she had thoroughly tested Kite with each and every one. She had turned out to be quite a demanding teacher. ¡°I thought that my increased rank would help me weather these kinds of storms better.¡± Kite commented, remembering being in a similar state after master Stone¡¯s assessment as he had reached his abode. ¡°Heavens¡­¡± Dragonfly commented as he had finished his story. ¡°It sounds like it will be a bit more rough going in turning this opportunity into fortune.¡± she said, mimicking him on the oft repeated proverb. ¡°Do you think it will be worth it?¡± ¡°Oh yes.¡± Kite groaned but managed to sound surprisingly optimistic while doing it. ¡°Mistress Dew is very skilled. And if she thought our paths similar enough that I¡¯d be worth teaching, I will make sure not to fall short.¡± They spent the rest of their lunch on more pleasant topics, Kite gradually revitalized by the warm food. ¡°Do you want to join me and Glint at my apartment?¡± he asked as they had finished their meals. ¡°I¡¯m gonna give her the rest of the scales we have gathered. She¡¯s sure to be excited.¡± ¡°Aaaaw, I always have time for my favorite fishie.¡± Dragonfly cooed toward Glint who had floated out of her bucket at the mention of her name. ¡°As long as she stays outside while we are practicing aura techniques that is.¡± she finished with a wink.
Unsurprisingly, Glint was quite ecstatic when shown the pile of rainbow scales collected by uncle Walker and Kite. They took turns feeding her a scale at a time as she zoomed about on her blob of water. ¡°Huh, I can actually feel her aura getting a bit stronger for each scale. I wonder what she gains from them?¡± Dragonfly mused. Kite nodded in agreement. ¡°It does seem to be important to her. I haven''t yet researched what kind of being she is, but I can¡¯t imagine that it would be anything but beneficial. I¡¯m sure uncle Walker won¡¯t mind me actually using the scales for something worthwhile.¡± They continued for a little while, and as they neared emptying the little pile of scales, Kite could feel something shift through his familiar bond. The carp had a lot more rainbow scales covering her body now, but the feeling was something else. Something previously unseen which just required a nudge from him. ¡°Hmm. Something changed. If I just-¡± As Kite had given the mental command, his words were interrupted as he suddenly found himself squashed against the bed and wall. He could hear the snap of breaking wood as the legs on the bed gave out, and a wheezing laughter from somewhere above him. Kite could barely see anything in the chaotic moment, but he managed to wiggle forward a bit despite his constraint. Why was something blocking the light from the windows? Then he saw the mustache of a carp wiggle before him. Unlike earlier, it was now the length of his arm. As he managed to turn his head, he realized that the small apartment he shared with uncle Walker now felt quite miniscule as he seemed to be sharing it with a gigantic fish. He felt Glint¡¯s confusion through the bond as she thrashed about and he could see Dragonfly caught between the scaled side of his familiar and the slanted roof, laughing uproariously. A few minutes later, they stood surveying the now rather messy apartment with Glint back to her original size. Apparently, eating enough of the scales had unlocked new potential in the previously rather diminutive fish. Not only had her general level of power increased, but Kite could now allow her to grow quite huge with a mental command, as well as having her shrink back to her initial size. After cleaning up the worst of the mess, they took further experimentation outside in the small backyard. ¡°By the heavens, Glint! You are so big! And so pretty!¡± Dragonfly exclaimed as they got a better look at the familiar in her enlarged state. The carp had outgrown a heidel, now being about four meters long from mouth to tail. Her almost translucent fins billowed in the air like the finest silk, and her pink scales were now complemented by patterns in shimmering rainbow colors. They¡¯d had to almost empty a small public fountain from nearby but could, thanks to that, confirm that Glint¡¯s ability to control water had increased vastly. She now floated about the yard, seeming careful and a bit anxious in the suddenly much more cramped environment. As she got her bearings, she became more confident as she seemed to swim through the air, carried on a much larger cushion of water. As she stopped before Kite, he got a sense of happiness and pride as she almost seemed to be preening before him. ¡°Yes, Glint, the heavens are no longer any match to your beauty.¡± Kite said with a laugh as he stroked the cool scales. He suddenly had a thought, posing it as a question to Glint through their link. She gave her ascent immediately. A short while later, Dragonfly was giggling furiously as she and Kite were carried along the streets of Gilded upon the back of a giant carp. They floated well over the heads of the pedestrians, but as such exotic means of travel were very rare in these magic-sparse lands. This meant that they garnered quite a lot of attention, some stopping and gawking while others quickly scrambled from the streets. Kite just hoped that they wouldn¡¯t cause any accidents. It had taken some practice in the yard before they had found their balance with this new mode of travel, but as soon as they had Kite realized that this would allow him a new means of travel. They also had gotten a feel for the carp¡¯s capabilities. While she couldn¡¯t use the water for much else than carry herself and any riders, assist in repelling rain or shape water around her, Kite still found it plenty impressive as she seemed to be able to keep doing it for long periods of time. She could float, but was limited to around three or four meters of altitude, which meant that soaring through the clouds was quite a ways off. As they settled down after their ride throughout the city, Glint was resuming her normal form as she returned the water to the fountain from where they had taken it. While she felt quite tired, she was still preening and squiggling happily. ¡°You are quite the wondrous fish, Glint.¡± Kite said while dropping in some small chunks of bread into her bucket. ¡°I hope you will like the home I commissioned for you.¡± he finished, thinking about the order he had placed with one of the crafters in the trade pavilion yesterday. ¡°But I might need to update the order. We will need to start carrying a lot more water around.¡±
¡°That is quite the development.¡± mistress Dew remarked as Kite arrived at their session the next morning, riding on the still quite proud giant fish. ¡°I had sensed your familiar before, but its strength seems to have increased.¡± ¡°I have indeed been blessed by Fortune once more.¡± Kite replied with a smile, telling his latest mentor about yesterday¡¯s development. ¡°You should truly take the time to research her kind more thoroughly, young Kite, but don¡¯t be surprised if you won¡¯t find much in a provincial city such as this. Our kingdom has many rather unique species of magical creatures, after all. But my time is limited, and I believe we have some practice to get about.¡± as she finished, she conjured a straight sword of gleaming ice which she brandished. They went through some practice bouts in one of the practice yards of the adventure society campus, eschewing the training equipment. Mistress Dew¡¯s silver rank gave her all the control she needed over the situation, and due to her speed of both thought and body there was no risk of any accidents. This did not mean that Kite went free from blemishes during their sparring, but that all the blemishes he did receive was meant to prove a point. As Kite had to rest, she took the opportunity to evaluate him while he sat in a meditative pose. ¡°While I share Walker¡¯s sentiment regarding your proficiency with your weapons, there is one part I feel warrants some dedicated work. Your racial gift evolution which stores your weapons. As there seems to be almost no restrictions on how often you can bring them forth or stow them other than the short moment it requires, you need to actually start utilizing it in itself as a weapon rather than merely a convenient tool. Watch closely.¡± Mistress Dew then proceeded to go through a quick series of movements and attacks against an imagined opponent, albeit slowed down enough for Kite to actually follow her movements. She began with a lunge as she conjured a spear, but instead of retracting it and backing off, she continued the forward motion as the spear disappeared and was replaced by a sword. Thrusting twice she let the sword transform into a shield to deflect an imaginary counterattack as it turned into a gauntlet to keep pressing the offensive. She continued along those lines for a while, cycling through an arsenal of weapons which left Kite¡¯s head swimming. Finishing up, she once more turned to Kite. ¡°While your rank will limit you a bit in number and your path requires you to actually possess the weapons beforehand, I believe you should be able to do something with the concept. Since your strikes are even boosted as you draw a weapon anew from the void, I would go as far as calling it foolish not to.¡± During her demonstration, Kite had forgotten about his weariness as he saw how the silver-ranker had moved, relentless as the march of winter at autumn¡¯s end. Something within his path resonated with it, albeit concepts still unnamed and thoughts yet unformed. Even though his muscles ached, Kite still knew that this opportunity was most fortuitous indeed. ¡°Please, mistress Dew. Teach me.¡± he asked, now back on his feet and bowing deeply. Frost among Morning Dew smiled.
Kite closed the last book with a sigh. ¡°Sorry, Glint. Nothing here either.¡± he said to the small carp which hovered by his side. Kite was currently at the library of the magic society in Gilded, researching his familiars and unfortunately coming up short in both cases. Neither the magic carp nor the astral gatherer was mentioned in the texts, confirming mistress Dew¡¯s assumption. ¡°We will have to try again if we ever find ourselves in a city with a better-stocked library.¡± Kite concluded as they left the building. ¡°Fortunately, I don¡¯t need to know the species of my friends for them to be just that. Come on, you two, over to the seventh pillar. I hope Glint¡¯s new home is ready.¡± If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. As he sailed through the streets of Gilded upon the back of his giant carp, he realized that it had almost been two weeks since the group had returned to the city. Time had flown quickly as his training under mistress Dew and his own subsequent practice had been taking up a lot of his days. Combined with his aura training together with Dragonfly, and social gatherings with both his friends he had barely found the time for much else. ¡°It sure is different now as opposed to when I first arrived. Back then I didn¡¯t have time for much else than contracts. I wonder if Adelaide would have preferred it that way.¡± he mused to himself, chuckling. Other than a short stop to help a child retrieve a toy from one of the fountains, his journey through the city was swift. When they arrived at the trade pavilion, Glint was still almost glowing after the praise she had gotten from the child¡¯s father as she had used her water magic to fish the small carved bird back to dry land. She settled happily into her bucket as Kite entered the pavilion and went up to the second floor. ¡°Greetings, crafter Swift.¡± he called out as he neared the stall of a bronze-ranked human woman. Unlike most other stalls, she had few goods on display other than some dimensional bags. Kite had consulted Adelaide for recommendations regarding a custom-made dimensional storage, and he had been sent to crafter Swift. ¡°Greetings, Kite. And to you as well, little Glint.¡± the woman replied with a smile. Unlike most other crafters around, Swift looked more like a scholar with her neat robes and Kite understood that working with dimensional forces probably required something a bit more elaborate than a hammer. She also wore big, round glasses which Kite understood to be some kind of magical aid as a bronze-ranker would never suffer from bad eyesight. ¡°Your order was completed yesterday, and I hope you will be pleased with how it turned out.¡± she continued, before producing a green, glossy glass bottle. It was rather small, only half the length of Kite¡¯s lower arm and had an oversized opening without a stopper. A small loop in the glass and a bit of golden string would allow for easy carrying on a belt. ¡°Let us see if she fits, then.¡± Kite answered with a smile, before ushering Glint up from her bucket. The carp inspected the proffered bottle for a while before she floated into the opening, disappearing completely even though she was longer than the container. ¡°With the new specifications, you should be able to carry quite a lot of water in there. And the enchantments, besides the obvious ones for resiliency and spatial expansion, will make sure that she gets plenty of ambient mana in there, as well as pleasant temperature.¡± crafter Swift explained, waving to Glint as she plopped her head out of the opening. Kite sensed that the familiar seemed pleased with the arrangement, which in turn pleased him. ¡°It seems like we are quite pleased with the result.¡± Kite said with a smile as he tied the bottle to his belt. ¡°Now we just need to handle payment before we can find a plentiful source of water. Wouldn¡¯t want to accidentally drain someone''s water supply here in the city.¡± After paying the crafter a quite hefty sum, Kite started to peruse the hall of other convenient or necessary items, but ultimately left without purchasing much more. For the plans he had, he felt that he needed to prepare thoroughly, which meant at least running his plans by his friends. And uncle Walker. What he did do was to sell off some of the excess equipment his ability had generated, which gave him a neat sum of additional funds. Especially the iron spirit coins had additional value, as he didn¡¯t know for how long he would be away, neither for his own plans or the venture that would take place in the upcoming autumn.
Brave Walker of Paths, or just Walker as he was known to most, was eager to return home these days. As yet another long, meandering contract had seen him crossing a large part of the northern Autumn lands, it was nice to have something extra to look forward to upon his return. He and little Kite had missed each other¡¯s short stays in the city quite frequently over the last years, but if nothing had interfered then that was about to change. He should be back from his extended training journey with his companions, and Walker was eager to see how he had fared both from that and the training with old man Stone. Passing through the gates, he enjoyed the feeling of the rustling leaves around him as he walked through the city streets. One of his essence abilities helped his senses travel through plants, which both provided superior powers of perception in the heavily forested province, but also to glean a bit of a secret not known to most. The golden trees of Gilded were not merely decorations after all. He stopped at a nearby pastry wagon to buy some snacks for what would, without a doubt, be a long evening of tea and stories. As he turned around, bag in hand, he froze at a most unusual sight as he came face to face with a gigantic, flying fish. Huge golden eyes stared at him blankly where it hovered over the street on a cushion of floating water. The rest of the pedestrians gave the creature a wide berth, but none seemed to panic which at least indicated that the creature was no threat. A gentle nudge of aura from its back found him back to his proper senses, as he met the eyes of none other than the object of his thoughts. Kite¡¯s face bore a wide grin of triumph, like a young kitten who had managed to sneak up on its guardian. ¡°Youth these days. No respect.¡± Walker said with a smile.
¡°So you mean that all those scales were actually good for something after all?¡± uncle Walker chuckled as he took a sip of tea. The pair were seated at the small table, as Kite had just finished the story of when he first discovered Glint¡¯s ability to grow larger. Raising his cup to the little fish who floated over the table and was busy devouring a pastry, he continued. ¡°Fortune be thanked then, little Glint, that I even have yet another gift for you.¡± He produced another glimmering scale from a pouch at his side, which managed to drag her attention from the crumbly pastry. They could both witness another patch of rainbow scales appearing among the paler pink of her back as she happily devoured the new offering. While nothing spectacular occurred, they could both feel a little more strength in the magic of the carp. Kite nodded in satisfaction before turning to his uncle. ¡°On other matters, uncle, how has your journey been? So far, we have mostly talked about mine.¡± Uncle Walker waved his comment away. ¡°Your growth is quite important Kite, and an adventurer¡¯s first steps and discoveries always tend to bring a fond nostalgia for those of us who wore your shoes long ago. But as to your question, it was rather pleasant, if lengthy. But many villages now have more supplies, and the city lord has begun to stock the fortresses in anticipation of the surge. The city lord may be called many things, but negligent is not one of them. To think that you met one of his sons too.¡± Uncle Walker shook his head before continuing. ¡°However, I too stumbled upon some concentrations of monsters that felt unusual. While I only noted them for later extermination, there is a different feel to them rather than the normal precursor signs. It is probably only the fears of an old man, but keep your eyes open, Kite. While the power you now possess might be called immortality, it is not infallible.¡± The conversation continued on to lighter topics for a while before Kite decided to address a subject that he had on his mind. ¡°Uncle, I think it might soon be time for me to seek the jade-sky gate. At least before the operations planned for this autumn begin.¡± Kite stated, both trepidation and excitement in his heart. He had long felt the call of that particular adventure while the stories of all the failures put quite the metaphorical wet blanket over that fire. His uncle gave him a long look, then nodded. ¡°I think so too. I am unsure how long it will take, to be honest. And you have come far through your hard work, Kite. It warms an old man¡¯s heart to hear of your journeys along with your friends. I think those experiences have readied you for what may occur inside the gate. At least I hope so. As I said before, we know quite little about them. But you should at least finish your training with mistress Dew first. That opportunity is one that probably will not come again.¡± ¡°Uncle is wise, as always.¡± Kite agreed. ¡°And I would like to be as prepared as possible when the day comes. I have some ideas as to how, if you are willing to give me guidance once more.¡± As such, the rest of the evening was spent strategizing. Planning, both solutions and contingencies. The jade-sky gate and its promised dangers and opportunities loomed on the horizon. Kite was not quite there yet, but soon. Quite soon.
¡°You are going to do WHAT?!¡± Dragonfly half shouted where she sat at the cozy teahouse. This made a lot of the other patrons turn displeased glares her way, and she sunk into her chair while lowering her voice. ¡°Kite, that sounds monumentally awesome and stupid at the same time. Have you heard the stories? I know that you are good, but are you that good?¡± Dragonfly had, as expected, reacted with her usual passion at the news of Kite¡¯s intent of challenging the jade-sky gate. Serene lived up to her name, merely regarding him and giving little away of her thoughts on the matter. Kite knew that she probably listened as much to his aura than his words. ¡°Dragonfly.¡± he began, voice soft. ¡°I know the risk. Frankly, part of me is terrified. And the other one believes in my path, that it is one which can rise to a challenge such as that which the queen left behind so long ago. You are incredibly important to me. As are you Serene. And my aunties, and uncle Walker. I thank Fortune every day for people such as you in my life. I would not take this step if I did not actually believe that I had more than just a chance.¡± Kite said, while reaching out to grasp Dragonfly¡¯s hand. ¡°You have trusted me, time and time again to be as close to you as one can be, and to guard your back. Could you find it in your heart to trust me to guard myself as well?¡± His little speech had stopped her rant in its track, instead resulting in a spreading blush. ¡°Heavens curse you and your earnestness, Kite. When you put it like that, how could I deny you anything?¡± she grumbled, leaning into his arm. ¡°But can you promise me that if you find yourself faltering, think of me and fight even harder? You of all people should know how sad I would be if you would not come back.¡± ¡°Dragonfly, he is quite indeed his earnest self.¡± Serene chimed in, her windy voice low but firm. ¡°During all of our conversation, I have not felt the disharmony of falsehood even once. But I share Dragonfly¡¯s sentiment, Kite, even as I can empathize with the importance of following your path even through hardship. I would not be here right now if it weren¡¯t for your curiosity and earnest friendship. So please make sure that our paths will continue along one another. Our harmony is quite pleasing. The goddess has even said so herself.¡± Kite was touched by the reactions of his companions. He had always known that he longed to form bonds with others, but to sit here after only a year had passed felt surreal. His life sure had changed. As the trio continued their evening, Dragonfly and Serene helped to fill out the list of items and strategies to bring with him, not even Serene¡¯s sharp aura senses had noticed one particular person listening in. The young man in question left the establishment before the group. He was no one special, at least not in most regards. But he did know that there were some people who paid for this kind of information, which meant anything regarding adventurers and what they were planning. The man didn¡¯t think this was important enough, but after going to the usual place and sharing what he had, he got paid as usual which meant that someone thought the information was worth having.
Two days later, evening was shrouding the streets of the Victorious Sunset sect. Initiate Rise of Morning Glory was walking back toward his new dormitory, body aching from the hard work he now performed as part of his punishment. Punishment for the failings of others, unfairly laden at him. Even as his master had cast him out and his demotion to initiate, he had continued to curse the heavens and the outcast scum who had conspired against their betters. He was almost at his destination as someone called out to him. ¡°Senior, a moment of your time please.¡± The initiate turned around to see one of the junior elders, functionaries of the sect, waiting next to one of the buildings while looking furtively around. She didn¡¯t look like anything special, and as such Rise felt no fear at approaching her. ¡°What do you want?¡± He asked, brusquely. ¡°I¡­¡± she hesitated before she seemed to steel herself. ¡°I overheard something that I felt senior had the right to know. Apparently, there is an outcast from the city who will attempt to brave the jade-sky gate in only three weeks time.¡± Rise of Morning Glory knew about the gate. Everyone in the sect knew. It was both a monument of pride and failure for the institution, as it had stood on in the northern part of their territory for the last hundred years since the artifact had descended from the sky and settled at the aperture of a newly formed proto-astral space. While a regal monument, the gate still remaining meant that not one of the sect''s warriors had proven themselves worthy and conquered the gate during the last century. ¡°And why should I care about such news? The tokens are spread wildly. Let the fool get themselves killed.¡± he asked the junior in a dismissive tone. ¡°Forgive me, senior. I thought it might interest you since the outcast is called Kite, even though I do not know his full name. But I had heard that it was the name of the trash who cheated against you, and I am not alone among us in the lower ranks who long for a chance to avenge the fate which befell you.¡± Rise only listened with half an ear on the last part. So it was that particular outcast who had the gall to even think of trying to claim that glory. He would fail, of course, but then Rise would be denied his vengeance. And now that he thought about it, wouldn¡¯t such a token allow him, Rise of Morning Glory, to do what no one in the sect had done for a century? A plan of a glorious return to his former station was forming in his mind, him absently thanking the girl as he walked off. The young woman looked after him, smiling and shaking her head as she turned to walk back along the alley between two buildings. Reaching out with her aura carefully, she confirmed that no one was around as her form rippled and changed. She walked out from the alley in the shape of a young man, another junior elder. She did not know if there was anything special with this particular tidbit of information she had been given to disseminate, but knowing her source it was probably only one of many similar threads of information spread to those willing to act upon it, even if the target was another within a sect or the adventure society. The only important factor was that they did act. Every action created ripples, and as the ripples increased the foundations of said institutions might start to crack. And in the end, there was no telling what might slip between those cracks. The adherents of the path of lies were patient hunters, after all. 25. The jade-sky gate Kite bowed to mistress Dew near the elevating platform of the adventure society campus up on the seventh pillar. While the sky was overcast, the warmth of spring had begun to saturate the air and there was no longer frost covering the golden leaves of the trees each morning. Near his mentor however, there was always the slight chill of winter just behind the corner, albeit that winter did not feel as threatening to Kite anymore. ¡°I sincerely thank you, mistress Dew, for all the time you have spent on me. I sincerely believe that it will be of great importance in my upcoming days of trial and tribulation.¡± She gave her usual small, blue-lipped smile from where she stood near the platform. ¡°I must admit that you weren¡¯t an entirely disappointing student, young Kite. I shall seek you out when I return to the city in the future. If you can impress me enough then, we might continue these little lessons of ours. So make sure to be alive and well until then.¡± Kite rose from his bow with a smile. ¡°May I ask where the mistress is going now?¡± ¡°Oh you may, but I shall not tell you much. Let¡¯s just say that certain things are beginning to be set into motion, and that it is important that the stage is set and cleared beforehand. Trust your path now, little Kite.¡± she finished with a wave over her shoulder as she stepped over the edge, carried away by her flying sword which trailed chilling mists. Drawing in a determined breath, Kite smiled. That was one of the last things on his list before he was about to embark. He had spent a day each with his closest companions and family. With Serene it had been a pleasant day of her teaching him to sing, philosophical debate and companionable silences. With Dragonfly, there had been good food and even better companionship, albeit in varying stages of undress. And with uncle Walker he had spent the day roaming the paths around Gilded, watching the trees spring back to vibrancy after the winter frost and talking of old memories. He had also left a letter with his uncle, for his aunties in case he did not return. While he knew that some would call him a defeatist in preparing for potentially not coming back, Kite thought that foolish. He did not want things unsaid or his path burdened by regrets. They knew that he would give his all, and he hoped to return with stories to tell and the fabled treasures of the jade-sky gate. And hopefully also with the knowledge that his path carried not the brittleness of pride but the reliable, notched blade of confidence. It was with such thoughts he found himself at his final destination, entering the temple of Fortune. Contrary to what some might think, the temple was not lavishly decorated with riches won. It was a grand place, there was no denying that, but the wooden estate managed to channel the worthy austerity of those prospering since generations back. The decor definitely included things with a connection to luck, such as symbols both old and new to ward off misfortune. But also to family and the satisfaction of a life well lived. Kite sat down in one of the empty alcoves in the temple, meditating. In his mind he once more went through the ever-lengthening mantra of things he felt fortunate to have in his life or have experienced. His mystical past which became such a stepping stone for his current life, the childhood where he was loved, taught and challenged. His first friends and first love, and the experiences thereof. His training and the people who had given them his time to allow him to better himself. And of his friends and all the fortunate encounters they had lived through during the last year. ¡°While fortune sometimes does favor the bold, little one, it always favors those with the clarity to see it when most others do not.¡± a pleasant voice spoke in his mind. It was female, and sounded both excited and content at the same time. While Kite, like most others, had witnessed divine manifestations in the temple square, feeling the touch of divinity directly in his mind was quite an experience. He suddenly felt himself exist, as if a gaze highlighting that very fact had been turned upon him. It was a most profound and existential state which he knew he could never emulate on his own. ¡°Lady Fortune. I once again give you my thanks for all I have become. Before I leave today, I would ask you to watch over those whom I care about the most.¡± ¡°Not yourself? It does seem like you are setting off on quite the endeavor.¡± ¡°I hope it does not offend you, my lady, that I do not. I already feel fortunate enough to be where I am today. As for the future, I will have to strive to make what I can out of the opportunities presented before me.¡± He could sense a slight amusement from the goddess, which rolled over him like a swarm of butterflies against his skin. ¡°I do see that you have taken that particular quote to heart, little one. I might have to send thanks to Roland Remore that he has begun to spread such wisdom. But as to you, I believe I shall grant you something to carry with you even as you venture into places where I cannot see your efforts. An earnest gift in response to earnest thanks. Walk with fortune, little one.¡± Kite felt the goddess¡¯ attention leave and almost toppled over, his mind reeling from even that faint divine contact. In his hand, he found something that had not been there before. It was a small token made of an unknown green metal, adorned only with the symbol of the goddess. While he did not feel anything special from the object, he still clutched it close to his heart as he stood. Simply feeling the cool metal in his palm helped him bear the burden of doubt a little bit easier. It was time to set off.
As he was traveling along a forest road, Kite marveled at the speed of Glint as she got some open space to really stretch her fins. While the sky was overcast, there were still rays of sunlight gleaming down and painting the woodlands in a patchwork glow. Overall, it was a pleasant day for travel. Kite carried several dimensional bags on his person, as well as Glint¡¯s bottle. He wore his wooden plate armor and a simple enchanted cloak to ward against the elements and weariness. And while most of his armaments were hidden away in nothingness, his most important weapon, determination, showed clearly on his face. What would have taken almost four hours on foot now was more than halved as he made good time. At one point along the road, he saw a traveler who sat sleeping against a tree, seemingly waking with a start as Kite passed him and gave the young man a small wave. Kite did feel a surprising amount of startled panic from the man, but attributed it to the quite unusual sight of a huge, floating carp carrying a lone traveler along the forest road. What Kite did not see, as he passed beyond a bend in the road, was how the man quickly produced a small bird construct carved from blue jade and lightweight metal in which he whispered a frantic message before the bird took off at great speed through the forest.
Rise of Morning Glory, initiate of the Victorious Sunset sect, was currently quite upset as he shouted for his companions to get ready. Some were still asleep in the tents they had brought as they camped not far from the jade-sky gate, being brutally shoved awake as a messenger construct had arrived from their lookout along the main road to Gilded. ¡°Heavens curse his incompetence. We were supposed to get word at least an hour ahead. And what was that nonsense about a flying fish?¡± he seethed inwardly as he was closing the last clasps of his armor. It was only thanks to his own brilliance that he had made sure to be here a day in advance, with as many fellow initiates he could coerce to follow. While many had been eager for the opportunity to teach an upstart outcast a lesson, few were eager enough to leave the comforts of their home before it was absolutely needed. As such there were only himself and four more initiates in the camp at the moment, while the rest were probably still lounging about back at the sect and taking their sweet time. Rise cursed their laziness again as he surveyed his group. Even after his misfortunes, some at least still had the sense to come when he ordered. Initiate Providence was among them as well. ¡°Apparently, the trash is inbound any minute now. To your positions. It is time for a reckoning.¡± initiate Rise stated, not even trying to keep the smile from his face. His luck was about to turn.
Kite took a look at the map again, and nodded before patting the side of his mount. ¡°We¡¯re soon there, Glint. Then you can rest for a while and let me carry you around instead.¡± He was closing in on the final stretch, having turned from the main road along a much smaller path. There were even some ornamental stakes which stood from the ground at certain intervals along the path, weathered markers leading any would-be seeker of challenge. As Glint crested a small rise, Kite could see his goal. At the end of a straight path down the slope, the thick forest broke off into a sizable clearing. There, in the middle of the clearing, hovered the jade-sky gate. Even at a distance, it was clear for any observer that its craftsmanship was almost otherworldly. The gate was a huge ring about three meters across which hovered upright in the air just above the ground. It looked to be made of a white metal polished to the extent that it looked more vibrant and real than the actual reality around it. Other than the hovering, it did little else and it did not look especially active. Kite hoped that the token would change that as he drew closer. The sudden appearance of five iron-rank auras exploding from the sides of the path threw all thoughts of admiring the craftsmanship straight out the window. While his aura control was quite good, it was not enough to stand against five opponents directly grinding down his aura. Kite swallowed the instinctual reaction of fear as he went into one of the combat meditations which master Stone had taught him. Staying calm through the initial shock allowed Kite to actually notice the first of the incoming projectiles, an arrow glowing white. With a quick chant of ¡°Ward¡± he snapped a barrier up in time to deflect the projectile, even if the following explosion rocked him where he sat on Glint¡¯s back as the disc of Heaven-and-Void Warding received several cracks. Realizing that he could not survive becoming a stationary target, he gave a mental command to his familiar which urged full speed ahead. More projectiles were already flying toward him, and Kite needed to act. The burst of speed from Glint allowed them to rush ahead of the first salvo, Kite deflecting a particularly stubborn seeking bolt of fire with another barrier. His wide field of view allowed him to pinpoint the locations of the different attackers, and he made another bid to buy them a second or two. A muttered ¡°Wall¡± caused panes of force to spring up around him, as Kite placed the walls as close to where the different abilities were fired from as possible. While one or two realized what had happened, the rest wasted at least one more salvo which crashed into the wall of force which had sprung up in front of them. The small delay allowed the racing Glint to pass the attackers point of ambush as she flew through the air like a pink, shimmering comet. Unfortunately for Kite, his attackers were not fools enough to remain stationary and he soon found himself turned where he sat to desperately block even more abilities flung his way. He caught another arrow on his barrier and lashed out with a hand to dispel a spinning star of lightning, but then disaster struck as a ray of light struck Glint, too low for Kite to reach. She gave off a mental cry through their bond as she wobbled in the air. Another attack struck her as Kite could not keep himself steady enough to intercept them. By now they had passed well into the clearing, and Kite felt he could no longer risk Glint¡¯s health. He gave the mental command for her to shrink as he sprang out from under her, catching her in cupped hands as he activated his slow-fall necklace. It slowed him from a neck-breaking speed to one where a landing might be painful but survivable. Kite hit the ground in a roll, world spinning before he bounced back to his feet at its end. While sending a thought of thanks for all the mobility training he had done with uncle Walker during their time together, he helped Glint into the relative safety of her bottle. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Kite stood in the clearing, not far from the inactive gate, as he faced the five people who had apparently decided that merely continuing their barrage was not enough fun. He could recognize the robes of them all, albeit that some were worn beneath armor, as those of the Victorious Sunset sect. He could also recognize two of the people. Rise of Morning Glory took point as he swaggered out of the woods, metal armor being combined with the golden suit he had tried to summon during their last meeting. Brilliant Bloom of Providence was there as well, but visibly hung back and would not meet Kite¡¯s eyes. While he could not get a read of their auras, as his own was ground down by the collective assault, it was clear from the body language who led this particular enterprise. ¡°Well, trash, not so mighty now that you can¡¯t hide behind others of your ilk anymore? Thought you could just waltz in here and try to claim what belongs to us? You are not even worthy to die inside the trials of that gate.¡± initiate Rise loudly announced before spitting to the side. ¡°But fear not, your token will at least be used by someone worthy.¡± he continued. ¡°Not even killing you would restore the damage your existence has wrought upon me. But the gate. Now that will do nicely.¡± Kite decided to take the opportunity to speak as he took stock and let his armor repair the minor bruising from the landing. He did not address initiate Rise however, but his followers. ¡°I would advise you to keep better company, but since I find some of you at his side yet again I suspect it will fall on deaf ears. Just remember that pride makes one as fragile as an overly tempered blade, always suffering the risk of hurting those around it when it shatters.¡± ¡°Shut your filthy mouth!¡± initiate Rise screamed along with an aura pulse which caused Kite to wince. ¡°When did you ever think that you had the right to judge me?! If you had just rolled over like the vermin you are, we wouldn¡¯t be here. My path is too good for the likes of you, and now you¡¯ve tried to drag it down into the mud with you.¡± Kite tried retorting but was once again silenced by the collective push of their auras before he could get his words out. This seemed to please the former disciple immensely as he managed to collect himself once again. ¡°No more pathetic attempts at words to your betters I see?¡± he asked with glee. ¡°Then how about a final wish? If you are polite enough and grovel real good, I might even consider granting it.¡± By this time, Kite had landed at the undeniable conclusion that he would not get away, at least not through the forest. Glint was hurt and his prepared acquisitions were not for extended retreats. He did have one chance, however, but he did not know how for how long it would even help him. But it was a chance at least. An opportunity. As Kite began to act, his assailants clearly felt his intention to act as their aura-assault left him open. Two of them, initiate Rise and another one, even had the reaction time to send attacks his way. But Kite had trained quite extensively along with master Stone, trimming his already short incantations down to the bare minimum. As such, his chant had left his lips long before the attacks had even crossed the distance. ¡°Void¡± As Gate of Nihility appeared, Kite immediately turned and sprinted away from his assailants while the first projectiles were absorbed into the darkness. One hand dove into a pouch at his side to retrieve the token as the gate got ever closer, step by step. As he activated the charging ability of his belt, two blurs of motion ran around the sides of the dark wall. Rise and one other had apparently activated potent but short-lived bursts of great speed. Fortunately for Kite, the duration was spent in closing the distance and going around his most potent defense. One of the initiates reached out as chains of light materialized in the air around Kite, their conjurer¡¯s triumphant grin immediately souring as Kite shrugged off the attempt at binding him. Initiate Rise attempted no such thing, instead using a burst of wind to propel himself against Kite. His dismay was more abrupt as he collided with another barrier in the shape of a conjured wall of force, bouncing off bruised but not seriously hurt due to his conjured armor. Two more steps had Kite reaching the gate, hand clasping the token outstretched. Still, nothing had happened with it. Neither glowing portal nor disc of darkness had appeared in its midst, and Kite¡¯s mind shoved the dismay aside to focus on formulating at least some kind of escape plan. It was then, as thoughts raced through his head, that he noticed that his hand and most of his arm seemed to have disappeared into thin air, as if passing through an invisible screen. Or gate. Kite did not know if Fortune heard his thanks before he passed through the jade-sky gate, but his mind was soon turned to other matters entirely.
The black wall of darkness which had sprang into existence so suddenly disappeared as abruptly as it had arrived, leaving young master Providence to witness Rise bouncing off what had earlier been a conjured wall. The outcast, Kite, was nowhere to be seen. The young man felt mixed emotions regarding the fact that their quarry had escaped; some relief as well as dread about what was to come next. As in most cities, Gilded had its share of local nobility. Being a city in the most rural region of Hua-Xi, said nobility¡¯s power was quite limited in comparison to the great families of the inner regions. This was doubly reinforced due to the city lord and the two sects being the dominant political forces in the area, leaving the actual nobility in a less directly influential role. While the political landscape might be different than in the more metropolitan cities of the kingdom, there was definitely politicking enough going on. Most of the noble families had long since sworn themselves to either of the three remaining big players, forming internal hierarchies based on economical power. The purging of the Unbreakable Chains sect had left the political landscape in a state of flux as some families fled that ship while others were exiled or greatly diminished by the allegiance to the fallen sect. While things had settled somewhat during the last decade, the ripples of that event were still felt. The Providence family had long been sworn to the Victorious Sunset sect, as had the Glory family. While the first was quite influential with its big share in the local production of luxury goods, they were still dwarfed by the second as the Glory family owned a substantial percentage of the lumber industry in and around the city, which was one of the prime exports of the frontier city. This had unfortunately placed the young master beneath Rise in the local hierarchy of the sect, his family imparting to him the importance of forming ties with future figures of prominence. It had been all well and good mostly, as being a follower of the once disciple had helped his own status within the sect. However young master Providence had carried a bad feeling about this venture from the start, ever since he had seen that particular outcast again. While he held a certain grudge against Kite, he knew it to be the result of his own inadequacy. This had led to him training hard during the past year, not for revenge but to prove to himself and his master that he could rise above it. As he saw Rise venting his fury and frustration on the nearby landscape, those bad feelings were compounded. What they had tried to do here was not honorable in any meaning of the word, no matter what thin veneers of justification Rise had tried hanging before their eyes. This failure merely drove home that very point. Although he held a vain hope that Rise would see this as well and leave this foolishness behind, he doubted that he would be so fortunate. ¡°Get the others! That trash is surely dead already, but if he or his corpse exits that gate, we shall be ready.¡± former disciple Rise shouted. Young master Providence sighed inwardly, a core of resolve forming in his mind. ¡°Senior, I shall get our supplies from the camp.¡± he stated, bowing slightly to the irate young man. ¡°What? Yes, you go do that. We will need to be ready. Oh the things we shall do to his remains if the gates even deem them worthy of being returned¡­¡± Rise answered, attention quickly returning to his thoughts of anticipated vengeance. Young master Providence bowed slightly once more before going back into the forest toward their camp. When he was sure that he was out of sight, he produced the very same messenger construct which had warned them of Kite¡¯s arrival. He had been the only one awake when the message came, as he had taken to rising early for training during the last year. While he had relayed the message, no one had bothered claiming the bird-like construct from him. Steeling himself, he channeled mana into it and whispered a message. Not long after, it shot through the air, zigzagging between trees on a straight path toward Gilded. Bloom, as young master Providence was called by those close to him, sighed as he watched the construct disappear. This would mean trouble, he was sure, but what was left of his honor could no longer stand idly by. As the bird was out of his view, he continued to break their camp to bring their supplies closer to the gate. The dice of fate had been cast, and now it only remained to see what they would bring about.
Kite¡¯s feet touched solid ground, head spinning of sensations his brain was not equipped to even process, and even less actually interpret. His breakfast came up as he heaved on all fours. It took a solid minute for his mind to steady properly. While he had been warned that going through gates and portals would leave the inexperienced in such a state, there was little he could do at the moment. Mistress Dew had taught him a meditative technique that would have helped him be less impaired by the experience, but as circumstances had turned out there had been little room for such calming exercise. Finally taking in his surroundings, Kite realized that he definitely was no longer in the forests of his home region. He found himself near a similar gate as the one he had passed through, which hovered just above a blank stone platform. The platform was but one of many as Kite gazed around the vast space around him. The space behind the jade-sky gate lived up to parts of its name as there was mostly empty air around him. Far beneath there was a sea of roiling clouds, stretching as far as Kite could see. There was no visible sun, yet the whole area seemed to be bathed in an even light with a slightly green tint. All around in the vast empty space, there were more stone platforms, floating in the empty space. Their size varied, from those which were only a couple of meters across, such as the one Kite was on at the moment, to those wide enough to be able to house whole towns. Some seemed to be doing just that, as he could spot buildings of foreign design on most of the platforms, all in a varied state of disrepair. The platforms were connected by bridges of similarly floating rocks. Most split apart to connect several of the platforms, forming a complex network all around him. One detail which was a bit unsettling was that there was no wind or breeze in the space, leaving it very silent. Taking in the awe-inspiring vista, it took Kite an embarrassingly long time to notice the orb floating next to him. It was only when it sent him a pulse of aura that his attention was snapped from his surroundings. The sphere was about the size of Kite¡¯s head, and seemed to be made of the same realer-than-reality kind of metal which the gate consisted of, its surface entirely smooth. Kite had almost assumed a fighting stance as the orb spoke to him in a deep, echoing voice. ¡°Greetings, trial-taker. I am the officiator of your trial. Would you like an introduction to the rules of the jade-sky gates?¡± ¡°Ehmmm¡­¡± Kite began, slowly relaxing and collecting his still reeling thoughts. ¡°Yes. Yes please.¡± Not knowing what else to do, he gave the orb a slight bow. Never hurts to be polite, after all. ¡°The jade-sky gates was gifted to these lands by Soaring Soul, the Queen of Jade and Sky. She wanted to create a true test of one¡¯s path, where those confident enough in the road they had chosen could face tribulation and emerge all the stronger. As such, these gates continue her legacy. Each gate is different, and will generate tribulations according to the rank of the token used to enter. As you, trial-taker, have used an iron-rank token the following trial will test your current rank to its limits and beyond.¡± Kite nodded at the orbs'' explanation. ¡°How do I pass the trial then? If I am allowed to know, that is?¡± ¡°This space is home to many enemies, which your path will need to stand firm against in order to prove yourself. Scattered over the space are six creatures of greater power, the rulers of this realm. Defeat them, and you will have passed the trials. If you do, you will be rewarded based on your performance and be allowed to leave. While there are no limitations on time, be aware that the lesser foes of this space might manifest anew, should you take too long. You may also keep any treasures in your possession as you leave the gate.¡± ¡°There are treasures as well?¡± Kite asked, surprised. He had known there would be a reward if he passed, but had not expected actual treasure to be found in the space. ¡°There are, although claiming those is a trial in itself. It is up to you to choose your own path through this realm. But remember, the only way out from this realm is through triumph or death.¡± Kite nodded somberly as he once more looked out over the breath-taking vista. ¡°It is always hard to reconcile the thought that such dangers are hidden in a place of true beauty such as this. It does leave one in awe¡­¡± Kite spoke softly to himself. To his surprise, the orb answered. ¡°So you like it? I did believe it was some of my finest work! While a bit clich¨¦, the elemental sub-theme felt like a nice contrast to¡­¡± the sphere started to say in a higher pitched and quite enthusiastic voice before trailing off, apparently noticing Kite¡¯s surprised stare. Silence reigned for a short while before Kite broke it. ¡°Wait, you made this place?¡± ¡°I am not allowed to elaborate further about the nature of this trial.¡± the sphere stated, once more with the deeper, neutral voice. ¡°But you just said-¡± ¡°I am not allowed to elaborate further about the nature of this trial.¡± the sphere stated again, although Kite thought it sounded a bit more forced. ¡°Understood.¡± Kite stated, hands raised in a placating gesture. ¡°Will you be staying here?¡± ¡°As the officiator, I will follow you through the trial and assess your performance.¡± ¡°Then I am pleased to have you accompanying me. My name is Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, but Kite will do nicely.¡± Getting no response from the sphere, he shrugged and turned towards the alien landscape of floating platforms. Trepidation and excitement warring within him, he steadied himself with a few breaths before setting off. 26. A fool worthy of redemption As Kite started traversing a bridge over a hundred meters long consisting of separate floating stones, he found himself glad that the alien environment inside the jade-sky gate had no winds. While he walked, he took the time to check on Glint through their bond, as she had been injured during the wild charge toward the gate as they had been ambushed. Fortunately, none of the injuries had been serious and she was bound to recover with some rest. Kite was happy to provide that for her, still doubting his decision of allowing her to join him on this venture. He had explained the dangers to her as best as he could, stressing the part about failure meaning death for them both. Still, the carp had been adamant about not leaving him and Kite had backed down in the end as he realized he would be hard-pressed to stop her except maybe through the actual gate itself. Vowing to do his utmost to see her safe through this challenge, he strode onward as he patted the flask at his side. ¡°Rest easy now, Glint. I wouldn¡¯t even have reached this place if it wasn¡¯t for you.¡± While they had not been bonded for long, it was still a wondrous thing to have such a close connection to another being. There was only one road leading from the platform with the portal, and Kite got a distinct feeling of vertigo as he glimpsed the sea of clouds far beneath him in the slight gaps between each stone. Ahead of him was a rather sizable floating platform which seemed to house a displaced block from some kind of city. Unlike the often colorful wooden houses of his homeland, with their murals and curved roofs, these buildings were made of mostly gray stone blocks with hard angles and rusted iron fences. The houses were rather tall, which made them imposing monoliths that he could imagine tower above him. As he stood before the threshold of the stone platform and the narrow street, he took a deep breath. Said breath came easy, as something in the air here felt richer and more condensed than in the wilds of the autumn lands. Kite began walking down the narrow street, stone cobbles clacking beneath his armored feet. Almost immediately, he could feel the environment react to his presence as three iron-rank auras were unleashed as they approached his position from above. He looked up to see three streamers of light flying through the air from the sky, diving into the cobbled street and stone walls. The points where they had vanished started crackling and bucking outward as stone and dirt came alive to form three vaguely humanoid figures consisting of the materials close to where they had merged with the environment. The forms were quite like a humanoid warrior with an elongated part at the end of one arm not dissimilar to a blunt sword or club. Beneath the cracks and gaps of the material which made up their bodies, the slightly glowing white streamers could be glimpsed as they seemed to have spread to form a network which held the frames together. One of the stone soldiers had even used a part of a wall with a window which had been directly grafted onto the stone shell. Through there Kite could see the white threads of varying sizes, forming a network not unlike the mycelium of a mushroom. Before the three humanoid monsters had even formed they had begun a slow but steady walk toward Kite as they started to fire a barrage of stones toward him. The projectiles were fast blurs as they shot straight at Kite, who brought up his barrier as he charged to meet them. Kite had never read about any monster like these creatures in the living document of the magic society, but from their appearance he suspected them to be slow but also tough and strong. He did notice something else as well when he was hit by one of the rocks which ricocheted for a lucky hit against his calf. While the weakened impact did no damage, the stone attempted to transfer some kind of hampering magic into him which would slightly lower his speed. On its own it would not be much, and Kite¡¯s ability to negate effects to hinder his movement allowed him to resist, but he could imagine the slow and strong monsters would be very troublesome indeed if he would be gradually slowed down as well. Thanking Fortune under his breath for the fortunate matchup, he activated his belt to close the distance further as he kept his barrier up under the rapid-fire barrage. His first swing with his greatsword, plucked from the void as he was upon his enemies, broke through the arm and part of the torso of the leftmost creature as he ran past it close to the wall of the nearby building. His sundering special attack, Void-Sunders-Firmament, boosted by his racial gift and the negative karma built up as they attacked his barrier through Spiritual reprisal was enough for the heavy weapon to inflict serious damage. As he had hoped, the enemies started to ponderously turn as Kite had moved past them. To further give himself some breathing room, Kite mumbled a quick ¡°wall¡± which caused a wall of force to spring up along the middle of the street, separating the two undamaged stone soldiers from Kite and his target. The heavy blows on the wall quickly started cracking it, but Kite was already continuing his assault. He swung once more with the greatsword to crack more of the sundered torso, pleasantly surprised to see that his Disrupting Strike caused parts of the stone shell to fall away as the white threads lost their hold. Kite took a quick jump backwards to dodge a sweeping stone club as his greatsword disappeared, replaced by his wicked bone spear as he reversed his momentum to lunge forward after the swing and drive the tip of the spear into the gap he had created in the creature''s armor. Spatial tears erupted from the tip, apparently sundering enough of whatever animated the stone as Kite could see the white threads sever and wink out. With one opponent down, Kite turned to the other two and backed off a couple of steps. As a couple more heavy blows broke his conjured wall, a throwing star rippling with dispelling force hit the closest of the two, even as the pane of force was still in the process of shattering around the newly made hole. The light weapon did minimal physical damage, but the two special attacks it carried caused sizeable holes to form in the gray stone shells as blue cracks of drained mana spread inward. The weapon then proceeded to deliver the same treatment to the second as it unerringly ricocheted between the two before returning to Kite¡¯s hand. Kite repeated the process a couple of times, slowly stepping backward along the streets as he held his barrier from Heaven-and-Void Warding steady, only dropping it occasionally to throw his weapon again if the angle required it. Each time he attacked, he took some hits of his own but most were deflected or absorbed by his armor as their main purpose was to stack up the slowing magical effect that Kite continued to shrug off. The pair had steadily gained on Kite¡¯s measured pace, and after a few repetitions of the tactic he deemed them softened up enough to once more advance on them. He charged in for an overhead swing with the greatsword which crushed part of the head formed by the monster¡¯s stony exterior as he once more circled his opponent slightly to keep its bulk between Kite and the third to hamper its attacks. Raising the heavy sword for another heavy strike, he brought out his barrier to deflect yet another attack while a mental command had Sage hover down from his usual spot between Kite¡¯s shoulders to fire a white beam of resonating force. The battle had not gone on for too long and it wasn¡¯t the massive lance of energy he could call upon to finish a fight, but it was enough to punch clean through the knee on the closest construct as the resonating force easily carved through the stone. As it fell down, unbalance by the fact that half of its leg was no longer connected to the rest of its body, Kite¡¯s sword was already descending once more is it cleaved down through the skull and into the chest of the third opponent, the space between them no longer wholly occupied by its comrade. The greatsword strike, boosted by the sundering rifts of the void, was enough to finish the creature while the downed stone soldier tried its best to fire rocks up at Kite and hammer his legs. Backing off from the painful strikes which would have threatened to topple Kite had he not possessed the steadying power of Unyielding, Kite brought out his spear and started to disassemble the last foe with jabs from the relatively safe distance the weapons reach allowed him, ignoring the small stream of stones fired at him until they stopped coming not long after. The battle had been quick and quite intense as Kite had been outnumbered by the iron-rank monsters. When processing how the battle would have been without him resisting their slowing effects, he shuddered while he keenly felt the temporary loss of his companions. After a few seconds, Kite felt two more auras approach and then another two as the stones of the town along the narrow street in front of him started shuddering. He steeled his resolve, before charging ahead, doing his utmost to channel the unrelenting way of mistress Dew. One of the new foes had barely formed as he scattered the emerging body parts with multiple swings of a heavy sword. As the other three finished, Kite decided to try out yet another part of his arsenal. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power¡± The rippling dispel did not have the spectacular effect Kite would have hoped for on his enemies as they did not immediately lose coherency. It did seem to affect them somewhat though, as all three of them seemed to freeze for a few important seconds, needing to focus on keeping their shells intact. Kite could brutally disassemble one more during those critical seconds with his special attacks and had time to send his throwing star shooting towards the remaining duo once before their own barrage resumed. Even through his increased mana regeneration, he could still feel his reserves draining in the intense combat. Kite realized that he would need to find a way to control the pace of future encounters at least somewhat, but he had to drop such a line of thought at the moment as an opportunity revealed itself in his mind. Feeling an unseen reserve reaching a threshold, he once more raised his blade over his head as it was encased in the darkness which was more akin to a hole in reality. As he released the stored energy, the void blade grew as he quickly took a step to the side in order to line up his opponents. A sword rose and a cleaving nothingness descended as the boosted special attack bisected both his opponents from top to bottom and scored a straight groove in the cobblestones, Potential of Stolen power allowing Kite to deal decisive death. The attack had barely dissipated as Kite quickly retracted his aura as much as possible before he dashed into a thin, cramped alleyway between two houses. He held his breath and listened, letting it out slowly as he heard no more steps of stone feet. As one minute turned into three, he allowed himself to slump down against the gray stone wall. His wooden armor was cracked in many places, his flesh bruised underneath. Even though the fighting had been rather intense, he had managed to avoid anything more than superficial injuries. The spiritual reserve in the form of his mana was a bit more depleted, although not to concerning levels as of yet. He still took the time to two pills into his mouth in order to hasten the recovery of both stamina and mana, as he had no illusions that this would be as bad as it would get. During all this time, the orb of the officiator had floated some distance away, close enough to see everything yet far enough away as to not be in the way. While waiting for his armor¡¯s rather impressive self-repair to work, he turned to the orb. ¡°You did mention an elemental theme. Shall I assume that this is part of an earthen domain?¡± Only silence in response. Kite thought back to the enthusiasm that the voice had shown earlier during its apparent slip up, which gave Kite an idea as he was very sure that the orb wasn¡¯t just a mere automaton. ¡°I must say, those stone soldiers were pretty well designed. Almost as if someone had thought them through, unlike many of the monsters out there. That slowing effect to force an opponent into their pace while they retain an advantage in strength and toughness would be rather brutal against many paths. It would be a shame for the creator of this place not to receive and feedback on the matter, as I am-¡± ¡°They were pretty impressive, weren¡¯t they? It¡¯s a shame that you are only of iron rank. You should see how they really come together at silver, but you have to work with what you got even if it is restrictive and boring.¡± The words came out as if a dam had broken inside the orb, its tone once again both casual and excited. ¡°Oh it will be so exciting to see how you deal with-¡± it continued before cutting itself off as it once more realized what it was doing. Kite sighed. ¡°While loneliness is a nest for thoughts, it sounds like you¡¯ve been alone with yours for a while. I understand if there are rules as you seem to remember yourself before warning me of what is to come. Couldn¡¯t you at least tell me some more about what I have already experienced? I for one wouldn¡¯t mind some company.¡± he prompted, trying to sound hopeful while not putting too much pressure on the orb which, even though it was a featureless construct, had the feeling of a scared animal ready to bolt. Silence reigned for a while more, and Kite started to slip into meditation. A minute later, he was interrupted. ¡°Oh alright. It¡¯s not like the mistress has been back to evaluate my work for quite the while. But you must promise not to ask me about things that you have not already encountered.¡± the orb said, still the casual voice but with quite a bit of trepidation. Kite smiled at the orb, even if he was unsure if or how it could actually see. ¡°You are quite the wondrous creation, and I would be a fool to reject such company. Do you have a name?¡± ¡°You can call me Third. And I am glad to finally have someone appreciate what I have done here. Most others just complain and die.¡± the orb commented cheerfully. ¡°Then greetings, Third. I would assume that you have been waiting here for a long time?¡± Kite said, simply avoiding mentioning the casual way the orb had spoken about his deceased predecessors. ¡°Oh, no. Not really. Decades aren¡¯t that long, really. But the change of pace is nice, I must admit. I do hope that you will go far in here. There is so much for you to experience in here!¡± ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t doubt it.¡± Kite said, thinking about the one and only fight he¡¯d been in inside the space. More of that would certainly be an experience, albeit not the pleasant kind. This trial would indeed be quite the tribulation.
Kite took a deep breath as the final of the three stone soldiers crumbled before him. It was the fourth such group he had faced as he had navigated what was about the equivalent of a city block. ¡°Experience purchased with suffering teaches wisdom.¡± he muttered, as the following fights after the first had let him get the measure of his enemies. Knowing what to expect, it had been easier to handle even the unexpected encounter of one manifesting by each exit of a narrow alley. He had triumphed by delaying one long enough by layering his summoned wall in one of the directions. As the alleyway was only one and a half meters apart, he had been able to put up six separate walls for it to mow through, which had given him plenty of time to finish the other one through judicious use of violence. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. ¡°I must say, this is quite enlightening. Your path is quite different from those I recall from the memories of my progenitor. And believe me, there are a lot. It gives me so many ideas for future challenges.¡± Third commented cheerfully. ¡°It¡¯s always nice that my travails can be of use to someone else.¡± Kite commented, his sarcasm probably lost in the swirling enthusiasm of the spherical construct. ¡°This should be it though for this platform.¡± he finished, looking over the small, square plaza where he was currently standing. At one of its sides, the buildings and streets simply fell away as the platform ended. One of the bigger buildings facing the small plaza, almost looking like a grim temple from its size, was even cut in half as Kite imagined its insides open to the emptiness. Next to it, a bridge led through the empty space toward yet another platform which seemed to house similar architecture. He had begun walking toward the bridge as he noticed a slight halt from Third. It was not much and the orb immediately resumed its even pace after him, but it was enough for Kite to stop and look about again. He tried taking in his surroundings via a meditative technique uncle Walker had taught him, further helped along by his Gaze of Adamance which gave him a wide field of view. After a moment, he realized something which stood out in his surroundings. So far, none of the buildings had any doors. Some had the arches where Kite felt one would be placed, but there had only been empty walls to be found. The windows had been the same, as their wide, narrow glass hid only a shallow indentation in the wall before ending in gray stone. The large building, however, had a big pair of reinforced wooden doors. One even hung slightly askew, leaving them slightly open. Kite made a point of not looking straight at Third as he began to move toward the large building, but he thought he could see a slight trembling in the construct. Reaching out with his senses, he carefully pushed open one of the doors. This building did indeed have an inside, as a large hall stretched out before him. It had a polished stone floor and stone benches in rows facing what Kite assumed to be an altar, unsurprisingly made out of stone albeit one that looked more natural and less worked, as if in worship to the stone itself. The room''s majesty was a bit marred as about a third of it was carved away along its length, leaving only empty space and a view of other far-away floating platforms. There was another feature which caused Kite concern as well. Behind the altar stood a rather sizable stone plinth which housed a statue depicting a winged beast. It had a wide, muscular body with long arms and an eerily smooth face with only a single carved eye. The wings, if organic, would have been leathery and tough, with membrane rather than feathers allowing them to catch the wind and fly. His concern was well founded as a rather strong iron-rank aura started to surface from within the statue, spreading out over the room to stop against Kite¡¯s own. It was not the dynamic aura of a living being, but flat and polished like the stone which made up the statue. Even less surprising was that the statue started moving with a crunching sound as long-locked joints became mobile. ¡°Blessed be the curious-¡± Kite had the chance to start muttering before he was interrupted by a definite and pressing need to dodge. The statue had, in one surprisingly quick motion, taken a long leap boosted by a flap of stone wings. While it seemed incapable of flight, it still crossed the whole room in an arc. Kite leapt to the side as stone fists hammered down where he had stood, a visible shockwave spreading out from the impact. He could feel it tug at him in an attempt to knock him even further, but it was denied as Unyielding instead caused more cracks in the stone floor where the force was dispersed. Instead of his intended counterattack, he had to snap a barrier in place to block a wing which lashed out against him even before the construct had fully risen from the last strike. The impact was heavy, but Kite¡¯s well-timed barrier deflected it as he brought down his heavy sword toward the extended wing, the weapon freshly produced from his void sheath and subsumed in the nothingness of Void-Sunders-Firmament. It cleaved through the wing about a third of its length from the tip, before lodging itself into the ground as Kite activated the blade¡¯s boosting abilities. By this time, his foe had begun to turn and a fist lashed out toward Kite. Seeing that a quick backstep would take him out of its reach, he got a nasty surprise as the fist produced a shockwave through the air even without striking the ground. While Kite was unmoved, the force still caused cracks in his armor and would have shredded exposed skin. Cursing himself for misjudging, Kite did not stop as he instead lashed out with his spear covered in dispelling ripples. The thrust itself and the adjoining disruptive force did little damage as there was no magic affecting the construct which it was able to dispel. This foe seemed to be a more holistic construct while the earlier stone soldiers were more like entities covering themselves in a shell. Kite was not entirely dismayed however as there was still the blue, mana-draining cracks and slight glow of transcendent damage as compensation. All of these observations made Kite decide on a more measured approach, drawing upon his lessons with master Stone. His personal barrier got a thorough workout as he started trading blows with the stone creation, deflecting heavy blows and countering as his sundering special attack was available. He sent another thought of gratitude to Dragonfly¡¯s master for the gifted awakening stone, as its resonating force damage allowed his spear to carve through even the tough animated statue. Kite could mostly sustain the pace of the battle as his foe did little else than come at him with fists and wings. He could see that he was, once again, saved from a lot of danger by his resistance to hostile effects which tried to move him. All these shockwaves next to the drop from the platform could spell a swift demise otherwise. There were some moments when things almost got out of hand however, as his foe did a leaping dive-bomb attack when it thought Kite to be unbalanced. He had taken the first such attack straight onto his personal barrier, which left him with a shattered barrier and an aching, bruised body. Even through his resistance, he was sent several steps back as the surface of the polished floor had shattered in spectacular fashion. Fortunately for Kite, his foe¡¯s iron-rank gave him some margin of error of taking such a hit and surviving to learn from it. The combatants had a few more exchanges, where Kite had to admit feeling a bit of pride as he managed to time a swing of his spear enough to use his Pattern-shattering counter which split the conical shockwave down the middle before it dissipated. The end of the battle came when the statue attempted another diving attack. Kite, while judicious enough with his footing to ensure that his back was never to the precipice, still did not feel like taking another of the attacks head on. This time, instead of his usual barrier, he chose a more powerful response. ¡°Void!¡± As the statue arced down toward him, it instead found itself on a collision course with a gaping gate of nothingness. When a creature came into contact with the gate, it suffered quite a lot of damage before being forcibly rejected by the dark aperture. Normally the duration of such contact was very short, but this time it was a very heavy creature charging into it at full speed. While Kite did not see the impact, he heard a shrieking, grinding noise for two seconds, followed by a short silence ending in a deafening crash of stone upon stone. As the dark screen vanished, he could see his foe which had been flung away and into a nearby wall. It was missing most of one of its arms, legs and shoulder, as well as some other areas of its surface. The affected areas looked to have been ground down on a level smaller than Kite could hope to perceive, leaving only perfectly flat, blank stone. The stone creature tried moving, but seemed to be losing functionality. It could not put up much of a struggle as a final thrust of a void-tipped spear finished it, its head and torso ground down by a torrent of spatial tears. Kite leaned against his spear, aching all over but couldn¡¯t help his wide smile as his victory was confirmed. He gave a thought to Dragonfly, whose battle-mania seemed to have rubbed off on him quite a bit. The silence was broken by Third, who came hovering up to him where he stood. ¡°That was a marvelous battle! And I¡¯m so happy you noticed this place. I thought you were going to miss it at first, which would have been a true shame. How did you feel about this area? And the foe? Quite imposing, if I may say so myself.¡± The orb continued to bombard him with questions and observations, but Kite forestalled it with a gesture. ¡°Just-¡± he hissed as speaking brought a sharp pain. ¡°Please hold on for just a moment.¡± Kite continued more softly. ¡°I think it broke one of my ribs, so I will need to recover a bit. Then you may ask me anything you like.¡± ¡°Oh, splendid!¡± Third cheered as he followed Kite toward the fore of the building, where the young man sat down on one of the intact stone benches. He ate one pill for each of his three drained reserves, health, stamina and mana and sat down to meditate as the battles of the last hours flashed before his mind. During his battles on this platform, Kite had gotten a better appreciation of the growth of many of his abilities. There was a considerable difference to the effect of all of them compared to when he had just awakened them. An example was the disruptive force added by his dispelling attack. At the beginning it had been more of an afterthought, especially when not boosted by dispelled effects. Nowadays, the added damage actually impacted the battle in a noticeable way unless his enemies were particularly resistant. The same was true for the rest of his skills, as the spatial tears were larger and more numerous, the mana drained more significant and all his barriers more resilient. He knew he was not near bronze rank just yet, but such obvious progress did give him the most satisfying feeling of having grown on a fundamental level. As he manifested Sage to let him look about the large room, he even thought his familiar slightly changed with crisper lines and having grown just a bit larger. As his cracked rib had healed enough, he spent the rest of his recovery talking with a most enthusiastic Third, sharing some thoughts about the challenges so far. Kite did make sure to highlight how impressed he was a bit extra, as he felt that the lonely construct seemed to need the praise. He could not fathom the work of constructing a realm such as this. Feeling restored, Kite rose from his seated position to take a closer look at something that had caught his eyes. On the altar, in an offering bowl made of pristine white stone, lay a pile of what Kite assumed to be quintessence. Most seemed to be of the stone variety, but a large part was of a type unknown to him, the uneven crystals having almost blurry outlines which made Kite¡¯s brain buzz to look at. At the top of the pile lay an essence, distinct with its cubical shape. From the rugged surface and solid feeling, Kite assumed it to be some kind of stone or earth essence.
WWJS: [Item] Earth quintessence Iron rank [Item] Dimension quintessence Iron rank [Item] Solid Essence Unranked - Uncommon
¡°Is this the treasure you spoke about?¡± he asked Third while pointing to the bowl. ¡°Indeed it is! You have earned your spoils, trial-taker.¡± the orb answered cheerfully. ¡°A place such as this has plentiful manifestations, and I took what felt like just rewards and spread it out for the cunning or ambitious to find.¡± Kite collected the treasure into one of his new dimensional bags before turning to the orb. ¡°Speaking of treasure¡­¡± he began, trailing off as he focused. The rainbow light of a manifestation appeared in front of him, leading to the clanging of metal as the result of Something from Nothing revealed itself. It was a dagger-like weapon with a short, wide triangular blade. Its handle was not the usual straight variety but instead split off to each side at a straight angle. The whole weapon seemed to be made of a gray stone with stark-white marbling. Kite recognized the weapon to be a katar, or punching dagger, meant to be grasped with the blade pointing straight out from his knuckles. It was a rather exotic weapon he had only seen pictures of so far in his life. Fortunately, its basic use was straight-forward enough. With his manifestations came a vague knowledge of the weapon¡¯s properties, and Kite smiled as he grasped the hilt of his newest acquisition. He had long held a feeling that the power had started giving results that were slightly less random and leaning a bit more towards what he might need at the moment. It was still a far cry from having his pick of properties and shapes, as it could still produce more outlandish results such as a whip which only interacted with water-based attacks. But it gave a hint of things to come, and for his current challenge this particular result was something he thought would complement his arsenal very well.
WWJS: [Item] Tectonic Tension Punching dagger Iron rank - epic [Effect] Greatly increased piercing ability and damage versus crystalline materials, such as stone, glass and certain metals. [Effect] Slightly increases all resonating force damage dealt by the wielder. May pay an additional mana cost to convert any disruptive force damage from an attack to resonating force damage. Cost increases with amount of damage converted. [Effect] Activate to have the point of the weapon release a shockwave of resonating force damage. Cost: Moderate mana. Cooldown: 15 s.
As Kite had currently been missing a lighter weapon for closer quarters, the katar fit the bill. That it just so happened to be an excellent choice against tougher, harder opponents was a true boon to his current situation as well. He made some jabs and punches with the blade extended, nodding to himself. Third had been watching him during the whole process. ¡°How interesting.¡± it mused. ¡°I could sense that you gathered remnants from the enemies you defeated, but to use it in such a way. How is one to produce a challenge to account for such versatility?¡± it finished, sounding almost a bit peeved. ¡°If it is any consolation, this was a most fortunate result of this particular power of mine.¡± Kite tried, placatingly. ¡°Besides, isn¡¯t the challenge meant to be a test of one¡¯s path regardless of which path it is? Shouldn¡¯t such versatility be a sign of strength?¡± he added with a raised eyebrow. His response was some vague mutterings about power above the curve and lack of balance, but the orb ultimately seemed to concede the point as it lapsed into silence. Kite finished his meditation, taking his time to restore himself thoroughly. He felt that this chapel would be a good point to use as a base camp for now, as it was at least somewhat enclosed and had a defensible doorway barring him being chased by something capable of flight. But he was not done yet, not for today at least. Another platform had loomed at the other side of that bridge, promising more challenge. But Kite felt more confident taking it on now. While dangerous, so far the trial had been surmountable. With every step, he felt more confident in the strength of his path.
Outside the gate, a small camp had been set up next to the empty circular artifact. Initiate Rise had tried pursuing Kite into it several times, as if hoping that his anger would be enough for the ancient gate to let him through. Once he had even tried venting his frustrations on the gate itself, but all his efforts had left not the slightest mark on it, neither damage nor blemish. While it hadn¡¯t retaliated in any meaningful way, they had all felt the faintest pulse of warning in response to the initiate¡¯s attacks. It had been an echo of a power so much greater than them, as if one of the sun¡¯s had opened a sleepy eye at them but chose to ignore them for their utter insignificance. This had led to Rise splitting his times between pacing in front of the thing and simply just standing and staring. Initiate Providence could sense a growing frustration and a hint of unease from him the longer the wait stretched on. While it could simply mean that Kite had died, his corpse ever remaining inside, it could also mean that he was still alive. And alive meant succeeding, if the few vague stories about the trials of the jade-sky gate would be believed. Most recorded survivors had been very vague, if forthcoming at all, about what they had gone through. The few that were willing to share had usually been sworn to secrecy by their sect or family, the secret staying within the organization to not risk it helping their competitors. The other four initiates split their time between relaxing, playing games of chance and strategy or training. Initiate Providence mostly did the latter, feeling like every minute spent here was time wasted on something that simply wasn¡¯t worthwhile, even risking to become perilous. He had gotten no response to his message, but he had not expected one either. Those dice had been cast, and he could only hope that the result would at least slightly alleviate the bad karma he could almost feel the group constantly accruing, as they waited for a man who had not initiated any hostility against them to punish him for the failings of one of their own. Brilliant Bloom of Providence sighed, brushing a strand of his reddish-black hair out of his face. In the stories, this was always the typical precursor to a reckoning of some sorts. He hoped he could at least snatch a role as a fool worthy of redemption. 27. Of loss, luck and squids Kite was currently dashing along a rather large, open square, frantically trying to stay ahead of lines made out of erupting stone spikes continually sent in his direction. Around the square were taller and more lavish buildings, as well as a massive set of stairs which Kite believed led to some kind of palace. However, only the stairs and parts of the gate and facade of said buildings were actually intact, as the rest was cut off by the steep edge of the platform¡¯s end. Kite was currently on the fifth platform, at the beginning of his third day inside the jade-sky gate. Helped by experience and his fortunate new weapon, he had been able to conquer three whole platforms on this second day, albeit that they had been smaller than the first where he had arrived. There had been some situations more intense and tricky than others, such as a series of devious traps which included a huge rolling boulder that Kite had stumbled upon in a series of catacombs beneath a strange graveyard. Third had been slightly disappointed as Kite had let his void gate shred the massive boulder instead of attempting to flee from its path. Kite had also found some additional treasure accounting for one more essence and varieties of quintessence. His struggle had taken him to this moment, as he found himself confronting the first bronze-rank enemy in the trial. Having felt it from afar, he had at least not been ambushed, but it had still proved to be quite a handful. Third had happily named the foe for him, calling it the seneschal of stone. It was a tall statue of about two and a half meters, depicting a severe-looking woman in a beautifully sculpted robe of office, albeit with a design foreign to Kite with its straight lines and angles. The seneschal wielded a heavy staff capped with a cubical head, and was currently repeatedly thrusting the butt end of the staff into the stone stairs beneath her. Each strike sent out a wave of the aforementioned stone spikes which erupted out in a fast-moving line. Kite was currently scrambling for options, as he had first tried leaping over the lines only to be intercepted by a fast and accurate stone projectile shot by the head of the staff which threw him backward and cracked part of his armor. As he had been airborne, he had no longer been protected by his ability. It was only through Fortune¡¯s providence that he had escaped with only that injury, as his aura had caused the spikes to break down faster as they closed in, keeping him from being impaled as he landed. ¡°Isn¡¯t it great for the theme that it is so good to bring its opponents back to earth? I thought it very fitting. Almost poetic, if I ma-¡± ¡°A bit busy, Third. Later!¡± Kite almost snarled as he dodged one more stream of spikes, thankful that they did not sway or turn to follow him. Third had become a more enthusiastic commentator over the past days, now taking to giving Kite details about its design philosophy in real time as Kite had encountered new features. It was rather endearing how proud it was of its work, at least when the situation was not as dire as his current one. ¡°I miss Dragonfly.¡± Kite thought as he was working out a new line of approach. ¡°She would probably just have run through the spikes and come out all the stronger for it.¡± He had, in a mix of realization and hope, figured out that actually reaching the statue should be the greatest part of the challenge. So far it had him mostly running in a wide circle, gaining little ground. His walls had not worked either as the spikes were erupting through the ground, the line not hindered in the slightest. His personal barrier was equally hard to employ, as directly downward would require him to jump and face the accurate stones shot at anything even remotely airborne. He was formulating a plan though, trying to incorporate a combination of the two and more, drawing upon master Stone¡¯s many lessons of merging his power set into a whole. As he felt his wall-spell become available again, he decided to enact it. Kite veered off straight toward the stairs, chanting ¡°wall¡±. He did not go for a single pane of force but ten of them, each one meter wide and positioned in a rough, staggered line leading up to the stairs. Positioning himself with one of the walls between him and the stone seneschal, he continued to close the distance. As the expected stone line shot toward him, he jumped over it. He had not left the ground by more than a meter as the grounding projectile shot at him, spreading a huge wave of cracks across the barrier but leaving Kite blessedly unharmed. While continuing his dash, he swerved slightly to the side to line up another fresh barrier, a strained smile on his lips. What had earlier felt like an impossible barrage had suddenly become an obstacle he could at least hope to overcome, and Kite managed to repeat the feat nine more times as he passed each wall of force. This left the final stretch which was the stairs leading up to the bronze-rank statue. Kite¡¯s walls of force would remain unavailable for at least twenty more seconds, and the strength of the attacks leveraged by his foe completely removed staying in place behind a barrier from the list of possible solutions. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll have to follow Dragonfly¡¯s example then.¡± Kite thought as he dashed out from behind the last barrier. He scattered a line of spikes with a wave or resonating force, courtesy of his latest weapon, and took the steps upward two at a time. Leaping over the second, he brought up his personal barrier to block the follow-up. While it left him unharmed thanks to his timely barrier and the racial gift evolution which had strengthened it, it still almost completely robbed him of momentum. He grit his teeth and realized that the final stretch would be painful. Conjuring another barrier, he activated his belt to charge forward. As what would hopefully be the last line of spikes came at him, he also fortified himself by activating the damage-reducing part of Unyielding, keeping up the charge as the spikes started tearing through parts of his body before shattering. His iron-rank armor was of less help against the bronze-rank attack, but fortunately the combined effort of his two passive abilities, Implacable motion and Unyielding, kept him moving forward instead of being thrown back by the stone constructions. This did not help against the actual injuries, as the sharp implements had savaged his legs and torso. He almost faltered only two meters away, but a light bringing vigor back to his bloodied body carried him the final stretch as Kite used his strongest contingency, the power of Immortality allowing him to bring the charge home. Restored in health, mana and stamina, Kite was ready for the actual fight to begin. As he swung his greatsword in a sideways arc, the darkness of the void outlining the heavy blade, he found his assumption from earlier at least partially correct. The stone seneschal was not very fast once up close, and his blade bit into his target of choice; the stone staff. However, the bronze-rank damage reduction was no joke and his strike failed to cut through it even with the resonating force of the spatial tear. As the statue brought the staff up again, Kite had to use another of his stronger cards which he would have liked to keep for a bit longer. As he ducked to the side, Sage was left floating where he had stood and fired his white beam of force where his initial strike had left the staff cut through about half of the way. Just as the stone shaft was about to descend, its lower half separated from the top as the beam cut through it and was also able to damage the body of his foe a little bit with what power still remained. Kite cheered inwardly as the downward motion of the now severed staff did not bring about more stone spikes, but immediately had to drop that line of thought as the top of the staff was instead swung down toward him. A melee ensued, as the statue could still very well leverage its bronze-rank strength and crush Kite to a pulp. Fortunately, it was slower than many iron-rank monsters he had faced, which allowed him to more easily fall into the relentless style of attacking taught to him by mistress Dew. One of the barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding, if timed properly, was enough to take on one such strike as they were made without other augmentations, and Kite wove them into his ceaseless attacking as he leveraged his greater speed. While he mixed it up a bit, the katar was the weapon he returned to the most. It¡¯s blade had easily pierced the stone opponents so far, and did noticeable damage even through the bronze-rank damage resistance, especially when triggering sundering rifts inside his foe. The seneschal was quite tough though, compensating for its lack of speed. This meant that Kite for once saw the effects of his more long-term skills, such as the combined mana-draining from Chakra implosion and vortex of Spirit Singularity . A monster such as his foe did not use mana in the same way as an essence user, meaning that headache and unconsciousness did not occur. The lowering levels of mana did seem to make it even more sluggish though, and added to the mounting levels of physical damage the seneschal seemed to have had enough. In what Kite hoped would be a final deathrattle, it lifted what remained of its staff and released the cubic piece of stone which capped the top of the symbol of office turned implement of blunt-force trauma. The cube floated up and Kite could see a visible pulse as loose stones from all over being attracted to the cube, quickly forming a growing boulder above them. ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t.¡± Kite said under his breath as he threw a throwing star humming with dispelling force toward the cube. Unfortunately, the impact only loosened some gathered stone rather than bring the ability to a close. His dispelling wave which followed had even less impact, as the effect was too active and did not seem to count as a magical projectile. ¡°Fortune preserve me!¡± Kite half-shouted as he instead took a different approach. His foe seemed wholly invested in shaping the huge stone above, so Kite took a risk. Bracing a foot against a sculpted fold in the stone robe, he climbed up its torso and was left balancing one knee on its shoulder with an arm slung around its head. Kite raised his other hand, the katar appearing as he punched down straight into the top of the statue¡¯s head. As it pierced deep, Kite unleashed Potential of Stolen power into the sundering attack as a massive amount of spatial tears churned down from the blade and into the body of the statue. Not stopping to look up, he instead immediately followed with the activation of his katar, causing a conical blast of resonating force to shoot down into the statue¡¯s insides which had mostly been turned into a cracked mess by the previous attacks. Like a drop of water bursting, the statue¡¯s body exploded in a cloud of gravel, causing Kite to unceremoniously fall to the ground on top of what chunks of stone that had remained below it, still clutching the top of the seneschal''s head. Kite fell on his back, which was fortunate as it left him to see that the boulder forming above had come apart as well, the magic keeping together dissipating. It did not dissolve or otherwise affect the gathered stones however, some the size of Kite¡¯s head, and gravity had quickly resumed its grip on the small earthslide now falling back toward him. ¡°Oh gods- Void!¡± Kite managed to get out as the dark gate manifested above him. Some stones rattled around the protective hole in the world, but the stones which disappeared into the gate gave off no sound. Kite channeled mana to keep it steady for a goodly amount of additional seconds, only stopping once he felt his reserves of mana start to dwindle. Seeing only the cloudy sky with its slight green tint above him as the gate vanished, Kite relaxed back onto the pile of stone with a sigh. An orb floated into view, stopping directly above him. ¡°Congratulations, trial-taker! You have defeated one of the six rulers of this realm. Only five left to go before you have completed the trial.¡± Kite groaned.
Frost among Morning Dew stood unseen just outside of the clearing which housed the Jade-Sky gate, watching the initiates handle the waiting game rather differently. Most were relaxing, one young man was mostly training and meditating while the last, the one who had been defeated by Kite, were in different levels of anger and worry. It didn¡¯t look like the former disciple had slept properly lately. Dew was curious if it was one of them which had sent the messenger construct, a rather costly contraption no less, to the adventure society to inform them of the situation. Branch director LanCaire had sent a personal request for her to put her current contract on hold and resolve this situation. She did not know exactly why young Kite had warranted silver-rank intervention, but suspected it to be more about how the branch director detested any outside organizations intervening like this, especially the sects. Kite had apparently been inside the gate for a week. Time would supposedly tell if she would be needed to intervene when and if he came out, but Dew was a patient woman. And she would be paid either way.
Kite felt a bit silly at the depth of the sadness he was currently experiencing as he watched the charred remnants of his wooden armor laid out on the ground before him. It had been the second manifestation of his rather peculiar looting ability, and he it had felt like an old friend as it had been with him this whole time, from his first trip to Gilded, the battle against the bronze-rank wraith and his long time on the road with Dragonfly and Serene. Its strong self-repairing ability had always made it recover from any damage he had suffered, at least up until today. After his victory against the stone seneschal three days ago, he had pressed on into a domain clearly linked to the element of fire. Instead of dark, gray streets the platform had formed chaotic camps not unlike those Kite would associate with more wild, primitive people. The dwellings were a lot smaller and made of blackened wood still burning in places, although the flames never seemed to devour the logs. His enemies had mostly been formed around the same white threads, but unlike in the realm of stone they merged with the fires which burned around the platforms, shaping it around them to form bodies and weapons of flame. They had the same humanoid shape but employed more aggressive tactics, being a lot faster and numerous. Fortunately for Kite, and to Third¡¯s great dismay, his barriers and dispelling abilities were very effective against the flaming foes who had little physical substance and dealt their damage through their flames. His dispeling wave could almost snuff out the flames of all it passed through, leaving the very vulnerable white threads to be cut down before they could reform. He fought through waves of flaming silhouettes, axe-throwing ambushes and one time even a bull of solid fire. The flame ruler, or Warlord of Cinders as Third had proudly named it, had been a bit more of a challenge. It had wielded a single-bladed heavy axe glowing of brimstone, and its fiery form had been encased in obsidian armor. As the rest of the flaming domain, Kite had still been blessed with an easier time as it too relied on a few special attacks and waves of flame for damage rather than physical force and resilience. A few sundering attacks had cut away enough of its armor for Kite to start dispersing the flaming body. He would not call it easy, as striking above one¡¯s rank rarely was, but he had been in a lot less danger than when facing the stone seneschal. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. However, the battlefield had been ablaze in bronze-rank flames which the warlord had unleashed, many which covered a wider area not unlike the ability frequently used by Dragonfly. Those attacks could often partially spill around his barriers, and both frequent and sometimes more intense exposure to the flames had ruined the wooden armor as the self-repair enchantments had literally and figuratively burned out. ¡°Thank you for your service.¡± Kite somberly said to the remains of the armor. He had kept one of the gauntlets as a memento, it being relatively intact. The rest he left there to be consumed by the flames. The domain of fire had not been without its rewards though. As he had begun to search each platform rather thoroughly, he had thought that he had managed to find most of the secrets hidden by Third as it had created this realm. They were often guarded by more unique foes, and the quintessence, awakening stones and essences they guarded would sell for a good amount if he managed to get through the trial. He had asked Third why the treasures were almost always a variety of those kinds of items, and the orb had been happy to explain. ¡°Well, trial-taker, I have to make do with natural manifestations for those as my limited capabilities only lets me manipulate the manifested monsters. While I have the requisite knowledge for crafting, anything I made would be way too valuable and unique to be used for such a purpose.¡± ¡°So you are simply too skilled?¡± Kite had asked, curious. ¡°Well, yes. In a way. My memories and skills are limited to my task. I believe that my creator would have been able to adjust after specific needs. Unfortunately, my scope is too limited. I have, however, been able to repurpose some of the equipment left behind by trial-takers who failed so there might be some variety for you to find!¡± it had finished on a cheerful note. Kite thought that he might have stumbled upon such an item now, as the axe wielded by the warlord had not dissipated along with the creature. He had tried picking it up to get a feel for it, but it had quickly grown uncomfortable due to the item being of bronze rank. Kite didn¡¯t fret though, as he already had a use in mind for it in the future. What he did fret about was his sudden lack of armor. He did not come entirely unprepared, carrying a simple set of iron rank armor in his bags, but he felt that simple would not be enough in a place like this. Before he started bringing it out of his bag, he took the time to meditate. This helped him noticed something he had pushed to the back of his mind as he had mourned his faithful wooden companion; his looting ability was ready to manifest again. Apparently, defeating two dangerous bronze-rank opponents in addition to the slew of iron-rank ones had filled it to capacity very quickly. Kite was torn between a hope that the ability would once more oblige to his needs and incredulity that fortune could be so kind to anyone, least of all him. That was why he almost fell over in a mix of surprise, disbelief and elation as the rainbow vortex first produced vambraces, followed by a helmet and then the rest of the pieces of a suit of armor in a steady stream as they clattered to the ground. He took out the token he received just before starting this very journey, rubbing it with his thumb. ¡°I know you can¡¯t hear me in here, but know that I remain ever grateful.¡± he said in a mumbled prayer. He couldn¡¯t help imagining how such an action would have Dragonfly teasing him for his so-called earnestness while Serene would give him her most dignified approval. Putting the token away securely, he started piecing together what his ability had produced.
WWJS: [Item] Armor of Earthen Flow Iron rank - epic [Effect] Increases the wearer¡¯s physical strength [Effect] May absorb stone and similar materials to self-repair, even from near total destruction. This includes stone-based attacks of the same rank. Attacks of a higher ranks may not be entirely absorbed. When this armor would repair above maximum integrity, excess material is converted into an ablative protective barrier up to a certain limit. [Effect] Increased durability
¡°It does look quite impressive, at least for such a paltry rank.¡± Third observed as it and Kite looked at the armor. It was a suit of heavier armor seemingly made of matte stone in the familiar gray shade of the stone domain. It looked solid, if plain and its design felt a bit foreign from the often brightly painted armor and colorful tassels which was favored in the lands of Hua-Xi. At least among those who wished to be noticed. ¡°And it looks heavier than my previous armor. But one should not inspect the feathers of a gift chicken. I better try it on and get a feel for it.¡± Kite stated. It was fortunate that his power had so far only manifested items that would fit him in regards to size. Kite quickly recognized that the inherently magical nature of the armor had it trim down on certain aspects in favor of integrity, such as buckles and hinges. After familiarizing himself with its magic, something he was only able to do instinctively with the items created by his power, he channeled a touch of mana into the breastplate which he held against his chest. The stone became almost liquid and flowed around his torso before hardening into position once more. ¡°Donning it should be a quick procedure at least. What ever would we do without magic?¡± he mused with satisfaction as he continued. While the stone armor was indeed heavier than his earlier set, it also seemed to enhance his strength. Kite could feel a low hum of power through his body as he donned more of the pieces. The end result was a pleasant surprise, as the increase in physical strength allowed him to move easier, landing at around the same level of mobility as previously, if not slightly better. While his boosted strength was not close to the equal of someone like Dragonfly with an essence ability, it still was a noticeable difference. Kite mused that his previous two manifestations had felt noticeably more powerful than many of the earlier results. He concluded it must be a result of the ability ranking up and reaching some kind of threshold, as it almost felt too good to be true. But in the dangerous life of an adventurer, there was no such thing as equipment too good. After performing some practice motions, lunges, leaps and rolls to get a feel for his movement, Kite tried activating its stone-absorbing ability. Small fragments from the stone around him seemed to liquefy and flow to him, glowing slightly with heat before settling over his armor. Where it settled, it formed into black obsidian ridges not unlike scales. He kept absorbing as much as it could handle, until every piece of the armor had been reinforced. It had added some weight, but not enough to hamper him noticeably. ¡°This looks rather imposing. Almost sinister.¡± Kite stated with a mix of awe and trepidation. The smooth, glossy scales ended in rather sharp points. ¡°I will have to ask Serene for advice in accessorizing, unless I want people to assume that I am some tyrant¡¯s knight from a story. I would not want people to begin calling me ¡®the evil one¡¯, after all.¡±
¡°Heavens, I wonder whichever of the domains this could be?¡± Kite asked aloud in amused sarcasm. He had fought through two more platforms in the fire domain, whose ruler had resided on its central platform as if in the middle of its clan encampment. From afar he had seen that the territory seemed to connect with multiple others, and had mostly chosen a path at random. He would need to get to each and every one, after all. This had now left him standing in front of a slightly curved wall of water, the outer edge of a liquid dome which covered the whole platform. The water was murky, and Kite could only see the vague outlines of what he assumed to be buildings made of huge seashells. ¡°Fortunately, I at least came prepared.¡± Reaching down into one of his dimensional bags, he produced a thin choker made of blue jade with a big lapis lazuli adorning its side. It was one of the more situational magical items Kite had purchased before leaving on the trip. The choker, when clasped around his neck, would allow him to breath underwater for time, which could be extended by Kite actively channeling mana into it. He did not wear it all the time to save on the item¡¯s internal mana reserves, which was absolutely the only reason. Not at all because he thought that the item made him look like someone''s pet. Pragmatism did win in the end, as the item had been affordable due to the simple enchantment. Fortunately for Kite, his resistance to movement restrictions through Implacable motion also alleviated a lot of the awkwardness of moving through water, so he was able to save a good bit of money by not having to account for that need. That money had been well-spent elsewhere. After putting on the item, he pushed in through the wall of water. It was pleasantly warm, to his surprise, but he quickly realized that was probably the only pleasant aspect of what was to come. The water was as murky inside as it had looked from the outside, visibility quickly dropping. As he moved cautiously into the domain, faint lights started to become visible around him. His armored weight stayed comfortably on the stone floor of the platform. There were apparently plants growing down here, all of them luminescent to some degree. He could see long strands of seaweed gently swaying, covered in tiny dots of lights which were strong enough to be seen from afar but not strong enough to light up their surroundings. Small glowing jellyfish floated here and there as well, along with a myriad of other slightly glowing but ultimately harmless marine life. The whole experience was very fascinating to Kite, as his part of the autumn lands was far away from any major bodies of water. He had been to a few lakes, but his experience of water was mostly the myriads of small streams and rivers out in the forests. The alien dark landscape dotted with small, gently moving lights had a dangerous and mystical beauty to it. The danger was quickly highlighted as Kite was brought out of his reverie by a series of the small lights which suddenly swirled and flickered, only noticing it properly due to the wide field of view provided by his perception power. He did not even have the time to bring up a barrier before multiple tentacles had wrapped around his face, shoulders and left arm while a painful pressure clamped down on his armored shoulder and multiple stinging points could be felt all over half of his face. Reacting half in panic, Kite''s punching dagger appeared in one hand and started to stab wildly at whatever it was that had grappled him while his other hand, half restrained, tore at the long limbs that had wrapped around him. There were some furious seconds of struggle, as Kite¡¯s rather panicked special attacks started to affect his assailant. Not knowing what his foe was, he simply went through them all. As he struggled, he could feel a burning sensation spreading through his body as well which only made his efforts more frenzied as he could feel his limbs weakening slightly. He managed to choke out ¡°wall!¡±, before he started slamming his assailant into the force wall through repeated tackling in addition to the rest of his struggles. Finally, the limbs grasping him released their hold as whatever it was attempted to retreat. Frustration, fear and fury guided Kite¡¯s hand as he brought his spear out in a swift motion and skewered the fleeing creature before it could get too far. It was only then that his panicked mind started to remember the many meditative techniques he had been taught to use in these very situations, and Kite was inwardly chiding himself as he turned to whatever had attacked him. Floating in the water was something akin to a squid, Kite recognizing some of the traits from pictures in books. It was about the size of his torso, with a body slightly dark green and covered with glowing spots. Ten tentacles hung from its body, now limp, each of them having small suction cups covered in needle-like teeth. In the middle of the body and circled by the tentacles was a circular mouth also filled with larger teeth, looking sharp and rugged enough to carve through steel if they got enough time. On top of its optimal camouflage and disturbing physique, Kite was now fairly certain that it was venomous as he still felt weaker than he should. A prolonged grapple would not have gone well for him. All the beauty of the alien landscape had suddenly vanished to Kite, as the swaying seaweed now only promised danger. Backing up against a stone, he continued trying to calm his mind as he produced a small pill to counteract the poison, thankful for his dimensional pouches keeping his items safe. His thoughts went to Adelaide who had always thought the pills of the region to be weird, much preferring potions. Kite had always liked the portability and quick ingestion of the pills, but he had to give her some merit as unprotected pills probably would not fare as well in the water as a glass bottle. Another thought, this time in thanks, was sent to auntie Dove and the large quantity of such pills she had made sure to fill his bag with before they had left Starberry peak. As the cleansing effect washed through his body, in addition to some healing from another pill, he slowly started to relax slightly and take stock. This domain would require a lot more caution, to be sure. If his path had been different he might have felt at home there in the darkness and murk, but alas it was not for him or the training he had received so far. Kite continued to creep along the more open areas of the watery domain, trying to stay a lot more alert and always have his back against something solid. Fortunately, the stealthy ambushing squid was not the most plentiful foe he would come to face in the dark. As he felt a pair of iron-rank auras approach, Kite almost sighed in relief as the familiar white streamers came shooting through the water, stopping a short distance away as the water started solidifying around them and encasing them in ice. The end result was some kind of crustacean-centaur, the lower body sporting multiple legs as the more upright torso only had two arms ending in a vice-like pincer. They did not sport heads in the usual sense, instead only having a cluster of eyes and antennae where their shoulders met. Kite thought that they were so far the largest form manifested by the strange, white threads which was the actual creature, and hoped that this meant that they wouldn¡¯t manifest in great numbers. Still, he thanked fortune for a straight up fight as he charged at the creatures, boxing one off with a conjured wall while engaging the other in a more measured melee. Their pincers were powerful and they moved surprisingly well from side to side, but it was ultimately an easier and more controlled fight. As he was shattering the last of the pair, he felt a bit more of his earlier confidence and steadied himself. His path had to be harder to shake than that if he were to survive this trial.
¡°I wonder how Kite is doing. It has been twelve days since he left. Is that good? Or bad?¡± Dragonfly was musing as she idly chewed on the grilled lizard leg which master Force had handed her. The mentor-student pair sat in their camp somewhere in the wilderness, on their way to hunt down a bronze-rank sodden shambler which had manifested in the rice fields of a village south of Gilded. ¡°From what little I have heard, it varies wildly. Some have emerged after but five days while others stay inside for a month. The trials apparently vary quite a lot in scope and shape.¡± Force of Raging Torrent, Dragonfly¡¯s master, responded calmly from where she was meditating. Opening one eye, she affixed her student with her gaze. ¡°Speaking of Kite, have you told him yet?¡± ¡°No¡­¡± Dragonfly sighed. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°You know why. It makes me sad.¡± ¡°Sometimes sadness-¡± ¡°-is a part of all paths. I know, master. But I will miss him. And Serene. And Glint too.¡± ¡°Then all the more reason for you to tell them. Besides, it will not be for that long that you will be separated.¡± ¡°But it could be years!¡± ¡°What are years on the long path towards the heavens?¡± ¡°That¡¯s easy for you to say. You have already lived through so many of them compared to me.¡± Master Force sighed. ¡°In that, you are correct, dear Dragonfly. And if all goes well, I will soon have many more. Silver rank is close now. The next step feels almost inevitable. But take the advice from someone who, which you correctly pointed out, have lived for longer than you. Giving them the chance to mourn a separation and cherish the time up until it occurs is a lot more merciful than the pain of a sudden loss.¡± Dragonfly sat hiding in her mass of pink curls, but still nodded her assent after a moment of silence. ¡°You are right, master.¡± ¡°Come, dear student. I sense a group of monsters nearby. Ogres, I think. Better to find that strength you have always strived for. If only the strength to tell them when you next meet.¡± 28. Sulking ¡°Soooo¡­ What do you think so far? I wanted to change up the ambience a little with the water domain. Mysterious, beautiful, dangerous. It did¡­¡± Third had started before trailing off. ¡°I believe I can sense some hostility from you aura there, trial-taker. A thirst for vengeance against the foes I have created for you, mayhap¡± Kite currently sat on one of the bridges leading between platforms. He was tired, wounded and very, very wet. He had cleared two more platforms in the water domain, and things had unfortunately not been either straightforward nor pleasant. The crustacean-centaurs made of ice were not too bad, but they had been joined by smaller fishes of ice which fired spikes of ice at him while keeping their distance, often higher up in the water domes. He thought he had managed to get to a certain level of proficiency in handling them, but those damnable squids kept popping up when Kite was least ready to handle them. Just before stumbling out on the bridge where he was currently resting, Kite had been hard pressed by three pairs of pincers as the squid had struck, and he had almost fallen out of the watery dome and off the edge while trying to get the creature off him. Had it not been for a fully-charged Sage destroying two of the snipping ¡®centaurs¡¯, things might have gotten worse. A lot worse. Kite was about to give the orb a rather sharply worded answer as Glint floated up from her bottle, apparently sensing Kite¡¯s distress. It had mostly been him checking in on her during the last days inside the gate, convincing her to stay cooped up inside as it was dangerous. In her usual manner, she had still taken every opportunity to take a look about and right now Kite was too distracted to mind her. As the carp fussed about him, he felt himself drying as she started gathering the water clinging to his skin and gathering it into a freely floating ball of water. He idly reached out a hand to stroke her smooth scales, his frustration giving way to thoughtfulness as he pondered on how to to approach the challenges ahead. Suddenly, a thought struck him as he looked at the shimmering, pink little carp, followed by a sharply worded internal reprimand against himself. Kite turned to Third, a wide smile on his face. The construct, apparently missing out on the dangerous gleam in Kite¡¯s eyes, interpreted it as approval. ¡°Ah, so you approve of it, trial-taker? You seemed to be struggling a bit, so I was worried, but your stoic approach to adversity is to be commended! ¡°Yes indeed, dear Third. This challenge has truly forced me to rethink things. I believe that I have learned quite a lot. And I even have a new idea on how to approach this domain. Call it a previously overlooked asset. Truly, one¡¯s path never ceases to provide lessons.¡± he said, voice slightly tinted with glee.
¡°I must at least make another informal protest, trial-taker. Since I am the deviser of this realm, I know this is not how the challenge was intended to be conquered.¡± Third complained for the ninth time as it floated not far from Kite. The young man was currently in one of the watery domes, but near the top. He sat mounted on Glint in her enlarged form, calmly firing arrow after arrow down towards four of the crustacean-centaurs who milled about on the platform beneath him. Around him were the remains of the ever-frustrating smaller ice fish, destroyed with ease once Kite had actually thought to make use of one of his most formidable aquatic assets; his bound familiar. Glint was normally bound rather close to the ground, which meant that even humanoid foes could usually reach her with attacks. Due to this, Kite had kept her in her bottle as he didn¡¯t want to risk her being hurt when there was little to be gained. In the water domain, this changed drastically. Not only was she free to traverse the whole sphere, but her water control could greatly hamper the movement of their foes as she could direct the water to fight against their movements. This was no paralysis by any means, but the small, fragile ice fish who usually relied on staying out of reach had been laughably easy to dispatch when Kite could both reach them in close combat and reduce their speed. The ambushing kelp squids, as Kite had named them in his mind, also suffered from the familiar¡¯s presence as they needed to launch themselves further to reach Kite and were rather easy targets once out in the more open waters of the upper parts of the dome. The poor crustacean-centaurs fared the worst, as they were too heavy to swim upward in the domes and lacked ranged alternatives, leaving Kite to finish them off at range at his leisure. It was not very quick, but very reliable. After claiming the treasure guarded by the four monsters, more quintessence and an awakening stone, Kite at least tried placating the frustrated construct. ¡°It was a great challenge, Third. It really was. Rarely have I felt so paranoid and wary as when I traversed those murky depths.¡± ¡°Really?¡± The orb asked, sulking but with a slight hope in its voice. ¡°Really¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°This would have been the result against almost anyone with water as part of their path. I was lucky that my familiar could help me navigate it just now. I believe it might be wise to give your designs some thoughts after this. Challenges more heavily skewed, such as this domain, will give more uneven results. Some will struggle, almost facing an impossible challenge while others might have abilities which trivializes it all. It is up to you on how you test the trial-takers of course, but if you are meant to test any and all paths, then it might be worth thinking of keeping to the more balanced approach for each domain. Give more options and make the enemies more versatile, maybe?¡± Having spent almost two weeks with only Glint and the orb as company, Kite had gotten quite adept when reasoning regarding the different challenges. He even found it rather fun to discuss different trials with the orb, as long as he could distance himself from the thought that his suggestions might spell death for real people in the future. Third seemed a lot more cheerful as they talked about it, discussing back and forth with Kite as he walked toward the next dome. It felt nice not being completely alone in that foreign realm.
As Serene sat in solitary contemplation, she felt a transcendent tune harmonize with her as the song of her goddess joined with hers. ¡°My singer, your worry can be heard in your timbre. While it provides bittersweet longing, it is not the ultimate song of your path.¡± ¡°I am sorry, my lady goddess. It is merely mortal folly, to worry about what I can¡¯t affect at the moment. I just hope that Kite does not feel too lonely inside the trial. Ever since I met him, I¡¯ve felt that it is among people that he really comes into his own. He has always done well on his own, but I think that something is missing when he is alone. It is like his path is not only one to power, but also one towards people. That earnest curiosity¡­¡± ¡°Which led to your paths converging in the first place. As I said before, it was an important moment that will probably affect your song for decades to come, my singer. I know that moment, and he, is important to you, but I will urge you again; Trust in him. Fortune has a good eye toward him, as she has to most who appreciates what they have while keeping their curiosity for more. But to aid you, I have a distraction for you, to prepare for when you ascend to the next step. An important secret of my clergy, one that you have earned, little singer. Now listen well, and sing along with me.¡±
Kite felt that his current conflict was going better than expected as he was weaving through clusters of seashell houses while pursued by glowing, thin tendrils. Unlike his previous battles in the underwater dome, this one was well lit thanks to the water ruler which hovered ominously in the upper parts of the dome. Third had called it the Water¡¯s Light, and it came in the shape of a huge, gelatinous body which pulsated frequently to keep itself in place. From the body hung myriads of tendrils, quite thin on such a huge body but very numerous. The whole creature was glowing with an inner blue light, which would have been rather pretty if Kite didn¡¯t have a distinct feeling that the creature was very dangerous. So far, he had been able to avoid being grasped by the blue threads pursuing him. He did not know how the eyeless creature tracked him, but suspected some form of supernatural senses. Wherever he could, he slashed with his sword to chop off what he could of the tendrils, but it seemed to be able to regrow them steadily. What had him at least a bit confident of putting up a fight was that Kite had made a guess, and seemed to have guessed correctly. Every time he had sliced off parts of the tendrils, there had been a distinct blue pulse shooting through the body of the gelatinous creature. This had led Kite to believe that the heightened regeneration had not been an innate regeneration, but an activated and sustained effect. And Kite knew quite well what to do with those. As such, he had begun hitting the tendrils again or even firing arrows up into the main body of the thing, his dispelling force causing the light to wink out and the tendrils to stop regrowing. And as such he had continued, the pressure gradually easing up on him as the tendrils shortened. Just as he thought that this would be the way to ride out this challenge, the creature seemed to reach the end of what patience that was contained in the unsettling, glowing body. Its inner light suddenly changed to an angry red, and points of light began gathering in spots on its body and at the tips of each tendril. Kite had a bad feeling and dashed toward one of the seashell houses, but he was not fast enough. A pulse of red light spread through its body and each tendril fired a thin, straight beam of energy straight out from it. Most tendrils were floating freely and not pointing anywhere in particular, causing the discharged attack to create a momentary web of magical death throughout the dome. Some were pointing at Kite though, who managed to get a barrier up just in time to catch the beams. He had a moment to realize his mistake as the beams, apparently disruptive force, punched through his barrier like drills through paper. His armor was hit in multiple places and Kite felt pain course through him. Fortunately, the armor protected better than the barriers but the rank disparity hampered its protective ability. As Kite saw the lights charging up again, he realized that he might need to take a risk here. But as he would not be the only one, he first needed to ask his companion as well. Ducking into one of the seashell houses, he sent his thoughts and intentions to Glint. He got a determined affirmative response, and together they awaited the next discharge. Kite felt it more than saw it, as even his rudimentary magical senses found it hard to miss. The roof cracked and fell apart, and up from the newly made hole came a huge, shimmering carp bearing her bonded essence user. The pair flew through the waters, Glint making impressive evasive maneuvers as the next discharge had been built up. She dove through the net of energy beams which flashed into existence before winking out, actively pushing at the aiming tendrils through her control over the water in an attempt to throw off their aim. As the attack winked out, she instead swam up toward the base of the creature where those very tendrils were connected to the rest of its bulbous form. All Kite had to do was hold out his greatsword at his side, as Glint started making small charges who each passed by a couple of tendrils at a time. The blade chopped through the thin appendages, and after a couple of passes and dodging two more salvos of energy beams, every tendril was cropped down relatively close to the semi-translucent body. By this time, Kite was gritting his teeth through another wound as a stray beam had hit him, but in this scenario it had been Glint¡¯s safety that both their lives were depending on. ¡°My turn to take over. You have done very well, Glint.¡± Kite relayed via their link as he guided her upward, towards the top of the monstrosity. As they passed above it, another discharge had been built up. This time, it was harmlessly sent toward the now empty platform below as the monster¡¯s tendrils were too short to aim at Kite without firing through its own body. Glint shrank back to her original size as Kite dropped down to land on the top of the gelatinous beast. He could feel a tingle through his greaves, thankful for the stone armor between him and the creatures. Then he brought forth his spear and started stabbing downwards. Void rifts, dispelling strikes, mana-implosions and transcendent light wracked the bulbous monster as Kite rained down what attacks he could. Its size and nature gave it little ability to shake him off, as its movements were simply too slow and ponderous. Feeling it weakening after a time, he gave a command to Sage, along with power stored by Kite during this whole battle. The floating symbol of his familiar aimed down and the dark spaces which constituted its body started glowing as Kite gifted it the charges from Potential of Stolen Power. As he did, he saw Sage¡¯s lines configure into a new symbol of the idiographic language which constituted his form. He didn¡¯t have the chance to interpret its meaning before the power stored in the familiar, boosted by Kite¡¯s own ability, was unleashed. Normally, the attack took the shape of a channeled beam of either disruptive or resonating force. Now, it instead sent out a storm of small, glowing motes of energy which covered a wide area in front of the familiar. In this case, that meant the whole top of the creature¡¯s body. As the motes landed on the monster, everything was still for a moment. Then one of the motes detonated in a small shockwave, blue from the disruptive force as resonating force probably would be rather ineffective against the gelatinous creature. The first detonation reached multiple adjacent motes of light which detonated in turn, causing a devastating chain reaction to spread over the whole top of the huge foe. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. It bucked and spasmed beneath Kite¡¯s feet for a few seconds, almost succeeding in throwing the young man off its back before it stilled. Standing there ready to strike again, Kite waited for five heartbeats, then five more. ¡°Congratulations, trial-taker! You have defeated three out of six rulers of this trial. Only three more to go!¡±
An hour later, Kite was sitting deep in meditation. He had found a seashell building close to a bridge which seemed to lead to a new domain, apparently of the wood element as he could see the thick jungle covering the large platform. While hard to gauge at a distance, he thought it to be the largest platform so far. But right at this moment, Kite was on the precipice of something else. He had felt it being close for a while now, something just beyond his reach. Apparently, his triumph here in the water domain had pushed that something over the edge, as a gray light with flickering streams of bronze shone from his body.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Gaze of Adamance] has reached bronze 0. [Gaze of Adamance] has received additional effects. Gaze of Adamance Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Provides perfect peripheral vision and increased ability to swiftly process visual stimuli. Effect - bronze: Gives the ability to see magic and magical effect. May be activated for a cost of low mana per second to provide 360-degree vision.
Kite could feel an icy cold pass through his eyes, followed by a rather painful burning sensation. He did his best to endure, having been warned about this phenomenon by both uncle Walker and master Stone, and continued to sit with eyes closed even as the pain faded away in an attempt to let his body adjust internally to the changes. After a while, he was no longer able to contain his curiosity and opened his eyes. An almost overwhelming amount of new sensory stimuli bombarded his mind. Not only was his eyesight sharper, but everything had a completely new layer to it as he could now see the magic infusing the world around him. And inside the astral space, there was a lot of magic. All of the water around him had a certain tint which he realized was its water affinity, as did the long seaweed seen through the round, open door of the seashell house. Glint was shimmering even more lustrous than before, and he had to almost avert his eyes from Third who was currently hovering nearby. ¡°Each new step on one¡¯s path is like being reborn.¡± Kite quoted from a book which auntie Crow had him read even before leaving Starberry peak for the first time. ¡°I believe I can understand the sentiment.¡± The world felt truly new as he gazed upon it with, literally, new eyes as they had been reforged through the increasing magic in his body and soul. But he felt that his ability provided something more as well, and he tentatively activated that part of his new perception power. He fell over where he sat as a wave of dizziness threatened to empty a stomach which had not eaten food for over two weeks. Having long since adjusted to his perfect peripheral vision, he realized that now being able to see in every direction around him at once was a different beast entirely, especially as his spirit attribute had not yet reached the bronze rank of his perception power. ¡°This¡­ this will need some adjusting to.¡± he croaked where he lay, Glint hovering concerned above him. Kite took a full day to rest up after the water domain, and most of that day was spent trying to acclimate himself to the new mode of vision available to him. He found that practicing in short bursts was the most manageable way, as he could gradually sustain it for longer and longer. At the beginning he remained in the closed off, still space of the seashell house before eventually moving carefully around the platform. The murky water helped limit the amount of impressions, even if the gently swaying seaweed all around him caused new bouts of nausea. After many hours spent practicing with his new power and perception exercises taught to him by his uncle, Kite felt a bit more reassured to be able to use the ability without hampering himself, but he would probably still need to limit himself to shorter bursts while he waited for his spirit attribute to catch up. As he was walking over the bridge towards the jungle canopy of the much larger platform in front of him, Kite was talking idly with Third. ¡°May I ask things about previous trial-takers?¡± he wondered, posing it as a question to the construct. ¡°You may, trial-taker, but only regarding things that you have already witnessed yourself.¡± ¡°When was the last time someone passed this trial then?¡± ¡°So far, not one person has.¡± This caused Kite to halt, turning to the construct. ¡°No one? At all?¡± ¡°Not this particular trial, no. Each one is uniquely crafted as the gate assumes control over the magic inside the proto-space. As long as the officiator can construct a stable trial, the gate will allow it to remain until a trial-taker clears it, spending the magic of the gate. After that, the gate will depart and the proto-space will dissolve along its natural course.¡± Third explained. As usual, it seemed more than happy to share surface-level information about the trials. ¡°Then, how many have attempted to clear this particular trial?¡± Kite continued. ¡°During the one hundred and two years since the deployment of this gate, you are the fourteenth trial-taker. Before you there have been three trials of iron rank, eight of bronze rank and one of silver rank.¡± ¡°You mentioned that before; that the trial is adjusted after the rank of the trial-taker. Could people of even higher ranks make an attempt?¡± ¡°They can, but due to the low levels of ambient mana in this region, the jade-sky gate would be unable to sustain a gold-rank trial. As such, a gold rank token will not work with a gate at this location.¡± Kite wanted to ask more, but they were drawing near the jungle-filled platform and he needed to be more alert. The jungle seemed thick but not impassable, and there were paths leading away from the small patch of open ground where the bridge ended and the platform began. As he stepped on the platform, he felt the familiar softness of the woodland ground, even though the plant life was quite different. He continued to make pulses with his evolved perception power, satisfied that he could endure it for longer and longer now. Casting a forlorn gaze over his shoulder along the bridge to the water domain, one such pulse revealed that a monster was currently leaping straight for him as it had shot out from the vegetation. It had apparently taken the opportunity as his back was turned, and was almost upon him with great speed. Kite only had the time to slightly duck, not having the time for even his short spell chants. Claws raked across his stone armor and side of his head, fortunately not too deep. There was still quite a lot of blood pouring down the side of his head as the beast passed him and landed in front of him. It was a huge feline, not unlike the moss prowler he had fought in the early days of his training. This particular one was larger, with leaves and even flowers growing out of its back, the rest of its body consisting of green fur and pieces of bark like armor. It was only up close that Kite could feel its bronze-rank aura as it gave him a glance before leaping back into the jungle around him and disappeared. Kite remained where he was, rattled and on edge by the sudden ambush as he popped a healing pill into his mouth while frantically looking about. Third, on the other hand, seemed elated by the encounter. ¡°Ah, the Woodland¡¯s Alpha. I thought that it would be interesting if the wood domain broke the pattern a bit, so I made it into one huge platform with the ruler instead prowling around as a constant threat. Will the hunted be able to become the hunter? Only time will-¡± Kite stopped listening as he had detected a slight rustle behind him via his perception power, and only a moment later the alpha tried pouncing at him again. More ready this time around, he had the time to chant a clipped ¡°ward¡±. There had not been time to take many steps into the woodland domain before the feline had attacked. The force wall sprang up between Kite and the alpha, but at an angle. As it was airborne and unable to do anything to change its trajectory, the beast collided with the wall while its forward motion carried it onward along the translucent barrier to where it ended. At the edge of the platform Not simply surrendering to such an unexpected tactic, the woodland alpha shot out a few roots to anchor itself in the edge of the platform just as it went over. At this time, Kite was already turning, greatsword in full swing toward his foe, covered in sundering spatial tears [Void-Sunders-Firmament]. In the final instant he adjusted the angle just slightly, and cleanly severed the closest chunk of earth and stone from the platform. The very chunk where the beast had anchored itself. That was why Kite and Third could only listen to a yowl of fury which quickly grew more distant as the ruler of the woodland domain fell toward the cloud cover far, far beyond. Silence reigned between them for a long minute. ¡°Trial-taker?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°I believe I am rather cross with you.¡±
¡°Grand elder Lark.¡± The statement was curt and neutral, as mistress Dew didn¡¯t even open her eyes where she sat in meditation among the trees, just beyond the clearing which housed the jade-sky gate. ¡°Frost among Morning Dew.¡± The grand elder greeted in return as he had just appeared standing a few meters away from the seated woman. Both had their auras thoroughly restrained so as to remain undetected by the young men waiting near the gate. ¡°What might an adventurer of your stature be doing just lazing about our territory?¡± Lark continued. ¡°Keeping an eye on things. It is a contract.¡± ¡°Why was the sect not informed first then? It would be well within our capabilities to handle any issues within our territory.¡± ¡°Even if it is your very own initiates who are the problem?¡± ¡°The initiates are doing nothing wrong.¡± ¡°Oh really? An interesting definition there, grand elder. I would say that lying in ambush for a trial-taker of the jade-sky gate has gone rather far beyond the limits for decency already.¡± ¡°A student of the Victorious Sunset sect is beyond reproach from the likes of you, outcast. The simple reason of what they are makes their actions honorable in the eyes of the heavens.¡± the grand elder sneered. He had already begun making plans for righteous retribution since the last time he had met this woman, and there was no way that he would let her meddle in sect affairs again. ¡°I believe that the adventure society would have strong opinions regarding that as well.¡± mistress Dew stated, an amused smile on her lips which did nothing to hide the frost in her tone. ¡°And I do not care what your society thinks. That branch director of yours thinks that he can come here and start to claim power and rights which have been the sects for generations. That institution is merely one of servants, who provide glorious opportunity for the actual warriors of these lands. If you think I will let you interfere in my initiates¡¯ business here, on our lands, then you are gravely mistaken.¡± The grand elder was still calm, but his words had a definite growling tone to them. ¡°And the queen¡¯s law-¡± ¡°Is nothing, not in the lands of our sect. We are the only power here.¡± ¡°I believe that she might disagree.¡± mistress Dew stated, actual amusement in her voice. ¡°An empty throne rules no one.¡± ¡°So you mean to hinder me enacting it then? If the trial-taker succeeds?¡± ¡°What I will hinder is you overstepping your bounds on our lands. It would be my pleasure to show you the error of your actions.¡± Mistress Dew smiled. ¡°Then it will be very interesting to see how this all plays out, won¡¯t it?¡±
During his whole time fighting through the jungle plateau, Kite had endured a constant stream of sulking grumbling from Third. As he had fought off elusive warriors made of plant and vine, Third had sulked. As he had avoided giant carnivorous plants, Third had sulked. And as he finally defeated a huge, five-armed ape guardian which had flung heaven-knows-what at him to attack, Third had been sulking. Taking the orbs perspective, Kite could understand its frustration as its carefully crafted scenario had gotten a rather anticlimactic end. It did feel as if something had been lacking during most encounters, and Kite shuddered at the thought of constantly staying on watch for the bronze-rank ambusher throughout this whole plateau. ¡°Third, I understand that you are disappointed. But I will not apologize.¡± Kite repeated for the thirtieth time. *Grumble grumble* ¡°-put wings on everything next time-¡± *grumble grumble* Was the orb¡¯s mumbled response. They were currently housed in a small cave found on the huge plateau of the wood domain. Kite had thoroughly checked the space for anything hostile. Ignoring the grumbling of the orb, he fell into meditation. While it was not directly quantifiable, he did feel that he was making good progress. Kite preferred to fight along his companions, but had to admit that the solo-challenge was a good way to really push his abilities to their utmost. ¡°But on the other hand, what about someone like Serene? Her path has so much worth but would be woefully inadequate for a challenge such as this. Independent strength surely cannot be the only way to reach the heavens. There must be a reason to push some people¡¯s path like this though. Why else would the Queen of Jade and Sky create something so wondrous, if deadly?¡± he mused, before once more clearing his mind and falling deeper into the meditation. Kite slept in that very cave after sweeping the area around it and setting up a few alarm rituals which would warn him if anything crept close. As he had done so, he had once more sent thoughts of thanks to auntie Crow. Kite was by no means an expert ritualist, but the thorough understanding of the basics had him proficient enough for a couple of every-day magic rituals when he felt that the small expense in materials was worth it. The basic cleansing ritual had been much appreciated by his whole group during their time on the road. While nowhere close to the cleaning power of many alchemical compounds, such as the vaunted crystal wash, it had still been a lot better than having to bathe in the wilds of the Autumn lands during the winter. As he awoke, he once more had a moment to appreciate the increasing physical benefits of his gradually rising attributes. The cave floor had not been very comfortable through his bedroll, but where he once would have been stiff for almost the whole day afterwards, any such aches were swiftly dealt with by his increased recovery attribute. According to what he had been told, this was only a first and rather minor step as his body would move away from mortal limits entirely. Kite had scouted out the different bridges towards the final two domains, one which seemed to be perpetually wreathed in a storm, occasional lightning flashing. The other was instead completely still, a grand castle of gleaming, unyielding metal. Having already made his choice, Kite set out toward what he assumed to be the domain of air. The final stretch on the trial of the jade-sky gate had begun. 29. Appropriately pleasing Brave Walker of Paths, or just Walker as he was known to most, was moving through the dense woodlands west of Gilded. Where most others followed paths and trails, he walked where he pleased as his steps covered a lot more distance in his favored environment. He had a handful of abilities, most coming from his domain confluence essence, which made traversing and operating in forested environments almost laughably easy as the terrain itself actively assisted him. Currently, his senses were spread wide through the flora around him, picking up scurrying animals and the rustling of wind in the canopies. The myriad impressions were like old friends to him, easily manageable and supremely helpful. He sensed some iron-rank monsters here and there, but mostly just noted their locations to notify the adventure society later. Any suitable bronze-rank ones he took the time to hunt down, as the road to silver rank was almost at its end. Walker had taken longer than most active adventurers to get through bronze rank, but he felt no rush. Most of his contracts were as a courier to far flung locations in the Autumn lands, where his skill set could be put to the best use to help the largest number of people. An adventurer¡¯s life was long, as long as they survived the dangers of the moment. He felt a pang of nostalgia as he remembered when he was fresh out of the transition to bronze, over eighteen years ago now, and was on a very special contract with a very special delivery. But at the moment, Walker was not on a delivery. He was scouting. And the result of said scouting had him concerned. Sensing that he was closing in on his next location, he allowed the undergrowth to meld around him like a cloak, hiding both aura and location most effectively. It was an ability of his hunt essence, optimal for stalking out his prey and to help him avoid danger. He had to remain the hunter, after all. After avoiding some hidden alarm rituals, he could confirm another site. There was a cave that he could spot from up in the branches of a tree. Some basic cloaking formations hid it from most casual observers, but the plants in the area told Walker all he needed to know. The hidden but not very observant iron-rank guard outside was also quite the giveaway that this place was very much inhabited, and for quite a while now as well. Without making any sounds, Walker noted the location and retreated from the area. His insides were at war. He understood the need to not tip their hands too early; that the branch director was gathering forces for an unprecedentedly ambitious assault on the remnants of the fallen sect. Their foes were spread out and no one in Gilded wanted them to be forewarned and scatter even further. But Walker also knew what these deviants did to people, no matter which of the dark paths they were on. And he knew that every delay would mean more innocent people falling into their clutches. But what concerned Walker the most were the numbers. He knew that the wild Autumn lands were a haven for people escaping from more civilized lands, usually hunted for crimes and unsavory businesses. It seemed that the lax and infrequent attempt to root out the remains of the fallen sect had been so inadequate that it instead was given the time to expand, absorbing or preying others already cast out. It was time to return to Gilded and report to the branch director that this would not merely be a punitive expedition. It would be a war. Small of scale, scattered and spread out, but a war nonetheless.
It had been with relative ease that Kite had spent his first two days in the air domain, by whatever measure that a frequent life-and-death struggle could ever be called easy. Many of the monsters present were rather amorphous, semi-corporal entities who attacked with almost exclusively magical attacks which started to generate electrical charges within themselves while attempting to push Kite around with strong gusts of wind. As Kite was very resistant to such pushes and as his dispelling attacks dissipated the gathering lightning, easily noticeable by his new magical perception, they fell rather easily to his attacks with few, if any, options that could threaten the young iron-ranker. When facing the ruler of the domain, this had changed as he was brutally reminded that his protective abilities were not impervious to the tyranny of rank. His current foe was something which looked like a living stormcloud, roiling and vaguely spherical. It too used control of winds and launched sparks of lightning to attack Kite as he had come upon it at the top of a low mountain with a flat top at the center of one of the platforms in the domain. While his barriers had been adequate to help protect against the launched sparks of lightning, Kite had made a rather critical mistake as he had moved too close to the edge of the mountaintop. The bronze-rank enemy had reacted quickly, sending a directed gust of wind his way. As he had become a bit complacent regarding those attacks throughout his conquering of the domain so far, it was only as the bronze-rank effect broke through his ability that he realized his folly. Kite was flung over the edge, disappearing from view and the bronze-rank ruler resumed his vigil. Half a minute later, he landed softly at the base level of the platform, heart hammering and hand clutching his charm of the azure heron as the slow-fall ability of the item dissipated. ¡°That¡­ That could have gone very bad.¡± he chided himself. ¡°Apparently it''s not only Dragonfly who needs to mind complacency.¡± He breathed a sigh of relief as he looked down at the charm which had saved his life. ¡°You are worth every coin spent on you and more.¡± Looking upward, he sighed as he realized that he would once more need to climb the mountain. Almost an hour later, he set foot upon the top of the plateau again as the effects of a stamina-recovery pill was fading from his system. While the cloud-monster had no eyes he imagined it looking at him with a ¡°This guy again?¡± written over its non-existent face. It was nonetheless eager to punish the young iron-ranker yet again. As Kite had trudged up the mountain, he had taken his time to strategize a bit more. Thus, he went for a different approach when he strode into battle. The rematch taking place had Kite relying more heavily on using his barriers and at least partial resistance to the forced movement of the winds to stay as close to the center of the platform as he could. His enemy had usually tried to keep its distance, and he let it do so. Instead, he relied on a battle of attrition where he used his throwing star and Disruptive strike to keep dispelling the static charge that the cloud ruler tried to accumulate while the disruptive force of the attack did some solid damage against his gaseous foe. He even took the time to practice his counters, amazed of the feeling when he got the timing right and managed to cleave the gust of wind in two with the edge of his katar or spear. The sparks of lightning moved too fast for such a tactic however, and he instead had to rely on his wards to keep them from inflicting too much damage. In the end, the battle became a long slog, and it was not until after the third time Sage had ravaged it with a charged beam of disruptive force that the enemy finally collapsed into itself. Kite also sunk to his knees, spent. While his bodily health was still at an acceptable level with only minor burns from some sparks which went undeflected, both his stamina and mana reserves felt wrung out. In addition to his victory, the grueling battle had the added benefit that it had caused Third to break out of its frustrated melancholy, as it hovered up to Kite with an almost cheerful feel to it. ¡°Congratulations, trial-taker! You have defeated five out of six rulers in these trials. Only one remaining! And I must say, I am rather happy with how the ruler of the air domain played its role. I almost thought it had gotten you as you went over the edge, but your foresight did you credit!¡± Kite could only nod a bit tiredly, but felt that he should not remain up at the top of the exposed plateau for too long, in case of other monsters being attracted by the protracted battle. He needed to find somewhere to rest and meditate, as he could feel something inside him ready to shift. In the end, he returned to the cave where he had rested in the wood domain. While he was rather exhausted, he still took the time to make sure that his alarm rituals were still active, correcting and recharging where needed. As he sat down to meditate, his worn out mind seemed thankful to delve deep into the restful serenity. In the depths where mind and soul met, his consciousness touched upon that which felt full of potential. Once more, the gray light tinted with bronze shone out of him as new potential was revealed.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Something from Nothing] has reached bronze 0. [Something from Nothing] has received additional effects. Something from Nothing Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Every time you defeat an enemy, a fragment of their essence is kept in a personal metaphysical space. When enough fragments have been gathered, they will manifest into a semi-random item. The item will be influenced by the fragments which have constituted it and the amount of fragments needed will vary. Effect - bronze: Ability can produce bronze-rank items, and results are more in line with subconscious wishes. Gathering more fragments after the threshold for manifestation has been reached will increase the chance of higher rarity items, up to a certain limit.
Kite felt a pressure inside him followed by relief as the new power inside him settled. He took a while to explore the feel of it, eyebrows climbing upward as he realized the new potential of the ability. In addition to producing items of higher rank, it now added a benefit to keep building the potential item for longer as it would increase the chances of it having more or stronger abilities. He could also feel a certain new limit of his ability that was not yet reached. His trials since his last manifestation had allowed the ability to reach the only threshold that was available before its evolution, but now he felt that there was room for more. Preferring quality over quantity, he decided to keep accumulating potential into the unformed treasure. With that accomplished, Kite fell into a more general meditative state as he felt his reserves recovering. As he fell asleep, Glint snuggled close to him in his bedroll, he felt tension, excitement for the upcoming final challenge, as well as a slight relief that this trial might soon be over.
¡°You have to realize that the boy is surely dead by now.¡± grand elder Lark commented to mistress Dew. At this time, they were both seated in meditation at the same places where their conversation had begun. There was a thin coating of frost scattered over the ground around the woman, as well as over her clothes. ¡°Then by all means, feel free to inform you initiates and leave.¡± she answered calmly. ¡°And leave you up to whatever deeds you have planned, outcast? I think not.¡± ¡°At least some of them would probably be better off leaving. Initiate Rise has probably seen better days.¡± she pointed out, amusement coloring her chilly voice. They had both witnessed the young initiate going through waves of frustration, anxiety, rage and other roiling emotions. ¡°Maybe an elder giving him some friendly meditation-advice would alleviate the young man¡¯s agitation?¡± she continued, one eyebrow pointedly raised. ¡°Do not attempt to distract me. Neither of us shall intervene in this situation. My presence is only here to keep your dishonor in check. An initiate of the Victorious Sunset sect can prevail through far more hardship than this.¡± While the conversation ended there, the grand elder did feel a bit of concern regarding the state of the former disciple. He took pride in the strength and dedication of the sect¡¯s students, but initiate Rise¡¯s actions here had passed into the land of obsession. During the days spent observing, he had seen the growing unease among the other initiates as well as their waiting dragged on. There had been some attempts to broach the topic of leaving, but the anger in the response had quelled any more of such initiatives. Had the outcast hag not been present, Lark would have already stepped in and quietly ended this venture. But now there was an observer, important enough that her telling of what transpired here could not simply be dismissed. His mission here was, first and foremost, to preserve face and the reputation of the sect. He could investigate the initiate further when this whole debacle had been dealt with.
Up close, the gleaming battlements of what Kite assumed to be a castle was even more impressive than what could be gleaned from afar. The walls were polished to a gleaming shine, further noticeable by the alien architecture with a lot of curves and rounded surfaces. This domain also seemed to only consist of one platform, albeit much smaller than the wood domain. Kite thought it looked like the vast building had multiple levels, and assumed that the actual area of the domain was larger than it looked from the outside. As the castle had only one entrance in the form of a large open gate and Kite did not possess neither the equipment nor the powers to scale the walls, he went along with the open invitation to what would inevitably be trouble. That trouble did not take long to reveal itself either. As he passed beneath the gates, the now very familiar white threads descended from the sky and disappeared into the gleaming floor of the small courtyard beyond. From it rose a single figure of sleek, articulated armor in a foreign style made from the same chromed metal as the environment. While humanoid, its proportions were stretched out. It stood about two and a half meters tall with a thin torso and long arms and legs, and wielded a long, straight sword. Unlike the stone soldiers of the first domain Kite had fought through, this creature was quite fast as it advanced at Kite. It also showed some proficiency and cunning with the sword, using its long limbs to whip the slender blade at Kite in an attempt at a sudden attack to seize the initiative and push him off guard. Deciding to meet the first attack with a weapon of his own, Kite brought up his greatsword to shield himself and get a sense of the metal monster¡¯s strength. He felt a distinct shock of numb pain as he blocked the strike, telling him that the creature was both strong and fast, albeit without the same, solid mass as the winged stone creature or the crustacean-centaurs. What followed felt more like a duel than a fight against a monster, but the opponent¡¯s more alien anatomy and moves put the actual experience somewhere in between. After some early gashes suffered as he realized that the creature could manipulate the shape of the blade to some extent, folding the sword around Kite¡¯s defenses to whip at his face and arms, Kite¡¯s counterattack began. Not only did he begin employing his Pattern-shattering counter but also attacked in retaliation with dispelling and sundering attacks, aiming to cripple and sunder on limb at a time. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. To his elation, this creature seemed as affected by his dispelling effects as the enemies faced in the first domain, although its swiftness and aggression would not let him employ the same tactics of whittling down its corporeal form at a distance as he had done against the stone soldiers. Unsurprisingly, the resonating force damage of his void-strike was very effective as well, and the duel ended when a slash of his greatsword lopped off one of the creature¡¯s arms before a quick step up and inside its reach allowed him to finish it with the shockwave of his katar. During the whole exchange, Kite had kept checking his surroundings with his active perception power, but no other foes had appeared to fight him. Only having received superficial wounds, he decided to press on. When going over his options, he quickly realized that there still were only one. While many doors and windows could be seen from the courtyard, all but one were sculpted in solid metal. A single door stood open at the top of a set of stairs, and he went through it. What followed was nothing short of a veritable gauntlet. As Kite navigated the linear path through metallic hallways, a gleaming bedroom, up on one parapet and even through what he assumed to be a ballroom of some kind, he faced only single opponents. While the proportions and materials were the same as his first foe, they had different armaments and tactics. He faced a fencer wielding a long, thin blade along one of the corridors and was almost gravely wounded by a stealth attack by a metal foe wielding two short blades. In the latter case he was saved by his newly evolved perception power yet again, summoning the barrier of Heaven-and-Void warding behind him to deflect the incoming strikes. He stopped for rest and meditation inside the large ballroom, after defeating a ferocious spear wielder with a penchant for leaping attacks which he had finished with his conjured dark gate, much in the same manner as the stone monster at the very beginning of the trial. It was a bit unsettling to see such an exquisite environment all carved from the same metal without variety, and he imagined that his senses would have been more confused by the experience had he not progressed as far as he had toward bronze rank. Kite did feel that he had gained a certain momentum, and after two more stops to rest and hours of traversing the castle he found himself in front of a large pair of double doors. There was nowhere else to progress, and Kite could even feel the bronze-rank aura from beyond the doors. As this was, hopefully, his final challenge inside these trials he took his time to rest and meditate as well as eat a spirit coin, making sure that he was as ready as he could be. ¡°Thank you for seeing me through and allowing me to persevere.¡± he mumbled in quiet prayer as he rubbed the token of Fortune between two fingers. ¡°And thank you Glint, and you too Third, for keeping me company so far. For good or ill, this should be the final challenge.¡±
Dragonfly and Serene sat at the group''s favorite restaurant, the former happily slurping down her noodles. ¡°I¡¯ve been out with my master for days, and he¡¯s still not back. What has it been? Three weeks?¡± she grumbled before scoping up more of the delectable food. ¡°Twenty days.¡± Serene corrected, a bit of a somber note to the usual chimes of her voice. ¡°My goddess has urged me to have faith, and I sure have tried to keep my mind clear and song in harmony. But it is hard when a part of the choir is missing.¡± she finished, looking at the spot usually reserved for Kite. Shortly thereafter, her eyes locked on Dragonfly as she had sensed more from the woman¡¯s aura than its bearer had wanted to. ¡°Dragonfly. Are you holding something back?¡± she asked calmly. She did not want to force her companion to ask, but they both knew that Serene had picked up on something substantial, beyond the ever-present worry for Kite. Silence reigned for a while, Serene waiting calmly as she let Dragonfly gather her thoughts. ¡°Serene¡­ I am going away. After the¡­ you know. The thing that comes next.¡± she began, words starting to tumble out more quickly. ¡°Master Force will reach silver rank soon, and she is not content to stop there so she will travel south in search of more challenges and I will go with her even if one part of me wants to stay here because I will miss you and I will miss Kite but I cannot just leave master Force after all she has done for me and I still have so much to learn bu-¡± Serene had, for once, not reached out with her aura but instead with her hand which was now resting on top of Dragonfly¡¯s where it lay on the table. While Dragonfly was a hugger and both her companions had long accepted that, it was very uncommon for Serene to be the one initiating physical contact. As Dragonfly looked up at her friend, she could see the sadness but also the happiness written on her features as she did not try to school them into the calm she usually wore. Silence retook its hold over the pair for a while, laden with emotions. ¡°While it brings me great sadness to hear of it, Dragonfly, I can see that you have already been bearing this sadness for a while. Alone. While I knew that this day would come sooner or later, it still hurts nonetheless. But it is also for an important cause; you. I truly understand when you say that you need this, for many reasons. Do you know if you will return?¡± ¡°Of course I will! Master Force said that we would return for the surge, and I¡¯m sure we can reunite for it.¡± ¡°Then our farewell will only be a temporary one.¡± Serene stated with a sad smile. ¡°I assume you haven¡¯t told Kite yet?¡± ¡°No. I honestly would have waited a while to tell you as well, but as usual there is no getting past you, Serene.¡± ¡°Oh I don¡¯t know about that, Dragonfly. Your aura control has improved a lot during the months I have known you. If not for the temporary lapse earlier, I would not have picked it up unless I really went looking. And you know I don¡¯t do that towards either of you unless I feel I have a good reason to.¡± Dragonfly couldn¡¯t help but smile a bit at the praise. ¡°Well, I have practiced so it¡¯s kind of you to say.¡± ¡°Oh I am well aware how much you have practiced. You and Kite have both looked rather at peace quite often as of late.¡± ¡°Serene!¡± Dragonfly hissed as she ducked slightly. ¡°Oh now you are abashed?¡± the other woman asked, amusement clear in her windy voice. ¡°You usually have quite the triumphant feel about you after your¡­ practicing.¡± ¡°Such talk is for moments with more privacy.¡± Dragonfly insisted. ¡°Relax, Dragonfly. Any casual listener will only hear a slight droning sound coming from us. And I will notice if anyone is paying active attention. As long as it isn¡¯t a curious, stray silver-ranker at least.¡± ¡°Huh.¡± Dragonfly paused, suddenly aware of the slight and subtle hum of aura that surrounded them. ¡°Is that an aura trick?¡± ¡°Indeed. It is practice, mostly, but a bit useful in everyday life. My seniors have assured me that I might reach the level of a proper privacy screen at higher ranks if I practice enough. It is for another purpose, but I can¡¯t tell you more. Temple secrets. But back on topic. When will you tell Kite?¡± Dragonfly sighed. ¡°When he¡¯s back. Or at least when we have celebrated properly. I think I will explode if I need to carry it around any more than I have to. But I don¡¯t want to make him sad. Or hurt. Don¡¯t get me wrong, I think we are both still quite fine with where we stand. But you know that he¡¯s had an important person leave due to other circumstances before.¡± During their travels together, Kite had been very open with stories from his past, even his first love and separation from Brook a few years ago. ¡°While I understand your sentiment, I think he will appreciate being able to work through any eventual hurt together. And I don¡¯t think it will be the same. You are both a lot older than he was then. And you are both adventurers, with the freedom that comes with it. The power to meet again is within both your grasp. And mine as well.¡± she finished with a smile. ¡°Thanks, Serene. I¡­ really appreciate you. As a friend. And companion. Even though you have your super-aura senses and can sniff out any secrets, no matter how private.¡± Dragonfly finished as she gave her friend¡¯s hand a light squeeze. ¡°But before all that, Kite needs to return. And he better hurry too. We have a fallen sect to hunt down, after all.¡±
Kite took a steadying breath and pushed on the twin metal doors. They slid inwards without resistance, but were accompanied by a surprisingly melodic vibration which spread through the steel around him. The room he entered was a large throne room, albeit completely empty except for a huge and intricate metal throne and the being which sat on top of it. It was a three meter tall armored figure in the same metal as the rest of the whole domain with one exception; a golden circlet which rested on top of the helmeted head. Its foreign armor looked embellished and intricate beyond the enemies which Kite had faced so far, as did the halberd which stood leaning against the side of the throne. ¡°Behold, the metal sovereign. The final ruler of the trial!¡± Third stated with some excitement leaking through. Kite did not answer as he kept a steady pace towards his foe, who in turn rose from the metal throne and started off toward him, halberd in hand. It was Kite who took the opening shot as his bow materialized in his hands, already drawn and an arrow manifesting against the web-like string. He let loose once and drew again, firing as soon as his Disrupting strike became available again. His magic perception had shown that the bronze-rank king was covered in a magical effect, not unlike the enemies faced so far in the domain. The opponent did not just take the attacks without intervention however. It swung the halberd to intercept the first arrow but was a bit unbalanced as the dispelling force caused a huge hole to form in the weapon''s head. The second hit a vambrace and the third squarely in the chest. As the king started racing toward him, Kite could see that the holes caused by his dispelling strikes did not reveal a series of the usual white threads, but more metallic gleam beneath. When it came into range, the bronze-rank ruler initiated with a sideways swing which Kite met with a swing of his own, greatsword flashing and the dispelling counter did its work as parts of the weapon crumbled. However, as he stood there,sword extended to his side after the block, he suddenly felt a surge of the bronze-rank aura as well as mana observed through his magic perception. In his moment of relatively open guard, the whole armor which formed the outer layer of the metal warrior, warped into long, gleaming metal spikes which launched themselves at Kite in an instant. Kite just about had the time to snap out a ¡°Ward!¡± as the barrier sprang up, but the close proximity of the surprisingly ferocious attack meant that he had time to do little else as a means of defense. Metal spikes pierced through Kite¡¯s arms and legs, his torso and head mercifully protected by the barrier. He was still almost nailed to the ground, pain almost completely blinding him as the spikes started to rapidly dissolve. He did have the time to take in his opponent, now lacking the outer layer of the armor. It was now a rather featureless, elongated metal humanoid which was not entirely dissimilar to the stick-warriors Kite had made as a child. The sharp, metal hand which was lancing toward his head was not part of his childhood reminiscence however. The part of his mind still functional recognized the danger and acted, as he croaked out another chant. ¡°Void.¡± He saw little of his opponent after that, as the black void of Gate of Nihility appeared above him. The last of the spikes dissolved shortly thereafter, depositing him on the ground with limbs in tatters. Above the gate, the ruler of the metal domain recoiled forcefully as its hand was shaved off by the sudden appearance of the black gate. It did not let up however, raining blows down upon the rift to quicker descend upon its critically injured enemy, even as more of its arms was torn asunder. The dark gate was wide enough that it barely saw the hint of glowing light which spilled out from beneath it, but when it finally dissolved it could only see pools of blood on the floor and distinct bloody markings as if the puny person had been dragged away while leaving a bloody trail behind. If it had been capable of such a feeling, it would probably have been surprised to see that its foe was currently several meters away, hanging onto the wispy fin of a four meter long shimmering carp which floated across the floor carried on a cushion of water. It was incapable of such feelings though, and instead set off in pursuit. As Immortality finished restoring his limbs to full functionality, Kite quickly got to his feet as Glint shrank down and returned to her bottle. ¡°Thank you Glint. Leave the rest to me.¡± he said, smile strained as he had just been blindsided thoroughly enough to be forced to use what could arguably be two of his most potent trump cards. Exhilaration still won out over despair though, as the feeling of escaping near death had its own distinctive rush. The bronze-rank ruler was upon him once more, and Kite met its scything arm with his heavy greatsword in a downward swing, barely deflecting it as he plunged the blade into the ground to strengthen him and his barriers. He deflected the next jab with a barrier while simultaneously beginning a thrust of his own as the wicked bone spear appeared in his grasp, its head wreathed in the nihil energies of Void-Sunders-Firmament. The spatial tears which followed cut into the thin body of his foe. One of his pulses of expanded perception was just in time to reveal that the ground behind him seemed to ripple slightly, leaving Kite just enough time to bring out another barrier behind him to deflect a metal spike which shot from the ground. It was followed by more from different angles, and Kite realized that he would have to attempt to manage keeping his perception power active for longer unless he wanted to suffer serious injury from the multi-vector attack. He continued to employ his barrier against some of the spikes, and realized that they apparently counted as part of the creature attacking as he could feel his counterattacks drain the mana from his opponent even as he used it on the seemingly separate spikes. The following minute was a rather frantic back and forth as both opponents balanced relentless attacks versus measured defense. Kite¡¯s opponent had the advantage in both speed and strength, albeit that Kite¡¯s judicious use of his spear had it starting to loose the edge in the former. The rest of Kite¡¯s multitude of abilities made up the difference and they could both feel the pace of the battle settling into the human¡¯s favor as he had the time to land more attacks between each defense. The metal ruler apparently wanted to shift things up a bit, and Kite saw it attempt to tackle him as his magical perception could see mana gathering along its whole body again in what would probably be some kind of offensive measure. This time, he was more ready as he shouted ¡°Wall!¡±, creating the barriers as an octagon around his foe, the walls of Leyline warding completely encircling it on all sides except up. The barriers appeared not a moment too soon, as a ripple flowed over the metallic body of his foe, followed by a storm of needles being shot out in all directions and at great speed. All of his barriers became almost milky white and opaque from all the myriads of small impacts and the cracks they created. Fortunately, they held as the impact was too spread out, but Kite knew that the attack would have shredded both flesh and bone. Another quick swipe broke through the severely weakened walls, and Kite noted that its body seemed even thinner and quicker now. He did hope that this meant more fragile as well, as the battle resumed. Kite had to quickly adjust to utilizing his barriers more rather than blocking or parrying with his weapons, as the thinner limbs of his foe had more flexibility. He received several nasty gouges along his face and the parts of his armor sporting huge holes after the initial devastating attack, but gave as good as he got. Kite also thought he could see the beginning of his foe¡¯s mana reserves beginning to run low. While monsters did not use mana in the same way as an essence user, they still needed it to keep the integrity of their corporeal form. He thought he could see metal shavings loosening here and there, as his many attacks and the constant vortex of Spirit Singularity had caused the reserve to dwindle. He was preparing to bring his most devastating attacks to bear as the ruler of the metal domain also brought out what he hoped would be its last trick. After a pulse of aura, a dozen metal soldiers arose from the floor of the large hall. They were iron rank and much weaker than the other Kite had faced during his time in this domain, but he could imagine that their numbers and a challenger¡¯s dwindling reserves would make the sudden appearance of such numbers quite formidable. Fortunately for Kite, he had an answer to this which only required a slight change of plan. According to his magical perception, they were not summoned creatures in the same way as those brought forth by an essence ability, but seemed to have been waiting beneath the floor for the signal to appear.. Sage hovered out from behind his back as he was once more gifted the charged potential Kite had gathered during the fight through Potential of Stolen Power, adding it to its own. As it had done during his battle with the gelatinous ruler of the water domain, the familiar started to fire a spreading torrent of small motes of light, this time white with resonating force. They covered almost half of the throne room, both the ruler and the newly arrived reinforcements well within their area, before the chained detonation tore through the space. The normally pristine metal floor cracked and warped beneath the resonating force, leaving the throne room marred as the newly summoned reinforcements were broken and scattered. The metal sovereign fared better, but was still bent and dented by the powerful chain of resonating explosion. While it was still reeling, Kite activated his belt to close the distance quickly. His katar appeared in his hand as he punched it into the weakened, stick-like torso and activated its ability to cause a resonating shockwave. The blast cut through the last of the material still keeping the torso together, and it fell bisected to the ground. He had almost let down his guard as the fallen top half of the creature lashed out with a swing of its sharpened hand. But the attack was awkward as the arm was dented and bent, and being both prone and legless gave it an angle unsuited to properly leverage the strike. He beat it aside with a gauntleted hand, and while he felt the jolt of impact from the construct¡¯s bronze-rank strength, the dispelling counter caused the hand to wither and crumble. Kite stepped up and, after deflecting the other hand on a barrier, plunged his katar down into the long, thin head of the downed construct. After two more such jabs, he could finally see the animating magic leaving the ruler of the metal domain. Bleeding and exhausted, he still straightened and smiled at Third who was hovering up to him. ¡°While I wouldn¡¯t presume too much about your judgment, dear officiator, I myself would deem this particular fight to have been appropriately pleasing.¡± ¡°Oh yes, yes indeed! How did you find the change of pace? I had a thought that a bit of a reverse-ramp encounter would be a nice surprise!¡± the orb began, oblivious to Kite¡¯s wince as it described what ended in him almost being mutilated as ¡®a nice surprise¡¯. ¡°But I digress. Congratulations, trial-taker! You have successfully conquered all six rulers of this trial, and have officially passed the test of the jade-sky gate. You may only be of iron rank, but the potential of your path seems to be boundless!¡± 30. Look what the gate dragged in Kite sat down in relief as the officiating construct confirmed his hopes. He was done. He had passed. Uncle Walker¡¯s belief in his path had apparently not been misplaced. He swallowed a trio of pills for health, stamina and mana as he continued to listen to Third. ¡°As you have cleared the trial, you will be eligible for its reward. When you are ready, I will initiate the reconfiguration of the realm into the final forging and you will receive the gift you have earned. The creator of this place, the Queen of Jade and Sky, rewards those strong of path and brave of heart. But be aware that once the final forging is complete, you will be returned out through the gate.¡± ¡°So I may rest and recover first?¡± ¡°That you may. And I must admit that it would be nice to speak some more. I will not get more chances for that, after all, once this trial is completed.¡± ¡°Then speak we shall, Third. You did me a kindness when you chose to heed my request for company, and I will pay you back in turn.¡± Kite answered, smiling. It had been almost three weeks since he had entered the gate, and Third had been his only company with the gift of speech. So they remained there for hours, Kite resting while they talked and reminisced. He made sure to praise the construct when he could, as he had always seen the pride and thought which had been put into this place. And he did admit to himself that hindsight and the relief of survival allowed him to view the whole trial in a more favorable light, providing a bit more honesty to his attempts to praise the construct¡¯s efforts. ¡°-and had you been silver rank or higher, there would have been a final challenge where you would face an amalgam of all the rulers in a cataclysmic final battle. But no matter how I tried, I could not fit such an advanced magical matrix on anything lower than silver rank.¡± Third finished sadly as he told Kite about some ideas that had never been implemented in the current trial. After chuckling at what could have been, while he inwardly sighed in relief, Kite rose and rolled his shoulders. ¡°I believe it is time, Third. I am as recovered as I can be, and I do not think I will benefit more from postponing the end. Even if I do not know what awaits me outside anymore.¡± He did feel a bit of trepidation as to what might happen when he emerged. While he hoped to find the clearing empty as his pursuers had become bored or assumed him dead, he thought it best not to assume such an easy resolution of this whole debacle. At his words, Third bobbed slightly in the air. ¡°Affirmative, trial-taker.¡± A breath later, Kite was forced to his knees as a power far greater than he had ever experienced started flowing from the orb as its voice seemed to resonate with the whole realm. ¡°Accessing gate matrix. Realm reconfiguration initiated. Power flow opened. Designation; Stairway to heaven. Initiating the final forging - rank: Iron¡± As it spoke, waves of rippling distortions spread across the whole of the astral space. The floor fell away around them as the metal castle liquified, leaving only a single, blank platform beneath Kite and the orb. Far away, he could see plumes of rainbow smoke rise and gather into a single roiling cloud as what Kite presumed to be the remaining monsters and manifestations were broken down before the different platforms and domains dissolved. While hard to make out at first, Kite could see the gate he had entered from rapidly approaching through the air as the platform beneath them reconfigured. A low dais appeared where the gate settled, as well as a smaller, thinner pedestal in the center of the platform. Beneath where he knelt, another low dais rose from the ground and shifted, carrying him to the opposite side of the round platform across from the gate with the pedestal between them. The oppressively strong force calmed slightly as Third lowered itself onto the pedestal in the middle. ¡°Trial-taker. You have been deemed worthy by the jade-sky gate. A path such as yours deserves a tool to match its boundless potential, and this is the prize you will receive. The gate shall be the hammer and your soul shall be the anvil. And this vessel will receive a new purpose as raw material for what is to come.¡± Kite was still rather stunned after seeing a whole realm deconstructed around him, but he managed to regain his faculties as Third made his proclamation. ¡°But Third, what does that even mean? How will you- Won¡¯t that mean that you will cease to be?¡± ¡°This vessel will become another, hopefully an intrinsic part of the path you are building.¡± ¡°But-¡± ¡°It was always inevitable, trial-taker. As I said, I was ever only a small, compartmentalized piece of a much grander whole. The true being that is me still resides in this world. And it was a pleasure to see that which I had built be put to use, its potential brought to fruition. Even though I am still a bit cross with you after the wood domain.¡± it added at the end, apparently still sulking a bit even as the world had literally changed around them. ¡°But Third, I-¡± ¡°Please, trial-taker. I can sense your turmoil in your aura. Better take your time, save your strength and steady yourself for what is to come. It will not truly hurt you, but I will not deny that it will be difficult to endure. The more you endure, the stronger our bond will become. Do you understand?¡± Kite wanted to protest again, but swallowed it. He took a breath to calm his breathing, and another to calm his mind. ¡°I¡­ I do. Thank you, Third. No matter your origin, you will be remembered.¡± ¡°Then I shall initiate the forging.¡± Third stated as its form started to brighten. The seemingly too-real metal shone with a faint inner glow, as did the gate which started to brighten in the same way. Kite could feel power building up as something was awaiting to be unleashed. ¡°And I am ever grateful that you listened to my ambitions and plans for what was the very reason for my existence. Thank you. Kite.¡± the orb finished. Not even a heartbeat later, the gate suddenly dimmed as a low, resounding reverberation echoed through the whole realm.
¡°It is happening. Something is finally happening. My vengeance is at hand. Yes. YES! Show me his corpse!¡± Rise of Morning Glory, initiate of the Victorious Sunset sect shouted as he was stalking back and forth in front of the gate. The circular construct had remained inert through their whole stay, and hadn¡¯t even made any visible sign of activity when Kite had entered it. It was on the morning of the twenty-first day that it had suddenly started glowing, a palpable power starting to build inside it. After a short while, it suddenly dimmed before starting to brighten yet again. The process of gradual brightening and suddenly dimming repeated again and again. Both of the meditating silver-ranker¡¯s eyes had snapped open as they had felt the power which started building. Mistress Dew looked mostly surprised while grand elder Lark had a concerned scowl. ¡°Huh. I believe that the boy actually did it.¡± she stated in a low voice. While she did not know the exact details of a gate¡¯s trial being completed, she had heard rumors that the only times they showed any sign of activity was when the trial had ended. ¡°This changes nothing.¡± grand elder Lark stated sourly. ¡°He is still one iron ranker against the five initiates.¡± ¡°Oh we shall see about that.¡± mistress Dew stated, eyes thinning as she focused on what might come next.
Another of the pulses was released and Kite could feel the resonance through the whole realm as well as deep inside him on a level which he had previously been unable to distinguish. Each time that the power was released, a more directed ripple could be seen projected through the gate, passing through the now inert form of Third before hitting Kite and being reflected back to the gate. With each passing, the orb started glowing just a bit more as its form somehow became less distinct. And with each passing, Kite¡¯s soul rang like a gong. It was not a sharp pain, but a dull ache through his whole being on a level previously unknown to him. And with each strike, the reverberations kept increasing as did his discomfort. Part of his mind screamed that he should get away and flee the source of this low-intensity torment, but it was kept in check by his conscious mind as he kept it firmly fixed on meditation. He returned to the technique where he visualized his path as it went on towards eternity. Over the last months, he had continued to develop it and as he had absorbed his last awakening stone, the pieces of that mental puzzle had all been present. Further progression had been incorporating all that he was into that path, a task whose complexity staggered his young mind. But he kept on trying, and gradually, the inner image of his path had grown more solid and defined. And now, it was all shaking. With each pulse from the gate, his path shook and pieces started to crumble away. As a way to distract himself from the abstract but undeniable pain, he directed his conscious mind to visualize how he rebuilt the pieces which crumbled away, but stronger and more defined. That which fell away was not true damage, but weakness which was excised to be replaced with firmer purpose. Kite was not a forceful man, and neither did he aspire to be. But he wanted to think himself resolute, channeling the very concept of the essence his aunties had gifted him. And now he dedicated this struggle to Third. He could not, by any means, call the construct a true friend. It was a creation of a realm which had been temporary from the outset, without interest to befriend him or even act in his best interest. But the orb and its limited parts of a conscience had been a companion, oddly passionate about its existence with a curiosity to see how its choices would pan out and what impact it could have on its world, limited as it was. That was what had Kite using the orb¡¯s existence as an anchor throughout this trial as his soul was hammered. Because they had formed a bond of their own, a bond which Kite was not willing to simply abandon. He had not been able to understand all of which the orb spoke of, but he understood that his perseverance now would be what defined how that bond came out on the other end of this tribulation. As he endured, his mind returned to the mantra which had been formed and refined during his many hours of training and meditation. ¡°My path will not be shifted by the world. My path will not be cracked by the world. My path will not be moved by the world. The world will be moved by my path.¡± However, as of lately the mantra no longer felt entirely right. Kite had always had the feeling that it was woefully incomplete, but it had at least felt right in the moments where it had helped him endure. But Kite¡¯s continual development had given him more insights about himself, and he hoped that process would continue. While Kite was resolute, he was not a hard man. He would seek adventure and face adversity, but also be humble in the face of his inexperience and sometimes change his perspective along with what he had experienced. While his current situation was utterly uncomfortable, it was during such experiences that he had found his mind forced to take those next steps, delve into his unconscious and form what nascent understanding that had begun to coalesce in those depths. As such, his mantra gradually changed as new meaning and revelation was brought forth by the spiritual hammer blows to his soul. He sat there with closed eyes, face damp with sweat as strands of black hair clung to it, and as he felt what he assumed to be the crescendo of the forging, his mind was repeating something new as his inner path stretched far in the void of his mind. ¡°My path will not be shifted by the world, but learn from it. My path will not be cracked by the world, but be tempered by it. My path will not be moved by the world, but use it to gain momentum. The world will be moved by my path, made indestructible by the bonds I forge.¡± The feeling of something breaking inside him, followed by a wellspring bursting forth from within, was familiar but Kite had trouble placing it as his beleaguered being was hammered one final time. A resounding, pure sound chimed through his being, its purity a balm for his worn mind. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
WWJS: Essence gift (Negation) - Nothing before Nothingness has evolved into Tempered Soul Resonance Tempered Soul Resonance - You have increased resistance to aura suppression and soul attacks. Your spells and effects that cancel magical effects or drain mana ignores resistance from rank disparity. When striking an opponent, your attacks gradually erodes any increased effects of the opponent¡¯s rank disparity against you or your allies, up to the point where all effects of rank disparity are negated. This effect lasts until the target has had the time to achieve a state of calm to center itself.
Finally opening his eyes, he felt surprisingly restored in both body and mind, albeit with the faint ache on a deeper level hinting that a time of recovery would still be needed. Around him, the realm had stilled. The gate¡¯s glow was now a stable beacon in otherwise dark surroundings. And where the orb that was once third had rested, something else awaited him. Kite saw a metal staff lying waiting for him on the pedestal. It was entirely made of the same almost white metal as Third had been built from and retained a bit of the strange ¡®more-real-than-reality¡¯-quality. Almost as long as Kite was tall, the top part of the staff had symmetrical, curving extensions on each side of the shaft which came together at the absolute top. From the loop formed by those extensions, a single metal ring was hanging. It was capped with another affixed ring at the bottom. Even from afar, Kite could feel both power and a sense of connection to what he knew with certainty was a weapon. While it looked more akin to a ritualistic implement, there was a reverberating echo to its aura which hinted of power, even if much of it was sealed by the iron rank of the weapon. Springing to his feet with surprising ease, Kite walked over to reverently gaze at the prize from this tribulation, gently sliding his hands over the staff which now had a firm connection formed with his soul.
WWJS: [Item] Immutable Echo Combat Staff Iron rank - [Growth] Legendary Forged through unyielding reverberations of inner strength, this staff heralds an immovable path. [Effect] Greatly increased striking power [Effect] Echoes the effect of special attacks delivered through this weapon once. The echo deals only half the damage of the original attack, but any other effects are undiminished. Can occur once every five seconds. [Effect] Absorbs a part of the physical force behind intercepted strikes, if any, lessening the remaining physical force to be endured by the wielder. After absorbing force in such a way, the next attack delivered will deal additional resonating force damage. The damage increases with the amount of physical force absorbed from the blow. [Effect] Vastly increased durability This item is bound to [Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune] and cannot be used by anyone else.
When picking up the weapon, it was like receiving yet another lost part of himself which had not existed before yet had somehow always been missing. Kite almost chuckled as he thought that the last year had provided plenty of such experiences. Putting those thoughts aside, he took a steadying breath. In most ways, he was the same yet he felt reborn. Or reforged might be a more apt wording. He did realize that the time for introspection would have to be later, however, as he could see the space around him starting to break down into flecks of white nothingness. It would probably be several minutes until it would be dangerous, but taking chances with such forces felt beyond foolish. With a final look at his new staff, he said a silent thanks to Third and the Queen of Jade and Sky, before stepping up to the gate. It was time to make his exit.
Everyone assembled in the clearing had followed the pulsing of the gate with interest, albeit different outward reactions. The two hidden silver-rankers both stood in stoic, still silence while the initiates had gravitated toward the gate. Only initiate Rise was still pacing back and forth while initiate Providence hung slightly further back. ¡°Come on. Come on!¡± the irate initiate growled as the pulsing artifact continued its silent, mysterious process. ¡°Why won¡¯t you-¡± he started, but interrupted himself as the gate suddenly flared brighter once, before settling into a steady glow. Five heartbeats passed, then five more. Then, just as initiate Rise seemed to be on the verge of speaking again, there was a clanging as if a great gong had been sounded. They could all feel it on a deep, primal level, but even more felt was the shockwave which followed. All five initiates were thrown back several meters and the trees closest to the clearing were toppled, leaves in warm colors thrown up in small plumes. Only the silver-rankers remained on their feet and clearly saw Kite as he emerged, albeit slightly changed as he stopped just outside the gate to take in his surroundings. The most obvious change was the gray stone armor with the obsidian ridges, a bit more imposing than his previous wood armor. To mistress Dew, who knew Kite the best, she could also detect the change to his aura. It was not vast or all-encompassing, but there was a hint of firmness to it which was not as prominent before. Of the sprawled initiates, Rise was the first to scramble to his feet, pointing a finger towards Kite as he tried to use the surprise and fear of suddenly being thrown away like a sack-puppet to fuel the rage he had tried keeping alive during all this time. ¡°Couldn¡¯t hide anymore, trash? Did the gate spit you out since you just hid in there for three weeks? How dare you make me wait for so long?!¡± he shouted at Kite as he brought his aura to bear against him. Kite knew that he would have had a slight advantage against Rise alone before he went through the trial. Now, he barely had to make any effort to keep the unseen attack at bay. He knew that it was due to the racial gift evolution that the final forging had triggered in him, as it gave him increased resistance to having his aura suppressed. Kite took the moment to test it a bit further, and the ability did only seem to extend to him keeping his own aura from being suppressed while his more offensive use of his aura did not receive the same boost. He was very thankful for the boon though, as it even allowed him to hold off the aura assault as the final remnants of dizziness from the portal lifted. It did allow him to keep his wits about him this time, even as the other initiates joined in the onslaught. Kite did note that it was only four auras this time around, as initiate Providence refrained from joining in from where he stood furthest back among the gathered young students of the sect. ¡°And I could pose a similar question to you, initiate Rise. Why spend three weeks waiting to finish an unlawful and dishonorable ambush which you planned in the first place? And for what? The fact that you lost a clash of paths you challenged me to? I would not believe that the honor of a member of the Victorious Sunset sect would be so fragile.¡± ¡°Shut up, outcast filth! Shut your lying mouth! You know that you cheated, that you had it planned! I-¡± ¡°Fine, if that¡¯s how it shall be. Then I, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, challenge you to another clash of paths. You may take your time and make whatever preparations you see fit.¡± Kite stated as he interrupted the initiate¡¯s tirade. ¡°Fuck you and fuck your challenge!¡± Rise almost shrieked in response. ¡°We will tear you apart for what you¡¯ve done. We will-¡± Once more, the initiate was interrupted, but not by Kite. Instead, all of the young iron-rankers froze as a silver rank aura washed over them. ¡°There now, initiate. Your righteous indignation is understandable, but your loss of decorum will soon be enough in and of itself to throw our good name to the wayside.¡± stated a human man who came walking out into the clearing. He wore beautiful robes of the sect¡¯s red, gold and white and looked to be somewhere between thirty and forty years old, but his silver rank complicated any cursory assessment. His long, black hair was gathered in a knot and tied together with a jade clasp, and his long, thin beard and thinning eyes gave him the look of someone both sharp and disciplined. ¡°Grand elder Lark!¡± the initiates cried before throwing themselves to the ground before him. Kite¡¯s knowledge of sect hierarchy was rather basic, but he did know that a grand elder answered only to the sect leader. This man had a high position indeed, and Kite decided that at least some deference was proper as he bowed from his waist. ¡°Grand elder.¡± he greeted as he rose from the bow. ¡°As you might have surmised, I have been falsely accused by one of your students for grievances which exist in initiate Rise¡¯s mind alone. I-¡± he tried to continue, but was silenced by a quite rude shove of aura. While his resilience to such behavior had risen sharply, the grand elder was still two ranks above him and not unskilled by any means. ¡°I have detected no falsehood in my initiate¡¯s aura, outcast.¡± grand elder Lark stated. ¡°And when words stand against words, I will believe those of my sect¡¯s chosen over those of some vagabond adventurer any day, heaven as my witness. But I will address that the initiates¡¯ actions to remedy the slight were rather crude, and I have a more civilized solution. As long as you hand over all the spoils that you have unlawfully taken from within the sect¡¯s territory, you will be allowed to leave unmolested.¡± It looked like Rise was about to protest, but another burst of aura had him lower his head back again. ¡°That is not the law as decreed by the Queen of Jade and Sky.¡± Kite stated coldly. ¡°There is no law but that of the Victorious Sunset sect in these lands, boy. I advise you to accept my generous offer, and soon. Lest I turn my back to this and leave the handling of the matters in the initiates¡¯ capable hands.¡± Kite knew he was at an impasse. Even if initiate Providence stayed out of it, four sect initiates who were out for blood would be a challenge he did not expect to walk out of. But he knew he would test his path against all of theirs rather than submit. Apparently, the roots of the tree were as rotten as some of the fruit, as the grand elder¡¯s actions had clearly shown so far. There was little guarantee that he would even keep that promise. During his trial, he had formed a core of determination in his mind which had carried him through challenge after challenge. That core of defiance would not let him part with most of what he had fought for to this mockery of justice. Also, there was another option that had started to present itself, noted with the help of his activated perception power which he had kept pulsing regularly during the conversation. ¡°I cry for the honor of your sect if this is how low you have sunken.¡± Kite stated somberly. ¡°I decline your offer, grand elder.¡± ¡°That was unwise, outcast, but I expected little else from your kind. I will wash my hands of this.¡± the grand elder stated, and Kite thought he could see the hint of a smile on the man¡¯s lips. As if released from the leash of a master, Rise and his companions regained their feet. ¡°Ooooohhh, I must thank you, outcast filth.¡± Rise almost moaned as his smile turned vicious. ¡°I almost thought that I would be denied what is rightfully mine. It feels so good to know I will get my due.¡± Kite thought the initiate¡¯s actions were more than a bit odd. He had seen him to be prideful and prone to anger, but the viciousness of the man now was more along the lines of a deviant which reveled in the expected pain of others. But he had to put the thought aside as four iron-rank auras crashed into his. But this time, Kite''s aura held. He could see Rise starting off on another tirade of some sort when the opportunity he had been waiting for showed itself. He quickly chanted ¡°Wall!¡± as the walls of force sprang up around him, before taking a short backwards leap. As they had talked, the portal ring of the gate behind Kite had slowly lost its faint glow. While listening to the grand elder and then to the crazed initiate, his all-round vision had let him see how the gate had slowly started to vibrate. And ever so slowly, it had begun to lift from its position. Third had stated multiple times during their time together that the gate would depart after the trial closed. While he did not know how or where, Kite had decided to take quite the risk. That was why he leapt back at that particular moment, landing on the bottom part of the ring¡¯s interior just as it started ascending up into the sky with Kite frantically holding onto what handhold he could find on the artifact. Grand elder Lark understood the outcast boy¡¯s plan before the initiates arrayed before him could even begin to comprehend it. ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t,¡± he stated as he began to raise his hand. After all this, it would not do for the boy to escape. However, he had to halt the short step forward he was in the process of taking as a cluster of wickedly sharp ice formed from the ground before him, pointing diagonally toward his chest. ¡°I thought we were supposed to let the kids resolve their own business, hmm?¡± mistress Dew stated in feigned incomprehension as she seemingly took a step out of the many faceted reflections of the ice cluster. The grand elder had not thought her brazen enough to move against him in the open, and as she had decided to interfere he knew that he would not be able to stop the boy from escaping. Indignant fury welled out from inside him as his form was outlined in green fire. ¡°Outcast bitch! Your meddling in our rightful affairs have always been just below what we would tolerate. You will know the punishment for interfering in the affairs of the Victorious Sunset sect, as you now court death so willingly!¡± he snarled, lashing out with viridian incandescence.
Kite¡¯s insides plummeted as the gate¡¯s ascent sped up, the unbelieving furious face of Rise quickly shrinking. However, he could also feel two silver-rank auras unfold in conflict, even recognizing one of them. ¡°Mistress Dew?¡± he asked in disbelief, but even the silver ranker would not hear his words at the height that the gate had reached. Kite did admit to himself that he did not know what to do next at this point. As he simultaneously took in the splendor of the Autumn lands now laid out before him far below, his mind tried to work out his next step. One loose plan, assuming that the gate would indeed fly away as Third had indicated, had been to hitch a ride with the artifact for a bit before leaping off and using his slow-fall necklace to make sure that his descent was smooth and safe. However, as the gate had so far only ascended straight up, he would not land far enough away to ensure his escape. He would need to wait until it at least had the time to travel a little bit in any direction and then consider his plan. That particular line of thought was abruptly snuffed out as the portal opened above him. It was a beautiful ring of clouds which showed only blue skies in its center. Before he knew it, the gate had passed through and he along with it. Clamping his eyes shut, he just managed to hold steady enough to not fall from the huge ring of the gate as a wave of disorientation struck him after passing through yet another portal this day. What did force him to snap his eyes open was the chill, as tendrils of freezing temperatures were forcing their way in through the joints of his armor while his face almost went numb in moments. He was currently riding the ring through a beautiful sparkling vista of blue skies and white clouds, apparently being at an altitude he would have had trouble imagining. The air itself felt thin, and he managed to get a pill into his mouth which at least returned the heat to his body. What little breath he had was stolen from him the next moment as the gate passed through some kind of invisible barrier, revealing that the sky was not as empty as it had seemed. A grand palace floated in the sky, its design an explosion of color. It had a plethora of towers, walls, parapets and domes which he could clearly see during the approach of his impromptu vessel. As he drew closer, he could more clearly see that the whole gigantic building was constructed from jade in every color available, the shifting nuances composed in such a way that there were never any clashes of hue no matter where he looked. The scale and cost of such a project was beyond staggering to the young iron-ranker, who had mutely started praying to Fortune. When nearing the grandiose building in the sky, the air changed from freezing to utterly pleasant and breaths came easily once more. Kite¡¯s mind hadn¡¯t the time to process much of the palace complex before the gate finally descended toward a large colorful courtyard, settling on a pedestal. He could see several other pedestals and even one other gate in attendance, albeit partially disassembled. Kite didn¡¯t even have the time to reach down with shaking feet before a booming, resonant voice crashed over him like a tidal wave. ¡°WELL THEN, LOOK WHAT THE GATE DRAGGED IN!¡± The beyond powerful aura that followed brought the instant relief of unconsciousness. 31. Be very afraid ¡°Oh dear, I might have overdone it. The mistress would be cross with me if she knew that an unexpected guest was treated as such. Were iron-rankers always this fragile? Or is it simply the youth of today?¡± thought Resplendent Gleam of Imagination, or Gleam as the mistress had mostly called her. As the diminutive figure which had clung to the gate toppled unconscious, she retracted her partly released aura while looking down at the young human man. Her diamond-rank senses immediately started going over him, multi-faceted eyes providing her with layers of information leagues beyond the scope of normal perception. ¡°Hmm, unconscious but not injured. That¡¯s good at least. Minor bleeding from ears and nose. Rectifiable. Iron rank, later stages. Hmm¡­ Negation confluence. Unusual. Huh, a rather interesting path for one so young, if less effective at the early ranks. Should he survive long enough he could be a force to be reckoned with. A natural pathbreaker. Three racial gift evolutions as well- Oh hello there! A celestial carp! How novel. Be not afraid, little one, I- And there she went back into the flask. I said be not afraid. Why is she afraid? Another familiar as well. An astral gatherer! Well met! ¡­ Yes, this palace is most beautiful, if I may say so myself. I had a hand in crafting it too. Well, many hands. ¡­ Yes, you may look around, but please stay in the courtyard. Would not want the defenses to think that you are trespassing. And what have we here? Separate dimensional storage. Only for weapons I see. Less utility, but it is something at least. Oh. Oooooooh! It¡¯s little Third! So it was your gate I sensed. Well overdue as well. No gate should be left for over a century. What are the warriors of today amounting to? Well, you turned into a rather interesting tool. Should merge well with his path. But alas, I think it would be best to wake the young man. Can¡¯t have him bleeding on the tiles for too long.¡± A gigantic insectoid leg made of shimmering metal reached down toward the sprawled figure. As it closed in, layers started peeling back from one of the claws at the end, revealing a myriad of smaller arms with multiple joints. They gently picked up the unconscious youngling and turned him over so that he rested on his back. ¡°Best to use a bronze rank concoction. Would not want him overdosed and all giddy. I wonder if I have any left¡­ Ah, there!¡± One of the smaller arms produced a small orb glowing with light which it held above the man. The orb dissolved into a fine mist which spread over him. Gleam had just enough time to put him down on the ground before he started awake.
As Kite¡¯s eyes flashed open, his mind instantly began to war between primal fear and childlike wonder. Towering above him was a huge insectoid face, composed of metal shimmering in every hue imaginable. It sported multiple faceted eyes in different shapes and colors, like gemstones decorating this grand creation. Behind the face was a long articulated body which sported ten pairs of legs. The being did not resemble any one insect Kite had seen before, and he was unsure if it was even a biological being. He could feel the faintest hint of an aura from it, recognizing it as both the same aura he had felt earlier before fainting, and that it was so many magnitudes above him in strength. ¡°You¡­ you are beautiful.¡± slipped from his subconscious mind before his reason caught up to it, along with the stunned fear that the saner part had advocated for all along. There was a brief silence before it spoke, voice still resonating and loud, but now more within the limits of what Kite¡¯s body could tolerate. ¡°Why thank you! What a pleasant young man. The tonic seems to have worked then. I was a bit worried as it has sat in my storage space for about three hundred years now. Good to know that my work has an appropriate shelf life, at least. But where are my manners? Greetings, little one. I am Resplendent Gleam of Imagination, but please call me Gleam. And I am very sorry for the rather forceful welcome. It has been quite a long time since I met one of your low rank.¡± Being totally stunned by what felt like an all-powerful being casually addressing him, no words surfaced in Kite¡¯s mind as he stared up at the speaker. ¡°Be not afraid, little one. I mean you no harm.¡± Gleam continued after a brief pause. ¡°Take a while and calm down. Your aura is a bit all over the place.¡± Nodding mutely, it was still a good ten seconds before Kite remembered that breathing actually was helpful when trying to calm down. Or stay alive. Closing his eyes from the madness around him, he let his mind grasp at the familiarity of the exercise and after a few moments, he felt his body and mind calm down. Swallowing to ease his very dry throat, he managed to speak. ¡°G-greetings. My name is Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. I would be honored if you would call me Kite.¡± "Excellent, Kite. Welcome to the palace of Soaring Soul, the Queen of Jade and Sky. Unfortunately, she has been absent for a long time and is expected to remain as such. I must say that your mode of travel was rather unusual. Had it not been for your low rank, I might have activated the defenses in case it was a plot to infiltrate the palace." Gleam explained cheerfully. "So you are the caretaker of this place? Working for the queen?" Kite asked, a bit hesitant as he tried gauging how the mighty being would react to questions. He did feel some familiarity with Gleam''s way of speech, but could not quite place it. "Yes I am, little Kite. I have been at the queen''s side since the beginning, although I was smaller then. Much smaller. And I suppose that queen is part of her titles, although she no longer actively rules Hua-Xi. She outgrew it quite a long time ago. But may I ask how you came to be here? You seem to be fresh out of a trial, but I must admit that this is the first time someone has taken a ride on one of the gates." Kite looked a bit embarrassed as he answered. "It wasn''t exactly the plan from the beginning. More an¡­ improvisation in an untenable situation." "I am curious what kind of situation might make one choose that particular solution. Mind telling me, little Kite?" And that was why Kite found himself sitting on a courtyard in a flying jade castle which belonged to a diamond-ranked former queen, retelling the various factors which had led to him being there to a gigantic, sentient mechanical insectoid. Who was probably also of diamond rank. And a surprisingly rapt audience. "That was indeed a most thrilling tale, young Kite. Your journey through iron rank sure has taken a turn for the spectacular. But it was also troubling to hear such blatant disregard for what the queen has decreed law. If you give me a moment, I will look into the matter.¡± Upon finishing, Gleam fell silent. Kite waited for a while, but a myriad of questions gnawed at his mind. In the end, curiosity won out. ¡°Mistress Gleam?¡± ¡°Just Gleam is fine, young Kite.¡± ¡°Would it be acceptable for me to ask you a question?¡± ¡°Of course, little one! My mind can handle quite a lot of tasks at the same time, so some light conversation would not impair my other processes. Just bear in mind that I might decide not to answer questions about certain subjects.¡± ¡°That much I assumed. I recently spent a lot of time with a spherical companion who was quite particular about which questions it answered.¡± Kite said, smiling with fondness as he remembered. ¡°Yes, Third. You got it talking then? I did think I might have given it a bit too much of myself. The mistress always did chide me for being overly talkative.¡± ¡°What? You know Third?¡± Kite began as his mind put the pieces together. ¡°No, you made Third.¡± ¡°Indeed, young Kite.¡± Gleam answered as she turned her huge body slightly toward him. Part of her metal shell folded back to reveal a row of multiple spheres, identical to what Third had looked like. ¡°Every officiator is given some of my memories and skills, albeit that some gain smaller slivers of my personality as well. I am responsible for gate operations and upkeep after all.¡± ¡°That was actually what I was going to ask about. Did you make the gates? Are you a familiar of the queen?¡± ¡°The answer to that, young Kite, is no in both regards. The queen made the gates, and she made me to, among other things, keep them operational.¡± ¡°She¡­ made you?¡± ¡°Oh yes. It took her a while. I am not allowed to say much more though, other than that the queen is most impressive.¡± ¡°Do you know why she made the gates? As they are, I mean?¡± ¡°I do, but I would first like to ask you of your own thoughts on the matter.¡± ¡°My uncle told me it was as a test of one¡¯s path, to see if it was worthy enough.¡± ¡°From what I sense from you, that might not be the only thing you suspect?¡± Gleam remarked, an amused tone playing in her resonant voice. ¡°No. Or at least that¡¯s not the only thing that I learned from it. My path surely was tested and strengthened, most of all by the gift at the end. But it also made me feel alone. And while I could prevail, it was a close call more times than I would have been comfortable with. I took risks I would not have if I had been on the outside, as I had no choice. And I imagine that is why many, if not most, die in the trials.¡± ¡°Then what did those moments teach you?¡± ¡°That¡­ That I should not fight alone when it is not necessary. Sure, I must be able to step up when needed, to make a difference even if I am the only one there to make it. But when I can, I should always surround myself with companions who I trust to watch my back. To turn those close-calls into reliable victories. My path towards the heavens will probably not reach it if pride makes it brittle. Some such paths might, but most will fail. So I believe that the strength of my path is not only me, but the people whose path aligns with mine.¡± ¡°It seems like you have given it a lot of thought, young Kite. While I will neither confirm nor deny your assumptions and the insights you have brought with you from within the gate, I will commend you for thinking deeper on the matter. Not everyone does. On another matter, I believe that I have found what I was looking for after following the trail of the portal. And I have planned a course of action which should efficiently fulfill multiple objectives at once. While your company is pleasant, young Kite, you cannot tarry here. This place is ultimately not for you. But fortunately, you are no threat to the queen or her secrets. You have no way of knowing where you are, and no way to conceal falsehoods and ill intentions from me. Thus, I will assist you in returning to where you came from.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ Thank you, Gleam. I must admit that was one of the questions as well. This place is truly wonderful, but I feel like it is not a good place to be found trespassing in.¡± ¡°I can confirm that it is not, young Kite.¡± Gleam answered with a chuckle before continuing. ¡°Then would you mind entering my body, so that I can at least make sure that you have a safe return?¡± As she spoke, a part of the shell covering her head folded back as she lowered it closer to Kite. It formed a rounded door, through which Kite could see what looked like a surprisingly comfortable little cabin, complete with a plush armchair and silk draping of a luster and quality worlds away from what Kite had ever seen. He began moving closer, but slowing down as he had almost reached Gleam¡¯s massive body. Apparently sensing the question in his thoughts, she clarified. ¡°I assure you, little Kite, that I am quite mobile. While carrying you on my back would have been a tad more epically appropriate, the speed of which we will travel would have shredded your physical form if you were left exposed.¡± As she finished, Kite saw something coalescing above the huge construct. What first looked like mist and vapor gradually solidified into the shape of the wings of a dragonfly, slender and shimmering like a cascade of the purest diamonds. Kite allowed himself a moment to gawk at the sight, as well as took one final look around him at the colorful walls and towers visible from the courtyard. Then, with a breath to settle his reeling mind, he entered the diamond-rank construct as the shell closed behind him.
Frost among Morning Dew had to admit two things to herself. First, the grand elder was quite skilled. She had known that, at least parts of her, but apparently interacting with only the more stupid and prideful younger members had her generalizing a bit too much. The second thing was that it had been a long time ago since she had such fun. The thrill when their auras and paths had collided had her shivering while the shockwaves from the clash had the initiates scrambling for cover. Her weapons of ice had met his fists of viridian flame, the battle ebbing and flowing as relentless frost met unyielding fire. During one such lull in the battle, she took the time to speak as well. ¡°Really, Lark? Are you really willing to openly defy the queen¡¯s law for such lowly reasons? Why is this even worth it to you? Or the sect?¡± ¡°The motivations of our sect is beyond the likes of you, outcast. I would even call it our duty to aim beyond the heavens and be bound by no one, not even the former queen who hasn¡¯t been seen in these lands for centuries. I understand that the concept of loyalty is foreign to one such as you, but the people of the sect stand by our own.¡± he stated with clenched teeth. Inwardly, the grand elder was still cursing this whole affair. The outcast was good, that much he had to admit. While he might be able to claim victory today, doing so would force him to put his life on the line. Contrary to his words, this was something that he was not willing to do for such a lowly cause. But if he could at least chase her off after an even battle, then the waters would be muddied when the questions started cropping up. The pair clashed again, their violent exchange continuing to demolish the clearing and the nearby forest. Several minutes later, just as grand elder Lark was about to move the fight towards his own end goal, there was a change as mistress Dew suddenly snapped up a conjured blade to deflect a golden arrow which had flown at her from within the trees. A moment later, another woman in the sect¡¯s colors appeared in the now much larger clearing, standing close to the grand elder. ¡°This is quite a dance you have started here, Lark. The sect leader sensed it all the way to the sect and sent me to investigate. May I ask why you and this outcast are fighting it out here on our doorstep?¡± asked Unerring Sight, the second grand elder. She was a celestine woman with bronze hair and eyes, almond skin and regal features. In her forehead glowed a golden third eye, its magic obvious to anyone who beheld it. She matched Lark¡¯s silver rank, but was slightly younger and less far into the rank than him. ¡°Grand elder Sight. Your presence is a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. This outcast is aiding in the escape of a thief who has stolen from the sect grounds. I was about to detain him, but she stopped my attempt.¡± From her silent stare it was obvious that grand elder Sight did not believe his words. But she was also a member of the sect, obvious from her answer. ¡°Then we shall drive her from our lands together, so that I may be properly apprised of what has occurred here. If it is as you say, we should have no problem in tracking down the thief in these lands once this matter is settled.¡± she finished as she conjured a short golden recurve bow stylized not unlike a lyre. The strings sang in harmony as an arrow appeared and she drew it, holding it taut as her gaze settled on mistress Dew. ¡°Really, Sight? Are you going along with this? Even in the face of the queen¡¯s law?¡± the lone mistress Dew asked, getting only uneasy silence in response. ¡°Well then, let us get on with it.¡± she finished, brandishing a spear of ice, frost falling gently from its whole length. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. There was a moment of stillness before the battle began anew, but the sudden numerical advantage of the sect made itself known. While it was obvious that grand elder Sight did not fight with her whole strength, there was still a consistent torrent of pinpoint arrows which constantly broke mistress Dew¡¯s flow and rhythm, allowing Lark to punish her and drive her back steadily. As such, there was only a minute or two of fighting before mistress Dew started to disengage. ¡°What are you doing, Sight? Don¡¯t hold back now. She can be a valuable prisoner!¡± Lark shouted as they fought, new ambitions rising along with his unexpected reinforcements. If the outcast hag could be taken prisoner, suddenly they controlled the whole narrative while even looking magnanimous for not simply killing her outright. Grand elder Sight gave him a flat look and was about to speak, when a sudden stillness filled the air, causing all three silver-rankers to stop where they were. The brittle moment of serenity then proceeded to be brutally shattered as a diamond rank aura was partially released over the area. All three of the silver-rankers staggered under the sudden pressure of the powerful presence, while the five initiates dropped unconscious in an instant where they were hiding to observe the battle. In the sky above where the jade-sky gate once stood, a massive shimmering insectoid suddenly appeared, its articulated body held soundlessly aloft by a halo formed by iridescent wings. A booming voice which seemed to simply fill the lands below echoed throughout the landscape. ¡°BE AFRAID. BE VERY MUCH AFRAID.¡±
From within his comfortable cabin, Kite had apparently been protected from the effects of the absolute unthinkable speed Gleam had reached as she had traveled. He had even been able to watch his surroundings through one of her smaller faceted eyes which acted like a window, but the world simply turning into colored lines still had his mind reeling. Even as they stopped high in the air above the clearing where the gate had stood, it felt like Kite¡¯s thoughts had been left somewhere in their wake, only catching up a few seconds later. From their lofty vantage, they could clearly see and, to Kite¡¯s surprise, hear the exchange as another grand elder from the Victorious Sunset sect had joined the conflict, as well as see the battle resume. He did not know why mistress Dew had been present, but as she was suddenly outnumbered he feared for her safety. Gleam apparently kept them unseen at the moment, since none of the people below had even stopped to look up. ¡°That woman with the ice. That¡¯s my teacher. I have no idea what she is doing here though.¡± Kite mumbled. Gleam¡¯s response resonated from all the walls around him. ¡°I started surveilling this place partway into our conversation back at the palace, little Kite, as I was curious what had led you to me even before your explanation. From what I have gathered, she fights here to uphold what she thinks is right, as well as for the enjoyment of it. Mortals sure are curious. But she has attempted to uphold the queen¡¯s law, and for that she is to be commended. I assume you would like me to take this into consideration going forward?¡± Kite was surprised that the obscenely powerful construct even cared to ask, but thankful nonetheless. ¡°Yes. Please. Without her, I would probably have been dragged down from the gate even before it ascended, and left at the mercy of those five.¡± Kite said, indicating the hiding initiates. ¡°Or at least four. I don¡¯t think young master Providence¡¯s heart was in it from the start.¡± ¡°Hmm, yes one of them seems more unwilling than the others. Quite conflicted. Either way, I believe it is time to act. While helping you return was one of my objectives, I believe that it was about time an example was made. The queen might be absent in person, but her decree is eternal. And I believe that a dramatic entrance will be beneficial to our cause. How fun! It has been centuries since I got to make one of those! I would ask you to please try to go with the flow from here on out.¡± Gleam finished, sounding slightly giddy at the prospect. Before Kite could respond, he could hear her word strike the lands below like a thunderclap. ¡°BE AFRAID. BE VERY MUCH AFRAID.¡± From above, the whole forest seemed to shudder as the people fighting below staggered or toppled over, unconscious. Kite was blessedly protected from the thunderous voice this time around, only hearing the words in a manageable volume. Then, a second later, Gleam landed after having moved faster than even the silver-ranked perceptions could follow. Small explosions of earth, grass and shrubbery filled the clearing as each of her ten legs scattered soil and vegetation alike. For a short while, there was only stillness, before grand elder Sight was the first one to fall to her knees, followed by the other two.
Frost among Morning Dew had not expected this turn of events. She inwardly reflected that very few beneath at least gold rank probably even had the mental faculties to imagine something like this. The magnificent insectoid construct had appeared like a divine herald, inspiring awe from movements and mere presence alike. And now it towered above them, apparently not pleased. In the stillness that followed, none of the three silver-rankers found the strength to speak, all such thoughts sapped by the aura bearing down on them. ¡°EXPLAIN TO ME WHY SUCH A FLAGRANT DISREGARD FOR THE QUEEN¡¯S ETERNAL LAW IS ALLOWED TO TAKE PLACE.¡± the construct boomed yet again, albeit slightly less thunderous as to not damage the people beneath its multifaceted gaze. As its aura retracted slightly, grand elder Lark was the first to speak. ¡°Divine eminence. There was a thief. A knave who-¡± ¡°DO YOU THINK ME UNABLE TO READ THE FALSEHOODS OF LESSER BEINGS, YOUNG MAN? PONDER THAT FACT, CONSIDER YOUR WORDS AND BEGIN ANEW.¡± Lark was apparently subjected to an instant of more intense aura-suppression, as he wobbled slightly even kneeling as he was. He then continues, apparently having caught the glaringly obvious hint about the consequences of falsehoods and half-truths. ¡°There was a disagreement regarding the result of a clash of paths between one of the students of my sect and an outcast iron-ranker.¡± he began, tone polite but very, very strained. ¡°The former disciple felt cheated, destroyed the message from the officiator and was appropriately punished as a result.¡± ¡°WHO WAS THE OFFICIATOR OF THIS CLASH?¡± ¡°I¡­ I was, divine eminence.¡± mistress Dew stated, even her normally controlled decorum cracked as her voice was shaking a bit. ¡°DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS ERROR IN YOUR JUDGMENT OF THE RESULT?¡± ¡°No. I do not. I will admit taking satisfaction in seeing the former disciple beaten so thoroughly, due to how the clash was initiated and the disciple¡¯s demeanor, but none in their right mind who witnessed it would be in doubt.¡± ¡°CONTINUE YOUR TELLING OF THE EVENTS.¡± the massive construct demanded of grand elder Lark, apparently satisfied with mistress Dew¡¯s answers. ¡°Well, I was not here for all of it so I can hardly attest to-¡± he began, but stopped at a glare from the other grand elder, who had yet to speak. He drew in a shuddering breath, continuing. ¡°Apparently, the now initiate still felt a need for redemption, and brought several other initiate¡¯s with him to facilitate an ambush here next to the gate. I do not know how they knew where the outcast would be. There was an altercation, but they apparently failed to stop the outcast from reaching the gate, deciding to wait outside instead. I came here in person as the sect leader had sensed the presence of a silver-ranker staying on our territory.¡± ¡°AND WHAT DID YOU DO?¡± ¡°I¡­ I decided to stay and make sure she did not interfere with the initiate¡¯s plans.¡± ¡°EVEN THOUGH YOU KNEW THAT THEIR ACTIONS WERE DISHONORABLE?¡± There was silence as grand elder Lark stood still, face reddening in shame and fury. ¡°Yes.¡± was the simple answer he managed to choke out. ¡°WHAT THEN?¡± ¡°The wait was¡­ long. When the outcast emerged, I revealed myself and offered him mercy. He- ¡°WHAT WAS THE CONDITION OF SUCH MERCY?¡± ¡°He was to give over the spoils from his time in the gate.¡± ¡°THE SPOILS HE HAD EARNED? BY HIS OWN POWER? IN THE QUEEN¡¯S SANCTIFIED TRIAL, PROTECTED BY HER LAW?¡± ¡°... yes.¡± ¡°AND WHAT WAS HIS ANSWER?¡± ¡°He¡­ refused. Then he attempted to challenge initiate Rise again to settle the matter, which the initiate refused. The outcast then escaped via the departing gate.¡± ¡°AND WHY DID THIS LEAD TO YOU FIGHTING THIS WOMAN? YOU ARE TREADING DANGEROUS GROUNDS HERE, YOUNG MAN. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME YOU HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GLOSS OVER DETAILS IN YOUR TELLING OF THIS STORY.¡± ¡°I can explain, your divine emi-¡± mistress Dew began, but was interrupted. ¡°I WOULD HEAR IT FROM HIS OWN MOUTH.¡± There was yet another pause, grand elder Lark looking as if the very words he was about to say physically hurt him. ¡°I attempted to stop the outcast from leaving. This woman-¡± he said, gesturing to mistress Dew, ¡°-intervened on the boy¡¯s behalf. I was enraged by her intervention, and we proceeded to fight.¡± ¡°THIS HAS BEEN MOST ENLIGHTENING.¡± the giant construct stated grimly. ¡°HOW WOULD YOU DEEM YOUR OWN ACTIONS?¡± The question was leveraged against mistress Dew. ¡°I¡­ Divine excellency, I stand by my actions. I officiated justly, and tried to uphold what was right. I am also under contract from the adventure society to do just that and make sure that Kite, the boy in question, would be able to have his trial as I believe the queen intended; free from interventions and sabotage.¡± ¡°AND YOU?¡± the construct asked again, this time directing her question toward grand elder Sight, who had remained silent up until now. ¡°I¡­ I chose loyalty to the members of my sect over upholding the queen¡¯s law. While I did try to enforce leniency, I still knowingly participated in a conflict whose grounds were unjust.¡± ¡°AND FINALLY, YOU.¡± the insectoid asked grand elder Lark, a sense of finality. ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡± he choked. ¡°I put the interest of the sect and myself before the queen¡¯s law. Even above it. I tried to save face for me and the sect. It was foolish.¡± ¡°IT IS QUITE EASY TO ADMIT FOOLISHNESS AS YOU ARE FORCED TO BY SOMEONE MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU. I DO NOT BELIEVE YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN SO HUMBLE IN YOUR INSIGHTS IF YOU HAD SUCCEEDED. THUS, WE HAVE ARRIVED AT THE MATTER OF CONSEQUENCES. AS THIS IS A PROBLEM CAUSED BY VERY MORTAL FAILINGS, I SHALL BE ADVISED BY A MORTAL IN TURN. Kite, who had followed the whole exchange as Gleam forced the grand elder to lay bare his failings, almost jumped in his seat as her voice once more resonated inside where he sat. ¡°This will be your cue, young Kite. I believe you will be up to the task. Feel the moment, and play your part.¡± she said cheerfully. Before he could retort, the panels in her head opened to reveal the doorway, along with one of her legs which she had raised as if to help him down. Trying to hide the slight nervous unsteadiness in his steps, he rose up and stepped out on the large claw he was proffered. As he appeared, the reactions varied. Grand elder Sight, who had never seen him before, looked on with questioning incomprehension. Mistress Dew was obviously shocked at him being there and his arrival in such a fashion. Grand elder Lark¡¯s face was stony and blank as he schooled his expression carefully. Gleam was surprisingly gentle and dextrous as she lowered Kite to the ground where he stepped down onto the grassy soil. The clearing was barely recognizable, as the battle between the silver-rankers and the appearance of the diamond-ranked construct had torn up the ground in places and even toppled some trees. He gave an awkward smile to mistress Dew. ¡°Good to see you again, mistress. Grand elders.¡± The latter was meant for the two who bore that title as he nodded to them. ¡°FOR FLAGRANTLY GOING AGAINST THE QUEEN¡¯S LAW THERE WILL BE A PUNISHMENT. YOU, YOUNG KITE, HAVE BEEN THE ONE TO SUFFER THE MOST FROM THESE TRANSGRESSIONS. WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST APPROPRIATE TO SEVER THE BAD KARMA BETWEEN YOU AND REACH EQUILIBRIUM?¡± ¡°I... ¡° Kite began before trailing off. He was both stunned to be asked such a question and by the magnitude of consequences this could have. When he thought about it, what perspective would Gleam even have on the dealings in the wider world? With her level of power, wouldn¡¯t her words be law? What scale did she even think on? ¡°I will take a moment to properly give this thought.¡± he stated to give himself some time. He could feel multiple gazes bore into him, but felt no auras other than Gleam¡¯s, which meant that the silver-rankers either would not or could not try to affect him with theirs. He tried shutting out the rather intense gazes upon him, even shutting his eyes to clear his head. While the frustrated, petty part of him wanted vengeance, he knew that it was a way fraught with complications down the line. Even if he asked for something beyond drastic, such as the annihilation of the sect and all its members, there would no doubt remain a legacy of vengeance as former allies and families came for him and his. And Kite was neither brutal or vengeful enough to accept a life where he was hunted for such decisions. But neither did doing nothing sit right with him. As Gleam had said, karma needed to be severed and a balance reached. Even the sect owing him something along the lines of a huge favor would leave the relation skewed, risking resentment and other complications down the line as well. As his mind was weighing options, one particular phrase auntie Dove was fond of came to mind. And from it sprang an idea. Opening his eyes, he turned back to the watching silver-rankers and gave them a long look as he weighed his words, before turning his face up towards Gleam. ¡°In any given action, there is both intent and result. Both are important, yet have to be weighed against one another. As for my personal circumstances, the actions taken against me personally had dishonorable intent but in the end few negative results. However, this imbalance is still one that should be rectified, as the initiates and the grand elder endangered both me and my familiar. I would ask that this debt be added to the one already owed me since my clash of paths with initiate Rise, and trust that the sect will deliver something appropriate to settle this debt both promptly and with consideration. However, there is also the matter of the queen¡¯s law, a matter which goes far beyond the scope of my personal altercations. From the actions of both initiate and grand elder, I would say that pride, and the brittleness of purpose it brings, have taken their roots in the spirit of the sect¡¯s teachings as some would even act as if above the decree of the Queen of Jade and Sky. But I would imagine that such a strong, reputable institution would have a foundation which would be quite hard to corrupt, as it has produced numerous fine warriors over the years which have gone on to perform great deeds while protecting the people from the dangers of this world. Therefore I would suggest that they be given not punishment, but opportunity. I would suggest to grant them a period of grace, during which they would have the time to turn their attention back to that very foundation; fostering strong, honorable warriors with the express purpose of helping the people while strengthening their path. And to reward them if they, after that period is over, have managed to excise that which had taken root and led some of their members down the path which has led them in opposition to the queen¡¯s law.¡± He finished, slightly out of breath as his mind had done its best to put his ideas into words. Only the wind was heard for a few moments as it rustled the leaves of nearby trees. All of the three silver-rankers looked stunned after Kite¡¯s lengthy suggestion, their minds turning over and over as they processed what he had said and, should the mighty being choose to heed his advice, what consequences would spring from it. The susurration of the breeze was drowned out by the almost vibrating resonance of Gleam¡¯s laughter, beginning in a low note before gradually rising in pitch. She took her time, the laughter only dying down a minute or two later. ¡°OH, I BELIEVE THAT THE WORLD WILL HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR YOU, YOUNG KITE. FROM WHAT YOU HAVE SHOWN HERE, YOUR MIND REACHES DEEPER THAN ONE MIGHT EXPECT FROM ONE SO YOUNG. I MUST ADMIT THAT I WAS OF HALF A MIND TO TEACH THEM A SIMPLE LESSON BY ERADICATING HALF OF THEIR SECT. BUT YOUR IDEA; TO ACTUALLY OFFER THEM AN OPPORTUNITY. I AM INTRIGUED, AND ACTUALLY INCLINED TO FOLLOW YOUR ADVICE. TELL ME, LITTLE ELDERS; DO YOU BELIEVE THAT YOUR SECT CAN BE WORTHY OF SUCH A CHANCE?¡± This time, it was grand elder Sight who spoke, quickly bowing and answering before her fellow elder could speak up. ¡°I do believe that, divine excellency. I shall return at once to the sect leader and deliver your most gracious offer.¡± ¡°GOOD¡­ GOOD. THEN I OR ONE WHO MAY SPEAK IN MY STEAD SHALL VISIT YOUR SECT IN TEN YEARS TIME. IF SAID ARBITER APPROVES OF WHAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED UP UNTIL THAT TIME, THE REWARD WILL BE COMMENSURATE. Gleam lifted one of her huge arms, which folded back to reveal the myriad smaller limbs inside. One of the produced a fist-sized crystal which she, after a moment of focus, carefully handed over to grand elder Sight. ¡°THIS IS MY DECREE, SHOULD ANY OF YOU HAPPEN TO FORGET IT. THAT WOULD BE MOST¡­ UNFORTUNATE. AND I WILL ALSO GIVE YOU A PIECE OF ADVICE. THE INITIATE, RISE, SHOULD BE EXAMINED FURTHER. THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE FOUND IN HIM THAT YOU MAY FIND INTERESTING. NOW GO. BRING WORD TO YOUR SECT OF THE MAGNANIMITY OF THE QUEEN OF JADE AND SKY, AND PROCLAIM THAT THESE TWO; KITE FLOWN IN ON WINDS OF FORTUNE AND FROST AMONG MORNING DEW SHALL BE KNOWN AS GUARDIANS OF HER EXALTED WILL.¡± ¡°At once, divine excellency.¡± grand elder Sight responded, bowing deeply again before turning to her fellow sect member. ¡°Grand elder Lark. It is time to return. Please assist me in bringing back the initiates.¡± Lark nodded, seemingly lost in thoughts as his gaze had remained locked onto Kite, before he was led off without uttering another word. They gathered the young men who were still unconscious, grand elder Sight producing a small floating disc which quickly expanded enough that it could carry the limp initiates. Kite, mistress Dew and Gleam watched them depart in silence, grand elder Sight bowing once to each of them before she led her fellow sect members back toward the sect compound in the south. After a while, Gleam was the first to break the silence. Both of the other essence-users were still quite tense around her, although Kite was slightly calmer as he had gotten at least a short time to try and acclimatize himself to the thought of interacting with a being of her stature and power. ¡°Well, I must say that went beyond expectations.¡± she said, voice back to the more conversational tone which she had used with Kite back at the palace. ¡°You were a pleasant surprise in many ways today, young Kite. I did not expect that level of consideration in your advised verdict. I believe I have an idea of why, but what made you show them such leniency?¡± Kite turned away from watching the spot where the sect warrior¡¯s had disappeared through the trees, turning to the huge insectoid. ¡°Many reasons, I suppose. First of all, I do not fancy myself a life of fending off or succumbing to scores of attempts to avenge any damage I might have done, had you chosen to act it out in my stead. I am not yet powerful enough for that kind of attention. Present company probably included. Better to ask for something that would actually help me, not just any wounded pride or hurt feelings I might harbor, and that will fall within limits of what they can provide discreetly without losing too much of their precious face. The second part actually came from a saying one of my aunties is fond of. That if you want to help someone change, give them something towards which to strive. I and others like me here in the Autumn lands have felt a mounting problem in cooperating with most other sect-affiliated adventurers, mostly for the pride and how they comport themselves. I believe that to at least be a part of what led them to defy the queen¡¯s law when their own agendas felt more important. This way, they have something to earn by considering how they act which might in the end be for the betterment of the rest of us. In the end, that will lead to less trouble for me and mine.¡± ¡°Hohoho, I am not sure just making your own life easier was your only motivation, young Kite. This felt quite more¡­ substantial¡­ than mere self-interest. Regardless, it was quite fun to see them fret as they realized that I might give power over their fate to the one they had regarded only as someone to exercise power on.¡± Gleam chuckled, before turning to mistress Dew. ¡°Feel free to speak, Frost among Morning Dew. I sense no other listeners around us, which means that the formalities are quite done.¡± ¡°Divine excellence, I wanted to thank you as well. Both for intervening here and for bringing Kite back even after the choice of leaving with the gate. A choice we will be discussing at length later.¡± ¡°Your thanks are accepted, but unnecessary, young one. While I very rarely intercede in the world, this gave me an opportunity to make sure that these lands still remember the queen and what she gave it. And now it is time for me to depart. I do have duties to attend, and gates to modify as young Kite here showed me a bit of an oversight in their departure. Would not want seekers of favor or glory to start arriving with each gate, now would we? Before I go, this is for you as well, young Kite. Good luck on your path. I suspect that if we ever meet again, it will be when you are quite a lot more powerful.¡± Gleam finished as one if her smaller arms handed Kite a small object. It was another token, depicting a beautiful sky. Kite recognized it immediately, even though the engravings on this one were bronze. ¡°Thank you, Gleam. I will never forget either your kindness or your beauty.¡± Kite said with a smile and a bow. ¡°Such a well-mannered young man. Take care now, and fare thee well.¡± the shimmering construct finished, before the sparkling wings manifested again. After the blink of an eye, she was gone. Kite was left standing there, looking up at the overcast sky of late spring with mistress Dew beside him. ¡°It seems like you have quite the story to tell, young man. And there will be plenty of time on the way back.¡± 32. Yes and please Jarvan LanCaire, branch director of Gilded¡¯s adventure society, was currently laughing, enough so that even his silver-rank reflexes and coordination was barely up to the task of keeping him in his chair. His large office was currently occupied by him, Adelaide, Kite, mistress Dew and another leonid man who Kite had not met before today. His name was Rupert Versis, and he was the deputy director and right hand of branch director Jarvan. Leonids were far from rare in Hua-Xi, but the population was mostly scattered families rather than unified tribes. This gave the local leonids a rather big variety of coloration and diversity. Rupert was smaller than many of the leonid males Kite had seen earlier in his life, which still left him towering above the rest of the participants of the meeting. His fur was a reddish bronze with a deeper shade of red in his mane, contrasted by his bright blue eyes which were currently giving the branch director a flat look. ¡°We get it, Jarvan. You found this amusing. The point has thoroughly come across.¡± he said in a deep voice laced with a frustration born out of familiarity. Rupert had apparently been one of Jarvan¡¯s traveling companions during his more active adventuring days. Both of the men had an eloquent manner of speech, but Ruperts had a level of dignity to his words which the branch director seemed to lack, instead having a bit more boisterous frivolity. Finally calming down enough to be coherent, Jarvan dabbed at his eyes as if wiping away a non-existent tear. ¡°I did, Rupert. I found it very funny. It is not every day that one of the local iron-rankers, one of the dependable ones even, just happens to get into an altercation with students of a local sect, passes one rather legendary trial of worth then proceeds to escape by hitching a ride with said legendary trial¡¯s even more legendary artifact before returning with what have to be a diamond rank servitor from a local, if absent, queen of legend. He then proceeds with actually getting a say in the affairs of said servitor, effectively wiping the slate clean between him and the sect as he also gave them a punishment in the form of an actual, and probably formidable, reward that will only be available to them if they manage to straighten their act and channel some actual humility and dedication into their work.¡± ¡°It is quite fortunate that you do not have to breathe anymore, Jarvan, as I believe that you might have passed out from asphyxiation had you tried getting any more words out.¡± Rupert commented dryly. Kite, mistress Dew and Adelaide mostly remained quiet during this exchange. As he had returned to Gilded along with mistress Dew, Kite had gone along with her rather insistent suggestion that they inform the branch director as soon as possible about what had transpired. In the wake of one of the most famous independent adventurers in the region, it had not been long until Kite had found himself back in the big office with the exotic memorabilia, telling his story to a very interested audience. ¡°Kite, this couldn¡¯t have come at a better time. I could kiss you!¡± the branch director exclaimed happily as he leaned back in his chair. ¡°Jarvan, do not kiss the young man. Your wife would have quite an enthusiastic protest to such an act.¡± Rupert commented. ¡°And who would tell her? You?¡± ¡°Yes, most certainly.¡± ¡°Traitor! I am your boss!¡± ¡°And she is the healer.¡± ¡°... Well played. Okay, no kissing, but you are definitely in for a reward, Kite! But as it wasn¡¯t during official business, we¡¯ll have to find a way to arrange something discreet.¡± Jarvan mused, stroking his golden beard thoughtfully. ¡°Isn¡¯t that called corruption?¡± Rupert asked dryly. ¡°Nonsense, Rupert. More¡­ cultivating an asset! Yes, that is a great idea! We shoul- Yes, Kite?¡± the branch director interrupted, as Kite had leaned forward as if wishing to speak. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, director Jarvan, but may I ask why this makes you so pleased?¡± he asked, a bit confused regarding the reaction he had received. He had expected something more along the lines of disapproval as a lowly iron-ranker like him had made such ripples in the local power-structures. ¡°Yes, Jarvan. Might be best to tell the young man why you are acting like a crazy person.¡± Rupert added, receiving a glare from the director. ¡°Ah, yes well¡­ You do remember a certain venture that will happen in just a few short months? If this will play out even remotely like I think it will then you, Kite, may just have secured us a much more cooperative local sect. Just imagine it; a large organization who is accustomed to being one of the top local players in the region suddenly comes under scrutiny from something powerful enough that it operates on a whole different scope. They are given an offer; to act with honor and decorum in return for a chance at a reward down the line. A reward from a being operating on a whole different scope than even their most powerful members. Such a reward could change the sect forever, uplifting them to a new stage even. This will give a chance to please many of the internal factions within the sect. Those who might have wanted such a change all along now have renewed wind in their sails, while those vying for power have enough potential gain dangled before them to go along with it, if only on the surface level. What is ten years in the life of the mighty, after all? And this whole thing is dropped on them not long before an expedition where we would really like them to be on their best behavior. Fertility¡¯s teats, it might even be enough to make the Descending Star sect try to up their game as well as not to be outplayed and give away face!¡± The branch director¡¯s tirade had an excited intensity which almost had Kite lean back in his chair as the man¡¯s aura was almost jumping about in excitement. Rupert, on the other hand, coughed at the semi-blasphemous expletive. ¡°Jarvan, I will once again remind you of what your wife would say about such language.¡± ¡°Purr, you have seen her manifestations in the temple square. They are quite the defining feature.¡± ¡°First of all, your wife being a priestess of fertility will probably make her a better authority than you on the matter. Second, you know I absolutely detest being called that.¡± ¡°But you do purr, right? Ru-purrt. It¡¯s perfect!¡± ¡°As I¡¯ve said before; whether I purr or not is for you to wonder and for a woman of class and decorum to find out.¡± ¡°Spoilsport.¡± Jarvan grumbled before turning back to Kite. ¡°Did that answer your question, Kite?¡± ¡°Yes, thank you branch director. But I must admit that it raised many more.¡± Kite answered as he was trying to find his bearings in this conversation. The branch director had seemed to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere during the previous meeting, but the presence of his deputy director took it to an entirely different level. Kite couldn¡¯t help being swept up in the casualness, although it was still a bit too new to entirely dare to relax to their level. Director Jarvan chuckle. ¡°That is quite alright, Kite. Most will probably be answered in time. But as for your reward, I have an idea of which I will get back to you in the future. Had it been up to me, I¡¯d just slap on a third star onto your badge right away. Lust¡¯s luscious lips, I¡¯d even give you a fourth just for the amount of work and tedious meetings you might just have saved me.¡± ¡°But¡­ I thought there were only three stars?¡± Kite asked, confused. ¡°There are only three stars. The branch director is just being his usual self. How he got the position is often beyond me.¡± Rupert muttered sufferingly. ¡°Besides, you might get in trouble if promoted again too soon, or too young. I believe the branch director is wise to hold off with that kind of reward for now.¡± Adelaide added. She had mostly listened along so far after escorting them to the meeting. ¡°Unfortunate, but true. But make a good showing during the upcoming expedition, and your future with the society might continue to look very bright!¡± director Jarvan said with a pleased smile before turning to mistress Dew. ¡°Regarding your reward, you may collect the agreed upon payment for the contract from Adelaide after this meeting, with a bonus due to the unforeseen altercations.¡± ¡°That sounds satisfactory. Besides, I got to test a grand elder in direct combat. It¡¯s not everyday a mere ¡®outcast¡¯ like me gets that kind of chance.¡± mistress Dew said, blue lips curving slightly in a satisfied smile. ¡°But I have to admit, he was good. If he would drop the politicking and participate properly in the expedition, he will be an asset.¡± ¡°Before today I thought that I would see Lust take a vow of chastity before I¡¯d see a sect elder tone down the politics, but life truly is a process of learning.¡± chuckled the branch director. ¡°And thank you Kite, for shedding some light on the trial of the jade-sky gate. Very few rumors have been around, even fewer which sounded credible. Since the variety of trials seem almost endless, there isn¡¯t much point of spreading it too far, but it can be of some value to any of our own people who are planning to make the attempt. For now, you should go home and rest. There will probably be a day or two before word starts getting around of what happened, probably being grander with every telling. It is not often I get to debrief the ¡®guardians of the queen¡¯s exalted will¡¯ here in these lands. But I suggest that you most of all, Kite, prepare for a bit more attention to you. I wouldn¡¯t expect dignitaries from the capitol, but there will probably be at least some local players who want to form a connection. Do with that what you wish, but I would advise caution in making any commitments to anything.¡± ¡°Thank you, branch director. I will consider your advice.¡± Kite said, giving the man a tired smile before rising along with mistress Dew and Adelaide. ¡°Rest will be much needed, I believe.¡± ¡°And I will return to my previous assignment. There is still work to be done. We can¡¯t all go traipsing about ancient trials for three weeks.¡± mistress Dew said with a sardonic smile as she left before the others, her pace quicker than the iron-rankers could easily follow.
¡°Well, little Kite, that sure proved to be quite the adventure in more ways than one.¡± uncle Walker said as he sat back in his chair, Kite just having finished his telling of the story for the second time since his return to the city. Kite took the moment to really enjoy the warmth of the small feast his uncle had procured after he had returned. Even Glint had her very own little pile of pastry crumbs which she was digging into with fervor. ¡°To think that they would stoop so low though¡­¡± he continued thoughtfully. ¡°You said that even the construct said that they should take a deeper look at the young man? I have faced some rather unpleasant students of the sects in my days, but none of them had yet to reach that level.¡± Kite nodded as he finished chewing. ¡°Maybe she saw something that the rest of us did not?¡± ¡°Well, best leave that to the sect. Might be good to take some time for a bit of inward focus for them.¡± uncle Walker said after taking another sip of tea. ¡°I¡¯m more interested to see what you got for all this trouble. From the trial I mean. Would you mind showing this old man?¡± Kite produced the metal staff from his void sheath, the lone ring at its top chiming with a faint resonance as he held it out toward his uncle. Walker took it reverently, feeling at its weight as Kite described his sense of what the properties of the staff were. ¡°Kite, that is one quality piece of equipment you have there, even though it looks more like a staff made for some spiritual purpose. It will probably be with you to the end of your days. With such a companion, you will probably want to start looking for a proper teacher. Unfortunately, your old uncle here will probably not be able to give you more than base advice as you have already learned what I have to teach. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. But we should leave thoughts of improvement and further adventures until tomorrow. Tonight we eat, rest and toast to the fact that I will not have to flee these lands to hide from your vengeful aunties.
¡°Is it done?¡± asked Luster of Imminent Dusk, sect leader of the Victorious Sunset sect. She stood looking out over the sect through the windows of her solar, a severe human woman with straw-blonde hair held in an elaborate hairstyle of braids, pins and jewels. While she held the same silver rank as the two grand elders who had entered her private quarters, there was a distinct feeling of power from her as she stood at the very peak of the rank. Her aura felt like the blazing sun, even as evening had long since fallen over the lands below. ¡°It is done, sect leader.¡± answered grand elder Sight, bowing with cupped hands to show deference. ¡°The priest of the Healer we brought in confirmed that there is indeed something tainting the initiate, but very subtle. He is currently bringing in more of his clergy for a deeper investigation.¡± ¡°Good. Whatever else came of this debacle, it alerted us to a danger we should have been aware of already. Prepare to lock down the sect after Healer¡¯s clergy has arrived. Prepare the inner disciples and the elders to keep watch as we begin screening everyone, beginning with me.¡± ¡°Surely, sect leader, you of all people must be beyond reproach?¡± asked grand elder Lark, taken aback by the statement. ¡°Assuming a position beyond any reproach is what got all of us into this situation, grand elder.¡± sect leader Dusk said, an edge to her voice as she turned to them. ¡°If we are going to grab the double-edged opportunity your actions have thrust upon us, then it has to be done thoroughly. We begin with me.¡± she finished, brooking no argument as grand elder Lark shrank back slightly from the pressure her aura-backed gaze exuded.
The morning after his return, Kite awoke as his door rattled at the sound of loud knocking. A quick glance outside through the window told him that he had apparently slept later than usual. While he felt drowsy, a part of his mind noted that waking up was a much smoother process than before as his mind cleared rather quickly. This meant that he was surprisingly coordinated as he threw on pants and a loose shirt before going to the rescue of the poor door which almost rattled in its hinges. He already knew who was outside, smiling amusedly as he opened the door. ¡°What did this poor door ever do to yo-¡± was all the attempt at suave comment he got out before being tackled to the ground as Dragonfly pounced on him, covering his face in her pink curls as her almost weapons-grade hug enveloped him. As she sat up where she still straddled him, she gave him a fierce, accusatory look. ¡°What is this I¡¯m hearing about you? Facing off against sect elders? Calling down the fury of the heavens? Being named the guardian of¡­ something which sounded very important?!¡± she asked, accusation in her tone as her eyes thinned. Dragonfly was a blessed sight, looking like her usual self; with eyes full of passion and dressed in practical, loose pants and tunic in the local style tied shut with a number of small ribbons. And after being alone in a hostile environment for weeks, Kite was keenly aware of how much he¡¯d missed her. That was why he, instead of an explanation, instead just sat up and hugged her again. This threw her off track, and the questions were discarded as she instead held him tightly for a while. ¡°I truly missed you these last weeks, Dragonfly.¡± he said honestly as he pulled back to affix her gaze with his. ¡°If I learned anything from the trial, it was to cherish those of you that matter the most.¡± Put on the back foot by Kite¡¯s emotional counterattack of earnest appreciation, she stumbled over her words a bit as she blushed. He did think that he felt a twang of something in her aura, but it was not the repressed physical attraction from last time. Deciding to ask about it later, he continued. ¡°We should probably close the door as well. It¡¯s a rather long story, after all.¡± he said with a contented smile. It truly was good to be back.
And thus, Kite told his story again for the third time. However, it was not only Dragonfly who was his audience this time. As she had gathered her composure, Dragonfly had announced that such a story deserved its snacks and that they should probably see if Serene was available as well. An hour later, the three of them sat at the small table in Kite¡¯s apartment, Kite basking in the warmth of food and the company of his companions. ¡°-and then Gleam left, probably returning to the castle of her mistress.¡± he finished. During his telling, he had been bombarded with questions as his audience had shifted between excitement, outrage and some incredulousness. As he got to the rather crazy end, Dragonfly had even stopped to ask Serene if he was really telling the truth. Kite did not blame her. He would have thought it quite the tall tale had he heard it himself. ¡°You sure showed a knack for attracting trouble.¡± Dragonfly stated as she leaned back in her chair, almost dazed by the complex events. Serene seemed less phased, but more thoughtful. ¡°I do wonder what this will mean for the future, both the¡­ endeavor but also for you, Kite. While you won¡¯t be known by everyone, you might receive more attention from certain circles from now on.¡± she mused with her windy voice. ¡°Branch director Jarvan hinted something along those lines as well.¡± Kite agreed. ¡°I don¡¯t know exactly what it will be though. Any ideas?¡± Dragonfly shrugged, indicating that she had no clue, while Serene spoke up again. ¡°While I am not entirely sure, I would believe that certain people, often those with means or power, might reach out to try and make a connection. You are only an iron-ranker at the moment, so it will probably be more with the future in consideration. Be wary, Kite. Some might want to bring you into their games and politics. I think practicing your polite refusals might be appropriate.¡± Kite sighed heavily at the prospect, but if it was to be as Serene suspected, he would probably do well to heed her advice. He started thinking about who he could consult in the matter when Dragonfly brought a wholly different topic. ¡°That aside, there is one thing you haven¡¯t told us yet. Did you find any treasure?¡± she asked, eyes gleaming. A while later, both Dragonfly and Serene sat gaping at the piles of treasure they had helped him to sort through. While his staff was the most precious gain from the trial, he had still left with ten varied essences and sixteen awakening stones, on top of all the varied small piles of quintessence. Most were from different elemental themes, such as the expected water and fire essences, but there were some more abstract concepts in there as well such as the solid essence he had found early in the trial. ¡°I brought this as well, as it was something I thought you might appreciate.¡± Kite said with a wink to Dragonfly as he produced the axe once wielded by the fire warlord. It was a large, single bladed axe of a brass-colored metal. The head had inscriptions which looked more like small, natural veins of lava and brimstone, and even with his increased strength he had to struggle a bit as he held the weapon out to her. As she hefted it, eyes gleaming, he continued. ¡°It¡¯s for bronze rank, but it feels pretty powerful. It would be my pleasure to gift it to you. I do owe you one for the awakening stone, after all.¡± He felt a nice warmth inside as he saw her excitement at the gift, even if she had to put it away after a while due to the increasing pain of handling a higher-rank item. Once more, he found himself enveloped in a big hug. ¡°You foolish, wonderful man. You know there isn¡¯t any bad karma between us.¡± she said, words muffled by his shoulder. ¡°I know. But I want you to have it anyway. Who else would I think of when faced with an implement of fiery brutality.¡± ¡°That might be one of the nicest things someone has said about me. Right up there with you calling me beautiful.¡± she beamed at him. ¡°Do you know what you will do with all this, Kite? It should earn you quite a lot.¡± Serene asked as she held a piece of shimmering dimension quintessence, looking into its depths. ¡°Sell it, at least most of it. I will need a lot of funds to raise my new staff to bronze rank after all. And all the rest of the gear we will need once we progress far enough. It should still be a couple of months away but we should be looking toward the future. As auntie Crow likes to say; We can¡¯t wait until we¡¯re thirsty before starting to dig the well.¡± He explained sagely. Both of his friends looked at him in silence for a short while before Dragonfly spoke. ¡°Doesn¡¯t your auntie know a magic ritual to dig wells? Like, really fast?¡±
After spending the day together, Serene was the first to leave, but not before giving Dragonfly some not so subtle hints that she should stay and talk with Kite. As he had felt that something was a bit off when she arrived, the door had barely closed before Kite turned to Dragonfly who still sat at his bed sorting the last of the quintessence. He didn¡¯t need an aura-sense to see that she was avoiding his gaze. ¡°Would you like to talk about it?¡± he asked gently as he sat down beside her after pushing some of the piles down into a dimensional bag. ¡°No¡­ But that¡¯s not because I don¡¯t want to talk, but rather that I don¡¯t want the reason for talking to be.¡± Kite cocked his head as his mind started going through what she might be referring to, his increased mental processing allowing him to go through even more potential scenarios which gradually became more outrageous in the seconds before she worked up her nerve. ¡°Kite¡­ Master Force will reach silver rank soon.¡± He nodded for her to continue, most potential scenarios for her distress dissolving while more questions arose. ¡°She¡¯ll stay and join the venture with the adventure society. But afterwards¡­¡± ¡°She¡¯ll want to leave. For better opportunities.¡± Kite finished as his mind finally comprehended, as well as what would probably come next. ¡°And you will need to go with her.¡± He finished, voice lowering to almost a murmur. Visions of Brook leaving in the back of her family¡¯s wagon flashed before his eyes, as an echo of the old ache in his heart made his chest tighten just a bit. While his and Dragonfly¡¯s relationship was not the same as that between him and Brook, she was still a person he cherished being around and who was very important to him. She had been a more or less constant companion during the last year, both out in the field and in the times between. As he found no words, he instead just leaned into her where she sat at his side, her head resting against his shoulder. After a few minutes of a companionable but heavy silence, she spoke up. ¡°It won¡¯t be forever. We¡¯ll probably be back before the monster surge, if not before. But as it is probably another year or two, it will still be a while until we can see each other again. I already know, though. That I want to return. To you, and Serene. And other adventures that can await us. If you want me to return, that is.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be silly.¡± he said as he turned his head to take in the flowery scent of her hair. ¡°While part of me wants to accuse the heavens of being unfair, we knew that the adventuring life would take our paths on many twists and turns. I would lie if I said that saying this is easy, but I will nonetheless. I understand, Dragonfly. That you must go with her for a time. I know how important she is to you. And while it hurts inside to think of you leaving, I will try my best to instead look forward to your return.¡± ¡°Thank you, Kite. I¡­ was worried that I would hurt you. Telling you that I was leaving, I mean. You¡¯ve told us about your first love, and even while it¡¯s not the same with us, it¡¯s still¡­¡± ¡°Not entirely different.¡± Kite finished. ¡°And you are right. Memories of that time were the first which flashed through my mind. And yes, it does hurt inside. But after Brook left, I talked a lot with auntie Crow about it. Auntie Dove is wonderful, but she tends to get all flustered in matters of the heart. But Crow said something which I¡¯ve tried to take to heart. That if it hurts, it means that it is important. Something real. So in a way I am glad, since our bond is important to me. And this is just a confirmation of that.¡± As he spoke, she held onto him a bit closer. ¡°Have I said that your aunties are awesome?¡± ¡°That they are.¡± he said with a smile. ¡°Fortune truly blessed me when they took me in.¡± ¡°Have I also said that your earnestness makes it hard to think straight at times?¡± This time, he laughed and she joined him. It didn¡¯t erase all the hurt, but it was like a fresh breeze had dispelled at least some of the heaviness in their heart. After settling down again, Kite spoke. ¡°Are you alright then? Staying with us as planned until you leave?¡± ¡°Oh you will know I¡¯m there, alright. I have a very hot axe ready to cleave some deviant scum.¡± she answered with a fierce smile, before adding. ¡°And two companions who mean the world to me. I want to spend what time I have with you two, even if I¡¯m going away later. If that is acceptable to you, that is?¡± ¡°You know it is. You¡¯ll never need to ask that.¡± Kite finished as they lapsed into silence once more, this time only companionable. He still felt the ache inside, but it was manageable as he tried to cherish what it meant, not just what it was. ¡°Kite?¡± Dragonfly asked after a little while. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Can I¡­ have you tonight?¡± ¡°Yes and please.¡± ¡°That was quite an eager response. I like it.¡± she said, giggling. ¡°Dragonfly, I spent the last three weeks fighting for my life with only a semi-homicidal planner of death traps and a fish, albeit the best fish, as company. I assure you that I am most eager.¡±
As he fell asleep that night, tangled in pink curls and soft sheets, Kite was content and finally relaxed as the last vestiges of the almost constant state of readiness left him. While they had both been distracted by the prospect of spending time as lovers, Kite did have the presence of mind to suggest relocating to Dragonfly¡¯s residence. Her private residence. He was fond of uncle Walker, and did not plan on having him walk in on them. Even as part of his mind wanted to paint her presence as fleeting and finite, he was fighting against it having him subconsciously pushing her away. He wanted to live his life for what he had, even if not all of it was eternal. Thinking back to his birth-parents letter, he once again vowed to fight for his own bonds and for those he forged them with. Before long, he was asleep. And there, nightmares of happiness wrested from him turned into dreams of adventure, as a burning silhouette was his ever-present companion. 33. Gardening ¡°Thank you again for your hospitality, mistress Laurel. I will keep your offer under consideration, but must reiterate my plans to remain unmarried for the foreseeable future, although through no fault of your lovely daughter. Or son. They truly are both blossoms of spring.¡± Kite said as he was bowing to a finely dressed middle-aged woman while carefully backing down the outer stairs which led up to the rich townhouse in one of Gilded¡¯s finer neighborhoods. He gave yet another formal bow, hands cupped, at the bottom of the stairs to forestall what he expected might be another attempt to make further appointments. ¡°I will have to ask to be excused now, mistress Laurel, as I have a contract which I will need to get to. The duty to protect fine people like your family is one most important.¡± He finished before turning to leave. After walking at a brisk pace for a few streets, he slowed down and released an exasperated sigh. Glint took the opportunity to come floating up from her flask, making concerned circles around his head as she sensed his weariness. ¡°Do not worry, Glint. I am just a bit mentally worn out.¡± he consoled the worried carp as he carefully stroked her flowing fins. Said mental exhaustion came from the surprising number of formal invitations which, true to the predictions of the branch director, had begun being extended to Kite during the three weeks since his return. Like his last visit, most had been from prominent merchant families and others like them who occupied the lower ranges of Gilded¡¯s upper echelons. While he thanked Fortune that he was not deemed important enough to be of interest to the absolute top of society, it had still been a kind of low-intensity tribulation again and again as Kite found himself navigating unfamiliar social waters. Most such meetings were rather obvious attempts to make a connection with the low-ranking adventurer who had suddenly gained a bit of local renown as rumors of him completing the jade-sky gate¡¯s trial, as well as the happenings afterwards, had spread. The Victorious Sunset sect closing their gates to the outside world had only fanned the rumor mills even more. Kite had been to almost a dozen different lunches, dinners and tea ceremonies. A few had merely seemed curious about him and wanted to pry as much information from him as possible while others, like the Laurel family, had wanted to make a more permanent connection through arranged marriage with one of their eligible young ones. One more circumspect arrangement had seen Kite being offered a contract to escort a young woman of means to inspect family holdings, only to realize that it had merely been a thinly veiled date. Kite had lamented his lack of experience in these kinds of formal settings many a time as he felt out of his depth. He had embraced the strategy of overly polite non-commitment, which seemed to be an effective means to his short-term end, but only seemed to incite further attempts by the more ambitious seekers of his commitment. He felt a bit like a fish who had been dropped into the wrong pool, only to find the predators circling, his safety hinging on not making any sudden movements. One of the meetings had stood out, as he had been called to attend a small soir¨¦e at the mansion belonging to the Providence family. It was the very family that had enabled his trial as they had sent him the jade-sky token, thinking it to be a thinly veiled insult of a gift as most deemed the gates too dangerous to attempt for any gifted, cultivated scion. Compared to that particular social gathering, the rest seemed almost pleasant. Everything done by those present seemed to be part of some elaborate play, with hidden meanings beyond Kite¡¯s ability to comprehend. His saving grace had been that the Providence family was prestigious enough to invite the silver-ranked mistress Dew as well. She had quickly taken the beleaguered young man under her wing, her cool demeanor like a shield of ice to poor Kite. If not for her, he did not know how a particular conversation would have ended when a member of the Providence family¡¯s main branch had started making obvious hints that Kite now owed them as they had graciously given him the opportunity of the jade-sky gate. ¡°Oh, I see! You had sponsored young Kite all along then? Pray tell, what resources did you provide him? Equipment? Training? What, beyond young master Kite¡¯s own path, did he use to conquer a trial which had remained in this region for over a hundred years?¡± had been her cool response, disdain obvious. While it had ended the conversation, Kite suspected that it was only her silver rank which had protected them from more social reprisal at that moment. The Providence family had many iron- and bronze-rankers in attendance, but none of silver. Kite had kept a lookout for the young master he had already met, but whom seemed to be absent from the gathering Kite had attended. Since that one time, he had heard nothing else from that particular family and Kite was happy for it to remain as such.
¡°I don¡¯t know, Kite, I could totally see you as a doting husband; all serious and earnest about protecting the family which took you in even though your beginnings were humble.¡± Dragonfly giggled before she swatted another gyrmling which approached her, conjured axe easily shearing through the monster''s bark armor. ¡°You really can¡¯t let this go, can you?¡± Kite retorted, voice flat as his staff appeared in hand, covered in dispelling ripples as it struck the gyrmling brute in the chest. The strike, its force increased by the enchantment of the staff, made the huge monster stagger as the dispelling effect dissolved bark armor. As opposed to when he began his training just after awakening his abilities, the now peak iron-ranked special attack had a much greater effect in both damage and scope. Just an instant after he struck, those nearby could feel a slight but deep reverberation as the monster¡¯s armor shattered even more as if struck again. That repeat was one of the most valuable effects of the legendary weapon. While any damage dealt by the echo was reduced by half of the original, it still fully applied any other effects once more. This was most valuable for Kite¡¯s dispelling and mana-draining attacks, as their frequency increased when the echoing enchantment wasn¡¯t recharging, but it wouldn¡¯t hurt to increase the damage of his more direct attack either. But what really hinted at its potential was the fact that the echo used the original attack in its delivered state as its baseline, meaning that any increases in damage and effect was taken into account. An example of this was the increased effect of the first strike after it had been brought forth from Kite¡¯s void sheath, as well as Spiritual reprisal increasing the effects against enemies who had struck his barriers. Before the gyrmling brute had recovered, the staff and its chiming ring had disappeared, replaced by the wicked bone spear which he plunged into the now exposed, gooey body of the monster. It was over quickly, as was Dragonfly¡¯s mopping up of the smaller, more numerous gyrmlings. ¡°It is such a shame that we have to stay close to the city due to the upcoming¡­ thing.¡± Dragonfly stated sourly as she let her burning axe disappear. ¡°The competition for the bronze-rank monsters is too high. It was much nicer when we could just travel as far as we needed.¡± ¡°At least there are plenty of contracts to go around, even if they are simple. It is gyrmling-season, after all.¡± chimed Serene as she joined them, continuing as they checked the area once more before beginning their walk back to the city. ¡°But you have heard the rumors too, right? That the concentrated manifestations of higher-ranked monsters seems to be increasing?¡± ¡°I have, yeah.¡± Dragonfly answered from where she walked beside them. ¡°That it feels abnormal even with the upcoming surge. Apparently, some think that the monsters remain for longer than normal, which means longer berserking stages and territorial monsters becoming a problem for longer.¡± Kite thought back to Verdant Steps and their encounter with the effigy erected there. ¡°Is someone or something orchestrating this?¡± he pondered aloud, clueing in the others to his line of thought. ¡°If it is, more competent people have probably made the connection way before us.¡± Dragonfly stated. ¡°I guess that is the dubious luxury of not being at the top.¡± Both her companions nodded in acknowledgement, but Kite still felt uneasy and resolved to ask the branch director about it if he got the chance to speak with him again. As it was the height of summer, the autumnal foliage looking like a verdant sea of flames in the sunlight, there was only about a month left until it might be time for the venture. The trio would have to try their best to be as ready as possible before then, unaware that a complication was heading their way.
¡°I thank you for your assistance in tempering my path.¡± Kite said a bit tiredly, bowing to the young woman wearing the silver and blue robes of the Descending Star sect who was currently sprawled on the ground before him, still conscious but mind severely muddled from loss of mana. He turned to bow to the officiator as well, in this case being Adelaide. The young woman had been the fifth to approach Kite in challenge during the weeks of his return, doing so while Kite was finishing turning in a contract. Adelaide, ever keen on escaping desk duty, offered to officiate the clash, therefore joining them in one of the practice yards. Judging from the sour murmuring of fellow sect students who had been watching the clash, Kite suspected that the frequency of such challenges would increase as more sought to test the new name that had risen to modest prominence. Two challengers, one being this particular disciple, had been treating him more like some no-name upstart who should know his place while the other three had been more pleasant, or at least polite. All five duels had so far been convincing wins for Kite, who felt the increasing suspicion that his different mentors had been right in them deeming his path most effective against other essence-users at low rank. This last bout did leave him more spent, as his opponent had been quite skilled at employing an acrobatic fighting style with unpredictable movements, further increased by her weapon being a short blade attached to a lengthy chain. Kite had so far tried holding back some of his more spectacular skills when using them in such a public venue, but had needed to use the mana-draining power of Chakra implosion empowered by Potential of Stolen Power to close this one before his opponents ramping speed had gone too far. ¡°That had to have been cheating!¡± accused a young man from the sect group, gaze turned to Adelaide. ¡°The code of the clash of paths is clear. Adventurer Kite used nothing more than the equipment he fought with and his own powers. Would you deem the use of powers unfair?¡± she asked, her tone strict and neutral, but Kite who knew her a bit better recognized a hint of exasperation to her stance. ¡°If they are that dishonorable, they should be.¡± grumbled the student, but did not raise the issue again. While some sect students demanded a lot from the society, at least this one wasn¡¯t foolish enough to press such an issue with one of its functionaries acting in official capacity. ¡°Disciple Din, you may leave the agreed upon prize with any functionary in the administrations hall. The adventure society will make sure that your opponent receives it.¡± Adelaide stated as she turned to the young human woman who had risen to a seated position, receiving a bleary-eyes nod in response. As the group left, some still casting some ugly looks at Kite, Adelaide turned to him. ¡°You could probably ask for a lot more for victory. They sure did.¡± she stated with displeasure as she watched them leave. As the challenges had begun, Kite had decided to keep his requests rather modest from defeated opponents. While most of them asked for an awakening stone, either for themselves or for further bartering, he was usually content with credit to use in the trade pavilion. Bronze rank was looming on the horizon, and Kite wanted at least some basic equipment ready. But a new rank meant a new realm of prizing, so he tried accumulating what he could. He had already ordered two commissions as the Victorious Sunset sect had delivered in full. However, his choice of prize was more a concern of attention. Being bested by what some viewed as a lucky upstart was enough of a blow to some people¡¯s pride in and of itself. If they were almost ruined resource-wise by it, Kite expected he would find a lot of trouble down the line. He had to admit that he found the duels exciting and a good way to practice, but the prospect of being ambushed out in the wilds again did put a lid on it. ¡°Better to get something I actually need rather than another nasty surprise when I am traveling on my own.¡± he answered with a shake of his head. ¡°On that note, did anything come of the investigation as to how the students of the Victorious Sunset sect knew about my intentions? They were not widely spread, after all.¡± Adelaide answered as they started walking back. ¡°Nothing that I can share with you, I¡¯m afraid. But I will say that your little adventure did give the society somewhere to start looking. I would kindly ask you to leave it at that for now though. We don¡¯t want to keep you in the dark as you have done good work for us, Kite. But in a war of secrets, the more control over the players, the better. Or so deputy director Versis said at least.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Kite sighed, and was about to continue when he was interrupted by a young woman dressed in fine clothes. He stifled a groan as he recognized the colors when she bowed before him. ¡°Pardon me, young master. I come bearing a message from mistress Laurel. As she and the young mistress so enjoyed your company last time, they would be delighted to arrange for another chance to enjoy your company.¡± she said in a polite, soft tone but at a pace which left Kite no room to interject. ¡°If it would please you, we could start discussing your schedule-¡± she continued, Kite shooting a pleading look at Adelaide who had simply retreated with a friendly wave as she had callously left him dangling above the sharks. What followed was a conversation where Kite¡¯s desperation kept rising as the woman, clearly excellent at her job, kept talking circles around his attempts at dodging further commitment, especially since he did not want to stoop to rudeness while doing so. Just as the verbal trap was about to close around him, salvation came from an unexpected place. ¡°Kite! My friend! It has been too long!¡± came the jubilant exclamation of a young blonde elven man who was making a straight line for him. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. ¡°Will?¡± Kite asked, almost sobbing with relief at the young man¡¯s intervention. They had not seen each other since that first day when he sold Will the awakening stones, but the noble scion acted as if it were but yesterday. The woman from house Laurel immediately fell to her knees at Will¡¯s arrival. ¡°Young master Indomitable!¡± ¡°I regret to inform the Laurel family that I will be monopolizing Kite¡¯s social schedule for quite a while. I hope they will not be too displeased with me, and would like to extend an invitation for the family to the upcoming summer soir¨¦e which will be held at the first peak. As a thanks for their forbearance.¡± Will said, keeping his gaze at Kite the whole time. ¡°Young master is most gracious. I will, of course, relay the message to the mistress of the family.¡± she said, bowing repeatedly as she backed away from them. When reaching a polite distance, she turned and all but ran back toward the elevating platforms. ¡°Grim, please update the guest list accordingly.¡± Will said to the dark-haired manservant who had followed in his wake. ¡°Already done, young master.¡± the man stated with his usual formal dignity before giving Kite a small nod. ¡°Adventurer Kite.¡± ¡°Grim. Good to see you again.¡± Kite said, returning the nod. ¡°Will, I could kiss you for getting me out of that situation. But that would probably leave me exiled or assassinated.¡± he finished, Will waving off the comment while Grim just nodded ever so slightly. ¡°I could not leave a friend dangling like that. You looked quite beleaguered, so I decided to intervene. And besides, I was not lying. I do plan on monopolizing your time for a while. Better that they all know that they are hunting well out of their depth.¡± Will said cheerfully. ¡°You¡­ are?¡± Kite asked, suddenly hesitant. ¡°I am! It¡¯s going to be so exciting! But not here. I would kindly extend an invitation to join me at a more private location. Grim, if you would.¡± Will said, turning to his servant at the end. ¡°Very good, young master.¡± said the man, and just a moment later a familiar glass archway formed in the square outside the administrations building. Kite had long felt the gazes of most people on them, and now there was definitely none who had missed the exchange. ¡°Follow me, Kite. I promise that you will not be disappointed.¡± Will said cheerfully as he entered the portal. This left Kite and Grim giving each other a long look. ¡°My advice would be to just go along, adventurer Kite. As you may have surmised, there are few who can change the young master¡¯s mind once it is set.¡± the manservant stated, and Kite thought that he could once more detect a note of suffering in his voice. Kite nodded in thanks to the man before entering the portal after Will.
¡°-which might be the extent of the operation we have gotten a hint of so far. Our captive didn¡¯t know much though, but it gave enough for the deputy director to move out personally.¡± Adelaide finished her report to the branch director LanCaire. While her rank as a functionary wasn¡¯t high in and of itself, she had still been recruited to coordinate and gather the information from the adventure society¡¯s investigations into the local sale of information. While Kite¡¯s incident hadn¡¯t been the first, it had been a recent enough lead to actually get some results. She hadn¡¯t been lying to him when she said that the society was already investigating. ¡°If Rupert thinks it was worth moving out to investigate personally, it is best to prepare. His instincts are keen in this regard.¡± ¡°Should we start preparing assets for a strike?¡± The director thought for a while, before answering. ¡°Yes. Bring some of the usual bronze-rankers. Rupert should be enough as he is, but backup is never bad.¡± He had almost turned to other matters as an idea struck him. ¡°Oh, and bring in Kite and his companions as well to manage any rats escaping the sinking ship. It will be a good chance to evaluate them some more, and give them a feel for this kind of work.¡± ¡°As I suspected then. You are thinking about recruiting them?¡± ¡°I did say that the boy could expect some exciting opportunities if he played his cards right, did I not? It will be a loose affair though, as with most. Wouldn¡¯t want to reduce his freedom and growth. But he could be an asset to the local branches, even if he was to become a roaming one. ¡° ¡°Then I shall contact him as soon as we get confirmation.¡± Adelaide finished with a short bow before leaving.
After the expected bout of nausea, fortunately not enough to make him lose his lunch, Kite got a proper look at his surroundings. He had arrived in a luxurious hallway partially open to an inner yard. The yard housed a pleasant garden in addition to a training space similar to those on the adventure society campus. The building which ringed it was built of wood on a polished stone foundation, and everywhere Kite looked he could see expensive types of wood, art and furniture of exquisite craftsmanship. Will had just taken two glasses of some kind of rose-colored liquid from a servant''s tray, handing one to Kite where he stood gawking. ¡°Welcome to my abode, Kite. It is rather fine, if I may say so myself.¡± Will smiled at his friend''s amazement. ¡°Come, sit! I have an offer and an opportunity for you.¡± Still stunned at finding himself in what he assumed to be a palace, Kite let himself be led to a comfortable group of couches around a low table out in the garden. His magical perception saw clear signs of extensive enchantments, such as a rain screen to protect the garden decor and other systems to keep the plants nourished and healthy. There was probably more, but too well concealed and complex for him to properly get a look at. The beverage was both delicious and refreshing as he took a sip, and Kite made sure to make it last to thoroughly enjoy the experience. ¡°First of all, I can assure you that this compound is well protected from prying eyes and ears we do not wish for, so we may speak freely.¡± Will began as he gestured around himself. ¡°What I wanted to talk about was the upcoming expedition which I know that you will be a part of as well. I do have my sources.¡± he finished with a wink to forestall Kite¡¯s question as to how. ¡°Jokes aside, we had it confirmed by the branch director during my family¡¯s coordination with the adventure society. The local leadership are otherwise quite adept at keeping their cards close to their chest. I believe that the deputy director is to thank for that. Are you aware of the structure of said expedition?¡± ¡°Not in detail.¡± Kite admitted. ¡°I expected to be further informed soon as the venture draws near.¡± ¡°I know some of the broader strokes. From what we got to know, they do not expect this to be just a short sortie, at least not the adventure society. Early estimates of the number of bandits and fallen sect members are enough to turn this into a small war. As our foes are scattered, so must we spread out if we want to catch as many of them as we can to prevent them from going to ground and start growing their numbers again. This means we will be required to form squads and groups, and I would very much like to join yours, my friend!¡± Kite blinked as he was torn from his line of thought. ¡°Mine? But¡­ why? I¡¯d expect you to have either plenty of family members or household guard to pick from. Or the sects? Will seemed to have anticipated the question. ¡°There, my friend, one of my father¡¯s core philosophies comes into play; that one¡¯s strength must become one¡¯s own. And on that matter at least, we are in agreement. My path shall not be allowed to become a greenhouse flower, and neither my siblings'' as two more will be participating. The old man even had the nerve to direct us to form different groups and make a bit of competition out of it. It wouldn¡¯t be entirely unsupervised either. Grim would be attached to me either way, as there will probably be a bronze to each handful of iron-rankers in the group.¡± His explanation had left Kite thoughtful, as he weighed his opinion regarding Will and what he was suggesting. He had found the young scion to be a pleasant, if a bit intensive, companion so far in their dealing. While he was forward, a bit domineering and slightly vain, none of those quirks seemed to have any malice to them. He seemed genuinely friendly, quick to laugh while not easily taking offense. And he was competent, as Kite knew from their sparring session the day they met. "I believe that it would be a beneficial solution for both of us, but-" he said, holding up a hand to forestall Will leaping from his chair in excitement. "- I will have to ask Dragonfly and Serene as well. The group isn''t mine to lead. We are friends." "Ah, of course! I forgot that the hierarchies aren''t as formalized among you commoners. Please consult them. I had already planned to extend a boon to each of you if you''d accept me joining. While I have no doubts about my abilities, my presence might risk undue attention from the politically minded. Thus, we can keep our karma balanced." The young scion answered cheerfully, his tone hinting that in his mind, it was already a done deal. Kite was mulling it over, but decided against making his own verdict before speaking with his friends. It might just have been his curiosity of this strange young master, but he had a good feeling about the deal. ¡°That is most kind of you, Will. As I said, I will speak to Dragonfly and Serene about it.¡± he said with a smile. ¡°But you didn¡¯t answer part of my question; why us? Even if you couldn¡¯t use your household staff, I could still see most skilled disciples and inner disciples of the sects having no qualms in forming their group with you. Wouldn¡¯t you want companions with more backing and training?¡± Will made a sour face. ¡°Sure, there are some truly skilled students of the sects, but to get where they are you need both skill and connections. I prefer those focusing more on the former than the latter. There are reasons that neither me nor most of my siblings have joined any of the sects. And besides, you are my friend. Friends stay together in times of trouble, after all!¡± He finished, as if it was the most obvious and reasonable explanation. Kite did get the feeling that there was more to this reasoning beneath the surface, but did not press for more at the time. His good feeling still held, and he did enjoy the young man¡¯s company as their conversation drifted to lighter topics. Will did his best to tease some stories from Kite¡¯s time inside the trial, but from what Kite could tell it was purely based on curiosity and a fondness for tales of battle. He asked nothing regarding the complications before or after, either, his interest purely focused on the trial itself. Kite wasn¡¯t entirely surprised, as the young scion seemed even more battle-crazed than Dragonfly, albeit in his own fashion. ¡°Wait, you mean that the wood guardian just went over the edge? Just like that?¡± Will asked, incredulous. Kite chuckled. ¡°The officiator wasn¡¯t happy that I happened to circumvent its carefully crafted challenge like that. I wish I could say that I planned it, but it was a mere target of opportunity.¡± ¡°It just seems so¡­ anticlimactic. I¡¯m not sure I could have brought myself to such a choice, beneficial or not. A challenge such as that deserves a proper story!¡± ¡°Then I believe you and the officiator would have gotten along splendidly.¡± Kite said, a bit wistful. It hadn¡¯t been too many weeks ago now, but the relative safety of the outside world felt so removed from the intense gauntlet that was the trial of the jade-sky gate. As he finished his story with his duel against the ruler of the metal domain, Will seemed more satisfied. ¡°Then what happened? What rewards awaited you?¡± asked the young elf, almost tipping from his seat as he leaned toward Kite in anticipation. ¡°Oh, most wonderful things. But a man needs to keep some secrets for himself, no? I have already shared more than I should.¡± Kite replied with theatrical mysteriousness. Will almost seemed on the verge of collapsing, and looked just about ready to fall to his knees pleading as Grim cleared his throat. ¡°Young master, I believe that you have other appointments soon. With your leave, I shall return adventurer Kite to the city.¡± Still giving Kite a flat, almost wounded look implying that this conversation wasn¡¯t over, Will replied. ¡°Please do so, Grim. We will see each other soon again, after all.¡± Smiling, Kite bowed with cupped hands towards the young noble. ¡°If the heavens will it, it shall be so.¡± he said sagely, before waving farewell and stepping towards the open portal. He stopped just before it, looking around. ¡°Sage, I know that the flowers are very pretty, but we need to go back. Come along.¡± Kite¡¯s familiar had gotten to roam around the gardens while they talked, the living symbol seeming engrossed in the surroundings and spending most of its time regarding its own reflection in the polished wooden floor. Kite felt it project a vague reluctance through the symbol as he called it back into his body, before stepping through the portal.
¡°My lord, the meeting seemed to have gone well. The young master comported himself¡­ adequate, at least.¡± Grim stated, standing in the personal office of city lord Indomitable. ¡°Grim. I am right here.¡± Will muttered sourly where he sat before his father¡¯s desk, watching the old man¡¯s smug smile. ¡°Please forgive Grim, my son. He is merely carrying out my commands. You have, after all, taken quite a few liberties in the past.¡± said the city lord, still smiling. ¡°I must admit, father, that I was surprised by your approval of my request. I would have thought you might prefer what Kite asked about; to seek out companions among the more prestigious sect students.¡± Will asked, eyes narrowing. ¡°What¡¯s your game, old man?¡± ¡°In this regard, I would more like to call it¡­ gardening. You have said it yourself, son. Kite seems competent enough, probably more since you last met him. He did pass the trial of the jade-sky gate, after all. And has been personally trained by two silver-rankers of different skill-sets along with the best tracker in the lands north of Bastion. As you will hopefully learn along your life, some goals are worth investment early on to see what comes of it. From the little I have been able to gather from the adventure society, he seems to have caught the eye of the branch director as well. Jarvan is no fool, and likes cultivating free agents to have more arrows to call upon as needed. If we can add a bit of our own to this particular sapling, he might be more inclined to help us in the future should the need arise for outside intervention in a matter. Besides, he is able to provide protection to you as well. That is not as common in these lands as it would be in much of the wider world.¡± ¡°It sounds suspiciously like you are using him.¡± Will said, voice lowering slightly in concern. ¡°In the end, son, all social interaction is about using one another, but that doesn¡¯t necessarily mean that it is vile or unkind. Using the company of a friend for comfort while providing the same in return, for example. As long as you keep your karma in balance, you can be both his friend, benefactor and beneficiary at the same time, should you like.¡± Will seemed to mull it over. ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure I agree, father, but I shall think upon it. I take it that we may move forward with the arrangements then? When Kite accepts?¡± ¡°Indeed, you may. The instructor should arrive tomorrow.¡± city lord Indomitable chuckled. ¡°Should things go as you wish, you will be quite busy the upcoming month.
As Kite finished telling his two companions about his meeting, Dragonfly looked excited while Serene looked thoughtful. ¡°You mean we get to fight alongside a famous guy and get paid for it? If he¡¯s not too bad, then count me in. As long as he¡¯s not a jerk, that is.¡± Dragonfly said as she leaned back against the roof where the trio had met to watch the sunset while they talked surrounded by Serene¡¯s minor sound ward. ¡°But I guess that the final word is yours, Serene. You¡¯re the one who actually tries to keep us alive.¡± she added, feigning guilt. ¡°I do agree that the offer sounds almost too good to be true.¡± Serene mused. ¡°It would have been more expected that they would just tell us to go along and feel privileged to do so. They have both the rank and the resources. Why do it like this?¡± ¡°That was the part that left me wondering as well.¡± Kite admitted. ¡°From the feeling I got, Will seemed genuinely eager. On the other hand, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen him be otherwise. You would get a competitor for passion, Dragonfly, that¡¯s for sure.¡± ¡°Oh, a challenge, eh?¡± she said thoughtfully, the hint of a wicked grin on her lips. ¡°Do you think he will want to get in your pants as well?¡± She laughed at Kite¡¯s flustered expression, as Serene chimed in again. ¡°From what it sounds like, we would have been grouped up with more people either way. Why not go with the beneficial, at least partially known quantity? I think we should go for it. It would not be too outlandish to think that they would have researched us already, anyway. This way, we might avoid unpleasantness about my ¡®weak¡¯ path as well.¡± ¡°It sounds like it is settled then.¡± Kite said, raising his cup of tea. ¡°To new adventures, and maybe even new friends.¡± ¡°And to getting into Kite¡¯s pants!¡± Dragonfly cheered. 34. Shake things up ¡°Wooooooow¡­¡± Dragonfly gaped as she took in the palace surroundings after recovering from the portal¡¯s disorienting effect. ¡°Indeed.¡± Serene chimed in, seeming fine as her celestine heritage helped alleviate the stress of teleportation. After the decision to accept Will¡¯s offer last evening, Kite had initially realized that he had not been provided with any means of conveying their answer. Fortunately, he was spared from walking up to the palace and simply asking as his breakfast the following day had been interrupted by a polite knock at his door accompanied by a gentle signal of a bronze-rank aura. As he¡¯d opened the door, Kite had found himself face to face with Grim in all his stoic professional splendor. After giving his assenting answer, they had promptly rounded up his companions before being portalled directly to the palace once more. ¡°To avoid most of the eyes and ears that would be interested.¡± as he explained it after following them through. ¡°If you would please make yourself comfortable, the young master will be with you shortly.¡±Grim said, gesturing toward the same group of seating where Kite had sat yesterday. His companions still taking in the beauty of the surroundings, Kite spoke up. ¡°Try to be on your best behavior, Dragonfly. We are in a palace after all.¡± ¡°You forget, Kite, that I am adorable and will, as such, get away with almost anything.¡± she stated with a proud smile, oblivious to the flat stares of her companions. ¡°Regardless-¡± Kite began anew after a brief pause, ¡°-while he isn¡¯t one for much formality, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he does like making a proper entra-¡±. As if the fates had conspired against him in that very moment, he was interrupted as a pair of rich double doors leading out into the garden was thrown open. Through them, Will was carried out on a rippling wave of conjured spears which bore him onward with great speed. As he drew close, he leapt from the wave and actually did a somersault in the air before landing, one fist on the ground as the other held a spear out behind him in a dramatic pose. Looking up at them, the young elven man gave a dazzling smile. ¡°Greetings, my companions! My name is Triumph of Indomitable Will. It will be my pleasure to fight alongside you, wielding my Heavenly Shaft against our foes!¡± he finished, brandishing his gleaming conjured spear. Stunned silence followed, before Dragonfly spoke up with surprising calm. ¡°Heavenly¡­ shaft?¡± ¡°Yes, my heavenly shaft! The pinnacle of my achievements and the merging of my techniques.¡± Will confirmed, proudly. ¡°Would you say that your shaft is¡­ divine? She asked, all impressed innocence. ¡°Unfortunately, not yet. I still have a long way to go before it can reach divinity. Countless hours of practice still awaits.¡± ¡°By yourself?¡± ¡°Mostly, but I hope to include others as well along the line.¡± ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± she hummed in confirmation as he spoke. ¡°How does it feel then? To wield?¡± Will, apparently painfully oblivious to Dragonfly¡¯s line of questioning, seemed all too happy to explain. ¡°Ah, yes, the experience is most profound. To feel its weight, slide my hands along its length, feel it thrum in my grasp¡­¡± he trailed off, apparently imagining something very unlike the rest of them. During this exchange, both Kite and Serene had given their friend pleading looks to let the poor man off the verbal hook she had him dangling from. They all recognized that the young noble seemed rather innocent to the world of innuendo, and Dragonfly was merciless. ¡°Does it stay like that? The feeling, I mean?¡± she continued, fascination clear in her voice. ¡°Ah, one could think so. But the intensity increases as I exert more effort, until it reached a peak¡­ a¡­¡± he paused looking for the right word. ¡°Clima-¡± Dragonfly began suggesting in a friendly tone. At this time, her two companions were about to collapse from shame by proxy and acted in unison. Serene clamped her aura down on Dragonfly, cutting off her words as Kite stepped in. ¡°It sounds most profound. Is it one of your abilities?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve guessed correctly, friend.¡± Will confirmed. ¡°While the heavenly shaft is the style I¡¯ve developed, it is based around one of my abilities which ramps up my strength and speed as the battle progresses and more spears are manifested.¡± And thus, the metaphorical line was broken and the poor noble was set free from the hook he remained blessedly unaware that he had been dangling from. From there on, the conversation stayed mostly on track. Introductions were made in less spectacular fashion, and they could continue on to the matter at hand. ¡°I am very pleased to have this first meeting of our group, even if it is only for the upcoming expedition!¡± Will exclaimed, raising a cup. During the introductions, servants had brought plenty of fine food which Kite and Dragonfly were currently digging into. ¡°As I foresaw this, I have even taken the opportunity to hire an instructor for us, who will work with us in the upcoming month.¡± At this statement, the rest halted in their eating to look at him curiously. ¡°As in, instructing us on how to work as a team?¡± Kite asked after swallowing. He was definitely not opposed to the idea, but rather a bit surprised as he had envisioned Will as focusing more on his individual strengths. Neither Dragonfly or Serene gave voice to any protests as well. ¡°Indeed, my friend. While we pride ourselves in our own prowess in these lands, my father still stated it as a requirement. Since we are being grouped up, especially us iron-rankers, we might as well make the most of it. Instructor Concente have arrived this morning, and if it pleases you, we will meet up with her afterwards. I hope you haven¡¯t made too many plans for the upcoming weeks.¡± he finished with a wink.
After finishing the meal and talking some more, mostly Will asking the group a lot of questions, he had sent for this instructor to join them in the practice yard adjacent to the garden. After a few minutes of waiting, Grim escorted a human woman into the yard. She was rather short, with dark caramel skin, lustrous brown hair which dangled in a cascade of ringlets down her back and rather soft, rounded features even though she was bronze rank. Her clothes were distinctly foreign, as she wore a long red coat which split below her waist along with high polished boots and tight pants. Affixed to her collar was a distinct, gleaming brooch bearing the insignia of the goddess Knowledge. ¡°Instructor Concente.¡± Will greeted, apparently having met the woman already. ¡°So, young master, you did actually have a group in mind actually willing to work properly together? Not just the ¡®friendly rivalry¡¯ that passes for cooperation in these lands?¡± she asked, voice soft but carrying surprisingly well, as if one¡¯s mind instinctively wanted to listen. Kite wondered if it was an aura trick, a power or just something distinct about this particular woman. ¡°As I said, instructor. This is Kite, Dragonfly and Serene, and we are eager to take part in your wisdom.¡± Will answered her, all refined politeness with none of the brash enthusiasm of before. ¡°Must be social schooling at work.¡± Kite mused to himself as he saw his host change demeanor like that, even feeling a slight twinge of jealousy as it was a skill he had sorely missed during the last weeks. Their instructor nodded at them, showing some extra deference to Serene. ¡°Priestess.¡± she acknowledged. ¡°My goddess sends her regards to yours. May her song of truth cast away the disharmonious lies of the world.¡± Serene responded, her windy voice carrying the sound of bells. ¡°As your host might have told you, I am to be your instructor for a time in matters of teamwork and cooperation. My name is Mirabel Concente, and I reside in these lands for a time as part of a program within the adventure society. Normally, I am stationed in Wavedance down south, but I came here at the behest of the branch director. I must admit, it is refreshing to be called in to willing participants rather than as a punitive intervention. My usual pupils are local adventurers too caught up in their own glory, which in turn causes them to make stupid enough decisions that they risk losing their membership altogether. While I recognize the individual strength of Hua-Xi¡¯s essence-users, I do believe that your culture is squandering life and potential to an unacceptable degree.¡± she finished, her feelings about local culture clear from her tone. Sighing, she continued. ¡°I also recognize that you three aren¡¯t to blame, as you are a result of that culture. But I hope to at least impart a fragment of an alternative during our time together.¡± She fell silent as she gazed upon them, and Kite got the feeling that she was waiting for a reaction. Dragonfly mostly looked relaxed and Serene attentive while he himself had been nodding along. Only Will had shown small signs of discomfort as his brows creased, but if he had any thoughts on the matter he kept them to himself for now. Apparently not getting the response she was expecting, she nodded in approval. ¡°Good. You seem to be decent material. As we have little time, I will do the best I can with the time that is given. To expedite, the goddess has already briefed me in full of your powers. It seems like we have one support specialist in Serene along with two brawlers; Kite and Dragonfly. Young master would be classified as a striker, albeit with some self-sustain. Kite, you seem to be able to lean towards a defender role at need while Dragonfly can manage some numbers. Would you all agree with my assessment?¡± she finished, giving them all a searching look. Kite had only a shallow grasp of the different roles that were used way more frequently in other parts of the world, and unused to some of the terminology. From what he understood, he did feel that her assessment was correct, nodding along with his companions. ¡°Good. As we do not have the time to practice deeper synergies amongst you to a great extent, we will focus on at least laying a foundation through positioning and target prioritizing, along with some ways for you to intervene and tip the battle into each other¡¯s favor. And we shall begin immediately.¡±
¡°Do you have a location?¡± branch director Jarvan asked his deputy as Rupert entered his office. The leonid¡¯s movements were entirely silent, even to his silver-rank perception. Had it not been for his aura-pulse through which he had announced himself, Jarvan wouldn¡¯t even have looked up from the paper he was currently writing on. ¡°I did some listening in at the given locations, and found what we were looking for in one of them. It¡¯s a small compound near the base of the twelfth pillar.¡± he responded in his deep voice. ¡°Huh, surprising neighborhood. Mostly moderately successful mercantile and crafting families around those parts. Blending in with mediocrity is a good guise, though. Any legitimate business there?¡± ¡°Some, yes. So we should at least notify the church of Merchant, lest they be grouchy of us messing up the trade. Miniscule portion of it, but you know how they are.¡± ¡°I am¡­ familiar.¡± Jarvan answered, a slight sour look. ¡°Dominion¡¯s mighty dong, all too familiar. As if the locals didn¡¯t make my life hard enough¡­ What?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t such profanity beneath your dignity as the branch director?¡± Rupert asked, voice flat. ¡°What? It¡¯s Dominion! He would probably love being referred to as such.¡± ¡°Back to the actual topic,¡± Rupert said, suffering clear in his voice, ¡°From what I overheard, they are expecting a messenger in two days.¡± ¡°Strike while the messenger has arrived?¡± ¡°Strike when the messenger has arrived.¡± Rupert confirmed with a predatory grin. ¡°I only sensed bronze- and iron-rankers in there, so unless the messenger is something special then it should be enough for me to spearhead it.¡± Jarvan nodded. ¡°Good. I will send the usual team for backup and the chosen iron-rankers as crowd-control in case we get runners. It¡¯s usually the lower ranks that try to flee the sinking ship first.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll send the Kite-boy and his two friends?¡± ¡°Three friends, now actually. The fifth son of the city lord has roped them into working with him for the expedition. I even helped to bring in a teacher in team-tactics. It¡¯s always good to have the city lord owe you one.¡± Rupert looked perplexed at the development. ¡°Locals learning team tactics. What is the world coming to?¡± ¡°Oh, hush you. You know they¡¯re not the first.¡± ¡°I apologize. The few reasonable ones do get drowned out in all the bluster. Makes it hard for one to keep up.¡± Rupert conceded.
A heavy scimitar was descending toward Kite with mechanical precision as the wooden combat dummy struck. At the same time, another one was flanking him and lashing out with its own blade. He brought up his staff to block the first strike as his greatsword appeared in his other hand in a reversed grip to act as an impromptu shield against the second. Even with his armor, he could not properly swing the wide blade in attack using only one hand, but it was close enough to work as a defensive measure. His personal barrier appeared behind him to block the third wooden dummy which struck from the rear, the blade sliding off the slanted surface of Heaven-and-Void warding which had appeared . Kite thanked Fortune for his evolved perception ability as he countered, the head of his staff thrust towards the torso of the construct as the impact followed by chaotic spatial tears which shredded the dummy¡¯s torso into splinters as he turned to face the two opponents still remaining, his expanded vision also seeing Serene send a pair flying his way with a summoned gust of wind. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Off to one side, Dragonfly and Will were gleefully mowing down more of the wooden constructs. As matters seemed to be in hand, Kite¡¯s full focus remained on his opponents. With a chanted ¡°wall¡± he summoned a wall of force curving towards himself behind the new arrivals, interposing it between them and Serene and half-boxing the four of them in with him. During his experimentation with the ability over the past months, Kite had found that he rarely benefited from entirely encircling his opponents with the barrier. Unless the opponent was unable to leave the ground, there was a ceiling close enough above or there were special circumstances, such as the attack against the ruler of the metal domain, most iron-ranked opponents could make their way over the wall due to their increased strength and speed. However, most creatures would instinctively try finding their way around rather than attempting to climb in the midst of a battle, which left Kite himself time to catch up and keep them busy. In the case with the metal sovereign, he had even admonished himself for not making two half-circles in his direction rather than a full encirclement, as it would have been better with two screens between it and him since no others were around for collateral damage. As he was now facing four dummy¡¯s that he had cordoned off, he once more summoned his staff. Feeling the boon from Serene take effect as his weapon seemed to resonate even more, he went to work. When the last dummy fell sundered to the ground, the group turned to instructor Concente who had been taking notes on an enchanted marble disc floating next to her. It was their second day of training and the first day to actually practice against opponents. ¡°Well, you are trying at least.¡± she stated as she looked them over. ¡°Serene, you did a good job, even while not using your aura to hide yourself. I know it might sound unwise to practice, but with our limited time is better spent on situations that pose risk. Try to be a bit more proactive with the gusts, especially in offense. Clump them up for Dragonfly and the young master when you have a second to spare. Kite, good zoning and catching up on Serene pushing them back. But had you been positioned better, she wouldn¡¯t have to use her mana to protect herself in the first place. We will go over ways of improving it later. As for you two¡­¡± she continued, eyes locking onto Dragonfly and Will, ¡°I know that the lure of hitting as many foes as you can with area effects is a great one, but if you keep holding them back until an optimal moment, you might end up not using it at all. Trust that Serene will help you and go for even half-decent opportunities unless it is one of your big plays.¡± Same as before, the instructor¡¯s words had a kind of gravity to them which made them hard to ignore even though she always spoke with a soft voice. Kite thought he could detect flickers of magic around her as she spoke, but he was still unsure as to what he was seeing. So far, their teacher had been competent. While she was vocal in her disdain for the Hua-Xi cultural idiosyncrasies, she was otherwise strict but fair in their dealings. She was just about to prepare another round of training for them when Grim, the manservant, approached her. ¡°Adventurer Concente. There has been a message from the branch director who has asked you and your students to attend him at the seventh peak.¡± ¡°I see. Thank you, Grim.¡± she said before turning to the gathered young adults. ¡°Since he has sent for us all, we can probably expect some work that he thought might be good practice. Unless anyone protests, we should leave right away.¡± ¡°Very good.¡± Grim answered with a formal bow as the glass arch appeared and the group stepped through.
Grim¡¯s portal had opened on the main square outside the adventure society campus, the elven man remaining behind as his portal could only transfer one bronze-ranker on its current rank. Instructor Concente was apparently familiar enough with the local branch, and led the way as her student¡¯s trailed behind her. Of the four, Kite was the only one who had visited the branch director¡¯s office as far as he knew. During their walk, Will fell into step beside Kite. ¡°I wanted to ask you; have you given any thought in regards to what boon you would request from my family?¡± he asked, tone cheerful. Kite looked back at him. ¡°First of all, I wouldn¡¯t say that any compensation is needed in the first place. It''s not like you are a burden to us in any way. Second, I would say that a month of working with a skilled instructor is ample reward in and of itself.¡± ¡°Nonsense. The instructor was a requirement from my father and does not affect the karma between us. As for your first point¡­ Look around.¡± Will said, gesturing vaguely with his head. Kite took the time to activate his perception power, taking in his surroundings. As he had become more used to it, he had it activated more frequently and was able to process more of what it told him. In this case, he realized that the group did get more attention than usual. In some cases the looks were subtle and conversations whispered, while some of the people in their wake stared more openly while they talked among themselves. Most were too far away for Kite to thoroughly interpret their faces but the little he could make out ranged from idle curiosity through incredulousness to the outraged. ¡°As you see, associating with me will bring attention, which is a mixed blessing. My father felt it best to provide balm to any discomfort that might arise from it.¡± Will said. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking, why?¡± Kite asked. ¡°You don¡¯t know about the concept of karmic balance?¡± Will asked, surprised. ¡°Sorry if I overestimated your commoner education. You see, every action-¡± ¡°Will, I know about karma.¡± Kite said with a chuckle, interrupting the young noble¡¯s well-meant explanation. ¡±I mean, why would your family even consider our karmic ties? I would have assumed us too far beneath your notice.¡± Will gave him a blank look before realization dawned on him. ¡°Ah, I see now. While many powerful families and institutions would act just as you described, my father has long held karmic balance in high regard no matter one¡¯s station. ¡®A carp today might become a dragon in the future. Wisdom is to learn which ones to watch the closest.¡¯ is one of his favorite proverbs.¡± ¡°Your father sounds like a wise man. I too believe that few, if any, should be dismissed out of hand.¡± Kite said. ¡°And I do not mean offense, in questioning the offer, just curious. But I do want you to know, Will, that you will be welcome either way. You seem like a genuinely good person, and I like that.¡± he finished, keeping eye contact with the noble during his final statement in the hopes to get his sincerity across. Will looked almost taken aback, and Kite almost thought he noticed a slight blush before his usual bravado returned. ¡°Of course, my friend! I do believe I am a delight!¡± he said with a huge grin. ¡°As to my original question, do you know what you would like?¡± Kite had, in fact, given the matter thought. It was surprisingly tricky with these offers, balance being a delicate and nebulous concept. Ask for too much and he might come across as greedy and unwise, leaving bad karma behind. But ask for too little, and he might come across as indecisive or patronizing. ¡°If the offer stands, I would ask for what help you and your family can provide me in finding and facilitating a teacher in fighting with the staff. The boon I got from the trial will remain at my side to the end of my path, and it deserves the respect of being used properly.¡± ¡°A worthy endeavor, and well considered!¡± Will exclaimed as he put a friendly hand on Kite¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We will find you the finest teacher within our means!¡± ¡°But I do hope that we can continue to spar at times as well.¡± Kite continued. ¡°I have a spear as well, after all.¡± He couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at his latest friend¡¯s obvious excitement at his last statement.
¡°So, branch director, I am curious as to why this summons was apparently urgent enough to drag us here in short order. And to you in person, nonetheless.¡± instructor Concente said as the group had been seated in the office of the man she was addressing. While the rest of the group was taking in the exotic furniture and curios, Kite and the instructor¡¯s attentions rested on their host who lounged comfortably in his armchair next to the deputy director, who remained standing. ¡°And I¡¯m curious as to how much your goddess has already told you. You may not be a full-time priestess, Mirabel, but the distinction is thinner than Merchant¡¯s patience with the poor.¡± branch director Jarvan answered with a meaningful smile. Instructor Concente smiled as well. ¡°I might have shared such secrets with someone more pious. For one married to a priestess, you sure walk the line of blasphemy a lot.¡± ¡°I believe that Fertility will have my back. We¡¯ve given her twenty-two little contributions to her cause after all.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Give Fantina my regards. How is the family?¡± ¡°Numerous would be the most apt description.¡± director Jarvan said with a wry smile. ¡°But they are all hale and well, fortunately. It is almost time for Nastille to get her essences. If anyone has a set lying around, I¡¯ll give them a good offer including a favor from the branch director. My salary is decent, but with the pace we¡¯re producing them it is rough to keep up. And soon enough, the grandchildren might start appearing¡± he finished with a suffering sigh, albeit unable to hide a contented smile.. ¡°Maybe it would be prudent to get back on topic?¡± asked deputy director Rupert in his rumbling voice. ¡°Ah yes. The raid!¡± director Jarvan exclaimed as he sat up. ¡°Kite, you might remember the curious little detail about how you going to the gate had somehow reached the young initiate who started the troubles?¡± At this, Kite sat straighter in his chair. He had asked Adelaide about this not too long ago, and was curious as to the result of the investigation she hinted at. ¡°I see you do. Good. We¡¯ve been investigating the sale of information in the city as of late, discovering a noticeable increase in lesser but conflict-inducing information in circulation. Small stuff regarding individual grievances and the like. As such a nebulous topic, getting more leads was challenging. Fortunately for us, Kite¡¯s incident was recent enough that we were actually able to find a trail via the knowledge that the information had reached a member of the sect in their compound and a rough estimate of when. As we coerced some informants to talk, we found trails leading toward a certain business being the front for said information-bartering.¡± ¡°Excuse me, director, but why would such small-scale information be of such interest?¡± Kite asked, as he had trouble imagining the significance. ¡°Normally, it probably would not be. But this seems to be an operation on a large scale albeit low intensity. An operation literally meant to just stir up trouble and conflict. And I want to know who had such an interest, and why.¡± the branch director finished. ¡°I believe that my father would be most interested as well.¡± Will spoke up, surprising Kite with his more serious demeanor. ¡°And we will contact the city lord on the matter, but tomorrow. Because we aim to raid the fronting business tonight, and can¡¯t risk more information leaking.¡± Rupert answered. ¡°I have personally scouted the place and will lead the strike along with a bronze-rank team. But we have need of some iron-rankers to keep watch and intercept runners, and have approached you and another group of locals we have deemed trustworthy enough.¡± ¡°So what would we do exactly? Keep watch and detain anyone of suspicion who flees the compound?¡± Serene asked, windy voice thoughtful. ¡°Exactly. We do not expect silver-ranked opposition, which means that Rupert will be able to handle things. But he and the strike team cannot be everywhere and will have to focus on the bigger fish. If you can keep them from escaping out into the city, you will save him the time and effort of chasing them down, as well as lowering the risk of any actually escaping.¡± said branch director Jarvan. ¡°What do you say? Are you up for a contract on short notice? If not, we¡¯ll still have to ask you to remain here on campus until the raid has been carried out. For reasons of secrecy, of course.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t speak for all of us, but I am most interested in joining.¡± Kite answered right away. While his role would be minor, it would feel good to at least be a part of the operation to uncover what might have been behind his brush with misfortune. ¡°Count me in as well!¡± Dragonfly said shortly thereafter. ¡°But fair warning, I¡¯m not the best at taking people alive.¡± ¡°I will lend myself to the aid of my companions.¡± Serene chimed in. That left Will, who looked surprised at the gazes leveled at him. ¡°A chance to work for the integrity of my home city? Do you even need to ask? The legacy of the next Saint of Spears has to begin somewhere!¡± ¡°Then I believe I shall come along as well, if only as an observer.¡± instructor Concente said. ¡°While early in the training, it will be a good moment to evaluate you.¡± ¡°Excellent! We have about five hours before moving out. Rupert will brief you, and I will call upon Adelaide to organize delivery of any equipment you might not have brought with you to this meeting. Get as ready as you can. Tonight, we¡¯ll shake things up and see what comes scurrying out.¡± director Jarvan finished, a predatory grin lighting up his face.
¡°As we have gone through the disciples, we continue to move down the ranks. The pace should continue to pick up as we know what to look for now. Based on current trends, we would expect the condition to be most common within the lower ranks.¡± finished one of Healer¡¯s clergy as he reported to sect leader Dusk, the two grand elders in attendance as well. They were once more in the solar of the sect leader, at the top of the sect compound. ¡°Have you been able to shed any more light as to what the condition might be?¡± the sect leader asked, her voice filled with cold anger, as it had been during the last few weeks. ¡°It remains most elusive, and we have sent for higher-ranking clergy to help us in the matter. But preliminary results indicates some kind of corruption of the mind, low intensity trading for subtlety and high resistance to most types of cleansing. The condition seems to center itself around the brain, meaning that lower-ranked individuals are a lot more susceptible as they still possess that particular anatomical weakness. ¡°With our current pace, we should be finished within a week. As long as those affected are detained, the operations of the sect should be able to resume after that.¡± the priest finished, then left at a gesture from the sect leader. As the door closed behind him, grand elder Lark spoke up. ¡°Sect leader, have you given thought as to how we can contain or at least control this information? If it spreads, our reputation might risk even mor-¡± he said before staggering back from an unsettling aura spike from the sect leader. ¡°Once more, grand elder, I feel as if you are lacking focus on what is important. The task your failings thrust upon us was clear; to act for the good of the people and the region. How do you think that the servitor of the queen would view such an act you just proposed?¡± Grand elder Lark only stood silent during and after the admonishment. Sect leader Dusk¡¯s eyes thinned as she continued. ¡°Lark, you will be made responsible for the correct and humble handling of this information, done for the good of all in spite of the cost to us. Do it well, and you might still be keeping your position in the future.¡± ¡°Th-thank you, sect leader.¡± grand elder Lark answered through gritted teeth, eyes downcast and aura kept well in check. ¡°As for you, grand elder Sight.¡± the sect leader continued as she turned to the woman. ¡°You will be tasked with continuing the preparations for the upcoming expedition. The roster from the sect will have to be adjusted. Remember to keep it a secret from everyone beneath the elders, as the contract is yet to become public knowledge. We do not want the rats scurrying too far before we take their heads. In that, at least, I agree with the branch director.¡± ¡°Understood, sect leader.¡± Grand elder Sight answered with a respectful bow. As the grand elders left, Dusk turned back to contemplation, suppressing the lingering psychological instinct for a deep sigh. Things had not gone well as of late, but at least there was the expedition to divert some attention from the sect¡¯s failings. And the more long term opportunity. However much it galled her to have their organization¡¯s agenda suborned by a lowly iron-rank outcast, she had to admit it a wise move from his part. He was now all but untouchable to them, while they were still left with a path forward to potential gains. What did worry her was the potential liability he became as a target for their enemies and rivals. If he died and someone managed to lay the blame at their feet, there would be trouble. Maybe even diamond-rank trouble. She started planning contingencies and preventive measures, as she watched the sun set. While this day had not been victorious, tomorrow and each day after that brought the chance of salvation.
Kite looked pleased as he took another look at his equipment laid out on the table. He idly thought that he probably never had brought all of his weapons out at the same time before now as he fastened the last of the pale blue tassels to the bottom ring on his staff. Each implement in his arsenal now sported a similar adornment, a small woven tassel which matched the color of a similarly woven charm he wore on a cord around his neck. It was a set of magical utility items he had been eyeing for a while, and now took the time to purchase as the group had some hours to kill up at the society campus. The woven adornments had a simple effect in addition to enhanced resistance to most sorts of damage; they allowed Kite to retrieve attached weapons into his void sheath at range. As he now had a most precious part of his arsenal in his staff, he was wary of losing it by misfortune or happenstance. The talismans did bring some utility as well, allowing more improvisation such as throwing his spear or letting himself be disarmed as a feint for a surprise counterattack. The process done, Kite felt ready, the embers of excited nervousness stoked in his chest. Dusk had already claimed the city, and lanterns made the city below look like a lake of fireflies. He joined his companions in a secluded marshaling yard, where another group of five iron-rankers stood assembled. Kite didn¡¯t know them by name, but recognized them as fellow outcast adventurers operating outside of the sects. He and his companions exchanged some nods with the others, but soon found their gazes drawn to the last group which arrived. Deputy director Rupert Versis walked in the lead, fine, tailored clothes exchanged for a form-fitted dark armor of some exotic leather Kite was unfamiliar with. Its slightly ruffled texture seemed to almost drink in the sound around the leonid, creating a slight unsettling feeling as sound all around the marshaling yard seemed to dim slightly. Apparently he had some control of the effect, as it lifted as soon as he stopped before them. Behind the deputy director walked a group of six bronze-rankers of whom Kite recognized only one; instructor Whisper, the man who had handled Kite¡¯s and Dragonfly¡¯s examination to join the adventure society. He gave a small nod to them before Rupert spoke. ¡°I trust you have been briefed on the details already. Any questions in regards to your positioning or tasks?¡± he asked, deep voice carrying throughout the yard but strangely missing an echo from the wooden walls. As no questions were raised, he nodded. ¡°Then we move out. Time to see what has been causing trouble in our city.¡± 35. Roar Kite and his group waited in a narrow alley which was their assigned position for the evening¡¯s strike. From there, they had a decent view over two of the streets surrounding the small compound which ostensibly belonged to a moderately successful merchant in the herbal exports business. It was a large wooden townhouse with two floors next to a warehouse and several other smaller buildings. Around it was a small stone wall topped by a wooden fence, meant more as a decorative way to keep anyone from strolling rather than keeping out a dedicated intruder. The group was thankful for the many lanterns on the house as well as the adjacent streets, as it kept visibility at decent levels. But their greatest asset when it came to locating eventual escapees would be Serene, who would wait until the strike started before spreading her aura senses as wide as possible. Doing so too early would no doubt alert their targets of their presence. Kite tried to settle down as best he could where he leaned against a wall just inside the mouth of the alley, barely feeling the chill of the night air. The waiting had begun.
Rupert Versis, deputy director of Gilded''s adventure society, stood watching the target compound as one of his bronze-ranked subordinates was finishing the magical inspection of the wall and buildings. A small ripple could be seen in the night air and Rupert¡¯s extremely sharp sense of hearing even picked up the slight hum of the obscured crystal orb which was floating back towards them. Its summoner held it in hand for just a moment before it floated up to rest next to her head. ¡°The outer wall is clear while the house and warehouse have basic defenses. I did pick up traces of something more powerful beneath the house though, but chose not to infiltrate with only the spell.¡± She spoke clearly even in the silence of night, confident that her words would reach only those intended when in the presence of the deputy director, who shared the sound essence with Serene. ¡°Then the house is our priority. I can hear traces of sound leaking from the warehouse, but nothing significant. The house itself is silent though, which tells a story in and of itself. Follow me. Standard engagement protocol.¡± the leonid said before he stalked over the streets. The rest of the group followed, enveloped in a hazy cloud of ink whose colors changed in accord with the surrounding, giving the group camouflage even in the open street. None of those present had any trouble in clearing the small wall, their bronze-rank strength easily carrying them over it as they landed between decorative bushes and started their approach. ¡°One watcher, iron rank. Second floor.¡± Rupert stated succinctly without slowing down as he pointed out the hidden observer. Unless the iron-ranker was especially sharp, they should not be able to pierce the adaptive ink cloud. The statement was more to plan their actions once inside. The group picked a side door scouted out beforehand as one of the team¡¯s newer assets moved up. Three faintly glowing threads shot out from his sleeve, their ends impacting different places on the door as a magical diagram became visible. Over the course of but a few seconds the threads burrowed into the material and seamlessly joined the diagram as they rerouted a few lines, detaching from the adventurer and resulting in a modified formation; now safe to open but still remaining active in other regards as to not trip any alarms. As they slid open the door and entered the dimly lit interior, Rupert walked slowly and focused on his hearing while the rest swiftly spread out through the lavishly decorated home. He could hear the pair who went upstairs flowing over the soft carpet and the muffled gasp as they took care of the watcher. ¡°Iron-rankers. So fragile.¡± he thought, focusing his senses below. He heard nothing, which troubled him as it meant more serious magical defenses but also confirmed that they were in the right place. Defenses that could keep out an empowered silver-ranked hearing was not what a merchant of these modest means would afford. The group quickly found a door down to the basement at the bottom of a short flight of stairs. Made of wood, it looked normal enough which was actually true, leading only to an ordinary wine cellar. The stone to the right of the door was not, however, as their inspection quickly revealed a well-hidden stone door with another magical formation protecting it. This one, however, was an entirely different beast. The same member as before allowed his threads to inspect it, brow quickly furrowing. ¡°Too much trouble, Braid?¡± Rupert asked, seeing the consternation of their latest member. Braid sighed. ¡°It¡¯s quality work and above my rank. With a minute or two of work, I should be able to negate either the alarm or the trap, not both.¡± he stated with a sigh, adjusting the cloth mask which obscured his face while his threads worked. ¡°Take out the traps then. I suspect we will be noticed soon enough either way. The rest of you, prepare. Star, prepare your summons. We shall soon knock at this door, albeit rather impolitely.¡±
¡°-and the shipment after that should be the most numerous, bringing about a dozen more of the wraith-constructs. Three people will arrive over the next weeks, instructed in their use and deployment. You are expected to facilitate that their work is allowed to progress without impediments.¡± the messenger finished, her masked face still managing to leave the feeling of her gaze boring into Jarmiel. As the leader of the local cell, it was Jarmiel¡¯s task to receive and verify the updates from the sect leadership as well as mak¨ªng sure that their designs would come to fruition. Him, Jarmiel Varquaz, in a sect. Two years ago, he hadn¡¯t even understood the term, still not understanding why the locals didn¡¯t call them guilds like normal people. Still, he had to recognize that their structure was different, even though his time in the Unbreakable Chains sect hadn¡¯t given him much of the usual sect-life, given their fallen status and scattered nature. Still, he figured it was better to be here rather than in the grasp of those he fled, as the Autumn lands felt as in the middle of nowhere as he had ever been. And the sect had done good by him, taking him in and rewarding his strive for power. Using his gifts to blend into the local populace had been easy enough, and the entertainment was plentiful as well. ¡°We understand, messenger.¡± Jarmiel replied tersely. ¡°We will begin excavations for the upcoming deliveries at once. As long as you get them into the city, we will store them until the time is nigh.¡± At his words, the messenger had taken a long look around the cellar floor they were currently standing in. The room was simple, shaped from the bedrock beneath the city by magic. While it was simple and angular, some adornments had been allowed in between stored crates and other supplies, as well as spaces for the different dark paths to practice their arts. Short corridors led away from the main room to more storage and living areas, as only a few of the stationed people could be allowed up top at a time. ¡°It shall be done, cell leader. Do you have anything else to report?¡± the masked messenger asked. ¡°Not much. Our low-key efforts continue as we distribute the contentious information where we can. As instructed, our plans remain long term. We-¡± he began, but was interrupted as one of his subordinates approached. ¡°Cell leader, the blood vial for the lookout is behaving erratically. We think he might have fallen asleep on his post.¡± said the man, pointing toward one of the stone walls where thin shelves had been fastened to the shaped stone. On the shelves were a multitude of numbered glass vials, each one containing the blood of one person stationed here. And the blood inside was moving, pulsing rhythmically. Jarmiel could see the vial with his own blood, and feel his heartbeat pulse in unison with the blood in the vial. They were a creation and gift from their allies serving the Red Table, an excellent tool for keeping track of the condition of lower-ranked members. As his subordinate pointed out one vial, number nineteen, Jarmiel saw that the pulsing was a lot slower and more steady than any of the ones awake and still performing their task. After a few seconds of observation, he tensed as his bronze-rank aura pulsed in alarm. ¡°That is not natural sleep.¡± he said, voice clipped as he saw the ever so slight uneasy twitching of the blood connected to the lookout. ¡°Awaken the wraith and activate the alarm. We are under attack!¡± Reaching into his dimensional pouch, Jarmiel ripped a small bottle of shimmering blood from it which he threw towards the entrance stairs which led up toward the house above. He had just begun to make out the activating, ominous glyphs which were triggered by the activated blood before a booming roar blew him off his feet as debris and dust clattered down the stairs.
Jarvan used to say that you were probably in trouble when you couldn¡¯t see Rupert and that you definitely were when he appeared. The leonid possessed the echo, claw and might essences which resulted in the onslaught confluence. Using his skills in stealth augmented by his vastly enhanced hearing along with his practiced control of sound, Rupert could usually get quite close to his targets. But when he did, the results were not subtle. As Braid gave confirmation that he had isolated the directly dangerous parts of the formation, Rupert shaped an invisible barrier which included only himself and the door in question, not allowing any sound to leak out from it. Then he roared. The roar of a leonid was always powerful, having the inherent racial ability to increase the strength and speed of allies. Many also awakened essence powers related to the roar, or had the racial gift evolve. In Rupert¡¯s case, he used one of his essence abilities he thought of as his ¡®siege-roar¡¯, albeit that Jarvan had always liked to cheekily call it the ¡®best lockpick¡¯. It was a mighty burst of sound which easily shattered solid materials, having only grown more powerful and focused as he ranked up. While the formation itself was of silver rank, the stone door sure was not. For those around Rupert, it was almost surreal to see the hidden door pulverize in a very violent fashion while hearing only a dull hum of vibration through the surrounding stone. The leonid was moving before the dust cloud had even billowed out to its final radius, powerful movements carrying him down the stairs as he was the point to the operation¡¯s spear. He could hear choking coughs and orders given below, passing into what his senses told him was a square room just below the stairs. He was just about to let his momentum carry him towards the closest downed bronze-ranker when fell red lights winked into existence around him. Overtaking even his silver-rank speed, sharp lances of crimson magic shot inwards at irregular intervals from the opening, as a demonic jaw attempting to close its teeth around a morsel. ¡°Most frustrating.¡± Rupert thought as he only had the time to slightly twist before the lances buried into him, leaving him impaled in several places and arresting his momentum in the doorway. His reflexes had been enough to avoid being skewered through his head and most of his chest, but he could feel the lances feast on the blood which gushed out from his wounds to sustain themselves. Unfortunately, his impediment provided time for his prey to get to their feet. He could hear a man coughing out a ¡°Go! Through the tunnels!¡± and another figure, aura also of bronze rank, leaving in haste. Rupert''s painful impasse also blocked his team from moving past him, with the exception of Whisper and one other who turned into a cloud of ink and swarm of rats respectively to move past him. He could feel the healer close behind him lending him assistance as he had finally gathered the mana and leverage to do something about the pesky trap which he had found himself in. With a jerking, painful movement he made a series of twitching motion with clawed fingers before clenching the hand into a fist and unleashing the special attack. A slash appeared at each crimson lance, following the intended paths his earlier motions had traced out before unleashing several rending attacks at once. A split second later, the offending blood spears were sundered simultaneously, Rupert staggering to his feet while sending a thought of gratitude to his team for the awakening stone of intent which they had given him on his birthday so long ago, back at iron rank. As the spears dissolved, he could feel his natural healing along with the healing spell cast on him start working as the strike team moved around him. They knew their tasks, not stopping unless they could actually contribute to his situation. What he also felt, however, was a deathly aura emerging which definitely hadn¡¯t been there before. One of silver rank. It looked like he would get some proper excitement tonight, after all.
¡°Are they there yet?¡± Dragonfly whispered as she paced further back into the alley, for the twentieth time during the last quarter of an hour. ¡°Dragonfly, they are a team of higher-ranked adventurers with some stealth capabilities. I remain firm in the belief that there will be a signal when it is time.¡± Serene answered sagely, the very image of patience from where she sat waiting atop a barrel. The streets remained eerily silent for a minute, then two. Kite fell into light meditation to keep his mind occupied, Dragonfly continued pacing, Serene sat living up to her name and Will did a slow series of what Kite assumed was different spear katas. Instructor Concente crouched on a nearby roof, eyes closed as if listening to an unknown voice. Then, like a pile of leaves swept away by a gust of wind, the calm was broken as a silver-ranked aura unfolded from the direction of the complex. As it retreated somewhat after the aura burst, the instructor spoke. ¡°Look sharp, students. None would doubt that it has begun.¡± Kite saw movement beginning around the complex, as figures started emerging from the warehouse on their way to the townhouse. While only silhouettes seen from afar, Kite could still make out their running forms starting to make more irregular motions. One jerked suddenly before falling, while another stopped to launch a crimson stream toward the top floor of the house. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°It would seem like the occupants of this place didn¡¯t much like the strike team taking their fancy house into possession.¡± instructor Concente stated, amusement clear in her voice. ¡°Serene, now might be the time to work that aura of yours. Keep a lookout for runners. It will probably be a short while before the first ones break though. They probably still think they have a chance.¡± When joining them, the instructor had made clear that she would leave most decision-making to the team but that she would step in if needed, as this was a bit too important to use just as an opportunity for practice. Kite nodded at her words, then kept his eyes trained on the complex and wished he had a power to see what went on inside.
Stone dust still filled the air of the basement when Rupert felt restored enough to get on with business, just a handful of seconds after destroying the spear. He could already see flashes of skills and spells unleashed in the mounting chaos, and his ears painted an even clearer picture. The opposition had been sent scrambling from the entrance chamber, one bronze-rank corpse remaining in the room from where it hung, pierced multiple times by barely visible threads. Rupert downed a healing pill, missing the potions from most other parts of the world. Sure, the pills worked just as well, but the often unpleasant taste of potions had become something of a nostalgic point in his life, associated with the return of life and strength. At the same time he downed the pill, he flared his aura to signal the start of the attack, as well as in hopes to draw in some of the other opponents stationed around the complex. Bringing it back closer to himself, Rupert started walking into the cellar. The emerging silver-ranked aura was not far away, and it had just become his job to handle. Its feel was definitely one of death, and its lack of life and dynamism proved that it wasn¡¯t an essence-user. Still, it could be a lot of trouble even for the team of well-trained bronze-rankers due to the sheer difference in attributes. Shored up by Rupert, the adventurer side was winning out in the part of the conflict fought solely with auras, enabling their beneficial effects for all allies in the cramped quarters. The team worked well together, and Rupert was glad to have found enough locals willing to forego the local norms in favor of being the adventure society¡¯s spear when needed. And he would once more become the tip of that spear. He saw Whisper fill a corridor with obscuring, slowing ink and rushed straight into the roiling darkness carried by silver-ranked swiftness. He could feel the deathly aura ahead as he navigated by hearing and aura-senses alone. As he passed, he made out a stumbling figure in the cloud which he sent flying toward his waiting team with a kick in passing. More were taking cover in some of the rooms along the sides, but he did not stop for them. Rupert¡¯s speed swiftly carried him through the ink cloud, and after barreling through two iron-rankers he entered a rather sizable storage chamber, at least ten meters to a side. As he heard the thuds of the broken iron-rankers behind him, his sharp ears picked up something else. A whispering, sounding almost as if heard while submerged in waters. The source was rather obvious, a vaguely humanoid creature which seemed to have just stood up from a storage crate. The crate in question looked ordinary on the outside but Rupert could glean complex formations on the inside. The emerging creature seemed to be built from a hodgepodge assembly of calcified bones of humanoids and animals, which formed something akin to a suit of armor, if irregular and gruesome. In all the cracks and crevasses there was only darkness, and Rupert could see it roiling slightly as if it was viscous liquid which filled the whole inside of the thing. Its silver-rank aura had the flatness of undead monsters, but it was very much animate and he could feel the creature peering at him through all the cracks of its bony surface. A splintering crash resounded throughout the storage space, which was empty of other combatants save for Rupert and the thing, as the creature charged him, breaking through its own crate to do so. As it advanced, a jagged, milky-white blade formed in one of its hands. The leonid met it, claws ready. The two combatants clashed in a brutal melee. Whatever the thing was, its movement did not match the still and lifeless aura as it had a lethal ferocity to its strikes. Iron-ranked observers would have had a hard time following individual blows as Rupert started to carve the thing apart. While it had the attributes and a certain level of almost primal skill, Rupert Versis was a seasoned adventurer. Wherever his claws rent the air, they were followed by ripples of sound which tore into his foes yet again. This meant that one of his strikes carried the strength and technique of an experienced silver-ranker, bolstered by the strength of a leonid, the additional strength from the might-essence, a stacking boon of sharpness from the claw essence, finally finished with the sonic addendums. The monster did not lack resilience, but even his most basic strikes tore the calcified surface apart. Unfortunately, the monster was not entirely without tricks of its own. Without warning, the black insides suddenly gushed out in a torrent to envelop Rupert, only his sharp hearing warning of the attack by the faintest of ephemeral sloshing sound. The leonid had no time to dodge, instead answering with a humming sonic barrier which soon exploded outwards. The ability in question was courtesy of his thunderous confluence, and perfect for turning such area attacks back against Rupert¡¯s aggressors. In this case, the black liquid splashed over the shield and adhered to it for a moment before the burst sent it scattering across the room. Wherever the dark substance landed, crates and boxes started withering and melting. Rupert suspected that such a bath would have been less than pleasant. ¡°I believe I would insist on making some more room for this dance, good foe. Too many friends nearby to really let loose.¡± he said, preparing to change up the surroundings a little bit. They weren¡¯t far beneath the surface, after all. Rupert charged in before it could take the initiative after its failed attack, grabbing one of its plated arms in each hand and throwing upward. While his foe was heavy by ordinary standards, it did not weigh more than most armored silver-rankers which left Rupert able to comfortably fling it as long as he had proper leverage. As the being struck the ceiling hard enough to crack the stone, Rupert unleashed another of his siege-roars. Straight upwards.
On the second floor of the townhouse, two of the adventurers were holding off a stream of enemies which were accumulating in the yard below as they trampled the decorative bushes and took cover behind low partitions. One of the adventurers, Grace, leaned out and fired yet another arrow from her short bow. The projectile moved oddly through the air, shifting between acceleration and deceleration until it suddenly just appeared stuck in the shoulder of one of the thugs below. Around the arrow, a hazy field appeared as the target and two other thugs were stuck inside a bubble of visibly slowed time. Two other such bubbles already dotted the yard, as Grace¡¯s time manipulation spheres made her excellent for zoning out enemy reinforcements. Thinking of their current enemies as thugs felt apt, as they were iron rank at best while some only had one or two essences, and that their quality of gear and general demeanor hinted at the kind of people not even fit for guard duty. ¡°Is this really all there is to it?¡± asked her colleague as he swept up a series of incoming magical projectiles with a billowing sheet of water, its volume already containing some scattered arrows and thrown weapons, ¡°I suspect that those below get better dance partners.¡± Grace answered, before she suddenly sped up and fired five arrows in the blink of an eye, downing two enemies and making the rest of a fresh group scramble for cover. ¡°Still, we''re sure to-¡± she began, but was interrupted by a veritable thunderclap of sound as a part of the yard exploded upward. They could both sense the silver-ranked deathly aura thrown up along with the debris, as well as the deputy director following it. Most of the thugs below had been knocked off their feet, and a lot of them seemed to be staggering about with ruptured ears. One poor woman was even smashed to the ground by a garden tile which gravity had reclaimed from Rupert¡¯s little geyser of dirt and stone, not getting up from where she had fallen. The battle between the silver-rankers continued even in the air, flying stones rent apart around them from the swings of a bone sword or slashing sonic waves. This display of force instantly broke the riffraff below, where those who could started scattering. ¡°Looks like the cleanup teams will get some action.¡± Grace stated calmly, as she continued her grim work.
Kite and his team rocked back as the silver-ranked explosion tore through the night. In the distance, they could see Rupert rising into the air to engage some unknown enemy, the silver-ranked auras clearly cutting through the chaos of the battle. ¡° I believe our service for this night will begin soon. ¡± Serene said. ¡°I can feel multiple auras moving towards the compound''s exterior.¡± While there was some interference from the greater struggle, she could still get enough glimpses to be forewarned. Just a few tense seconds later, they could see figures escaping over the low wall surrounding the compound, dark silhouettes that cast long shadows thanks to the many different lanterns which lit up the night. Some still staggered as if dazed as they started fleeing down nearby streets. One group of seven such figures chose the street where Kite and his team were waiting, slowing down slightly when spotting the row of adventurers waiting for them. Their stances were hostile but wary. ¡°In the name of the city lord and the adventure society, lay down your arms and surrender!" Will stated loudly as he took a step forward, brandishing a spear in a proud pose. ¡°Otherwise, prepare to face the wrath of my Heavenly shaft! ¡± Some of the approaching thugs halted a little at that, confusion evident on their faces. Most, either unfazed or simply not stopping to comprehend the command, continued onward. One of the men running in the back of the group gave off a shout as he launched bolts of lightning towards the proud spearman. Will almost casually brought up a wall of conjured spears which absorbed the fired bolts, crackling electricity arcing between the many tips as it dispersed the attack. ¡° I see." he said, failing to sound entirely disappointed. Then, at an aura signal from Serene, he launched himself at the approaching thugs along with Dragonfly. Will closed the distance carried by the same wave of spears on which he had made his entrance back at the palace, while Dragonfly did her usual leaping initiation of a battle. Kite brought up the rear, advancing at a steady pace. His throwing star was already darting towards their enemies, targeting those on which he saw active enchantments or boons through his magical vision. Being actively able to easily discern if an enemy had active magical effects or not was a massive boon to Kite as it helped immensely with prioritizing targets. The enchanted star ricocheted between two opponents, dispersing a summoned bow as well as negating an activated burst of speed. He did not join his companions immediately in the melee, instead hanging back to continue harassing opponents with the thrown weapon and gaining a feel for the brawl and where he would need to step in first. From their opponent¡¯s ill-controlled auras and their lack of cohesion and discipline, Kite thought that Will and Dragonfly should be able to handle the up-close part of things through overwhelming force and initiative. This was one of the reasons he hung back, acting as a flexible response rather than engaging immediately himself. The group''s training beneath instructor Concente had not gone on for long, but positioning and different ways of engaging a threat had been the first thing she started teaching them. Kite''s flexibility and partially defensive role gave him the choice of being more reactive when facing multiple enemies, especially in situations where the battle was more complex. This was one of those, where their enemies had a different agenda than the team, seeking to escape rather than outright battle. This mentality fit Kite rather well and paid off quickly as two of their opponents, who weren''t immediately caught up in the whirlwind of violence named Will and Dragonfly, made a break past them in an attempt to flee into the dark streets of the city. Initially, Kite continued acting as if he were focused on the melee going down in front of him, instead tracking them through his activated perception power. Just after they had passed him by, he snuffed out their hope of an easy escape through a chanted spell. "Wall." As the wall of force sprang up in front of them, it became clear that one of the would-be escapees was more prepared than the other. The elven woman with the hard look in her eyes managed to halt her momentum in time, instead kicking off the wall to change direction. Her companion, meanwhile, crashed almost head first into the sheet of force at a full sprint, tumbling to the ground in a heap. Kite had already turned and was advancing to meet the more adept opponent, who was currently flying towards him in a leaping kick, in a bid to reach the other side of the street not blocked off by his barrier. The head of a flaming snake sprung from her back as she closed the distance, extending down to bite at Kite at the same time. He lashed upward with his left hand in a backhanded counter, the snake dissolving before managing to sink its fiery fangs into him as the dispelling counter took effect]. At the same time, Kite''s metal staff appeared in his right hand as its top was thrust straight into her stomach. Being an iron-ranker, she still very much depended on having lungs, and the air forcefully being knocked from them through an impact of both her own momentum and Kite''s applied force seemed to be too much even for her increased resilience to simply shake off. Taking advantage of her winded state, he took the opportunity to topple her into his wall of force, the contact continuously draining the elf¡¯s mana as he kept using the staff to keep her pinned. She did try to fight back through fits of coughing, but said spasms made it harder to chant any coherent spells. After a short struggle, where Kite continuously drained her mana while battering her with blows, she fell limp to the ground. As his expanded vision told him that things were well in hand where his companions fought, he took the time to produce a suppression collar which he clipped onto the woman''s neck, repeating the process with her knocked out companion. Each of the participants in the night''s raid had received a pair of collars in case of the possibility of prisoners, but they all knew that fights between essence-users of iron rank had a higher chance of being lethal as their bodies did not have the absurd amount of resilience brought on by higher rank. Kite was somewhat of an anomaly in this regard, as his path lent itself surprisingly well to taking people alive. Battered, but alive. His short exchange with the woman had also driven home one of the points which uncle Walker had drilled into him during mobility training while he grew up; be very careful when leaping in combat. Unless you had a means to change your direction mid-flight or other similar tricks, you essentially told your opponents where you would be in a few moments and left you without the possibility to dodge or use leverage in your defense. One of the opponents facing Dragonfly and Will, the only one that was still standing, tried for a desperate escape by launching himself towards a nearby rooftop with the help of a conjured vine. Even before any of Kite¡¯s close combat companions had the chance to pursue, a sudden and directed gust of wind knocked him back towards the street and his demise. Serene had been a constant presence during the fight, especially on the aura level as she was the bulwark which amplified the whole group''s aura powers to new heights as they overlapped one another. This was on top of the small healing spells and gusts of winds she had been continuously using to throw foes off balance. The wind spell closed out the skirmish as the last opponent fell, the group gathering as Kite put manacles on their two prisoners in addition to the collars. ¡°Dragonfly, drag these two off to the side where we won''t step on them.¡± Instructor Concente said as she joined them. ¡°This evening isn''t over yet." she finished with a meaningful look towards the silver ranked battle still going on in the distance.
Jarmiel had caught up to the messenger, escaping the chaos of the adventurers entering the cellar. He still felt bruised from the mere proximity of the initial blast as they had breached their defenses. ¡°Slag and gravel!" he swore softly, the familiar curse giving a slight pang of homesickness. "I thought these locals would be too caught up in honor to send this kind of overwhelming response. How did they even find us?" ¡°It is irrelevant.¡± she responded, voice cold. ¡°You would do best to focus on how to salvage this operation and bring what you can to continue the greater purpose of the sect. And hope that the elders do not decide to punish you too severely." she finished, opening one of the hidden escape tunnels which would lead out through the warehouse. Jarmiel cursed even harder inwardly. Leaving his future troubles for now, he instead focused on the immediate as he followed her through a partially cracked passage which had apparently been damaged by the high-rank battle going on above. ¡°I will make my escape and rendezvous with my contacts. We should have enough safe houses left, where I will rally what I can before contacting the sect." he said as they reached the hatch which marked the end of the small tunnel. As they emerged, the messenger did not even deign him with another glance before a pair of insect wings sprouted from her body and she took to the sky, staying low above the rooftops to avoid as much attention as possible. Shrouding himself in an illusion which made him all but invisible, Jarmiel set off at a run in the same direction, his bronze-ranked body moving swiftly. He figured that the messenger would know the safest route away from this madness and, getting a vague sense of only a single bronze along some iron-ranked auras from that direction, figure that his illusory invisibility would be more than enough to escape while the adventurer backup was preoccupied with the more mercenary parts of his people. ¡°Slag it all.¡± he muttered as he cleared the wall to the compound, feeling sick of complications being drawn to him like flies to a carcass. ¡°At least I¡¯ll be out of immediate trouble now.¡± 36. Sing of their demise Kite and his group remained on the dark street while they continued to keep watch, although most of their attention was drawn towards the silver ranked-battle. From afar they could see the silhouette that had been fighting the deputy director knocked to the ground as it seemed to be on its last legs. Almost as if coming to the same conclusion, the creature unleashed a burst of its aura which had previously been flat and docile, followed by an eruption of dark fluids from within the bone armor. While unknown to Kite, Rupert has seen it use the substance inside it to attack many times, but this eruption was on a different scale as its bone exterior seemed to be shattered by the process. From afar the observers could see the leonid be partially exposed to whatever the substance was, reeling back for half a second before the geyser of black fluid was split in half by a sonic attack. It was made through another of Rupert''s roars, which he quickly directed towards the prone figure. He continued to channel the attack for one second, then two and finally a third as the spray of darkness split around him and his stream of resonance in a black rain. Finally the last dregs of power seemed to be spent, and the remnants of the undead monster lay even more lifeless in the small crater which had been formed in the stone below. The deputy director stood victorious above his fallen foe, before righting himself, looking down at his splattered armor and seemed to sigh, visible even from afar. As he moved off in search of other prey, Kite realized that the whole exchange had barely made a sound beyond the first sonic explosion which took the battle out into the open. Another thought also struck him, which he voiced to his companions. ¡°Is it just me or did that monster look familiar?" he asked, brows furrowed. " I know its aura felt familiar at least. Not exactly, but similar to something I have felt before." Serene agreed. "And a bony monster filled with black goo sounds very much like something we know." dragonfly concluded, reminiscing back to their adventure outside Verdant steps. "That is something that the deputy director will want to know." said instructor Concente. " As soon as we are done here we should-" she continued, before stopping as if to listen to something. Just a few seconds later she turned to Kite, snapping; "Kite! Dispelling wave in this direction on my mark." she stated tersely while pointing off towards a nearby house and alleys around it. "Wha-" Kite began, but was interrupted. "Three." she counted, locking her gaze on him. Mind catching up, he nodded. "Two... One..." "Dissolve the patterns of power." Kite chanted, willing the spell in the direction she pointed. As the ripple through the air traveled outwards, they saw no visible target. But then, after half a second, a woman came flying above the rooftops carried along on faintly buzzing insect wings. Her speed and trajectory carried her straight into the expanding ripple of cancellation, apparently not expecting such an attack as she wasn''t even able to attempt dodging. Fortune favored Kite yet again, as the wave simply dissolved her wings, causing her to plummet to the ground amongst the alleyways, out of sight. The instructor was already moving towards the nearest alley. "Bronze-ranker. Important. I''ll handle it. Stay cautious and retreat if there''s trouble." she shouted over her shoulder as she disappeared behind the house. Taking a steadying breath, Kite nodded to his companions who in turn nodded back as they turned their attention towards the streets surrounding the compound. Even without the instructor present, they had a job to do.
Jarmiel was monitoring the group of auras ahead as he slowed down to a jog. One of the iron-rankers had an aura which felt unbelievably rich and powerful for her level, which made him slow down even further and pull his aura as close as possible as he drew near. However, his heart soared in elation as the bronze-ranker that had been present suddenly left towards a nearby alley. Realizing that this was his best chance to sneak by unnoticed, Jarmiel took the time to look at the young iron-rankers who were watching the street as he passed them by, cloaked in his potent invisibility. A blonde elf with a spear. Looked both rich and cocky. A slightly shorter human woman with lots of pink curls and a fierce look in her eyes. Another human, a young man with grayish-black hair in a loose topknot, giving off the feeling of looking everywhere at once. And finally, the one with the rich aura. A celestine with shoulder length jade hair who emitted a low hum which reverberated through the street. "So young and proud, thinking that they are ready to take on what is coming." He mused in his thoughts. " I can think of many in the sect who would love to get their hands on these young prizes." Alas that was not his path. Jarmiel''s was one of trickery, of power over others. Of winning. His thoughts were interrupted as he felt the clashing bronze-rank auras off to his right, among the houses where the stationed adventurer bronze-ranker had gone off to. One of the auras enveloped in conflict was the messengers, he realized as his own aura shuddered in trepidation. If she was caught, it meant trouble. It drove home the point that he really needed to leave, to send word to the sect in case that the messenger would be unable to. They needed to be informed about tonight¡¯s disaster. Hastening his step, he cast one last look at the iron-rankers, noting that the celestine was looking around, a frown on her face as if she had almost heard something. Or sensed something. Keeping his aura clamped down and trying to think only subtle thoughts, he continued down the street while channeling mana into his obscuring power. He was around ten meters past the group as he heard something. A voice which seemed to manifest from the very air itself, melodious and strong. "Be swept away by the hammer of the hurricane." Jarmiel started sprinting, still invisible. The kids were only iron-rankers, but he could not allow himself to get tangled with them and risk others deciding to investigate. He had only taken two steps as the torrent of winds hit him from straight ahead. The iron rank spell lost some of its effect against him, but it was still powerful enough to send him tumbling a few meters back down the street before once more finding his feet. By this time, his cloaking was flickering as it still did when exposed to attacks. Before Jarmiel could continue running, he heard a whirring sound followed by light impact against his fortified cloth armor. His cloaking invisibility vanished entirely, as he felt that familiar pain of disruptive force damage while some of his mana was forcibly drained. Fortunately, the damage was only light and he was still running as he tried to activate his invisibility once more while looking over his shoulder. To his chagrin, the spear-wielding elf and the human woman were charging towards him. Even with Jarmiel''s bronze-rank speed, the elf caught up to him as he was carried rapidly forward on a wave of conjured spears. "My Heavenly shaft will pierce you, evil-doer!" the elf shouted as he thrust his weapon towards Jarmiel. Accompanying it was a storm of conjured javelins, raining down around the elf and targeting the fleeing bronze-ranker. Jarmiel dodged to the side as his mind puzzled over the the young man¡¯s poor phrasing, avoiding the main spear thrust while getting raked by the javelins. The lighter spears only produced shallow gashes through his bronze-rank resistance, lowered further by the rank disparity. While sidestepping the attack he had considered using one of his abilities well suited for escape, but as he saw the human woman flying through the air in an arc toward him while carrying a flaming greataxe, he knew it was better spent on her. As the fiery weapon descended, Jarmiel activated the ability in question. He was teleported a short distance to the side, leaving behind a shimmering cloud which the woman landed in. As his cloaking invisibility once more snapped into place just as he appeared after the short teleport, heard the woman shout: "You won''t get away from me that easily!" as she swung her axe towards the spear-wielding elf who leapt away in surprise. Jarmiel smiled as he continued running. It always felt good to have others dance to his whims, as his illusions made it hard to distinguish friend from foe. Dashing into another alleyway, he left the streets and the iron-rankers behind. It had been a close call. Jarmiel did not fancy the thought of the silver-ranker coming to investigate while he dealt with the kids more thoroughly. And now, if the messenger had indeed been brought down, he might be the only one able to report on the matter. Jarmiel realized, with a grin, that he now had a story to spin and said a quiet prayer to Deceit in thanks.
¡°I¡¯m impressed that you noticed anything at all. My senses didn¡¯t pick up anything.¡± Kite stated in amazement to Serene from where they stood, still remaining at the dark street thay had been assigned to watch. The battle at the compound had mostly died down, and off to the side Dragonfly was still busy profusely apologizing to Will, the latter looking almost more uncomfortable from her rather close proximity than if she had actually hit him with her axe. ¡°I probably wouldn¡¯t have if he hadn¡¯t slipped up, and that was still a shot in the dark.¡± Serene admitted. ¡°It was probably for the best that I didn¡¯t spot him earlier. While he was alone, going up against a bronze-ranker would still mean to risk serious injury or death for one or more of us even if we¡¯d have had a chance to take him down as well. Essence-users have so many tricks and are sometimes way more ruthless and cunning than most monsters.¡± she finished. Kite thought that she looked a bit unsettled, more than what he would have expected. ¡°Serene, is something the matter?¡± he asked, deciding to continue in his dedication to not let such things simmer for long. ¡°I¡­¡± she began, before looking up. ¡°We can speak of it later. The instructor is returning.¡± Not long after, instructor Concente came back out from the alley where she had left. She was a bit bloodied, but was in a good enough state. The collared woman she dragged behind was a different matter though. She was clad in nondescript traveling clothes and hood, face hidden by what Kite assumed to be some kind of enchanted mask. It made her face hard to focus on and seemed to be unruffled and still in place even after a fierce battle. The mask was otherwise plain gray, with no features except a slit for the eyes. ¡°Serene, some healing would be nice. First her, then me.¡± the instructor stated. It was obvious that the prisoner was in a bad way, but fortunately Serene had the option to alleviate such a state. A wordless song started manifesting in the air around them, the melody rising and falling in a soothing rhythm like the branches of a tree swaying gently in the wind. Kite and Dragonfly recognized the spell as one from her divine essence of Song, a channeled healing which affected everyone in an area. It had been one of their primary methods of recovering during their longer travels together, but was not as usable in a battle due to its indiscriminate nature. All present had any injuries start healing, minor cuts and bruises at most for the iron-rankers while it took longer for the injured bronze-rank women. While Serene sang, Kite started reporting their altercation with the escaped bronze-ranker. Instructor Concente took it in and quickly interrupted him. ¡°One moment, Kite.¡± she said before facing her head toward the compound. ¡°DEPUTY DIRECTOR! INFORMATION, TIME SENSITIVE!¡± she shouted before turning back to Kite. ¡°There. Continue.¡± ¡°Well¡­ As I said, Serene discovered him through a stroke of luck. One of her spells let me reveal him for a short while, but he used some power to confound Will and Dragonfly as they closed in and escaped before either I or Serene could do much about it.¡± ¡°What kind of power?¡± ¡°He left behind an illusion which seemed to make Dragonfly think that Will was him for a short while, and apparently moved him as well so we didn¡¯t see him again after that. Overall, I only think he was a man due to his build. The hood had enchantments to obscure the insides.¡± ¡°Well, you got as much as you could. Better that no more came of it for now.¡± the instructor stated as Will and Dragonfly joined them. ¡°But instructor, we failed.¡± Will protested, his pride seeming a little hurt by the exchange with the fleeing bronze-ranker. ¡°And had you pinned him down, not all of you might still be with us. Us bronze-rankers aren¡¯t the durable monsters of silver and above, but we can still take a lot more punishment than you iron-rankers. One well aimed attack from your escapee might have ended you.¡± she started, before another, deeper voice continued. ¡°The instructor is right, young master.¡± stated deputy director Rupert as he had appeared behind the group without a sound. ¡°You heard their report?¡± asked instructor Concente, apparently not as surprised as the rest of them. ¡°I did. Wander is on her way.¡± he stated, then adding more at the questioning looks from Kite and his companions. ¡°If I know where to listen, I assure you that my hearing is quite excellent. I was quite finished with the unexpected addition to the defenders when I heard Mirabel calling. Overheard the rest while I was on my way. And as I said, it was prudent that you stayed on your post and not try to pursue the bronze-ranker earlier. From what you described, it might be one of the people we found in the underground complex. Most of the strike team is cleaning it up as we speak. They probably had more than one escape tunnel, and as you might have seen I became rather occupied.¡± Rupert finished, nodding his head to the rather wrecked yard of the compound. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°About that, deputy director. I-¡± Kite began, but Rupert silenced him with a gentle aura push. ¡°More urgent things first, adventurer. This man you intercepted. Did you do any harm or affect him in other ways?¡± the leonid man asked, as he took in the street with the bodies and three prisoners. Kite shook his head, but Will cleared his throat as if to speak. ¡°Deputy director, I believe I might have scored at least superficial wounds.¡± he said, returning to the more measured facade he had presented during the meeting. ¡°Show me.¡± Rupert answered, and was led over to where they had intercepted the man for the fleeting moment of engagement. The leonid¡¯s sharp senses could make out some small spatterings of blood on the cobbled street, even through the slight dampness of the evening. ¡°Good. With this, we will have something to work with.¡± he said as he rose from examining it closer. ¡°Wander. There is a trail here.¡± Rupert called to a woman clad in loose, simple robes who were approaching. She had rich, brown hair cropped rather short and an angular face. What surprised Kite was that he could see no other enchanted equipment on her person, at least what was revealed to his magical perception. Wander, as was apparently her name, knelt next to where the small drops of blood stained the street, leaning down close. She sniffed one of the blood stains, then the next before rising to her feet. ¡°Its faint, but I got it~.¡± she answered in a surprisingly happy singsong voice which was a bit at odds with their dark surroundings and grim business. ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can find. Please hold on to the clothes for me. The commission at the trade hall just keeps getting delayed. Thank youuuu~¡± she finished without much time to get a word in for anyone else. Then, the woman simply fell apart as the clothes sank down to the ground in a pile, covered in a swarm of brown rats where some were still making their way out through the sleeves or from beneath the hem of the robe. The swarm proceeded to skitter around in a swaying motion as if searching for something as one before making off into a nearby alley as the rats started spreading out. Kite even thought he saw one rat stand on its small hind legs and bow once toward Rupert, small paws cupped in a traditional show of respect, before joining the others. ¡°You¡¯d be surprised at a rat''s ability to follow scents, let alone a whole swarm acting as one.¡± the deputy director said with a chuckle. ¡°Wander is one of our greatest assets when tracking things in this city.¡± he finished, turning to the rest of them. ¡°Come along, and bring the prisoners. After a final sweep through this place, we will escort them to the holding cells at the seventh peak.
Clearing out the complex had not been a difficult task. With a silver-ranker on hand, there was no one strong or skilled enough to be able to hide. They rounded up a couple more hired thugs who had tried hiding or escaping after the raid was over, as well as a surprising amount of resources of different kinds found in the storage cellar beneath the compound. It was all gathered in separate dimensional bags to be looked over and analyzed by the local branch of the magic society. Kite had only surface level knowledge about the local magic society branch as he had only used their facilities, but according to uncle Walker the cooperation with the adventure Society worked well enough, even though the local magic society deputy director was an elder of the Descending Star sect. Responsible for finding many of the hidden caches was not the deputy director, but instead one of the bronze-rankers in the strike team. Apparently, he was a skilled formation and array-breaker, as well as ritualist, and led to them recovering much more than Rupert had initially hoped. Finally, in the dead of night, the adventures were leading their collared prisoners back towards the adventure society campus on the seventh peak. Surrounded by bronze rank adventurers and under the watchful eyes and ears of the deputy director, there was little risk for any escape attempts. Kite and his group brought up the rear, keeping watch but overall feeling that their part in the night''s activities was done. "Kite, may I ask you something? Something of a... delicate nature?" Will asked as he fell into step beside him. Kite nodded, and they slowed down slightly to create some space between them and the group walking ahead. The young noble seemed a bit out of sorts, looking around nervously. As he began talking, he leaned in close to Kite, as if it was a secret most sensitive that he was about to share. "It- It''s about Dragonfly." he half-whispered. "What about her?" "When... when she apologized to me... for the- you know- part where she attacked me under the influence of the illusion. She..." he trailed off, eyes scanning nervously around them. "She..." Kite prompted. "When I said I forgave her and that I understood the circumstances, she... hugged me." he finished, watching Kite expectantly for a reaction. Apparently blank confusion was not what the young noble had been expecting, so he continued. "I- do you think that means she wishes to court me? I mean, she''s very nice, but I am the fifth son of the city lord and I am bound to follow my family''s wishes. It would be most inappropriate if-" He almost stammered, before Kite interrupted him in an act of mercy while forcibly keeping his smile from turning into a grin. "You can relax, Will. Dragonfly loves hugs and will usually give them freely if she''s happy. Or relieved. Or sad. Or... well, anytime she likes to." he answered with a smile, hoping to assuage the young noble¡¯s nervousness. Instead, Will looked back at him with a scandalized expression. "You mean she has hugged you as well?" "Sure. Lots of times." "S-Serene as well?" "I think she''s hugging her right now." "By the heavens!" Will exclaimed, not believing his eyes as Dragonfly wrapped the taller woman in a sideways hug while they walked. "Will... What do you actually know about hugs?" Kite asked, a bit incredulous but also finding the whole conversation supremely amusing. "I- The- They are an act of dignified comfort between loved ones, such as spouses. Or family, if the occasion is special. After a moment of silence Kite spoke up once more. "It... seems that our social worlds are quite different. In more ways than I thought." he said, slightly stunned. While he had imagined the different social strata to have their own peculiarities, he had not expected his noble friend to be that far removed from something as basic as casual physical contact. The next five minutes were spent in an awkward but endearing conversation where Kite tried to, gently, guide Will through the surface level of commoner social norms regarding hugs. "So... people can just give and receive hugs? From other people they view as close? Because they want to?" "That''s right. As long as they want to, at least." Kite gently coached. "So... I could give you a hug? Here? Now?" "Of course! We are friends after all. " Carefully, as if reaching out to try and catch a fragile ray of sunshine, Will leaned in and gave Kite the briefest of hugs before quickly retracting. "Oh heavens, look at me. Hugging a friend. On the street. Oh, if my governess saw me now..." the young elven noble said, looking less the valiant saint of spears in making and more a giddy teenager. Kite realized that he didn''t know Will''s exact age, just having assumed that he was around his own. If that was true, he was indeed a teenager, giddy or not. Before he could ask him, the young noble had already continued. "This is excellent, Kite! Most excellent! You can teach me the ways of the common folk, so that I may better understand the wider world I have stepped into. And I could teach you the ways of the highborn. Heavens know you might just need it sooner than you think." he exclaimed, his raised voice drawing an angry look from an older lady who was looking out her window at the procession before closing the drapes with a *harrumph* conveyed purely through body language. "That..." Kite began. "That is a great idea, Will. By the heavens, I sorely missed those skills during these last few weeks." He said, cringing slightly from just remembering some of the awkward meetings. "Then look no further, friend. As sure as my name is Triumph of Indomitable Will, I will turn you into a man of courtly graces!" Will exclaimed, straightening into his usual proud posture. "And I will do my best to show you the world of casual hugs." Kite answered, smiling.
After the procession had reached the seventh peak and the Adventure Society campus, the iron-ranked teams had mercifully been sent off to rest. As their bodies hadn''t reached beyond normal limitations in the same way as the higher rankers, all of them were exhausted from the many hours of tension, the fights and the late hour. They were told to return in the morning for a debrief, then sent on their way. Activating a talisman, Will was picked up by his manservant and brought home via portal. Kite, Dragonfly and Serene made a joint decision to pay for a night in the lodgings of the adventure society. It was a simple affair, in the form of a dormitory with bunk beds. Few were occupied, and the group had no problems finding a place for themselves in a corner. Kite and Dragonfly were asleep in moments, while Serene found it more elusive. Memories arose, brought forth from what she had seen down in that cellar during the final sweeps of the compound. It wasn''t much, but she had recognized some of them. The implements used by those following the path of pain. She couldn''t move Couldn''t blink Couldn''t plead And the red-purple light flashed Again Pain beneath her skin In her bones Deeper, in parts unseen And again she screamed But nothing came out Swallowed Stolen By them Serene felt her pulse quickening. Breathing became shallower. The pinpricks of chill, like ice inside the tips of her fingers. But instead of succumbing, as many times before, she used her powers of sound manipulation to seal off a bubble around her, from which softer sounds did not escape. And she sang. Because unlike that time, she was not alone. The goddess sang along with her. There was defiance in the soft tones. They were still here, those who had stolen her voice. But she was still here as well. To show them that in the end, they had failed. She would be the one to sing of their demise.
Jarmiel felt ragged as he activated the hidden formations on the inside of one of the sect¡¯s safe houses. The formations should hide him from most aura-tracking and the like, and disrupt most hidden markers left on him. While he was physically healthy, he felt drained by tonight¡¯s events. First the messenger had arrived, increasing the pressure on him. Then the blasted raid against them, from a silver-ranker no less. And finally, the slagging messenger had gotten herself killed, or worse, captured. It had taken hours through circumspect routes through the city to make sure he had lost anyone tailing him. His mind formed many invectives while he used the stashed equipment to check himself for markers and magical tracking, only halting the string of internal curses once the instruments showed that he was clear. Looking around the safe house, a small and dingy cellar, he sighed. At least the last place had the townhouse on top to get out of the bleak stone environment. If he¡¯d wanted to live surrounded by stone, he never should have left his homeland. Still, he had duties remaining now and would, if all went well, be leaving the city as soon as he could be extracted. Jarmiel pulled down his hood, revealing a set of hawkish features, with swarthy skin and curly black hair cropped short. He went over to the previously hidden stash of equipment and brought out another item; a small messenger construct in the shape of an ugly beetle. Jarmiel knew that this was a precious item, both hard to make and expensive. There were only three safe houses in the city with this kind of messaging item, another reason that he had picked this cellar in particular. He immediately started composing a message, writing on a small scroll with quick strokes. After he was done, he open a compartment in the construct and tucked the message into it along with a silver spirit coin also stashed in the safe house. ¡°A small fortune just for this. A message.¡± he sighed, as the valuable coin was absorbed into the system of the item. The beetle-construct shuddered to life, and Jarmiel went over to the diminutive window which was the only source of natural light in the room, opening the hatch and allowing the beetle to clamber out. Releasing a tense breath he had been half-holding, his shoulder slumped slightly as the messenger construct took to the sky on faintly buzzing wings. However, they immediately tensed again as he heard the faintest skittering sound behind him. Whirling, he drew a dagger but froze and quickly relaxed yet again. On the other side of the room, a small figure stood on its little hind legs on a nearby box, tiny nose and whiskers twitching as it sniffed the air. Jarmiel chuckled, thanking his luck yet again. It was just a rat.
In a lavishly decorated room, tiled with fine, polished wood and decorated with exquisitely carved panels, murmured conversations filled the space with a light susurrus of voices. Small groups of finely dressed people sat around small, round tables, dining and drinking. It might have been the very image of a small court or dining room of a fine mansion, except that it had no windows. Behind the wooden panels were simply smooth stone all around, hiding the complex arrays carved into the mountain. The sliding doors which led into the room opened softly, and a young man entered silently, his gaze kept on the floor and subservience radiating from both posture and trembling aura. Walking carefully across the wooden floor, the young man stepped up behind one of the finely dressed men seated at a table. Waiting, the trembling aura not calming. A minute passed, then two, before the cowering man shuddered and inhaled sharply as pinpricks of sharp, deep pain, delivered through the touch of an aura to his, commanded him to deliver his message. Others could only see one of the subservient walking up to the finely dressed man who remained seated, leaning forward to whisper a message. After a short moment, the young messenger rose again and left the room quite hurriedly on unsteady legs. Unmaker of the White Seal, grand elder of the Unbreakable chains sect, remained perfectly still as he processed the message. In the back of his mind, he felt a small twinge of satisfaction from his divine lord, Pain, at his deft handling in its application to the messenger. After all, pain was a language understood by all souls, as long as the speaker was proficient enough. Grand elder White also knew that some pains had to be faced head on, allowed to purify one¡¯s mind to carry it stronger into tomorrow. Just like the pain of relinquishing his old name and life as the sect ostensibly fell those years ago. He rose from his table and walked briskly toward a raised section on the far end of the room. Upon it stood a wall made of paper screens, revealing nothing but a glowing white light from behind it which made the furniture on the other side cast stark shadows which were seen through the screen. The platform was even more richly decorated than the rest of the room, and grand elder White knelt before it, forehead touching the ground. As the rest of the room witnessed his actions, they all quieted. He could feel the mix of curiosity and scorn from some of the less controlled auras in the room. White knew that taking in all these lowlifes was necessary, but it had never ceased to irk him. Still, his silver rank allowed him to tower over them, if only in spirit, and they would be a useful tool in the days to come. His thoughts were interrupted as a female voice, half-whispered and slightly echoing, was heard from behind the screen, the light flickering in tandem with the unseen speaker. Another shadowy silhouette had appeared on the screen, a female clad in layers of robes with a myriad of pins and long needles holding an intricate hairstyle. ¡°Grand elder White. Speak.¡± the voice commanded. ¡°Sect leader, there has been news from Gilded. The cell implanted there has been raided, only the cell leader escaping. He claims that they were able to track the messenger sent there, and believes her to be caught by the adventure society. The strike was led by a silver-ranker, and all resources are presumed lost.¡± White stated, succinctly and without hesitation. There was no point in avoiding pain which was inevitable, only embracing it. His words caused a new, louder murmuring to erupt like wildfire. White could hear many mutterings of incompetence and accusations of which of the sect¡¯s factions was to blame. His own was mentioned more than once, but he remained silent as the angry murmuring grew into stronger words, then half-shouts. Only when some present nearly came to blows did the sect leader speak, immediately silencing the room again. White had always wondered how she did this, as he felt no burst of aura to the act. ¡°Your information is received, grand elder. It is most unfortunate. Most unfortunate indeed¡­¡± the sect leader¡¯s unsettling voice mused. ¡°We will have to adjust our plans accordingly. I order you all to convene in your factions. New orders will be sent and preparations made. And there will be an investigation into this matter where your cooperation is most mandatory.¡± she finished. ¡°That will be all.¡± And just like that, the silhouette vanished, leaving only the shadows of furniture to be cast by the white light. Grand elder White rose and strode directly toward and through the double doors leading out of the hall of elders, his followers joining up behind him. The tunnels around them returned to simple stone with few comforts, but White took solace in that they would soon free themselves from this bleak seclusion. He would show those fools that they were not ready for the pain that was coming. 37. As you grow in age and power ¡°Instructor, do you know the deputy director? From before, I mean?¡± Kite asked instructor Concente where they sat outside the branch director¡¯s office, waiting for their turn to be debriefed. Mirabel Concente looked up from the scroll she was reading, and nodded in affirmation. ¡°Not too well, but I have worked beneath him a few times since I was stationed here in Hua-Xi. He¡¯s good. Competent. I¡¯m still surprised he wasn¡¯t chosen for the branch director role instead.¡± The whole group had perked up at the question, nodding along with the answers. ¡°I did detect a certain amount of familiarity in your dealings that went beyond protocol.¡± Will added from where he lounged on a plush couch. He had rejoined them early this morning for a joint meditation session to process yesterday¡¯s events, as well as evaluate their performance. To their surprise, they hadn¡¯t come out of it looking too bad. ¡°As you will learn in time, there is a balance in protocol both based on the individuals and situation involved. We will go through it further during our field training, and you might need to get acquainted with the thought that there might not always be time for a ¡®young master¡¯ to be added in every situation.¡± instructor Concente answered. ¡°Perish the thought!¡± Will exclaimed happily. ¡°Kite has agreed to teach me the commoner¡¯s ways, and I found it most enlightening. Especially the hugging part!¡± The group barely had time to process the statement before the doors to the branch director¡¯s office opened and Rupert waved them in. As they walked in, Dragonfly sidled up to Kite. ¡°I bet the story behind this is hilarious!¡± she whispered with a grin. ¡°I can assure you that Will did indeed stay true to himself.¡± he whispered back, giving her an overly mysterious wink. ¡°Ah, our youngest participants. Welcome!¡± branch director Jarvan greeted them. He looked surprisingly hale, as Kite suspected that he had been up the whole night dealing with the aftermath of the raid. What followed was that the group told their recounting of the events, with the branch director showing special interest in the escaped bronze-ranker and the prisoners Kite had managed to secure. ¡°I must say that you performed well. Splendid, even.¡± director Jarvan said at the end of their recounting. "But, director, we barely did anything." Will protested. " I wouldn''t say fighting off a greater number of enemies, even taking a pair of prisoners, isn¡¯t nothing, young master." director Jarvan replied, holding up a hand to forestall further protest. "You also held your post throughout the night, discovered an enemy you had no right being able to even sense and then wisely not pursued said enemy as he was deemed too dangerous and that it would have forced you to leave your post." Will, being at least moderately chastised, still couldn''t help but mutter: "But those we fought weren''t any challenge," causing the branch director to burst out laughing. "Your enthusiasm is a credit to your city and country, young master Indomitable. I assure you that there will be plenty of challenge in the days to come. More than I''d like any one of you to go through, really. But such times as these calls for everything we got." he finished, tone characteristically sober. In the silence that followed, deputy director Rupert took the chance to speak up. " Mirabel mentioned that you thought you recognized the silver-ranked undead. Would you please elaborate further? It wasn''t anything I recognized, but as you know, we are not from around these parts." Kite and Dragonfly looked to Serene who started explaining. "It was during our first mission undertaken together, deputy director. We traveled to a village called Verdant steps, to resolve a haunting. The contract turned out to be more than we anticipated, as we faced off against a bronze-ranked undead which was the guardian of some kind of effigy. We are not certain, but we think that the effigy was placed or summoned there to spread an area of death affinity. I believe the local magic Society took over the investigation." "And the monster looked a bit like the one you fought last night. At least from what we could see from afar." Dragonfly chimed in. "Bone armor, black goo inside. But it was stuck to the effigy, not mobile like the one you fought. Not silver rank either, of course." The two directors looked at each other thoughtfully. ¡°I recognize the report.¡± director Jarvan said thoughtfully. ¡°I will have a functionary retrieve it so we can go through it again. If there is indeed a connection, it gives us some clues. Clues that aren¡¯t pointing in a nice direction.¡± ¡°So they might be connected?¡± Kite asked. ¡°That the same person or people behind the effigy might be working with these infiltrators? Doesn¡¯t that mean¡­¡± he trailed off as his mind made what connections it could with the little he actually knew, and speculated some more. Deputy director Rupert nodded. ¡°We have good reason to believe that these infiltrators are connected to the fallen sect, a fact that would be very pertinent to the upcoming expedition you all will be taking part in. It might be presumptuous to assume too much, but what you¡¯ve told us also hints at the fallen sect having some new playmates. Playmates not just providing resources but apparently initiating their own long-term schemes..¡± ¡°Church of undeath.¡± the branch director stated sourly. ¡°Knowledge¡¯s knickers, things always get messy when they¡¯re involved.¡± The mood of the room had sombered enough that the latest addition of deific profanity went by without comment. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t we have seen more zombies and other necrotic aberrations if that was the case?¡± instructor Concente asked. ¡°They might be hiding them. Or waiting for the right opportunity to create them. But as you say, their absence is worrisome. This needs further investigation, as well as sweeps of other places with a death affinity.¡± the branch director stated, turning to Kite and his group. ¡°And this is mostly above your heads, younglings. Trust that this matter will be looked into, and thoroughly. Obviously, this falls under the clause of secret involved with the expedition. But as you are somewhat initiated, we will make sure to send any pertinent contracts your way.¡± Kite and his companions nodded, all but Will seeming relieved that they wouldn¡¯t be otherwise in charge of the matter. Instructor Concente took the opportunity to head off further protest. ¡°Then we shall resume our training. This little outing has given me a lot of material to work with. Any contracts sent our way will be good field exercise, especially if you find any bronze-rank monsters few in number. The youngsters should be able to handle that, especially if I¡¯m overseeing it.¡± ¡°I will see what I can do. Nurturing talents is within the interest of the local adventure society, after all.¡± director Jarvan said, nodding. ¡°If there is nothing else, you are free to go. You can collect your pay from the usual desk.¡± As the group started rising, Kite stopped as he remembered something, turning back to the branch director. ¡°Director Jarvan?¡± ¡°Yes, Kite?¡± ¡°You said before that you were in the market for some essences? I did pick up som-¡± ¡°You did? How many? Other stones?¡± Jarvan asked, rising from his seat in excitement. ¡°Well, about ten essences and-¡± ¡°TEN?! Oh, this is good¡­ This is very good¡­¡± The director was almost drooling as he continued. ¡°Do you happen to know the ritual as well?¡± ¡°Uhm, yes director. I do, but-¡± ¡°Purity¡¯s prunes, boy! What are we waiting for! Come with me, we¡¯ll leave right away! I¡¯m sure tha-¡± ¡°Not so fast, branch director.¡± instructor Concente interrupted, forestalling what was amounting to the branch director throwing Kite over his shoulder and running for it. ¡°Kite and the others have some quite important training to get to. And it would look a bit problematic if the branch director started dragging young adventurers away from their growth, no?¡± ¡°And besides,¡± deputy director Rupert chimed in, laying a big paw on Jarvan¡¯s shoulder, ¡°going through the debriefings and organizing sweeps of both the city and the surrounding lands will take time. And need the oversight of the branch director.¡± he finished, amusement clear as he put some additional emphasis on the title. Jarvan wilted under their reasoning. ¡°Fine¡­¡± he muttered sourly, before turning to Kite. ¡°Adventurer Kite, might I impose on your time in the near future? How about fifthday afternoon next week?¡± ¡°That-¡± Kite said, glancing at instructor Concente, who nodded. ¡°-Would be fine, director Jarvan.¡± ¡°Excellent! Meet me in the temple square!¡± he said happily before turning to his deputy. ¡°We better get to work, Rupert. Nastille haven¡¯t given me any peace lately about the essences, so best that we don¡¯t delay further!¡± ¡°Now you are suddenly motivated¡­¡± The group could hear the deputy director grumble as they left the office.
Grand elder White of the Unbreakable chains sect entered the set of caves claimed for himself, family and followers. Glowstones were the only source of light as they were meters beneath the surface, but formations built into the surrounding stone made sure that the air was kept circulating and that they were hidden from prying eyes, at least of the level local to the region. He walked through the common area, but did not enter the unmaking chambers as he still waited for new materials to be brought in. A thrall-servant bowed while edging away from him, but White did not even acknowledge the man. Instead, he steered his steps towards the courtyard where he found his daughter. Dancer on the Broken River, his youngest progeny, was currently engaged in training against some of the iron-ranked thrall-servants. As she wove between them, grand elder white noted that the last strands of brown seemed to be almost gone from her hair as the ministrations of the divine lord Pain left his mark on her as well. She was probably the child most in his own likeness now, sharing his angular features and thin eyes. And now also the white, almost translucent hair. He could also see that River was soon done with the training, and remained to watch the finale. She moved like a wisp of smoke, all but untouchable as her winding chains followed like ribbons. She dodged, ducked, weaved and countered the unarmed combatants attempting to attack her, White noting with approval that her return strikes often hit the pressure points he had been teaching her to inflict as much agony as possible. Suddenly, the pace shifted as she spun into a pirouette on the spot which caused the winding, barbed chains trailing her to suddenly contract. Her almost dance-like movements had already spun loops around the thrall-servant, which meant that the sudden contraction of the chains left each and every one of them tangled and bleeding as she yanked them to their knees. ¡°Adequate, my progeny.¡± grand elder White spoke aloud as he stepped down into the courtyard. The young woman hurried to bow to him, the conjured chains disappearing as the moaning thralls collapsed in heaps. ¡°Grand elder.¡± she spoke, voice firm even as White¡¯s aura had the thralls writhing in new agony when he let it spill gently over the training area. ¡°How old are you now, progeny? Eighteen?¡± ¡°Nineteen, grand elder.¡± ¡°And your skills seems to be coming along. I¡¯d assume you are more than halfway to bronze-rank?¡± ¡°More than two-thirds, grand elder.¡± ¡°Good¡­ good¡­¡± he mused, seeing her tremble slightly as the agony was mounting and pleased that she still held firm. ¡°There have been complications due to the incompetence of some of the sect¡¯s factions, which will adjust our time-table somewhat. You need to be tempered as well, which is why you will take five of the battle-thralls and venture out into the surrounding lands. Your task is to track and take down as many groups of adventurers, messengers, deliveries or other small and mobile targets as you can. Prisoners are rewarded, as we always need material, but the removal of the targets is the priority. Return in four weeks, and I will evaluate your contribution.¡± ¡°Yes, grand elder.¡± River answered tersely, but White could feel her excitement through her iron-rank aura. She had made only a few excursions to the outside world since getting her essences, and none without supervision. He could feel her ambition, which pleased him. As long as she survived, she would return tempered and stronger. His command given, grand elder White left the courtyard. Only once he was out of sight did River allow the muscle spasms to show as her nerves flared in the pain of her father¡¯s aura. Still, she felt excitement. The superiority of her path would be proven soon.
Kite whipped his staff around, bottom impacting with the swung bone mace. A cracking sound was heard throughout the cave, as the wraith''s conjured weapon was once more dissolved by his Pattern-shattering counter. Its aura remained flat and blank, but Kite liked to imagine the bronze-ranked specter starting to grow frustrated. One week had passed since the nightly raid, and the group had spent the time training under instructor Concente as planned. After days of drills and sparring, everyone had been excited and relieved at the change of pace when a contract had been offered to them. Apparently, the adventure society had not been idle after the revelation of the connection. While some kind of foul play had been suspected at Verdant steps, the site with the effigy had become more a subject of study rather than investigation. This had changed after the strike and the deputy-director¡¯s battle. All scouts that could be mustered had been sent out into the surrounding land, carrying devices created to track death affinities. While they hadn''t gotten the whole story, Adelaide had hinted at a disturbing number of locations discovered, and there were multiple contracts posted at the moment in regards to the different sightings. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The branch director had apparently come through in regards to the instructor''s request, as they had gotten a contract for a location relatively close to Gilded where two bronze-ranked wraiths had been discovered. Under the command of the instructor, they had ventured out to a location around two days'' travel Southwest of the city, and after fighting through groups of iron-ranked specters, wraiths and other spiritual undead, they had found the cave they were currently fighting in. The sight had given a hint of deja-vu to the trio who had previously been to Verdant steps; a cave with a distinct death affinity and a grim effigy of calcified skeletal components. What differed from last time was that the effigy was bigger and seemed more developed, as even more branch-like protrusions sprung from its main mass. Another difference was that this effigy had not one but two guardians, both very similar to the one Kite, Dragonfly and Serene had faced the last time. They had both emerged from the effigy, conjuring armor and weapons of bone, ready to dispatch the adventurers who threatened their grim monument. However, there was also a stark difference in the adventurers facing them. Besides the addition of Will to the group, all of them had a lot more experience, both individually and as a group. And they all had their full set of essences. That was why Kite was currently rather readily engaging one of the pair of monsters alone, keeping it in check with a more defensive approach. His greatsword was already planted in the ground, providing its boon to the three fighting in close quarters, as Kite was keeping the strong but rather slow monster at bay, dissolving its armor and draining its mana. This time, a well-timed barrier was actually enough to block even its unarmed strikes, even if it left the barrier at its limit. On the other side of the effigy, Will and Dragonfly fought a more hectic battle. Each of the wraith''s strikes was a much bigger threat to the pair, forcing them to be constantly on edge as they took turns laying into the monster with their potent attacks. Will ascended above a sweeping attack, carried aloft on wings of conjured Spears. While not close to true flight, the ability still held him hovering in the air for a few moments, allowing him to dodge the attack before unleashing retribution as the wings detonated in a directed burst of glowing lances which tore into the monster. Meanwhile, Dragonfly used the additional reach available to her through accurate throws of her fiery axe to attack while she danced away from an attempted grab by the monster''s other hand. As the grasping bone gauntlet passed just in front of her, she changed direction and sprung towards her enemy in a boosted leap. The previous axe vanished as a new one appeared in her hands, promptly slammed into an armored shoulder followed by a small fiery detonation. For all their destructive power, it was obvious that the duo would still need to work for a while to bring down the monster, as the difference in ranks blunted their strikes while each retaliation was a potent threat. The ramping resonating force damage, provided by the boon from Serene, would speed up the process as it helped them shear through the armor, but fighting a foe of higher rank was almost always slow going. But this time, the group had a tool to speed up the process. A tool named Kite. As Kite was exchanging blows and deflections with the wraith he was engaging, he could feel a kind of resonance between them. In the beginning, it had felt off, the monster resonating on a more powerful frequency than him. But as they fought, the power awakened in Kite at the end of his trial in the Jade-sky gate steadily brought his foe to his level. Gradually, each of his strikes did a little more damage and each of the specter''s attacks did a little less as the effect of rank disparity was eroded down. The process was not without pain or risk, and he was hit by glancing blows several times, but his increased proficiency with both barrier and weapon allowed him to hold on enough for Serene¡¯s healing to keep him in relatively good health. Deflecting yet another punch with a barrier and continuing his attack uninterrupted, Kite finally felt something equalize, instinctively knowing that his evolved ability had reached its limits. While it was still a bronze-rank creature with the attributes to match, the wraith now lacked that additional advantage. ¡°It is done! Time to switch!¡± he shouted over Dragonfly¡¯s battle cries and Will¡¯s triumphant exclamations. The elven spearman launched a parting shot in the shape of a piercing echo of his spear which shot outwards while he himself was carried backwards, immediately taking off toward Kite as he landed. Dragonfly was left facing the monster alone for a short while, her steadily increasing speed and strength leaving her the best suited for such a task after Kite. As Will reached him, engaging the now weakened enemy, Kite activated his belt to rush to the other side of the effigy and make a charging attack with the wicked lance his looting ability had produced for him after the last battles with these very foes. As he started to move, a gust of wind from Serene sent Dragonfly shooting towards the other foe as she and Kite performed a surprisingly smooth exchange, their days of training already paying dividends. When his lance, surrounded by the spatial tears of Void-Sunders-Firmament, pierced through the skeletal armor Kite activated its bone-warping abilities, causing the armor to warp into a bundle of sharp spikes and protrusions, damaging the ectoplasmic body beneath. He switched to his staff almost immediately afterwards, blocking a huge fist with surprising efficiency. During his training, he had time and again realized the power of the weapon, in both offense and defense. In the case of the latter, a lot of the physical force behind the blow was absorbed by the weapon, allowing him to block and deflect attacks that before would have torn through his guard. It still sent a jolt of aching pain through his arms and shoulders, but that didn¡¯t hinder him from whipping the other end of the staff upward into a countering strike, unleashing both of his mainstay special attacks, Disrupting strike and Chakra implosion, as well as the additional resonating force damage from the absorbed momentum of the blocked strike. It was a bit gratifying to send the heavy arm reeling back from his strike, and he once more fell into the rhythm of a more defensive style, keeping the monster disrupted and busy. On the other side, both Dragonfly and Will demonstrated their destructive tendencies to the fullest against the weakened undead who was no longer protected by the higher rank. While the former fought with her usual, flaming ferocity, Will was showing off his more graceful and mystical way of fighting as a torrent of spear attacks was shredding the specter. After a powerful thrust left a fist-sized hole straight through the monster, he leapt upward. A conjured spear appeared horizontally in the air, allowing him to step off it to carry him even higher before launching at his foe. Just after the launched spear came its master, a held spear glowing with a flickering white-gold light. Apparently not being able to hold it in anymore, Will''s shout reverberated throughout the cavern. ¡°Heavenly Shaft; Darkness Penetrator!¡± The exclamation almost made Dragonfly lose focus, barely dodging a descending bone mace as she held an almost irresistible snort at bay. Despite the unwitting innuendo, the glow of the descending spear in Will¡¯s hands expanded into a huge replica of the spearhead, forged from that very light, which tore through the wraith¡¯s interposed hand and into its body, followed by a detonation as the golden projection expanded outwards. Their bronze-rank foe was tough, but was left grievously damaged as its left half was torn to shreds without as much of the tyranny of rank hindering Will¡¯s attack. It fought on with unfeeling implacability, but another half-minute of fighting left it dissolved in the wake of Dragonfly¡¯s exploding finisher. Meanwhile, the other seemed to consider changing tactics against Kite¡¯s steady defense, and through his magical perception he could see it gathering energy for its bone-warping acidic breath attack. He started to back off, but also realized that he might have better options for defense than retreat this time around. ¡°Serene, please pull me out if this doesn¡¯t work.¡± he shouted, waiting until he saw the buildup of mana reach a peak before chanting a spell of his own. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power¡± Just as the creature started spewing the foul stream, a ripple pulsed out from Kite to meet it. Kite was elated as he saw the stream disappear where it met the dispelling wave, only to have his triumph turned on him as the fast moving wave quickly passed through the creature. While it had spent some of the stream on the spell, a lot was still left to be spewed toward him. Fortunately, Serene was indeed ready to come to his aid, and his renewed retreat was aided by a gust of wind to fling him back. Kite winced as insult was added to injury when his dispelling wave passed through the effigy and dissolved a few of Will¡¯s conjured spears mid-flight on the other side. ¡°My apologies!¡± he shouted as he landed, advancing once again at the creature on a swaying path through the patchy field of bone spikes protruding from where the breath attack had splashed over the floor. As he advanced, his throwing star darted out again and again to strike the foe as the other was finished off on the far side of the pillar of bones. However, just as Kite had begun considering deploying his more potent attacks, it was Serene who dealt the decisive blow to the second wraith. ¡°May thine heart¡¯s song be dissolved in the dirge of despair!¡± What followed was one of the few offensive means in Serene¡¯s arsenal, awakened from the stone received after facing a similar danger beneath Verdant steps. Her song rose to a damning crescendo, dissonant yet appropriate tones weaving into the melody which was now channeled like a stream against the remaining monster. As he was approaching, Kite could see it start to dissolve under the sonic onslaught, the very magic which made up its form being torn asunder all over its body. He soon stopped approaching all together, as the process sped up each moment, eventually leaving nothing left but a few wailing notes as the wraith was no more. The damage of that particular spell was based in part on how long it was channeled, but even more on how much disharmonious resonance that had been accrued by the enemy. Each sonic attack or instance of resonating force damage added to the disharmony, meaning that the boon Serene provided her allies with not only improved their damage over time but also her own, leaving the group with yet another ramping threat and a finisher from an unexpected angle. Still, the discordant notes of the spell always caused chills to run down Kite¡¯s spine, as if the soul hiding deep within him shuddered slightly in fear. ¡°So, this is one of the famed effigies that the reports were talking about.¡± instructor Concente said as she walked up to them. She had remained watching over them during the whole fight, ready to step in if needed. ¡°Yeah. But this is way bigger than the last one.¡± Dragonfly answered from where she was recovering by absorbing some remnant flames from the surroundings. ¡°Is it¡­ growing? Over time?¡± she asked, looking up at the grim monolith with trepidation. ¡°The magic society researchers seem to think so, yes. Almost like foul trees of misfortune, planted to grow beneath your very homes.¡± their instructor answered. ¡°We better get to destroying this thing.¡± Destroying any effigy found was also a part of the contract, although this had apparently not gone over too well with some scholars in the local branch of the magic society. Branch director Jarvan did not care much, the situation with the upcoming expedition taking precedence over any academic gains, even if said gains could provide long-term benefits. After a few minutes of demolition, mostly performed by Dragonfly as her increased strength and speed still remained, the group could confirm that this effigy seemed to have been constructed around a death essence as well. ¡°At least this should imply that the numbers should be within reason, right?¡± Kite wondered aloud as they stood looking at the deathly cube. ¡°Depends on their sources, but yes. Even the church of undeath, if they are indeed present, shouldn¡¯t be able to send limitless numbers of death essences to this remote corned of the world.¡± instructor Concente confirmed. ¡°Still, best take it back. The rewards for these should still stand. If there is nothing else, we will leave and make camp. We can evaluate your performance once we rest, but I can already say that it was mostly adequate for your level of training.¡±
As the group made camp that evening among the trees close to one of the sheer mountain cliffs, they had sat down to receive their instructor¡¯s evaluation. ¡°First of all, you have overall performed adequately in regards to roles and positioning. Forming engagements and leaving Serene to support as needed should remain your go-to strategy. It was also a good call to make use of Kite in a more defensive role to enable weakening both creatures. We will continue more in-depth practice regarding more fluid tactical positioning with less verbal communication needed. Few battles will let you plan out ahead like this one, and few opponents will remain as stationary. As to your individual use of powers, I believe that you, Kite, are aware of the mistake you made?¡± ¡°Yes, instructor.¡± he responded, not hiding his embarrassment. ¡°I failed in both execution and judgment. I picked a defensive option that was not up to the task. It even hampered Will in his fight.¡± During their walk toward the campsite, the mistake had replayed itself in his mind as his introspective nature became a double-edged sword; both allowing him to reflect on his mistakes as well as imagine one spectacular scenario after the next in which his mistake would have led to disaster. ¡°You have a few abilities which require precise judgment, Kite, lest they hamper yourself or your enemies. I would recommend that you set a rule for yourself; to not do or try something untested in a combat situation you know will be challenging. It fails or misfires more often than not.¡± instructor Concente said somberly, before continuing. ¡°Even accounting for that, you have the making of a good adventurer, especially against complex enemies. Learn from this, and grow stronger by it. Or as you like to say in these parts; let it temper your path.¡± she finished with a smirk. After this she went through them each in turn, giving some minor pointers before moving on to meditation. While he still had some recrimination flowing around his mind, Kite allowed himself to be drawn along into the shared meditation session, as the summer night surrounded the camp in darkness and gently rustling leaves. He soon realized that something else contributed to the jumbled feelings inside, something which had grown inside him, now ready to burst like the bud opening into bloom. The camp was bathed in a gray light flickering with streams of bronze, as Kite recognized the stream of power which welled up from inside him.
WWWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Spirit Vortex] has reached Bronze 0. [Spirit Vortex] has received additional effects. Spirit Vortex Special ability (Mana drain). Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Create a small vortex hovering above your right shoulder, draining the mana of nearby hostile creatures. Gain a boost to mana regeneration depending on the number of creatures affected. The pace of both mana drain and the boost to mana regeneration is based on your [Recovery] attribute. Effect - Bronze: Create an additional vortex, increasing the range and area of the ability. Spirit Vortex can now choose to focus its effect on a single target for greatly increased effect.
Kite basked a bit in the heady feeling of power flickering inside him as he explored the evolved ability and found it to his liking. This would shore up the abilitiy¡¯s relative weakness against a single opponent or small numbers of enemies. Some additional uses floated at the edge of his conscious mind, but his mind was too weary to fully grasp them. Something did grasp him though, as his meditation was abruptly broken by one of Dragonfly¡¯s signature leaping hugs. ¡°Congratulations, Kite! I¡¯m so jealous! I feel that my perception power is sooooo close but not quite there.¡± she exclaimed before the rest of the gathered group started bombarding him with questions. Will seemed especially pleased with what he heard. ¡°This is great, my friend! Every truly strong path needs to hold its own, especially in a duel. The clash of paths is the highest form of tempering, after all!¡± ¡°And that is exactly the reason why you locals have such a poor life-expectancy¡­¡± instructor Concente muttered. ¡°Still, it does sound useful, both when alone and in groups. I expect a summary of your tactical applications later. I may be focusing on strategizing and positioning with you, but that doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t polish up some details.¡± As he managed to catch a jubilant Glint, who had decided to join in the festive mood by flying in tight circles around his head, Kite thought to voice a question to their teacher. ¡°Instructor, is that true? You have seen more of the world. Are we really going about things the wrong way here?¡± She looked at him for a long moment, sighing. ¡°That, Kite, is very hard to give a definite answer to. But according to most of us¡­ Yes. According to adventure society scholars, Hua-Xi has a significantly higher casualty rate than many other countries, especially since your mana density isn¡¯t that high in the first place. Whilst there is no denying that those of you who survive to the higher ranks are still very powerful individuals, there is still the fact that your country has, as far as we know, produced only a single diamond ranker these last few hundred years. As you know, monsters grow not only in strength but also complexity the higher their rank is. And whilst a gold-rank essence user is very powerful, there are plenty of monsters in the same rank which are even more powerful. To go at things alone for too long means a much higher risk of death, even for those exalted few who reach that rank.¡± Her statements left the younger adventurers in a thoughtful mood. ¡°Then¡­ why?¡± Dragonfly thought aloud. ¡°I for one want to get stronger, but I don¡¯t need to be alone to be plenty powerful.¡± Instructor Concente shrugged at that. ¡°If there are any definite factors which form people within a culture, my goddess hasn¡¯t seen fit to inform me.¡± she started, before falling silent for a little while. After a few moments, she smiled while shaking her head. ¡°She did indeed confirm that it is something we have to figure out for ourselves. So I recommend that you all give it some thought, both now and as you grow in age and power.¡± she finished before rising from where she sat next to the heating lamp in the center of the camp. That night, as he fell asleep, Kite dreamt of people. Of aunties and an uncle. Of young masters and sect disciples. And of himself, surrounded by friends, a friendly curious symbol and one sparkling little carp.
Kite felt the aura of the branch director lock in on him where he sat under the huge tree in the middle of the worship square, almost shuddering as it felt not entirely unlike how he imagined a poor grazing animal felt when spotted by a beast of prey. ¡°Kite! Lust¡¯s lascivious lashes, it is excellent to see you here, and on time too!¡± the blonde man exclaimed as he was walking over, the air clearly stirring around him and whipping at the robes and hair of bystanders as he used at least a part of his silver rank speed to close the distance. ¡°We came back from the contract today in fact, director Jarvan, so Fortune did indeed bless me.¡± Kite said with a polite bow. ¡°Please lad, no talk of work now. My wife will have my hide if we start talking business when I¡¯m officially off duty.¡± Jarvan said with a wry smile. ¡°If I may ask, director, where do you live? Is it nearby?¡± Kite asked, curious. ¡°Oh we are quite near, young man.¡± the director smiled, before turning slightly and gesturing toward a nearby building complex. Kite turned to see that he was gesturing toward the temple of Fertility. ¡°Come now, let¡¯s not tarry. It is time for you to meet the family!¡± 38. Quantitative quality Kite had never been into the temple of Fertility. It wasn¡¯t surprising since he had little business with her purview so far in life. Kite did hope to have children of his own one day, but that day felt very distant. He knew little about parenting, but had already determined that he would want to provide the same stability and safety for his children that he had been given by his aunties. ¡°This place does make one think of home, doesn¡¯t it?¡± director Jarvan asked as they passed through the main gates, apparently having guessed Kite¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Yes. Among¡­ other things.¡± Kite answered, trying not to look too blatantly at the murals and paintings which decorated the foyer they were currently passing through. ¡°But you live here, director? With your family? he asked in an attempt to steer the conversation away from too many flustering subjects. While he felt a lot more comfortable with the subject of sex nowadays, it was still far off from talking too much about it with people he barely knew, especially if said person was also his boss. Director Jarvan just chuckled at his reaction before answering the question. ¡°That we do, Kite. As you might have surmised, my wife is a priestess of Fertility which allows us to have quarters here in the local temples, as she spends her days here.¡± While he was talking, he was leading Kite away from the main rooms of worship and toward the back of the main building. ¡°But she is an adventurer as well? Or was?¡± Kite asked, trying to piece family life together with the often semi-nomadic life many adventurers led. From all the curios in the director¡¯s office, Kite had surmised that he had traveled rather extensively. ¡°Yes, she was, along with me, Rupert and a woman named Jesoix. We still are, in a way. My posting here is only temporary, at least in the long term. But we draw close, so I must ask you to brace yourself, young Kite.¡± he finished as they passed out into the complex of buildings behind Fertility¡¯s temple. They exited out into an inner yard which was absolutely bustling with activity, surrounded by well-kept buildings and filled with the smells of cooking food and laundry hung out to dry. And children. Lots of children of all ages. Kite saw toddlers waddling around as a gaggle of older ones were playing some game involving a lot of running around. Some teenagers sat here and there under the awnings, performing different small tasks or minding the younger ones along with the adults. Kite was idly wondering if the myriad essence might manifest more often here when one of the smaller children spotted director Jarvan. ¡°Daddy!¡± the little boy shouted, initiating a charge toward them. The call was picked up by a surprising number of the other children, joining the first as the charge turned into something more along the lines of a stampede. Jarvan took a few steps forward, kneeling to catch the young boy still in the lead in an embrace before promptly being swarmed by the rest, providing hugs and ruffling hairs left and right. ¡°As- yes, Chantelle, that is a very pretty rock- you can see, Kite- What? You ran that fast?- having a priestess of Fertility- Jeaqie, have you been practicing as I showed you?- as a wife does bring with it a certain- Awww, you can walk now Madeleine! Good girl!- quantitative quality to life.¡± the director said, constantly interrupted by the stream of progeny vying for his attention. His gaze managed to convey the word ¡°distracting maneuver!¡± with a startling clarity. Enjoying the increasingly flustered branch director for a short while, Kite got an idea for an impromptu rescue operation. After a short mental question, he took action. Trying to be as gentle as possible, he employed a small burst of his aura. To his surprise, it worked better than expected as the gathered children all stopped to look at him. Seizing the initiative, he spoke. ¡°I- ehm.. I happen to have business here along with your father. But I have two friends who need company while we do the boring stuff.¡± On command, Glint swam out from her bottle to the delight of the children, although some were slightly frightened when she took her larger form. Sage also made an appearance, and after he had arranged a semblance of order for the children to take turns riding the now huge carp, Kite knelt in front of a few of the more cautious ones. ¡°This is Sage, and it loves to see new things. Could you show it around? And show it¡­ well¡­ anything?¡± The alien astral gatherer made some of the children a bit hesitant at first, but after Kite demonstrated his familiar¡¯s easily-triggered fascination by showing Sage a shiny pebble, the children quickly warmed up to the creature and ran off with the living symbol in tow. Director Jarvan, now only having a single toddler left to contend with, diverted the young girl with some tactical tickling before handing her off to a nearby adult. ¡°Good thinking there, Kite. Resources deployed most efficiently. Let us make the most of the distraction!¡± he said, walking swiftly toward a nearby building with Kite in tow. As the door closed behind them, the director visibly relaxed. ¡°I would say we managed to get through without any casualties barring two familiars. That is better than most days. I love them each and every one to bits, but giving them all the attention they deserve is a task more daunting than facing any silver-ranked monster.¡± he chuckled. They had entered what looked like a typical kitchen of a townhouse, pleasant smells rising from the pot simmering on the stove as the sounds of more habitation could be heard from an adjacent room. ¡°Darling! I¡¯m back!¡± director Jarvan called as he led Kite deeper into the house. The adjacent room was a rather large sitting room, although from the number of chairs, couches and pillows present Kite imagined it could become very cramped, very quickly. At the moment, the room only had three occupants. One of them was currently on the way towards them, and Kite assumed her to be Fantina, the director''s wife. As most silver-rankers, she was almost unnaturally beautiful. Like her husband, she was human, with strawberry-blonde hair held up in tightly woven ringlets. While her aura was politely restrained, Kite was still almost sent staggering by the sheer level of motherliness it exuded, which he surmised to be a courtesy of her goddess. She gave her husband a quick kiss of welcome as he gently patted her pregnant belly. ¡°Welcome home, dear.¡± she said before turning to Kite. ¡°And welcome to you as well, Kite. Jarvan told us about you joining him today. Nastille hasn¡¯t been able to focus on her studies at all today.¡± she finished with a smile as Kite bowed politely. ¡°Greetings, priestess. And thank you for having me-¡± he began, but was interrupted as all of their gazes were drawn to the window where a bunch of laughing children could be seen clinging onto Glint¡¯s back as she playfully swerved back and forth between the houses. ¡°And that would be Glint, my familiar.¡± ¡°You should have seen it, Fantina. The boy has two familiars, and they did wonders in distracting the horde as they beset us. Kite, if you ever consider giving up adventuring, know that there will always be work for you here.¡± director Jarvan said, as he walked over to a nearby cabinet and poured them each a glass of some kind of juice. ¡°What my husband means to say-¡± Fantina began while giving the husband in question a pointed look, a playful glint in her eyes, ¡°-is that it was very nice of your familiars to play with the children. They will talk about it for days to come.¡± Kite was guided to a comfortable couch while exchanging pleasantries with his host when Fantina suddenly stopped and looked meaningfully toward a nearby closed door. ¡°Nastille, dear, you might as well join us.¡± she called. Focusing more on his aura senses, Kite realized that one of the normal-ranked auras moving in the building and its vicinity was lurking just behind one of the doors leading into the room. He was surprised that he hadn¡¯t thought more about it earlier, as the attention on them should have alerted him due to the normal-ranked aura being uncontrolled. The door in question opened and a young woman maybe a year or two younger than Kite slunk in. She had the same blonde hair of her father, and shared many facial features with her mother, but where Fantina currently wore an amused smile, Nastille had a frown of consternation. Director Jarvan laughed. ¡°Your aura-masking is coming along, dear, but there is only so far you can go without higher grade material. At his words, Kite realized that her aura was indeed harder to detect than the other unbound auras around him. There were plenty of ways to use items, rituals and formations to mask or change how one''s aura was perceived, although it required both skill and the right materials to make an aura-mask which would hold up to any proper scrutiny. He was impressed that Nastille was apparently already practicing her skills. ¡°I thought I would remain undetected at least for a little while longer¡­¡± she muttered as she joined them, but brightened considerably at the sight of Kite. ¡°Greetings! I¡¯m Nastille! Are you the one who has brought my essences?¡± she asked, almost on the way up from her seat again after being seated for just a handful of seconds. Apparently, she had taken after some of her father¡¯s mannerisms. ¡°Manners, young lady.¡± her mother admonished, but Kite heard that there was little edge to the reprimand. If anything, it was more of upholding a principle in the struggle against a hopeless cause. ¡°Greetings, Nastille. I¡¯m Kite. And yes, I do in fact have a few essences I have promised to sell to your father.¡± Her excitement was rather infectious, and Kite had to admit that there was a special kind of novelty at the thought of seeing someone else find the path they would walk for the rest of their life. He produced a dimensional pouch and started bringing out the essences one by one. All in all, he had gathered a fire essence, a heat essence, a solid essence, a plant essence, a water essence, a wind essence, a vapor essence, a metal essence and a sharp essence. There was also one more, the oddest one in the otherwise elementally themed series of treasures. It had been with a mix of joy and horror he had picked up the squid essence he had found in a hidden part of the water domain inside the trial. ¡°Most are rather common, but I still hope you can find something you like from them. Rarity definitely isn¡¯t everything.¡± Kite said, still pleased at the barely contained giddiness of Nastille, as she started going through them together with her mother who was perusing the living document of the magic society which listed different combinations. While they took their time, he turned to director Jarvan. ¡°If I may ask, director, why go through me? Wouldn¡¯t you be able to go through the trade pavilion with your position?¡± The branch director gave an awkward laugh at that. ¡°Well, I did do that in the beginning. And for a man with a reasonable amount of children, there probably wouldn¡¯t have been any problem.¡± he started, pretending not to notice the raised eyebrow from his wife. ¡°But I soon got a strongly worded letter from the continental council on the matter, which basically told me to ¡®leave some for the locals¡¯ along with a quota of how quickly I was allowed to procure them. And as my salary is spread rather thin-¡± he continued, gesturing outward to the sound of young voices. ¡°-just ordering from out of town was simply too expensive. But trustworthy locals have come through so far, but I haven¡¯t so far seen a haul such as yours. Those gates sure are something.¡± Kite didn¡¯t know what a branch director here earned, but he could understand that the swarm of progeny must indeed cost quite a lot, especially if most wanted essences. ¡°And who wouldn¡¯t?¡± he thought to himself before asking; ¡°Then, will all of your children become adventurers?¡± This time it was Fantina who answered, Nastille still engrossed in the list. ¡°Of course not. While we will provide essences for all of them, some have chosen the path of a crafter or clergy. But¡­¡± she sighed. ¡°Most do want to follow in our footsteps. It is a most frustrating duality. On the one hand, you just want your children safe and out of danger. On the other, it is hard to begrudge them the very path we have chosen ourselves, in a world where safety is not always something one might simply choose.¡± ¡°That sounds a lot like what my aunties told me when I came of age.¡± Kite said. It had been just a bit over a year ago, but life sure had changed during these last months. ¡°There, I¡¯ve settled!¡± Nastille suddenly exclaimed. She reached over and picked out the heat, water and vapor essences. ¡°They should result in the steam confluence. From what notes the document had, the powers should be rather flexible with a decent amount of survivability or options for escape.¡± ¡°The last part is one of the points we advise more¡­ strongly¡­¡± director Jarvan said, sipping his juice. ¡°Whilst Fantina is right, I hope our children won¡¯t begrudge us a little investment into them coming back to us.¡± ¡°Then can we go do it? Right now? The ritual?¡± Nastille asked, looking pleadingly at her parents. ¡°Of course, dear!¡± director Jarvan exclaimed, both he and his daughter almost leaping out of their seats in another bout of familial resemblance. ¡°But remember, your siblings are allowed to watch. We promised them.¡± Fantina added. Nastille seemed slightly chagrined at the reminder, but it wasn¡¯t enough to put a damper on her spirit. ¡°Wait¡­ All of them?¡± Kite¡¯s inner voice realized with a slight whimper.
After a lot of shepherding, coaxing and distractions later, Nastille sat on the floor of a ritual chamber as Kite was once again checking the diagrams he had drawn out on the smooth floor. From the surprisingly cozy interior, blatantly erotic murals and the divan pushed off to one side, he suspected that there was usually an entirely different kind of rituals usually performed here in the temple of Fertility. He also suspected that the chamber was intended to hold at most a handful of people, meaning that the twenty-something members of the LanCaire family and some family friends currently occupying it left little room to spare. Still, there was plenty of stabilizing incense for the ambient mana, and as long as no toddler waltzed into the circle they should be fine. Kite did reflect that none of the children or even teenagers seemed to even notice the suggestive murals. Growing up surrounded by them would sure give one another perspective, he supposed. ¡°Are you ready?¡± he asked Nastille, who nodded eagerly. They began the series of rituals, each progressing smoothly accompanied by the ¡®ooohs¡¯ and ¡®aaaahs¡¯ of the younger part of the crowd. And after she had absorbed the confluence essence, there was quite a lot of giggling as Nastille was led from the room by her mother. Apparently, they all knew what awaited her. The director had bought most of his awakening stones as well, but would have Kite come by at a later date to help Nastille with them as it was better for her to get a grip of them a few at a time. A sentiment Kite could get behind. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. He was just about to start toward the exit, intending to leave the celebrating family to their revelry, when Fantina appeared beside him. ¡°There will be a celebratory dinner now, Kite. Please stay and enjoy it with us. You have already done us a great service, as I imagine that my husband was less than patient at this proposition.¡± Kite didn¡¯t know if he was expected to decline out of some polite obscure social rules, but Fantina rather firmly leading him back toward the house seemed to indicate otherwise. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll be glad to stay for a while.¡± he replied with a genuine smile. Although a lot more populated, the family¡¯s part of the temple complex did have a hint of that feeling of home he often found himself missing. What followed was a few hours of intense family life. In addition to the fine dinner, Kite got the chance to witness Nastille glide around the room as a cloud of steam, a line forming to feed Glint with a great variety of treats and a silver-ranker losing a battle of will against a cranky toddler. In one way it was a bit overwhelming to Kite, who had been the only child in the household, but also simply more. A lot more. He also got to know that there were nineteen of the twenty-two children currently residing here with their parents, Nastille being the oldest. The other three older than her had apparently already struck out as adventurers, and were eagerly awaiting Nastille to join them as a teammate once she had gotten her bearings with her abilities. As Kite said his goodbyes, Fantina had assured him that he was welcome back at any time. Being true to her calling, she had also assured him that he could always seek the temple out in the matter of its purview, as long as he was fine with a few tests and relinquishing any parental rights. Director Jarvan walked him out, being in a cheerful mood, and Kite took the opportunity to ask him a question which had been remaining since their conversation when entering the building. ¡°Director Jarvan?¡± ¡°Yes, Kite?¡± ¡°You mentioned earlier that you wouldn¡¯t stay here forever. When will you leave?¡± ¡°That depends a bit. Mostly if the goddess would bless us with twins the next time around.¡± Seeing Kite¡¯s confused look, he chuckled before continuing. ¡°As a priestess of Fertility, my wife takes procreation rather seriously, as you might imagine. While I was an adventurer first and foremost, there was never anyone else to me after I met her. But adventuring life, without a stable point to build your life around, is hardly the best time to raise children unless you already come from an established and prosperous family or clan. As we both came from more humble means, and didn¡¯t just want to leave our children at the different temples, we came up with a deal to both our satisfactions. That¡¯s why we lived the adventuring life until we reached silver rank and ¡®the wall¡¯.¡± ¡°The stage where progression usually slows to a crawl? Here we often call it the ¡®heaven-denying mountain¡¯, but ¡®the wall¡¯ is common enough as well.¡± ¡°Ahh, Hua-Xi poetics. Love it or despise it, it does paint a vibrant picture.¡± the director mused with a smile. ¡°But yes, that is indeed the phenomenon. Once we hit that, we would take a break from adventuring and find more stable positions as we ¡®worked on our backlog¡¯ as Fantina liked to call it. Once we¡¯ve had twenty-five children and raised them to an age where they venture out on their own, we will strike out again if all goes to plan, with at least one other such break if we manage to progress a bit through gold rank. So I should be working directly for the society for at least another twenty years. Will all of them be here in Gilded? That remains to be seen. But you should be well into bronze-rank, maybe even touching on silver, before I would consider requesting a transfer on my own. The additional stipend I get for taking a position among you troublesome locals is much needed to secure my children¡¯s future after all. And as most postings are trouble in one way or another, I''m leaning towards the ''sand devil'' I know." And I do enjoy the poetics quite a lot, actually.¡± he finished with a wink. As they said their farewells at the temple gates, Kite stopped again, giving the branch director a look which was half awkward, half expectant. Still stuck in his contentment, it took Jarvan a moment before he realized that Kite had halted. "Kite? Is there anything-" Jarvan begun, then scratched the back of his head with obvious chagrin as he caught Kite''s meaning. "Ah, I am sorry, young man. A long and exciting day can make even us silver-rankers think of only the pleasantries in life." He produced a pouch clinking with the glassy sound of spirit coins, handing it to Kite. "The agreed upon sum, as well as the gratitude and favor of your favorite branch director. I hope you know that I would never try to short-change you, and especially not in matters of family." "Thank you, director. It has been a pleasure, both in visiting and doing business," Kite said in way of reply, putting the hefty sum away in his own dimensional pouch. "This young aspiring bronze-ranker will be ever grateful to benefactor." His voice was filled with mock formality as he bowed, Jarvan laughing in return as he waved goodbye to Kite as he left. As the temple doors closed behind him in the distance, Kite felt that he understood the director a lot better after today. Behind the excitable facade was a person deeply dedicated to those he held dear, with a patience that wasn¡¯t obvious at first glance. Or even second. He felt good as he floated towards home one the back of Glint, well above the evening¡¯s foot traffic, and resolved that it was time to send his aunties another letter.
Dancer on the Broken River wove between the two adventurers, who wore the robes of the Descending Star sect, yet another time as a hammer and a staff once more struck only air. Her chains trailed after her, weaving a pattern around herself and the duo. ¡°Name yourself, trash!¡± one of the young women called out for the third time, still receiving only an eager smile in answer. ¡°How dare you assault initiates of the Descending Star sect?!¡± River felt so alive as her mana thrummed through her. She had come across the pair of young adventurers squabbling over a pile of quintessence, and had commanded her accompanying battle-thralls to stand back before simply charging the surprised initiates. While they had seen her coming for several seconds, they were still overtaken by hesitation at the surprise of her blatant aggression. A flurry of staff strikes which left some afterimages had River darting out of reach in a whirl, her opponents leery of simply charging through the chains trailing through the air. Their hesitation and slow pursuit easily allowed her to circle around the two, before darting in once more toward the hammer wielder. A strike with two outstretched fingers impacted with one of the pain-meridians at the side of her target¡¯s neck while her chain, as if alive, snaked around before striking a similar meridian at the initiate¡¯s lower back. As River¡¯s special attack impacted, the young woman was bent over backwards as her muscles spasmed and contracted, mouth open in a wheezing scream of agony. River had no divine essence from lord Pain, but she had been blessed with more than one awakening stone carrying his ministrations. The agonized woman¡¯s ally swore as she attempted a thrust with her staff, the attack made awkward as River kept her screaming victim between herself and the staff-wielder. The attack was easily dodged, two loops of chain winding around the staff in an attempt to snare it. To her credit, the initiate dismissed her summoned weapon instead of letting it be snared by River. She would have to give them some credit as her targets weren¡¯t entirely unskilled. But what skill they had was already swept away by River¡¯s dominance. Her father had been one of the elders in the Unbreakable Chains sect even before its alleged fall, as the cowards in the other sects and adventure society had banded together in fear of their power. While grand elder White worshiped lord Pain, he still held true to the core tenets of the sect. Power through control and the complete domination of one¡¯s enemies. River had been raised to live up to those tenets as well, and she felt no small amount of satisfaction as her opponents were forced to dance to her whims. She passed the initiates for some more skirmishing strikes as she kept applying the pain-inducing special attack to the hammer-wielder in an attempt to keep her out of commission for just a while longer. River could feel the moment as the staff-wielder¡¯s resolve broke, her aura fracturing in fear as she instead looked to escape. That was when River felt the fun end, and she went in to finish this little dance. She did not know if the woman had some ability for escaping, and didn¡¯t fancy chasing down her prey. Leaping into the air, she suddenly jerked to the side as she activated another of her abilities. Her chains suddenly sprouted wicked barbs as they all contracted, layers of winding links suddenly closing in like a rose closing its petals around the two. The poor-hammer wielder had just begun to shrug off the debilitating affliction as her ally slammed into her, the chains taut around both of them. This time, the pained screeches were a duet, as River had already begun chanting a spell as she landed next to the tangled initiates. ¡°Present your offering to the lord of agony.¡± Her chains started glowing a reddish-purple, as the spell channeled waves of agony into all they touched, rapidly draining stamina and inflicting even more of the debilitating affliction for each moment River could channel the spell. In the case of her two current victims, they were both already lost in the throes of agony, neither having the training or resilience to push through. ¡°Collar them. We shall bring them to the gathering point before we set out again.¡± she commanded her combat-thralls, who quickly scrambled to obey her. As she looked at the two whimpering forms, barely conscious, she felt pleased. Her father had indeed made her path strong. And besides, in a way she had done these two a kindness. Her father would transform these two into something useful and give them purpose. Better that, than just becoming raw materials for someone else¡¯s path, be it through their allies in the church of undeath or with those who followed the path of pleasure. As they started to make their way back, River felt pleased at the thought of how her success would please her father in turn. While her prey was sparse in these rural lands, she had to practice patience. In the end, the whole region would know the might of their path.
The following two weeks after Kite¡¯s visit to the branch director¡¯s family went by in a blur, at least to Kite and his friends. They spent their days in training under instructor Concente¡¯s knowing supervision, and were making steady progress in the more cooperative aspects of combat. As usual, Serene was the one who took to it the fastest, as her path was already one of collaboration and unity, but Kite was not too far behind her after their time of training. His spirit attribute having slowly but steadily climbed upward during the trial and his training meant that he was able to make greater use of his active perception ability, conjuring barriers and walls to assist his allies even when in the midst of fighting his own foes. During the two weeks, they had also struck out on two more missions. None of them had been to destroy more of the effigies, but rather to combat unusually numerous gatherings of iron-ranked monsters. One of them had been the ever-present gyrmlings, as was common to the summer season. The other was a veritable swarm of plant-based monsters, which had turned out to have been formed by an undiscovered autumn pawn. Due to the adventure society scouts being caught up in the search for the effigies, it had passed unnoticed enough to grow a lot bigger than the one Kite and his friends had faced outside Starberry peak, and had the time to spawn a swarm of underlings, all different varieties of plants and vines.. As with all the times they had faced a bronze-rank enemy so far, the battles had been both exhausting and challenging, but no one in the group would deny the progress they had made. In spite of their growth, the last contract with the autumn pawn still had them all collapsing in their bedrolls that evening, Kite thinking that he never wanted to see a salad again. At the beginning of their final week of training Kite was stopping by the adventure society campus to check on the progress on a few of his commissions as well as selling off two items produced by his looting ability, a bark-clad lighter armor and a charm which would boost the attributes of plant-based familiars. Neither was useful to anyone in his group as they either had better already or it wasn¡¯t a good fit for their abilities. Since he was up on the seventh peak already, he took the time to go by the administrations building to chat a bit with Adelaide. As their conversation drew to a close, the green-haired elf halted as if remembering something. ¡°By the way, I think I saw a letter with your name on it. Let me check with the clerk responsible.¡± A short while later, she returned with a rolled up scroll fastened with a seal Kite vaguely thought he recognized but couldn¡¯t place at the moment. He sat down on a nearby bench and unfurled the scroll to read it. Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune Ever since we first met, I have done little but accrue karmic debt to you. After my shameful acts under the former disciple, my heart could no longer be at peace with where I was and who I was following. My path was no longer my own, and I realized that it might never have been. Yet your acts set an example; that in freedom, the heaven¡¯s still remain within reach, and that you may still soar toward them. Alone, yet unbound. As such, I will be leaving Gilded, my family and the sect. The adventure society has agreed to transfer me to the branch in Bastion, as well as to keep my destination a secret. No doubt my family will find me in time, but until that time I will seek to strengthen my path, enough so that even the bonds of blood shall not shackle it again. But I freely divulge my location to you, and therefore, in part, my fate. Our karma still remains unbalanced, and you are the one I would give the right to find me, once you would demand that our karma be severed. Until then, I shall strive to be worthy of that severance. Brilliant Bloom Kite sighed as he took in the words, not knowing exactly how he felt about the message. The, now former, initiate hadn¡¯t been overly occupying his mind, not even after the incident at the jade-sky gate. But when he did think of him, he mostly felt a twinge of pity. At the end, the young man had seemed almost a prisoner of his life and station, forced to act for a pride no longer his own. As such, he felt that he was impressed by the steps that the young man had, judging by the letter, taken to reclaim his own fate. But he also felt sad at the lonely feeling he got from the words. While he knew not everyone would see it that way, Kite still felt that his bonds to the people around him was what had truly allowed him to soar. And he felt a bit sad that the former young master didn¡¯t seem to have grasped at that strength yet. Unsaid words forming in his heart, he turned to Adelaide. ¡°Would I perhaps be allowed to send a response via the society? Even to a member in an undisclosed location?¡± ¡°Yes, that could be arranged. But know that there might be a bit of a delay as the message will be thoroughly checked for tracking magic.¡± she answered, curiosity plain in her expression. Procuring some paper from her, Kite took his time to formulate a letter of his own, attaching two things to the message. Seeing these, Adelaide looked even more surprised but didn¡¯t ask anything more about it. As he fell asleep that day, Kite felt good about his decision, wondering if he would ever meet the young man again. But his mind quickly moved on to other matters. Only one week remained of their training, and then the expedition loomed over them. He had been waiting and training for this for almost a year, facing both friendship and tribulation along the way. As sleep claimed him, he idly sent a thought prayer to Fortune, to carry him, his friends and his mentors through whatever was to come.
¡°Grand elder, is the sect ready?¡± asked sect leader Dusk. As many times before, her two grand elders were bowing before her as they made their reports. Grand elder Sight raised her head as she answered. ¡°Yes, sect leader. Those chosen to deploy have been notified and preparations have been made to leave at the appointed time. While our numbers are diminished, our purpose and conviction is not.¡± The sect leader nodded at her report after turning to grand elder Lark. ¡°And how has your task progressed, grand elder?¡± she asked, a clear note in her voice indicating that the title might not be as permanent as he would have hoped. ¡°As per your instructions, sect leader, the information was distributed through our official channels to the city leadership, adventure society and to the Descending Star sect in its entirety, as well as weekly updates.¡± the man responded, voice kept firmly neutral. ¡°And the response?¡± ¡°The city leadership and the adventure society sent their thanks as well as offers of assistance, while the sect¡­¡± he began, trailing off as one could almost hear the clenching of teeth. ¡°Grand elder, how did they respond?¡± ¡°With mockery, sect leader. Thinly veiled insults about our integrity, honor and competence. The gall of tho-¡± he began, but managed to reel in the tirade which had begun escaping his mouth, aided by his smoldering fury. ¡°Would you say that the sect¡¯s actions, your actions, carried integrity, honor and competence in regards to the incident at the queen¡¯s gate?¡± the sect leader asked, coldly. The only response she got was a cowed silence as grand elder Lark stared directly down at the polished wooden floor. ¡°I thought as much. If the Descending Star sect chooses not to heed our warning, they will reap the consequences. But the eyes of the heavens are upon us now, and no matter what else, we must remain focused. Grand elder Lark, your probation will continue as you join our forces in the field. Fight well, and show that integrity and honor, and we shall see about restoring the fell karma between you and the sect.¡± sect leader Dusk finished. ¡°T-thank you, sect leader!¡± grand elder Lark stated loudly. Not being allowed to go into battle along with the sect would have been a grave loss of face for him, and he swore inwardly to keep his decorum even if those from the Descending Star sect didn¡¯t deserve an ounce of it. He prayed to the gods that his decorum would hold firm even if he was faced with that damnable boy again as well. 39. Embarking ¡°Then that will be the end of today¡¯s training, as well as our time together.¡± instructor Concente finished. ¡°Given our short time together, I¡¯d say you didn¡¯t turn out too bad. For Hua-Xi locals.¡± she finished with a wry smile. The group was gathered in the same seating area out in what Kite had learned was Will¡¯s personal garden. The young scion apparently resided not in one room, but rather one building on the palace grounds. Will was the first one to stand and bow respectfully to their instructor. ¡°Then allow me to be the first one to thank you, on behalf of both myself and my family. You have given us ample opportunity for growth.¡± The others quickly followed suit, bowing with cupped hands toward the instructor. ¡°Will you be joining the expedition?¡± Dragonfly asked hopefully, face falling quickly as the instructor shook her head. ¡°Had I been between contracts at the moment, I would have considered it. But I will not leave the area just yet. Jarvan has me working on some internal matters. But from now on, I should just be Mirabel to you all. You should all work hard to reach bronze soon. There are a lot of troubles in these parts that will need people like you.¡± she finished, standing up. ¡°But now I have to be off. An adventurer seldom rests, and us functionaries even less so. May your paths grow strong in unity.¡± The group waved her off, before settling down again. ¡°So, the muster has been called. Three days until the time of our rise to glory begins in truth!¡± Will exclaimed, his aura almost smoldering with enthusiasm. ¡°Yeah, finally! It is time to shove those creeps to the annals of history!¡± Dragonfly exclaimed, echoing his sentiment. Over the last months, the two had found a camaraderie in their shared enthusiasm, Kite, as usual, found their moods infectious, but his gaze remained on Serene. As she met his eyes, he heard a windy whisper near his ear. ¡°Later.¡± It wasn¡¯t long afterwards, following some food and strategizing, that the group split apart. Dragonfly hurried off to see her master, who was apparently going ahead sooner to some undisclosed location. Kite took the opportunity to keep Serene company as they rode the elevating platform down from the first peak and made their way homeward. While Grim had often graciously used his portals to ferry them to and from the palace, he was currently busy with other matters. And word had already gotten out in regards to them teaming up with the lordling. So far nothing had come of it, but Will often muttered that it should only be a matter of time. As Glint was big enough for two riders in her enlarged form, they both sat up as the carp started to glide above the city streets, seated sideways and watching the houses and golden foliage roll by. ¡°Want to talk about it?¡± Kite asked gently, referring to the feeling he¡¯d gotten before as well as during the night of the raid. ¡°While part of my heart does not, it is the part that still fears them. The fallen sect. And that is the part I strive to not let rule me.¡± Serene answered, her wispy voice small. ¡°It is merely anxiety, for what is to come. The thought of facing those who follow the dark paths¡­ Of facing that pain again. Part of me want to roar like a dragon in defiance, while there is still that fear, as if branded into my soul. That part just want to whimper and hide. Or flee these lands.¡± ¡°Then what do you want to do? Is it only roaring or fleeing that is on the table?¡± Kite asked, picking up the metaphor. ¡°No. Kite, I¡­ I want to face them. To retake a bit of the control they stripped from me during that short but horrible time. And give up control in other regards, where it isn¡¯t really needed.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± he asked, curious as to her last statement. Serene sighed. ¡°Remember when we first met? Or when Dragonfly had finally worked up the nerve to ask you to join her in the dyadic aura training? Or all those other times when I¡¯ve¡­ When I¡¯ve¡­¡± ¡°Picked out our emotions from our auras?¡± ¡°Yes. And in truth, I shouldn¡¯t have. Most consider it terribly rude. But since I awoke my fourfold aura, I had trouble not to. Not to control the actual aura sense, but trouble to not want to constantly do it. I¡¯ve had several sessions with a priestess of the Healer over the years. To help deal with those memories. She thinks it to be an act of seizing control over every situation I can, in opposition to the memories of the time where all control was stripped away from me. And I agree with her. It took some time. Years. But I¡¯ve tried doing it less and less. To not always intrude and peek behind the metaphorical curtain when I could.¡± ¡°And how has it been?¡± Kite asked, keeping true to one of auntie Crow¡¯s proverbs. When someone spoke of matters of the heart, more questions would guide you true. Now that he thought about it, it was quite a long time since she had last brought his emotions up for scrutiny. ¡°A bit frightening, at first. But I believe that this is the way I want to live. To use it when necessary, not just when it suits me and those fragile emotions of mine.¡± While some moments of his inner feelings being laid bare had been embarrassing, Kite had to admit that he hadn¡¯t thought much about them, just attributing it to a quirk of his friend. But he did grow up around two aura-wielders, so it might just be that he was more used to it than most. ¡°Then if it is a roar or flight your mind wants, why not consider a third option?¡± he asked, getting a curious look in return as she brushed back her jade hair. ¡°A song would be most in character, after all.¡± he finished with a smile while reaching out and squeezing her hand in assurance. She stared blankly at him for a while before giggling, the sound being like a myriad ringing bells. ¡°Earnest to a fault, Kite.¡± She laughed. ¡° Thank you. For asking. And for being my friend.¡±
¡°Good. It seems like you have started adapting what I¡¯ve taught you to your own abilities.¡± mistress Dew stated firmly, as Kite sat breathing hard on the ground in the practice yard. He had been most surprised when she had paid him a visit this morning, before dragging him off to a training area up on the seventh peak. While her lessons had always been thorough to the point of exhaustion, Kite did notice a distinct improvement of his stamina, courtesy of his rising attributes. ¡°If I¡­ may ask, mistress,¡± he said between panting breaths, ¡°how come you came calling this morning? I would have thought that you had already held up your end of our arrangement?¡± She looked at him, an amused expression playing on her otherwise frosty demeanor. ¡°Due to our upcoming little adventure, I will not have the time to leave the city. And as two days still remain, I found myself restless. What better way to spend the time than to educate the next generation? Or would you rather I hadn¡¯t?¡± ¡°Oh, not at all.¡± Kite assured quickly, seeing just the hint of danger in her amusement. ¡°I remain most grateful, I assure you.¡± ¡°I thought as much.¡± she said, pleased. ¡°And I must say that you have taken well to my teachings. That little staff you received after the trial is most potent. But I must say that there is still something missing. It is to be expected though. One can seldom just copy another¡¯s path, only be inspired by it. I believe that my Way of Relentless Winter will not alone suffice for you. From what I have seen, your paths also need something more¡­ reactive and cunning, defensive yet denying initiative for your opponents.¡± ¡°Mistress is most wise.¡± he said as he mulled over her words. While her relentless style fit him well to overwhelm an opponent on the back foot, he had often found himself in a more defensive stance when fighting the bronze-ranked monsters as of late. While he made do with the training he had received over the years from uncle Walker, it was a shallow level of skill in the end. ¡°While I am not sure it will take me all the way, I have recently been granted a boon from the son of the city lord, and have asked for help in finding someone to train me in the art of the staff.¡± Mistress Dew nodded. ¡°Money is something you may earn yourself through contracts, but training is a prize more elusive and the knowledge it brings may be with you until the end of your path. You made a wise choice. As for the source of the boon, I did hear rumors about some ¡®outcast upstart who had wormed his way in with his betters¡¯. From your recent tribulations, I must admit to not being entirely surprised.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Will is¡­ not what I expected from one of his station.¡± Kite admitted. ¡°No? How much do you know of city lord Indomitable and his rise to power?¡± ¡°Not¡­ very much. History was never any main focus in my education.¡± Kite admitted. ¡°I heard that he has ruled the city for over eighty years though.¡± ¡°Indeed. He is actually a former adventurer, albeit a long time ago. While I do not know all of the details, this being before I was born, there was apparently some kind of upheaval or disaster in these parts around a century ago, which eventually destabilized the government. After the tumult had settled, the royal family issued a competition for the seat of city lord. Apparently, the young lord Indomitable defeated and outwitted each and every one using his chief virtue; patience. While they are included in his power set, it¡¯s not the only reason why he has received the name Indomitable March of Glaciers. Had this land been blessed with denser mana, I believe that he would have reached gold rank long ago. He might still, should he decide to turn to cores. But he seems to be a man playing a long game. And he has apparently seen fit to include you as a potential piece.¡± she finished. Kite felt a note of concern on hearing this, although he had to admit to himself that the freedom he valued would probably ever be a muddled concept. He already had ever-strengthening ties to the adventure society beyond the normal membership agreement, after all. But being a piece in someone¡¯s game did not sit well with him. ¡°Then I suppose I will have to have patience as well, and see if the game is one I am willing to play.¡± he finally said, after mulling it over with a frown. ¡°Unless you reach the very heavens, there will always be games who force you into their rules. But if you continue to show the budding wisdom you have overall shown so far, I believe that you will not be in over your head. You have started cultivating allies of your own as well, be it friend or contact.¡± mistress Dew finished, before turning towards the society campus once more. ¡°I shall attend other matters now, but meet me here again tomorrow morning.¡± she commanded, waving over her shoulder before taking her leave, trailing a chilly wind. Kite was left deep in thoughts, which stayed with him even after he too left the training yard.
Jarmiel did not know how long it had been, but it had to be weeks. A month? Those alchemical vapors he had been forced to inhale tended to leave his mind muddied even after the main effect of loosening his lips had worn off. He once more swore to get about to shake the habit of breathing as soon as he would be able to. And, if he managed to get out of this mess, he would vow to annihilate all the rats in all the lands. Just a rat? Just a rat?! He still had nightmares about that cursed night. One moment, there had just been a simple brown rat sitting there on its hind legs. Then there had been more, pouring in from his small window. He had still been stunned as they suddenly emitted a bronze-rank aura, swarming over him. Biting, clawing, dragging him to the ground. He- His shuddering thoughts were interrupted as the lock of his cell clicked. Jarmiel tensed. It was not daytime, and unless his captors were changing up their routine, this was something out of the ordinary. Collared as he was, there was little he could do but prepare to spring into action. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. The door opened slightly and an unknown man came in, wearing the uniform of an adventure society functionary. Jarmiel could not feel any aura as his senses were suppressed, but from the man¡¯s look, he was probably a bronze-ranker. ¡°Who- what are you-¡± Jarmiel started asking before the man closed the distance with supernatural swiftness, hand striking out toward Jarmiel¡¯s throat. Even if he wasn¡¯t suppressed, Jarmiel was more of an infiltrator than a combatant, and only had the time to turn slightly in an attempt to divert the damage to less sensitive areas. His mind racing, he took in the cell. The door was still open. If he could only- A sharp click interrupted his thoughts as the collar fell off his throat, Jarmiel¡¯s aura being freed and magic once more flowing into his body. He looked at the man in shock, but the plain-looking elf just smiled a crooked grin and winked at Jarmiel. Then he knew. The path of lies. The infiltrators. He had heard rumors¡­ Suspected¡­ But¡­ His heart soared as he started toward the door. Two others in similar garb, a celestine man and a human woman, slunk in just after they left. A body was dumped onto the floor, not looking the slightest like Jarmiel, and they swiftly collared it before the woman started chanting under her breath. He could not hear the words, but he recognized the faint sense of power which would only be detectable to the select few, those who already knew. The power of Deceit. Suddenly, the corpse looked like Jarmiel as an illusion was placed over it. While it wouldn¡¯t hold up to too much scrutiny, it should be enough to buy them time. A fourth and final man, also an elf, waited outside and handed Jarmiel a similar set of robes as those his rescuers wore. As what had once been his cell door closed, Jarmiel was already moving while dressing, covering his simple prisoner¡¯s outfit with the disguise. Before leaving the cell block, another in the group applied an aura-mask to Jarmiel as well, altering his bronze rank aura to another of the same rank. Used to such tools, Jarmiel held his own aura tightly controlled as to not risk fracturing the spiritual disguise. The holding cells of the Gilded adventure society branch was beneath the campus itself, dug down through the spire which formed the seventh peak. There were no windows in the cell block or in the other winding corridors. Only nondescript metal doors could be seen, where the group occasionally passed through some of them as Jarmiel¡¯s guides unlocked both the physical locks and the magical formations which allowed them to pass. The first hurdle in their plan arose at the checkpoint all visitors had to pass through before entering or exiting the complex. A heavily enchanted glass wall split the stone room in half along with a guardstation with a clear line of vision in both directions. In the guard station sat a tired-looking functionary who waved them forward. ¡°Names and identification. Present your badges to the formation.¡± Jarmiel had been provided a badge which should work, but he still had to fight with keeping his calm as they passed through the checkpoint, one after another. As his turn came, the guard took a longer look at him. ¡°Is something the matter?¡± he asked the iron-ranked functionary, trying to channel a feeling of tiredness. ¡°Oh, I was just curious if you felt more talkative now. Your colleagues told me that you were facing some troubles so-¡± the functionary began, but Jarmiel cut him off. ¡°Yes. That. Thanks for bringing it up again. It had just slipped my mind, but why would I ever want unpleasantness to not be in the forefront of my thoughts?¡± he asked, filling his voice with scorn. In Jarmiel¡¯s experience, most would rather escape an uncomfortable situation rather than press further, which was why he had done his best to make the situation just that. Awkward and a bit shameful. Fortunately, it worked on the lower-ranked functionary as Jarmiel was waved through. He¡¯d never try this on any more professional guards. When it came to deception, using the right tool for the right situation was vital. After leaving the checkpoint, the surroundings changed from stone to decorated wood as they came up into the society proper. There was more foot traffic here, but in this case it was actually beneficial as each group would be under less scrutiny. The adventure society campus was big enough for there to be a lot of unfamiliar faces, as few, if any, could recognize everyone. But to Jarmiel¡¯s dismay, an iron-ranked elven woman with green hair waved to one of the elven men in their group as she came over. ¡°Ingram! There you are. There has been a shift change, so we¡¯ll need to bring you in for an evaluation this evening.¡± she said as she approached. ¡°Ah, Adelaide. That is¡­ awkward. You see-¡± Jarmiel¡¯s accomplice began. Jarmiel didn¡¯t listen much as he was instead looking for options should he fail to dissuade her. They were close enough to the exit to try and make a break for it. But with the branch director or deputy director on site, that proposition was beyond risky. Still, he needed to be ready. Easing into a fake conversation with another of his group, Jarmiel slowly shifted himself around the back of the elven woman, aura kept steady like a knife in its sheath. Inside his sleeve, one of his hands started crackling slightly with purple sparks as he made ready to plunge it through the back of her head, should the need arise. His tension only rose as the woman apparently named Adelaide started berating Ingram for his unavailability, seeming not to care about his higher rank. Jarmiel was just considering making a move as another functionary suddenly came over. ¡°Adelaide! There has been an adventurer here asking for you. Apparently its urgent!" The woman sighed before giving ¡®Ingram¡¯ a look which told him, in no uncertain terms, that they would have words about this at a later date. As Adelaide and the functionary disappeared behind the corner, the group continued onwards, making idle smalltalk about made up subjects. Neither had their auras projected outward, as to not draw suspicion or, in Jarmiel¡¯s case, risk damaging his aura-mask. This means that they had no chance of noticing that one of the iron-ranked auras that had passed the corner suddenly disappeared. Exiting through the doors of the building, Jarmiel had to suppress the urge to just drink in the late summer evening and its fresh air. Weeks of imprisonment did that to a person, he supposed. But they continued moving swiftly through the campus, toward one of the elevating platforms . As there was little traffic during the evenings, it just stood there, empty and waiting for them. Jarmiel almost expected a last minute call or guards forcing them into a final chase towards freedom. But nothing like that occurred. He stepped onto the platform along with the group, and the runes lit up as the faint force field around it sprung to life, a security measure mostly unnecessary. The knot in his stomach unclenched somewhat as he felt the slight lurch when they started descending at a sedate pace. He had sighed again, relief flooding him. While they were not completely out of the woods yet, the actual enemy stronghold was surely the most risky part of the plan. He started making plans in his head, which caches of resources he would go to and what kind of extraction plan they might have to get out of the city. It was almost pure happenstance that he idly turned around to look up towards the edge of the plateau, now about ten meters above him. And there, peeking out over the corner and down at them and clearly discernible due to his bronze-rank perception, was a brown rat. Jarmiel stared at the rat. The rat stared back. Jarmiel continued staring at the rat. The rat waved a little paw at him. ¡°We¡¯re compromised. Everybody sca-¡± was what had the time to leave his mouth as the platform stopped abruptly. One of the group immediately attempted to leap off the side, but was rebuffed by the force field ostensibly there for their safety, now turned to a cage. Jarmiel could see the telltale shimmer of an illusion of some kind going up around the platform while another of the group, apparently possessing some kind of enhanced leaping power, shot upward and back toward the edge of the plateau. However, he swiftly returned, not even having reached his goal, held limp in the hand of a figure which had descended down toward them. It was a human man with golden blonde hair combed back and a beard tracing the line of his jaw, turning his appearance almost leonine as he grinned at the group. He was clad in a conjured suit of full plate armor in a faint blue hue, while two huge gauntlets of similar make, forming fists at least a meter wide, started appearing in the air above him. Jarmiel¡¯s stomach had already turned into the deepest recess of the void as the man spoke, his silver rank aura like a shining beacon. ¡°You¡¯ll have to excuse the discretion.¡± he said, gesturing to the illusion around the platform. ¡°It was one of the conditions I had to agree to in order to be allowed to come out and play. My deputy director can be such a stickler sometimes.¡± said Jarvan LanCaire, branch director of the adventure society¡¯s Gilded branch, punching an armored fist into an open palm. The huge gauntlets above mimicked the motion perfectly.
¡°Champion¡¯s chafing chaps, that was fun! Having to take them alive added just a little bit of zest to that dance!¡± branch director Jarvan exclaimed as he entered his office half an hour later. Both Adelaide and the deputy director were present. ¡°Our lure apparently did its job to our satisfaction, although it was a bit tedious for our people to remain on alert for so long. Your quick response to our call was commendable, functionary Adelaide.¡± spoke deputy director Rupert with a nod and a raised cup of tea in the elf¡¯s direction. ¡°I¡¯m just surprised that there were so many infiltrators. I¡¯ve known some of them during my whole time stationed here.¡± she responded, still baffled. ¡°I was even invited to a party at Clara¡¯s house next week.¡± ¡°While we don¡¯t know if they were planted from the start or replaced over the years, we always counted on it. The reports state that one of the foul branches of the fallen sect called itself the path of lies, mostly worshippers of deceit, disguise and others up to no good. With those credentials, there was bound to be at least some. The games of those kinds of people are quite long-term.¡± Jarvan said with a smile as he poured himself a glass of bright blue spirits. ¡°Then¡­ Why now? And why ask me to walk up to them?¡± Adelaide asked, who had been unknowing of the scheme unfolding as she had confronted Ingram. If that was really his name. ¡°As we draw so close to the expedition and threw you into this, I believe you are owed some answers.¡± director Jarvan said, almost somberly. ¡°He just wants to talk to someone about his plan and have them tell him that he possesses both wisdom and foresight.¡± Rupert sighed, earning a glare from his friend. ¡°Anyway-¡± Jarvan began anew, ¡°We struck now to rob them of immediate eyes and ears as the expedition launches, hopefully forcing what we didn¡¯t catch into hiding as we set out. There was no chance in high heavens that the expedition¡¯s existence wouldn¡¯t leak eventually if we wanted to bring the sects, as they wouldn¡¯t just come at short notice on our beck and call. But now we can at least hope to muddle and confuse what intelligence they can gather from us as we actually move out. And as to your participation, we needed to interrupt them in their exfiltration to try and flush out any backups they had on standby to assist but who weren¡¯t part of the group itself. And thanks to you, we got one.¡± he finished with a smile. You will of course be compensated with internal merit points for your trouble. Adelaide nodded in thanks in modest silence at the praise, while she was inwardly squealing with glee. The internal merit points would give her ample resources for when she finally set out on her own adventuring journey. ¡°But you¡¯ll have to excuse us, Adelaide, as we have final preparations for the muster to finish. Tomorrow is the big day, after all.¡± branch director Jarvan finished, his smile both expectant and grim. He knew full well that this endeavor would cost lives, and could only hope that their allies in the sects had taken their warnings seriously.
Kite and his companions stood gathered in the marshaling yard up at the seventh peak. He had been there several times, but never in a gathering as big as this one. While he wasn¡¯t sure, he¡¯d expect there to be at least three hundred people gathered there, adventurers one and all. He vaguely recognized many from having seen them in passing once in a while over the past year. Will was currently looking over the crowd, pointing out the few more highborn scions among those gathered. ¡°As expected, most send their young to one of the sects.¡± he finished after his meager counting of just a handful of the many faces he recognized, talking unabashedly as the team was surrounded by Serene''s aura and sound-manipulating powers. Kite was impressed with her growth in that regard, having apparently gotten some pointers from deputy director Rupert who shared the power with her. They had a private bubble of their own in all the noise. Kite would normally have taken the time to look for his uncle, but knew that he had already embarked towards what would be their base camp, his role as a scout having him deploy well ahead of the rest. Finally, the branch director made his appearance along with the deputy director, mistress Dew and another silver-ranker Kite did not recognize, a celestine man with shaved head and shining brass-colored eyes. ¡°Greetings adventurers!¡± the branch director¡¯s voice boomed, Kite suspecting that it was being amplified by Rupert to carry clear throughout the whole yard. ¡°Today, we finally embark on the venture many of you have been preparing for. It warms my heart to see you all, who have chosen the way of the common good, answering our rallying call like this. The days ahead of us will be challenging, as our foe is both insidious and hidden, as well as wielding powers that would make many of us recoil in disgust. As you will no doubt face your share of deviants, I want you to remember; their dark path is not one of greater power, just one of convenience. They were too weak to grow on their own, instead turning to powers that would only consume the lands and people around them to allow them to even come close to your level. But also remember, that such individuals will stop at nothing to survive. Expect no mercy, and give none. The rewards for prisoner are meant for the happy accidents and the serendipitous, not something you should risk your life over. Initially you will be divided into five platoon, each one with forty iron-rankers and twenty bronze-rankers. And each of those platoons will be divided into teams of varying sizes, mostly four iron-rankers led by two bronze-rankers. As we travel to the base camp, you will each receive your initial war-contracts, and subsequently return after completing each one unless the situation in the field dictates otherwise, as decided by your bronze-ranked commanders. We will have three silver-rankers deploy with you, initially acting as a rapid response team as we scout out where the opposition deploy their most impactful forces. As such, they will not belong to any particular squadron. Our overall objective is simple; to once and for all root out the remnants of the fallen sect which have been left festering out in the wilds of these lands. I know you will strive to protect them along with our sect allies, who deploy even greater numbers than us during this conflict. While I acknowledge that cooperation has, in some cases, been rife with dissent and strife between us, I urge you to keep your hearts steady even should you come under provocation. The sects are not our enemy here, and should be supported like they should support us in turn. Fight like the pillars of civilization I know you are. Fight like adventurers!¡± he finished, a cheer rising from the gathered essence-users. Kite could see director Jarvan looking pretty smug while the deputy director just shook his leonine head. Already knowing their group, they still waited for their turn to look at the rosters. Having uncle Walker and master Force assigned as their bronze-ranked members was a relief, but Kite turned to Will as he saw a third name on the list of bronze-rankers. ¡°Grim is joining as well?¡± ¡°Indeed he is! He will probably be mostly in charge of logistics, and it would take more than his bronze-ranked portal to make a strategic difference on the wider scale, but he will be participating.¡± Will nodded, as if this should have been a foregone conclusion. ¡°But¡­ Isn¡¯t he¡­ a servant? I would assume that there would be a lot of fighting.¡± Dragonfly asked hesitantly. ¡°Well, yes. But he has been in charge of my personal security my whole life as well, not just waiting on my needs.¡± Will answered, baffled that this hadn¡¯t been their obvious conclusion. The group was silent for a while as Kite, Dragonfly and Serene all re-evaluated the stern elven man in their mind¡¯s eye. However, they quickly moved on to other business, and after the last check-up on gear and supplies, they joined the mass of adventurers traveling to the rendezvous point outside the city gates for further transport. The expedition against the remnants of the fallen sect was finally underway. 40. The first blow ¡°Why couldn¡¯t we just portal directly there?¡± Dragonfly grumbled from where she sat in the wagon, one of many which stretched out in a train in both directions. While the wagon had padded seats and was clearly made for carrying passengers, the often uneven and bumpy roads of the autumn lands had quickly started to grate on her nerves. ¡°My father was quite clear about getting the whole expedition experience.¡± Will answered from where he sat, looking as motivated as when they had first left Gilded a few days ago. ¡°The traveling, the waiting, the mix of adventure and logistics¡­ Truly, a worldly experience worth having! And besides, Grim¡¯s portals don''t have the range to take us to the base camp, so we would need to portal-hop over there and therefore be separated from the rest of our force in what might be a critical time. So they aren¡¯t up for this task, I¡¯m afraid. No offense, Grim.¡± ¡°None taken, young master.¡± the man answered from where he sat in the driver¡¯s seat, as dignified as ever while guiding the draft animals. ¡°So much for the privilege of having you along¡­ The only thing we¡¯ve gotten from it so far are ugly looks.¡± Dragonfly grumbled, with a glint in her eye to hint of it being rather good-natured. Kite had rarely seen wagons when growing up, as he lived too far from any major roads worth maintaining in the forested landscapes. Starberry peak had mostly been supplied via messengers and couriers like uncle Walker with dimensional bags fortified for additional carrying capacity. While he knew it to be different in other parts of the country and the lands beyond, the ambient magic of the Autumn lands was too weak to fully power most magical vehicles, especially flying ones. And due to the terrain, both the dense forest and varying topography, most vehicles carrying more than one person were simply too big to pass in between the trees. Therefore, good old heidel-drawn wagons were still the norm for most people and merchants traveling the roads where they were usable. While the going wasn¡¯t the fastest it was still better than walking, and Kite and his companions had one mitigating factor to their journey in the shape of a huge carp which floated happily next to the wagon. They took turns riding Glint, and at the moment it was Serene¡¯s turn to get out of the rattling wagon and enjoy the smooth, slow swaying as she half swam, half floated through the air. Many other familiars were on display, where one of the most exotic ones was a living tangle of green vines which carried its rider forwards on a multitude of limbs, easily weaving through the trees and over rocks. ¡°Still, it feels almost weird to finally be on our way. What do you think we will be doing for our first contract?¡± Dragonfly continued her musings. ¡°Apparently, Uncle Walker will brief us when we arrive.¡± Kite said, remembering the short order they had received so far. ¡°But since we are attached to both him and Grim, it wouldn¡¯t surprise me if we got contracts ranging farther out. "When will master Force join us?¡± he then asked, turning to Dragonfly. The woman hadn¡¯t been with them at the muster, apparently leaving early to some undisclosed location on business she hadn¡¯t shared. ¡°She only said ¡®soon¡¯ when I asked her.¡± Dragonfly muttered, still displeased with not knowing more. ¡°But she has always pulled through so far, so hopefully this time won¡¯t be any different. Nothing stops her when she puts her mind to things!¡± After that, the conversation drifted back to more pleasant topics. Kite got the sense that they all shared his feelings; eagerness but also trepidation. They knew that this upcoming expedition would be important, but also very dangerous, as their enemies were not only monsters of mere manifested magic.
Grand elder White would normally have been pleased as he left the unmaking chamber, another white seal conquered. His latest project was one of the young iron-rankers brought in by his daughter, and while she had put up an admirable resistance as he slowly but surely undid first the red seal of her body, then the blue seal of her mind, the final seal of the soul had almost felt anticlimactic as she gave in to his ministrations and accepted his lord¡¯s touch to spread across its surface and take hold. However, his pleasure at doing lord Pain¡¯s work was marred by yet more incompetence of his allies. Last night, they had received word that the reports from their infiltrators at the Gilded adventure society had ceased, proving once more in short order that those belonging to the path of lies weren¡¯t as clever or well-hidden as they thought. This had cost them a valuable source of information. Now they only knew that the adventurers and the sects were coming. He tried consoling himself that it would be of little matter as true dominance was shown only on the field of battle, but proper preparation was what took it into the realm of certainty. ¡°But as usual, only by taking command myself will the proceedings go according to my wishes.¡± he mused to himself as he once more walked into the underground estates where he kept his progeny and materials, both raw and worked. His youngest progeny was already waiting for him, kneeling in the white sand next to one of the stalagmites which dotted the cave floor. The rest of the squads of his followers and battle-thralls had already been sent out in preparation, but he had held some of them back to enact his own decisions. Young River was one, and he had a task for her. He could feel her tension under his aura, but she remained composed. ¡°Progeny, you did well in procuring more raw material for us. As such, I have decided to give you another task. You know that the fools from the city are coming for us, thinking themselves able to stamp us out for good.¡± ¡°They are indeed foolish walking into our dominion, father.¡± the young woman acknowledged. ¡°And you will prove them even more so. Your order is to take another squad of battle-thralls out into the field. However, instead of joining the wider fronts you will pick out one of the locations of our so-called allies. Use your judgment and choose one that will probably already have been discovered or is soon to be. The red table or the path of pleasure are usually the worst at hiding their activities.¡± ¡°Father? Why not one of our own?¡± River asked, forcing herself through the pain of looking up at him. ¡°Use your mind, progeny.¡± was his terse response. She thought it over, attempting to calm her mind through the mounting pain of his aura, formulating a response. ¡°Because you have already made plans for ours.¡± she stated, sure in her answer and admonishing herself for not thinking it through before speaking. Her father only nodded tersely in response before continuing. ¡°You will ambush any adventurers seeking to exploit the follies of our allies. Let them wear themselves down a bit before you strike. I will grant you three of the bronze-ranked battle-thralls in addition to four iron-ranked as there will probably be a more divergent unit from the adventure society. Do not disappoint, progeny.¡± he finished, turning away and going back toward the unmaking chamber. River smiled tensely as she held off the pain creeping down her spine. She had some planning to do.
As the base camp of the expedition came into view, Kite couldn¡¯t help but be impressed with what essence-users could achieve in short order. From his conversations with uncle Walker before he left, he knew that the camp had only been constructed over the last few days. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure that ¡®camp¡¯ was even the best word for it either. In the distance, he could see that three of the steep small mountains had been turned into what amounted to fortified towers. All over their surface there were carved defensive measures, such as battlements along the top and protruding parts of the sides and arrow slits spread out along the upper parts of the cliff. Even from afar, he could see the slight glow of magic from all three of them from what he assumed to be defensive formations. The southernmost one was decked in the blue and silver of the descending star sect, long banners hanging down the cliff sides and pennants along the battlement. The northernmost one was equally gaudy, but flying the red, white and gold of the Victorious sunset sect. Only the middle one was unadorned, only the usual gray stone of the tall cliffs standing like a raised blade from the sea of foliage below. ¡°I see we did not aim for subtlety.¡± Kite mused as he regarded what would probably be the backbone of this operation. They had traveled for days almost directly west, past the villages Kite and Dragonfly had passed through during their examination to join the adventure society and even further towards parts of the autumn lands which lay unclaimed by civilization. It was there that they would find their enemies, according to what they had been briefed so far. ¡°Indeed, little Kite. The ¡®Spires of Conquest¡¯ as the sects have named them aren¡¯t exactly lacking in style.¡± came a gravelly voice from the woods at the side of the road, as a familiar figure seemed to form straight out of the underbrush. Serene seemed especially rattled as she had felt nothing of the bronze-ranker as uncle Walker had approached, fully within his element in the woodlands. ¡°Uncle!¡± Kite exclaimed happily as the older man joined them, walking next to the wagon, his strides easily eating the distance as Kite¡¯s new magical perception could see the glow of a movement-power beneath his feet. ¡°I thought I¡¯d go and see the younglings I would be responsible for, as well as my colleague. Your reputation precedes you, Grim Snowfall.¡± he finished, nodding to the manservant who sat at the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Brave Walker of Paths.¡± the dour elf nodded back. ¡°May our service together be fruitful.¡± ¡°And our paths grow stronger for it.¡± uncle Walker finished. ¡°And you must be young master Indomitable. It''s a pleasure to meet you.¡± he said, bowing towards Will. ¡°Senior is most welcome. And please, call me Will during this venture. It would not do to remain too formal as we are among friends.¡± the young man answered. ¡°Besides, my father thinks most highly of you for the ceaseless work you do for our most isolated villages.¡± Walker looked a bit surprised at that, but after a nod from Grim he seemed to settle into the unexpected dynamic. ¡°Well then, Will, you are most welcome. And do send my regards to your father for noticing a humble adventurer such as myself.¡± ¡°Uncle, what can we expect when we arrive?¡± Kite asked after Walker had been able to greet the rest of the group, including giving Glint a fond scratching. While they hadn¡¯t met overly often, his uncle had become really smitten with the glittering familiar. He even produced another of the mystical scales Glint loved so, feeding it to her as he answered. ¡°The leadership can expect politics, make no mistake. The merit systems in place have gone some way to ensure cooperation, and the Victorious Sunset sect has been on surprisingly good behavior so far. But there is still the expected vying for glory. Fortunately for us, we will be spared a lot of that as we are assigned to the scouting platoon and will be out in the field more than most.¡± At the collective sounds of dismay from Dragonfly and Will, he continued. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you battle mad youngsters. That will just mean that we will range farther ahead for longer periods of time. I believe that mine, Grim and Serene¡¯s presence tipped it firmly in that favor.¡± Serene looked a bit surprised. ¡°If I may ask, master Walker, why am I on that list?¡± ¡°Your aura senses are probably as powerful as mine, and definitely more refined. You will be one of our greatest tools of general detection for any target that isn¡¯t a higher ranked scout or stealth specialist. And your healing and aura powers should greatly increase our own output as well. Grim will be responsible for both logistics and area damage, while Dragonfly, Will and Force will be our main dealers of damage. Kite, you will be our more defensive member and responsive piece, keeping people off Serene and intervening or disrupting what you can.¡± ¡°And you, uncle?¡± Kite asked. ¡°Well, scout of course. But I will double up as an assassin as well when possible and the terrain favors it.¡± his uncle smiled grimly. Kite knew that while uncle Walker was skilled, he wasn¡¯t mainly a direct combatant or duelist. But he also knew how slippery his powers made him while in areas rich in plant life. Which was basically the whole of the Autumn lands. ¡°You all know about the merit system?¡± They all nodded, having already been briefed. Apparently, completing the war-contracts gave you merit points which would be exchangeable for resources from the adventure society. Kite and his friends did enjoy getting paid, but as they had taken the deal from the society to receive the extra awakening stones up front, their rewards would be greatly diminished. ¡°I actually have our first contract already, so we will leave almost immediately.¡± Walker began, but looked at Dragonfly as she had a look of great concern on her face. ¡°Well¡­¡± she began. ¡°Master Walker, do you know how master Force will find us out there? If we go further out than the rest, I mean?¡± It was clear that the absence of her master didn¡¯t sit well with her. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. ¡°Do not fret young one. Force is resourceful. And besides, she has been given tracking stones for us, as have I for each of you in case we get separated.¡± Dragonfly seemed at least a bit mollified by it, and they spent the short remaining journey agreeing on different protocols for some common situations, such as getting separated or encountering more than they could take on. Kite found that it felt good having them all around, especially having uncle Walker watch over them. His experience in his role was deep, and while his mentor was no armsmaster he was still a competent combatant. But there remained an uneasiness in the pit of his stomach as he looked towards the spires and the wilds beyond.
Rupert Versis, deputy director of Gilded¡¯s adventure society branch, stood at the top of their stone cliff. His acute hearing followed the preparations for battle echoing throughout its newly hollowed out interior, as adventurers found their assigned place of sleep or continued preparing the command outpost. He turned his leonine head toward the two other silver rankers standing atop the cliff with him. ¡°Mistress Dew. Master Vigil. Any thoughts on the initial contracts?¡± Frost among Morning Dew just shook her silver hair, blue-painted lips curved into a smile. Rupert didn¡¯t know her very well, but he knew of her competence. At a glance, she had seemed like just another battle-crazed local that had managed to survive long enough to reach silver rank. But her name gave a hint of her demeanor, and beneath the thrill-seeking combatant hid a cold, analytical mind. He supposed she would need it for her flexible, relentless style of combat. Unbroken Typhoon Vigil was more of an unknown to Rupert, but so far he had found the bald celestine man quite pleasant. He was apparently a local originally, having moved south after his ascension to silver some years ago. Having participated in the original attack against the Unbreakable chains sect, he had apparently not been hard to incentivize to return for round two. His thin eyes and almost constant slight smile gave him a cheerful expression as he looked at Rupert. ¡°No complaints from this one, deputy director, only words of praise to your foresight. Arranging first contracts to be delivered to the participants while still on the march didn¡¯t give the sects enough time to start squabbling. Our initial wave of attacks should progress smoothly. The only question this one still carries is how ready the enemy will be.¡± Vigil spoke in a cheery, almost singsong tone. What Rupert did know was that there was apparently some kind of bad blood between Vigil and the Descending Star sect as well, although he knew little detail, And honestly, he didn¡¯t care overly much. The man came recommended by their colleagues in the southern branches after all. And his senses didn¡¯t pick up signs of falsehoods from him either. ¡°I would be very surprised if they weren''t prepared. We have prioritized our targets as best we could from what the scholars and analysts have found, focusing the initial assault on the ones deemed least likely to have been moved or turned into traps. Still, no plans survive the battlefield. The three of us will probably have to do quite the bit of lifting before this is done.¡± Neither of them seemed at all bothered by the prospect.
That night, Kite and his group sat around a well-shielded heat lamp in a small cave. Outside, the forests rustled, their red and orange canopies barely visible in the dark of night. While Grim, Walker and Serene would be the ones keeping watch during the night, Kite was still a bit too antsy to sleep. The feeling was still vague, like an unseen thread held taut. He knew that the thread was important, but not whether he wanted it to break or hold. On the other hand, Will and Dragonfly had each fallen straight to sleep in their bedrolls. Kite couldn¡¯t help but smile at the mass of pink locks that was the only visible sign of his friend and lover, and part of him wanted to just snuggle up against her. ¡°Later, after this is over.¡± he told himself, snapping out of his mind as the silhouette of uncle Walker passed through their alarm and stealth formations. ¡°I have confirmed what locations I could and relayed it to the other groups of the scout platoon. This far in, the majority of the enemy outposts seem unchanged, if more vigilant. We will strike at dawn, as planned.¡± he told those still awake. Before his inner eye, Kite imagined other hidden camps like theirs as the rest of the groups making up the scout platoon rested not far away. The larger group had continued westward almost immediately after arriving at the base camp, only picking up tools and provisions. Spirit coins made part of logistics very simple, but that was not the only thing needed for a group of adventurers to remain in the field. In an attempt to settle his mind, Kite fell into meditation, visualizing his path before him as he started weaving aspects of his companions into the image. The path was now faintly lit by glowing dragonflies made of flames, and proud spears with glorious pennants rose from the ground here and there like waypoints of a lost traveler. And through it all, a gentle breeze brought a hummed calming melody. The imagery brought him calm as he steeled himself for the violence that was to come. He imagined that tomorrow would be the opening shot of the greatest tribulation of his life so far.
As all other days, just as summer was teetering on the edge of autumn, another dawn rose. And with it, as the gold, red and orange foliage was lit up like a sea of flame, the Autumn lands knew conflict. Spearheading the assault on those of the deviant paths were the sects, for while many of the adventure society¡¯s frustrations with the organizations was well earned, there was a reason that they still remained a dominant factor in the political landscape of Hua-Xi. Their warriors, essence-users one and all, were both numerous and mostly well trained. After all, the sects were as much schools of combat as they were political entities. In the northern parts of this theater of conflict, the warriors of the Victorious Sunset sect began the assault of their target locations, hidden lairs and cave systems which had let their enemies remain concealed for too long. Like the red and gold colors cast by the sunset, their assault aimed to bring light to that very darkness and purge all the foul deviants within. Their teachings were those of the purity of light and the flames of the sun, the sun of their glory only descending into dusk after victory was claimed. In the southern parts, their allies and longtime rivals of the Descending Star sect struck swiftly, flowing around and into their target locations to bring death through precise, overwhelming violence. Theirs was the way of the night, teaching how to set up their opponents for annihilation by a swift strike, like a star suddenly descending from the heavens. But their enemies proved to be neither few nor helpless as they rose from their hidden places to meet the allied assault. Undead monsters, created and preserved by the followers of the god Undeath were released from their confinements, a surprising majority being different kinds of spiritual undead along with the zombies and corpse-monstrosities often associated with the dark arts. In other locations, frenzied warriors powered by the ecstasy taken from the bodies of their victims charged into battle, blitzing their foes under the influence of berserking powers. The path of pleasure did not give. It took. The cultists and practitioners of the blood arts sent by the red table enacted fell summoning rituals and insidious traps powered by vile sacrifice, while the followers of the path of lies deceived and misled, conjuring illusions and ambushing isolated adventurers. And the adherents of the path of pain struck, strangling and attempting to dominate their opponents in both body and spirit as their powers ensnared and pain attempted to fracture any thoughts of resistance. It was madness and clarity of purpose, honor and the foulest deeds, all mashed up in conflict as discord reigned in the lands west of Gilded. In this madness, the adventure society did their best to shore up the sects¡¯ advance. Acting mostly as a rapid response, the unaffiliated adventurers either struck at key targets of their own or stepped in as a more flexible reserve to cover retreats or support an assault. And out toward the west, slightly distanced from the areas where the fighting was heaviest, the scout platoon of the adventure society was disrupting enemy reserves, the first blow to land having been theirs as the rays of dawn had barely crested the horizon.
¡°Ward!¡± Kite snapped as another javelin seemingly made of roiling blood shot toward Serene, a barrier interposing itself to absorb the iron-ranked projectile as it splattered onto the ground and trees around it, leaving sizzling stains. His foe, a leonid woman with a rust-colored fur Kite suspected wasn¡¯t entirely natural, apparently had a sharp enough nose to more easily focus on their healer in the chaotic battle that had ensued as their group struck against a hidden encampment deep in the forest. While the encampment hadn¡¯t been on high alert due to their relative distance from the main battles, they had still kept a nasty surprise in store for any attackers. As the group had initiated their assault and the alarm went up, several summoning circles at the camp¡¯s center had been activated to manifest shrieking little humanoid monsters with scarlet skin and covered in sharp spikes who had charged Kite and his group after they had already closed in melee. The small monsters were iron rank and not individually powerful, but their numbers and timely summoning made up for it as Grim had to dedicate a lot of his attention to pure crowd control, despite this area spells being a lot more deadly than restraining. The elven man strode through battle with his usual composure, spells creating what at first glance seemed like a whirling flurry of snowfall glittering in the faint light of the dawn. Upon further inspection, one would see that the glittering motes weren¡¯t snow at all, but rather shards of magical glass whose gleaming surfaces were soon stained red with blood. This did mean that it fell to Kite and his friends to contend with the cultists as uncle Walker had intercepted the only bronze-ranked dark practitioner at the center of the camp, his leaf blade clashing with a spear seemingly made of red, glowing lines drawn in the air. The leonid who had harried Serene was forced to shift focus as Kite got up close and personal, and instead jabbed with her javelin against him in what looked to be the beginning of a rapid-fire special attack. However, the flurry never came to be as her weapon was dissolved by an interposed gauntlet channeling Pattern-shattering counter while his bone spear appeared in his other hand, partially tearing through her side as the void covering it further rent her flesh. To Kite¡¯s consternation, his opponent didn¡¯t seem as hampered as most iron-rankers would be by such an injury, her flesh already reknitting and her speed and strength seemed to increase. Through his magical perception, he could see that it was not only his imagination as she seemed to stack up additional strength, speed and regeneration as creatures were killed in her vicinity. Grim currently tearing through their summons like one might scatter the fluff from a dandelion actually helped Kite¡¯s opponent quite a lot in this regard. They exchanged a few more blows as she produced a jagged scimitar from a spatial bag, the woman seemingly getting an advantage over Kite as he fought more defensively in the face of her rising power. Unfortunately for her, Kite was biding his time and as she seemed to have saturated her boon of slaughter, she started attacking him with more ferocious abandon as she counted on overwhelming him with her increased attributes. With a forceful swing of her scimitar, Kite let her send his spear flying from his grip as the leonid¡¯s eyes gleamed with predatory triumph, only for that triumph to be forcibly extinguished as Kite¡¯s staff appeared in his hands, its single ring chiming surprisingly gently as the head connected with her other arm. Twin, sequencing pulses of disruptive, mana-draining power flowed through her as her accumulated boon winked out, a small amount of transcendent damage adding insult to injury as the echoing dispelling strike never took proper effect even while her arm broke with an audible snap. Unbalanced by her sudden loss of both speed and strength, Kite changed the pace of the fight as he fell into a more aggressive stance. Two more swings of the staff battered his foe and a quick follow-up swing with his greatsword forced the cultist to leap backward as she began chanting a spell. A spell she never got to finish. Taking advantage of her airborne state, Kite once more brought forth his spear which had been restored to his dimensional storage through the attached talisman, and activated his belt for a powerful charging lunge. His guess that his foe lacked powers to change her airborne trajectory paid off, and his wicked weapon cracked through her ribs and into her chest before erupting in spatial tears which shredded her insides to ribbons. As her iron rank meant that she still had plenty of very important internal organs, she lived for only a few moments longer as her corpse slumped to the ground. In his mind, Kite once more noted that the very attack he had finished her with still remained his most gruesome attack when used against other iron-rankers as their bodies had a hard time withstanding the destructive void appearing inside them. It was a stark reminder that his path, while surprisingly apt at taking foes alive, would still leave a bloody trail through this world. Throughout his duel, Kite had still pulsed his activated all-round vision to keep stock of the situation. Both Dragonfly and Will seemed to have their battles in hand, although Kite still sent a throwing star flying into Will¡¯s opponent to disrupt a conjured blood armor with some kind of clotting ability which his spears had a tougher time to chew through. Of all the members of their group, it was uncle Walker who seemed the most beleaguered as his opponent seemed to be a skilled duelist, forcing the scout onto a defensive footing. Making a judgment that the best way to help his uncle with the bronze-ranker would be to free up their own other bronze-ranker rather than try to wade in himself. ¡°I can hold them. Assist Walker!¡± he shouted to Grim as he gifted additional gathered power to his familiar, Sage. Just from this first battle, Kite had recognized the potential of the astral gatherer as there was a lot more mana and abilities going around when both sides consisted of several essence-users, and Sage was metaphorically bursting with stored power. As Kite gifted him the charges of his own power, his familiar sent the scattered motes of blue light to cover the area with the constantly summoned red little devil-monsters and the circles which brought them into being. The resulting chain reaction did a good job of taking down a goodly amount of the monsters. Grim apparently found the performance satisfactory, and instead started launching highly accurate needles of glass as long as a forearm towards uncle Walker¡¯s opponent. As his field of fire was now clear from friendly combatants, Kite unleashed a dispelling wave to remove yet another wave of summons from existence and curtail the flow a bit longer. Serene followed this up with a mighty hurricane to push back the next wave and keep them under control, their concerted efforts keeping the small tide at bay for a precious dozen of seconds. Those very seconds proved critical as Grim¡¯s support let uncle Walker take advantage of a momentary lack of balance in his foe, suddenly melting into a nearby bush as all of his conjured plants suddenly struck out and entwined his opponent. Appearing from the foliage above, Walker descended along with a storm of shed leaves-turned-projectiles, blade and leaf cutting deep as four glass needles struck simultaneously, the cultist leader¡¯s life ending in a bloody retributive explosion of boiling blood. Kite didn¡¯t see how his uncle fared as he was currently too busy using his conjured walls to concentrate the flow of summoned enemies to a defensible point, but myriads of claws and spikes were already fast breaking down the walls of force, uncaring of the afflictions and mana-drain this beset them with. Just as he was worried that he might have to retreat and release the press, Grim returned his attention to the now quite bunched up small horde of monsters. The glass storm reaped a bloody tally as the sacrificial energy which had powered the summoning circles was finally spent, and the fight ended soon after that as the final cultist fell. Uncle Walker rejoined them in the center of the battle-ravaged camp, severely scalded by the final gift of his opponent but quickly recovering through his peak bronze-rank recovery attribute, Serene¡¯s healing and an ability of his own which produced magical berries he could eat to restore himself as well. As the fight had ended, the gruesome nature of the encampment came more fully into focus, etching the remnants of horrid blood sacrifice into the minds of the adventurers. There were no prisoners to save nor heroics to be had as all had seemingly been used as fuel for the surprisingly powerful summoning rituals. This left the group feeling rather hollow, dampening the triumph they had earned. Uncle Walker looked at them each and gave them an encouraging nod and a small smile. ¡°While part of me is pained that you had to see this, another is proud of you for caring. But we will need to move on to the next target, after which we will start sweeping the surroundings for any retreating enemy forces. This was only the beginning.¡± And so they moved on, the first blow having been struck in the small war which had been ignited by dawn¡¯s golden rays, as blood watered the trees of the Autumn lands. 41. Silver flares The base camp of the adventure society was a veritable hive of activity as Kite exited Grim¡¯s portal, emerging in the small area designated for their use. He had been the one chosen to return with the group¡¯s reports and completed war-contracts, to turn them in and receive new orders in turn. One iron-ranker from each of the ten groups which made up the scout platoon came alongside him, as sending multiple iron-rankers became a more efficient use of Grim¡¯s portal rather than sending a single bronze-ranker. This was only the third day of the expedition, but Kite already knew that this would be a trial leagues above what he had faced before. The tension of fighting intelligent enemies who had plans and initiatives of their own was a different beast than hunting down a monster in its territory. The day before had seen their group assaulting yet another encampment of blood cultists, only to have found that their targets had moved on. While they had been tracking the group, drawing closer to the southern parts of the conflict where the Descending Star sect fought, a retreating group of enemies had all but stumbled onto them in the forests. That fight had been messy as their opponent¡¯s had two bronze-rankers with them, which left Kite and his group fending off six half-crazed warriors who had spouted a lot of obscenities as they either activated berserking powers or ingested alchemical concoctions for similar effects. Kite and Dragonfly recognized the unsettling followers of the path of pleasure, and even though he could shear off their sudden magical advantage it had still been a gruesome battle which had left Will seriously injured as he had been charged by a pair of hulking deviants who seemed to shrug off both pain and debilitation from the injuries the elven spearman dealt them. Fortunately, an afternoon and night of rest combined with magical healing left him able to fight again this day, but Kite had noticed that the young noble¡¯s self-confidence had been rattled. Navigating through the press of adventurers coming and going, Kite found one of several tables where a small army of functionaries received reports which was categorized and cataloged before either providing the teams with new war-contracts based on existing intelligence and plans sent down from command or having the team stand by for new orders. He saw that a few reports had the functionary running off immediately, suspecting that the information was deemed important enough for direct report to the higher-ups. The reports turned in by Kite did not garner such a response, however. Instead, he quickly got a new scroll and could see most of his fellow members of the scout platoon receiving the same. He quickly returned to await a new return-portal instead of wandering off into the base-camp. While there were commodities to be had or purchased, Kite was more eager to return to his team.
¡°As for your first point of order, any issues with the merit system were to have been submitted at least a month before the expedition via the forms referenced in the contract. The contract your sect leader had already signed.¡± deputy director Rupert Versis told the woman in front of him, doing his best to keep a frustrated growl out of his voice. ¡°As for the second, this is only the third day of the expedition. Which means that it is by far too early to start handing out complete operational freedom. Without the intelligence provided by the reports and the frequency of those same reports, no coordinated strategies can be enacted.¡± ¡°What coordination is even needed, deputy director?¡± asked Deeds of Fate Unwitnessed, grand elder of the Descending Star sect and one of the few people that was able to cut through the bureaucratic wall Rupert had tried erecting between himself and their sect allies. But instead of waiting or continuing for at least a few more days, she had already come personally to tie up both him and herself, two of the alliance¡¯s silver rankers, insisting on making demands. ¡°We are already scattering our enemies before us, an outcome we knew was already written in the stars. Curtailing our initiative will only rob our warriors of opportunities to temper themselves further.¡± she continued, apparently ready to launch into another tirade. Rupert cut her off, and rather rudely too. ¡°Grand elder. You are bound by oath and contract to abide by the expedition''s rules. Should you press the issue, I will start deducting merit points from all of your sect¡¯s members, as I am well within my right to do.¡± ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare-¡± the human woman began in a snarl, eyes thinning. ¡°I can assure you, grand elder, that I would indeed dare.¡± Rupert responded, ice in his voice as his aura held firm against her attempted aura spike. ¡°And for such an act of aggression, five percent of your sect¡¯s merit points will be deducted. As I am willing to excuse it as a mistake made by a warrior fresh from battle, the penalty is lessened and I will not personally act against you. This time.¡± he finished as his aura had started to grind hers down, slowly but surely. They were both silver rank, and the grand elder was no mere greenhouse flower, but neither had she been tempered by the wide range of experience of a successful adventurer who had traveled the world. Grand elder Fate gave him a hateful glare which told him that this matter would be revisited before storming off, functionaries scattering out of the way of her irate aura. Rupert groaned inwardly. ¡°This is what happens when institutions focused on individual honor gain too much power. A most embarrassing debacle.¡± he growled. Rupert knew that there would indeed be consequences of their clash down the line, but essentially giving them free reign as they had demanded would be foolish beyond belief. While she did speak the truth about their initial success, Rupert felt that their enemies had shown no major cards yet, cards he was sure they possessed. For one thing, there had been no silver-ranked essence users reported yet, only undead monsters similar to the one he fought in the city during the raid. While it had been good to rid themselves of the pests, it had still kept most of the alliance¡¯s silver-rankers busy enough to not rampage through the rest of the enemy. He stared intently at the magically projected map constantly being updated as the contracts and reports came flowing back to them. ¡°Just what are you planning¡­¡± he muttered.
Walker nodded as he looked up from the scroll of the new war-contract Kite had returned with, giving it over to Grim who quickly perused it. ¡°The next contract will send us north along with the rest of the scout platoon, as intelligence from the Victorious Sunset sect indicates several hidden enemy encampments. They believe that the positions belong to the church of undeath. We are to clear them out or, if resistance is deemed too stiff, retreat and call for reinforcement.¡± As none had any objections, they set off. Guided by Walker, the scout platoon reached the area as evening fell and the forest around them was colored by the peach light before dusk. While the trek through the enemy-controlled wilderness had been tense, it had been uneventful in the end. The terrain of the autumn lands, with thick forests and the multitude of cliffs and small mountains, let the scouting platoon weave their way toward their targets at a decent pace where a more cohesive army would have needed a lot more tools and logistics to make the trip. After a quick meeting of the different team leaders when they had drawn close, the ten teams spread out toward different targets. Under Walker¡¯s guidance, their group started searching their assigned area until they eventually found what they were looking for. ¡°Up ahead, at the base of the northernmost cliffs. The plants seem to shy away from there.¡± Kite¡¯s mentor stated from their camouflaged vantage over what was supposedly their target. The gloom of evening made it harder to make out the hidden opening carved into one of the cliffs, and Kite was sure that he would have missed it entirely if he had been alone. While there were no exterior guards, they found a few magical formations. This was apparently common on most encampments and lairs dotted throughout the lands, and the teams without ritualists instead got a supply of formation breakers. The single use crystals could break apart simpler formations of their ranks, albeit always to obvious and unsubtle effect in addition to their great cost of purchase or production. However, announcing their arrival was better than being hit by whatever nasty effects contained in the formations. Having deemed the approach as clear and led the team close, uncle Walker brought out one of the jagged crystals and stabbed it into the closest formation. The magical runes and diagrams gave off a loud whining sound as it sparked and sputtered, the team entering the opening in the stone quickly afterwards. However, no one noticed the small onyx shard lodged into a nearby tree with a clear view of the approach to the excavated hideout they had just entered.
Dancer on the Broken River viewed the image in the onyx mirror she held in her hands, seeing the leading man use a formation-breaker of some kind to scramble the allied outpost¡¯s defenses before the group quickly entered. A human man, older. A younger human man with black hair and stone armor. An eager looking elf, prim celestine and even more eager human woman. And finally, a dignified older elf bringing up the rear. ¡°Our prey has taken the bait. Arm yourselves and be ready. Like the last time, we will give them a little while to go further into the caves before we cut off their escape.¡± she said, voice stern and flat and accompanied by a certain pulse of aura taught to her by her father. The pulse¡¯s effect was immediate as all the battle-thralls straightened, some of them shivering slightly. She couldn¡¯t help but be impressed as she saw their conditioning at work again, how the right aura touch could be such an effective command. The ways of lord Pain were sophisticated indeed to produce such flexible thralls. While she hadn¡¯t yet been initiated in the deeper mysteries, she had still been briefed enough to know the base outlines of the tools under her command. There were many types of conversion or possession, from magical parasites creating host bodies, the thralls of vampires or even symbiotic relationships of certain magical artifacts. She had even heard tales of vast beings from the stars which could implant a connection deep into the very soul of willing or coerced subjects. Her father had once told her that the battle-thralls needed their white seal undone for the conversion to be effective, meaning that they needed to open their souls. However, the seeds of lord Pain''s dominion needn¡¯t enter its very core, but just gain enough access to gain purchase on its surface, like the roots of vines burrowing into a stone wall. This made the subject very susceptible to certain aura-commands, imprinted on them during the very process of unmaking their inner seals. Unlike the thralls of vampires or other more crude conversions, the creation of a battle-thrall didn¡¯t remove any essence abilities nor would it increase the subject¡¯s rank. Through the agonizing conditioning they would remain pliable, but would also lose a lot of their own initiative and decision making, as well as a lowering of reaction speed and reflexes. The process did inure them to pain, however, and they were usually able to fight through grievous injury. While the conditioning needed to be maintained and worked a lot better on people of lower rank, it was still a potent way of adding to the ranks of the sect during the years of tribulation they had endured after their enemies had driven them from their home. River rose from where she sat in their hiding spot, a small cave a kilometer or so away from the hidden outpost belonging to the church of undeath. The six remaining battle-thralls rose with her, filing after her with gazes half distant as they emerged into the dark forest. Before this, they had performed one such ambush against their enemies in the Victorious Sunset sect to great success, albeit that one of the iron-ranked thralls had been brought down. ¡°Auras down. Same formation as last time. Protocol three is priority, but fall back to protocol six if I command it.¡± she said tersely, getting no response from the thralls. Using standardized protocols was a good way to dictate general battle priorities, and their part of the sect had worked long and hard with the process of working out a system. River felt her own excitement stirring inside her as they drew close. Another set of enemies to temper her path would soon lie dominated beneath her feet.
Deputy director Rupert Versis stood in discussion with one of his aides over the strategic map of the area as a scout burst into the stone-shaped room. ¡°Director! The flares are going up!¡± Tension and excitement warred inside him as he didn¡¯t wait for any of his aides to keep pace, instead utilizing as much of his silver-rank speed as possible in the small confines when rushing up the stairs to the lookout on the top of the cliff spire. There, in the early evening gloom, he saw seven silvery flares in different stages of their trajectory, an eighth starting to rise as he spoke. Dew and Vigil joined him but seconds later, fortunately being back from their respective tasks during this evening. ¡°It is time.¡± he said simply, gesturing them both toward different silver fireflies glowing brightly in the darkness. Neither stayed to confirm his orders, already having leapt down into the darkness. The flares meant that the enemy silver-rankers had shown themselves, and each second was important to their people out in the field. That was why Rupert himself was already flying through the air toward the canopies below. There had been eight flares, more than they¡¯d hoped but less than the most pessimistic scenarios. Had there been fewer, Rupert would have stayed back, but eight was enough to even have the commanders take to the field as tactical response. He trusted in the interim-commanders and their plans though, his worries targeted elsewhere. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. His brows were furrowed in concern as he noted that there were three flares more to the north, towards the forces of the Victorious Sunset sect. In total, the sect-adventurer alliance had seven silver-rankers, two from each sect and three from the adventure society counting himself. Assuming all answered the flare as they should, this would still leave one of their sect allies facing three of their enemies¡¯ most potent assets with only two of their own. Even as his feet touched the ground, sending him careening through the forest, Rupert sent a prayer to Champion for their success.
A human woman with long, wild shock of scarlet hair held a sect initiate by the throat, the young man frozen stiff from her paralyzing gaze as her touch drained him down to a shriveled husk. Her twin brother, hair similarly unkempt, had just finished doing the same to a rather cheeky bronze-ranker who had broken out of his rapturing presence and sent up some kind of flare, and he had seen another go up from this location just before he rejoined his dear sister in tonight¡¯s fun. It was hard to tell where one of the twin¡¯s silver rank aura ended and the other began, as would they both have been hard to differentiate had they not both been stark naked, anatomical differences on full display. ¡°Getting slow with old age, brother dear?¡± she asked with a singsong voice and coy smile. ¡°If that is the case, then so are you, lovely sister.¡± he smiled pleasantly. ¡°A shame really that we don¡¯t have the time to properly play with these little delectable things.¡± he said, pouting theatrically as he nudged a nearby corpse with his feet. Just using his draining powers was like just swallowing a treat, barely tasting it. All the good things in life were best enjoyed nice and slowly, after all. ¡°Do not worry, brother dear. We have plenty left.¡± the woman noted, gesturing to the rest of the group of iron-rankers who stood around the clearing, likewise frozen by the twin¡¯s combined auras. ¡°Shall we?¡± she began, only to be interrupted as a furious voice boomed throughout the large clearing. ¡°The only thing you deviants shall do is to become stepping stones on the path of the sect.¡± grand elder Lark Above the Clouds stated as he landed in a small explosion of viridian flames. A scant second later, the air filled with strange, eerie tones of plucked strings as grand elder Unerring Sight joined him as well with her golden lyre-bow in hand. She held both of her normal eyes closed but gazed unflinchingly at the pair of silver-rankers with the golden eye set in her forehead. While he showed only the stern facade of outrage, Lark inwardly envied her as just looking at his enemies forced him to actively focus, lest his gaze become blurred and his mind started to unravel into baser desires. ¡°One succubus upon this world is bad enough. Two is a true affront toward the heavens.¡± grand elder Sight stated, her tone cool. Normally, she would have liked to attack at once, but as she saw the state of their warriors she found it better to buy time and let her music start unraveling the deviant¡¯s hold on their hearts. ¡°Sister dear, I believe that these prudes need to be enlightened.¡± the brother spoke, sounding almost disappointed. ¡°The correct term for a male of my powers is incubus. And as you can see, I am very much a male.¡± he crowed, gesturing towards himself on full display. ¡°Disgusting.¡± grand elder Lark rebuked. ¡°The Victorious Sunset sect will not be swayed by your dark, feeble paths. Where the sun¡¯s light passes, darkness will be left in tatters.¡± ¡°But dear prude, we are only expressing our paths to our fullest.¡± the woman giggled, almost forcing Lark to look away as she activated some kind of power. Two of the iron-rankers fell unconscious, spasming slightly. Fortunately, there had now been enough time for Sight¡¯s music to let the rest start to shrug off the paralysis, and the lower sect warriors started stumbling out of the clearing. ¡°Then may our paths show us where true strength lay this night.¡± grand elder Lark stated, walking forwards as the flames around his silhouette rose, forming the shape of a magnificent flaming bird above him. ¡°I am Lark Above the Clouds, grand elder of the Victorious Sunset sect.¡± ¡°And I am Unerring Sight, grand elder of the Victorious Sunset sect.¡± his companions said, joining in the traditional greeting of foes. ¡°We are Duality of Mortal Folly, grand elders of the Unbreakable Chains sect. From your bodies will we claim the strength to continue towards the luscious heavens which tantalizes us every moment of our existence.¡± their enemies said as one, mocking laughter showing what they thought of the tradition. Lark had just begun his charge toward his foes as he sensed danger, his perceptions sharpened by his ally¡¯s presence. He managed to halt what momentum he had just in time, as pulsating red veins suddenly grew into a thin mesh web in the air in front of him in the time between heartbeats. The wings of the fiery bird closed around him as a shield just before the web detonated outward in a cascade of acidic blood. As Lark leapt back to land beside Sight, a third figure entered the clearing, lowering his hand as the veins which seemed to have sprung out from his fingers disintegrated into red dust. It was a young-looking male runic, the red glyphs of his species pulsating slightly in time with the heartbeat that could be clearly heard throughout the clearing. As the man was also a silver ranker, there shouldn¡¯t even be a heart in his body. ¡°The Red Table would be most discourteous if we didn¡¯t come to the aid of our allies. You¡¯ll have to forgive me for not joining in the formalities. I am not from around these parts, but will gladly take a memento from you both back home. All of your blood will do nicely.¡± he said, bloodshot eyes gleaming. Only a glance and a nod was needed between grand elders Lark and Sight, the former going toward the newcomer while the latter raised her bow toward the deviant twins. The resulting collision of auras and powers could be heard, seen and felt from far away as the war¡¯s first proper clash of the mighty began.
Serene snapped her head up, gazing off into the distance as if listening to something only she could hear, all the while keeping the song of her goddess reverberating through the lair of the followers of Undeath. Around her, the group continued fighting down through a throng of zombies. They were mostly iron-rank with the occasional bronze mixed in, and while they were unskilled they still slowed the group¡¯s pace considerably. Will and Dragonfly were up at the front, keeping the undead at bay while Grim scoured the wide corridors with storms of glass. Walker kept watch over the group¡¯s rear while Kite was busy intercepting cunning specters which appeared from through the walls to strike at their flanks. Once inside the nondescript entrance, it became more clear that the church of Undeath had a certain amount of practice in building hidden lairs. The corridors and rooms were wider than practicality called for, and the first set of rooms were entirely devoid of other furniture. This lent itself perfectly to the swarming nature of their undead minions as the ample room made it a lot harder to create and hold bottlenecks, allowing the small horde to more easily leverage their numbers. As their progress was steady at the moment, Serene projected her voice at Walker, shaping the words from the air close to his ears. ¡°Walker, I sense more incoming from above. At least two, maybe three bronze-rankers and as many iron.¡± ¡°Not friendly I suppose?¡± he asked grimly, giving a dissatisfied grunt at the shake of her head. ¡°Tell the others. We need to push inward to either see if we can find a defensible position or if the complex allows us to loop around and retreat once the enemy reinforcements are inside as well. Had there been less undead, we could have attempted to break out back toward the exit, but-¡± he said, glancing to the throng of enemies up front,¡±they are neither few nor weak. By no means should we remain to be attacked from both directions.¡± As he turned back to intercepting stragglers and appearing specters, she could hear him grumbling. ¡°Sure, Walker. Scouting platoon. Only the outdoors. Not a chance you¡¯re forced to push blindly deeper into enemy territory.¡± While Serene knew that they should have at least a decent method of escape, that method would come with a severe cost. Grim¡¯s portal was excellent extraction, but could only take one bronze-ranker through. Meaning that one of them would be left behind. No, they had to exhaust other options before considering that. And so far, the actions of the group sang in pleasant harmony with one another. She would continue to have hope. Serene reshaped her voice projections to reach the whole group, relaying the situation. ¡°-as such, we push.¡± she finished, weaving her chanted spell into her song directly afterwards. ¡°Be swept away by the hammer of the hurricane!¡± The gale force wind joined the storm of glass shards already filling the air in front of the group, sending their enemies and the deadly projectiles forward to devastating effect as Will and Dragonfly pounced at the openings created with flaming arcs and torrents of spears, and the group¡¯s pace picked up considerably as they pushed deeper into the dour stone tunnels. As the group had been briefed on some of their suspected opponent¡¯s capabilities, they knew that there should be priests of Undeath somewhere around here, and that it was their presence which both guided and bolstered the undead. If they could reach them before getting boxed in, cutting the head off the metaphorical snake would further increase their odds of escaping alive as the more mindless undead might turn to attack anything living. While they pushed deeper, Walker was busy leaving a trail of conjured plants behind while the cloud of petals in the air around him struck out at the nearby enemies. Serene reported feeling the auras of others further up the corridor, content on remaining behind the shield of minions and retreating as the group pushed toward them. Also, she reported that the ambushing group drew close. Finally seeing a split in the corridor ahead, Walker knew they had to make a decision soon or be caught in the position they¡¯d strived so hard to avoid. As there was a lot less undead flowing out from the corridor to the right, he made the call. ¡°Turn right, then switch to defense and delay. Grim, be ready.¡± At a nod from the elf, Walker dashed up to the front of the group and joined the push, leaf-blade cleaving through undead flesh as his petals tore at the animated dead. This left their foes slightly more scattered and moments later they were pushed back again by another spell from Serene. ¡°Go!¡± Walker called as those behind him started turning into the rightward corridor, giving them just a few more seconds before backing into the corridor himself just as he felt presences along the trail of conjured plants which he had left in the group''s wake. Glancing to the left, he could see a group clad in slate-gray armor come charging at them. He only had the briefest of moments to feel the aura of the blank-faced bronze rank woman at the front and shuddered. There was something wrong with these people. The undead redoubling their efforts did not leave him much more time for contemplation however, and he leapt backwards while shouting; ¡°Now!¡± Even before he had cleared the small stretch of corridor, the glass shards had started appearing at the far end near the pursuing enemies, shredding the outstretched arms of the closest zombies. Walker took a breath as he looked at the deadly barrier between them and their pursuers. Apparently the priests did not fancy just throwing their minions into the veritable meat-grinder as the group of zombies had stopped just outside the edge of the effect. The relief of the pause was short-lived however, as Serene¡¯s report sent a chill down all their spines. ¡°This seems just to be a set of interconnected dormitories. A dead end.¡± she reported in her wispy voice. ¡°Damnation¡­¡± Walker muttered, heart full of self-recrimination. ¡°It was either taking this turn or being caught outside.¡± Grim stated, tone serious as usual. ¡°Our other best options were taken from us as soon as we entered this place. We must do what we can with the hand that Fortune has dealt us.¡± ¡°So we fight! A glorious defense!¡± Will stated. One could see that his bravado barely won out against the tension, but he did remain collected. The rest nodded along. ¡°Or I send you off.¡± Grim stated. ¡°It is my duty to the young master and-¡± ¡°Heavens no.¡± Walker interrupted him. ¡°We should not lean into that unless all other options are taken from us. As we stand now, we still have some time to-¡± he continued, but was interrupted as fate apparently conspired to disperse even that small moment of calm.
There was tension as River walked to the front of her group to where it had stopped a few meters shy of the undead. At first, it had looked as if the ravening zombies might attack them as well, but had quickly been halted. She assumed it was the bronze-rank priestess who emerged from the darkness ahead who had reeled in the unthinking dead. ¡°Ah, it is most pleasing to see our allies sending reinforcements. But as you can see, we have these intruders well in hand.¡± she said, a smug smile the only thing visible from beneath the rim of her dark cowl. River remained unintimidated by her presence as she snorted derision. ¡°From all of your dead minions we passed on our way here, you didn¡¯t seem to make much of a dent in them. It is clear that they will make better and more competent raw materials under my father¡¯s ministrations.¡± She felt an aura begin to press down on her as she began speaking, but it quickly retreated at the mention of her father. Besides, compared to his presence this lowly priestess¡¯ presence was a paltry thing. ¡°Very well then, young mistress.¡± she genuflected while putting an obvious veneer of false respect over her use of the title. ¡°If you want them so much, feel free to go get them. I will of course show this courtesy for our valued allies, on behalf of the head priestess.¡± She gestured invitingly to the side-passage still filled with a potent storm of whirling, ricocheting glass shards which showed no sign of abating. As she had obviously expected her ¡®most kind offer¡¯ to be rejected, River found the woman¡¯s dumbfounded face most pleasing as the battle thralls advanced on River¡¯s command, a bronze-ranked thrall in heavy armor up front. Turning to the priestess, River gave her a long look and spoke. ¡°Unlike your path, ours is one that knows true sacrifice. As such, we also know that to shy away from it is folly. The only way towards the heavens is through.¡± she finished before turning to the leading battle thrall. ¡°Special protocol; deliverance.¡± She could see the woman tense up, tremulations shuddering over her aura quickly being smothered as the conditioning took hold when River¡¯s aura pushed against hers in just the right way. A moment later, her skin took on a drab stone-like appearance and an ethereal line shot out from the woman to connect with each other member of the group. Not waiting for more orders, the woman ran straight into the storm of glass shards, the rest of the group following quickly on her heels. The priestess was left stunned, standing there alongside the minions of her god. ¡°And they call us crazy.¡± she muttered.
River was quite pleased that she had picked this particular battle-thrall to accompany her as they ran the short meters through the hazardous space, even though the meters felt like a small eternity. She felt a dulled pain as the glass shards tore into her, but instead of gashing open her skin and rending muscle and bone beneath, she was left untouched as the ethereal line connected to the leading bronze-ranker had started shining brighter and brighter with every moment. The ability was a classical trump card from a defender-type powerset; a short lived boon which greatly increased the user¡¯s resistances while allowing her to take on the damage suffered by her allies for the duration. As all six of them were passing through an effect most damaging, River could clearly see the cracks quickly spreading over the stony facade of the leading thrall. However, this was a sacrifice she had made quite willingly in order to succeed in her goals. After all, what was one battle-thrall against the opportunity of gaining six more? She kept telling herself that upstaging that priestess was only a minor benefit of little consequence. The time for such reflections was over, however, as the three bronze-rankers in the lead burst out from the effect, quickly followed by River herself and her two remaining iron-ranked thralls. Her stride didn¡¯t falter as she passed over the form of the defender who had crumbled into stone flakes soon after exiting, engaging the adventurers beyond who were mounting a response of their own. She would teach them their first lesson in real pain. 42. They get eaten ¡°Heavens no.¡± Walker interrupted Grim as a response to the elf¡¯s suggestion of sacrificing himself in order for the rest of their group to escape. ¡°We should not lean into that unless all other options are taken from us. As we stand now, we still have some time to-¡± he continued, but was interrupted as fate apparently conspired to disperse even that small moment of calm. For a brief moment, they saw silhouettes passing through what Kite knew to be Grim¡¯s most potent lingering area effects. The elf manservant-bodyguard had a few different spells along the theme, and seemed as concerned as the rest of them as the presences crossed through in a manner of moments. ¡°Ready-¡± was all Walker had time to shout before a bronze-ranked woman in slate-gray armor emerged, looking not entirely unlike a crumbling statue. Kite almost thought he could see pleading in her eyes, but they became flat once more as she gave a pained cry. Her raised shield projected a barrier which gave the rest of the emerging group a perimeter before she, to the observer''s confusion, crumbled into stone flakes. However, there was little time to reflect further as he was already moving in to intercept along with Dragonfly, Will and uncle Walker as Grim and Serene formed their backline. The series of interconnected rooms became a battleground. Fortunately, the environment was rather simple with the only furniture being cots cut directly into the stone wall and a few stone tables and blocks for chairs. The groups collided, uncle Walker and Dragonfly seeking out the bronze-ranked enemies. While it would normally be Grim who tried engaging the second bronze-ranker, his more spell-oriented powerset and the strain of keeping up the glass storm, which kept the undead at bay, made him more a backline priority in this case. Dragonfly, on the other hand, was a lot more powerful now than she had been when they entered the complex. Her ability which ramped up her speed and damage from the number of hits suffered was already filled to bursting as she had a fierce glow shining out through her skin. This gave her strength and speed on par with a middling bronze-ranker, power further bolstered by her might essence. Only the rank-disparity gave the bronze-ranker an edge, but Dragonfly held her own so far as she leveraged her heavy attacks against the thin, dancing sword of her opponent. Kite¡¯s frequent pulses of all-round vision was showing him that chains had started winding through the air like ribbons trailing after a dancer, their source being an iron-ranked young woman with hair so white that it almost looked translucent and movements both fast and supremely controlled. He did feel something different in her aura than the rest, an unpleasant tingling against his own as its strength surpassed his. Without Serene¡¯s presence and his resilience to aura suppression he was sure that his own would have been ground down by now, but Kite had to leave Will to chase after her as he was instead engaged by a heavily armored foe with a huge hammer which felt like a meteor as it descended towards him. Before training under master Stone, Kite would surely have sought to dodge the descending attacks which gave off a palpable pressure, not trusting his barriers to be up to the task. And while there were still areas in life where he felt floundering and insecure, the resilience of his path was not one of them. ¡°My path will not be cracked by the world, but be tempered by it¡± ran through his mind as he spoke. ¡°Ward.¡± As the hammer glanced off the well-timed barrier, Kite was already striking a return blow, his staff appearing in a chiming arc to collide with the opponent¡¯s waist. As it struck, the dispelling and mana-draining force echoed once and Kite could see to his satisfaction that a strength increasing effect as well as a boon of stamina regeneration winked out. He was just about to step around his opponent when his all-round perception revealed that Dragonfly¡¯s foe had been pressing her harder recently due to another conjured sword having appeared, one which flew on its own and harried her like a hornet. A flick of his wrist sent the throwing star towards the flying blade, Kite¡¯s many hours of practice paying dividends as it hit the thin, glowing sword which in turn shattered. The star ricocheted off toward the sword¡¯s summoner to affect him as well, but was deflected with a flick of the swordsman¡¯s wrist. His opening gone, Kite had to refocus on his opponent who¡¯s hammer was once more swinging at him, this time sideways. He saw that some kind of field enveloped the crushing head, a gravitational effect of sorts which drew him toward the attack. Instead of a barrier, his response was to plant his feet firmly and interpose his staff while activating his own power of resilience [Unyielding]. Even though the greater mass of the hammer should have broken through the guard, it stopped surprisingly abruptly while sending a jolt of pain through Kite¡¯s body and causing slight cracks to form under his feet. The counterattack, carrying both part of the absorbed force as well as vicious spatial tears of Void-Sunders-Firmament, connected with her left elbow, the resonating force of the attack and enchantment ensuring that the flesh beneath the heavy armor wasn¡¯t left unblemished. If not for a visible flash of mana around the area, as his foe activated some kind of resilience-power of her own, Kite wouldn¡¯t have been surprised to have his return strike cripple the arm thoroughly. He would at least have expected her to lose a bit of function, but she fought on seemingly unaffected. Just as he was about to renew his attack, a scream of pure agony echoed throughout the dormitory. Kite recognized it as belonging to Will, coming from a bit further into the series of rooms where he had chased his foe. Looking back at Grim, Kite could see the man almost seeming mentally torn in half as he couldn¡¯t move to his charge¡¯s side and still keep sight of his active storm of shards, a requirement for the spell as long as he sustained it. Grim¡¯s eyes met Kites as the younger man summoned a barrier behind him to block another strike, courtesy of his perception power, Kite only giving a short nod before activating the movement power of his belt to shoot towards the back room. As he went, he could see a small stream of glass flying towards his opponent, pinning her in place as rents and tears started appearing all over her armor as Grim took over the foe he left behind. Kite darted by uncle Walker who fought the second bronze-ranker along with one of the iron-rankers, skidding to a halt outside the room from where he still heard screams of pain. He saw his friend dangling from a series of chains which had entangled him from all sides, face frozen in gaping agony as the chains pulsed with a red-purple light. His opponent was currently ducking, weaving and dodging to avoid Will¡¯s attacks, her intense expression having somewhat of a pleased expression as she seemed to feel the situation well in hand. Still, his friends fought on as conjured javelins streamed toward his opponent and a veritable phalanx of pikes surrounded him. But Kite¡¯s magical perception told him that his friend was being drained of his stamina, and fast. It would not be long until he fell limp, no longer able to resist.
It would not be long now until he fell limp, the cocky elf who had pursued her so eagerly. He had so far put up a good fight, the best iron-ranker she had faced so far. But in the end, he hadn¡¯t been good enough and hadn¡¯t anticipated the gravity of the threat her chains posed. River had to give it to him that he did fight competently enough even while the pain must be absolutely agonizing. She danced out of the way of a pair of javelins, sending chains lashing out at her immobilized target while springing off a wall to pass over the small phalanx of conjured weapons the elven boy had surrounded himself with. Before she could lash out again, another silhouette darkened the entrance to the sizable dorm. It was the young human with the stone armor. She could see the armor absorbing some of the loose stone broken off from walls and floor by stray attacks to reinforce the obsidian ridges covering it. Over each shoulder was a small vortex, and River recognized them right away as responsible for that annoying constant pull on her mana. As the young elf was effectively finished anyway, River smiled at the newcomer as she changed direction, flowing over a nearby stone table, steps so light that she barely touched it before springing off. ¡°It is most kind of them to come after me one at a time.¡± she thought idly, exerting near perfect control of her movements while changing targets. While still airborne, she sent two conjured chains lashing out in arcs toward the newcomer while simultaneously swaying to the side in the air to avoid a small thrown weapon of sorts. Just a moment later, three things happened, all threatening to make her smile just a bit more strained. The first of her twin-attacks was harmlessly deflected off a conjured barrier, strange symbols covering its surface, while her second looked as if it would connect with her enemy¡¯s arm before the chain dissolved, taking more of her mana along with it. What threatened her composure the most was when she felt her chains holding the elf dissolve as well, but she still retained enough awareness to dodge the throwing star as it ricocheted toward her. River did not let her stride falter even in the face of such adversity, sending out more conjured chains to push off the environment, turning the leap into a zigzagging motion so as to not give away her trajectory. More chains sprang from her arms, feinting towards the walls as if to assist her movement before suddenly veering off at an angle to strike at his sides and back. Just before they impacted, she heard him mutter a short ¡°Wall¡±, and walls of force appeared on either side of him, creating a corridor into the room which blocked off her multi-angle assault. Her mind tried to comprehend how he could have traced all of the incoming attacks at once, before realization struck her. ¡°He has the same perception power as me.¡± she thought, only now recognizing the almost uncannily steady gaze of someone who didn¡¯t need to move his eyes much to take in his surroundings. Her own perception power was one of the fulcrums her combat style relied upon, as it let her dive in amongst her foes and still retain control. In the corridor of force walls, the two clashed. Just before he closed the distance, she felt an uneasy feeling throughout her body as the two vortices above her enemy seemed to focus their attention on her and her alone, which left her mana being drained from her at a worrying rate. The following melee was an intense series of exchanges. River quickly realized that she was a more skilled combatant than him, her intense tempering throughout her life having honed her to a razor¡¯s edge. However, his eclectic set of weapons and powers constantly threw off her rhythm as conjured chains and active boons were disrupted and even glancing hits from him, be it unarmed or weapon, drained even more mana from her. The mounting frustration finally had her cursing inwardly ¡°Damnation, he is so annoying!¡±
¡°Heavens, she is so annoying!¡± Kite thought as he continued his impromptu duel with the young woman. Her speed and skill would surely have brought him low already had he not possessed the means to deny or at least blunt some of those advantages. For every chain or unarmed strike he blocked or deflected, another struck true as she simply attacked too fast or with enough skill to leave him unable to properly defend against them all. For each hit, even if most was absorbed through his armor, he felt a sharp pain lance through his body, draining stamina and attempting to build up a debilitating slowness. The latter was mostly resisted or taken care of by Implacable motion helping him to resist such movement-hampering effects, but the former put a bit of a timer on his endurance. Their exchanges lasted only for a few seconds, but he could see how quickly she adapted as she started using her chains only in the awkward angles less likely to be blocked and dispelled, all the while keeping him on the defensive with her superior speed. In an attempt to buy himself some room, he had Sage unleash its stored energies in a white beam which the familiar swept low, causing her to jump above it. At the same time, Kite decided to accept some blows as he struck from above with his staff, the chiming head surrounded by the rifts of the void. She twisted in the air, but he still hit her over one upper arm with a satisfying snapping sound. However, his victory was violently pulled back to a draw as the three chains he had intended to leave to his armor suddenly twined together into a piercing, spinning strike which struck his left shoulder, causing blood to splatter over his force walls before he could counter and dispel the attack. She landed a few meters ahead of him, and looked ready to get back to fighting while seemingly ignoring her broken arm. Her plans were quickly changed however, as Will took that time to strike. There was no glorious technique called from where he launched a barrage of glowing spears at her back, the attack clustered thickly enough to leave no room for dodging. But dodge she did. Kite saw a flash of mana before she became a blur which rushed past him and back out toward the main battle, leaving him to conjure a barrier or be pierced by Will¡¯s attack in her stead. Kite let his conjured walls disappear, eating one of auntie Dove¡¯s more potent healing pills while he could see Will do the same. His friend¡¯s body seemed to be recovering, but slowly as his muscles spasmed and twitched uncontrollably at times and he seemed utterly drained of stamina. Kite quickly went to his side to support him as they started making their way back toward the main battle as well. ¡°I¡¯m exhausted, but I still have my mana. Help me get over so I can see them, and they won¡¯t escape my eager shaft.¡± Will stated grimly, his pride obviously wounded by having been forced to such a state. Kite only nodded as they both went back to help their allies.
As during most battles these last few days, Serene had felt increasingly pressed to keep up. Even when she was left mostly to her own devices, the need for healing, boons or positional adjustments constantly gave her a myriad of opportunities which sometimes threatened to leave her in decision paralysis over which to take. She thanked the goddess for the increased spirit attribute which helped her brain through some of the strain, but still found it hard to focus. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. This was especially true as she recognized the red-purple light some of the enemy attacks gave off, the memories of soul-deep pain threatening to resurface. To counteract this, she fell deeper into the song of her goddess, her fourfold aura enveloping the room. She felt the conflict and clashes of mana acutely, as well as the throng of death waiting just outside the barrier created by Grim¡¯s ongoing attack. Dragonfly was hit by a direct blow, and she weaved healing into the song. ¡°Renew your flesh, return thine song¡± One of the iron-rankers tried to flank Walker, and a gust of wind threw the attacker out of position for the third time. ¡°Carried by the heavenly wind¡± Chant a spell to restore Grim¡¯s mana. ¡°Let the song of thine spirit rise anew.¡± Cleanse a stacking affliction from Dragonfly. ¡°Let the song of thine soul purge the disharmony.¡± The opportunities came more quickly, some passed by while others arose at the same time, forcing her to choose. And where she might have faltered a year ago, now she forged on. She was in the very presence of those she had sworn to stand up to, the very reason to stay in these lands of loss. ¡°Goddess, grant me clarity¡± she thought as her mind strained to keep up, to keep her friends and allies safe. To keep them from the pain. ¡°You have already built your song quite well, little singer. Its harmony is as glorious as your situation is dire.¡± Song¡¯s voice sang in her mind, as always weaving into whatever tune Serene was currently carrying. ¡°But you have strived and practiced, and proven yourself worthy. Carry my blessing, little singer, and may your song be heard across the world.¡±. Serene could feel a wellspring of power, at the same time close and ever so far away. And with it came an offer. An offer which she wholeheartedly embraced. Gray light burst from her body tinted with the pale blue of the goddess Song. As her goddess¡¯ blessing coursed through her, Serene did not stop her chanting. Instead, she allowed some of the words to simply dissolve into notes, splitting her voice to carry a spell as a droning tone, accompanying the rest of the harmony and ready to be unleashed in a moment¡¯s notice.
WWJS: You have accepted a divine blessing from the goddess Song. Celestine racial gift [Mana integrity] is transfigured into [Divine conductor] [Divine conductor]: Ongoing mana costs for maintained abilities are reduced. Resistance to mana drain effects is increased You may turn a spell chant into a droning tone, keeping it from taking effect for as long as you hold the tone. When you release the tone, the spell takes effect instantly. You may cast other spells while keeping the tone, but may only keep one spell at a time in this way.
What had earlier felt like a dam close to bursting suddenly became a more controlled flow, as Serene could now chant a spell and hold it in readiness, awaiting the right opportunity while continuing her preventive or reactive magical interventions. She felt thankful for the intuitive understanding of such abilities, and vowed to give it her all in practice should they survive this ordeal. With this development, Serene became an even greater force multiplier for her side. The spell she employed the most was her simple movement spell from the wind essence, allowing her to move an ally or attempt to shift an enemy. She began its casting as soon as she had a moment to spare, keeping the droning tone as yet another layer of her song before unleashing it at just the right moment. And as positioning was the core subject of their recent training under instructor Concente, the slight difference quickly started paying dividends when she could surprise her opponents with sudden repositioning a lot more frequently. Seeing a particularly nice opportunity, she released the held spell towards the iron-ranker flanking Walker. She had hit the man with this spell multiple times during the engagement, even though he showed little frustration in either his aura or face. However, the recent blessing from her goddess allowed her to time it just right. As the battle-thrall¡¯s weight was shifting with only one foot on the ground, the directed and forceful wind stream sent him once more tumbling off along the floor. What made it this different this time around was not the spell, but the angle and effect. As Serene struck at just the right time as he made another flanking attempt at her ally, the wind pushed him in just the right angle and just far enough to be thrown back into the corridor from whence they all had entered. The corridor still filled with a devastating storm of bronze-ranked magical glass shards. Eerily enough, there was no scream as splatters of blood suddenly coated the inside of the corridor. Serene unfortunately saw it all, and knew that the death took seconds as the iron-rankers skin, muscle and finally bone was shredded even through his gray metal armor. This happened just as one of their enemies came bounding back into the room, trailing chains and one arm dangling limply. It was the woman with the translucent-white hair, and her eyes suddenly locked onto Serene as if truly noticing her. So far into the battle, Serene¡¯s carefully crafted aura veil had left her mostly unmolested, only stray shots made against her before another of her allies regained their attention. She couldn¡¯t hear what the woman said over the din of battle, but the bronze-ranker engaging Walker suddenly disappeared in a spark of lightning as the woman activated a movement ability. And reappeared just before Serene, crackling gauntlet descending.
Kite, still half-carrying Will, re-entered the chamber where the main battle took place just in time to see his former opponent give some kind of command and one of the bronze-rankers disappearing. He felt a chill inside as he saw the woman reappear before Serene, a potent special attack already on its way. Cursing his path for not having a teleport of its own, he could only speed up toward them in the hopes of intervening before it was too late. While Serene was by no means defenseless, possessing an invisible barrier of sound to blunt many hits, she was still the least experienced in being up close and personal with an opponent of higher rank. And from the mana spent on the attack, the crackling strike was a powerful one. As it impacted, Serene¡¯s silhouette seemed to crack all at once as a small thunderclap echoed through the room. A moment later, the crackling image revealed itself to be a bubble of glass, Grim having activated one of his powers to take her place. Even his bronze-ranked protective skill, employed just after the transposition of the two, instantly shattered and Grim was sent swaying backwards. For a short moment, he seemed to have fallen unconscious before his gaze snapped back to wakefulness. Even as he rolled backwards with the force of the blow, he sent a staggered trio of tightly clustered glass bursts at his opponent, driving her back toward her allies and injuring her. But the strike had already done devastating damage of another kind, as the first zombie stormed into the room but a scant few seconds later. From their time together, Kite knew that Grim¡¯s more lengthy effects required his concentration and focus. The elven man was very proficient at keeping both calm and composed even through battle, but being so thoroughly stunned was beyond even his ability to maintain concentration. Thinking quickly, Kite shouted a quick ¡°Wall!¡± as three layered walls of force appeared to block off the opening before too many zombies could pour through. As they started shattering almost instantly, the whole group of adventurers knew that the battle would be lost. If they could have held out long enough to defeat the ambushing force, then the undead might have been manageable afterwards. But both together would spell certain doom. Walker knew that as well as he shouted orders. ¡°Retreat! Back room. Serene, give us some space.¡± He unleashed his own most powerful skill as the conjured flora scattered around the room split into even more razor petals which he then sent flying against all the remaining enemies. The two enemy bronze-rankers made a concerted effort of lightning and blade to blunt the attack and protect their remaining iron-ranked companions, but Walker¡¯s attack bought Serene enough time to finish her spell chant. ¡°Be swept away by the hammer of the hurricane!¡± The wide wall of wind impacted their foes, further pushing them back toward the entrance while Walker¡¯s razor petals harried them. This allowed the group of adventurers to regroup in front of another dormitory room deeper inside the complex, Kite and Will arriving last as the rest threw what attacks they could in order to keep their foes at bay for a few seconds longer. ¡°It does seem like all our options are exhausted.¡± Walker stated grimly as Serene¡¯s winds faded at the same time that the last of Kite¡¯s barriers were hammered down and zombies started spilling into the room. ¡°Kite, use the gate. Give us a few seconds. Grim¡­ bring up the portal.¡± The elf nodded, glass archway already rising in the room behind them as Kite finished his chant. ¡°Void!¡± The darkness of the Gate of Nihility covered not only the door but a bit of the walls around it as Kite put all of the gathered charges of Potential of Stolen Power into the spell as well. The result was a more stable gate with a longer duration which also restored a bit of health, stamina and mana as it absorbed projectiles. It was eerie how silent it became as the gate completely isolated the stone room, nothing being heard from beyond although Kite could feel attacks starting to impact the protective void. ¡°You must all go through.¡± Walker stated, the statement meant for all of them but locking gazes with Kite. The young man stood frozen for a moment, the implication of impending loss feeling like a knife held against his heart. ¡°Uncle, no. There has-¡± he began, before the room shook as something impacted the wall beside the protective, silent void gate. ¡°Time for protests later, little Kite.¡± Walker stated softly. ¡°But you have to go. I am the only one that might have the slightest chance of escape.¡± Grim gave Walker a silent nod as he started herding the others through, almost forcibly throwing Will through the portal. Kite remained frozen as the room shook again, his world shaking a bit with it. It wasn¡¯t fair. There wasn¡¯t time. He- Breathing out, he reached a trembling hand into a pocket, retrieving a small object which he pushed against uncle Walker¡¯s chest. ¡°May Fortune preserve you uncle, if not from this then from the words we will have about this. I love you.¡± he said, eyes clear but voice slightly choked as he allowed himself to be led back towards the portal. Walker looked down at the small token engraved with the emblem of Fortune, chuckling slightly. ¡°How could this old man do anything but his best for a kid like you?¡± At this time, the void gate was flickering at the edges, a clear sign that it would soon destabilize. Kite looked at his uncle once more before passing through the portal, taking him in. The stoic, if small, smile. The small, neatly trimmed mustache. The short-cropped black hair. And his eyes, vigilant but always with a gleam as he looked upon Kite. Not trusting his voice, he nodded again and went through the portal. Only Grim and Serene remained, still not having stepped through. ¡°May the song of the goddess remain with you, Brave Walker of Paths.¡± Serene said softly, as she chanted a quick spell just as the barrier came undone. It was one of her least used spells, held onto for just moments like this. ¡°Unite with the gentle breeze.¡± As the dark gate vanished, the ravening zombies were the first to spill into the room, filled with the boons of their dark god. But both they and the group led by Dancer on the Broken River were only met by the sight of a glass portal arch shattering into pieces which dissipated before touching the ground and a breeze which flowed around them, carrying the scent of the forest.
Walker found himself surprised to learn that being turned into an incorporeal, sentient gust of wind was a surprisingly refreshing experience. They had so far not needed to use Serene¡¯s defensive trump card, but he had to give it to the priestess; it was a novel way to travel indeed. Knowing it to be short lived, he flowed through the crowd of zombies which filled the room and still mingled in the hall beyond. While incorporeal he could feel the foul, tainted air around the undead trying to mix with his swirling ¡®substance¡¯, and shuddered slightly at the vile sensation. The spell lasted him back out to the intersection where they had made the choice to turn into what in the end could have been their grave. Feeling heaviness return to his form, Walker seemingly fell out of the air a moment later, his conjured grass sword already slicing in a spinning descent not unlike the swirling seed falling from some kinds of trees. Zombies fell apart around him as he spent more mana to cause even more plants to spring up. By this time, the ever-perceptive iron-ranker with the white hair had spotted him and was trying to have her group force their way through the tide of unthinking zombies. Walker did not intend to stay that long. Deeming the amount of growth to be sufficient, he leapt into a large patch of ferns and activated the closest thing he had to teleportation, an ability which allowed him to jump between plants, not needing line of sight to those he had conjured himself. However, there was a bit of a delay between uses, so he could not immediately use it again when appearing from the one of the plants left in his wake during their entry into the complex, the one closest to the exit. Unfortunately, the conjured plants withered quickly if he strayed too far from them, and he had already known that the ones left outside had withered as they had gone too far into the mountain. ¡°Still, best to always leave a trail.¡± he thought happily as he exited from a series of vines which grew up the stone walls. His thoughts immediately soured as some enterprising priest of undeath seemed to have actually thought ahead and sent a force of zombies to spread out along the corridors leading to the exit. ¡°If only your masters thought as thoroughly about their life choices.¡± he grunted as he started cutting down one zombie after another as he fought his way toward the exit, using his movement powers and conjuring plants to bypass them through leaps and swings when possible. Not long after, the exit had just come into view as a silhouette clad in robes melted out from a nearby patch of darkness. ¡°Did you really think you could escape us so easily, little fly?¡± the priestess of Undeath asked, a rictus grin visible beneath her hood. ¡°I assure you that-¡± Walker, who had no time for such drama, simply activated another burst of speed from his Hunt essence and dashed past her in a blur. This pragmatic approach did prove a mistake, unfortunately. Just as he was about to pass out into the forest outside, an unseen formation which definitely hadn¡¯t been there on the way in suddenly filled with a black not-light tinged with purple. Several long, decaying tongues shot up from the circle to wrap around him like tentacles, and while he managed to leap over the first two, his momentum was yanked to a halt as his left arm got stuck. Feeling a chilling necrosis spread from where more of the disgusting appendages were slithering up his arm, he looked down. His leap had almost cleared the circles, him standing just on the edge and pulling outwards with all his strength. The forest and its freedom was so tantalizingly close. But the tongue-tentacles grasp was not within his strength to escape, and wouldn¡¯t yield easily to his blade either as he hacked at the vile things, one even getting close to his shoulder where it wound itself up his now icy cold left arm. ¡°And a rude fly as well.¡± she ¡®tsskd¡¯ from where she stood on the other side of the circle. ¡°But like most flies, you did not care enough where you flew. Do you know what happens to flies who get caught?¡± she asked through the ever-present rictus grin. Walker kept his focus on chopping through the second of the offending limbs, not answering. ¡°They get eaten.¡± As she finished the last words, huge, square teeth appeared all around the rim of the formation with Walker still inside it, rising from the ground as a huge, slobbering mouth. The teeth slammed together with a loud crack which echoed through the forest, followed by the ¡®thump¡¯ of flesh falling to the ground. 43. Yes, grand elder Rupert Versis, deputy director of Gilded¡¯s adventure society branch, stood at the bottom of a large crater. Around it, splotches of a rusty red color intermingled with the splinters and wood chippings that were all that remained of the thick woodland previously occupying the area. He looked down at the biggest patch of the red substance, already dry and flaky. ¡°I must admit, Knight of Blood, that you were indeed willing to fight to the death. Most in your place tend to forget about their principles when things start going poorly.¡± He looked at his own slightly disheveled state, armor rent and cut in places. ¡°And you did put up quite the fight. But the dueling-cage you formed wasn¡¯t the most splendid of ideas in the end.¡± The battle had been brutal, if slightly one sided. As Rupert had arrived at the spot of his designated flare, he had found a man in full plate armor seemingly made of swirling blood in the process of hunting down what adventurers he could get to. From what Rupert gathered, the teams of adventurers had done an admirable job in diminishing the damage from the silver-ranker¡¯s appearance, but the sounds which reached his superb hearing spoke of the grim truth; that a lot of adventurers would not return after this night. Still, the man had immediately challenged Rupert on arrival, completely ignoring the scrambling lower-rankers as he declared that a worthy foe had appeared. While his skill and tenacity had been admirable, confining himself in an enclosed space with Rupert had been a bad idea. With no allies nearby and the red conjured dome even shielding the retreating adventurers from collateral damage, the leonid had pulled out all the stops and his sonic attacks had devastated everything inside the dome except himself. As there was still more work to be done, Rupert made his way up to the edge of the new landmark his struggle had created to find a newly arrived squad of aides, in addition to extraction teams in the process of bringing back the wounded. ¡°Reports?¡± he asked a nearby woman who waited with a scroll in hand. ¡°From what we know as of yet, one of the Descending Star sect¡¯s grand elders has been slain, while the Victorious Sunset sect up north managed to slay one opposing silver-ranker and drive off the others, albeit at the cost of grand elder Sight being severely injured. Mistress Dew and master Vigil still remain unaccounted for, as we have yet to receive reports of their battles. However, there has come another more urgent report from the peripheral watch posts far to the west. Apparently, there is a small horde of monsters rampaging on their way eastward. Hundreds of them.¡± ¡°Monsters?¡± Rupert asked in consternation. ¡°It does not sound like mere happenstance.¡± ¡°Not likely, sir. Initial assessment is that they aren¡¯t directly controlled, but still driven berserk and herded this way. We do not know how, but have sent word to the records for any other news of similar occurrences in larger scale fights against our opponents. While they are still far away, and not in the number to threaten the base camps on their own, there is another problem, deputy director-¡± ¡°The scout platoon.¡± Rupert interrupted her, realization dawning The scouting platoon were the ones sent deepest into enemy territory, the furthest to the west. And if the monsters were coming from that way, they would surely end up in their path. ¡°We must organize a relief effort at once.¡± ¡°There has been development already, deputy director. We have scrambled what reserves we could, but Fortune did smile upon us. The delayed asset arrived a short while ago, and is already en route.¡± ¡°So, she made it?¡± Rupert asked, receiving a nod from the aide. ¡°Then we can just hope she can reach them in time.¡±
Unmaker of the White Seal, grand elder of the Unbreakable Chains sect cast a wistful, if disappointed, glance at the corpse dangling from one of his chains. ¡°It is disappointing that you proved resolute enough that I had to kill you. You would have made a fine addition to our forces, but alas. At least I received a bargaining chip in our dealings with the church of Undeath.¡± he said to the dead silver-ranker. What had she said her name was? Ah, yes, Deeds of Fate Unwitnessed. She had indeed shown much proficiency with that meteor hammer of hers. But wielding a chained weapon against a grand elder of the Unbreakable Chains sect? A study in futility if there ever was one. He was currently making his way back towards one of their outposts, leaving the battlefield to the warriors of the sect to handle as the remaining enemy silver-ranker had retreated along with the opposing sect¡¯s students. ¡°Has my personal disciple unleashed his little project?¡± grand elder White asked a nearby inner disciple, a part of his small entourage. ¡°Yes, grand elder, the woman bowed. Senior disciple is reported to have released the captured monsters, and is herding them along with a few of the initiates equipped for the task.¡± White only nodded, neither looking at her or faltering in his stride as he was musing over the situation. Not surprisingly, the arrogant alliance against them had been stopped short in their advance as the sect revealed their hidden might. While White was still chafing at the lower quality stock initiated over the years, mere criminals and other unmentionables, they had needed the numbers, compensating further through their allies and using resources the so-called civilized forces would balk at. One of his personal disciples, who had personally received a divine essence from lord Pain and took the name Tamer of Instincts for himself, had become an interesting resource in the conflict as his particular powers lent themselves well to dominating the base monsters. While not true control in any meaning of the word, it still let the sect capture a few hundred monsters in the weeks leading up to this conflict, the beasts now being set loose and roughly guided toward their foes. Containment of the monsters had been a chore, but the formations of their ritualists had worked well enough to keep most of them docile enough and to prolong the time until they dissolved back into the ambient magic. White had no illusions that the beast horde would threaten the strongholds of the adventurers and the sects, but setting them loose upon their foes would surely create a bit of chaos, curtailing the movements of the smaller strike teams and tie up resources, which would in turn allow White¡¯s forces and allies to further pressure them or even exterminate isolated elements. The adventurers creeping around their territories would be in for a rather unpleasant surprise.
Kite, along with the rest of his companions, sat scattered in an alcove of the small cave system which was the rendezvous point. They were all quite exhausted, both from the battle and the retreat. The atmosphere was morose and subdued, Kite himself mostly feeling numb as the image of uncle Walker nodding them farewell played in his mind. After closing his eyes and releasing a long, shuddering breath, he opened them to find two creatures observing him. Glint hovered in front of him, her agitated swaying conveying worry as she darted around his head every now and then. Kite could feel her concern for him and for uncle Walker as well. He did admit to being a bit surprised to find Sage there as well, instead of floating around and exploring. While the meaning was still ever so vague, Kite even got the feeling that the familiar¡¯s symbols projected the concept of uncertainty. As Glint snuggled up to his cheek, he leaned his head against the carp while reaching out a hand to idly trace the symbols of Sage¡¯s current shape. The incorporeal familiar was a rather alien being, but Kite still found the implied worry for him heartwarming. ¡°I¡¯m just worried and sad at the same time, and not sure that I even know which one is the most correct to feel at the moment.¡± he murmured to Glint, knowing the words to be true. He wanted to desperately hope for uncle Walker to have escaped, but the doubts gnawed at him as well. They had all seen the numbers of undead which still remained. He had barely noticed another presence closing in on him before Dragonfly sat down at his side and leaned against him. ¡°I hope he¡¯s alright¡­¡± she said, voice a bit forlorn as her statement mirrored his own inner turmoil. ¡°Me too.¡± Kite answered, the simple answer conveying the depths of his worry. ¡°You should all rest and recover.¡± Grim stated to the whole group while standing up. ¡°I will keep watch.¡± Seeing the truth in his words, they all downed pills for recovery and settled down. Even though the immediate danger had waned, they were still out in enemy territory. Kite thought that his mind would be too agitated to meditate, but found that the familiar emptiness of his mind and the path he started visualizing came surprisingly easy. It was almost as if his mind wanted the respite from the fear that still gnawed at this core. As soon as he settled into it, he came to realize that the roiling feeling inside him was not only emotional turmoil. A familiar feeling of potential welled up inside him as he carefully guided it towards the surface before letting it burst forth of its own accord as a gray light tinted with just a little more bronze than last time burst forth from within.
WWWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Chakra Implosion] has reached Bronze 0. [Chakra Implosion] has received additional effects. Chakra Implosion Special attack (Combination, mana drain). Cost: Low mana Cooldown: 2s Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Strike an opponent to implode part of their mana reserve in addition to the physical effect of the strike. Applies an instance of [Broken flow], a stackable affliction that reduces mana recovery. Effect - Bronze: Applies an instance of [Broken form], a stackable affliction which lowers damage resistances by a small amount.
While part of Kite felt that the increase was irrelevant in the face of what was actually bothering him, a memory still flashed before his inner eye.
It had been an evening not too long ago, a bit into Kite¡¯s month of training with his group, as both he and uncle Walker had sat at their small table, teapot already emptied. Kite had thought his uncle looked so content, leaning back in the small chair, head resting against the slanted wall with eyes closed. ¡°Uncle Walker?¡± ¡°Yes, little Kite?¡± ¡°How do you stay so calm with everything that¡¯s going on? The venture, the infiltrators, the other dangers cropping up?¡± Kite asked, feeling that his uncle¡¯s calm demeanor seemed to greatly contrast the restlessness building inside him. Opening an eye just a bit to glance at him, Walker smiled. ¡°Well, young one, let your uncle relay some common wisdom to you so that you find your own way of centering yourself in a turbulent world. I will admit that I haven¡¯t always been so wise. When I first met you, you being just a little babe, I was freshly ascended to bronze-rank. All serious business. Wanting to prove myself and catch up to some imaginary rival which constantly taunted me for being too slow. For falling behind. Even as I took contracts as a messenger or to make deliveries, I went out of my way to throw myself at more dangerous situations. It often went well. But one time, it nearly didn¡¯t.¡± This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°What happened?¡± Kite had asked, curious but unworried as his uncle was obviously fine now. ¡°Well, you were only two or three years old at the time, so you don¡¯t remember it. But I threw myself at a forest hydra, not taking enough care to scout my surroundings farther than my detection powers went. This meant that I was suddenly caught up as the third wheel in a territorial struggle when a nearby ogre chief noticed our battle and decided to join in.¡± Kite had understood the danger. Both forest hydras and ogre chiefs were among the top most dangerous bronze-rank monsters common to the autumn lands. ¡°Heavens uncle, what had you done for Fortune to forsake you so?¡± he had asked with a wince. Walker chuckled as a response. ¡°Maybe Hunter had Fortune teach me a lesson about taking my time and hunting properly. Or maybe it was to facilitate the true lesson, which came later. This happened close enough to Starberry peak that I went straight to your aunties for aid. Oh, did they have words for me. I almost thought Dove would accidentally finish the job the monsters had begun, like a tribulation from the heavens striking down the foolhardy.¡± he shook his head, bemused, before continuing. ¡°At that time, you had caught one of the common sicknesses normal rankers get. You should have seen yourself; a small bundle of snot and misery, wrapped up in blankets. We were two of a kind that evening, and I was laid down on the same couch to rest while the pills did their work. Two warriors, down on our luck. I thought that you¡¯d fallen asleep after a while. It was raining, and your aunties always said that you slept best to the sound of pattering drops. But then I saw that you were just sitting there, a waddle of blankets, and just looking at the raindrops sliding down the windows. And you were even smiling a bit, misery forgotten just for a while. So I thought; if that little chick can enjoy something small even as things are rough, then maybe I should too. And it was a good lesson. Brought me many happy moments during the years which I might otherwise have brushed by, gaze only focused forwards. The only constant in the world is that it always changes.¡± He raised his empty cup at Kite in a toast. ¡°So here¡¯s to enjoying the small moments as well, even as the stream of life rages around us.¡±
Smiling at the memory, even as worry clawed at the same time, Kite tried his best to follow his uncle¡¯s advice and started to inwardly examine the development. He felt satisfied with the addition, benefiting both himself and his allies against the more tenacious foes as he could now wear them down on even more levels. ¡°Congratulations, Kite.¡± Serene whispered to him, the only one seeming to have noticed the change. ¡°It does seem that you aim to outpace the rest of us.¡± she finished with a friendly wink. It was undeniable that Kite¡¯s pace was a bit faster than the rest of them, especially since they had begun working more together and his evolved racial gift started paying dividends. It was not a spectacular difference, but a noticeable increase in pace even to Dragonfly who shared the original human racial gift. They got about an hour more of rest before their meditations were interrupted. This time, Serene projected her voice to all of them. ¡°We have incoming, some wounded. The auras are familiar, so it should be the rest of the scouting team.¡± They all got to their feet as Grim returned as well. ¡°I assume Serene told you as well?¡± he asked, continuing as they nodded. ¡°Then I would suggest we remain alert. Our enemies have many foul tricks to employ for the purpose of deceit.¡± At least somewhat recovered, they formed up a little bit inside the mouth of the cave, taking cover among the rock outcroppings of the natural stone formation. A short while later, silhouettes appeared, quickly revealed to be bedraggled adventurers they all recognized as part of the scout platoon as Grim threw out a few glow stones to banish the evening murk around the cave. One of the bronze-rankers they recognized, a human man named Whirl who followed a path of stealth and wind, stepped forward and provided Grim with the agreed-upon pass phrases, but they still took their time with observing the new arrivals through magical senses and Serene¡¯s aura sense, necessity forcing her to be a bit less-gentle about it. ¡°Heavens, I almost still can¡¯t believe an iron-ranker has such an aura, even after feeling it in action multiple times.¡± Whirl muttered after the group had been cleared and was entering the cave, carrying two severely wounded members. He was standing next to Grim near the cave mouth, both bronze-rankers scanning the surroundings while they talked. ¡°Priestess Serene is most impressive.¡± Grim agreed. ¡°It seems like you faced a substantial resistance as well.¡± Whirl grimaced. ¡°Some bastards lay in wait for us as we struck a church of Undeath outpost. Fortune be praised that we weren¡¯t too far in, and as they had only one bronze-ranker we were able to push through them and escape. But not without casualties.¡± he said nodding to the wounded who had been laid out on field cots and were tended by the healers. ¡°I¡¯m just glad we all got out.¡± Whirl finished, not noticing the tightening lines around Grim¡¯s mouth at the statement.
¡°Senior disciple, we have picked up a trail. Adventurers, at least one wounded.¡± one of the initiates scouting ahead of the herded monsters reported as he bowed low with eyes locked on the ground in subservience. Tamer of Instincts looked down at the man, pleased with the submissive gesture. ¡°It was only a matter of time before we came upon the rats scurrying out of the underbrush.¡± he replied, a predatory grin playing on his lips. ¡°Shall we ambush them then, and cut them down as they flee?¡± Tamer tapped his chin as he thought while idly using his bronze-rank aura to prod a group of three-horned ogres to continue eastward. It was only one of many such groups of monsters currently being driven eastward in a wide screen across the area, guided by Tamer¡¯s subordinates. ¡°No. Follow them from a distance. The rats tend to have places they think safe, a place where more rats will gather. Find it, and use this.¡± he said, handing over a small statuette in the shape of an unknown beast¡¯s maw closed around a clear crystal. ¡°Then the pack will descend upon them and clear out the gathered infestation.¡± ¡°Yes, senior disciple.¡± the initiate said, bowing low again as she backed off. Tamer was brought from his musings as he felt one of the several bronze-ranked monsters they had managed to contain long enough turn its agitated attention toward him. The ogre chief had stopped in its tracks, beady eyes locked on Tamer as if preparing to challenge him. Sighing, Tamer directed his full aura upon the monster, the aura gifted him by lord Pain to subdue inferior beings such as these. The bronze-ranked monster held up longer than most, but eventually staggered back and fled, guided ever eastward along with its kin. Still, Tamer knew that there would be more such acts of rebellion, and was happy to crush each and every one of them. He was the alpha here, after all. But he remained thankful for the special chains made by their crafters to keep some of the more rowdy bronze-ranked specimens in check when he couldn¡¯t be present. After all, it wouldn¡¯t do to have his project, the proof he would present to his master to be considered worthy of more training and responsibilities, to go awry just because his subordinates didn¡¯t have his presence and authority. Hastening his steps, Tamer sent out a rippling pulse through his aura as the monsters in the vicinity pressed forward with increasing speed and agitation. He had a rat¡¯s nest to clear, and there would inevitably be more of them waiting after tonight.
Following the team first to arrive after Kite and his companions, the rest of the teams making up the scout platoon started trickling in. All of them told similar stories; of ambushes and traps of different kinds. All of the teams had wounded, and many had lost at least one member. And one team didn¡¯t return at all, their absence clearly felt. While adventurers were recuperating, Serene had joined the others with healing abilities in treating the wounded. Essence users gradually became a lot more inherently resilient as they rose in ranks, but iron-rankers had not yet gone far on that path, their bodies still retaining much of the inherent fragility of a normal ranker with vital organs and other points which could lead to more or less instant death. Fortunately, all in the scout platoon were at least closing in on bronze-rank, their higher recovery-attributes and more developed abilities meaning that many would recover blessedly fast. As some sported serious injury, this meant that instead of spending weeks convalescing, many of them could be back on their feet in a day or two if they were given the right treatment, as their bodies reformed along the blueprints of their souls. It was while meditating between healing spells that Serene felt something at the edge of her aura perception. She took more active control over her senses, sweeping them outward. What they assumed would be the last group to arrive had just started to make themselves comfortable in the caves in their allotted space. She felt their weariness, but moved on. Her companions were there, resting and well, along with what remained of the other teams. One of the bronze-rankers stood guard at the entrance and beyond¡­ beyond was¡­ Serene¡¯s eyes flew open, as she started running for the entrance to the cave while using her powers of sound manipulation to send a message ahead to their lookout. The ability, her first to have reached bronze rank, could carry her voice both further and with more precision than before. ¡°Intruder, stealthed, something dark in the aura. About twenty meters out into the forest.¡± Reaching the entrance, she saw that it was Whirl who had been on guard. Apparently, he had taken her warning most seriously as he was already dashing forwards like the wind before seemingly dissolving into the air. A heartbeat later, a huge circle of forest was sliced apart as trunks from trees, branches, bushes and even rocks fell into pieces. At the center of the newly formed circular open space, Whirl still hung in the air as he had just come out of the spinning attack he had unleashed, naginata coming to a stop with a dramatic flourish. Even through the falling debris, an observer could make out the figure of another person, its iron rank aura unstable and falling apart as it stood frozen in place. A moment later, the upper torso tilted at an angle which left no uncertainty that the spine was no longer connected. As it fell to the ground along with the legs, an object fell with it. It was a statuette in the shape of beast fangs biting down on a crystal. A crystal whose light was but a flicker, but rising to almost blinding levels in but a second, along with an artificial aura blasting out from it as the aura beacon had already been activated. Whirl was quick to respond, dashing up to the item and striking it. Once, twice, thrice the naginata fell, each hit scoring the object but not enough to break it. It took at least a dozen seconds, maybe more, until the thing finally fell apart. But even as the light in its crystal dimmed, howls and snarls had started to carry on the winds, reaching them from the west. Monsters had found their trail, and the hunt had begun.
Grand elder Lark¡¯s heart ached as he looked at his fellow grand elder, unconscious on one of the floating disks carrying the wounded through the forest paths back towards their encampment. The last battle had been most dire, a flash of flesh and blood, accompanied by the almost artistic movements of the deviant twins. Lark felt shame, both at his inability to protect his fellow grand elder and that she, even facing the pair, had managed to kill one of them while he had only driven off the foul flesh-shaper. The death of the female twin along with several groups of bronze-rankers arriving in support from the Victorious Sunset sect had effectively ended the battle as both remaining silver-rankers had retreated. But the fallen silver ranker had unleashed a final attack at the already severely weakened grand elder Sight, the deathrattle reducing her to the state she was now in. Lark could feel her aura shivering and shuddering, and could only imagine what torments she must still be under. ¡°Soon, hero of the sect. Soon, we will reach the healers and-¡± he started, falling silent as his right hand snapped up, catching an arrow in flight between two fingers. An arrow that had been aimed directly at his fallen comrade. From the woods, silhouettes emerged as more attacks started raining over them as the attacker''s auras became clear to Lark¡¯s senses. He knew not how these villains had obscured their presence from him, as he sensed only bronze-rankers in the group, but it mattered little as he was already upon them after conjuring a flaming barrier around the prone form of Sight. Even as his burning fists almost tore an assailant asunder, his fury was stoked to unprecedented levels as he saw the clothes concealed under the cloaks of the assailants. Silver and blue. The Descending Star sect. As if to drive the point home, he even heard battle-cries from behind where the other assailants had engaged his sect¡¯s warriors. ¡°Death to the weaklings!¡± ¡°You have always been without honor!¡± ¡°Kowtowing to the wishes of an iron-ranker? Pathetic!¡± After that, Lark knew only flames and violence. While a few attackers escaped, many fell before his fists. He stood among their corpses, the flames still raging around him, when he spoke his first words since the attacks began. ¡°The Descending Star sect will be no more. This is but a distraction from the cancer which we have been forced to call our equals for too long. I swear upon the sect leader, I will-¡± he began, voice building towards a roar when it was suddenly cut short as a familiar, shaking aura pressed against his. Lark¡¯s flames winked out as he turned to where Sight lay, still as unmoving with her eyes closed. But the third eye, glowing in gold on her forehead, looked straight at him. Her voice was but a whisper, but his silver-rank hearing could make it out even over the rustles of the trees and hisses of pain from the wounded. ¡°Do not¡­ act¡­ rashly. Pain¡­ Lies¡­ Take it to¡­ expedition lea¡­ Remember our task.¡± she whispered through the shuddering state she was in, a last vestige of strength spent to make the final words resound as clear as possible. Then she fell limp again, back to her unconscious state. Lark stood there for a while like a man without a purpose, a candle whose flame had just been snuffed by a wayward breeze. His inner flame, rage fanned by betrayal, was still like a furnace inside, demanding action for this most dire of slights. But there was no denying that grand elder Sight had always seen more than him, seen deeper. She was loyal, loyal enough to aid him even in his folly at the gate. And her final words¡­ His mind found the image of the sect leader¡¯s stern gaze as she had informed them of her will during their final meeting before departure. In a show of willpower he would have previously thought beyond him, he constructed a bell of sunlight before his mind¡¯s eye which he lowered over the raging fury. Not truly quenching, but sequestering, ready to bring it forth again should the need be. ¡°Grand elder, shall I dispatch a runner and ready the warriors? This can surely not go unavenged?¡± asked a nearby inner disciple. ¡°No. We will return and bring this before the expedition leader.¡± Lark stated through clenched teeth. ¡°But grand elder-¡± the woman began, falling silent as Lark¡¯s aura dropped on her like the weight of the sun. ¡°Heaven is watching, as one more wise than me gave a lot to remind me of.¡± he said, gazing once more at the still form of his companion. ¡°We go back. Recover and rest. Ready yourself for battle. As your grand elder, I officially command you to not speak of this to anyone except me or when called as witnesses. Am I understood?¡± he finished, gazing at all the present bronze-rankers. As only stunned silence greeted him at first, he asked again. ¡°Am I understood?!¡± Snapped out of their shock, the gathered disciples answered as one. ¡°Yes, grand elder!¡± ¡°Then gather the corpses and bring them. But as I said, recover and prepare. We still have a fallen sect to deal with.¡± 44. Intent ¡°Whatever enemies have found us, they are bound to arrive any minute now. The evacuation of the wounded is almost complete, but that means that there will be another hour before another portal can be opened. Whirl should be back any moment now to give us at least a hint of what might be awaiting us. Your teams will be given positions around the cave, as defensible as we can make them during the little time we have been given, while the cave itself will be our fallback position where the dedicated healers will see to the injured as well as where the team on reserve will rest and stand guard.¡± The scout platoon was gathered in the more spacious central part of the cave system which made up their rendezvous-point gathered in their respective teams while Grim was briefing them on the situation. In a nearby cave, the nine injured iron-rankers were being led through one of the elf¡¯s portals, taking them as far eastward toward the base camp as possible. Their current location wasn¡¯t within portal range from the three fortified spires, but getting over three quarters of the way should be enough to put them out of harm''s way and hopefully be found by their allies. ¡°Once the wounded have been portaled away, why don¡¯t we just run for it? Why make a stand here?¡± one of the gathered iron-rankers asked. ¡°Because there are multiple bronze-ranked monsters heading our way.¡± Whirl broke in, as he seemed to emerge out of the air itself beside Grim in the cave. ¡°Us bronze-rankers present could probably escape, but that would leave you on your own. And I believe you agree with my sentiment in that it doesn¡¯t make for a very satisfying plan.¡± ¡°Besides, we would be more vulnerable while on the move, as we can¡¯t assist one another or the wounded very well.¡± another of the iron-rankers present chimed in. ¡°My own and Grim¡¯s teams will act as roving support for the six defensive positions. Use your judgment and keep watching each other¡¯s backs. You have all faced bronze-rank monsters before so you know that things can get dire rather quickly, so don¡¯t hesitate to call for assistance. Also, while I didn¡¯t get a clear sense through the auras of the monsters, I believe that there are enemy essence-users out there as well. Exercise caution and keep your wits about you. And remember; this is about survival, not glory or honor.¡± Whirl finished, letting the final statement sink in as he gazed around at all of the gathered adventurers. Kite could feel the auras around them mirror his own tension, but he quickly centered himself, bolstering his resolve further from the comfortable feeling of his companions¡¯ presence. Then they all went out into the dark of the evening, to face the dangers which drew ever closer. Grim joined them on their way out, falling in stride next to his young master and spoke low enough that none other than them, except maybe Serene, heard. ¡°Young master, as your guardian, I must at least urge you once. One more iron-ranker may pass through before it loses coherency. Please, take it. Guard the wounded and go for aid.¡± The younger blonde elf looked at this manservant, answer only given through the even, silent stare he leveled at Grim, who sighed with a slightly defeated look. ¡°Forgive me, young master, but I had to try. Then at least be careful.¡± ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know, Grim. My Heavenly Shaft yearns to be thrust into my enemies, and no legend was forged by fleeing when others stood firm.¡± Will answered with a cheeky grin, misunderstanding the reason why Grim winced at his words. ¡°When we get back, I will finally have to put my foot down to his governess. This whole ¡®not spoiling his pure mind with base paraphrasing¡¯ is getting out of hand.¡± Grim thought to himself, as the prospect of that particular conversation filled him with more trepidation than the life-or-death battle which now lay ahead of them.
Dancer on the Broken River stood firm before the frustration of her bronze-ranked ¡®ally¡¯. The priestess of Undeath, on the other hand, was pacing back and forth, her grumbling tirade still in full swing. ¡°-couldn¡¯t even stop them from escaping. What kind of ambushers are you even? I can not see why the sect leader holds you in such regard. We will send word to the high priestess of this, be so sure. Later-¡± ¡°I must remind you, priestess, that you almost let the remaining bronze-ranker get away. And now that I think about it, I have only your word to go on in that regard.¡± River said, tone frosty and bearing proud even as the other woman¡¯s aura ground against hers. ¡°You want proof, whelp? Here¡¯s your proof.¡± the priestess hissed, reaching into a murky haze which appeared next to her and producing a severed arm with a still bleeding stump. River recognized the dark leather armor with wooden plates as belonging to the bronze-ranker with the plant weaponry. ¡°He ¡®lost¡¯ it before I finished him. We¡¯ve already sent his body away for processing, although it was a poor payoff compared to what this debacle cost us.¡± ¡°Either way, there is still no more reason for us to tarry here. We will return to the sect for new orders. The next stage of the counterattack should already have been put into motion.¡± River said, with a dismissing gesture as she started leading her group out of the stone tunnels of the outpost. For a moment, she thought that the priestess would bar her way, but the woman eventually moved out of their path, only staring hatefully at them as they left. River left the outpost, feelings of frustration held in check through an effort of willpower. The ambush had indeed not paid off, even costing them a bronze-ranked thrall with nothing to show for it. The previous groups of sect students had been a lot more predictable, either freezing up or trying to break through River¡¯s squad to flee back out. These adventurers had instead created something akin to a miniature siege after forcing their way deeper to a more defensible position, complete with an escape option in case things went poorly. She felt dread in reporting this to her father, in confessing her failures. And as she passed from the outpost out into the forest, darkened by the evening gloom, River also had the distinct feeling that she had just been lied to.
Kite was impressed with what a team of dedicated adventurers could achieve in short order. In the few minutes that were available, the bronze-rankers had cleared a few meters of trees to at least give them a semblance of open ground as well as leaving the fallen trees and debris where they fell, forcing the assailants through rougher terrain during the final stretch. Some of the natural rocks were moved closer together through essence abilities, arrayed into a handful of smaller clusters to form simple bulwarks for the defenders. Unfortunately, there was not enough time for ritual traps and other preparations, but each of the forty-odd remaining members of the scout platoon contributed in what ways they could. Different essence abilities were at work around the teams¡¯ respective defenses, spreading flaming traps and reinforcing their cluster of stones with conjured ice. Kite could even see what looked like a thick briar patch spreading outward around one of the bulwarks. As neither he nor his companions had much in the way of more lasting powers, Kite¡¯s conjured walls of force being the closest but not lasting enough to be deployed in advance, they simply waited not far behind the defensive line. Serene, who had stood with her eyes closed, was the first to give warning. ¡°They come.¡± ¡°Finally.¡± Dragonfly said where she was bouncing lightly on her feet, pink curls making a merry dance along with her movements. ¡°Indeed. Another stitch in the tapestry of my legend.¡± Will grinned, equally enthusiastic. ¡°Young master, please hold to the plan at least. There will be plenty of opportunities tonight.¡± Grim stated, his stern facade broken slightly in consternation as he swept back his black hair, making sure it was kept in place. Serene said nothing else, already beginning her hum as the initial notes of her goddess¡¯ song started to fill the air. As her auras reached out to the surrounding adventurers, the following surge of collective aura power was enough to be clearly felt even without straining. Close to this many adventurers, her aura which boosted all other aura powers in range caused the overlapping blanket of auras to veritably hum with potential. The sudden spiritual din caused Glint, who had been hovering next to Kite, to twitch and dart back into her dimensional bottle, only poking out a pin head with whiskers feeling the air around her. Sage, on the other hand, seemed fascinated by the experience as it almost vibrated along with the sensation. They could all hear the growls, howls and other noises as the monsters drew near, as well as feel the wave of aggression on their primitive auras. Even Kite could make out the increased agitation, not normal even to monsters entering the berserk stage of their life cycle. And there were a lot of them. Kite had not fought in a monster surge yet, but he imagined that he was experiencing something similar. ¡°May Fortune preserve us, my friends.¡± he said, just as the first clusters of monsters broke through the treeline. It was a pack of moss prowlers, the normally solitary feline monsters moving in a loose pack as they bounded gracefully over the terrain, their auras feeling almost driven to madness. Volleys of ranged attacks and spells tore into them from the positions within range, obliterating the beasts. However, they were only the tip of the wave which was about to crash over them. Ogres of different kinds, margolls, galezards, gladespinners and gyrmlings alike charged out from beneath the canopies as the battle was joined in earnest. In their role as mobile response, Kite and his team would follow Grim¡¯s lead and intervene where they deemed the fighting to be thickest, providing relief and aid to the points under the most pressure. Therefore, their role was to only provide lighter ranged support initially and conserve their strength in order to unleash it where it would make the most difference. Still, they were not idle from where they were positioned in the open space between defensive bulwarks. Kite fired arrow after arrow into the throng, seeking out gyrmlings and other creatures where his dispelling force would make a difference. Dragonfly¡¯s thrown axe and Will¡¯s conjured javelins attacked with more abandon to help thin out the swarm as close combat warriors met the monsters at the edge of their formations while those better suited to ranged combat dealt death from within the defenses or from atop the boulders. Unsurprisingly, Grim¡¯s area attacks of glass shards and cutting winds was the most devastating of the group, even his lesser spells making quite a difference when he was allowed to remain unoccupied by other matters. In the chaos of battle, the ambient mana was churning from all the drain and expenditure. This also provided Kite with a new experience as he could feel Sage¡¯s reserves being filled faster than he had ever experienced before, as the familiar gathered the remnants of mana spent from all around them. ¡°When everybody adds fuel, the flame rises high. Let¡¯s do our best, little friend.¡± Kite said, followed by Sage hovering up to his side and unleashing a white beam of resonating force which punched through a small stone elemental, scattering it to dust. While the adventurer¡¯s reaped a heavy initial toll, their response grew more scattered as more and more monsters were pouring in while more of them became engaged. But it was the bronze-rank monsters entering the field that really started stretching their capacity closer to their limit. Both of the mobile response teams were called into action as an ogre chief followed by its small pack made a charging assault towards one of the defensive positions, the chief itself in the lead using a conjured stone slab pushed by its strength and mass to plow fallen trunks and other obstacles out of the way. On another side of the field, a bronze-ranked gladespinner matriarch led her daughters and their spiderlings out into the field. Kite¡¯s group had the dubious honor of taking on the ogres in support of the defenders of a nearby bulwark, who were already engaged with a great number of smaller stone elementals. Kite let loose another arrow, getting a ferocious, frustrated roar in response as the conjured stone slab lost cohesion under his Disrupting strike. The team was already striding out into the field to face the monsters, and the ogres diverted their charge to meet the challengers. While his team sent attacks into the approaching ogres, Kite continued his attacks against the chief in order to whittle down its innate resistances from its rank in addition to the withering effects of his newly evolved Chakra implosion. His throwing star darted out again and again as the final dozen meters which separated them became five then zero. Just as the ogre pack, having lost a third of their members, were about to collide into the smaller adventurers using their great bulk and horns as bludgeons, Grim and Will unleashed spells in tandem. ¡°Face the defiant phalanx!¡± ¡°Feel the thorns of the glass rose!¡± Overlapping lines of spears angled diagonally upwards rose from the ground, intertwined with large spikes of similarly angled glass. The ogres crashed into them, their charge ground to a halt as those behind the first line started colliding with their packmates. While injured by the sudden defensive measures, the chief was the only one who still came out of the ordeal in something still resembling a charge. As Will and Dragonfly charged and leapt into the mass of hampered iron-ranked monsters, Kite strode resolutely toward their leader as he chanted a quick ¡°Ward¡±. The barrier appeared right in front of the lowered horns of the monster, but even the well-timed ward was not enough to repel the charging attack. As the ogre chief came barreling through what remained of his personal barrier, Kite had already planted his feet and was swinging his combat staff in a wide, two-handed arc. The head of the staff connected with the ogre¡¯s skull, chiming slightly as the ground beneath Kite¡¯s feet cracked audibly from the transferred force. However, the staff''s force-absorbing enchantments in conjunction with Unyielding left him unmoved and unbroken as the monster¡¯s head was snapped to the side, forced to a stumbling halt. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. However, the ogres of the Autumn lands were durable creatures in the upper tiers of power for their ranks, and while Kite¡¯s blow did damage the thick-headed brute, it came back swinging. Kite deflected a punch from its huge fist on another barrier, getting a spear strike in before dodging beneath a swung club formed of magically gathered stone. With a flick of a wrist, he sent his throwing star to destroy the conjured weapon while his other hand was already punching out with the katar, blade surrounded by the nothingness of the void. It plunged into the body of the monster, void tears unfurling to shred its insides while Kite activated the shockwave to further tear through his opponent. Kite, feeling good about this first exchange, had his mirth cut short as a warning spoken by all of his mentors became stark reality. Instead of conjuring a new club, the ogre swung inwards with both of its arms to grab Kite in a crushing embrace. And as Kite was nice and close after his strike with the katar, his attempts at evasion failed as the creature¡¯s superior reach more than made up for Kite¡¯s agility. While his ability to avoid restraints and movement hampering [Implacable motion] made it awkward for the monster to really find purchase, there was still enough crushing force applied that Kite could hear his armor start to creak as pain spread through his body. Fortunately, the raging battle had refilled Sage¡¯s reserves yet again. Another beam of white force shot into one of the ogre¡¯s arms, drilling into it at a respectable pace. The added damage to the arm saw it faltering enough for Kite to wiggle and crouch out of the bear hug, rolling to the side to avoid a foot stomping down on him. Now cautious from having first-hand experience with the dangers of a larger opponent grappling him, Kite fell into a more defensive stance, making sure to keep some distance and employing counterattacks instead of a more relentless offensive. He did get an idea during those scant seconds, and as the ogre chief attempted another grab Kite responded differently. ¡°Wall!¡± A force wall sprang up at either side of him, angled to catch the converging arms at an awkward angle. While the monster had great strength, the awkward angle and the attack being a grapple rather than a punch left both arms stuck halfway to their target. The conjured walls of force left only a half-meter gap exposing the monster¡¯s head and parts of its torso. This was enough of an opening for Grim, who took an opportune shot and sent a large spike of glass zipping over Kite¡¯s shoulder and straight into the ogre¡¯s chest. Having seen the attack being prepared and launched through his all-round vision, Kite swung his staff a mere moment after the spell struck home. He hit the end part of the spike which protruded from the creature¡¯s ribcage, the impact driving the shard all the way in. Grim, standing some meters behind Kite, gave a casual snap of his fingers, the faint sound still heard clearly through the din of the battlefield. All at once, his conjured glass shards exploded outwards in clusters of razor shrapnel. The detonation of the rather sizable shard inside the ogre chief¡¯s chest proved too much for the bronze-ranked monster, and it collapsed to the ground as Kite let his conjured walls of force disappear. Will and Dragonfly had already handled most of the beleaguered iron-ranked ogres, while Serene, upon judging that her companions had the battle well in hand, had shifted her focus to assisting the nearby defensive position by scattering the monsters piling in through use of her hurricane spell. The cleanup of the ogre pack was short and brutal, and only the beginning of many upcoming interventions as the pressure increased across the small battlefield. Already, Kite could see the roiling mass of roots that made up an autumn pawn roil towards a nearby position while Whirl and his team were finishing up the arachnid brood further away. Everywhere, auras flared and projectiles flew accompanied by chanted spells or just simple battlecries. Forming up on Grim, they all steeled their resolve and stepped back into the chaos.
Tamer of Instincts observed the battle through the eyes of a galezard perched up in a tree, a specimen he had spent time on and performed the necessary rituals to properly dominate. While he still could not achieve true control, the gifted essence from lord Pain had put him on the right path. One of the powers was a ritual which, if applied correctly to properly break a monster¡¯s instinctual resistance, forced it into something akin to a familiar bond for the duration of their existence and even prolonging it, albeit a lot less harmonious than the conventional contracts formed in such a bond. Weaker individuals had called it a perversion of what was proper, but for Tamer it was the most natural thing in the world. After all, there was always the need for an alpha in every relationship, the hierarchy of dominance clear. Next to him, his most prized pet stirred, shuddering as Tamer¡¯s aura prodded it. As he was currently limited to one bronze-rank monster bound to him, he had made sure to acquire one of the most potent creatures possible in this region. The myriad eyes of the forest hydra were locked on the battle raging ahead, barely visible through the stretch of forest in between. Every once in a while, one of the heads would glance at their master before twitching as their eyes met. ¡°Relay the message that the herders shall join the fray. The adventurer scum are pressured, but we will need a bit of a push if we are to break them. I will go after those roaming groups. It will be good to have that nuisance dealt with. For the glory of the sect!¡± ¡°Yes, senior disciple. For the glory of the sect!¡± the two nearby disciples echoed as they set off to relay his orders. The wide line of monsters which had been spread wide across the area was now converging on the adventurers. It would only be a matter of time before they were overwhelmed, but Tamer didn¡¯t want to lose more of his little project than necessary. The utter dominance over their enemies was their core tenets, after all. But he did intend to keep his final trump card for the more intense battles that loomed in the days to come, allowing the bud that was his project to bloom into a flower of pain and violence. With a smile in the very image of a predator, Tamer called his pack to him and started advancing. The hunt was on.
While the battle that the scout platoon had been embroiled in was constantly putting strain on their defenses, Kite and his comrades found a few seconds to rest and swallow recovery pills, having stopped just behind the defensive line. The intensity of the battle put strain on all of them, the group having made several interventions in short order to lower the pressure on the defensive formations, albeit Kite thought that among the iron-rankers he might be the one who felt the least overwhelmed. The Jade-Sky gate had been a trial in more ways than one, and he felt that the tribulation had tempered his mind along with his abilities. ¡°How are they even doing this to all these monsters? Can you even control monsters?¡± Dragonfly asked, incredulous as she looked out at the carnage. ¡°Or has the surge just surprised us with an early beginning?¡± ¡°Their auras are off, agitated even beyond normal. I know little else, but I can feel as much. Their harmony is corrupted and broken.¡± Serene answered, Grim nodding in agreement. ¡°I can feel it as well, but am left without answers like priestess Serene.¡± the somber elf confirmed. ¡°Hopefully, we can survive and shed some light on this new tool in what we can only assume to be employed by our enemies.¡± Shortly thereafter, their respite was broken as more packs of monsters pushed into the artificial clearing, the open space now even wider as trees fell and bushes burned from stray projectiles and attacks unleashed by the defenders. The glow stones spread around the battlefield and the many different glowing conjured weapons, armors and other more exotic effects created an otherworldly landscape of violence in the encroaching darkness of the evening. One particular pack of monsters caught their attention, mostly due to the huge forest hydra which slithered into view among the trees. This hydra species had the mottled scales of green and brown along its long serpentine body which shifted more toward yellow and orange up towards the five heads, to better camouflage it in the forests of the Autumn lands. Two iron-ranked ogres prowled next two it, along with a forest prowler, a lone galezard and a tall, whip-thin plant elemental. The hodgepodge group moved as one, the bronze-ranked hydra at its center as they entered the battlefield. ¡°I believe our next target has arrived.¡± Grim stated, tone true to his name as winds started whipping around him. ¡°Their auras feel different from the others. Be wary.¡± Serene¡¯s voice whispered to them, still heard clearly over the battlefield. ¡°Different or not, they will fall before us like their kin, as long as our hearts remain steadfast and our trust in our paths absolute.¡± Will stated, eagerness filling his aura as several spears started manifesting around him. As they moved to intercept the newly arrived pack, making their way around or over corpses of fallen monsters, Kite noticed with a twinge of concern that their targets were already moving right at them, all while the fresh wave of other monsters went straight for the defensive positions which left the odd pack relatively unharassed in their approach. ¡°Approach with the usual target priority. Serene, I will need your help to hold off the hydra for Will and Dragonfly to do what they do best.¡± Kite said as he approached. While Grim was the official commander of their group, he tended to leave the tactics among the iron-rankers to them, as they were the ones who had trained intensely together for the last month. Their usual target priority when facing mixed groups was for Kite to engage and occupy the largest or most powerful targets to leave his friends more free to rampage through the lower-ranked enemies. Both Dragonfly and Will benefited as a fight progressed, the former as wounds increased her power and speed while the latter¡¯s abilities increased in potency along with his speed for each spear currently conjured or scattered about the battlefield. Unlike most conjured weapons, many of Will¡¯s different spears remained for a while even as the attack which brought them forth was finished, causing any battlefield he was part of to become almost littered with the scattered weapons. The chosen approach had both of the more damage dealing members already launching themselves towards the edges of the pack through empowered leap and carried on a wave of spears while Kite sent his throwing star ricocheting among the hydra''s heads to gain its attention, although it was mostly the attention of the two mana-draining vortices of Spirit singuarity now focused solely on it which truly caused the five heads to lock their gazes on him. Meanwhile, Grim had started sending rending shards of glass up against the hydra¡¯s many eyes to further blind and disorient it as Kite engaged it. However, the two sides had barely begun their clash as the trap was sprung through the strike of an unseen hunter. Suddenly appearing as if emerging from everyone¡¯s periphery, a human man with a bronze rank aura launched himself at Grim like an apex predator pouncing on its prey as a jagged trident ripped open the elf¡¯s side, tearing through his black combat robes. From the snarl the man gave off, it was obvious that his aim had been for the vitals of his target. Even as Grim flashed away, his silhouette seeming to shatter in a burst of razor shards, it was obvious that the wound caused pain way beyond what such a wound should. The manservant still showed remarkable resilience as his aura stabilized within a heartbeat, glass welling up from inside his body to seal the wound as winds whipped about him and spells were already shooting towards his opponent. Grim¡¯s escaping the ambush without crippling injuries turned an almost guaranteed disaster into a situation that was still quite dire, as the team now had an enemy bronze-ranker in their backline engaging Grim whose power set was not as well suited for more intense close combat, his opponent¡¯s constant pursuit hinting at something along the lines of the hunt essence or predatory confluence. Kite¡¯s instincts were screaming at him to be at two places at once as he was currently being pressed hard by the five heads of the hydra, even though he possessed what was probably one of the most perfect perception powers to combat such a being. He still knew he ought to run to Grim¡¯s aid to engage the new threat, allowing the elf to leverage his whole power set, but he couldn¡¯t just leave the hydra either, at least not until Dragonfly had hit her stride properly. Gritting his teeth, Kite shored up his resolve. Being an adventurer was all about surpassing oneself after all, and building one¡¯s path towards the heavens was never without strain. Activating his perception power and letting it remain as such, Kite became even more defensive in his battle against the hydra as he wielded his staff to batter heads out of the way and catch snapping jaws on conjured barriers. Every time he had a hand free he flicked his wrist to send his throwing star against the bronze-ranker who continually harried Grim, the small weapon humming with dispelling force to remove boons and shred magical defenses. Only the first throw slipped unchallenged through the man¡¯s defenses as he seemed to disregard the iron-ranked attack, only for the strike to cause one of his active boons to wink out, removing the stacking enhancements he gained as he pursued his target of choice. Most of the attacks following after it were either dodged or deflected, but that too had a purpose as it gave Grim just a little more metaphorical breathing room. However, the strain on Kite¡¯s mind was quickly taking its toll and he knew he couldn¡¯t keep this attempt of being everywhere at once up for too long. But without any intervention, it looked as if Grim might be worn down as he was pushed hard, finding it difficult to regain initiative and control over the struggle. And eventually, one of the hydra¡¯s attacks would snake through his strained defenses unless something changed. That change came as Serene¡¯s voice was projected into Kite¡¯s ear. ¡°I believe I can do something to occupy the hydra. Pray for my success and be ready.¡± Immediately afterwards, Kite could feel Serene¡¯s fourfold aura clamp down around the hydra, but not with the usual vice of an aura suppression. Notes half heard and half sensed on a spiritual level seemed to emanate around it, their discordance seeming to further aggravate the hydra. At first this only seemed to make it renew its assault on Kite with new fervor, but Kite could soon see that the aggression was losing its focus as one of its heads instead snapped down towards a nearby three-horned ogre currently staggering back from a wave of flame released by Dragonfly, clamping down on the monster¡¯s muscled shoulder. Kite wasn¡¯t exactly sure what Serene did with her aura, but got the sense that she was aggravating it to the point of insensate madness beyond even what control the bronze-ranked beastmaster seemed capable of handling. The man seemed to realize it as well, snarling at Serene as he leapt back from Grim and threw his trident at her. From the sickening red-purple glow and the amount of mana unleashed in the attack, Kite knew it to be a devastating one indeed. Serene, her focus almost entirely on the hydra and the aura-grapple she was currently engaged in, would not be able to dodge and neither had the time to cast any spells in response. Kite¡¯s world seemed to slow down. Grim had already showered the man with clusters of shrapnel in an attempt to distract him from the attack, but the pain seemed irrelevant to the snarling beastmaster. As the trident flew through the air, Kite knew that his throwing star would not reach to intercept it in time, and neither would even his shortened spell chant be quick enough to protect his friend from the higher-ranked attack. There was suddenly a third place Kite needed to be. And even through the sheer impossibility of it, he knew that he had to. He just did. Almost unthinking, as if his soul had already processed something that the rest of him had not, Kite¡¯s arm swung upward. The katar had already appeared on his hand as the slashing motion tore through empty air, and the glowing trident continued along its deadly trajectory. Until it suddenly didn¡¯t. With the sound of an ephemeral mirror breaking, the light on the weapon winked out and it was pushed upwards and away by a small dark ripple in the air, no, in the space itself as Kite¡¯s strike suddenly was just where he intended for it to be. Even if that place was meters outside the normal range of his weapon. It was only then that his mind registered the gray light shining out from within him, another source of illumination in the chaos of the field of battle.
WWJS: Essence gift (Void) - Void Sheath has evolved into All is Void before Intent All is Void before Intent - Gain a pocket dimension capable of storing weapons. When drawn from the void, the first attack with a weapon will deal additional damage of the weapon¡¯s type as well as increasing any added from special attacks or abilities. The first attack may also be carried through the void by your intent, allowing it to be made at range even if it would normally be a melee attack. There is a small delay before the attack manifests, with the delay being longer the farther away the strike is carried through your intent.
Even as part of his mind sang in elation at the sudden development, there was little time to process it. As the hydra descended into an uncontrolled rampage, Kite activated the charging power of his belt and used a barrier to disengage from the monster while blocking an attack aimed at his back, hurtling over fallen monsters through the flickering lights of the battle and toward the bronze-ranker who still seemed a bit stunned by the sudden development as his higher-ranked mind struggled to process what had just happened. But Kite did have the time to feel a bit of satisfaction. His path had proved its worth yet again as he went beyond his limits in the aid of his friend. This. This was where he belonged, and where he should be. Defending the bonds he had forged. 45. Scatter the rain There was currently a war going on inside Tamer of Instinct¡¯s mind; a battle between outrage, concern and disbelief. The plan had initially gone well enough. Even as his first strike was not as decisive as it could have been, due to at least a modicum of competence from his target, there had still been little to no doubt of the final outcome of their duel. The interference of the darting thrown attacks had been rather annoying, but not enough on its own to turn the duel in the elf¡¯s favor. Then, just as he was about to re-establish his control over the situation once more, that damned girl with the strange aura had started interfering. At the beginning, Tamer had put her rather low on the list of priorities as what little healing and interference she could produce just didn¡¯t seem like that important. Part of his mind had almost instantly seen the weakness of her path, and knew that she was prey, not predator. It had been like waking from a daydream as her aura had suddenly revealed itself for what it was; nuanced, encompassing and way stronger than any iron-ranked aura had the right to be. As it had enveloped the hydra, his hydra, Tamer had felt his control over its aggression slipping, aggression he had spent days building up and directing as he proved his dominance. And if it was something he could not stomach, it was being shown up by an iron-ranker in a battle of domination. Had it only been aura to aura with both parties focusing only on spiritual combat, Tamer was sure that he could have fought her off, but had to admit that he wasn¡¯t as sure of his chances to suppress her. But this situation wasn¡¯t that simple, as the bronze-ranked elf with all the glass renewed his attacks as well. Tamer quickly realized that he had to intervene, however, even if that meant accepting lord Pain¡¯s ministrations from his opponent. The glass shards did indeed hurt as they bit into his flesh, but he had no trouble enduring as he shifted focus and sent a lot of mana into what he had named his Culling of the Weak. It was a special attack from his hunt essence which acted in opposite to an execute effect, dealing more damage the healthier his target was. At the middle level of bronze rank, it could often end iron-rankers in a single decisive blow, and he expected no less this time as well as the jade-haired girl¡¯s focus was locked on the hydra. That the attack, one of his most powerful and decisive, had suddenly been snuffed out along with even more of his mana by another of the annoying iron-rankers, the young man with the staff and the stone armor, was what threatened to truly break his focus. As the hydra descended into uncontrolled aggression, the brat even had the gall to charge at him even as the glow of the racial gift evolution was still fading from around him. No, this would not stand. His pride in his work and his skills just couldn''t stand it, as the incredulous fury eroded the little restraint he still held. Long-term plans be damned. Only the present mattered. Just before the iron-ranker reached him, even as more of the glass projectiles struck him, Tamer of Instinct reached beneath his collar and crushed the amulet hidden beneath. And all the small needles implanted into monster bodies cracked along with it.
Several more of Grim¡¯s projectiles struck the beastmaster as Kite closed in, even as he met the unnervingly intense gaze of the man. Expecting a fierce counterattack to his arrival, he felt another note of concern as his enemy reached inside his collar. Kite could only see the hint of a magical discharge. But the sudden intensity bursting from all around the battlefield quickly revealed its effects. It was as if all the iron-ranked monsters had suddenly eaten a spirit coin. While not enough to push them over the edge into bronze-rank, they all seemed to gain a burst of ferocious energy and unbridled aggression. From the howls and aura pressure emanating from the surrounding forest, the effect was not limited to only the vicinity either. Even as he engaged the bronze-ranker, Kite¡¯s all round vision could see the defenders having to unleash their most potent abilities to just stay alive and keep from being overwhelmed. Staff met trident as they clashed, Kite narrowly holding on through the combined layers of defense provided by his barriers, interposed weapon and footwork. His staff was still ripped from his hands in short order by the tines of the trident, and Kite brought another barrier up which he continuously channeled mana into through his racial gift, shifting the translucent disc to block a flurry of thrusts. Waves of frustration rolled off his opponent whose aura attempted to clamp down on Kite¡¯s like the fangs of a predator around the neck of its prey, and it was only Kite¡¯s training combined with his other racial gift evolution that allowed for him to not be completely suppressed. It was obvious that his opponent just wanted to finish Kite quickly and get on with what was to him the real battle, which meant that every second Kite held on became a stain on his skills and prowess Unleashing another of Sage¡¯s beams to force his opponent back, Kite took a short leap back as he brought his staff out yet again, returned to his personal void through the charm attached to its bottom after being previously disarmed. The swing was only through the air, but Kite¡¯s newly awakened intent carried it to his opponent in short order as a pursuing lunge was thrown off its trajectory by the sudden force striking his waist. His staff was quickly replaced by his spear, with a thrust carried through the void as well to reach across the short distance. However, his opponent quickly seemed to have caught on to the nature of Kite¡¯s new vector of attack, dodging to the side as he was apparently able to sense the strike. It seemed that his new and evolved racial gift was not without its own limits, even if Kite already knew that it should be supremely useful in the future. As long as he survived this tribulation. Fortunately for Kite, Grim used the distance Kite had created between them to employ some of his devastating spells. The beastmaster was suddenly enveloped in a churning cloud of shredding glass shards, quickly coloring a faint red with the man¡¯s blood. Their foe was forced to activate what Kite assumed was another of his more powerful defensive abilities as he dashed out of the churning cloud, surprisingly unharmed as he pushed through the hazard. The same could not be said for the hydra which was currently rampaging and lashing out against both the iron-ranked monsters along with Will and Dragonfly, who had wisely retreated to the edge of the pack as they fought. Wounds started appearing all over the hydra¡¯s form, faster than even the regeneration of the beast could handle, the beastmaster apparently being able to pass the damage onto his ¡®companions¡¯. ¡°Grim, again!¡± Kite shouted as an idea formed in his mind. The man, still focused on Kite, was currently leaping towards him with great speed. But this time, there was enough time for a chant. ¡°Wall!¡± Small cracks formed in the wall of force as the beastmaster crashed into the obstacle which appeared between him and Kite. However, Kite didn¡¯t stop there as he formed the wall into a square around his foe, completely encircling his foe in an open-topped cage. The bronze-ranker was barely dazed by the collision, and made to leap up from the confines the second his feet touched the ground. But this small delay gave Kite the time to chant again. ¡°Void!¡± The gate filled with nothingness appeared, but not between Kite and his foe as was most often the case. This time, it appeared above the cage of force, putting a lid on the prison of Kite¡¯s design. The beastmaster collided briefly with the void gate before being thrown back down by the violent and damaging reaction which occurred when something living came into contact with the conjured phenomenon. Prolonging his most costly barrier through his racial gift was a very draining endeavor in terms of mana, but Kite still employed that tactic to ensure his foe remained in place just a little while longer as the final piece of the puzzle fell into place. The now enclosed space was suddenly filled with another conjured storm of swirling glass shards, and from the way the rampaging hydra was shredded as if cut by ten thousand blades Kite suspected that his opponent was not faring too well. His only regret was that he hadn¡¯t had the time to try and dispel the damage-redirecting effect before trapping his opponent like this, but at least they got results. Dragonfly and Will took that opportunity to pounce upon the wounded beast, having been able to ramp up their powers even as they had earlier been forced into a more careful approach by the irate monster. ¡°Heavenly Shaft; Darkness penetrator!¡± Will shouted as the huge glowing replica of his spear pierced the hydra¡¯s body even while it looked to be in the process of being flayed alive due to the damage transferred from its master. Dragonfly just shouted in wordless fury as she spun in her leaping finisher, forming a wheel of flame which cut through three of the five heads before losing her momentum. Their combined effort proved to be more than the bronze-ranked monster could handle, as even the hydra¡¯s potent regeneration proved insufficient for the onslaught. The remaining two heads fell limp, a snarling shriek of pain and frustration emanating from the cage of death formed by Kite¡¯s and Grim¡¯s united efforts as the damage no longer had a target to be transferred to. Neither the flaming fury of the young woman nor the precise excellence of the elven scion could be allowed to rest, however, as the rampaging packs of iron-rank monsters did not exclude them as even more of the beasts were welling into the clearing. The efforts of their fellow adventurers remained frantic in the renewed onslaught as the sheer number of berserk creatures threatened to wash away their positions. The reserves keeping watch in the caves had already needed to be deployed to prevent one of the positions from collapsing completely. And neither could Kite rest as he finally had to let go of his channeled efforts into keeping the void gate open beyond its normal limits. He wasn¡¯t entirely out of mana just yet, but was drawing dangerously close. Besides, their enemy hadn¡¯t remained idle either, and the closest of Kite¡¯s force walls finally broke under his onslaught. What emerged barely looked like a person anymore, skin and muscles flensed along with his shredded armor. Kite¡¯s magical perception saw the remnants of a potent regenerative power fading, and even after that the man was on his last legs. But an essence-users last dregs of power can make a lot of difference and the man¡¯s eyes were still exuding an almost maniacal hatred as he charged for Kite, even as the rest of the battlefield was teetering on the edge of collapse.
Tamer of Instincts was taught the hard way that there was pain even he wasn¡¯t completely immune to, but the emotional pain of shame seared his spirit even worse than what raw nerves his body still had. This was not how it was supposed to go. He had worked hard to show these damn adventurers the folly of their ways, that his path and that of the sect was the supreme. Even should his beasts prevail, it was pointless if he could not live to show the result to his master. The victory was his. And he hadn¡¯t even killed one of the adventurers, even as his pack was decimated and he was humiliated in that cage of death and blood. But he would. Oh, he would take at least one of them with him. That thrice-damned young man who had annoyed him so, who had stripped his magic and curtailed his movement. Who had dared to stop his path short like that. Tamer charged against him, ignoring the glass shards which continued to tear at his body. Activating his pouncing strike ability, he flew at the man with the last dregs of swiftness available to him. The young man produced a spear of bone to receive him, and Tamer impaled himself on it as he slid along its length, closer to his prey. It was with glee he saw the brat¡¯s eyes go wide as he closed the final distance, trident left forgotten behind him. Fingers outstretched like claws, his first strike was caught on a barrier which appeared with but a word from the brat even as he had let go of the wicked spear which now pierced Tamer¡¯s gut. But Tamer¡¯s second attack struck true, his movements too quick in these close quarters as the young man didn''t interpose his arm in time. Like the predator he was, Tamer went for the throat as he activated one of his special attacks. It was nothing fancy, just providing his strike with primal power and allowing his unarmed attacks to rend flesh. But it felt ever so satisfying to Tamer as his hand reached above the edge of the brat¡¯s armor and ripped out his throat. Had the heaven¡¯s been just, he would have ripped the head clean off. But the spray of blood as the young man stumbled back, hands instinctively going to his throat and the sizable chunk missing from it, had at least put a smile on Tamer¡¯s face as he looked out over the straining defensive lines of the adventurers, the monster horde he had gathered on the brink of overwhelming them. The horde that was to be his crowning achievement would at least be his legacy; his part played as their sect retook their place in the wider world. The horde which suddenly had a gaping hole in it, a swathe of monsters just¡­ gone. Flying through the air in different states of bodily integrity, but mostly somewhere between in pieces and a kind of liquid state. And in the center of the hole in the surging horde, a woman crouched, palm resting on the ground. A woman with a silver ranked aura. ¡°Palm arts; Scatter the rain!¡± Tamer could barely register the movement as a globule of water formed in the air ahead of her, floating serenely before she hit it with an open-palmed strike, her long thin braid whipping behind her from the blowback of the motion. The almost spherical mass of water scattered as a conical spray of drops shot out along most of the open stretch of terrain, piercing everything in their path. Monsters, both iron and bronze-rank, were simply torn apart by the myriad drops which punched through them like diminutive meteors. ¡°No. No no no no no no nonononononono-¡± Tamer¡¯s mind began racing. All the silver-rankers were accounted for. There shouldn¡¯t be any free enough to get here at this time. There shouldn¡¯t- It was impossible! A joke. He- His internal tirade was brought to another abrupt halt as the heavens played yet another joke on his expense. Light flashed from the iron-ranker he had slain. Or almost had slain. Last he had looked at him, he had been staggering and well on his way to falling to the ground. But he hadn¡¯t. Still on one knee, a bright light shone from inside him as his flesh knitted itself back together and his body was steadying itself. As the young man began to rise to his feet once more, Tamer shrieked at the sky. One second, another and then- Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
Kite was staggering back to his feet, veins filled with the liquid lightning of his most potent restorative ability; Immortality. Only once before had it saved his life so thoroughly, when Kite Serene and Dragonfly had stumbled onto the trio of bronze-ranked ice elementals. His assailant, flensed and barely alive seemed to have frozen in place before giving off an hysterical wail, a wail that was cut short like a pair of scissors cutting a string when a shard of glass the length of Kite¡¯s lower arm pierced his skull from temple to temple. The body was thrown to the ground in less than a second, tumbling once before coming to a stop in a sprawled heap. Only then did Kite¡¯s conscious thoughts recognize that a new aura was dominating the battlefield; one he recognized even though it was also different, as if it had been reborn and reforged. ¡°Master Force?¡± he murmured, stunned as he recognized her form where she strode through the battlefield. Her full name, Force of Raging Torrent, had apparently been given to her during the last monster surge where she, as a newly minted bronze-ranker, had been a vital part of defending an isolated fortress town. And as she started clearing out the monster horde as one might sweep dust from a table, Kite had to agree with the name. He knew from Dragonfly that master Force possessed the water, might and potent essences which led to the force confluence, but hadn¡¯t actually seen her much in action before now where he got the chance for a proper demonstration. Force¡¯s motions were steady and methodical, where measured open-palm strikes allowed her to execute a range of special attacks where pure force and water intermixed. The attacks often covered wide areas and made heavy use of the incompressible nature of water as the otherwise placid liquid tore through her foes when directed and pressurized through her controlled strikes. Kite was particularly impressed as one of the attacks sent water lancing in a thin stream which literally cut apart a trio of bronze-ranked wood elementals. Kite also finally connected the dots in that her secretive task before the expedition must have been to grasp an opportunity to reach silver rank, bringing a previously unknown silver-ranker to the table in a region where they were few and far between. Her presence instantly relieved the pressure which had just now threatened to overwhelm the valiant defense of the scout platoon, the battle taking on an entirely different rhythm. ¡°I must admit I did not expect reinforcements. Rarely have I been so pleased to have my expectations subverted.¡± Grim said as he stepped up next to Kite, relief evident in even his normally composed features. ¡°What is your status?¡± ¡°I¡­ I am well. It was close there at the end, and I had to use my immortality-power. But it left me restored.¡± Kite answered. His body was indeed fine after the potent recovery, although his mind still felt worn and tired. That he had been that close to death was a fact that he firmly directed to the back of his mind, as it was something to deal with later. ¡°Then we shall form up with the others. As our newest arrival has the field itself well in hand, our efforts are better focused towards relieving the defenders and carrying wounded.¡± Kite nodded in response and they set off to face more battle, and the consequences which came after.
¡°Master Force!¡± The taller woman, now giving off the powerful presence of a silver-ranker, seemed all too used to the motion of catching her disciple as Dragonfly executed one of her typical assault-grade hugs. Kite¡¯s distinct feeling of her being the same but somehow more remained as he looked at her. She had the same short-cropped brown hair with one long braid gathered at the back of her head. Her facial features had been statuesque at bronze rank, and had now been further elevated to a level where she had a striking beauty. While she still dressed in the way of martial practitioners, in cloth armor reinforced in key places that was tight around the torso and looser along the legs, Kite also got the distinct feeling that her armor now matched her new rank. She had indeed been prepared for the eventual ranking up. Overall, Force seemed the same, but more in control of both her motions and her surroundings in a way that made Kite feel a pang of longing for reaching such a lofty level himself. ¡°You broke through! I knew you could! Was that why you were gone? Why didn¡¯t you tell meeeeeee?¡± Dragonfly exclaimed and complained in equal measure. Force took it all in stride, even as most of the remaining adventurers gathered gave Dragonfly weird looks for being so familiar in public with what was effectively one of the most powerful people in the whole region. One iron-ranker in particular had seemed like a stickler for protocol as he had even tried to intercept Dragonfly as she was heading straight for her master. The attempt had not been even remotely successful, and the young man still gave Dragonfly disapproving looks from afar as he watched the exchange. Kite and his group, with the exception of Serene who was still monitoring or bringing her healing to bear on some of the wounded, followed in Dragonfly¡¯s wake to where Force stood near one of the defensive measures. The cleanup after the battle had been lengthy as the surroundings had been full of rampaging monsters, many turning on one another if they weren¡¯t close enough to the battle when whatever the beastmaster had activated took effect. But with the addition of a silver-ranker, those still in shape for fighting had mainly been cleaning up in her wake as she had been fastidious in her sweep. ¡°Center yourself, Dragonfly.¡± Force responded with a fond smile reserved for the situations one had repeated many, many times. ¡°I was indeed sent off in an attempt to cover the final stretch to silver. The branch director even had me portaled south to where one of the weaker silver-ranked monsters had manifested, although I had to take a slower mode of transport back as there was no portal user with a rank high enough available. Also, the branch director wanted my participation and potential rank to be kept secret as well, as we silver-rankers are valuable assets in a place such as this.¡± ¡°As one of those responsible for this group out in the field, I must properly express our gratitude to you, Force of Raging Torrent. Had it not been for your intervention, I fear our losses may have been catastrophic.¡± Grim declared. While he remained as disheveled as any of them who had just been through a battle such as this, his demeanor had quickly reverted to the stiff formality Kite had associated with him. Still, it was odd to see his black, sleek robes rent and torn. Kite could even see that some of the buttons, normally arranged in two gleaming rows, were missing. ¡°Master Force, how come you arrived just now? And knew where to find us?¡± Dragonfly asked as she was just coming up from the hug, looking up at the taller woman. ¡°Fortune favored us all in that regard. I will admit that I did not know of your plight at first, but had the fortune of arriving at the base camp just as the peripheral scouting report came in, so as the only silver-ranker yet to be deployed I took it upon myself to come and reinforce you as quickly as I could. As for how I found you-¡± she said, holding up a small, shiny stone.they all recognized as a tracking stone, ¡°- the society was kind enough to give me a few of these in advance so that I could rendezvous with you. They do respect the bond of mentor and student enough to allow me to somewhat prioritize it. The aura beacon the enemy deployed helped as well to steer me in the right direction. But we are now falling more into report-territory. We have wounded who we need to get to safety and should see about departure from this place. See that we get a casualty report as well.¡± Even as they spoke, the camp had seen a constant stream of activity where both the wounded and the dead had been brought into the caves. They all knew that they couldn¡¯t stay here for too long, as they were the closest to where they presumed the hidden enemy base was. Even with Force¡¯s arrival, they could soon be under attack from an even greater threat. As the others walked off to find out in what ways they could help, there being no complaints even from one of such a noble background as Will, Force stopped Kite before he got too far. ¡°Kite. Did Walker¡­ Did he perish?¡± she asked him, tone neutral in the way many adopted when keeping emotions in check. The unknown fate of his uncle came back at Kite with full force from where it had been stashed at the back of his mind. ¡°We- we don¡¯t know. He might have gotten out as he stayed behind to cover for us. But the situation was bad.¡± Kite began in a subdued tone, as he recounted a short version of their attack on the outpost controlled by the church of Undeath. Force just listened, and clapped a hand on Kite¡¯s shoulder as he finished. ¡°If Walker got out into the forests, then he should be alive. I¡¯m not sure there are even any silver-rankers here which could reliably find him as long as he is within his own element. And if he didn¡¯t¡­¡± Neither of them finished the statement, as they drifted apart to various tasks. Kite¡¯s logical side knew that not speaking of a matter didn¡¯t make it less likely to be true. He did know that, but wasn¡¯t strong enough to actually make use of the knowledge as all he knew and all he did not gnawed at his insides. So he was thankful for the distraction the logistics of their situation imposed on him as he carried supplies and wounded, as it allowed him to stash away the topic once more as he got to work. The end result was a grim tally, although they all knew that there could have been a lot worse. In total, they had lost ten adventurers of the just above forty who initiated the defense. One bronze-ranker, the rest iron. All others were or had been wounded in one way or another, albeit that most had injuries which simple healing pills and their own natural healing could deal with in short order. Kite¡¯s friends had been aghast when they had first seen his bloodied state, as the neck wound had painted the front of his armor in his own blood. Of their group, the wound in Grim¡¯s side was the only one which had needed a healer''s attention in the end. The overall plan of action was to escape this place before more trouble found them, which meant sending as many of their wounded through another portal as they could before the rest would leave on foot. They didn¡¯t dare to thin out their numbers too much more, as smaller groups would leave them more vulnerable to attacks. Once more, Kite found himself among his friends as they got a moment to rest before the march eastward. In the distance, Grim was overseeing the last few wounded to be sent through the portal while Force was out to keep an eye on the perimeter. Dragonfly was currently busy with handing out different items to the group. ¡°- and these are for you Kite.¡± she finished, handing him a small pile of quintessence wrapped in a simple cloth bag. ¡°Master Force said that it was bronze-rank gathering quintessence, and I thought you might need it when Sage will rank up. No, Glint, you won¡¯t need anything like that. You¡¯ll rank up when Kite does.¡± she finished with a fond smile as she patted the carp, who had looked at her very expectantly. Kite thanked Dragonfly as he stowed the small bag, and felt a twinge of guilt as he looked at Glint who seemed happy to be out and about again. Recently, it felt like she had been confined to her flask a lot. Kite knew that the carp wanted to help, but he still found himself hesitant to bring her along into more dangerous situations, worried that she would be injured again. He knew she was as durable as he was, but without his barriers and equipment. Still, he resolved to think about it some more, as he didn¡¯t think it entirely fair to Glint either to just keep her out of danger only due to his own worries. ¡°I will have to give your master my thanks, Dragonfly!¡± Will said as he received his own small package. ¡°Does she have a looting power? I can¡¯t think that she would just happen to carry all of this around.¡± ¡°Oh, she does! And it''s an awesome one!¡± Dragonfly exclaimed as she sat down. ¡°She literally punches treasure out of her enemies. Apparently, it has something to do with the pressure of her strikes forcefully condensing the magic of her targets along with the ambient magic. She had me go around the field outside and pick everything up, and is distributing it as a bonus to all the survivors.¡± ¡°She can even produce awakening stones.¡± Kite chimed in, thinking back to when she had gifted him one as he was starting out as an adventurer. The group lapsed into silence as they waited, accompanied by the usual gentle humming from Serene. Still trying to distract himself from his worry, Kite broached a topic with the young priestess. ¡°Serene, what did you actually do to the hydra back there?¡± he wondered. Her actions had been crucial for the team¡¯s reversal of the ambush from what they had assumed to be the leader of the essence-users who had brought all the monsters. There had been a few other enemy essence-users on the field as well, but they had all been at iron rank. ¡°I tried to stoke its rage. Even most primitive monsters have some kind of emotions, and whatever our enemies did to the hydra, it did not enjoy the experience. It was already irate, but kept in check by the aura of what I assumed was its handler, like a string pulled taut but not to the point of breaking. I managed to fan the flames of fury to help it break free on its own, especially since you all were distracting the man already.¡± ¡°Can you even do that with auras? Affect someone¡¯s emotions?¡± Dragonfly asked, seeming both curious and concerned. ¡°Not usually, at least not on iron rank.¡± Will added. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that higher-rankers can do it sometimes. ¡°It is possible, but very hard as most instinctively shun away from such manipulation.¡± Serene answered. ¡°And yes, normally it would be considered almost impossible on iron rank. Had I not been blessed with a fourfold aura, I might not have even been taught it. But one of my mentors in the temple has started teaching me the basics. On higher ranks, we start conveying our songs through our auras as well as by sound, after all. And they thought I was ready to begin training early. At the moment, I wouldn¡¯t be able to do it to an intelligent being of normal rank without being obvious, and they would probably be able to shrug off the influence if they wanted. That I could do it at all to the hydra was probably since it had a rather simple mind and I tried to stoke an impulse that it was already deeply in the throes of.¡± ¡°It was still most impressive, Serene!¡± Will exclaimed, raising the iron-ranked spirit coin he was about to eat in a mock toast. ¡°It truly was. Well done, Serene. You might have saved all of us by succeeding.¡± Kite agreed, turning a smile on his friend whose demure composure seemed to crack a bit in embarrassment of the praise and attention, a bit of it even leaking into her aura. Kite felt happy that Serene was taking the spotlight and opening up a bit more in the interactions of their little group. While she had never been a recluse, she still tended to position herself a bit more into the background, albeit a bit less in recent times. He hoped that it was a sign that she felt herself rising to the challenges she had decided to face. Not long after, it was time to set off, a group of twenty-eight adventurers breaking camp and leaving eastwards. Force remained with the group while Whirl and another bronze-ranker scouted ahead and in their wake. The group took turns riding on Glint to be allowed to rest for a little while. The forest was dark and foreboding around them, but Kite thought it felt good to have a set destination even as his body felt wrung out. Even as they left, part of Kite¡¯s mind remained there in the west, worry over his uncle¡¯s fate like a chilling shard of ice in the pit of his stomach.
High up in a tree, hidden well among the rust-red canopy in the darkness of the night, Brave Walker of Paths shuddered as he ate another healing pill. He was concealed in every manner he knew, from small formations to his own essence powers, as he combated the most annoying affliction which the undead priestess had left with him, probably through that vile trap formation. Where his left arm should have been, there was only a dressed wound which had only now stopped bleeding hours later. Normally, his peak bronze-rank recovery attribute would have sealed it up, but whatever affliction remained with him interfered with both his own healing and that of pills. Not entirely negating it, but slowing it down considerably. He imagined that recovery from the brink of death would be a bit anathema to their church. After all, one needed to die first so that they could be reborn anew, according to their dark teachings. Even in this situation, Walker had sent prayers of thanks to all gods who would listen for his particular essence abilities, as all three search parties he had sensed had passed him by as the forest around him helped him cover his trail, even absorbing the trail of blood left behind him. Cutting off his own arm had been exactly as painful as he would have imagined, but it was the final desperate maneuver that had allowed him to escape as those teeth came closing in. ¡°Regrowing the arm might put a small dent in my savings for silver. But I suppose I can¡¯t complain too much.¡± he thought to himself, wishing that he hadn¡¯t needed to leave the limb behind for the church of Undeath to do with as they pleased. Imagining his own flesh as part of some undead abomination was not the state of mind he needed right now. ¡°Please be safe, little Kite.¡± Walker thought as he rubbed the token of Fortune between thumb and forefinger. ¡°After all, I have to return this to you.¡± 46. Remnants Dancer on the Broken River felt worried as she walked behind her father, one of several of the sect¡¯s inner disciples. She let none of it show outwards, but it still gnawed at her as they were making their way to the main gathering hall of their underground compound. She had expected grand elder White to rebuke or punish her for her failure. He had instead just received her report in silence when she had returned to their hidden compound, sending her off to meditate on what had transpired. This had left her ill at ease, as earlier failures had often been dissected and corrected immediately. Her feelings had not been alleviated as she had then, after two days in isolated meditation, been called to accompany him to the meeting of the elders, along with more of the inner disciples. Her father didn¡¯t usually bring much of an entourage. As their group pushed open the doors to the lavish hall, they were met with the sound of irritated or angry voices, their tone as sharp as many of the auras flickering ominously in the room. River could see all of the different paths within the sect represented, along with their allies from the Red Table and church of Undeath. The angry tones and auras were a bit chaotic, and as many were of higher rank than River, even her aura-tempering had trouble keeping her from feeling a bit ill from the tense atmosphere. She kept her rigid posture as best as she could however, and remained behind her father as he took his seat. The few times River had visited this room, the white paper screens at the slightly raised stage had always been dimmed and silent. Now, there was a steady light from behind them revealing the shadowy silhouette of what she thought to be a woman decked in layers of rich robes where she sat, a long, thin pipe held loosely in one hand. Not long after their arrival, a half-whispered, echoing voice resounded through the room. ¡°May this war council begin. Grand elder White, approach.¡± the voice commanded, even as her tone sounded more amused than imperious. River felt no aura even as she had somehow silenced the room with her words. Her father strode up to the raised section, and knelt before it, the action dispelling any doubts River might have as to the identity of the woman casting the silhouette. The sect leader. River knew little about her, only the little her father had told her. According to him, she was apparently the sole reason that the sect wasn¡¯t annihilated when it was first attacked by the other sects a decade ago, although the methods of her performing the feat were unclear. ¡°Report.¡± ¡°Sect leader, we have initiated the counter-offensive against the alliance formed against us. In the initial clashes, I personally slew a grand elder of the Descending Star sect while we lost one of our own grand elders, one of the twins. She did manage to severely injure one of the opposing grand elders, but not slay her. The Knight of Blood also fell in battle. The diversion with the monster horde did not play out to our satisfaction as it seemed to have found more substantial resistance than expected from the adventurers operating deeper in our territory. While we have no remaining sentient witnesses, nearby scouts reported a silver rank aura being projected in the area, which leads us to conclude that our enemies had another silver-ranker we were yet unaware of. Our branch following the path of lies initiated the operation against the enemy sects as planned, and we will see it pay dividends soon enough. Overall, the battle lines have stabilized somewhat, especially as the number of silver rankers in play are now equal if the wounded grand elder of our enemies recover. Even without the screen of the monsters, plans for new assaults are being made as we look to seize the upper hand and control of the conflict.¡± ¡°Thank you, grand elder White.¡± the sect leader spoke, voice carrying the same languid tone as before. ¡°I open the floor for others to voice their opinions.¡± She had barely spoken the words before the male twin of Duality of Mortal Folly leapt from where he had been seated. While the pair usually wore no clothes at all as often as they could get away with it, he had at least donned a loose, half open robe for this occasion as his aura and powers might otherwise be interpreted as an attack on the others gathered. But in contrast to the haughty lust often shown by the twins, the lone man was more irate and haggard. ¡°You speak as if everything is going well, grand elder white. But we¡¯ve already suffered more high-ranked losses than our foe, my sister among them. And that one is on you, White. I bet it was a setup and that you picked out the easiest foe for yourself.¡± ¡°I would refrain from questioning the competence of your betters, grand elder Folly.¡± White answered as the pair of auras crashed against each other. ¡°Need I remind you which of our paths has proved the most competent in the recent clashes?¡± ¡°I for one will not tolerate how no one has so far seen fit to explain why our side has incurred the most losses. I am here at the behest of my church, but I start to question the solidarity in the pact we have entered.¡± Collector of Anima, high priestess of the church of Undeath spoke from where she sat, projecting her voice to carry over the room from one of the spirits which always seemed to flicker around her. This was the first time River had laid eyes on the woman who led their ally. She had to admit that she had suspected a more corpse-like appearance from a worshiper of undeath, but aside from the skin pale as milk, the woman looked hale, with the beauty of an otherworldly lotus. She remained seated, a shimmering fan obscuring most of her face except the amethyst eyes which matched her hair. Around her, a few semi-corporeal spirits fussed over her, constantly straightening the fold of her voluminous robes and even holding a beautiful parasol over her even though they were in an underground hall without windows. ¡°I would agree with the priestess.¡± said Gardaram Krunei, the runic silver-ranker and only remaining representative from the Red Table. ¡°We will expect some sort of compensation for this early lack of competence, else we might-¡± he began, words lost as more angry voices were raised and the room descended into a torrent of upset voices and clashing auras as the different underlings joined in as well. River was surprised at how long the sect leader allowed it to continue before once more speaking, silencing the rest with her words. ¡°If any of you take issue with the overall plan, I would urge you to solve it amongst yourselves. The clash of paths is an excellent tool, which should allow you to resolve your differences instead of putting on such an unseemly performance. But do refrain from killing or maiming one another. The battle will not wait for you.¡± The angry voices sank to a murmur as glances were exchanged between the parties, challenges already being prepared before the silver-rankers would once more be sent out into the field. Power was the ultimate measure of a person, after all. And those with power made the decisions. River had kept quiet and observed throughout the conflict, as taught by her father. She wondered if she had imagined the slight shift along the shadowed cheeks of the sect leader as the different parties started leaving the chamber. Had¡­ had the sect leader smiled?
¡°-and the fronts seem to have stabilized, with no more decisive moves by the fallen sect for the last two days.¡± Rupert¡¯s aide summarized, indicating some areas on the animated sand replica of the surrounding areas. ¡°We have to assume that this is not the extent of their plans, even though Fortune and War seems to have smiled upon us in regards to the monster horde. The scout platoon must have put up one hell of a fight from what the extracted wounded we happened upon indicated. Have the rest of the platoon been brought back here?¡± Rupert asked, idly tapping his claws against the table. ¡°Yes, the last of them should be arriving as we speak. Our relief party met them a few hours ago, which means that they could start portalling back as often as the portal became available. Force and the relief party will then make their way back the normal way, but as you chose those with traveling powers we should have them back in a day, maybe a day and a half as they won¡¯t need to be as cautious with a silver-ranker around.¡± ¡°Good. Have them rest up and then arrange a debrief with me personally as long as I am still at base camp.¡± ¡°Do you expect to be anywhere else, deputy director?¡± the aide asked, confused. ¡°You never know in regards to war. But I was thinking more about my¡­ other meeting today.¡± he said with a sigh. ¡°Ah, the sects. From what I heard, the allegation sounds rather serious. Do you expect trouble?¡± the aide asked as she realized what Rupert was referring to. ¡°I always do. The more pertinent question would be if it is the headache-inducing kind or the cracked-head-inducing kind.¡± Rupert grumbled. ¡°But such is the burden of command. I can only imagine Jarvan¡¯s grin when he heard what he dodged by being considered ¡®operationally vital personnel¡¯. But on the other hand, I received the pleasure to fight other silver-rankers while he did not.¡± he finished with a small, satisfied smirk.
As the drape closed behind him and its sound-blocking formation came to life, Kite could almost hear the drum of his own heart in his ears from the sudden silence and isolation. He looked around the small room he had been assigned for the day; a square stone chamber with a small slit as a window which let in some of the daylight outside along with a hammock for resting. It was one of many such rooms assigned to adventurers returning from the field and in need of rest and meditation but not other medical care. After removing his armor and cleansing himself somewhat through a simple ritual, Kite could finally settle down to center himself and his mind. It was the first time since the defense against the monster horde that Kite got the chance to properly meditate, and he gratefully let his mind descend into the familiar practice as his path was visualized before his mind¡¯s eye. Kite could scarcely believe he was back, even though their march had been rather uneventful. The constant tension had still been there as they traveled closer to the base camp through forests which once had felt so familiar but now hinted at the possibility of hidden enemies behind every tree. As he settled down, Kite started sorting through his mind in the way he had been taught, as he mentally went through the last few days and did his best to sort the often intense experiences and put them in their proper place. The tension, the violence, the victories, the defeat. Where he was proud and where he had found himself lacking. And most of all, around the unknown fate of uncle Walker. He took his time with each and all of them as he had been taught by all of his mentors in different ways, and took extra care not to avoid touching even the painful subjects even as his heart clenched when he thought of the stoic smile uncle Walker had given him as he retreated into the portal. The process was by no means a perfect one and there was still plenty of turmoil inside him when he decided that there was little else he could do at them moment, but remembering one of auntie Crow¡¯s proverbs; ¡®If you make a splash, the ripples will live on longer than you might think¡¯ he tried mustering patience in the matter. And now that he was back, once he rested up, there was something that he could do in the matter. After laying at least a part of his worries to an uneasy rest, Kite moved on to another, more well known factor which awaited him. ¡°These seem to come more often nowadays.¡± he thought with a small smile as he allowed the power inside him to be released up to his surface, partially guided by his meditations. Before long, the familiar gray light shone from inside him as he saw that the streams of bronze suffusing it were even more prominent than before.
WWWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Disrupting strike] has reached Bronze 0. [Disrupting strike] has received additional effects. Disrupting strike Special attack. Cost: Low mana Cooldown: 2s Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Strike an opponent to attempt to cancel an ongoing magical effect and deal disruptive force damage. The latter is increased if an ability or effect was affected. Some ongoing or very powerful effects might not be able to be negated entirely, and will instead be suppressed or reduced for a short duration. Effect - bronze: Dispelled effects suffer an increase in cooldown in proportion to their cost and original cooldown. The minimum final cooldown for such an effect is 10s.
Congratulations! Your ability [Pattern-shattering counter] has reached Bronze 0. [Pattern-shattering counter] has received additional effects. Pattern-shattering counter Special attack (Mana drain, stamina drain). Cost: Varies Cooldown: Current rank: Bronze 0 Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Effect - Iron: Strike an opponent¡¯s active attack or magical effects in an attempt to negate it and drain an additional amount of mana and/or stamina, depending on which energy that was fueling the attack. Some ongoing or very powerful effects might not be able to be negated entirely, and will instead be suppressed or reduced for a short duration. Cost increases with the cost of negated attack. Effect - bronze: Dispelled effects suffer an increase in cooldown in proportion to their cost and original cooldown. The minimum final cooldown for such an effect is 10s.
Following his uncle¡¯s teachings, Kite tried to focus on the gains he had made even as other things still troubled him. Having not one, but two of his abilities advance to bronze at the same time felt like a large gain, even if he wasn¡¯t too surprised that this particular pair took the step together. They had always felt as two sides of a coin, or maybe the inside and outside of a mask. Action and reaction, although similar at their core. And this was further reflected in that their effect from ranking up was identical in that it further delayed the activation of the ability or spell which had been canceled, with more spectacular effects suffering longer additional delays. ¡°Another tool for me through which to control the flow of battle.¡± he thought with satisfaction. ¡°I do have to live up to auntie Crow¡¯s prophecy of becoming as annoying as possible.¡± Finally, he directed his mind to his evolved racial gift, the one who¡¯s timely evolution had allowed him to protect Serene. Now that¡­ that was an ability he would need time to properly unpack. The potential felt enormous but the prospect of mastering it was equally daunting. But striking even at a range, intent overcoming even distance itself¡­ Kite produced a lesser spirit coin which he threw into the air while he swept his other hand upward as the katar appeared, the small room not allowing for longer weapons. Once more, the strike was carried through the void, but the ripple in space missed the small target as he misjudged its trajectory, even though his instinctual knowledge of the ability ensured that he at least wasn¡¯t too far off. But Kite knew that he would need a bigger training area and assistance to properly try it out and test its limits. An hour later, he rose from the meditation and considered the hammock, but realized that he would not be able to get proper rest unless he got something done beforehand. Kite was even impressed he had been able to get some meditation done at all, but master Force had more or less ordered them to do it as they left through the portal. And maybe he had also dreaded what would come of it, he admitted to himself. Kite left his small room and made his way back through the stone fort and upward a few floors until he reached the well-defended logistics and administrations part of the base camp. During his walk, he was stopped several times and had to present his adventure society badge which was matched to his aura by devices carried by the guards. But finally, he reached a reception hall where a couple of desks received the inquiries of adventurers. After waiting a while behind a couple of other adventurers who, after a clerk returned to them and showed them something, left with crestfallen expressions. ¡°How can I help you?¡± the young man asked Kite when he approached. ¡°I- I would like to know the status of an adventurer. Brave Walker of Paths. We¡­ lost track of each other during our last war-contract.¡± Kite said, trying to keep his voice steady. ¡°Of course. One moment please.¡± the man said, with a tone indicating that he had received this request often as of late. As often done during large expeditions, a copy of the tracking stones for the participants was brought with the adventure society staff to the base camp. These tracking stones were linked to the aura imprints of their wielders, and barring major, rare changes to a person¡¯s aura, they could help guide one to the bearer of the badge. The stone could also indicate if the adventurer was still alive. The clerk was smiling when he returned, Kite¡¯s mind frantically trying to interpret if the smile was one of condolence or one of good news. ¡°Brave Walker of Paths seems to still be alive, the stone indicating no major change to his aura.¡± Kite¡¯s heart almost stopped in relief as his shoulders slumped, and only managed to nod at the clerk''s question if Kite wanted a copy of the tracking stone. It would cost a small sum and require him to be verified as a member of Walker¡¯s group during this expedition. Kite paid and handed over his badge only semi-conscious. Uncle Walker was alive, and as the stone he got actually indicated his direction with a small dot indicating west, odds were that he wasn¡¯t captured and suppressed either. The stone in hand, Kite suddenly found himself back in his small room. It was only late afternoon, but he still easily fell asleep in the hammock as tension left his body. Uncle Walker wasn¡¯t safe, but as Force had said; if there was anyone who would thrive out in those forests, it was Brave Walker of Paths. And while he still harbored worry and frustration, the knowledge was enough to allow him to at least relax. Kite had every intention of doing what he could to see his uncle Safe, but he would at least consult his friends and master Force before rushing off. As he finally drifted off, head leaning against the cool, smooth scales of Glint, he sighed contentedly and dreamt of home where a young boy was training under the watchful eye of his uncle.
-and I will once more appeal to the expedition leader to punish these spineless dogs for making such baseless accusations. They have clearly fabricated this to besmirch our honor. The Descending Star sect will not stand for it!¡± grand elder Meridian of the Sky stated, voice-half raised but not quite a shout. The runic woman held her place in the meeting hall of the war council located in the upper reaches of the adventure society¡¯s spire, her silvery tattoos seeming to glow from within in accordance with her rising temper. The other occupants of the room were the other silver-rankers of the expedition and their small entourages and aides. Rupert was presiding over the meeting, and had to admit that it had been long since he had been surprised in a way such as this. It was grand elder Unerring Sight of the Victorious Sunset sect, still at the end of her convalescence from her brush with death in their enemies counterattack, who had laid forth a request for an investigation as her sect brought the remains of attackers who had been dressed in the uniforms of their rival sect as well as lower ranked witnesses of the attack. What left Rupert baffled was that she had only wished for an investigation without directing any formal accusation at the Descending Star sect. The remaining grand elder of that very sect had assumed as such, however, hence the tirade they had now hopefully reached the end of. While Rupert had sensed the temper of grand elder Lark rising during the tirade, he had kept his composure where he stood next to his fellow elder. ¡°Grand elder Meridian. I must point out that no formal or informal accusation was levied against your organization. As such, I will not take any action against anyone at the moment, but would like to hear more from grand elder Sight as to your reasoning in regards to this attack.¡± Rupert said, literally silencing the unbidden angry retort from grand elder Meridian by not letting the sound reach beyond a few centimeters of her body. He would not let this rare and precious opportunity go to waste. ¡°The Victorious Sunset sect want to go to the bottom of this occurrence, rather than fall to bickering and conflict. We would not have expected such a deed from our allies, and would therefore want to know why this attack took place.¡± grand elder Sight spoke, voice steady now that she was nearing full recovery. ¡°We would open our gates to neutral investigators from the adventure society in hopes that our fellow sect will do the same.¡± Apparently, Rupert¡¯s time had come. He thought he had died in his sleep somehow, maybe through assassins, and ended up in some glorious afterlife where people were reasonable. The illusion was quickly broken however, as he found himself forced to lift the silencing effect from grand elder Meridian. ¡°And why would our proud institution agree to such an act? Our heritage is the foundation for our members, and not something outsiders are worthy of partaking of. If you think that we would just give them access to our-¡± ¡°We do think that, grand elder.¡± Lark snarled from where he stood, interrupting the runic woman. ¡°Since it would be most suspicious if you refused. And I do not think any of us want such uncertainties to lie between us in the days to come.¡± The threat was obvious, and while Rupert agreed with his words, the tone would only make things worse. ¡°I better bring out the metaphorical carrot.¡± he thought before he spoke; ¡°I do understand the inconvenience, grand elders. As the adventure society representative on this expedition, I declare favor to this suggestion, and will offer a boon as compensation in the form of 5% increase in both sect¡¯s total contribution should you comply, as well as binding contracts of secrecy in regards to all that does not pertain to this particular investigation.¡± Rupert spoke with a neutral authority, but quickly enough to get to the ameliorating parts. Grand elder Meridian seemed to stew over it with thinned eyes before looking back at Rupert. ¡°Very well. The Descending Star sect will acquiesce. But we expect your adventure society¡¯s neutrality to be absolute, deputy director.¡± she stated curtly. Nodding in response, Rupert turned once more to address the whole room. ¡°Then you know the general plans. Expect the war-contracts to start arriving soon. We have to push for some more initiative. I expect the best from all of you.¡± As the participants left, Rupert nodded to himself. One needed to take a win when they could.
¡°Oooooh I¡¯m so relieved!¡± Dragonfly exclaimed as she threw her arms around Kite in a fierce hug. He had just delivered the news of uncle Walker being alive to his group and master Force as they were walking towards their debrief with the deputy director. ¡°So, when do we go save him? Heroes must act with decisive initiative in order to save the day!¡± Will said, his usual fierce determination having returned to its usual luster after a night¡¯s rest. ¡°You don¡¯t and probably me neither.¡± Force stated calmly, looking back over her shoulder from where she led the way through the fortress. ¡°What?!¡± Dragonfly and Will exclaimed in union. ¡°Walker is the best wayfinder I¡¯ve ever known, probably the best in this whole region if he remains within his element. Us looking for him would probably draw more attention to him and risk revealing him rather than provide actual assistance. He is probably already on his way back, and if not there is probably a good reason for it.¡± Kite wanted to join in with his companion¡¯s protests, but also knew Force¡¯s words to be true. ¡°Part of me is in rebellion against the fact, but she is right. He will find us when he can.¡± he said, trusting the words more than ever before after his uncle had come through for them even in that dire circumstance while also escaping with his life. ¡°See, Dragonfly. Keeping one¡¯s composure may help one reach conclusions one would not by simply acting. Force said sagely to her student, whose response was to stick out her tongue at both her master and Kite. Once they had arrived at their destination, they were quickly led into a stone meeting chamber where the deputy director awaited them, spending the next half an hour to receive their report and take them through the events. ¡°So¡­¡± Rupert said while leaning back into his chair which he still filled to overflowing with this leonid frame even though he would be considered small for his species. ¡°Your efforts have indeed been quite the boon for our venture. Having to handle that monster horde in addition to what else the fallen sect have in store for us would have put too much strain on our iron- and bronze-rankers, thinning them out in other vital locations. And traversing the area to act as reinforcements would have been a pain. You and the families of the fallen will all be compensated accordingly. The society will not forget their own. In your case, you will receive a bonus in total contribution as well as extra days off contract duty should you wish for it.¡± After looking at each member in his group, Kite nodded to them all before turning to Grim. ¡°If our group leader approves, I believe we shall return to contract duty right away.¡± he said, Rupert nodding approval. Kite still felt a bit emotionally raw, but also felt that doing more work might be a better way to spend the time rather than fretting. He needed to trust in his uncle and continue to do his best for the war effort. ¡°I won¡¯t lie and say that we can¡¯t use you, but the scout platoon will not be deployed as deeply within enemy territory at the moment. Instead, we will deploy you via Grim¡¯s portal as flanking support and rapid response. You will find your contracts waiting for you down in the deployment hall. But remember that if you need additional time for recovery, you need but ask as long as it is within reason.¡± the leonid said, before rising. ¡°Now if you¡¯ll excuse me, there is an investigation to plan.¡± The group¡¯s mood and morale had gained a significant boost after the full night of rest and meditation along with the news of Walker being alive. This had them chatting happily as they entered the large hall on the ground floor of the spire, only Serene picking up that they were receiving some additional attention. ¡°We have company inbound.¡± she said softly, having the words appear near the ears of her group as to not give away her noticing. ¡°It feels like trouble.¡± ¡°Then we¡¯d best avoid it if we can.¡± Kite said, sighing. ¡°Grim, might I suggest that you go and retrieve our orders while the rest of us make for the exit right away? See if we can¡¯t avoid whatever trouble is heading our way?¡± ¡°A most pertinent suggestion, Kite.¡± the manservant nodded in approval. ¡°I shall rejoin you all outside.¡± The group changed course and strode for the large exit, almost reaching it before a few iron-rankers in blue and silver robes walked out to block their path. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Will asked as he strode to the fore of their group, putting on a bit of the haughty tone of nobility he sometimes used more like a social bludgeon rather than actual sentiment. ¡°We are sorry, young master, but disciple Mist wants a word with one of your group.¡± one of the young women said while bowing and indicating another group of identically clad iron-rankers who were walking briskly toward them. The young man in the lead stopped a few meters away before speaking directly to Kite, apparently being well familiar with his looks. ¡°Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune! To uphold the honor of our sect¡¯s initiates and disciples which you have tarnished through your unworthy path, I, Resplendent Evening Mist, challenge you to a clash of paths. When I win, you shall publicly admit your inferiority before each and every one of those you have shamed through your treachery as well as pay them back what you took from them.¡± ¡°This is not the time or the place for matters of hurt pride.¡± Kite stated with a neutral tone. ¡°My group has a task we need to get to in order to contribute to this expedition.¡± He really did not care for such an interruption to both their business and his earlier pleasant mood. Kite was normally a rather harmonious person, but the worry and frustration of the last days still had remnants left in the currents of his mind, small cracks which had begun healing, but had not yet completed the process. ¡°So you admit to being a base coward?¡± disciple Mist asked loudly. ¡°From people such as you, words are wind, disciple. Prove yourself through your work and we shall revisit this again after the expedition.¡± Kite said, voice slightly lower and having gained a bit of an edge, before turning on the group and started making his way back toward the exit. ¡°What good could your contract even do? I heard that you even lost your bronze-ranker on the last one. How incompetent could he have been to have already died just days into the expedition? But such is the fate of trash, I suppose.¡± the disciple taunted. Kite stopped. He knew what this was. He had seen their gazes flickering toward Will, and they had apparently done their research beforehand to know of uncle Walker. Kite knew that this wasn¡¯t really about him, but an attempt to curry favor and show their capabilites. The Resplendent family was ever ambitious after all. But even as he knew this, the taunt still got to him, to the lingering frustration and fear. The healing cracks in his nerves and temper had been shaken, like the scab of a wound torn and clawed at too early. As Kite turned, he could see the grin on disciple Mist¡¯s face as he had finally gotten a response from his target. ¡°Very well, Resplendent Evening Mist. I, Kite brought in on Winds of Fortune, accept your terms. Should I win, you will provide me with one essence and two awakening stones, as well as loudly proclaim your inferiority to me anytime you see me.¡± he answered. What had earlier been smoldering remnants blazed with a cold fury clearly heard in his voice. As the words left his mouth, it almost felt like they had left an oily film on his tongue as part of his mind knew that he had now stooped to their level. He needed neither the essence or the stones, but knew that they were valued political currency inside the sects to use as payment and rewards for loyal initiates who still hadn¡¯t completed their set. But the remnants of frustration in him reveled to just be let free for once. All of the gathered knew that what Kite asked for was a steep price indeed, but disciple Mist was not about to back down. ¡°Excellent. This will be over soon then. Let us take this outside.¡± 47. Fury There was a curious crowd of onlookers around where Kite and his challenger stood facing each other, having claimed a part of the square which had been formed outside the cliff spire-turned-fortification. Around it were all the parts of the camp which would not be allowed to set up residence within the fortification itself, mostly tents and other temporary buildings. Grim rejoined the rest of his group where they stood as the clash of paths was about to begin. ¡°Young master, from the situation here I assume that the attempt at evasion didn¡¯t go too well?¡± he asked Will who stood beside him. Will sighed. ¡°The disciple is from the Resplendent family.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± Grim said, not needing to hear more to understand. They had been one of the most likely to try some kind of show of force, at least according to the early predictions of the city lord, to gather status for their other ventures. Having outplayed or outmatched the young master¡¯s most reputed chosen companion was but one of many plays they might be aiming for. ¡°I must admit that I thought it would start earlier.¡± Will said as the contestants bowed to each other as indicated by honorable conduct. ¡°The deputy director has wisely kept us all quite busy. This is one of the few places and opportunities for plays such as this, in lulls between fighting and contracts. But, young master, couldn¡¯t Kite just have refused? I wouldn¡¯t have pictured him as eager for this.¡± ¡°They did their research and insulted Walker when Kite was about to withdraw. I think he would have shrugged it off most other days, but as things are, even with knowing Walker lives-¡± ¡°-he would not be in the most tolerant state of mind. I understand, young master, and must commend you in that you are progressing well in your perceptive skills.¡± Grim complimented while a neutral officiator who had been brought in from the adventure society was repeating the terms of the clash. ¡°They seemed to have researched more than just potential trigger-points too. From what I remember, Resplendent Evening Mist is a magical skirmisher who is excellent at keeping his distance while whittling down his opponents.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Grim said, concern creasing his brows. ¡°That is an unfortunate matchup for young Kite. Are you worried about the results?¡± ¡°I¡¯m more worried about Kite himself after he wipes the floor with the disciple.¡± Will chuckled, but his eyes remained serious. ¡°He is usually quite unflappable. We can all be goaded into rashness at times, but the games of the mighty are better than most at having people do things and act in ways that they normally would not. And Kite is new to this. I worry more about his recrimination against himself. Even before the expedition started, I wouldn¡¯t have been worried. It would have been a bit rougher, but he would have won. Now, after the beast horde and that bronze-ranker who injured you¡­¡± Will said, trailing off as the officiator called a start to the clash. ¡°Begin!¡±
As the officiator started the bout, disciple Mist sprung into the air as misty platforms started appearing beneath the soles of his shoes to carry his steps through the air. He did not immediately attack, however, and neither did Kite who had sunk into a combat stance. During the formalities, Kite had gotten a better look at his opponent. A young elven man with dark blue hair and rather fine, beautiful features. He had not spoken more than the required phrases during the formalities, and while his words and actions earlier had been openly taunting, Kite thought that he could detect a hint of caution in the man¡¯s features. He did not underestimate Kite, or at least not as much as some of Kite¡¯s earlier challengers. Still, he apparently felt the need to do some taunting, but Kite thought that this as well was for the benefit of the crowd rather than Kite. Even so, the words were like throwing sticks on a fire, making his rage burn even steadier. ¡°Unfortunately, outcast, you lost as soon as you accepted the challenge. My path of elusive mists is simply in a different league than your own base attempts.¡± he stated loudly, following the words with an opening salvo of pale motes of light which shot towards Kite. Kite¡¯s only response was to bring up his barrier which absorbed the probing attacks, as well as the twin vortices of Spirit singularity, whose invisible attention started to drain the disciple¡¯s mana. The young man kept his facade well, but a perceptive observer could glean a slight tightening around the jaw as, barring the right mana recovery powers, Kite had essentially put a timer on the battle. The disciple being an elf would help however, due to their larger mana pools. Disciple Mist continued to step through the air, gradually gaining altitude as he harassed Kite with more ranged attacks in such frequency that Kite started complementing his barriers with dodges, still not responding with an attack. Outwardly, he seemed to be cooly observing his foe, but inwardly, he was readying himself. Just the other day, he had thought that he would need to try out his new racial gift evolution. With someone. Or on someone. Deflecting another launched attack, Kite stepped forward as he flicked his wrist to send his throwing star flying toward the disciple. The young elf nimbly sprang to the side, landing in the air and pirouetting into another leap to whirl out of the way of an arrow which Kite let loose even as the thrown weapon was still in flight. ¡°Have you realized the futility of your situatio-¡± disciple Mist began calling out as he came out of the spin, still standing on the empty air, only for a loud *snap* to echo through the plaza. As he spun, he had not seen the staff which had appeared in Kite¡¯s hands already in full swing, and neither had he seen the ripple in space which had appeared as the strike ignored the distance guided by Kite¡¯s intent. But he did see the leg he had just started to land on, where the knee bent the wrong way. And his mind vaguely recognized that his two active boons, a damage ramping ability and his air-traversing step, winked out. The taunt was transformed into a shriek of pain as he started falling. But even through the disorienting agony, disciple Mist¡¯s subconscious managed to activate his slow-fall power as tendrils of vapor appeared around him to turn his plummet into a gentle glide. But against Kite at this very moment, he might have wished that he hadn¡¯t. As Kite¡¯s foe had now begun a steady descent, Kite instead whipped out his spear, sweeping upward with the shaft and once more guiding the strike. True to his motion, the blow hit the disciple from below, making him wheeze and cough. The projected strike did indeed carry the same direction and quality as the original. The spear disappearing back into the void, a katar instead appeared as he jabbed outward. The stabbing motion struck where he intended as well as it scored the disciple¡¯s thigh, although Kite realized that he could easily miss if he did not account for the slight delay which seemed to depend on the distance he wanted to project his attack. Apparently seeking a reprieve from the onslaught, the young man managed to scream ¡°Form of mist!¡±, his form dissolving into incorporeal vapor. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power.¡± was Kite¡¯s chilly response, the disciple reverting to his original state as the faint ripple washed over him, quickly followed by a throwing star. Kite had to admit that he was curious how this one would play out as the range attack was projected as well. The spinning projectile traveled a short distance during the normal delay of the projected attack, before suddenly seemingly ricocheting back from empty air as the intent drove home its effect. Ah, so it essentially let the impact close the distance faster than the projectile itself. This might make ranged weapons less distinct tools in his arsenal. He repeated some more variations to get a feel for them as his foe closed in on the ground, finishing off by conjuring his walls of force around the young man and attempting to strike through it. It did not work, however, even though he could see his opponent. At least for now, the attack needed an unhindered path. As his opponent touched the ground, still prone and showing only small movement, Kite was about to close in for the finisher. When he came closer and actually got a proper look at disciple Mist, it was as if the fury inside was doused beneath a wet blanket. The young man was beaten, bruised and partially broken. His shattered knee was the most severe injury, but he also had several cuts and at least a couple of broken fingers from when Kite had employed the flat side of his greatsword. The eye not swollen shut looked at Kite in fear, the same emotion roiling of his aura as he still wheezed and coughed from the air being driven out of his lungs. Kite had hurt other beings before, both man and monster. And hurt them a lot worse than this. But so far, he had not hurt them just because he was angry with them. He had fought out of fear, desperation and necessity. To protect or put down monsters before they hurt others. He had even fought for fun and challenge, mostly in sparring with Dragonfly or Will. But Kite could not remember ever hurting another person like this from fury alone. ¡®Think before you act¡¯ and ¡®your emotions are always a dual edged blade. As with any blade, it will help and care for you if you treat and use it properly, and be used against you if not''. Two of auntie Crow¡¯s favorite sayings. Kite thought he had done well to live by them so far, but the disciple had gotten through to him and said just the right thing to make him heed that frustration who just wanted to be vented, to be used. He wanted to think that most people harbored such feelings and uglier impulses which one might be tempted to take out on those around them. Kite had already met plenty who did, after all. But he wanted to be better than that, to be reasonable even in a world that often wasn¡¯t. And apparently still wasn¡¯t done learning how. ¡°Do you yield?¡± He asked the struggling disciple. The young elf swallowed a few times before he finally managed to nod clearly enough as the officiator closed out the clash. As his opponent lay there, Kite spoke, loud enough to be heard by the onlookers. ¡°I do not know why my path and I have been considered unworthy by you and your sect, but know that I respect the students of the Descending Star sect for their dedication in this war against our enemies. I hereby rescind my demand for loud proclamations of inferiority, recognizing that it was a demand unworthy of these proceedings. Let¡­ Let this be a lesson for us both in why one should act.¡± He then turned and left, walking back towards his group who formed up around him as they left the plaza beneath the main entrance to the spire. The ground around the formerly empty cliff had quickly become a small settlement of tents and temporary buildings, and they decided to settle down at the edge of the settled area where an enterprising cook had set up a small but simple outdoor eatery. Kite slumped into his seat with a sigh as his group sat down around him, gaze forlorn and mind already swimming with recrimination. ¡°Kite, my friend, why so dour? That was an excellent showing, both during and after. It was very merciful of you to give your opponent face even in his defeat.¡± Will exclaimed as he sat down beside Kite while Grim gave his young charge an assessing look at his words. Kite looked at his friends, emotionally weary. ¡°Honestly, that was mostly stupid. Stupid to let myself be goaded into it, and even more so to ask for such a prize. And the way I did it-¡± ¡°It''s not like their way and demands were any better though.¡± Dragonfly replied, eyebrows creased. ¡°Don¡¯t many in the sects ask for things like that all the time? And act even worse? I know you¡¯ve heard the rumors¡± ¡°If I may answer that, young Dragonfly, I believe Kite recognized that by matching them in intent and level he has essentially allowed himself to be drawn into their games.¡± Grim said, politely making his way into the conversation. Kite nodded with a sigh. ¡°I think so, at least from what you¡¯ve taught me, Will. And it just felt wrong, at least afterwards, like I was just using it as a reason to be petty. And I was so angry. Still am, in a way. ¡± ¡°Well I think he earned it, the way he spoke about Walker.¡± Dragonfly grumbled. While Kite felt a twinge of appreciation at her anger at the insult, it did little to quell the concern and shame inside. ¡°I do think it might have been a wise move there at the end, Kite, to lessen the impact a bit to the merely monetary and influential.¡± Grim praised while he started pouring them all drinks from a flask brought by a server, the habits of a manservant obvious even in what was essentially a war camp. ¡°I have a feeling that it will not have been enough. Not nearly. I will surely see more of those kinds of challenges before this is done. Their collective pride tends to be quite brittle, and I basically took a hammer to it.¡± Kite grumbled, before looking at Will. ¡°Am I wrong, or was that mainly for your benefit, and that of politics?¡± Will looked chagrined. ¡°I believe so. The Resplendent family has been gathering momentum lately, and showing off their scion¡¯s prowess and furthering their ties to the sect is but one of their avenues of ambition. I did warn you that associating with me might bring trouble.¡± ¡°Well, then send them to me instead! I won¡¯t mind clobbering a few of them.¡± Dragonfly exclaimed, eager. ¡°I¡¯m even stronger when I¡¯m angry! Or at least when my soul is.¡± ¡°Kite has the dubious honor of being a bit famous after his adventure at the gate, so I would imagine that it will remain he who will bear the brunt of these challenges, especially as all who have challenged him so far have failed. The last one spectacularly so, even though they thought they had him figured out.¡± Will said to Dragonfly¡¯s grumbling dismay. ¡°And now they know about my newly evolved ability as well, at least enough to speculate. The next one won¡¯t be unprepared.¡± Kite sighed. ¡°One¡¯s path is tempered through adversity and strife. Thus does it gain the strength to carry oneself towards the heavens.¡± Grim answered sagely, speaking the same quote which uncle Walker had often used during Kite¡¯s training. Sighing, Kite nodded. ¡°I must admit that losing and being forced to do whatever tickles the pride of that particular challenger doesn¡¯t sound very appealing. I will try my best to not be goaded again, but I will stand up for what is important to me when at all possible. But¡­ not like that. ¡± he answered, but sounding bit less dejected than before. ¡°Now that is the resolute Kite we know.¡± Will cheered. ¡°Mistakes happen, my friend. And I must admit that it is quite entertaining watching people break their paths against yours.¡± ¡°Maybe we should start betting and earning some money on him?¡± Dragonfly added cheerfully. ¡°Why not profit from it if it''s going to happen anyway?¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The conversation, now thoroughly derailed, remained light for a while and allowed Kite to distract himself a bit from the lingering shame and concern that remained. Deeming that the pleasantries had gone on for long enough, Grim called on their attention with a light projection of his aura. ¡°I would like to return focus to our upcoming war-contract.¡± he said with his usual tone of stark professionalism as he laid a scroll on the table and Serene double-checked her soundproofing around them. ¡°We are to act as a part of the peripheral sweep, assisting the more dedicated teams scouting for enemy activity. It is highly unlikely that our enemies would have given up, and neither have our side. But between the greater pushes and plans, there are a myriad of small moves that are just as important to prevent us from being outmaneuvered.¡± Grim said, emphasizing the last part as he saw Will¡¯s dejected look at what sounded a lot like patrolling duty. ¡°When do we leave?¡± Kite asked as he leaned forward to view that map Grim presented to them. Unlike Will, he felt that a stint of calmer contracts might be a good way to consolidate his new advancements and center himself, as well as wait for uncle Walker¡¯s return. ¡°In just a few hours. Even though it might be more comfortable, I thought it best to head toward our rendezvous with the other scouting team instead of remaining and risking more¡­ delays.¡± Grim finished, with a meaningful look at Kite.
¡°Heaven¡¯s damn you, old fool. You should have just stayed put and holed up for a while longer.¡± Walker mentally chastised himself from where he was currently enveloped in a bushel of ferns near the base of a tree. Around him there were groups of enemies moving eastward, mostly iron-rankers with a few bronze here and there. While Walker held his aura tight around himself in addition to the stealth powers he employed, he could still get a feeling of the enemies individual power through his now silver-ranked perception power which let him sense through nearby plants. It was those subtle tendrils that let him sense something else as well, the sensation sending shivers down his spine as he recognized the feeling of a silver-ranked aura, albeit further away into the forest. Their enemies were apparently moving in force. ¡°I have to get what word I can back.¡± he thought to himself as he was already mentally trying to get a feel for the number of foes moving through the woods. But what was their objective? He imagined it to be some kind of push, but he also thought that it probably couldn¡¯t be as simple as that. As the nearest groups had moved on, Walker melted into the ferns and emerged from the canopy of another tree, further away. He still felt unbalanced by the lack of his left arm, and therefore moved more gingerly than usual as he started moving through the forest with the lesser of the enemy warriors at the very edge of his plant-assisted perception. Walker would get to the bottom of this, especially as they were moving in the same direction as him already. This old scout wouldn¡¯t be shown up by these deviants in his own domain, after all. Settling in for the patient approach and preparing for a tense few days ahead of him, Walker still couldn¡¯t help feeling alive out there among the bushes, trees and moss. It felt good returning to the role of the hunter.
¡°Would you kindly demonstrate it again, Kite?¡± Braid asked eagerly, the man¡¯s interest plain even through the cloth mask which obscured the bronze-rankers whole face, the fabric fitted quite snugly around his face to give a hint of its shape below. The smooth silk had intricate embroideries in abstract patterns, forming what Kite had discovered to be small formations too complex for Kite to understand. The rest of his robes, the clothing being dyed in different pale pastel colors, seemed to be equally adorned. ¡°Of course.¡± Kite responded as faintly glowing threads once again wove through the soil below, before detaching to form a simple formation, one which Kite could identify. It was a simple and robust alarm formation, now sunk into the ground not far from the heating lamp in the center of their camp for the night.. Focusing to get a feeling for the pattern, his perception power making it much easier than it had been during his training under auntie Crow, Kite chose a point where several of the core lines intersected and struck out with an extended finger against it. Upon contact, his Disrupting strike delivered its usual dispelling effect, cancelling the magical flow in that area and causing the formation to flicker and die out. ¡°Most fascinating, and the results are both replicable and conclusive. You, Kite, are a most fortuitous encounter for me. Most fortuitous indeed!¡± the man exclaimed happily while threads were already weaving through a paper held in one of his hands forming words. ¡°Braiiiid, are you bothering Kite again, hmm~?¡± said a singsong voice as a woman suddenly appeared behind Braid, leaning forwards with her elbows on the seated man¡¯s shoulders. Her name was Wander, and she was a human woman with short brown hair in a crew cut. Kite had met both her and Braid before, but only in passing during the nightly raid in the city a few weeks ago, as she had rather quickly dissolved into a swarm of rats in pursuit of the escaped bronze-ranker. ¡°I assure you, it is no trouble. It is very fascinating, after all.¡± Kite replied in assurance with a smile. The last three days had indeed been a lot calmer than their initial deployment, as the group had joined up with another team of more dedicated scouts and specialists where the group had recognized the two bronze-rankers in command. While they had so far not run into any activity from their enemies, there had still been some run-ins with a few groups of monsters which they had taken the time to dispatch, some even manifesting due to the proximity of Sage. Kite thought he had noticed an increase in the manifestations from the familiar over the last months, and had wondered with a mix of excitement and trepidation what bronze-rank would hold in store for them. So far, the bronze-rankers had let the young ones handle the monsters, and one such fight against a group of plant elementals had caused Kite to catch the scholarly eye of Braid, who was a formations expert working with magical threads to shape and disrupt such arcane patterns. As they had made camp that evening out in the forested wilderness, he had been approached by the polite if eager man, who was curious to see what effects Kite¡¯s dispelling and disrupting abilities would have on magical formations. ¡°I must admit that I had not tried their effects on something as complex as formations.¡± Kite admitted, fascinated that his attack had done anything at all. ¡°So far, they haven¡¯t impacted actual enchanted gear, only conjured. So I never thought to check. My auntie would be quite cross with me that I neglected that kind of experimentation.¡± ¡°You know a formation master?¡± Braid asked, curiosity burning ever brighter. ¡°Who? Someone local? It might be someone I know! Any hallmarks of thei-¡± ¡°Braaaaaiid, if you just continue asking more questions, Kite will have no time to actually answer~.¡± Wander said while reaching down and flicking his nose through the cloth mask. In response, a single thread shot up from Braid¡¯s collar and tried to wrap itself around the offending finger. But even though the slightly growing thread was very fast, it still failed to catch the giggling woman as she let her hand lead the thread on a merry chase above her companion¡¯s head. ¡°I do know one.¡± Kite said, taking the opening provided by Wander. ¡°She is my auntie, Curious Crow flies Swift. But she mostly works out of Starberry peak, up north.¡± ¡°You know Curious Crow flies Swift? The mistress Crow? Who wrote the ¡®Practical Guide to Fiber-based Formations¡¯?¡± Braid almost shouted, the chasing of Wander¡¯s finger completely forgotten to the woman¡¯s pouting disappointment. ¡°Uhm. Yes, I do think so. I didn¡¯t know she had written it though, only that I¡¯ve seen it at home along with her other books.¡± ¡°You have been to her home?!¡± ¡°Uhm, yes. Many, many times. I lived there for all my life. With her and auntie Dove.¡± Kite said, smiling slightly in both amusement and disbelief as his statement seemed to break something inside the other man, his facial expressions surprisingly easy to read even through the cloth mask. ¡°So you are basically¡­ her family?¡± Braid asked, words half-whispered through his semi-paralyzed state. ¡°Oh yes. She is my mother in all but blood. But I¡¯ve always called her auntie.¡± ¡°Kite. Your auntie is a wonder, a marvel, a visionary. Without her book, I¡¯d- I wouldn¡¯t- No- Wander-wait-¡± Braid stammered, surprisingly emotional before suddenly being interrupted. Unnoticed by them both, the bronze-ranker had suddenly been surrounded by a swarm of brown rats, the interruption occurring as he was lifted up on a sheet of small, furry backs and carried off into the dark woods surprisingly swiftly, his voiced protests quickly growing faint. ¡°Well, I couldn¡¯t in good conscience let that continue for too long~-¡± A familiar voice squeaked from the lone remaining rat who had plopped down in a seated position near Kite in the same spot Braid had previously occupied. As he got a better look at a single individual of the swarm, Kite thought that this was probably the first time he had seen a rat which looked pretty, its brown fur all soft and lustrous. But he supposed he had never seen a bronze-ranked rat before. ¡°Braid is nice, but once he starts going about that book and his work, his enthusiasm is a bit much~¡± the rat said in the same singsong tone. ¡°Can¡¯t have him scaring you off~.¡± ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t lie when I said it was actually interesting. My abilities seem to at least partially interact with formations, but to a more limited degree. It''s like the magic is more¡­ firm, or ingrained. I can dispel part of it, but not everything, at least not with Braid¡¯s work.¡± Kite explained, the other man¡¯s enthusiasm lingering even after his involuntary departure. ¡°While it''s good that you like exploring and experimenting with it, my advice would be to take a break every now and then and leave him wanting more. That makes him much more manageable~.¡± Wander squeaked, her tone indicating that it was most sage advice he had been given. ¡°I will strive to live by your words.¡± he smiled. ¡°But I do think I¡¯ve been impolite and never properly introduced myself. My name is Kite flown in on Wings of Fortune, but please continue calling me Kite.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I already knew, so I never thought to tell you mine~.¡± the rat squeaked with a small bow of apology. ¡°My name is They who Wander, but just Wander is fine~.¡± The evening remained pleasant as the others soon joined Kite and Wander where they sat, and Braid eventually slunk out of the forest with rats hitching a ride all over his robes. Kite took his time and let the feeling of camaraderie help wash away a bit of the lingering frustrations, almost absent-mindedly checking the tracking stone, and often repeated motion during the last few days. This night, he had to do a double take, gazing more intently at the stone and the small dot near its edge. A dot that had grown substantially bigger since last he checked. As Kite looked at it, he could even see it visibly shift to the side a bit. Uncle Walker was closer. Much closer. ¡°I have a request!¡± The conversations around the camp died abruptly as Kite had suddenly stood bolt upright, declaring his exclamation loudly enough for all to hear. In the silence that followed, Kite briskly walked over to where the three bronze-rankers; Grim, Braid and Wander, sat in discussion while perusing their map. The three looked down at the stone Kite put down on top of the unfurled scroll, then back up at Kite. ¡°Could we please plan our next sweep towards the signal from this tracking stone?¡± Kite asked, the words almost tumbling from his lips as he bowed deeply towards the three. Braid and Wander had shifted their gazes to look at Grim, the only one who continued to look straight at Kite in the short silence that followed. ¡°Fellow iron-ranker, maybe we should leave those of higher station to make their own council?¡± one of the iron-rankers under the command of Braid and Wander said, rising as if to guide Kite away from the gathered group. ¡°Come join me, I have some drink. Let¡¯s not-¡± ¡°I find it an acceptable notion.¡± Grim stated with his usual decorum. ¡°The direction should still be within our designated area.¡± Braid looked at Wander, who shrugged, before he spoke. ¡°Then we will not oppose it. But please Kite, join us and tell us what this is about. And maybe some more about your aun- ooowww.¡± The last part was more of a whine as Braid was suddenly cradling his left hand as if it had been bitten. Which it probably had. ¡°Yes, Kite. Please join us and explain~.¡± Wander answered, inviting Kite to sit down. The pair listened as Kite gave them a summary of their last contract and Walker¡¯s disappearance, Grim supplying some additional clarifications. ¡°-and as the marker is now moving and indicating proximity, I request for us to plan our route toward it as much as possible. It- it would mean a lot to me.¡± Kite finished. He had tried keeping his tone level and measured, but had no doubt that his emotional investment was obvious to any observer. ¡°I don¡¯t foresee many problems, as long as we don¡¯t stray too far from our designated area.¡± Braid said thoughtfully, as Wander nodded along. ¡°Besides, we should try and extract our own. I¡¯ve heard of Walker. He sounds like a good guy~.¡± ¡°Then it is settled. It would indeed be most satisfactory if we could reunite with him.¡± Grim nodded in ascent as well. Kite¡¯s shoulders slumped in relief. ¡°Thank you. Truly, I am in your debt.¡± Unseen by Kite, Wander¡¯s foot once more transformed to the front half of a rat and bit Braid in the toe to forestall immediate collection of said debt. The young iron-ranker was having a moment, so balancing out their karma could wait.
¡°Well, that can¡¯t be good¡­¡± Walker was nowhere near a formation expert, but when what he assumed to be blood cultists led work to clear a small plot of land from plant and other debris and started drawing out a huge ritual circle, he would assume that something nasty was happening. ¡°And this is only one of the peripheral groups. Whatever could the rest be up to?¡± the thought to himself from his hidden vantage as he surveyed the groups in the light of the morning. Walker counted three bronze-rankers and about a dozen iron, the same group he had been following for days now. They had started producing a small camp from dimensional bags, as well as the materials for their rituals. Two of them, one iron and one bronze-ranker, had even begun to set up defensive formations around the area. From Walker''s internal map, and he had become very adept at that particular mental exercise over the years, they should only be a couple of days out from the three strongholds. ¡°This is probably a staging ground. They are planning to attempt something more decisive.¡± Walker thought with concern. It was a shame that they were too numerous and that he was still injured. Taking out just one of these might make an actual difference. Still, the society needed to know as soon as possible. He¡¯d just have to settle with reporting and- Simultaneously, both the defensive formations that the two cultists were working on violently blew up. The iron-ranker was slain instantly while the bronze still got half her face melted by the destructive discharge, staggering back clasping her face. ¡°One could be happenstance,¡± Walker thought¡±, but two¡­¡± As the rest of the cultists started scrambling to understand what happened, clearly understanding that something was wrong, heaven''s punishment was unleashed upon them. From around the clearing, glass shards started tearing into one of the bronze-rankers who had reacted the fastest, immediately starting to draw out a smaller summoning circle. His efforts was hampered as his skin got shredded and he was forced to dissolve himself into a blood mist, the defensive measure preserving his health but putting him on the defensive. Then other figures were moving into the clearing, clearly adventurers from their eclectic appearance, and started engaging the different iron-rankers. The bronze-ranker which had been damaged by the formation-mishap looked to have just about snapped out of her daze as several glowing threads shot out from between the trees, the thin fibers easily piercing through her body in several places as a robed and masked figure followed them out into the clearing. Neither thread was that damaging in and of itself, but their controller seemed to gather them all up between their fingers and making a series of complex motions. Walker got a trip down memory lane back to his childhood and the cat¡¯s cradles he used to form along with his friends. Only a heartbeat or two later, the resulting pattern was a different beast entirely from the simple geometric shapes, cups and hourglasses formed by children playing. It almost looked like¡­ ¡°A ritual circle?¡± Walker thought to himself, his guess apparently not too far off as it was apparently completed, harnessing crackling lightning which traveled from the woven circle along the threads and into the tangled cultist''s body. The result of that was quite a lot more damaging. In the center of the camp, the final bronze-ranked cultist just managed to unleash some kind of blood-frenzy boon which flowed over her allies, but further intervention was interrupted as a swarm of rats exuding a bronze-ranked aura flowed up from the grass beneath her feet, quickly covering her in a writhing mass of claws and teeth. It was only then that Walker¡¯s mind seemed to recognize the song which had suffused the clearing, starting out as a subtle hum but rising in strength. ¡°Wait, is it-¡± The last wave of adventurers broke through the treeline, Dragonfly entering like a comet trailing pink hair, axe already raised high, Will at her side carried forward by ¡®wings¡¯ of glowing spears. They both crashed into their enemies, increasing the havoc manifold through their destructive paths. And finally, Walker saw his boy. Little Kite, although Walker had to admit that he no longer felt as small, came charging in the wake of his friends and to Walker¡¯s surprise drew his staff and swung while still meters away from one of his targets. Only an instant later, the cultist was flung aside as if struck by a charging root-slinger rhino. ¡°The boy apparently got some new tricks up his sleeve.¡± Walker thought, relief at seeing him and the rest safe. Or at least as safe as they could be when ambushing enemy blood cultists deep in the forests of rural Hua-Xi. As he rose from his crouching position on the tree branch, leaves of every color started appearing in the air around Walker as he leapt out to join the fray. ¡°Can¡¯t allow myself to be completely shown up by the youngsters. What kind of mentor would that make me?¡± he thought to himself while airborne, before he descended into the chaos of conflict once again. 48. There will be a next time Kite had noted, with some satisfaction, that his spirit attribute had slowly but steadily climbed upward towards new levels during the months since he awakened all the powers of his void essence. His best measure for it was the duration at which he could keep his active perception power active without feeling the dizziness and the beginnings of a slight headache. What had earlier been short flashes was now pulses of several seconds, which left Kite with a decent overview of the battle in the clearing even as he was currently pursuing the iron-ranked cultist he had engaged. All around them were the red-to-gold foliage of the autumn lands, bathed in the early morning light, but the artificial clearing quickly became a mess of churned, scorched or otherwise ravaged earth as powerful leaps, spectacular attacks and area-warping spells were employed all over. Ducking under a stray projectile which came at him from the side, Kite once more struck at his opponent, this time bringing forth his spear. The thrust traveled the distance in a blink, carried by Kite¡¯s intent, grazing the thigh of the running cultist who desperately attempted to create some distance. Contrary to the more eclectic adventurers, the cultists were all wearing robes or capes of a blood red color over armor and other equipment, which was helpful in the chaos of battle as the two sides became easily distinguishable. Kite had to halt briefly in his pursuit as one of the enemy bronze-rankers leapt by, still covered in the swarm of rats which was Wander, and Kite could see with some fascination that the rats seemed to replenish their numbers through vampiric special attacks. ¡°Does Wander have the blood essence?¡± He thought to himself as he continued his pursuit. With his new racial gift evolution, he didn¡¯t need to move too far from Serene to continue threatening his target. The man had turned against Kite, chanting a spell he could not make out over the din of the conflict. He did see the web of scarlet threads which shot towards him, unfurling as it flew through the air and giving off a ravenous feeling. Fortunately, Kite had already thoroughly ingrained a steady confidence in his path over the year-and-a-half he had spent tempering it since his day of awakening. He waited until it was almost upon him, before slashing upward with the spear still in his hands, Pattern-shattering counter unraveling the engulfing effect of the spell. The motion had barely been completed when the spear disappeared, the haft of his combat staff taking his place as he brought it down with a slight chiming from the lone ring at its top. Once more, his intent made the attack strike true even as his opponent was some meters away, and with it came destructive spatial tears as Void-Sunders-Firmament ravaged his target¡¯s body, then did so again as the weaker echo struck. His opponent was brought low, but Kite could see two self-healing effects activating through his magical perception. In the earlier stages of this kind of battle, not affording the luxury of attempting capture, Kite chose the grim alternative as he replaced the staff with his greatsword, the heavy blade severing his opponent¡¯s head even at a distance. Trusting that an iron-ranker wouldn¡¯t survive decapitation, Kite instead turned to the other cultist which had been sneaking up towards his back. He had observed her progress through his all-round vision, and was just about to turn and engage the assassin when she herself was killed by a sneak attack, made by a storm of razor leaves and followed by a green, curved blade which descended from above. Its wielder became visible from behind the falling foe a moment later, but Kite already knew who it was as the cool winds of relief washed through him. Uncle Walker, wearing his usual forester¡¯s cloak and a stupid grin on his face, looked right at him while his cloud of leaves spread out to harass the targets around him. He looked a lot like his usual self, not at all like someone who had spent over a week alone in the woods. But Kite supposed that Walker always did that, and that this was probably his most natural look. While knowing in the back of his mind that it was a rather stupid move in their current situation, Kite couldn¡¯t stop himself from stepping forward and wrapping his uncle in a fierce hug. ¡°There, there, little Kite.¡± his uncle chuckled. ¡°Did you truly think this old growth would be brought low so easily?¡± As he hugged his uncle, even as the battle raged around them, Kite felt the absence of Walker¡¯s left arm which had previously been hidden by his cloak. ¡°I¡¯m alright, Kite, although it was a bit closer than I would have liked. I¡¯ll have it regrown when there¡¯s time.¡± he explained in response to Kite¡¯s concerned look. ¡°Ward!¡± was Kite¡¯s first response as a barrier sprang up to intercept the blazing red projectile which an opportunistic cultist had fired towards them, before he continued. ¡°It- it¡¯s good to see you uncle. The heavens have been kind. But- ¡°Ward!¡± - we should maybe continue this later.¡± ¡°You¡¯re as wise as your uncle, little Kite.¡± Walker grinned as they separated. ¡°This old man will have to do his part, after all!¡± As one, they returned to battle.
Having had the advantage of ambushing their enemies, the fight in the clearing had already been going solidly in the adventurer¡¯s favor. With the addition of another bronze-ranker, the rest of the combat was over quickly. Fortune had favored them enough that, while there were several wounded adventurers, none of their number had died, although two of the iron-rankers from the other group would need a lot of rest and attention by a healer. Grim had already opened a portal to let the wounded return directly to the spires while the others were searching the camp, grabbing dimensional bags and anything they could find. ¡°We should be swift and leave soon. I believe that this was one of the most peripheral groups, but I sensed a silver-ranked aura among the enemies a few days ago. We do not want to be here if someone noticed or they managed to send a warning of some kind.¡± Walker urged them. Braid took extra care to copy the ritual circle which was partly drawn on the ground onto a page in a notebook before they collectively made sure to properly ruin the circle to not let their enemies consolidate the position and simply continue. He let the rest do the more brutish work, and after finishing the transcription of the diagram he instead started laying down long streamers of cloth around the clearing. Arcane symbols were embroidered along their lengths, and as the circle was completed and some adjustments made, Braid used some kind of ability to stabilize the ambient mana around them while performing the ritual chant. Through his magical perception, Kite could see hints of the magical traces left by any fight become blurred and hard to make out. He reflected how fast he had gotten used to seeing the magical spectra intertwined with the rest of the world. ¡°What was that ritual?¡± he asked the man while helping him gather up the lengths of cloth. ¡°Oh, that? It was a quick ritual to disperse most lingering magical traces and remnants of aura. To make it harder for our foes, should they try to track us.¡± Braid answered. ¡°Your auntie¡¯s work helped me build my foundation in both formations and rituals, as my medium is well suited for both. The modular cloth ritual circles are good to use as a solution on the fly when there isn¡¯t as much time to work out something more tailored, if you forgive the pun.¡± Kite was thoroughly impressed, as what he knew about rituals told him the hours of work and testing which must have gone into the creation of such tools. They were done a few minutes later, and quickly took their time to throw the enemy corpses through Grim¡¯s portal as well. Since the beginning of the conflict, each contract had clauses to not leave enemy corpses behind if possible without further significant risk, as to not provide the church of Undeath with the chance to ¡®repurpose¡¯ them. After that, they quickly left along with Walker who had refused the opportunity to use the portal himself. ¡°A few days won¡¯t do any difference for this,¡± he had said while gesturing to his lost arm, ¡°And you will need someone to cover our physical trail as well when we retreat. It would be a shame for our ritualist to have gone through all the trouble only for them to look down and follow our trail. My ability to guide you all and let you pass without trace might have already hit silver, but that isn¡¯t a reason not to use it.¡± The results, while familiar to Kite and his group, still always filled Kite with a bit of pride as uncle Walker led them through the woods like ghosts, no signs of their passing left behind. At least none Kite or the rest of the group could perceive. With him as a steady presence, each step felt like it took them further for less effort expended. That first night, as they made camp a goodly way away from the ambush site, Kite sat down next to his uncle who was seated leaning against the trunk of a tree. The small, well hidden camp was bustling with whispered activity. Many were meditating, eating or drinking, while Braid was pouring over the ritual diagrams and documents found among the bags ¡®liberated¡¯ from their foes. Wander was taking the lead in extracting items from the bags, a sight straight out of a fairy tale as the swarm of rats worked in tandem to bring forth and sort items into different piles. ¡°It is a true relief to see you well, uncle. Or at least as well as one could expect from the circumstances of our parting. The thought of losing you was almost unbearable.¡± he said, handing a cup of steaming tea to Walker. ¡°It is a relief to be well, little Kite. The escape was not easy, but your cunning and daring old uncle showed them that they could not pin down a man of these forests, at least not as long as he has something worth sacrificing for.¡± his uncle answered, putting a fond hand on Kite¡¯s shoulder while accepting the cup with a conjured vine. ¡°And I did have divinity on my side too. Here, it is time I returned this. If the result is to be believed, its blessing was most helpful.¡± While the vine lifted the cup to his mouth for a sip, Walker returned the token of Fortune to Kite. ¡°Your aunties named you well. You truly are the bringer of fortune.¡± Kite said a silent prayer of thanks to the goddess. He didn¡¯t think that carrying the token in and of itself made any difference, at least not in the typical magical sense, but it had felt right to give it to Walker in the same way it felt right to have it returned. They remained seated there for a time in companionable silence, as they had done many times before in their small apartment, relishing in the sense of familiarity and companionship. It was Kite who broke the silence again after a while. ¡°Uncle, I¡­ did things I am not proud of.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°Back at the base camp, more sect disciples sought me out. It wasn¡¯t for me or something I had done in the end, but for politics. I was just thought of as a convenient stepping stone for their ambitions. And I fell for their taunts, and fought in anger. I hurt my opponent not to defeat him, but to use him as a tool to try out my latest ability. In the moment, it felt good. Like he deserved it. But after, when he lay there, I¡­ It was wrong, uncle.¡± ¡°I must admit, Kite, that I am surprised to hear this. This is not like you. What could they taunt you with to get such a rise out of you?¡± Kite was silent for a moment, obviously ashamed. ¡°It¡­ they insulted you. Called you worthless trash for ¡®dying¡¯. And it got to me, even though I already knew that it wasn¡¯t true, that you were alive. But it got to me. I was so tired, and they were acting so ignorant. Like they didn¡¯t care in the least for all you¡¯ve done for these lands. And for me. Like that you didn¡¯t matter. Which made- ah!¡± His confession was interrupted as Walker had reached out and flicked his nose. The gesture brought a flood of memories of all the times he had performed that gesture during their many hours spent training during his childhood. It had been the standard way of uncle Walker to remind Kite that he had done something reckless or foolish, wasn¡¯t listening properly or had lost his focus and needed to find it again. ¡°Little Kite, what have I told you about fighting in anger?¡± he asked, voice slightly reprimanding. ¡°That it is like handing your opponent a blade to hurt you with.¡± Kite said, abashedly. But he had to admit that the familiar experience and someone actually reprimanding him a bit felt not quite liberating. ¡°I have taught you that, yes. And what did I teach you about making mistakes?¡± ¡°That¡­ that they are an integral part of all growth, as long as we reflect on them.¡± ¡°Good lad. I hear you made a mistake, Kite. And yes, they were acting like dishonorable fools not worth what comes out the other end of a heidel. But on the other hand, your old uncle doesn''t want to matter to them. So next time, do not worry. I do what I do because I feel that it is a thing worth doing. Important. But mistakes are part of life, and fortunately you even came out on top from this one. At least in the short term.¡± Walker said, chuckling at Kite¡¯s sour face at the implication of consequences down the line. ¡°Then why did you flick my nose, if the mistake wasn¡¯t too bad?¡± Kite asked. ¡°Because, dear student, you need to center yourself and stop getting in your own way. The next time it happens, because there will be a next time, try and remember the words of your old uncle a bit sooner. Because they are ever wise and worthy of praise.¡± he finished with a roguish wink. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. ¡°I bow before my uncle''s eternal sagacity.¡± Kite said with a mock incline of his head.
Rupert was standing over the map, geared for battle. If he was to believe the emerging patterns, he would need it soon enough. ¡°- and so far there have been enemy silver-rankers pushing against our positions in multiple places, albeit in a different deployment than before. Early estimates are that most, if not all of them, might be deployed within the day. So far there has mostly been their forces curtailing ours and vice versa, attrition rather than decisiveness. Even so, the church of Undeath is expending minions at a higher rate than expected, so we can assume they are fishing for some gains.¡± one of his aides finished while others were busy calibrating the map to adjust for new battlefield conditions. ¡°So they want us busy. We¡¯ll see if we cannot manage to use it against them. Ready-¡± Rupert began, but was interrupted as his aura senses picked up another of his aides running for the command room, urgency clear in his iron-rank aura. ¡°Deputy director! We have scouts reporting back with prioritized intel!¡± the young man shouted as he entered the room seconds later, pushing a scroll into Rupert¡¯s waiting hand. The mental agility of silver rank once more showed its benefits as it took him only seconds to read the words and digest their meaning. ¡°And the rest, along with Braid, are returning on foot?¡± Rupert asked the man. ¡°Yes, deputy director, at least according to the wounded we received through the portal. They also sent all enemy corpses along for analysis and disposal.¡± ¡°Good.¡± he said before turning back to the room and raising his voice, the growling quality increasing to catch everyone''s attention. ¡°New orders! I want a defensive plan to be formed which can free up resources and strike teams for search-and-destroy contracts. If early estimates are to be believed, our enemies are preparing something out in those forests that they do not want us finding out about. Something we must strive to make sure isn¡¯t left to just be completed at their leisure. If no more silver-rankers have shown up in the upcoming six hours, we shall deploy our remaining to these strike teams as our foes might hold some back as well.¡± ¡°Yes, deputy director!¡± the aides and staff responded before resuming their duties. Rupert didn¡¯t know exactly which gods to thank for this development, but went with War and Fortune as they felt closest to the matter. He didn¡¯t care if it was mere happenstance that he got this news now rather than later, but it gave them something very important; a target. Or many targets, from what the report estimated The fallen sect¡¯s counterattack had robbed their forces of initiative, the enemy also having a sort of home-ground advantage. Now, they could retake that initiative as long as they were willing to make a bit of a gamble. But no conflict was entirely without such gambles, and Rupert thought his metaphorical hand of cards was pretty well stacked.
Grand elder White was a bit frustrated at recent developments. While he had remained in his position in the upper reaches of the sect¡¯s hierarchy, the cavalcade of challenges between the grand elders and elders had been a tiring debacle which had forced him to make new plans on many of the fronts as some of his ¡®allies¡¯ had gained enough influence to force a change of deployment. This had included his own position in the theater of war, as both the leaders of their forces from the Red table and church of Undeath had been assigned to stay behind their lines and oversee the preparations of the grand summoning circles and deployment of their most powerful undead. There was still plenty of contention left among the different factions, but at least that would be put aside in the upcoming conflict as they could focus their efforts in a glorious battle where they spread lord Pain¡¯s purview. While it had been irksome to have been influenced by outside forces in any matter as it went contrary to his path of dominance, White had to admit that it had turned out to be an excellent opportunity for self-tempering. He was currently engaging one of the grand elders from the Victorious Sunset sect, the woman who had killed one of the twins. While their lessers battled around them, both forces gave the silver-rankers a rather wide berth where their flickering movements and devastating attacks would mean fewer accidental casualties for their own side. One of White¡¯s chains was whipping around him so fast that it was basically a solid spherical barrier, the links deflecting the many arrows fired against him from the golden lyre-bow of his foe. She was both mobile, graceful and cunning, but White thought that he had at least seen through the first layers of her path. He let two of his chains extend before him in a sweep, links almost singing as they scythed through several trees. But not his opponent, elusive and hard to pin down even for him. His hand suddenly whipped up, a spray of blood coating his face as the arrowhead pierced his palm before being brought to a halt. It had appeared from nowhere, as if phasing into existence just before him. But White knew that wasn¡¯t the case. While his opponent¡¯s bow was dangerous, it was but a tool. A vessel to deliver the effects of the real source behind her power, which White had deemed to be her glowing, golden eye. He was still in the process of figuring out the specifics while they fought, but he somehow got the feeling that perception was brought into an entirely new realm for this woman. He wasn¡¯t even completely certain he could take her down, not unless he was willing to take a lot of risks. But as that wasn¡¯t his orders anyway, grand elder White decided to instead enjoy the experience. It was rare to get a thorough workout such as this.
When Kite finally arrived back at the stronghold of the adventure society along with the group, they found it a lot more sparsely populated than when they had left. The few adventurers they saw frequenting the few establishments in the small settlement which weren¡¯t related to logistics all looked a bit weary or wounded, often both. ¡°Excuse me, senior. May I ask you where everyone has gone off to?¡± Kite asked a bronze-ranker who sat at a table close to the small ¡®street¡¯ they were walking along as they made their way back to the tower. Her brightly lacquered armor had the color chipped in many places as well as dents and rents, many of the colorful tassels which decorated it having been lost in whatever struggle she had returned from. ¡°You¡¯ve just returned then? Must have been away for a few days. The deviants started a strong push just two days ago, and almost everyone is deployed near the front. The fighting is fierce but not enough to be anything decisive, but at this rate we might wear them down. Too slow for my taste though.¡± she finished, taking a sip from her glass. ¡°I¡¯ll go back as soon as two of our iron-rankers have been patched up.¡± Kite rejoined his companions after bowing in gratitude to the woman. ¡°It sounds like we¡¯ll be redeployed soon enough.¡± he said, summarizing what he had been told. ¡°Understandable. From what we saw at the ambush-site, they probably want to hide and protect the summoning circles until they are ready to do something decisive. As long as I can resupply and retrieve some extra pills, I should be good to leave whenever the contract calls us.¡± Walker stated with a nod. At Kite¡¯s incredulous gaze, he continued. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that, little Kite. Unless we have a silver-ranked healer around, which I am quite sure that we do not, this arm isn¡¯t being regrown anytime soon. And I would go stir crazy just waiting around here for a few days when you are out there. Let this old man do some good to balance out our karma for all the worrying I put you through.¡± ¡°Uncle, there is and can never be any bad karma between us, at least never according to me. You have done more than I could ever expect or.-¡± Kite began his protest before noticing his uncle¡¯s smirk. ¡°Earnest to a fault, little Kite. It still suits you. I remember you showing it even when you were but a toddler, all serious in your affections and statements.¡± Walker stated with a gleam in his eye and a fond hand on the younger man¡¯s shoulder. Kite was thankful that they had arrived at their destination by then, passing in through the main gates of the stone spire, or this might have risked devolving into his uncle regaling their companions with tales from Kite¡¯s childhood. Even though he didn¡¯t really lament many details, he still couldn¡¯t manage to shake the feeling of embarrassment he seemed to share with all young adults when their elders started reminiscing. They were soon met by a functionary who came running over to them, the rest of the stone hall being almost entirely devoid of people. ¡°Scouting team? Please come with me for a debriefing. Expect another war contract soon, as we are currently deploying nearly all of our assets.¡± the man told them without much preamble. What followed was a quick checking of facts and their status, the most focus given to Walker¡¯s reports of the enemy movements he had been observing during his travel eastward as well as Braid¡¯s further analysis of the arcane materials he had studied. ¡°-so if I understand it correctly, the theory about grand summonings being prepared is still the most likely, probably fueled by blood sacrifice, on multiple sites a few days out into the western woodlands. And that they will likely deploy concealment measures and be defended?¡± ¡°That is correct. I have not been able to glean anything about the scale, but I would assume it to be as extensive an undertaking as our enemies can muster.¡± Braid said, more strictly professional than during his interactions with Kite. So far, Kite had never seen him without the layers of fabric covering him from head to toe. While he was certainly curious, it was not a subject he intended to pry into. Braid wasn¡¯t the first essence-user he had met who had certain quirks. Kite thought a bit what his own were, and more what they would become. Assuming he survived. The functionary nodded at Braid¡¯s words. ¡°I shall send them along with the supplementary report. You have done very well, and the deputy director himself has let it be known that this will reflect very positively in your contribution to this war. Expect a new contract in a few hours, as you will each be assessed for where you are needed the most.¡± he finished before hurrying off. ¡°Well.¡± Walker stated in the silence which followed. ¡°I don¡¯t know about you younglings, but I for one will aim for some rest. It sounds like we have some hectic days ahead of us.¡±
¡°Thanks, Kite.¡± Dragonfly said as their palms separated and they let the meditative aura technique they had been practicing dissolve. ¡°It felt better to have some company today, with everything that¡¯s going on.¡± ¡°Your mere presence is a boon, dear Dragonfly, a balm for a weary soul.¡± he replied, sprinkling in a bit more over-the-top poetic earnestness which made her giggle. The pair was currently sitting facing each other on the floor of Kite¡¯s small room, although cell might be a better word for the simple stone rooms assigned to returning adventurers for short periods of time. While this was not the time or the place for the physical parts of their practicing, she was still a comforting presence in a spiritual sense, one Kite realized he should have gone looking for earlier when frustration and distress still gnawed at his core. ¡°So, are those your winnings?¡± she asked, pointing at a small wooden box which Kite had yet to pack away into a dimensional bag. He had been given it when he asked a functionary about his assigned quarters, having been left for safekeeping with the personnel of the adventure society. Kite sighed as he looked at it. ¡°Yes, it is. Although looking at it still gives me less than pleasant feelings, like the taste of something vile in my mouth which hasn''t yet faded. Dragonfly gave him a long look, then gave him a hug. ¡°It is okay to get angry Kite, at least sometimes. And it is okay to be ashamed too. Better to focus on what you actually want to do going forward. Consider this hug my way of flicking your nose.¡± she said before releasing him. ¡°What are you going to do with them?¡± Kite reached over and opened the lid before showing her the content. The six-by-six inch cube of the essence was clear crystal, but the insides were filled with lines of color that showed some kind of avian motif no matter from which angle one viewed it. The two awakening stones rested beside it, one which looked to be filled with falling rain frozen in time while the other had a relief of a nose in its center. ¡°Are¡­ what even are these?¡± Dragonfly asked, turning the essence around. ¡°From what I¡¯ve gathered from the magic society index, it should be the bird essence along with the awakening stones of rain and nose. All common and some of the cheapest.¡± Kite said, smiling slightly at the concepts made manifests. ¡°You can¡¯t blame them for splurging on you at least.¡± Dragonfly chuckled. ¡°But you didn¡¯t answer my question earlier. What will you do with them?¡± ¡°Sell them, I guess? Not sure if the branch director would want these for his children. But on the other hand, no essences or stones are inherently bad if you discount the restricted ones. Just look at instructor Whisper with the paper and ink essences.¡± Dragonfly looked to be lost in thoughts, and Kite patiently waited for her to gather what threads she seemed to be searching for. ¡°What if¡­ you didn¡¯t sell them?¡± she asked after a while, continuing at Kite¡¯s unspoken urging. ¡°You said that many in the sects use these for influence? To pay for favors, service and so on from those who have yet to complete their sets?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Apparently, there is even a certain status among some of the sects if you earn at least a few of your stones while in their service, rather than arriving with all powers awakened. At least from what mistress Dew once told me.¡± Kite said, sending a thought to his newest mentor. They hadn¡¯t had the chance to speak since they were deployed, but he hoped she was doing well. ¡°Well, couldn¡¯t you do the same? But a bit- I don¡¯t know¡­ Better? Nicer?¡± ¡°You mean I should sponsor followers? That feels a bit presumptuous.¡± Kite started to object, before falling silent as he saw that she wasn¡¯t finished. ¡°Not like them, at least not exactly. But what if you could use them to make a difference for others? Like investing in people you liked or thought would do good? If it will be as you think, they will probably keep coming after you for a while, so why not get something out of it that will benefit more people? But you will always need money, so it might be a stupid idea...¡± she finished, trailing off in uncertainty. ¡°No¡­ No it is not.¡± Kite said as he thought it over. The idea felt nice, worthwhile. ¡°It definitely warrants some further consideration. Thank you, Dragonfly. I will hang on to these treasures. Your wisdom is as profound as your beauty is radiant.¡± ¡°Feel free to continue the praise.¡± she said in mock haughtiness, even though she always blushed slightly at his antics.
In the end, the wait had the same paradoxal quality as waiting usually had, time passing both slow and fast at the same time. Even though it had only been a few hours, Kite still felt refreshed as they had once more gathered down in the hall at the spire¡¯s base. ¡°We will once more be deployed as part of a ranging effort to find and disrupt as many of these ritual sites as possible. Normally there are only a few iron-rankers part of those teams, and we have been specifically requested to join by Braid.¡± Grim stated to the group, before turning to Kite. ¡°You seem to have been the reason for that request, so I assume it has something to do with what you and he were practicing?¡± Kite felt a bit surprised by the revelation, but the thought of once more joining the competent bronze-rankers was a bit thrilling. He did wonder if Braid¡¯s academic curiosity hadn¡¯t gotten the better of him this time around though. ¡°It was approved on one condition; that Walker remain a separate part of the group for further scouting. You iron-rankers might be a liability in terms of retreat, but as long as I remain the only bronze-ranker in the group my portals made the option palatable to the leadership. But I will urge you all to exercise caution, as I suspect this will be even more perilous than our raids against the outposts further inside enemy territory.¡± Kite was just about to object to once more being separated from uncle Walker when the man in question interrupted his protests. ¡°Do not fret, Kite. I will still be with you. It is only in the case of a retreat that I will make my own way back while you portal. And as you should know by now, I am quite hard to catch around these parts.¡± Kite, mollified by Walker¡¯s words, raised no more issues with the contracts and neither did the rest. Auras tempered by a bit of experience and projecting resolve, the group once more headed out. To war. 49. Glimpses of war Undead were great. Not conceptually or morally, of course, the practice being a vile perversion of both body and life. But as enemies, they were great. Their often numerous but relatively simple nature, along with allowing for an easy moral stance to take when facing them, left them in just the right spot for Dragonfly to enjoy as she was swinging her conjured greataxe consisting of solid flames through a pair of zombies. From the look of the twitchy piles of aggressive decomposition, these particular ones had once been warriors of the enemy sect now repurposed to fight for them again. Dragonfly idly wondered if they had been given a choice or not in the matter, but the swelling power within her soon pulled her back into the moment as her inner glow continued to intensify. The group was currently fighting near one of the places suspected to house a ritual circle, the first one they had managed to locate in their sweeps a few days in. From the resistance they were facing, at least something had to be here. Among the trees, adventurers fought the undead and their priests, and she thought she glimpsed a swarm of rats pursuing a retreating robed figure while an intense firefight where glass shards and necrotic bolts tore through the air was raging further off. She and the rest of the iron-rankers were engaged in protecting Braid where he worked on bringing down the defensive formations, keeping the more numerous iron-ranked undead off him as his threads did their thing. Dragonfly was happy to leave the arcane details to Braid and the others. In the end, her path had always been one of strength and conquering her foes through conflict. But that didn¡¯t mean Dragonfly didn¡¯t think. Take her childhood dream for an example. She knew that annihilating all the monsters of the world was impossible, that the beasts were a result of the ambient magic manifesting along with a motive spirit and as part of the natural cycle of the world as her. But she also thought that the drive and the ambition driving that dream was worthwhile. That as many people as possible should be protected from the loss she had suffered along with so many others. So Dragonfly thought and fought on, a bit of pride and fierce joy in how far she had come so far, spurred on by the energetic magical flaming fury building inside her with each second and every glancing strike of her opponents. Her second ability to hit bronze-rank, it had now started to passively increase her power and speed along with the increases being hit provided. It wasn¡¯t anger per se, even though the ''feel'' of the power implicated it, but energy. Her breaths felt like fire without pain, the energy needing to be spent. So she moved faster and hit harder, and for every moment she simply felt like she was more. As yet another zombie fell before her, the swathe of flame bathing the ground behind the falling corpse, she found herself standing in front of a huge flesh construct of multiple bodies fused together which emitted the flat aura of a bronze-ranked undead. There were no visible stitches, it was that the flesh seemed to have been sealed and joined with some malevolent ideas behind it. A trio of legs built from several humanoid limbs ¡°woven¡± together supported a trio of elongated torsos, each with one head and a pair of clawed arms. She thought she saw something dark and liquid-looking in the hollow sockets. ¡°Dragonfly, do you need assistance?¡± Kite asked from where he was currently actively intercepting yet more of the sneaky spirits which these particular Undeath clergy members seemed to enjoy interspersing with their forces for sneak attacks, staff and spear taking turns materializing to strike at foes both near and far. ¡°Oh no, this one is will be a perfect stepping-stone for my path!¡± she answered, already in motion. She did have time to give him a ferocious grin and idly note that his butt still looked cute even when clad in the armor before turning her full focus back to the thing in front of her. Just before she leapt to the attack, she unleashed another of her tricks she was still practicing with as she threw the axe ahead of her. It became almost like a wheel of flames which cut and seared the interposed arms of the monstrosity. And remained there, pushing against its defenses as she leapt towards her foe, having drawn a second, simpler axe from her dimensional pouch. It was a result of her awakening stone of animation and the power it had brought, which she had trained most diligently with during the many months since she got it. Instead of just making accurate throws and calling the weapon back, she could now animate the axe and control it separately within a certain range. As such, she had been practicing ever harder to overcome that challenge, getting closer to what mastery she could manage before her spirit attribute overcame the threshold to bronze-rank. The impact of her leaping attack was enough to shear through the intervening limb of the abomination where her fiery weapon had already weakened the appendage, her speed and power already having passed into the realm of bronze rank from the earlier battle. This boosted speed was what allowed her to quickly shift her weight against one of the thing¡¯s torsos and spring away just before the remaining five arms came for her, seeking to sunder her flesh. Avoiding the bulk of the strikes, she still received a glancing blow which sent her flying to the ground and bouncing a few times, each impact dealing less damage than the one which came before while further sparking the power inside her. Using the last bounce to flip to her feet among the shambling enemies, she flicked some stray, pink curls away from her face and grinned. Ready to throw herself into the fray once more. She was Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s Reflection, and each hit only made her path stronger. One day, it would be her who was reflected in the lands below.
The thin sword of ice hummed slightly as it passed through the air, armor and enemy throat faster than a normal-ranker would be able to follow, the intense chill of the weapon causing the blood to spray out of the wound like a flurry of red snow rather than a gout of liquid. Frost among Morning Dew let the blade continue its sideways arc, slicing into one of the silver-ranked undead their enemies had employed in limited numbers throughout this conflict. The bone-clad wraith was already covered in frost and moving slow enough that even a bronze-ranker would be able to dodge it with relative ease, having remained in combat with mistress Dew for a little while. She had faced similar foes several times now, and had learned that she could handle them rather easily after an initial aggressive flurry to build up her frost afflictions which made them both slow and more vulnerable, before setting off in search of other targets. This one had pursued her over the arctic field which formed as she fought, accumulating more of the affliction and damage. ¡°They really should take the time to make you smarter the next time around.¡± she told the unspeaking wraith, blue lips curving up in a smile as she deemed it ready to be finished off. She made a dismissive flick of her head, long silver hair trailing the motion, as she chanted a spell. ¡°Succumb to the march of the everfrost.¡± With a snapping sound, the frost coating suddenly encompassed the whole undead in the blink of an eye, the being frozen still like a statue even as she thought she could see the semi-liquid spirit inside it squirming within its icy bone prison. As mistress Dew soon expected company, she did not tarry in executing the final part of the sequence. Stretching her arms upward and out, fingers spread wide, ten three-meter long swords of gleaming ice formed in a circle above her foe, their tips pointed diagonally inward. Smile still playing over her blue lips, she brought her arms down in a dramatic gesture. And with them, the swords fell inwards, followed by a screeching and shattering cacophony as the ice blades skewered their target before they started shattering and fusing together, leaving only a spiky arctic monument behind to gleam in the setting sun. As her expected company seemed to be late, mistress Dew took the time to look out over the battlefield, where her icy domain reached outward over a hundred meters around her by this point. All around, the adventurers kept their enemies at bay, her allies unhindered by the ice and cold ever since her abilities had reached silver rank. Not that Dew had allies to fight with that often, but in this case it sure was useful. And it made her one of the adventure society¡¯s most useful defensive warriors, a fact she recognized even though it irked her that she wasn¡¯t sent to hunt them down behind their lines. ¡°Still, any moment now should have one of them-¡± she thought, a presence interrupting the thought as if on cue and sending her smile plummeting to a frosty line. ¡°You again? Didn¡¯t they have anyone better to spare?¡± she asked loudly as a dozen illusions sprung into existence around her. They all looked like simple sect warriors from their enemies, each crafted with surprisingly delicate care and attention to detail. Even their movements were incredibly lifelike and differed from one another as they closed in on mistress Dew as one. And Dew knew better than to underestimate them, because she had faced this particular trickster before. ¡°I tire of you and your plays of light and dolls.¡± Dew stated calmly even as she conjured a twin-bladed sword into a spinning slash to ward off the closing circle of assailants. Most of the illusions were harmlessly dispersed while she felt something break inside a few of them, releasing disorienting pulses of magic. Dew¡¯s foe had so far fought by conjuring illusions, all of them at least a little tangible but some formed around conjured frameworks which gave them increased power and resilience as well as serving as a fulcrum for a slew of other annoying effects. She was still unsure if her true foe sometimes took the place of one of the illusions, but had never actually laid eyes on them. The mental assault was familiar however, harmlessly washing over her as her mind had already sunk into her Icon of Ice, a special ability resembling a meditative technique which made her mind sharp and unflinching. ¡°I am wounded, little ice queen. Here I had thought our little dances to be quite pleasant.¡± a strangely sonorous voice said, emanating from all of the dozen new illusions which formed around her. ¡°It might just be that none deem you worthy enough to do much else than chase your own snowflakes?¡± The taunt was as ineffective as the dazing assault had been, mistress Dew¡¯s facade not cracking as their conflict began anew. Her opponent¡¯s illusions dashed and fainted, cooperated and coordinated, often switching places at the last moment or activating coordinated special attacks where several of the illusionary weapons started glowing only for others to actually deliver the potent attacks. In response, Dew fell into her Way of Relentless Winter as she constantly applied a steady pressure even under such duress. Each blow whipping up small sheets of shimmering crystalline powder snow from the icy landscape below, Dew fought with blades, gauntlets, spears, shields, chakrams, segmented whips, fauchards and a variety of other weapons, conjuring one or more anew as her moves dictated in the strive for the everlasting and inevitable pressure of winter. ¡°Dance to the steps of phantasmagoria¡± As she heard her opponent¡¯s chant, Dew sighed inwardly as she knew from experience what this would bring, already frustrated that even her domain of ice stretching so far around them didn¡¯t allow her to locate her hidden true foe. The illusions started moving with greater speed and more unpredictable movements as another layer of illusions dropped on top of them, turning them into chaotic blurs of truth and falsehood overlapping. Even this she had been able to fend off in their earlier clashes, but Dew decided on a more forceful approach this time. ¡°Brought by the northern winds, I welcome the subjugator of autumn.¡± A burst of chill winds emanated from her, even affecting the semi-tangible illusions enough to slow their advance. The wind was followed by a snapping sound as Dew was encased in a construct of clear ice similar to a three meter tall statue which looked like a regal, armored androgynous warrior complete with a cape of fine snow and clinking decorative chains and tassels made from fine ice crystals. Still visible within, Dew fell into her stance once more as the conjured armor around mimicked her graceful motion. Then battle was joined once more, every strike empowered by her new strength and reach. Illusions fell under the onslaught while their strikes which landed started chipping away at the ice juggernaut, their battle decimating the now frozen forest in their vicinity. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. As with most battles between silver-rankers, the outcome was rarely swift. Their durability was beyond superhuman, as were their stamina and reserves of mana. Relentless winter and rending ice met illusory lies and deceitful half-truths. As during their two earlier clashes, Dew held on without too much trouble. But where she before hadn¡¯t been able to aim for anything decisive, she started to feel that this might change this time as her revelation of one of her trump cards, the subjugator of autumn, seemed to have pushed her opponent to slip up. Patiently waiting a few more exchanges and waves of attacks, Dew suddenly shifted, releasing the slender icy greatsword she had been about to swing only to snap around as a long spear instead shot from her hand towards one particular illusion that had started to ever so subtly feel ¡®off¡¯ to her senses. Ostensibly, it was no different than the rest which had appeared and disappeared during their battle, but she felt a tiny surge of triumph even through her combat meditation when her spear impaled something tangible. As the illusion shattered, she saw a man with the most nondescript face she had ever seen, every feature the very definition of blandness, something that shouldn¡¯t be possible in a silver-ranker. He looked at her with wide eyes, his eyes a watered down brown as they met hers through her icy armor and only conveying shock at the sudden turn. In hindsight, Dew would realize the depth of skill and dedication it would have taken for him not to smirk in that moment. Because just after, a thin short sword slid through the back of her armor, the ice parting like water before stabbing through the back of her head even as the shocked illusion still met Dew¡¯s gaze. ¡°Every defense is a lie if you look at it from the right direction.¡± The same sonorous voice stated behind her as all the potential of her ¡®decisive¡¯ blow seemed to have been stolen and redirected into her, one of the most potent kinds of defensive abilities which had multiple variations throughout the world. But before he could continue what was sure to be a monologue, he suddenly froze. Literally. Even faster than his silver-rank reflexes allowed him to react, Dew¡¯s body had frosted over with a thin sheet of ice which traveled up the blade and into his body, covering them both. A perceptive observer could have seen the last remnant of a protective amulet, featuring fire agates, crumble under the creeping ice. And then her form, along with the conjured armor, shattered as Frost among Morning Dew broke out from a shell of ice, somehow shifting off the sword which had previously pierced her head. Still bleeding from her head, she whirled around and kicked off the crumbling ice construct beneath her as her hand reached out toward her still immobile enemy, snapping a silver-ranked suppression collar around his neck. All remaining illusions winked out as she bore him to the frozen ground a few meters below, the cracks in the ice encasing him only widening from the impact and his struggles. But Dew knew that the ice of her second trump card, which she had named her Still Statue Reversal, would take a bit more punishment than that before shattering. The ability was Dew¡¯s last line of defense, a counter similar to that which her foe had attempted to spring onto her. But instead of reflecting damage, it encased her foe in magical ice with a duration and thickness proportional to the damage that was dealt as her inner glacial wellspring was let loose. As of bronze-rank, it also provided a potent damage reduction which had kept her from dying a few times during her career. ¡°But I have to thank the heavens for the resiliency of silver rank. I probably would not have survived such an injury for long enough to activate it on lower ranks.¡± she thought as she looked down at her frozen foe, the cracks continuing to widen in response to his struggles. ¡°And I will have to thank them for such a prize. You will provide me with a great boon to my contribution.¡± Dew had not expected to actually get to use the silver-ranked suppression collar all of their silver-rankers had been provided with in case a capture was deemed possible, but it had also been the most expedient way to end the fight now that he had been incapacitated for a short duration. Still, she felt that the old adage ¡®better safe than sorry¡¯ held weight, and she repeated her spell from earlier, used on the undead. ¡°Succumb to the march of the everfrost¡± Even more ice encased her foe, and his struggles momentarily seized. With battle still going on in the forests around her, she casually reached down to grab a frozen foot and started walking, dragging her prize after her on her way back toward the adventurer positions and more thorough confinement. Even injured, she was content, feeling yet another sliver of growth on her path towards the heavens. Still slow, as was expected after long since hitting ¡®the wall¡¯ close to the middle of the rank, but she was patient. Had already been patient for a long time. She was Frost among Morning Dew, and one day her patience would come to an end. And she would once more return south to bring her relentless winter back towards those who had wronged her.
Dancer on the Broken River was concerned as she led her battle-thralls in a fighting retreat, although the concern was not for herself or her situation, but this whole war. Ever since the last meeting, something had been irking her, itching at the back of her mind. Even as she trailed her chains, sending them out to harass and slow her opponents, students of the Victorious Sunset sect who were pursuing them, her mind still felt half distant where she weaved through projectiles and inflicted painful counterattacks, instead trying to grasp the nebulous feeling inside her. Still, the situation in itself was also troublesome, although more frustrating than concerning. Those spiteful heaven-cursed bastards from the path of pleasure had not shown up where they were to be deployed, instead charging off in search of new euphoria to seek from what enemies they could catch. Even though River believed in her path and its power, a war was not something even a Hua-Xi essence-user took on alone without at least some nearby allies to even out the pressure and create glorious duels for tempering their strength against one another. The actions of their allies had left them too outnumbered, leading to their retreat through the forest. While they had wounded, they at least hadn¡¯t any true casualties yet. Three of River¡¯s chains disappeared upwards into the foliage only to come crashing down on a sect initiate who was pressuring one of her thralls. The painful strikes caused the young woman to stagger while another chain yanked at the fallen thrall to drag him along and resume their retreat. They were ultimately a resource to spend, but River would only do so when there was an actual purpose to it or momentum to be seized by the action. ¡°Screen us.¡± she told one of the two bronze-ranked thralls currently under her command, the woman twitching slightly at the spike of aura she was conditioned to respond quickly to. After an expense of mana, the thrall, clad in slate-gray robes like the others, stomped the ground with a quick and monotone chant. ¡°Erupt, toxic breath of the underworld.¡± Several cracks opened in a wide swathe behind them which started spewing up a toxic, obscuring cloud which should at least delay their pursuers for a little while and give them a greater lead. While it did just that, enemies with wind, fire or other powers up to the task started dispersing or disrupting the cloud almost immediately. River still deemed it enough, and that their pursuers should soon retreat if they knew what was best for them. Which the sect fools rarely did. They were far away from the rest of their allies now, and River¡¯s own side had prepared some unpleasant surprises for those who would draw close to their positions. While some did pursue them still, calls of challenge echoing through the forests, River was a bit disappointed as a stronger voice cut through the area. ¡°We shall halt here and return!¡± It immediately got some pleading and frustrated responses. ¡°Inner disciple, they are getting away!¡± ¡°Only one more push, honored inner disciple?¡± ¡°Surely, we cannot show cowardice in the face of-¡± The last voice was interrupted by a ringing slap followed by the thud of a body hitting a tree. ¡°We shall halt here and return.¡± The inner disciple stated again. ¡°The grand elders have been very clear on the matter, and I will not lose contribution for your disobedience. Initiate Shrill, carry the fool back. We return.¡± ¡°Yes, inner disciple!¡± the other voices responded in a loud chorus. River had wished to see them pay for their transgression, but apparently this was a time for surprises, and few of them pleasant. ¡°Another stone added to my quarry of concerns.¡± River thought as she had the group slow down while continuing back to regroup. The nagging feeling remained, an itch unscratched. But she was Dancer on the Broken River, daughter of the grand elder. She would still prove herself, leaving this conflict as but a stepping stone on her path towards the heavens, becoming untouchable while all others were chained beneath her.
Even as Braid worked, he felt his surroundings with his threads. These ones weren¡¯t tangible or even visible to most, but the thinnest of mana threads suffusing his aura. They allowed his spiritual perception to see more, feel more, especially magic. And in the remnants of the battle with the undead, there were still lingering sensations. Plenty of dark, miasmic patches where the deathly energies had not yet dispersed or where the foul spells of the clergy of Undeath had landed. Where the revenants who had sprung from their corpses had fallen, the energies had a different feeling entirely with remnants of foul divinity causing Braid to retract his aura from those places. He could also feel the traces of his allies, now keeping watch and searching for anything useful around the ritual circle. Wander was everywhere, as usual, and Braid could also feel the remnants of the iron-rankers, even though their lower rank had them dissipating faster. The cinders of Dragonfly, the piercing determination of Will and the emptier patches from Kite¡¯s nullifications. That boy sure was interesting, and Braid had hopes he could snag him for some work and projects as long as they both got back from this. And Serene. Her humming notes still permeated the area, causing Braid¡¯s aura threads to vibrate along with it in a most pleasing way. He couldn¡¯t help but be fascinated by her, drawn to her. But those were matters for another time, especially as his work was now done. ¡°I have the final copy. We can leave now.¡± he said, rising to his feet. As the others were gathering, Braid took a more active approach. A pulse of mana pulled some of his aura threads into the physical world, his motions guiding them to shoot down into the summoning circle below him, threading their lines in just the right places if his initial assessment was to be trusted. In his hands, his fingers deftly wove a pattern between his fingers, another mumbled incantation completing the ritual as it began to draw in ambient mana in a controlled flow which then flowed out into certain points of the circle, which began to warp and disrupt under the growing magical pressure inside it before, almost all at once, disintegrating. Braid let his threads dissipate, satisfied. It had been a quite elegant solution, and something to be improved upon in the future. ¡°You know, we could have blasted the earth and sundered the circle for the same effect~?¡± Wander asked him as she appeared by his side, walking from the clearing together. ¡°And where would be the challenge in that? The art? And we wouldn¡¯t learn anything from it.¡± Braid sighed in exasperation. ¡°But blasting is always fun~.¡± she countered. ¡°Wander, you don¡¯t even have any powers I would remotely describe as ¡®blasting¡¯.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know that! Maybe I¡¯ve been saving a secret or two~.¡± she winked before disassembling into her swarm state and spreading out around them. Braid sighed but smiled as she left, feeling the pace of the group pick up as Walker''s abilities started taking hold. His mind had already sunk into the familiar cognitive realm of possibilities where he theorized, adding the latest design of the summoning circle to his growing list of magical patterns. One day, he would have learned them all, unraveling their mysteries. For he was Braid Spun from Honesty, and he would know the patterns of this world so that he could unravel them as well and weave them anew into a tapestry worthy of the heavens.
Jarvan LanCaire, director of the adventure society''s Gilded branch, was bored. He knew he should be focused, doing his utmost as their people were off to fight along with their allies. But with so many gone, there was mostly wrangling those that were left into picking up the slack of contracts, and that wasn¡¯t usually his job. ¡°Journey¡¯s jaunty jugs, why must I be classified as ¡®vital personnel¡¯ and be left here.¡± he muttered, looking at the inactive messenger construct on his table as if it was the offender in question. The jade and steel bird looked back, its glassy eyes unblinking and inanimate. Rupert¡¯s last message had indicated that the fighting had picked up, and that careful early estimates had it going in their favor. But he had also said that their foes were planning something, and that handling it or not might be the true defining factor. Jarvan trusted Rupert, and had done so for decades now. Even named two- no three -kids at least partially after him. He knew that his friends would see them through, but still he wished to be there. To feel the very air humming with conflicting auras, swing his gauntlets to disperse his foes, to dodge, leap, chant spells and- ¡°Excuse me, director. I¡¯ll just leave the materials for the upcoming year''s financial report here by the door for you to look at when there is time.¡± an elderly aide said as he just leaned in through the door, depositing a veritable mountain of papers on a nearby table and then quickly left. The metaphorical wind left Jarvan¡¯s sails immediately as he stopped to look at the new offender in the room before going over and picking up the huge stack, grumbling all the way back to his desk. Before diving into the work, he took his time to look out the window. If nothing changed, he would see this view for a long time, with golden leaves swaying like a sea around the city. The bustling streets, colorful murals and often beautiful wooden houses with their curved, tiled roofs. Sighing, he turned back to his papers, memories of excitement playing in the back of his mind. Those had been good days, albeit dangerous, and they would come again. And he would make sure that his children were ready for them. Because he was Jarvan LanCaire, and there was nothing he wouldn¡¯t do for love and family. 50. May Warrior guide your strikes ¡°Report.¡± the sect leader commanded from behind her screen, the white light projecting her silhouette onto the paper with eerie accuracy. ¡°Yes, sect leader.¡± grand elder White replied. ¡°Our clashes with the enemy have mostly kept them busy during this last week of preparations. It should only be two days, maybe less, before we can initiate the summoning and begin our push anew.¡± ¡°I sense hesitation, grand elder.¡± the words were as soft and light as they usually were, yet their implications still held danger. ¡°Sect leader, the adventurers caught wind of us setting up the rituals days before even the most pessimistic expectations. They have been harrying our location and have already destroyed several. With the decrease in summoning locations, I am unsure if it will be enough to turn the tides. We have already lost grand elder Delusion a few days ago, without being able to confirm a kill or enable a capture of our own. Their silver-rankers outnumber ours now. Even with the grand summoning circle, we should consid-¡± ¡°Are you saying, grand elder, that you are weaker than our foes? That I made a mistake in trusting you with this operation?¡± the same equanimity in her voice, yet the feeling of threat only increasing. White was silent for a moment. ¡°No, grand elder.¡± ¡°Then trust in your path. Even as we wrangled for supremacy, the heavens still saw fit to test our paths properly. Strength against strength. Trust in us and the sect. Trust in me.¡± White looked up at the screen. ¡°Sect leader, you intend to take to the field?¡± ¡°When I deem the moment to be correct.¡± she answered, tone steady. Inwardly, White was relieved. If the sect leader meant to be personally involved, their prospects suddenly looked better. Their enigmatic leader was the one who their whole sect rested on. Without her intervention, the sect would have collapsed completely a decade ago when they were attacked. ¡°Then I will return to the front. Although I might need to chastise some of our members. Not all have acted with the sect¡¯s best interest at the forefront of their minds.¡± he stated, rising to his feet from where he knelt. ¡°Grand elder, the strength of your path should allow you to retake dominion over our forces. Otherwise, the heavens did not mean for it to be so. Go, and succeed in our name. Bring those who sought to challenge us to their knees.¡± ¡°Yes, sect leader.¡± White bowed and left the otherwise empty room. The situation at the front was strained enough that they couldn¡¯t just gather the elders at their leisure anymore. As such, he alone had been called in to report. Traveling back through the forests, his silver-rank speed and conjured chains making the passage swift and simple, White was left with his thoughts and his plans. The summoning would soon begin, and then they would clash. He would strive to deliver pain to his opponents in such numbers that his god would laud his efforts. The battle might be a dire one, but they had prevailed before with the help of the sect leader, and would do so again.
¡°The Victorious Sunset sect apologizes to the Descending Star sect for casting aspersions on their character.¡± grand elder Sight said while bowing at just the right angle to show proper respect. ¡°And the Descending Star sect apologizes to the Victorious Sunset sect for this grand elder¡¯s harsh words and for not having connected the missing initiates and disciples to this matter in time.¡± grand elder Meridian returned an equal bow. The tension was palpable, but not with the angry buzz of aggression it had held the last time. Rupert thought that it would have to do, for now, but shuddered to imagine the chaos should the Victorious Sunset sect have prioritized retribution at the time of the incident. Investigators from the adventure society had gathered information, eye-witness accounts and examined the remains of the attackers. With information provided by both sects, it didn¡¯t take too long to realize that while the ambushers which had attacked after the initial silver-ranked clashes were indeed members of the Descending Star sect, they were all marked as missing either before or during the war. As all sides had faced the battle-thralls of their enemies as well as their illusory tricksters and spies, it did not take long to piece together a reasonable image of what had transpired. The attack had never been intended to succeed in a direct way, but was merely another attempt to put a chink in their fragile unity. One that might well have succeeded, had the Victorious Sunset sect not performed their internal purge of both people and purpose beforehand. ¡°Then I say we settle this matter. Both of your sects will be rewarded as agreed upon.¡± Rupert declared, standing from his seat and taking the floor. They were gathered in a temporary command post not far from their lines, and Rupert had still prioritized only bringing in one grand elder from each sect, he himself representing the adventure society. The rest were still needed at the front. While things looked to be in their favor for now, the pressure needed to be kept up in order to execute the next phase. ¡°As you know, our enemies'' preparations are expected to soon reach their conclusion, at least from our ritualist¡¯s estimation after examining the materials brought in. That is why we are readying for a push of our own ahead of their time-table, and for that we will need a competent spearhead. All of our silver rankers will be requested to join in, albeit that Vigil will be our first reserve and ready to intervene should the enemies try to circumvent us with one of their own. From their efforts and numbers, we should be at a qualitative advantage against the enemy, only their undead helping correct for the quantity. If we can disrupt the summoning and keep it such, we might be able to tip the scales thoroughly in our favor.¡± While he talked, Rupert had made adjustments to the plans and troops on his more simple map used in the mobile camp, each silver-ranker being important enough to warrant their own marker in this conflict. Rupert thought it a bit ironic how the importance of a single silver-ranker varied across the world. During the last monster surge, he and his team had been in Rimaros and had been but a drop in the silver-ranked bucket where they were the rank-and-file. Individually rather unimportant. ¡°Will our allies in the sects accept this war contract?¡± he asked, turning to the two grand elders. ¡°The Victorious Sunset sect will accept.¡± grand elder Sight stated, quick on the uptake and without preamble. Grand elder Meridian took her time, at least trying to look like she was pondering alternatives before nodding. ¡°The Descending Star sect will accept it as well.¡± ¡°Then we shall sign it and start assigning our forces. Hopefully, the upcoming days will see us through.¡± Rupert said, laying out the contract for them both to sign. ¡°For the strength of our paths.¡± both women stated almost simultaneously.
Kite was deep in meditation where he sat in the small pavilion-like tent the group shared, having made their camp in the forest as a part of the sprawling campsite which most adventurers in the field returned to between contracts. The practice of meditation was both to calm his inner turmoil and tension in regards to what their next war contract would bring, but also to see if he could lay another metaphorical brick into his path. He had been working at it for a while now, and was just considering giving up on the attempt for now when he suddenly felt the last of the intangible blockades clear and the familiar feeling surged forth once more. The gray light tinged with bronze had become a prize to look forward to when returning from their many excursions during the last weeks. Although it had often eluded him, this still made it the third ability to cross the threshold in but a few days, with a few more being almost painfully close.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Heaven-and-Void Warding] has reached Bronze 0. [Heaven-and-Void Warding] has received additional effects. Heaven-and-Void Warding Spell. Cost: Low to Moderate mana Cooldown: None Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - iron: Form a temporary barrier around self or ally within 30 meters, absorbing damage for a medium duration or until released or shattered. Cost is increased to moderate mana if used on ally. Effect - bronze: May adjust size of barrier, increasing its strength by diminishing its size and vice versa.
Your ability [Spiritual Reprisal] has reached Bronze 0. [Spiritual Reprisal] has received additional effects Spiritual Reprisal Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Any creature striking you or one of your barriers will suffer one instance of [Unstable flow] - a stackable affliction which increases the effect of one of your special attacks, which consumes one instance of this affliction. Effect - Bronze: You may choose to consume all available instances of [Unstable flow] at once, increasing the effect of the attack further the more instances that are consumed. Instances above a certain amount start giving diminishing returns.
Your ability [Void-Sunders-Firmament] has reached Bronze 0 [Void-Sunders-Firmament] has received additional effects. Void-Sunders-Firmament Special attack. Cost: Moderate mana Cooldown: 3s Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Surround your melee weapon or unarmed attack with spatial tears, dealing high damage and resonating force damage. Can be used either as a wide, sweeping attack or as a more focused, directed attack. Effect - Bronze: Cooldown reduced to 3s. Suffuse the target¡¯s wounds with remnants of the void, inflicting the [Vitality-tear] affliction which negates a certain amount of healing before being consumed.
That Heaven-and-Void warding, his most frequently used barrier power had broken through to the next rank just before the more passive ability which came into effect when enemies hit him or his barriers didn¡¯t feel too surprising. And their effects were intriguing, but once more something Kite would need to work with to master. His barrier could now be conjured at different sizes, with a minimum diameter of around ten centimeters and a maximum of around two meters. The smaller the barrier, the stronger it was in terms of damage absorption. When it evolved, he had started practicing by having Dragonfly throw things for him to deflect in an attempt to recreate some of the training he went through with master stone. While it allowed him to get a feel for it, she lacked his mentor¡¯s mastery and wasn¡¯t able to match his deviousness or intensity to really push Kite. He would need to work a lot with this to not adapt just timing and angle but also size to the circumstance. The improved Spiritual reprisal instead allowed him to further switch up the timing of the added damage. Throughout his, admittedly short, career the ability had acted as a small damage boost in every situation where he had found himself trading blows with his enemies rather than going on the offensive with quicker attacks. Now, he could choose to switch it up with more intense bursts of damage as he released his power all at once for a greater retaliatory strike. What he knew was that it would inevitably help him when facing multiple weaker opponents. Before, they would all stack up the affliction enough so that Kite wouldn¡¯t have time to capitalize on it when he turned to them. They would either fall before his instances were consumed or be taken care of by one of his allies. Now he could dispatch additional enemies more quickly, turning his defense into a more useful trap which to spring on his opponents. Finally, Void-Sunders-Firmament, his most damaging special attack got a more straightforward boost in that it became available more often, but also a more situational boost in the form of an affliction which started hampering enemy healing. One more tool for damage and to take control of the battle. As he was spending time familiarizing himself with the latest upgrade, he was interrupted by a voice. ¡°Kite, it is time. The next war contract has been delivered. From the aura of the messenger who came with it, I think this is a big one.¡± Serene¡¯s voice said as it came from the air next to Kite in the otherwise empty tent. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Exiting the tent, Kite joined his companions who had gathered around Grim and uncle Walker where they stood at the edge of the open space in the middle of the camp, the afternoon light finding its way down through the thick rust-colored canopies above. The bronze-rankers looked serious as they were reading from the scroll in Grim¡¯s hands. ¡°Well, younglings, it seems like it is time for something more decisive.¡± Walker said, looking up at them. ¡°We have been tasked to be part of the rearguard for something named the assault team, which I assume will be several of our silvers. Our role will be to disrupt what lower-ranked enemy reinforcements we can to allow the higher-rankers to do their work as undisturbed as possible.¡± Even though a silver-ranker could shrug off a huge number of bronze-ranked attacks, doing so while fighting other silver-rankers might still be a nuisance. Kite and his group had already done this on a smaller scale, such as when they kept enemies off Braid to allow him to work on taking down enemy defenses. ¡°There are certain contracts that become milestones in an adventurer¡¯s career.¡± Walker continued. ¡°Those where you found yourself with the fate of yourself and those around you balancing on a knife¡¯s edge. Where the stakes were the highest they have ever been, even if you are only a part of whatever is unfolding. We see it during every monster surge, and far too often in between. And as you are closing in on bronze rank, leaving your beginnings behind, you have to ask yourselves once more; what kind of adventurer do I want to be? What is important to me? Which is my path towards the heavens? Because there are few more defining moments of your path such as the one which might lay before us now. So please, do this old man a favor and survive this. Fight for yourself and those you hold dear, not for the potential glory, so that your path may continue its climb. While heroes are forged in conflict, not all of them survive to carry the mantle.¡± He finished, leaving a silence which had a gravitas of its own in the wake of his words. As he looked upon his uncle, Kite thought that he could almost see it; the silver-ranker his uncle would hopefully soon become. Stoic and realistic, yet helpful and kind. Boastful, but never in matters which carried actual weight. The closest person Kite had to a father, leading them into danger and about to do his utmost to carry them through. The somber moment was broken by a slow clapping. ¡°Well, Walker, I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d make for such an inspiring figure.¡± master Force said with a cheeky, yet warm, smile as she let her aura expand and reveal her position. ¡°Just because youngsters like you are all battle-mad doesn''t mean they have to be. I am just trying to impart my most sage wisdom upon these young souls.¡± Walker answered, turning to Force with a smile that matched hers. ¡°What gives us the honor to be in the presence of an illustrious silver-ranker?¡± ¡°I came to get you, as you will be deployed in the wake of myself and Frost among Morning Dew.¡± Force answered as she turned to the rest as well. ¡°So gather up your belongings. We head to the staging ground.¡± ¡°Will we get to see you fight again, master?¡± Dragonfly asked hopefully. ¡°I was too in the thick of it to get a good look last time.¡± ¡°I believe that you will see more silver-ranked combat now than you have ever done in your life, little Dragonfly. And I want to be clear with one very important aspect; stay away. At a longer distance than you think you need. A bronze-ranker will need to be very careful, but an iron-ranker¡­ They might just become accidental collateral damage.¡± Force said, light tone gaining a palpable gravitas as she leveraged her aura in support of her words. ¡°Master Force is quite correct, and I would counsel the young master to heed her words well.¡± Grim said in the silence that ensued. ¡°Had we been in more populated lands, there probably would not have been any iron-rankers in such a conflict at all, instead being relegated to the utter periphery at best. But we are in the Autumn lands, and neither side can afford to dismiss resources. But please, young master, if for nothing else then out of respect for my service to you and your family, heed her warnings.¡± ¡°Do not fret, Grim. My path has to live on to realize its potential. I will try to curtail myself somewhat though, but it is in the heat of battle that legends are forged. My Heavenly shaft will prove its worth in this upcoming struggle!¡± Will said, usual gusto reaching the level of eyes gleaming with passion. ¡°Very good, young master¡­¡± Grim eventually responded after a suffering silence, before straightening. ¡°Then you all know what to do. Gather your belongings.¡± Meanwhile, Force was just looking around the group before going back to look at Will, then back to the group again. As the group spread out to break down the camp and gather their belongings, she seemed to lose a bit of her silver-ranked poise as she asked no one in particular: ¡°Is¡­ is no one gonna tell him?¡±
Grand elder White made his way through the camp, people scurrying out of the way as he ruthlessly leveraged his aura like a spiritual battering ram against his lessers. In the camp around him there was a lot of activity as the students of the sects had scurried into preparation. Weapons were checked, armor donned and auras pulsed with tension, excitement or both. He could see gathered students following the path of pleasure receive a fresh batch of alchemical stimulants, the small pills one of the ways to initiate their frenzied way of fighting and claiming their opponents. White felt little but scorn toward them. Even though their path sometimes aligned with the teachings of lord Pain, it was frivolous and self-indulging to the point of uselessness. Their victims would have so much more potential as battle-thralls rather than just vessels for their perversions. But they were the most numerous students, having the easiest time to recruit from the lowlives and other seekers who had come seeking shelter with them over the years, lacking the discipline or self-sacrifice needed for the path of pain. And they had irked his people more as of late, not even mustering the discipline for the simplest joint operations. The sect would be stronger in the end, should they all perish while bringing victory to the Unbreakable Chains sect. He reached the eastern edge of the camp, clearly marked by a sharp artificial slope leading down toward the largest of the summoning circles. As it was maybe twenty meters across, a sizeable area of woodland had to be excavated in order to set it up. This in turn meant that they needed their most potent cloaking-arrays to hide the camp from easy notice by the adventurers. And still, it had not held up as long as they had wished. White stepped up to the figure of Collector of Anima, head priestess of Undeath in their venture. She sat overlooking the circle on a luxurious palanquin carried by uniformed zombies, her spectral servants fuzzing about her many robes, amethyst hair and shielding her from the almost non-existent sunlight with a beautiful parasol. ¡°Our reports have shown the enemy making a move, a force spearheading westward in this direction. You are commanded to initiate the summoning, priestess.¡± White spoke, voice cold and firm. ¡°Only my god can command me.¡± she answered, eyes thinning as she looked down at White from her palanquin. "It is too early. You haven¡¯t even managed to bring us enough proper materials yet. What do you expect us to do with this?¡± The final statement was accompanied by a wave of her lacquered fan down towards the circle. Across the magical diagram, choice corpses had been placed in their correct positions, ready for whatever the priestess intended. Even while White didn¡¯t know the particulars of this ritual, the pattern of corpses looked sparse and only partially complete to his eyes. ¡°It does not matter. The enemy is soon upon us, and the summoning must proceed.¡± White stated again. ¡°But with just a few more days, we cou-¡± she began, but was interrupted by the arrival of another silver-ranked presence. ¡°Do not worry, priestess. The Red Table can pick up the slack. Our summonings aren¡¯t as¡­ logistically challenged¡­ as yours, after all.¡± Gardaram Krunei said as he approached. The runic looked by far the youngest of them all, with his pale skin and pulsing crimson runes clearly visible across his bald scalp. White did not know if he had just passed quickly through the earlier ranks, or if it was the result of his own magic. The runic was a proficient shaper of flesh, after all. ¡°Like you have any reason to show such pride.¡± Anima hissed, giving him a spiteful look. ¡°You¡¯ve already lost almost half of your summoning locations.¡± ¡°Redundancy, priestess, is the hallmark of any venture. At least those performed with true skill. I thought you people were beyond rest, taking such pains to return from the final one, but your slacking seems to indicate otherwise. It is not our fault that you can¡¯t deliver on time.¡± Before the conversation could derail any further, White pushed against both of their auras with his own, silencing them as they needed to focus to fend him off. ¡°The order goes for you too, mister Krunei. Ready your people.¡± ¡°With pleasure, Grand elder White.¡± the man answered with a mock bow, eyes still not leaving the priestess of Undeath. ¡°I shall personally see to it right away.¡± Priestess Anima glared daggers at his back when he left. ¡°We shall begin as well. But whatever comes of this, the responsibility lies with your sect for the result.¡± she all but snarled without even looking at white. A few incorporeal specters flew out of the sleeves of her robes, darting off into the distance to carry her orders. Half an hour later, the sigil had already started glowing with a fell, purple light as multiple priests around it started their conjuring. Spread out in an uneven line from north to south, multiple smaller summoning circles were springing to life as well as blood was spilled in great quantities to ignite their potential. The warriors of the sect had already gathered as the first of the corpses in the grand circle rose, moving twitchily at first before steadying as its skin sloughed off and dissolved into a black semi-liquid ectoplasm, bones and all. But the latter reappeared around them as calcified armor as they leapt out of the pit, one by one. Collector of Animas was frustrated at the paltry number, but still couldn¡¯t help marvel at the gift from her god. As long as the circle stood, any corpse of an essence-user thrown down would be reforged into one of her grand creations and gain a rank up to a maximum of silver. She was quite happy with the current pattern mixing the spiritual with some of the corporeal for an efficient, clean mix rather than the unsightly shambling zombies. Had the ambient mana been greater, more could have been achieved, but alas such was not the case. And it was a shame that their attempt at stockpiling some of her creations in the city had been discovered as well, but at least Anima could console herself with her part in what the adventure society hadn¡¯t unearthed. From the smaller circles, hungry red-skinned humanoids and other more monstrous creations were taking form as they were summoned, drawing on spiritual blueprints from a place of only hunger and blood. They were not few in number either, welling out into throngs and guided by the cultists of the Red Table. Followed by the created undead and the warriors of the Unbreakable Chains sect, the horde ranged out in front as a hungry screen ready to devour all they came across. The fallen sect would rise, reclaiming their foothold and right of dominion. First over the Autumn lands, and then beyond. Grand elder White walked at the center of the sect column. Even his hardened heart felt excitement at the upcoming challenge. The sect leader had said that it would be a true tribulation, so he had decided to face it head on and force it into submission. For such was his path, and the heavens would soon enough know the grip of his chains.
Being in the presence of so many silver-rankers at once was a rather overwhelming feeling, even though they held their auras under tight control. Kite and his group stood gathered with the rest of what would make up the assault group, a bit over a hundred adventurers of different ranks. Just under half of their forces would leave, and the remaining warriors would be counting on defensive emplacements and caution to make up the difference. In front of the gathered force, the seven silver-rankers stood lined up with the deputy director in the center, their supernatural looks making them distinct from the normality of the forested backdrop. At the far left was a regal, dark-haired human woman in the blue and silver robes of the Descending Star sect, although her clothes were beyond the norm as they looked like a star chart turned into finery. Kite had never met her, but knew her name. She was grand elder Meridian, the sole remaining among her sect¡¯s forces, Next to her stood mistress Dew, as picture perfect a replica of the ice queen she was known to be with her long silver hair and lips painted blue. While Kite knew there were other traits beneath the facade, the chill she sent up the observers¡¯ spines was quite literal. The next man was someone Kite did not recognize at all. A celestine man with shaved head, thin eyes and a pleasant smile as he watched the crows, dressed in loose and austere saffron shirt and flowing pants, pieces of brass-colored armor reinforcing key places. From his looks and position in the line, he was unaffiliated with the two sects. Then came the deputy director, his reddish-bronze fur and red mane almost looking like he was bathed in blood by the light of the late afternoon which reached them from beneath the trees. If the deputy director was here, Kite was quite sure that no one outside the large clearing could overhear them. To the right of the leonid stood master Force, bearing proud and relaxed, with her short-cropped hair and long, thin braid. All calm and collected at the moment, her loose martial-arts outfit made her look the part of the controlled warrior Kite also knew her to be. Kite did recognize the final two; grand elders Sight and Lark. The almond skinned celestine woman had her bronze hair up in a tight bun and was clad in light armor on top of her sect uniform, third glowing eye already manifested on her forehead. And grand elder Lark, his hard face and thin, long mustache looking out over the crowd and finding them wanting. Unlike the last time Kite had seen him, he now wore metallic green armor over his sect robes, the golden fabric only shown as accents rather than dominating. The armor was a magnificent piece of work with the phoenix featuring heavily in the embellishments. His eyes met Kite¡¯s for a short while, but not giving any other reaction than letting his gaze remain on the younger man for a little while before moving on. Together, they felt like a mighty force, but Kite found himself wondering what kind of operation they would undertake for them to gather all of their silver-rankers for it. ¡°We will now brief you on the upcoming strike.¡± Rupert said, his aura silencing the crowd. ¡°Braid Spun from Honesty will handle most of the information, so I recommend you listen well. But I will tell you now; this may well be a defining battle of this war. We will all need to bring our best and act for unity and victory, not strife and personal glory. Just by surviving this, you will have proven your strength in the eyes of the adventure society. Fight well and fight for those you hold dear, both here and back home. We fight for them as well.¡± the deputy director finished, before gesturing to a slightly nervous Braid to step forward. The masked man looked around the crowd, taking a deep breath before speaking. ¡°As many of you may know, our enemies have set up a series of emplaced summoning circles in the area west of here. From what we have been able to deduce, they seem to be made for large-scale summoning of lower-ranked monsters with the blood affinity. We suspect they will use these as fodder and shock troops in order to even out our advantage in quality, and should they have enough that may very well be the case. However, other gathered intel hints at some kind of central summoning array capable of creating a lesser number of more powerful minions. We do not know how yet, but both the blood cultists and church of Undeath could pose great problems with such magical infrastructure at their command. As such, this will be our primary objective; to find and take down that summoning array. All the lesser circles remaining will be considered secondary objectives, as will fighting the forces of our enemies. Our silver-rankers will be the spearhead, finding and engaging theirs whenever possible. Use your flares should you encounter an enemy of that rank, and retreat to a safe distance should you be near when ours engage them. Your teams will mostly be there for crowd control and support, while a few choice teams will be sent after the secondary circles to ease the pressure upon you. You have already received missives with fallback plans and position to rendezvous, as well as red flares to signal any ritual circles you might come across but consider yourself unable to handle.¡± Braid finished, a murmur going through the crowd at the news. ¡°As you can hear, this will be a tough one. Our enemy''s condition for victory is keeping those circles operational. As such, ours is for them not to remain as such.¡± Rupert stated grimly. ¡°Use your judgment and trust in yourselves and those around you. We shall now move out. If our estimates are correct, we will face our enemies tomorrow. May Warrior guide your strikes and Fortune guard your back, adventurers.¡± he finished, turning on his heels and striding off towards the west. And the gathered force of adventurers followed. Kite¡¯s insides were simultaneously calm and roiling, a similar sensation of importance to this moment like his feelings before traveling towards the jade-sky gate. Walker had said that moments such as this might define something that stayed with him and shaped the rest of his path, for better or for worse. Looking at his companions, Kite further steeled his resolve as he could feel the power inside him. The power that had only grown since he stepped into the adventuring life. He once more silently vowed to do his utmost to protect them in what ways he could. And uttered a soft prayer to a familiar recipient. ¡°Fortune, may your favor remain with us through the tribulations ahead.¡± 51. Grudging respect The descending sword-club impacted with a reverberating humming sound when it met the interposing staff, even as Kite¡¯s gauntleted fist struck out to impact the face of the attacker¡¯s monstrous mount. The attacker was a short humanoid with bright red skin and bestial features, instantly recognizable as similar to the beings that the adventurers had faced before, summoned by the blood cultists. Kite¡¯s attacker was a taller, more brutish looking specimen which was bronze rank and rode mounted atop some kind of slick, red beast of exposed muscles, who mostly resembles a combination between a flayed wolf and a shark. Its rider had reins of what looked more like braided red veins which emerged from its shoulders and into the beast below, and from their suspiciously unified aura Kite wondered if it was even correct to think of them as separate beings. It was armed with primitive weaponry like most if its lesser kind, a horde of which was currently doing battle with the supporting adventurer teams in the forests around them, the light of early day reaching down through the canopies to clash with the chaotic light of essence-users doing battle below. Their foe¡¯s armaments mostly resembled a piece of bone from an alien anatomy with some kind of crude red metal spikes growing in irregular rows along its length to form a kind of piercing reinforcement of the simple weapon. His companions all fought close by in a loose formation around Serene as there were opponents in all directions, Will and Dragonfly going through their usual rampage through multitudes of lesser iron-ranked foes as Kite engaged the bronze-ranked one. While embroiled in their own small pocket of madness, the forests around them often shook from the multiple silver-ranked conflicts that were taking place, potent powers shaking the landscape and adding to the shifting lights. When his fist met the side of the bestial mount¡¯s face, he unleashed the stored power absorbed from parrying with his staff for some additional impact, his strength-enhancing armor further enhancing the blow to knock its head to the side. The beast pivoted with great speed and attempted to pounce at Kite, its front claws bearing down on the young man. Having predicted the move, Kite had already sidestepped the motion but still had to contend with another downward slash from above as the monster¡¯s rider took its opportunity. ¡°Ward!¡± A barrier, albeit a lot smaller than usual appeared to intercept the crude weapon, showing only small signs of impact as Kite¡¯s timing and Heaven-and-Void Warding''s bronze-rank upgrade both came into play. While he hadn¡¯t yet stretched the size-changing capabilities to their limits, Kite had still begun experimenting on a smaller scale and adjusting the ward more after the attack. It required more precision on his part, but the increased durability was worth it. He also took the opportunity to capitalize on another perk of the evolved shielding-ability as his spear appeared in his hand to make a retaliatory strike, its tip piercing even the bronze-rank toughness of his foe as his evolved racial gift had already worked a bit on this particular enemy. The counterattack was made with surprising ease as the smaller ward left Kite a lot more room to make an attack of his own. Earlier in his career, the size of the barrier had often made counterattacks awkward unless he could intercept the strikes with his ward angled to either side. But now, Kite could be more offensive even in his defense, a much needed perk as he knew his enemies would only grow in complexity. Unfortunately for Kite¡¯s foe, the forward momentum of its mount only drove Kite¡¯s strike further inside its body, Unyielding leaving the young man strangely unmoved for a short while by the colliding forces until his iron-ranked strength could no longer retain his hold on the weapon. Letting go of the spear, Kite instead brought out his staff once more, using the spinning motion of following his opponent to transition into a swing. His intent carried the strike to his target, the rippling impact striking just a moment later in a small spark of transcendent light as his dispelling strike failed to affect anything, leading to Undeniable making itself known. Staggering under the first blow, the rider shook once more as the effect echoed even as Kite¡¯s throwing star, sent as a follow up, hit it again. While the thrown weapon itself had little effect, it was just the nudge needed for Kite¡¯s evolved racial ability to finish its work in bringing his foe down to Kite¡¯s level, at least in terms of rank advantages. ¡°It is done! First one to be done with theirs can take it.¡± he called even as he re-engaged his foe to continue bludgeoning it. Through his active perception power, he could see both Will and Dragonfly intensify their efforts with the small ones. The noble came out on top this time, dispatching his last foe before being carried off on a wave of conjured spears toward the bronze-ranked monster. While his tone had been casual, Kite was still thankful for the intervention as the rider and mount had redoubled their efforts in killing him with a flurry of concerted attacks. He tried being proactive but was pushed more on the defensive as a twin attack by weapon and fang had him deflect the descending weapon with a barrier but not timing his own parry as well, which led to a pair of jaws crunching down on his armor, the stone crumbling beneath its higher-ranked strength and putting a painful pressure on Kite¡¯s lower arm as a few teeth also punched through to draw blood. The bronze-ranked rider didn¡¯t get the chance to punish him further as five golden javelins hit it, followed by Will himself as the elf was launched from his wave of spears into a leaping thrust. ¡°Heavenly Shaft; Thrusts of Exalted Celerity!¡± Will shouted as his speartip seemed to become legion, showering the rider with puncture-wounds as its one weapon and lack of special abilities made it unable to deflect more than a few of the strikes. Even while he continued the barrage, Will stayed in the air next to the rider as he constantly stepped sideways on new conjured javelins which appeared hovering horizontally in the air before launching themselves into his foe as soon as he had stepped off them. Kite¡¯s theory that the rider and mount were deeply connected got confirmed as the beast seemed very distracted by the pain of its rider, giving Kite the opportunity to plunge a katar into the skull of the beast before unleashing a shockwave throughout its body. The resonating force wasn¡¯t optimal against flesh, but tore through the skeleton of the monster well enough. It wasn¡¯t long until the rider and beast fell under the duo¡¯s attacks, bereft of its bronze-ranked damage resistance. Serene hadn¡¯t been idle during the struggle, and Kite¡¯s injured arm was already as good as new under her ministrations. The group took stock as Dragonfly finished her last foe, bloodied but charged up as she wore her usual fierce grin and inner glow, looking like a mix between a young goddess of bloodshed and a maniac. All around them, the forest was in turmoil, rather different from when they had arrived. The trip westward had been tense, the group of silver-rankers taking point in a wedge in front of their band. Just shy of a day away from their forward positions, they encountered their enemies. It was grand elder Sight, who had been acting as scout, who had forewarned them of the inbound enemies; a screen of summoned blood monsters where she had detected the enemies main forces behind it. Now, the main adventurer force was right in the middle of said monsters, after their silver-rankers had shot ahead while creating a grand line of carnage. From what Kite could see through the forest, many of the teams were still engaged, finishing up their first foes or in the process of carrying wounded back toward the healer¡¯s station set up at the rear of their force. Further westward, the grand clashes had begun as the silver-rankers of each side engaged one another, their conflict felt both in the physical and spiritual as mere remnants of their auras reached all the way over to Kite¡¯s position. If he had thought that the battlefield where the scout platoon had made its stance was chaotic, this was in a league of its own. ¡°We need to move south in relief.¡± Grim said to them after returning from shredding a group of summoned monsters on his own while indicating combat which still seemed to be in full swing in that direction. ¡°Walker, can you screen us from being tied down as we move?¡± ¡°This old man should be able to handle it.¡± Walker¡¯s voice responded from the nearby foliage before vanishing once more, but as the group followed Grim¡¯s command they could see his presence as there seemed to be a localized rain of cutting leaves from the foliage which was moving around and dispersing groups of summons which might intercept them. They all knew that these monsters weren¡¯t the enemy¡¯s true strength, and were leery of wasting too much of their energy on the fodder. While the summons wouldn¡¯t be endless, they would still keep coming as long as their enemies had the materials and ritualists for it. Kite had already glimpsed a red flare in the distance to indicate one of the smaller circles, but they had not been close enough to change course toward it. Even as the group leapt into battle once more in assistance of a more beleaguered team of allies, Kite couldn¡¯t help reflecting over how different he had become over the past year. Here he was, charging through a battlefield in aid of allies, and while he felt the fear-mixed thrill tempered by his combat meditation, it was still both manageable and under control. He knew how to do this now. This was his life. And even as he conjured a force wall to protect a flank, where a wounded adventurer was being carried back towards their medical station, while simultaneously unleashing a wide swing with a greatsword carrying a trail like a spatial tear to cleave through one monster and into the next, Kite felt purpose. While it was nothing near perfection, he felt that he was skirting around the edge of being present all over the battle. A conjured barrier to block a swing against a companion¡¯s back, engaging a charging trio of enemies even while taking the short moment to use his evolved racial gift to intercept yet another attack which he had spotted through his all-round vision. This was his element now, the foundations of his path soon complete to become his stepping stone into the true supernatural. Even as the battle and violence were horrifying and intense, Kite was also breaking his limits. And that part felt good. ¡°Is this what being battle-mad is like?¡± part of his mind idly wondered even as most of his attention was focused on exchanging strikes with two of the savage monsters. ¡°I guess Dragonfly and Will have rubbed off on me.¡±
Dancer on the Broken River was leading her group of battle thralls in a circuitous route around the general area where the silver-rankers had started clashing. Even through the thick layer of branches and leaves, she could see a sect warrior carried on wings of viridian flames crash into a wall of wailing specters as he tried to close the distance with Collector of Anima¡¯s now flying palanquin as she had foregone the zombies carrying it around for spectral servants. Her father¡¯s last words still remained clear in her mind. ¡°Prove your path now, progeny, and make sure that my investments in you haven¡¯t been a waste. True dominance can only be reached through excellence.¡± Grand elder White had told her before charging ahead along with the rest of their silver-rankers. It was a humbling thought that even he, the unflinching domineering Unmaker of the White Seal, would have his path tested as well. Even though River knew that there were places in the world where a silver-ranker was but one of many, her father had always stood at the pinnacle of her world. She would prove herself worthy. Amongst the trees ahead of them, their enemies already fought the summoned chaff. While it had irked some of the sect¡¯s proud warriors, River had understood the same truth as her father; they needed every advantage. Even if all of their essence-users were elites, which they most certainly were not, they had still lived in hiding outside of conventional means of accessing societal resources. But the impurity of the weak would be purged in this conflict. River wanted to remain adamant in that conviction, but the nebulous doubts had not left her. Fortunately, battle washed away such concerns as River¡¯s group, along with others from all the factions and paths of the Unbreakable Chains sect, started arriving to clash with the adventurers. And in choosing such battles, River showed no mercy. ¡°Standard assault protocol.¡± she told her thralls while deciding to make her own way into the battle. Her swift and dance essences made it child¡¯s play to spring up into the trees and move along the many branches like a graceful ghost, already trailing chains which hung in the air behind her. Below, the battle-thralls charged into the fray, pressuring the adventurers even more. As she closed in with her foes from her vantage, one of the adventurers was perceptive enough to notice River as she was almost close enough to strike. The iron-ranked woman, clad in the robes of the Victorious Sunset sect, raised her hands and started shooting a torrent of small fireflies which trailed River during her advance, even course-correcting a bit to seek her. Where the projectiles met a leaf or branch, they simply punched a glowing hole before being extinguished. River sent a few chains of her own streaming out toward her opponent, the conjured links colliding with a flaming barrier. But River¡¯s lips twitched ever so slightly towards a smirk as the chain she had sent snaking down the trunk of the tree and along the ground caught hold of the sect student¡¯s left foot. As the sensation of pain was delivered through the links, they constricted around the young woman¡¯s ankle and yanked her forcibly off her feet, the rest of River¡¯s chains descending along with their mistress to strike. Her armored boot landed firmly in the woman¡¯s stomach, followed by the air leaving her lungs and sounds of retching. To her slight frustration, she did not have time to properly subdue her target as one of the other adventurers had spotted River and charged to the aid of his companion. Springing off from the prone initiate, River began her dance as she weaved below his sword strike, a painful jab of two fingers as a parting shot before continuing onward. As she had hoped, the two bronze-rankers accompanying the group were hard pressed to keep both the summons and River¡¯s thralls at bay, leaving her free to weave her tapestry of conjured links through their ranks even as the swordbearer chased her. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. As one of the adventurer¡¯s bronze-rankers went down, the other seemed to lose his nerve where he fought above his companion¡¯s now prone form. Creating some room with a circling sweep of his scythe, the man took a moment to produce something from a dimensional pouch before a magical flare shot through the air to hang above them, casting a bright blue light. River¡¯s eyes thinned slightly as she continued to dance among the iron-ranked backline. These ones apparently did not trust in their paths much, as she assumed that the flare had been a call for aid. Still, with the chaotic fighting around them, the chances of such aid arriving in time were slim as would-be rescuers would probably be held up by the bands of blood-minions their Red Table allies had brought forth. Dodging another arcing sword slash while sending a few chains to further pummel the initiate she had dropped at her entrance to the fight, River decided it was time to reverse the initiative a bit. One of her chains snaked out and around a nearby tree before coming back to snare the man¡¯s sword arm, locking it in place while a few other rattling lengths unleashed a flurry of attacks, the gray steel now having a red-purple flickering light playing over them. Even as he tried to dodge to the best of his ability, his ensnared arm hampered him too much. Each hit sent his muscles spasming and drained his stamina in addition to the tenderizing blunt force trauma. Pirouetting in close, River struck his chest with an open palm, her victim too overwhelmed by her stacking afflictions to properly defend against the blow. The strike launched him away a lot more than it ought to have from River¡¯s strength alone, carrying her generated momentum from the start of the fight. Half limp, he flopped over the ground once before tumbling into a few of River¡¯s trailing chains, the links instantly entangling him. Feeling that it was as good a time as any to mop things up in the backline, she activated another of her special attacks. Chains suddenly constricted around the fight, entangling the swordsman further in addition to the woman who had just started shakily regaining her feet. River almost felt a bit disappointed by the relative lack of challenge from these sect initiates, but tried to not let her get complacent as she turned towards the fight with the minions and her thrall. To her slight consternation, she saw that the remaining bronze-ranker had still managed to hold firm, sweeping scythe even bringing down one of the iron-ranked thralls while his iron-ranked companions held off the summons and others. He was hard pressed, however, and she meant to add further to his burdens. His would be a glorious last stand there in the early day light, rust-colored leaves falling around him as he defended his companions. But as with almost all such stands, they were ultimately for naught. But to her thorough consternation, she didn¡¯t get the time to join in spelling doom for the lone bronze-ranker. Because there had apparently been a group of adventurers close enough to intervene. The scenically falling leaves suddenly started moving on their own, picking up the distinct glow of mana as their edges grew sharp and their normally languid movement suddenly became more forceful and direct. They were joined by more and more until there was a small storm of petals and leaves which cut into the monsters. Through that storm, a lone arrow shimmering with a kind of magical pulses River recognized sailed over the chaotic mess of fighting bodies. Not toward River herself, but the cluster of chains crushing the two initiates who barely had any stamina left by that time. She tried interposing one of her chains, but not even her speed could intervene with the fast projectile, her reaction speed still in the iron rank. Even as the arrow hit, shards of glass started lancing through more of the summons, and at that moment River made a choice. ¡°Disperse and regroup. Second protocol.¡± she said, voice accompanied by her aura touching that of her thralls as she moved into a position more optimal for gathering up in between a gathering of trees and a large, mossy boulder. One of her bronze-rank thralls even took a wise initiative and deployed a noxious smoke screen, same as the last time the group had fallen back, among the summons and the first group of adventurers before disengaging to rejoin River. Two of her bronze-rankers and two iron-rankers still remained, not counting River herself. At their departure, the close combat became even more of a mess before a powerful gust of wind from a spell washed over the melee, dispersing the lingering fog. Even as the cutting plants finished off the last of the blood-minions, River got confirmation that she indeed recognized the group of adventurers which came bursting out of the forest. The wild one with the fiery axe and the bold one with the spears. The older elf with the glass spells and the human man with the leaf blade, albeit the latter missing one arm. In its stead, he had woven a facsimile of the arm from plant matter, mostly green vines over sturdier roots. River also knew that the singing celestine should be around, spotting her at the back of the group now that she already knew what to look for. Her father¡¯s training would not allow her to be bested even by her aura strength. And finally, the annoying one, still clad in the same stone armor. Apparently, a bow was part of his arsenal as well. ¡°Protocol seven.¡± River said to her gathered group, done with taking stock even as the adventurers formed up as a screen between her group and the injured and beaten, who in turn started assisting one another in a slow retreat. She had already sensed more groups of summoned minions heading their way through the woods, and knew that she had to engage them quickly before they realized the same and retreated as well. After all, River had a second bout to go with these particular adventurers.
During the time since Kite had begun his career as an adventurer, he had learned to trust his senses and instincts. That was why he had launched the arrow as soon as he had even glimpsed the chain, his subconscious instantly recognizing that it was a power he already knew. Now that they had reached the point from where the flare originated, there was no doubt that this was indeed the group that had ambushed them back in the undead outpost. At least some of them. The young woman with the almost translucent hair still led them, clad in the same slate gray armor as the rest of them. If possible, her gaze was even more adamant as they locked eyes this time. Kite also recognized the bronze-ranker with the gauntlets and the lightning powers, along with one of the remaining iron-rankers that he had never fought during their last exchange. ¡°Retreat with your wounded. We will cover you.¡± He heard Grim say behind him, speaking to the remaining bronze-ranker from the group which had launched the flare. ¡°Heavens bless you, outcasts. I will not forget this.¡± said the man carrying the scythe before he and the remaining warriors of the Victorious Sunset sect collected their wounded and fell back towards the medical station. No more words were exchanged as both remaining groups went on the offensive, glass shards, javelins and leaf-projectiles meeting bolts of lightning and globs of poison. Closing the distance, Kite chose to lead with a spell that had so far been tough to utilize well in the chaotic environment. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± As the ripple shot out over their opponents, swallowing several projectiles as it crossed the distance, Kite saw with some satisfaction how some magical effects winked out of existence on the group of adversaries. He had been disappointed to find out that the summons from this kind of grand ritual seemed more resistant to his dispelling wave, merely being destabilized instead of winking out completely. Having it make a difference now felt good. Then they were upon each other, Kite wading into melee along with Dragonfly, Will and uncle Walker while Grim and Serene stayed behind to support them in their rather opposing ways, one dealing death while the other tried to stave it off. As if drawn in by mutual agreement, Kite once more found himself beset by chains from multiple directions as blade and barrier appeared to intercede. ¡°I do believe that we never introduced ourselves.¡± he managed to state in small gaps of the furious exchange which followed. ¡°I am Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune. While your path carries strength, I cannot respect its source.¡± The young woman seemed to decide to ignore him at first, but after another flurry of chains had been deflected by a deftly wielded barrier, she seemed to have changed her mind. ¡°I am Dancer on the Broken River, disciple of the Unbreakable Chains sect and daughter of grand elder Unmaker of the White Seal. You will soon know why my path is undeniable.¡± Then she came at him again, four chains arcing in while she aimed several jabs and punches at his joints and face. As before, Kite¡¯s opponents struck from enough vectors that he simply couldn¡¯t deal with them all and still counterattack in any meaningful way, forcing him to take a few hits and the accompanying pain which tried to slow his reactions and speed. Gritting his teeth, Kite counterattacked. The swift jabs of a katar forced her to weave to the side, only to be met by a swipe of his greatsword. As she leapt back to create a little more distance, Kite instead continued the offensive with his spear, thrusting and sweeping to keep her nimble steps on the defensive just a bit more. She eventually broke his rhythm, leaping and even using a power to shift in the air, avoiding the throwing star which had been flicked at her as a response. Which was just what Kite had been waiting for. Still closing in on him, leading with a kick and the usual flanking chain-strikes, she had apparently not expected him to suddenly swing his staff through the air just for the impact to reach her a mere moment later, accompanied by a small burst of spatial tears from Void-Sunders-Firmament which ripped through her armor . His opponent¡¯s momentum was reversed by the powerful strike, leaving a small trail of blood from where she flew backwards, tumbling once on the forest floor before regaining her feet as the chains shot up to the branches above to steady her. There was a certain amount of satisfaction in having dealt the first serious blow so far during their exchanges, but that satisfaction was curtailed by the fact of how hard he had to work to take her by surprise, even baiting out her airborne movement power. He also thought that she had sensed the attack, although still unable to do something about it other than activate some kind of damage negation. Kite would not surprise her with that move again. The short break in their impromptu duel also let Kite notice something else. His opponent''s midriff had been exposed as his rending void had sundered a lot of her armor in that location. Through the blood and bits of clothing, he could still see that her stomach was covered in scars. The thin lines were orderly, almost forming a symmetrical pattern in the small areas he could see. Kite had thought that essence-users could not get scars. Around them, the battle of the others were in full swing as well. Uncle Walker had also returned to his previous opponent, the woman with the lightning powers. But where their exchange had been quite even the last time, Brave Walker of Paths showed what it was like to battle him in his own element. It was as if the land itself aided him in his movements while hindering his opponent, and more and more of the falling leaves from above were joining his growing storm of sharp petals which harried his opponent even as she had to struggle more to keep his sword at bay. Dragonfly was engaging the other bronze-ranker, who fared little better as the spellcaster was forced toe to toe with the literally glowing young woman. With ranking up, Dragonfly¡¯s regenerative ability had taken a leap which meant that the gradual damage of poison was ramping her up constantly while mostly being curtailed by the increased regeneration, especially as the rank up had also come with increased resistance to effects which would block her healing. Will was the one pressed the most as he was engaging the remaining two iron-rankers, one fighting with a pair of conjured butterfly swords while the other wielded a spear of her own which seemed to dance and move like an angry snake. However, the support from Grim meant that they had a hard time flanking the young scion, as it would leave them more exposed to Grim¡¯s pinpoint spells. The older elf found himself unable to leverage his area effects in the melee, but could still cast small lances of glass with impressive precision to interrupt or wound his beleaguered opponents. Especially the enemy iron-rankers had to be very wary of the manservant¡¯s opportune interventions. And Serene remained the constant part of the background who continued to compound the group¡¯s effectiveness and shift battles in their favor while projecting words to her allies to better coordinate their individual efforts The whole fight allowed them to show how the long days of taking on war contracts together and what being baptized in battle alongside one another could do for their growth, and Kite could see it all through his encompassing vision even as he and his foe, Dancer on the Broken River, closed on one another once more.
River activated one of her defensive powers, seemingly speeding up and moving faster than the eye could follow as the familiar¡¯s energy beam tore through the air where she had just been. Even as she and the annoying one, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, kept each other in check without further significant damage from either party River had to acknowledge the fact that her squad was losing on all other fronts. The young man that was her opponent did not carry fortune to her, that was for certain. And his newly awakened ability, whatever it was, also evened out the playing field between them just a bit more. After the initial surprise blow, he had taken to instead weaving the enhanced strikes in between ordinary, keeping her guessing which blows would strike normally and which would be carried through the distance. At close range, noticing the difference before it was too late was very hard even for her sharp aura senses. This meant that even as she kept damaging him, his constant removal of her boons never let her reach the dominance she was striving for. She was still quite sure that her fighting skills were greater and more refined than his, but those alone were not enough to let her rise above his meddling. When the first of her iron-ranked thralls fell, a glass shard all but tearing off his neck, while she also sensed a fresh batch of summoned minions draw near, she made the decision ¡°Protocol nine.¡± she ordered, continuing to pressure her young opponent. As one, the rest of her thralls shifted positions, even accepting some glancing hits to do so. A moment later, her bronze ranker with the lightning powers clapped her hands together, causing a wave of pressure to burst out from her and throwing everyone away. Only River¡¯s opponent wasn¡¯t flung meters away, even though he was pushed about half that distance with feet digging furrows in the ground. Even though the ability had hit them all, River¡¯s thralls had positioned themselves well enough so that the blast at least scattered them in a similar direction while the adventurers were split up. Twirling in the air to land on her feet, River took off running, leading her thralls in another retreat although she had to curtail her speed or leave the one iron-ranker behind. Through her own expanded vision, she saw her foe¡¯s lips move in a spell chant, realizing that the choice was about to be taken from her. ¡°Go! Maximum speed!¡± she shouted, already sprinting ahead while just narrowly getting away from the cage of force walls which appeared, the four walls encircling the iron-ranked thrall and her bronze-ranked poison spellcaster. A moment later, the cage was filled with a familiar torrent of glass shards, shredding those within. The iron-ranker died within moments, already spent from the battle, but the more powerful thrall managed to leap out of the cage before succumbing, aided by an earthen barrier which took the brunt of the myriad cuts. Between the trees ahead of them, she saw the small horde of red-skinned monstrous humanoids come charging. At least something had gone right in that their chaotic reinforcements had arrived as planned, although she had hoped it would be to confirm victory rather than screen their retreat. Making sure to project her aura so as to not have the summoned minions attack her group, River led the two remaining bronze-ranked thralls into the oncoming group of blood-minions. The adventurers hadn¡¯t chosen to pursue after their attempt at catching them failed, choosing the wiser path of readying themselves for the monstrous wave. She took one last look back at the group who were already sending attacks into the oncoming wave. River had to admit a grudging respect for them, which made her desire to see them crushed before her feet only grow. She would retreat for now, to gather reinforcements and receive new orders. And she would make sure they would meet again, if not on this battlefield then the next. With those thoughts occupying her mind, River disappeared into the forests even as the larger conflicts shaking the area were picking up in intensity. Even as a myriad of smaller exchanges and battles were fought in the surrounding woods, it was the battles of the mighty that truly shook the lands and would paint the broader strokes of its future. 52. Clash of silver ¡°Battling silver-ranked monsters sure is a more lengthy proposal.¡± Force of Raging Torrent thought as her palm strike connected with the bone armor of her opponent, sending the undead crashing toward its three companions, all but one sidestepping the impromptu projectile while continuing to close in on her. She still reveled a bit in her own increased capacity since ranking up, but had to admit that the more reactive and complex monsters were a bit of a dampener. Like many other warriors, Force relished the challenge, but there was a certain quality to the experience of cutting down enemies like wheat before the scythe. ¡°Compression arts; Carving stream.¡± She thought, her mana simultaneously gathering the water needed as her special attack activated. Instead of scattering the water into droplets, Force clapped her hands together before thrusting them forward. Her magic compressed and shaped the water into a thin stream, which shot out at a speed hard to track even for her silver rank senses and punched through the closest two undead. During the second which the attack lasted, she swept the stream horizontally, almost bisecting the armor and creature inside as well as that behind it. While this didn¡¯t instantly kill the creatures, it at least hampered them enough that only two of the four could close the distance simultaneously, conjured bone swords already swinging. While the undead wraiths had the attributes of their rank, Force had the skill. For all her adventuring career, she had been developing and refining her way of fighting, seeking out martial practitioners to learn from them while taking on the toughest contracts she could find in the rural Autumn lands. And she had been rewarded for her perseverance, as one particularly tough battle during the last monster surge had triggered a racial gift evolution, evolving her human talent for special attacks into new heights. The new evolution allowed her special attacks to interact with her water constructs, gaining more powerful or expanded effects if used in combination. Force had come to think of it as the foundation for her combat style, and along with Dragonfly and her name it had been the most formative gains she had received that day amongst the death and desolation. It had still taken a long time to reach silver, at least when comparing to the sponsored scions of the more magic-dense heartlands of the kingdom. But Force at least thought that she had used the time well; both in refining her martial arts and the combination abilities to make sure that her foundation was as solid as possible. The result was her measured and forceful fighting style where controlled strikes and special attacks combined with the nature of water to form devastating results. When she had been charging ahead with the rest of the assembled silver ¡®spearhead¡¯ she had been eager to prove her growth against the deviants, but as their opponents revealed not only their six silver-rankers but several silver rank undead constructs spreading out along the battle lines, something had to be done. And it had fallen to her as the ¡®youngest¡¯ to do so. While she had initially felt a bit cheated on her opportunity, Force couldn¡¯t deny the importance of her work as she imagined the consequences should they be allowed to run rampant around the lower rankers. Two bone swords closed in, only to be met by a pair of open palms, the ensuing discharge of force from her confluence essence channeling the very same concept had the swords and their wielders thrown backwards straight into a pair of conjured blobs of water large enough to envelop them. The restraining globules held the struggling undead floating aloft, but their strength would have them break free in short order. Force aimed to expedite that process, especially since the pair damaged by her cutting stream was once more charging straight at her. ¡°Palm arts; Clap like Thunder¡± Bringing her hands together once more, the two blobs of water mimicked the motion as they were brought together with enough force to give off a sound like the very air had cracked, slamming together just as the remaining two undead passed between. The result was the four bone-clad specters all trapped in a single water sphere, their armor cracked and breaking from the impact. ¡°Palm arts; Scatter the Rain.¡± Another measured palm strike hit the sphere, the detonation shredding through trees and foliage in a wide cone as the undead were sundered once more as they were thrown about the landscape and bombarded with water piercing water droplets. While Force knew it wasn¡¯t necessary to form the technique names in her mind, it still helped her as part of her combat meditation. And, she had to admit, it felt kind of satisfying. She knew that many warriors even liked shouting out loud to make their moves sound impressive or intimidate their opponents. When she saw the four undead, broken and battered but not defeated as they were getting up and conjuring new weapons while starting to restore their armor, Force smiled. ¡°I see that the resilience of silver-rankers holds true for you abominations as well. But fear not. At the end of the stream, the waterfall awaits.¡± she said, striding into battle once more. There were many steps left on the path towards the heavens, after all.
¡°I must say, grand elder, that you fight well. The last couple of Pain cultists I faced were more¡­ enthusiastic than competent.¡± Deputy director Rupert Versis commented even while links from conjured chains were scattering around him like the spray of a waterfall hitting solid rocks. Each swipe of his claws almost hurt to look at from their sheer rending power, only to be followed by the sonic ripples able to shatter almost any obstacle within his rank. During his career, Rupert had found that the vibrations of his sonic strikes had few matches when it came to carving through solids, and he was using it most skillfully at the moment, his claws forming an almost spherical defense as they intercepted and cleaved through the chains sprouting from the land around him. ¡°And from your skill, it is obvious why the local dregs had to bring in outside help.¡± grand elder White responded from where he stood on a small pillar of entwined lengths of conjured fetters, continuously bringing forth more of them to assail his foe. ¡°It does not matter in the end. Lord Pain has blessed me with the strength to carry me to the heavens. I will personally tear them down.¡± ¡°Then I don¡¯t suppose you¡¯d heed a gentleman¡¯s request to let me just take a quick walk over there and take care of some foul vandalizing of the landscape?¡± Rupert asked sardonically, indicating the open space visible a few dozen meters behind the opposing grand elder. As White¡¯s response was yet another wave of thrashing metal links, each as wide as Rupert from where they seemed to rip free from the earth below, Rupert felt he had to interpret the response as negative. ¡°The chain essence is a given. And vast is not out of the question from the size of some of the chains and the area he seems to control with them.¡± the leonid thought as he unleashed a siege-roar to meet them, using his powers of sound manipulation to further direct and focus the sonic wave to sunder the incoming fetters. While Rupert couldn¡¯t just ignore the threat of the grand elder, his primary objective was what he assumed to be the ritual site behind him. Had it been most other foes, he would probably have been able to work his way around and force the battle to take place in the very space he wanted to destroy, something that lent itself very well to Rupert¡¯s set of abilities. But Rupert had to give it to them; this silver-ranker was quite hard to get past. ¡°I guess the old adage; ¡®If you can¡¯t get past, then through is usually the best option¡¯ holds true even here.¡± Rupert thought as he activated one of his more destructive mobility powers. Where his stride had been powerful before, each step now cracked the ground as sonic shockwaves like thunderclaps erupted as soon as he began pushing off the ground. The myriad chains were either shattered or thrown aside as he closed half the distance to his foe before being forced to slow down as a spinning ¡®drill¡¯ of entwined, barbed links shot straight at him. Part of it shattered in the face of another siege-roar, but the mass of conjured metal just came pouring like a river of chains having broken through its dam. Rupert could just keep it off him through furious claw-work, but was finally halted as all his silver-rank speed and focus was absorbed to the singular task. After seconds of holding the stalemate, the leonid was forced one step back. Then two. Then finally a few meters as a single, thin set of links managed to sneak up on him and yank him backward by the foot. Even as it was destroyed in an instant, it had done its work to increase the distance between the fighters yet again, halving the gains Rupert had made. As the torrent stopped, Rupert was about to spring at his foe yet again, but halted warily as he sensed another unfamiliar silver-ranked aura approaching. A small swarm of incorporeal spirits flew down from the skies, coalescing behind the grand elder who seemed unperturbed by the celestine woman with amethyst hair and several layers of robes who manifested from the spectral stream. Even over the clash, Rupert¡¯s very sharp sense of hearing could pick out their words without hindrance. ¡°Grand elder White, I must request a switch. The fire and life aspects of the phoenix my opponent possesses is a matchup I cannot handle unless in the presence of my god¡¯s avatar. The rube even ruined my palanquin.¡± the woman, apparently a priestess of Undeath, said with a sulking tone. ¡°Why should I let your weakness interrupt my tempering, priestess?¡± White asked curtly even as he sent more waves of chains to keep Rupert busy. ¡°Because the phoenix is in pursuit of me, as one might have expected. So unless you want this place to become a much more complex battlefield and trust me enough to fight close alongside me, I recommend that we switch.¡± she said, a small smug smile at having essentially made the choice for them both already by coming here as she apparently knew that trust was in rather short supply between them. As if to emphasize her words, a green comet was visible closing in over the treetops, the flaming figure of grand elder Lark at its center. ¡°I will make clear that you do not honor our agreement with such behavior, priestess.¡± grand elder White answered between teeth clenched in cold fury. ¡°But very well, ally, I shall acquiesce. Fail this at your peril.¡± ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry, White. One little noisy cat should be little before the gifts of my patron.¡± she said, amethyst eyes trained on Rupert even as more spectral forms were emerging from within her robes. One even opened a parasol to shield her from the pale sun barely making it through the overcast sky. At the same time, White unleashed a final small tidal-wave of conjured chains to keep Rupert occupied before switching targets and moving off into the forest towards the incoming grand elder Lark. Rupert did not have time to see what came of that particular struggle as he now found himself facing a new foe, also unknown to him so far. ¡°My lady.¡± Rupert greeted with a nod, getting a sadistic smile in return. ¡°You must be the famed deputy director. While your body looks quite pleasing, it is what can be extracted from its insides which interests me the most. It''s always a shame that the soul is inviolable, but I assure you that what comes from the mould of the right soul can be quite efficient as well with the gift of my lord.¡± she answered, still taking Rupert in as some price that she had yet to seize. From the lack of zombies and the obvious entourage of spirits, it wasn¡¯t hard for him to guess her preferences. Spiritual undead were almost always a pain to fight unless you had access to disruptive force damage. While most were created almost like monsters from areas with high death affinity, Rupert had heard that it was possible to animate them from corpses as well, the undead ectoplasm creating a kind of incorporeal echo from the remnant imprint of the soul that had once inhabited the body, but twisted by the caster¡¯s magic. He had heard rumors of higher ranked spirit summoners to work the foul art of soul torture to gain access to the real deal in order to mass produce more powerful spirits in the image of the captive soul. Back at bronze-rank, this matchup would have been quite problematic for Rupert, whose strength lay in physical and resonating force damage, albeit with a few other tricks up his mane. But silver rank resources and a racial gift evolution had provided him with enough new options as to not feel overly threatened. It was still an enemy silver-ranker, but it should not be as skewed in her favor as much as she seemed to believe. ¡°I assure you that I am quite striking in form and spirit, my lady, but sadly I will have to deny you both.¡± Rupert replied before closing the distance in a single leap as spirits gathered into a wall of screaming faces, mouths open as if to swallow him. ¡°Form the aegis of ecto- aaarkh¡± her spell chant began before suddenly warping into a garbled croak. The wall lost cohesion, and was blasted apart by one of Rupert¡¯s roars just before he would have collided with the spectral mass, the interruption caused by a small flick of Rupert¡¯s wrist as he performed one of his more niche special attacks. He simply thought of it as his silencing, and it could be made in response to spell chants as it took control of the words before they even formed completely, instead detonating the forming sounds inside their speaker and almost always interrupting the caster unless they had spectacular fortitude, superb mental discipline to keep the intent of the spell intact or other more unusual ways of speaking. The damage inflicted was little to a silver ranker, but the lost spell meant a lot more as Rupert was now upon her. Even so, she was a silver-ranker. The first swipes of his claws met an interposed parasol, which had been put into her hand by the incorporeal spirit which carried it just in time for her to raise it like a shield. To Rupert¡¯s surprise, neither his claws nor the sonic slashes tore through it as the beautiful patterns lit up to create a magical barrier. A couple more of his strikes were deflected the same way before he had to take a step back when a ghostly straight sword was suddenly thrust straight through the parasol from the inside, passing effortlessly through the intricate accessory. Rupert did suspect that he wouldn¡¯t be as unharmed had it hit him. ¡°Incarnate vengeance!¡± she chanted, using the distance and the fact that his silencing was still unavailable to send thirty-two spiritual projectiles in homing arcs against him, each looking like a small incorporeal screaming skull gleaming with the purple energy of Undeath. Rupert¡¯s roar dispersed some of them, and his sonic barrier some more, but there were still over a dozen which impacted him. The pain was chilly and tingling, and seemed to carry some kind of affliction with them as Rupert could feel his mana almost ¡®freezing¡¯ for a lack of better words, pain accompanying each expenditure. ¡°Where the corporeal fails, in ethereal triumphs. What is sound or claws to a ghost?¡± she taunted before casting another spell. ¡°Spectral champions, wield your grudges to defend my honor.¡± The specters around her were suddenly filled with the same purple glow as the projectiles, their eyes and mouths aglow as swords of the same energy manifested in their hands. They came at Rupert, faster than before with unnerving shrieks which would probably have damaged his mana even more had he not shielded himself with his control over sound. She even followed it up with another spell. ¡°Undeniable vengeance!¡± As the specters drew closer, the new spell caused their blades to shift from the purple to the silver, gold and blue of transcendent light. They scattered when they drew close to Rupert before striking from every direction, like a hemisphere contracting around him. Just before their line of sight to one another was cut off, Rupert felt a twinge of satisfaction at the small frown on her face, caused by him reaching into a pouch and throwing up a round chime the size of a fist to hover in the air before him. It was a beautiful creation, wrought in a light shade of blue with silk ribbons of white and red hanging from it as decoration. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Then Rupert roared. Not the directed cone of the siege-roar, but one that exploded from him in a burst. And continued. The sound was shrill, gaining further high notes as the bell resonated with it. The trembling in the air took on a distinct blue sheen of disruptive force damage, and the vicious spirits were shredded, like cloth being violently frayed, the effect being greater the closer they had come to the leonid. Some of the spirits even tried to retreat, but Rupert had waited until the last moment. None survived the attempted flight to escape its radius. Cutting off his channeled attack, Rupert sprung at her, his step creating a small thunderous explosion, tinted the same blue by the bell which floated along with Rupert. Once more, his first two claws were deflected by the raised parasol, but this time he followed with the siege roar even as more projectiles and spectral blades started emerging to target him from behind the intervening ¡®shield¡¯. The now disruptive damage tore through the shield, and Rupert accepted several stinging projectiles and a glancing sword strike to tear the parasol to shreds. Finally standing face to face with his opponent, her face contorted in severe focus as she brought up her ghostly blade to force him back. It was half-shredded by the blue-tinted sonic barrier Rupert once more deployed in order to stay on the offensive, and another set of claws tore through her layers of robes even as more specters emerged from within. What followed was a few minutes of fierce close combat fighting, Rupert accepting minor blows and letting minor spells through in order to continue pressing her as he had a distinct advantage in close combat and having baited out and dispatched her boosted minions. Trails of blood remained in their wake, shaken into a fine mist by the sonic vibrations, as the leonid pressed the pale celestine ever backwards. ¡°Ungraspable gho- akkkhss¡± she began, the spell being interrupted the same way as the last handful of times. Rupert had seen her mobility power when she arrived at the battlefield, and due to its long range and spectacular nature, he had assumed it to be a spell. A spell he had started saving his silencing for, to continue to press the advantage he had been building up. They were almost at the large ritual site when the priestess apparently decided that she had enough of this experience. From the tattered remains of her layers of voluminous robes, a pale hand retrieved a painted fan, the latticework crafted from pale purple crystals. She even accepted another of Rupert¡¯s attacks in order to open it, displaying the three ferocious warriors depicted on it as part of the decorations. Realizing that it was some kind of troublesome object, Rupert immediately swiped for it with his destructive special attack, only to realize that she was actively interposing it between herself and him. The brittle crystal and soft silk tore immediately, releasing an explosion which threw them both back a few meters. Being silver-rankers, both landed relatively gracefully, Rupert¡¯s claws carving furrows in the ground where he had reached a hand down to stop his momentum. Where the fan had been, a trio of ghostly warriors were materializing. They had spectral robes and each brandished different weapons; a sword, a naginata and a bow. Their faces were entirely obscured by veils with runes of sealing and restraining covering the incorporeal cloth, and the trio emitted silver rank auras in the upper reaches of the rank. And there was something more to them, something Rupert couldn¡¯t quite place. ¡°My existence is for lord Undeath to claim, and not worth to be squandered in this incompetent venture. If you meet that imbecile of a grand elder again, tell him that our agreement is over and broken. You have cost me much today, deputy director. My mistress¡¯ prototype was not meant to be spent on those such as yourself. I mean to balance out our fell karma in the future.¡± she said, backing up as the ghostly trio spread out in a loose formation between her and Rupert. From their stances and competent bearing, it was clear that they would not be easy to just pass by. On an unspoken signal, the all went on the offensive even as the priestess of Undeath retreated westward, quickly disappearing from sight. Rupert sighed as he went to work, claw and sonic attack meeting incorporeal blades and grudges unleashed. The ghosts were a lot more competent than the rest, but barring something very unexpected, it was but a matter of the time needed to dispatch them. ¡°She didn¡¯t even leave me time for a reply. Most discourteous.¡±
¡°The flare was this way. Trust this old man to lead you right.¡± uncle Walker said, waving them through a section with more dense growths of trees which seemed to bend aside to let them pass. ¡°I just hope we¡¯re not too late.¡± Kite confided in Will where they ran at a steady pace next to each other. ¡°With all those delays¡­¡± ¡°Sometimes, the fates deal you hands which are simply not what you wanted. But it is still up to us to make the most of them, or change circumstances to better suit us.¡± the young noble said sagely, but Kite knew that their circumstances grated at him as well. It had been just as they were finishing up the last wave of summoned minions after facing the group, led by Dancer on the Broken River, that they had seen a red flare go up. It had been close enough that Walker and Grim made the call that they were close enough to assist. But as the battle as a whole had risen in intensity, simply getting to the location proved to be quite a challenge. Kite had seldom felt so small as when they were forced to take cover several times to avoid discharging powers from the battles between the silver-rankers which, as expected, didn¡¯t remain stationary. One time there had been deafening sounds like those of great bronze bells which shattered nearby trees, showering them with sparks and debris even though they could barely glimpse the fight between the trees in the distance. Had they been normal rankers, Kite was sure that they would have suffered serious injury by mere proximity. The greatest delay had been when they had to skirt around the areas where grand elder Lark fought a white-haired man who was lifted above the treetops on a massive column of conjured chains, like a grim tree of restraining dominion. Each time the grand elder unleashed his swathes of viridian fire, more of the forest below was set ablaze as the natural magic in this low-density area was nothing before the silver-ranker¡¯s fury. Even moving through a part of forest mostly burned out, the heat was still enough to threaten to sear any exposed skin of the iron-rankers. In comparison, the lesser scale of the battle raging ahead of them almost felt like a reprieve from the intensity of their journey. It was indeed one of the summoning circles located in a smaller clearing, now just an even patch of dirt with a small cultist camp in disarray. There, the assaulting team of adventurers seemed to have been pushed on the defensive as a fresh band of euphoric berserkers had arrived as reinforcement for the blood cultists. Whatever cultists remained were now at work with providing ranged support as the beleaguered adventurers, one of the sectless groups, were engaged with the gleeful maniacs. And as the maniacs in question had five bronze-rankers to the adventurers'' two, it was rather obvious why they were so pressured. Two of the adventurer iron-rankers were already down, and from the looks some of the euphoric warriors were giving them, this was not a situation where one would want to be left behind as a prisoner. ¡°Grim, prioritize their ranged support. I will go in for one of the bronze-rankers, which should leave two for the rest of you to engage while we wait for Grim to finish up. Hold nothing back. This will be dangerous. Kite, you know what to do if they activate berserking powers.¡± Walker ordered without pausing, vanishing through nearby underbrush and appearing behind the enemy bronze rankers who were tearing into their allies, leaf-sword in full swing . Kite, Dragonfly and Will were hot on his heels as Grim started his precision spellwork, causing the supporting ranged attacks to peter out as the blood cultists were forced to scramble out of the area of the whirling razor storm which appeared at their location. Their target priority no longer needed to be said, Kite grabbing one of the bronze-rankers'' attention by focusing his mana-draining vortices on the woman while Dragonfly and Will leapt to engage the other one that was ¡®free¡¯. Over the weeks of the war, he had noticed that directing the mana drain towards a specific target tended to leave him as the focus of their attention. His companions had attested that feeling your mana being drained at a noticeable and rather fast pace did create a pressing kind of subconscious stress and pressure. The woman Kite was targeting turned from the fallen iron-ranker in front of her, her conjured iron tetsubo slick with blood and her face a mask of grime, flecks of blood and a wide grin. ¡°Another plaything for the collection? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll leave the important bits intact.¡± she said, taking a wide stance and swinging her weapon at Kite, the studded length of the greatclub giving off a trembling pressure as it tore through the air. Even though the attack was made with great force and speed, it was also openly telegraphed as many iron-rankers couldn¡¯t do much about it either way, depending on their level within the rank, their training and their set of abilities. But Kite was in the peak of iron-rank, not too far below the rather low-end bronze-ranker if her aura strength was anything to go by. He was also rather well-trained for his age and station, both in practical experience and having studied under two different silver-rankers. And finally, his power set was apparently quite annoying to face. She seemed to share the sentiment of his sparring partners, brow furrowing in consternation as her conjured weapon dissolved when Kite swung his katar through the air without even having touched the crushing implement [Pattern-shattering counter]. Compared to the beastmaster¡¯s javelin in flight, using his intent to target the weapon while still early in its trajectory had felt surprisingly easy. A mere moment later, she took a charged beam from Sage to her face, the familiar being fully loaded from the earlier fighting. The ray of resonating force caused her to stagger back clutching her face with one hand and swinging against Kite with the other. Even though the beam must have hurt, her noises were disturbingly like sounds of pleasure. Kite could not detect any such magical active abilities, but knew that those following this particular path often used alchemical pills and concoctions for such effects. A lot of them. As she was unable to resummon her weapon, courtesy of Kite¡¯s evolved dispelling effect, she instead seemed to go for the same kind of tactic Dragonfly often employed, albeit with many more disturbing connotations. Spreading her arms wide, she lunged at Kite in an attempt to grapple. And she was fast. Not wanting to be caught in such an embrace, Kite managed to sidestep her first attack and deliver a crushing blow from his staff and void strike [Void-Sunders-Firmament] which left her hand badly mangled. She powered on, unperturbed even as Kite summoned his spear the jab at her legs in an attempt to keep her at bay. Leaping at him yet again, Kite reused his earliest solution against such a tactic. ¡°Wall!¡± A wall of force sprang up in front of her, leaving her crashing face first into the hard surface although she handled it a lot better than the iron-ranked Dragonfly had. Instead of making one large wall, Kite divided it into several panes scattered over a small area, giving him some obstacles to weave through and making it harder for her to come at him in a straight line. Ducking in behind one of the semi-translucent sheets of force, Kite whipped his staff up yet again to punish an arm reached around it in order to grab him. The chase resumed with the same counterattacks occurring from time to time, his opponent''s hungry smile growing more frustrated for each failed attempt. She declared that she¡¯d had enough in a sudden shift of rhythm, a pair of metal horns growing from her forehead as she headbutted the force wall separating them both. Apparently, the special attack was made for just that; punching through walls and barriers. The pane of force shattered before Kite even could begin to reinforce it with his essence gift. Before he could raise another smaller barrier, she was upon him, attempting to bear him to the ground in a tackle. The result was a bit awkward, as Kite was dragged down on the spot where he stood rather than being dragged a few meters by the force [Unyielding]. While she did find it hard to find purchase on him [Implacable motion], it was still enough to pin him with one arm and punch him twice in the face. Kite¡¯s world flashed and his head rang with each hit, managing to mutter a semi-coherent ¡°Ward¡± before the third blow could land. A barrier only ten centimeters across appeared in front of his face, the timing and size making it quite resilient as her knuckles broke upon it. Now growling, she had apparently decided to use even more force as she leapt into the air above him only to come down again, elbow pointed downward like a descending battering ram. But this was something Kite had a solution to. ¡°Void!¡± His gate appeared above him, the woman¡¯s momentum carried her straight into it before it rejected her, and violently so [Gate of Nihility]. As he dismissed the dark circle and rose to his feet, she landed a few meters away. Her arm was half shredded to bloody strips, as were other parts of her body. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll enjoy taking all that and more back from your body, little pretty.¡± she said in a mix of growling and giggling before she started to grow, a berserking power activating to have her muscles swell and form mutate. Kite had seen it more than once, apparently a common result from the corrupt essence for those following this particular path. But even as she was shifting, a throwing star was already flying through the air towards her, shimmering with dispelling force. As it impacted, her swelling muscles suddenly deflated all at once, her whole posture sagging with it as the debilitating after-effects were forced upon her. ¡°Wha-¡± was all she had time to slur before Kite had brought out his staff, empowering his spatial tears as his foe was suddenly struck by a ripple in the air which detonated into a huge, chaotic mess of tears in reality [Void-Sunders-Firmament, Potential of Stolen Power]. In her weakened state, she hadn¡¯t even noticed the attack, and even her bronze-ranked body could not withstand it as chunks of her fell to the ground, followed by the main mass still held together by some bones here and there. During the fight, glimpses of the rest of the fighting had indicated that it had continued to be intense but under control. Even as Dragonfly was sent flying by a punch from their foe, a gauntleted pugilist, Grim seemed to have deemed his task complete as glass shards were shot into the fray in the openings left by Dragonfly¡¯s absence. One of the other bronze-ranked enemies was about to use some kind of leaping attack at a downed adventurer, only for a gust of wind to shift him to the side and crash into the ground instead. Walker had all but disassembled his opponent, the man also activating his berserking power for a last shot at victory. Kite brought those ambitions low with another strike of his staff, carried the ten or so meters to impact the man when he least expected it and end his boost. As the rest of the fight was mostly a question of finishing the foregone conclusion, Kite got a moment to truly appreciate his training. While these opponents weren¡¯t entirely without skill, it was more a style of enthusiasm rather than mastery, allowing him to dispatch a warrior of higher rank yet again. ¡°I better not get complacent. There are more enemies, and definitely more skilled, to fight in the future.¡± he muttered to himself, the words not quite succeeding to quench the small, warm core of pride at the achievement. The circle destroyed, their group took a short moment to rest and assist their exhausted allies before continuing. Their result was a mixed blessing, as one of the ally iron-rankers did not survive, having died before Kite and his group entered the glade. But the other one did, and that had to count for something. While it had gone smoothly for the members of Kite¡¯s group, they were all a bit battered and exhausted. At least a couple of restorative pills would help in that regard. Off in the distance, a new silver-ranked battle seemed to have started, new waves of power radiating over the torn landscape. One that filled Kite with a vague sense of urgency. It felt important that he witnessed it.
¡°Lady, go back into your house. You are causing a scene.¡± guard sergeant Ire said, voice firming up as the apparently deranged woman didn¡¯t seem to heed him, agitatedly waving a rolling pin around her where she paced in the small yard. He had a few of the younger recruits watching uncomfortably from behind, neither of them having their full set of essences and probably signing up as a guard in hopes of affording them one day. As he himself hadn¡¯t managed it either should have told them of their prospects. They had been on patrol in the area beneath the fourth spire of Gilded, a moderately affluent area, as a commotion had caused them to investigate. A woman had beaten her husband bloody on the inner yard of their apartment complex, still being agitated and aggressive even while he had been dragged away to safety by brave, helpful neighbors while leaving her to roam the communal area. What concerned Ire was that there were others in the yard, not as helpful. The looks they gave the group of guards sent shivers down his spine even though he didn¡¯t know why. ¡°The rest of you, do the same!¡± Ire shouted at them, standing straighter. ¡°You are violating the peace and public order. Please return and-¡± ¡°Ahh, get off me!¡± was suddenly heard behind Ire, followed by a sharp, wet sound and a deeper thud. Whirling around, sergeant Ire saw one of the younger guards staring at the body of a fallen young man, wooden spikes still growing out of the young guard¡¯s hands and more lodged in the throat of the corpse at his feet. ¡°Heavens, Dice, what have you done?¡± Ire asked, glancing about to see the severe gazes of onlookers from the houses and doorways around. Many had seen it. Ire did not doubt that the boy had his reasons, but bringing out your powers too readily on normals often meant trouble in the long run . And the trouble had already found them as the unsettling crowd in the yard of the apartment building had stilled, all gazes on the corpse. Then as one, they shouted in a discordant unison before charging at the trio of city guards. ¡°Retreat! Call for reinforcements!¡± Ire shouted, before muttering a spell. ¡°Bones of the earth, rise!¡± A wall of packed earth rose from the ground to close the entrance to the yard, delaying the mob which had begun storming against them. Grabbing both of the younger ones by the pauldron of their armor, Ire shoved them into motion as they began running for the nearest guardhouse. Ire did not know what had flown into these people, but years of experience gave him a bad feeling about it. This would be trouble, that he was sure of. 53. To bear witness ¡°Any last words for the heavens to witness, Lark Above the Clouds?¡± grand elder White asked, the seared landscape around them still smoldering with the remnants of green flames. He stood on the ashen ground, his opponent hanging suspended in front of him, utterly broken. Grand elder Lark was missing his right arm as well as right leg below the knee. What more that remained of him was slowly constricted by the writhing chains which bound him almost from head to toe, the occasional reddish-purple pulse flashing across them which was followed by a grunt of pain. ¡°You have fought well, after all. And such words deserve to be heard.¡± White continued as his broken foe did not speak. He was not without blemishes either. A lot of his gray, armored robes were singed to ash, leaving his ritually scarred torso bare in many places, while the left half of his face was still recovering from both impacts and severe burns. But unlike the defeated man, White showed no sign of discomfort. This was but pain of the flesh after all, a sweet reminder of life and purpose. ¡°I¡­¡± grand elder Lark began, word slurring from a broken jaw. ¡°I have many regrets in this life, but the heavens will know that opposing your sect was never one of them. Even as I fall, your demise is already written in the stars.¡± The man finished, still having a glint of defiance in his eyes even though his body was no longer his to control. White took it in with a nod. ¡°The heavens have heard your words. Had this been another day, we would have continued this conversation under different circumstances, but time is not our greatest luxury at the moment. Thank you, for tempering my path.¡± he finished, tone as neutral and flat as it had been throughout their whole exchange. Then, small spikes grew from the chains, and with a rattling sound all the chains were retracted fast enough that their individual links became a blur even to White¡¯s eyes. In but a second, the remains of grand elder Lark fell to the ground, but a pile of bloody chunks. White couldn¡¯t help wondering what gold rank would have in store for the executing ability, the massive resilience of the rank feeling like a mere myth. A myth he aimed to become. His former foe forgotten as a bloody pile of flesh and pieces of armor, he turned back toward their camp and started moving, using only his personal strength to allow his mana to recover. The fight with the grand elder had taken them further away than he had initially planned, and it took a few minutes to make his way back toward their ritual circle. White felt a bit of concern as he did not feel any silver-ranked clashes close to his destination. But he did feel another aura he recognized. With only a slight diversion through the dense woodlands and over wrecked parts of forest, he appeared in front of his daughter who was already kneeling as he had allowed her to sense his aura while approaching. ¡°Report.¡± he stated, towering above her, gaze as firm and unflinching as ever. Having come closer, he could still feel the clashes of silver-rankers in the distance and other weaker groups moving and battling in the woodlands. ¡°Father, I¡­¡± River began, then swallowed. ¡°My group was driven back and I was forced to go back for reinforcements.¡± ¡°The sects?¡± ¡°No, father. Outcasts. The same ones that got away the last time.¡± River added, wisely holding nothing back. She knew White would detect any lie in her aura. ¡°And the battle as a whole?¡± he asked, tone still as monotone as ever. ¡°The reports are scattered. The other paths have not reported as they should, not according to the protocols put in place. But from what I collected, it does not go in our favor. Collector of Animas has fled, and the adventurers are in the process of breaking down the defenses of the grand circle. If they do it before the ritual for the new batch of wraiths is finished¡­¡± she trailed off, the implications clear. ¡°And the other grand elders and silver-rankers?¡± ¡°Unaccounted for, but several battles are still going on. ¡°Then I have a task for you, progeny.¡± White said as he started to continue walking back towards their camp, his daughter scrambling to keep up, her thralls lagging behind. ¡°I sanction the use of the portal-thrall. You will go back to our sect and beg the sect leader to assist us, then return.¡± ¡°Father?¡± she asked, looking up at him in surprise. ¡°Would she- how do we know she-¡± River began, but quickly fell silent again as a spike of his aura pushed into hers, almost causing her to topple over. ¡°The sect leader told me that we would test our strength, but that she would intervene in the moment she deemed correct. Inform her of the situation, then return.¡± He could sense doubt and hesitation churning through his progeny¡¯s aura, but she wisely kept it to herself and did not protest again. ¡°Then I shall do as you ask father.¡± River said, bowing low even though she was shaking slightly from his painful aura spike. ¡°I expect no less. I will intervene with the deputy director. When you return, go back to your other objectives and bring as many of the reserve thralls as you deem necessary.¡± grand elder White finished, dashing off before River could respond again. There was a duel he needed to finish with a certain leonid.
¡°-and they were acting odd and erratic?¡± branch director Jarvan LanCaire asked Adelaide, walking at a pace which the iron-ranked elf could keep up with. The pair were currently making their way through the corridors of the adventure society administration building, Adelaide continuing to brief Jarvan even as they walked. ¡°Yes, branch director. Aggressive as well. When one of the guards got a bit¡­ twitchy¡­ with his essence-powers, it was like a drop of mana finishing a faulty formation. ¡°It blew up?¡± ¡°Metaphorically, at least. The guard sergeant was wise enough to contain them and pull back for reinforcements, but reports are indicating that this isn¡¯t an isolated incident. It has happened in multiple places all over the city.¡± ¡°How goes the containment? Not too well I assume, otherwise the city lord would not have sent the emergency contract?¡± Jarvan asked, pushing open the doors that led outside. From atop their spire, the city looked calm at a glance, but Jarvan¡¯s silver-ranked perception let him pick out scattered spots where there seemed to be more people in motion. ¡°Indeed. We are scrambling what adventurers remain in the city to assist the city guards, but with most of the capable ones off to fight the fallen sect¡­¡± Adelaide finished, letting Jarvan come to the obvious conclusion. ¡°It sounds like this is under control then. From what you have described, those we have should be enough to get a handle on it. I¡¯m more curious as to what is causing this. Maybe-¡± Jarvan was interrupted by a building below going up in a ball of flame, the sound of the explosion reaching them shortly thereafter. ¡°It was in the trade district. Alchemy lab? Either way, that¡¯s my cue. Hold down the fort, Adelaide!¡± ¡°But director, I¡¯m not authorized to-¡± the green-haired elf began in protest, but it was too late. Jarvan had already sprinted across the plaza and leapt off the side of the cliff, a huge floating silvery gauntlet with a blue sheen materializing to carry him down towards the city on its palm. Adelaide sighed, looking down at the retreating figure and the city below. This would mean trouble. She was sure of it.
¡°So, can you bring it down? Or should we force the issue?¡± Rupert asked Braid where they stood before a defensive array, behind which they suspected that the grand summoning circle was located. The bronze-ranker had been nearby along with his group, ready to be called to assist with any such defenses should Rupert be able to dispatch higher-ranked defenders. The trio of enhanced specters had indeed been troublesome, but thanks to the disrupting bell and his expertise, Rupert had been able to dispatch them in short order. Not fast enough to give chase to the priestess had he intended to do so, but he was still rather pleased. What had been disturbing with the trio was their level of competence, almost sentience. While they had no souls, their motive spirits were way more sophisticated than others of similar rank. But Rupert filed it away for later discussion, preferable with Death¡¯s clergy, and turned back to the matter at hand. ¡°This is a proper array, deputy director, not just formations put up next to each other. I think we will need both approaches.¡± the cloth-wrapped man said. One could easily imagine his eyes flickering over the surface of the opaque, shimmering barrier. ¡°Whatever they are up to in there, be it more of the silver-ranked wraiths or something worse, we need to get in there. After all, the key to any ritual, together with the right resources, is the time to get it right.¡± ¡°Then tell me when and where you want a less gentle touch.¡± Rupert responded. ¡°Actually, as soon and as continual as possible, director. From what I can see, there should be no active defensive measures, and putting strain on the array should allow me to better see the structure.¡± ¡°Then we shall begin at once. I-¡± Rupert began, but stopped as he detected a silver rank aura at the edge of his perception range. Then another. A moment of dread tingled along the leonid¡¯s spine before settling only slightly as he identified both auras. And as one of them belonged to his former, chain-wielding opponent, the implications were rather bleak for the fate of grand elder Lark. The white-haired human man, robes and armor now partially burnt and ruined, was heralded by a score of thick chains shooting out from between the trees, all of them aiming for Rupert who had stepped in front of the bronze-ranked Braid. Once more, fast, controlled flurries of claw-strikes deflected and tore through the assault of fetters, but having someone to protect did force the leonid to remain on the defensive. ¡°Deputy director, we have a clash to conclude.¡± grand elder White said as he emerged from between the trees, his voice the same flat monotone even as he launched more attacks toward Rupert. ¡°His attacks aren¡¯t even spells as there are no chants.¡± Rupert thought as he continued his defense. ¡°Is it some kind of domain of his?¡± Throughout their earlier fight, his opponent had just continued to conjure new chains from himself or the environment, delivering his special attacks through multiple vectors. ¡°But it does seem like we will not remain undisturbed this time either.¡± the man continued, turning his head to the side, looking to the south where a layer of rime was beginning to form, gradually spreading across the trunks and branches of nearby trees, leaving the red leaves covered in a thin shimmering coating. ¡°It sounds like I am unwelcome? A bit rude, don¡¯t you think? And from your tone, it is almost as if you had already sensed me coming..¡± a chilly voice echoed throughout the clearing, belonging to a pale, silver-haired human woman, blue lips curved in a smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. Frost among Morning Dew looked quite hale, although there were splatters of frozen blood across her light blue robes, the clothing cinched tighter around her torso to increase mobility while still leaving the long, wide sleeves she had always favored for as long as Rupert had known her. Dew was one of the silver-rankers whose beauty has grown even more distinct during her climb through the ranks, her fine features heightened to an almost supernatural beauty. ¡°Lord Pain¡¯s ministrations has heightened my senses beyond the rest of you, too weak of will to go through what is needed to truly temper yourselves,¡± grand elder White answered, turning slightly to take in both of his opponents. ¡°And those senses tell me that you are too weak to face me. I would recommend that you leave and seek other foes, outcast.¡± ¡°From the scars on your chest, I am not sure if strong of will is not the only attribute I would assign you. Torturing souls like that is never without risk, and undergoing such procedures tell me a lot about you.¡± ¡°No path to the heavens are free of peril. But with the blessed knowledge of my lord, the process has given me much. And from your deputy director, I will learn more.¡± ¡°From where I stand, the deputy director looks to have other matters on his mind. If he does not mind, I will be your next opponent.¡± mistress Dew stated as she walked closer. ¡°I do indeed have other matters to attend to. But Dew, be cautious. Grand elder Lark did not return after fighting this man.¡± Rupert responded, still taking a defensive stance in case their foe would resume his attacks, which had ceased when Dew had made her appearance. ¡°The grand elder fought well, but inevitably became a stepping stone for my path. And as it seems ours will clash as well, I inform you that I am Unmaker of the White Seal, grand elder of the Unbreakable Chains sect.¡± His stance was arrogant and confident, and it was clear that his true goal was to stop the deputy director and considered Dew to be just a small nuisance. ¡°Without the discipline and visions of a sect, your path will inevitably become scattered and weak. I will show you the folly of your path.¡± This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°And my name is Frost among Morning Dew. And I will inform you, grand elder, that there is a lot you don¡¯t know about me. But I will freely share this with you; I have just slain one of your grand elders, the naked one. And I have fought grand elder Lark to a standstill. While holding back.¡± she finished, a slight tug at the edge of her blue lips. Then, frost creeping up her robes, she was upon the enemy grand elder. From where Rupert observed the exchange and subsequent start of the clash, he had seen how the frost had spread around the environment, his magically enhanced hearing catching the slight crackling sound as the small crystals of ice formed on everything in a spreading radius. The second Dew started shifting her weight forward in preparation to sprint towards her foe, the slight crackling rose to a small explosion as suddenly, all around her, the slight layer of frost erupted into a field of ice, as if a thin glacier was forming around her at record speed, continuing to grow outward. While Rupert felt the chill, it was a bit subdued to him where he stood on the now forming layer of ice, but he had no doubt that the experience would be quite different had he been Dew¡¯s enemy. It was something to behold as the grand elder¡¯s chains started erupting from the ice and converging on her even as Dew¡¯s icy field was spreading. As if they were both imparting their path on the surrounding landscape, the very world. Rupert knew that it was only essence-powers, as much as one could simplify magical abilities, but seeing them clash still left him with a thrilling sensation. This kind of experience was why he remained an adventurer first and foremost. As Dew, relentlessly attacking her opponent, skillfully started directing the battle away from the ritual site and its barrier, Rupert turned back to Braid. While the younger man had fought alongside Rupert before, the leonid could still feel that he was slightly rattled by the higher-ranked violence, auras and powers crushed against each other. ¡°Well, Braid. We best not tarry. Where did you want me to apply this more violent approach we were discussing earlier?¡± Braid gave him a blank look, his cloth mask conveying the expression surprisingly well, before seeming to snap out of his slight daze. ¡°Yes. Yes, director. Please, if you could put the barrier under constant strain, that would be most helpful.¡± Nodding, Rupert turned to the barrier, once more throwing up the bell which changed his sonic attacks to disrupting force damage, and once more activating his channeled sonic attack which he had used to annihilate the first set of spectral minions of the priestess of Undeath. This time he chose the other mode of the attack, which had become available at bronze-rank, to instead generate a thinner, directed line of channeled sonic destruction. While Braid didn¡¯t hear anything, the half-meter wide line of bluish ripples in the air had a clear effect on the barrier of the array. It seemed to solidify further where the attack hit, irregular patterns were flickering out over the barrier as a whole. While they didn¡¯t communicate any special meaning to Rupert, Braid seemed to observe them very intently. What Rupert could notice was other, weaker auras escaping the array on the other side, passing out through the barrier from the opposite side. He assumed them to be weaker cultists or clergy of Undeath, but there had to be a reason that they were evacuating. As he was locked in his efforts to help Braid, Rupert couldn¡¯t just chase them down and had to settle for noting their numbers and direction. As said, there has to be a reason for their flight. While one could hope that they were simply fleeing the metaphorical sinking ship, Rupert¡¯s instincts told him otherwise. And so, he carried on. He had a job to do.
Dew could see why this man was able to bring down grand elder Lark. Even as she wove between chains striking at her from the sides or erupting from the frozen ground, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit impressed with the grand elder for reaching and maintaining this level of skill even while essentially living in exile, without the resources or support from society. In another life, he could have been very prominent even in sects closer to the kingdom¡¯s heartlands. His skill at using his powers to create an oppressive zone of control was significant, as were his special attacks and the debilitating afflictions they threatened to inflict, courtesy of Pain no doubt. But his aura was his most potent weapon in a duel such as this. It was oppressive and domineering, forcing the submission of others and having them become subservient or perish. And from the look of his bare skin, scarred in ritualistic markings, the soul behind that aura bore scars. Most of his rank would eventually be ground down and exposed to the pain his aura promised, making it another tool of dominance for an already domineering man. But while Dew was definitely on the defensive in this spiritual struggle, she was not to be overwhelmed anytime soon. After all, she had a scar of her own, one that still felt emotionally raw even after all these years. And as such, she could push him, leveraging her relentless attack to cleave through his domain of chains and not be kept at bay. She was speed and grace, biting cold and piercing frost. She was the inevitable winter, and rarely had her path been strained so as she fought. A frozen sword split a dozen approaching chains, transitioning into a glaive on the backswing to dispatch a flanking tangle of metal links which meant to strike her down. Even so, another chain had managed to wrap around her right leg, delivering its debilitating touch but being severed before it could yank her off balance. Dew¡¯s relentless pace forced the grand elder to continue retreating in order to maintain distance, continually pushing the fight further and further away from the ritual site. ¡°That should give the deputy director some distance.¡± Dew thought even as shards of ice flew around her like a glittering halo where her blades sometimes broke under the duress of assaulting links. ¡°Time to change up the pace a bit.¡± ¡°Shining molt of spring¡± Over the course of almost an instant, Dew was completely frozen in a thin shell of ice. But instead of the normally bluish clear ice, this ice looked dirty and mottled, with purplish red strains passing through it. Her next motion had the layer shatter, shedding the afflictions which had been stacking up to slightly hamper her movement. It was a potent self-cleanse, readily available but limited to targeting herself. For the loner that she usually was, that barely felt like a downside. After all, it would be her own strength that would carry her path southward in the future. While the few bonds she had forged felt nicer than she thought they would, such as a certain diligent and earnest young student, Dew had long since known that her retribution would be dealt through her own path. As her frozen domain spread, the grand elder¡¯s speed was decreasing even though he seemed more resistant to the stacking affliction than only his rank would indicate. Activating one of her mobility powers, Dew disappeared in a flurry of snowflakes only to emerge in a cascade of snow and ice shards from the frozen ground, dual blades already striking out against the interposing chains and aiming for the man who was as their center. Even though she sheared through the defensive chain, her prey remained elusive. Her right blade was only a few centimeters away from his chest when another chain reached in and yanked the grand elder out of the way of the attack, the motion blindingly quick while allowing him to keep up the barrage from the conjured fetters. Dew was not deterred however, following him in a series of dashes and disengages, getting ever closer even as their battle froze and shattered the surrounding forest where the chains scythed down frozen trees as if they were but stalks of grass. Apparently feeling that this approach would not continue favoring him, grand elder White was the one who changed up the pace this time around. From mostly having remained in his regal, straight-backed pose, moving mostly with the aid of his chains, he sunk into a combat stance with his left hand held out in front of him while the right was held more loosely at his side, hidden by his robes. The chains around him changed as well, braiding themselves together into thicker strands, swaying in synchronization with White¡¯s movements. Dew had to halt her relentless pursuit as the grand elder counterattacked, the chain-tentacles no longer easily shorn through by her blades as they attacked even as Dew now had to contend with the devious finger-strikes of the man as well, aiming for pressure points along her body. ¡°I gave you too little credit, Frost among Morning Dew. There are apparently depths to your path not easily read through your aura, not even by me. It has been a long time since I was forced to take such a personal approach. I do not think that your foundation was laid down in this backwater.¡± White stated after several exchanges as they both stepped back for but a moment. ¡°And I will recognize the strength of your path, grand elder, especially under the circumstances in which you have tempered it. As for my foundation, let us just say that I was not always an outcast.¡± Dew replied before the sharp intent of her combat meditation once more filled her gaze, and the dance of death began anew.
¡°Let the song of thine soul purge the disharmony.¡± Kite relaxed as the painful shredding feeling in his veins vanished under the soothing vibrations of Serene¡¯s cleansing spell, even though his face was still partially covered in crimson where he had bled from eyes, ears and mouth. Having taken part in taking down another of the smaller summoning circles, one of the bronze-ranked blood cultists had taken offense at Kite¡¯s dispelling wave causing his three summons to vanish, and had laced him with a very destructive blood affliction before uncle Walker had been able to engage and take him down. ¡°Thank you Serene. Your songs are beautiful and soothing, as always¡± Kite rasped gratefully even while she cast other healing spells to aid in his recovery. ¡°Afflictions remain as one of the banes of my path for now.¡± Fortunately for Kite, he had yet to duel a warrior relying on afflictions, as his only defense against them at the moment was his aura, the erosive effect shortening their duration. This was yet another reason to be thankful for his friends and their companionship, but Kite also vowed to see what he could do to shore up that weakness on bronze-rank. While he always trusted Serene to help him, there would undoubtedly be many moments where she was not nearby or otherwise unavailable. Another fortunate occurrence was that Sage¡¯s presence had caused a blood essence to materialize in the clearing, joining the other two essences, plant and bone, and the four awakening stones that had similarly been nudged into existence The celestine had just finished casting a healing spell when she halted, looking to the south. Before she could voice what concern she felt, uncle Walker appeared after having taken one of his many sweeps of their perimeter. ¡°We need to move!¡± he half-shouted to get the group''s attention. ¡°There is a pair of silver-rankers battling, moving in this direction. From what I could glean, the fight seems to be intense and I am not sure how much they will be able to curtail their moves. Or want to, in the case of our enemy. We do not want to become either collateral damage or a liability for our side.¡± Even as they rose to move, all of them could feel the projected auras of the clashing pair. One felt calm and resonating while the other felt like the smell of blood and sound of writhing flesh. Kite had always marveled about the special sensations of auras since his own aura-sense awakened, but this last one felt unclean and uncomfortable. And it continued to draw closer. ¡°They¡¯re heading our way. We need to-¡± Walker began, running alongside the group, before he was interrupted as the world shifted around them. Faster than Kite could follow, a tangle of red, pulsating veins had spread through the air all around them, their movements like worms burrowing through the air as they split and spread. Had it not been for uncle Walker and Grim stepping up behind the iron-rankers and barely managing to destroy some of the veins, it was probable that the younglings would have been injured or maybe even dead. Razor sharp plants and weaving sword strikes along with a storm of shredding glass shards managed to create a gap ensuring their survival, but not without cost. A couple of the veins had struck Grim, burrowing into his flesh and visibly absorbing his vitality in the short second before Walker managed to sever them with a slash of his sword. This was followed by the veins withering and disappearing, revealing a pale runic man standing not far behind them, his red runes pulsating with a shivering rhythm, his body clearly wounded but regenerating at a visible pace. ¡°Raw material like you should just accept your fates.¡± he said while raising his arms again and beginning a similar attack, veins sprouting from his hands, fingers and lower arms and shooting forwards. But this time, something else intervened as well. ¡°Echo of liberty lost.¡± Just as the veins shot towards them, they were forcefully halted and pressed against the ground as a semi-translucent brass bell, covered in symbols radiating the meaning of peace and order and three meters wide at its open bottom, was conjured in the air above the runic man and slammed down around him. A split second later, Unbroken Typhoon Vigil, the silver-ranked celestine man of the unaffiliated adventurers, appeared next to the bell and struck it hard with a closed fist. The group was almost thrown off their feet by the deep, sonorous resonance which echoed out from the construct, the echoes cracking some of the nearby trees. ¡°I recommend that you take your leave, lest you become food for this cultist.¡± the bald celestine said, still smiling serenely as he hit the bell again. The expression was at odds with the situation and his disheveled appearance, but his aura felt steady enough even though he was wounded. ¡°Listen to the silver-rankers. We move!¡± Walker said loudly, bending down to help Grim stand, his arm of conjured vines winding around the elf¡¯s arm as he propped him up to continue their retreat. As they left, Kite looked back to see the inside of the grand bell stained red as a mass of something seemed to be pushing from within, with Vigil pounding away at a steady rhythm even while more, smaller bells were manifesting in the air around the small clearing formed by his attacks. About fifteen seconds later, they heard a spell chant echo throughout the woods. ¡°Ring out, chorus of the divine carillon!¡± Either through fortune or foresight, the group seemed to have come just far enough not to be caught in the effect, even though they could clearly hear more bells add to the resonating tone present, the air itself blurring as Kite could see the destructive warping in the air. Trees, bushes and stones all splintered violently, showering the group in debris in a way that was familiar from their earlier trek throughout the woodlands. Even as they had barely left one silver-ranked clash behind, Kite could already feel them drawing close to another. The auras here were already weary, both feeling even stronger and more oppressive than those the group had just escaped yet unstable from damage and exhaustion. And Kite recognized one of them. ¡°We should tread carefully. There are many powerful auras around us. Fortunately, I cannot sense many of the minions here.¡± Serene said even as she started channeling a healing spell into Grim, whom Walker helped sit down on a rock. While not as durable as the silver-rankers, his bronze-rank constitution had helped him go from almost being carried to carefully walking in minutes. ¡°Indeed.¡± Walker said, looking thoughtful. ¡°I might be able to camouflage us here to wait it out a bit, or maybe we could attempt to skirt around one of the- Kite, what are you doing?¡± The older man stopped his line of thought, instantly disappearing through a nearby bush to drop down from the foliage in front of the young man, who had wandered off from the others and closer to the other silver-ranked clash ahead of them. ¡°Uncle it is- it is mistress Dew. One of the auras is hers.¡± ¡°It does not matter, Kite. You cannot help her.¡± ¡°I know uncle, but¡­¡± Kite began, then paused to take a breath and steady his resolve. ¡°But I can at least witness her clash. I won¡¯t get close, just up to the ridge.¡± he said, gesturing up the slight incline toward the top of the slope. If one listened closely, you could even hear the sounds of battle echoing down from beyond. Walker met Kite¡¯s eyes for a silent moment, and the younger man could feel his uncle¡¯s aura probing his, as if to gauge his resolve. Then Walker sighed. ¡°You never needed the resolute essence, little Kite. You were already driven enough. Heavens curse me for a fool but- but I¡¯ll accompany you. But only to the ridge, understand me? Your aunties would flay me from the inside and out if they heard about this¡­¡± he finished, voice lowering to a mutter as he turned to walk up the hill. ¡°Thank you uncle.¡± Kite said, before turning to his companions. ¡°We¡¯ll be right back. But I feel that this is important.¡± They were all gazing up at him with different expressions; Serene with her usual calm, probably having read the same from his aura that his uncle did. Dragonfly had a restless mix of curiosity and concern, but still pumped both her fists into the air in a show of support. And Will looked like he understood, giving Kite a stoic nod. In hindsight, Kite should have expected no less. Making choices that made less sense than they just felt right was definitely something Will could get behind. And so, following his uncle, Kite walked up the slope. To bear witness. 54. Deadlock ¡°That should do it director. Thank you.¡± Braid said, causing the leonid beside him to cease his channeled sonic attack. At this time, the cloth-covered bronze-ranker had over a hundred glowing threads leading from the sleeves of his robes, attaching to different points on the barrier in front of them. Rupert, having kept up the directed attack for over a minute, popped a mana-restoring pill into his mouth as he continued to scan the surroundings with both aura perception and supernatural hearing. Sending out two more threads, Braid looked to Rupert for permission to proceed. At the leonid¡¯s nod, he started forming the ritual circle between his fingers even as he intoned the incantation for the ritual. Rupert could see the threads lighting up further, their glow leaking into an emerging pattern which spread across the shimmering surface of the barrier. When the pattern had become stable, some quick motions caused the ritual circle of threads between Braid¡¯s fingers to become even more complex. With the final syllable, a visible pulse went through the threads, causing the pattern to flash painfully bright once before part of the dome dissolved, leaving an asymmetrical hole in its side. It was like someone had taken a glass cutter and cut out an angular, irregular pattern from the middle of the pane while leaving the rest undisturbed. As it opened, a bright purple light spilled out through the hole, surprising Rupert as it had not been visible from the outside even as the dome had looked only semi-opaque. ¡°Heavens, they have overloaded the ritual. We need to- aaaah!¡± Braid began, but his words of alarm turned into a shout as a vaguely humanoid silhouette came charging out at him, backlit by the eerie purple as it swung a bone sword toward Braid. But Rupert was faster, already in motion as he had heard the familiar steps of not one but two of the bone-clad wraiths, apparently left behind by the ritualists. Even as he tackled the wraith to the side, allowing Braid to fall back a few meters, Rupert was already turning toward the other one which was exiting as well. ¡°You said something about the ritual overloading?¡± he asked Braid, even as he began exchanging blows with the two undead monsters. ¡°Ehm- Yes, the ritual. From what my magical perception tells me, this ritual and all the remaining fuel has been set to detonate.¡± ¡°How bad will that be?¡± ¡°Well, I will need thorough calculations to-¡± ¡°How bad, Braid?¡± Rupert pressed, tone clipped as he took great care not to let any of the pair get by him and reach the bronze-ranker. ¡°An estimate? I will need to look closer.¡± ¡°Then do it. I will keep these at bay.¡± Rupert growled, unleashing his siege-roar which threw the two undead backwards, leaving a path for Braid to enter the dome. He began talking aloud almost instantly, knowing that Rupert would hear him. ¡°Several matrices have been sent into feedback loops¡­ Multiple points of exomagical eruption¡­ Fuel only medium grade¡­ Complexity - high, but that is both good and bad¡­ ¡°Any time, now Braid.¡± ¡°Sorry, director. Early estimates are that the blast would be a threat to all of bronze-rank and below within two to three kilometers, the danger lessening with distance. Silver-ranked individuals should be fine unless they were already extremely injured.¡± ¡°Given the amount of our people that should still be within the area, I wouldn¡¯t call that acceptable consequences.¡± ¡°I am glad you feel that way, director.¡± ¡°Can you handle it?¡± Rupert asked, grasping a blade in one hand at the same time that he delivered a sonic roar in the face of the other wraith, still keeping the combat outside of the ritual circle he assumed was in there. ¡°I- I think so. But I need time. Time that I am unsure if we have.¡± ¡°Then go for it, Braid. We can¡¯t just leave our people to such a fate.¡± Braid was silent for a short while before Rupert heard his response. ¡°Yes, director. We will see it done.¡± Even though the large ritual circle below was hard to look at due to the bright light, sight was not the sense Braid would rely on the most anyway. The multitudes of miniscule spiritual threads suffusing his aura had already begun to feel their way across interlinked diagrams, mapping and analyzing, their controller thankful for his bronze-ranked spirit attribute to help process it all. Doing this kind of analysis under stress had been exhausting at iron-rank. ¡°Disrupt and redistribute the flow from here into the auxiliary loop. Vent the buildup here into- no, that didn¡¯t work. Ah, laying down a new proxy-circuit here should ease the pressurized mana over there.¡± Braid mumbled as he worked, his magical threads darting around the ritual, plunging down into parts of the magical circuitry and even acting as new parts of it in places, sometimes causing small bursts and crackling discharge. The work of just under two minutes felt like hours to him, even as his magical senses prickled and tingled with the increasing pressure, which made the air itself feel cloying and oppressive. And even as he made headway, Braid had to admit the truth to himself; he was not going to make it. The ritual was already too far along, and too powerful. Taking a shuddering breath, Braid swallowed. There was at least something he could do. His threads continued their work even as he spoke. ¡°Director, we were too late. I will not be able to deactivate the ritual. It is too far gone already.¡± The sounds of struggle were still heard outside, another roar echoing out before Braid felt Rupert¡¯s presence near the opening in the barrier. ¡°Then you have to go, Braid. From what you said, I should be able to weather the detonation.¡± ¡°It- it is too late for that as well, director. Barring a portal, not even you would make it out of the radius in time.¡± Braid said, voice shaking slightly, continuing before Rupert could make any more objections. ¡°But I can do something, director. I should be able to change the scope, directing the discharge more upwards than outwards. It should- it should keep our people safe. Or at least safer.¡± he finished, the implications for himself clear in his shaking voice. Rupert¡¯s answer was slightly delayed as he had to fend off another assault from the wraiths, sonic howl meeting sprays of the black ectoplasm they had a tendency to use as a kind of range attack. ¡°Then do what you can, Braid. And know that I will do all within my power to see you through.¡± The cloth-wrapped bronze-ranker gave only a grim nod in response, resuming his work. His glowing threads wove a magical, billowing mesh around the ritual site as Braid¡¯s mind went into overdrive, doing work which felt like trying to build a dam of twigs and mud in a stream whose pressure was only increasing. Sparks of mana and crackling discharges raged around him in chaotic bursts and explosions, some searing his flesh during short moments of contact, and Braid realized that it was now or never, should he wish to make a final push. Even as his magical threads were fraying and severing due to the magical turbulence, Braid reached up with his hand to pull his cloth mask up just a bit, enough to put a silver spirit coin into his mouth. Power and focus surged through him, like he had suddenly taken a leap towards the heavens which left the world smaller and more simple around him. Graspable. His threads, renewed in strength and purpose, went into overdrive even as the diagram started cracking. A few seconds later, it was as if the world slowed down as his magical perception saw it. The first spark breaching one of the many points where the mana had built up to catastrophic degrees. As soon as the chaotic mote of unstable magic emerged, the rest of the diagram followed in an instant, like a pane of glass shattering all at once. Braid¡¯s vision went white, and his world went completely silent.
River inwardly cursed her weakness, of not having become stronger in time for this conflict. Even with her speed and grace, her iron rank had forced her to take detours around areas of more intense fighting, even passing groups of enemies by as she had also been forced to shed her group of thralls for ease of movement. She even sensed the presence of her father¡¯s aura, once more embroiled in conflict. Even though she couldn¡¯t see their battle, the feeling of icy inevitability and oppressive domination was clear to her aura-senses. Would that she could one day match, or even surpass him. But for now, she could only carry out his order, even delayed as she was. Even in the final stretch, she had to be very cautious. It seemed that the main ritual site had been compromised, a silver-ranker battling two of the wraiths outside the barrier. Even though the leonid seemed disinterested in her moving around the barrier while keeping a respectable distance, River still thought that their sect¡¯s temporary outpost not far from the ritual site felt woefully inadequate should the adventurer come knocking. But she kept such doubts out of her aura as she entered the rows of tents and other temporary lodging, the outpost almost empty except for a bare minimum number of warriors remaining to guard it. Apparently, their reserves had long since been deployed. It did not take much more than to reveal her aura for the guards to allow her through, and River took a direct path towards her father¡¯s pavilion, jumping over tents and other obstacles. As she entered the regal silk pavilion, enchanted to allow for comfortable living even out in the field, River sent the servant-thralls scurrying out of her way with her projected aura. Walking into one of the wings of the spacious tent, River ignored her father¡¯s tools of unmaking and other belongings to walk up to a construction of wood and enchanted steel which stood against one of the silk walls. The construction was akin to a cage standing upright, the rune-covered bands of metal vaguely tracing out a humanoid silhouette, almost like that of a sarcophagus. Inside, tightly confined, stood a bronze-ranked elven man, his eyes distant and his body unmoving. It was one of their sect¡¯s prize catches, an early bronze-ranked portal user which her father had been able to catch during the initial counter-attack against their enemies. The cage would suppress any of his personal powers of movement or teleportation, leaving him trapped to be worked on even in the field. Due to the rather hectic conflict which followed, she knew that her father hadn¡¯t been able to work on the thrall-to-be for as long as he would have preferred, but long enough for him to be usable as a tactical asset should the circumstances be dire. And apparently, they were, or River would not be here. ¡°Thrall, open a portal to our domain.¡± River ordered as she drew closer. The elf¡¯s eyes flickered towards her, seeming only half-aware of her presence. She responded by channeling some mana into one of the runes on the contraption, causing it to light up with the purple-red light that was ever familiar to her. Other similar runes lit up along the bands, their magic causing the captive to shake uncontrollably without uttering more sounds than the occasional gasp. It didn¡¯t take long for his eyes to clear, now bloodshot as they turned toward River in recognition. And fear, especially when seeing her white, almost translucent hair. ¡°Thrall, open a portal to our domain.¡± she repeated, her eyes not leaving his. She only received a whimpering response, but this time a series of stylized stars started appearing in the air to form a circle almost two meters across, a shimmering surface forming in between them. ¡°Keep it open, as I will soon return.¡± River said, walking towards the shimmering gate. ¡°Expect to-¡± She had only begun the other part of the sentence when her senses registered something behind her, barely making sense of it before the tent around them were ripped apart, the sound of a deep explosion reaching her at the same time that a wave of force impacted her body and sent her flying straight into the portal. A searing pain beneath her right knee was soon followed by more as her face, arms and torso impacted something hard before scraping across a solid surface, the sensation both acute and at the same time dulled by her stunned mind. As the stars, spots of light and other flashing phenomena started clearing from her vision, River realized that she recognized the table which lay toppled over next to her, as well as the polished wood floor her cheek rested against. Sitting up caused waves of pain to emanate through her body, the pain of her right leg remaining the most acute. The thrall had indeed opened the portal to their domain, in the middle of the common area of her father¡¯s complex in the underground sect headquarters. But where the portal should be, only empty air greeted her. Starting abruptly from its previous location was a trail of blood, leading up to her, and where half of her lower leg and foot should have been, blood pooling even as the pain intensified upon watching the stump of her severed limb. River¡¯s training quickly took over, her meditation putting the pain at the back of her mind even as she conjured a chain and having it wrap tightly around her leg as an improvised tourniquet, then eating one of the bronze-ranked healing pills she had been provided. Her peak iron-ranked recovery assisted the restorative medicine, and it did not take long before the bleeding had stopped. By this time, some of the servant-thralls had arrived to investigate the commotion, but River waved them off with curt gestures as she rose unsteadily to her one foot. ¡°The portal must have vanished just as I was passing through.¡± her logical mind counseled her, giving a reason for her missing appendage. ¡°Whatever tore father¡¯s pavilion apart it had to have killed the captive thrall. Had it been the silver-ranker coming after me?¡± Conjuring more floating chains, River wound them around her and used them to assist in moving around, lashing them around objects in the environment to steady herself as she began moving out from the small estate built beneath the mountain, the familiar lacquered wood and gravel paths turning into the more simplistic tunnels. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. ¡°But shouldn¡¯t I have noticed if he had broken down the walls to come after me? Heard something? No, it does not seem likely that it was him. But what else could it have been? Our allies in the church of Undeath should have had their ritual site secured.¡± Her mind wandering in circles, she was snapped out of her reverie as the twin doors into the chamber of the elders stood before her. No guards were present. After all, the most powerful people in the sect wouldn¡¯t need lower-rankers for protection. Taking a deep breath, River braced her chains around the nearby scones which held glow crystals and pushed open the heavy doors. The room looked like it always did; fine wooden panels covering the windowless walls, the interior meticulously kept clean and neat. The opposite end of the room was dominated by the slightly raised wooden stage with the wall of paper screens, lit from behind by the steady light. Hopping through the room, River knelt before the stage as she had seen her father do when addressing the sect leader. Even though her silhouette was not visible, River knew that it didn¡¯t mean that she wasn¡¯t there. ¡°Honored sect leader. I, Dancer on the Broken River, come bearing a message from Unmaker of the White Seal. He humbly begs you to assist in the war, as the situation has become less than optimal. Our allies have proven unreliable, and even his path is challenged when faced with too many enemies. Even rats may chew through a grand wooden gate given enough time and numbers.¡± In the silence that followed, River remained on her knees, gingerly steadying herself on her good leg, and kept her head down. After a full five minutes had passed, she asked again. ¡°Sect leader?¡± Looking up at the screen, it remained unchanged. ¡°Sect leader, my father humbly requests your assistance.¡± Once more, silence. River did not know if it was the strain of her wounds, exhaustion or something else which caused her next words to spill out, but she knew that they were true. And foolish. ¡°Sect leader, you would be a fool to abandon your grand elder! My father has carried this sect ever since our escape a decade ago. He has done enough for you to assist him. He deserves something for all that he has done for this sect. For you.¡± Even as the words rang out, River knew that she might just have doomed herself with such insolence. But still nothing happened. No words of rebuke or even a response. It was as if there was no other person in the room. As if River was alone. Ignoring the pit that had formed in her stomach, River conjured another chain. It was long and thin, immediately lashing out diagonally across the paper screen and thin wood latticework. The barrier was all but torn in half, spraying splinters and groaning as it collapsed in a clattering heap on the stage. And behind it was¡­ nothing. An empty nook of the room greeted River, not even any furniture or other signs that someone would have been there. She knew that the sect-leader did not actually live in that space, but that had been the place that she had always been when someone had come seeking her, at least according to what River¡¯s father had told her. Even as her eyes and aura scanned the space, searching for something like a hidden alcove, a message, anything. Anything that might contradict the suspicion that had grown in her mind over the last weeks, the cognitive weed that had taken root in her otherwise orderly garden of thoughts. The suspicion that the sect leader had abandoned them. Or worse. River was unsure how long she sat there or when she walked from the room, the double door left ajar behind her. Of all the people she asked, none had heard of the sect leader leaving. The enigmatic figure had never been one for announcing her actions, though, and a sliver of hope remained in River¡¯s heart that she had already left for the battlefield, to salvage what had become a desperate struggle. As she found herself standing close to the entrance of the underground compound, gazing eastward toward the battlefield far away, River felt uncomfortably and uncharacteristically small and lonely. Her injury meant that she would not be able to get back to the battlefield, the trip taking days on foot for one of her rank even with both feet intact. She was effectively stranded here for the time being, unable to take part in the grander events. Left with only her doubts as company. ¡°No.¡± she thought. ¡°This will not do.¡± One of River¡¯s chains loosened from a nearby pillar, lashing out to strike her on the cheek, the pain jolting through her body. Years of conditioning had it respond in an instant, her back straightening and mind clearing as doubt was shoved to the side by necessity and action. She was the daughter of Unmaker of the White Seal, and would not remain idle. Her first step was recovery. Her second, gather information and then act accordingly. Even should the rest of her sect fall, River would survive. To let her path take her to the heavens, and uncover the truths behind all these veils of uncertainty. And so, she turned back towards the tunnels and made her way back. Dancer on the Broken River would not remain idle and let the world pass her by.
Another flurry of strikes from the entwined lengths of chains assaulted Dew, most being deflected by her frozen armaments while a few made it through to gouge large chunks out of her large conjured armor. A downward strike was made in retaliation, grand elder White leaping backwards to avoid it while a few loose chains sundered the ice spikes which rose from the ground in the wake of the attack. Dew¡¯s armor was barely holding together, large chunks of ice missing and being whittled down a lot faster than she could hope to restore it. Her muscles were trembling and twitching with exhaustion and the pain-inducing afflictions which had started to accumulate faster than she was able to cleanse them, and she sported multiple injuries from some of the grand elder¡¯s strikes which had pierced her armor. One of them had been very powerful, only her own defensive trump card allowing her to survive. The resulting moment of stillness from her opponent, as he had been frozen still like a statue, had allowed Dew to inflict some payback. Had he not been able to control those heaven¡¯s damned conjured chains even as he was himself unable to move, she might even have been able to behead him, but the intervention of the metal lengths had forced her to go for an arm instead, severing his right one next to the shoulder even as he was breaking free from the frozen confinement. As they both seemed to have spent some of their strongest attacks and defenses, the battle had turned even more fierce between them as resources dwindled, but so far they had remained too evenly matched for one of them to actually gain an advantage even in their ragged states. But Dew had to admit that the creeping afflictions were trouble, and could only hope that her mounting frost was as great a hindrance to him. Compensating for his lost arm concerningly well, White once more went on the offensive, the motions of both himself and his chains feeling just a bit more frantic even as his demeanor and aura gave nothing away. Dew deflected a pair of attacks with dual blades, sidestepped another one while having to accept the next as a glancing hit to her armor, shards of ice spraying into the air behind her. But as another strike from a chained appendage was closing in, Dew saw her opportunity. A sudden shift in her stance turned a sidestep into a half-step forward, her defensive blades suddenly replaced with the thickest and heaviest of the two-handed greatswords she could muster. The single edged, square blade was boosted by one of her special attacks for additional cutting capabilities and actually managed to slice through the braided chain in one sweep, its trajectory continuing towards grand elder White just as he was in the middle of a step while none of his other chains was close enough to assist in his escape. Her blade was but a few decimeters away when it was revealed why none of his other chains were ready to help him. They had all buried beneath the frozen ground, suddenly bursting up around her. From one breath to the next, Dew went from delivering a decisive swing to being completely locked in place by myriads of constricting links, not even the might of her Subjugator of Autumn being enough to power through. Her one saving grace was that the move seemed to put great strain on her opponent as well. White was standing rigidly, his one arm held out towards her in order to assist with controlling the chain, putting his whole focus at curtailing her motion. To her chagrin, Dew found out that the chains, once locked around her, even hindered her short-range teleport as she could not move through the icy landscape. Instead, she focused all her intent on bringing her blade closer, the great cleaver visibly quivering against its restraints as frost started creeping up the grand elder¡¯s legs from the icy ground. But at the same time, she could feel the chains gradually cracking her armor where they were squeezing ever tighter. Their eyes were locked through the standstill, gazes as intent as their auras which were still viciously clashing. Even with their silver-ranked spirit attribute, there was not enough focus remaining for either of them to make an attempt at words. To an observer, it felt like just a leaf falling on either of them would decide this struggle. But in the end, what tipped the scales was no leaf or other force of nature. It was a sudden ripple in the air, like a slash along two of the chains winding around Dew¡¯s armored torso. A ripple carrying the dispelling force of the negation confluence. The attack was weak, laughably so to a silver ranker. But it broke through a single link in each of the two chains, the conjured metal dissolving to the sound of an ephemeral mirror breaking. And like a dam breaking, mistress Dew fell upon grand elder White, releasing her sword and simply bearing him to the ground with a gauntleted hand, her greater mass toppling the injured silver ranker. Before her foe had even hit the ground, her other hand spread its fingers wide as five huge conjured greatswords made from purest ice formed a circle in the air around them, plunging down as the hand closed into a fist. They pierced through parts of her armor where she knelt above her foe, shearing off a leg, both arms and piercing through part of its torso. Going through herself to reach what lay beneath. Dew still met grand elder White¡¯s gaze as it lost its focus, severed from the body by the same blade which had pierced through her great armor¡¯s torso, its frozen edge sliding along her cheek to draw a thin trickling line of blood. Then, her conjured armor finally crumbled, dissolving into snow which never landed on the ground. Frost among Morning Dew fell the remaining meter to the icy surface beneath, barely catching herself on her hands and knees. In front of her, the five blades remained, like a grizzly monument to her victory. While one had missed its target, the rest had not, severing her foe¡¯s head, remaining arm, one leg and half-bisecting him across his waist. His blood painted the ice and snow beneath, and she let her gaze linger on his remains as she rose to her feet while her mind still lingered on the familiar aura she had felt when the chains broke, only to be thrown to the ground by a shockwave which suddenly swept over the entire area. Had Dew still had lungs, she would surely have had the air knocked out of them by the violent fall. But as she did not, and that the fall was more an inconvenience than harmful to her silver-ranked body even in its exhausted state, she saw a purple and white pillar of energy fading away above the trees in the distance. As there was only one thing she could think of which could create such a detonation, Dew knew that she should go there and investigate. Popping an expensive rejuvenating pill into her mouth, she took a couple of seconds to look southward, to the edge of the artificial clearing now spreading wide around her where a young man was just rising to his feet while apparently having trouble breathing, the air having been knocked out of his lungs. Blue lips curved upward in a slight smile, Frost among Morning Dew turned in the direction of the now almost faded magical explosion and set off. For every step, her strength returned. As did her purposeful stride grow steadier. Her path had prevailed again this time, not having been pushed so in years. Admittedly with a little nudge in her favor. ¡°Winds of Fortune, indeed.¡±
¡°There now, little Kite. Steady yourself. Trying to breathe harder won¡¯t make it easier.¡± uncle Walker counseled the young man who was trying to regain his feet, offering him a helpful hand. While he had also been rocked by the detonation, helpful vines had assured that he remained on his feet. ¡°Thank you- *cough* uncle.¡± Kite wheezed where he stood, a bit unsteady both by the shockwave and the aftermath of the bronze spirit coin he had swallowed just a little bit earlier. ¡°Kite! What happened?¡± came the voice of Dragonfly, as the rest of their group joined them on top of the slight rise which bordered the silver-rankers¡¯ battlefield. ¡°Our young Kite here decided to intervene, if only slightly, in the battle between the two silver-rankers.¡± uncle Walker answered as Kite still had trouble finding his words. ¡°It was one of those heroic moments that was teetering on the brink of foolishness had it failed. A small part of me wants to slap any further ideas of such risk-taking from your head, boy. But the greater part is very proud of you. I said earlier that situations such as this can help define what kind of adventurer we become. And Kite, I am very proud of what I see in you.¡± he finished, putting an arm around the young man. Kite¡¯s head was still swimming slightly, but he was coherent enough to both feel the warmth his uncle¡¯s praise lit in his chest as well as the slight heating of his face. As he had witnessed the fierce battle between mistress Dew and the, to him, unknown silver-ranker, in awe of their power which literally shook the land and demolished their surroundings. And as they had ended up in that terrifying deadlock, it had felt like his heart was threatening to jump out of his chest. The frustration of being unable to do something, to intervene in some way, had given over to the desperate idea that there was indeed maybe, just maybe something that he could do. Before realizing exactly what he was doing, the bronze spirit coin had been in his mouth, sharpening his senses to actually let him see across the distance and discern the chains which bound his mentor. Then his greatsword had descended, appearing in his hands the moment before. The swing carried his dispelling special attack and his intent and hope that it would reach the battling pair. That he could make a difference. And then her five blades had descended, the motions almost too fast to follow. And the duel had been over. Kite had thought he met mistress Dew¡¯s eyes before his vision lost its enhanced focus, the effects of the coins leaving him as she went off towards the location of the explosion. ¡°Kite, it seems that you have already begun forging a legend for yourself. I am in awe, and will ever strive to emulate your resolve and courage!¡± Will exclaimed as he clapped a hand onto Kite¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Please, young master. Please do not.¡± Grim groaned from behind, still recovering from his earlier injuries. It was clear that the words of his young charge caused him a lot more pain than his wounds at the moment. ¡°We should remain here for a while to let Kite and Grim recover some more.¡± Walker stated, looking around the forest. ¡°I sense no other movement, and therefore would assume that the silver-rankers behind us took their fight elsewhere. Still, I will camouflage us to the best of my abilities. Let¡¯s leave as little as possible to chance.¡± As Kite found himself sitting against a tree in their impromptu camp, the underbrush of the forest weaving itself around them like a shielding canopy, he felt good. Exhausted, but good. He had made a difference, and protected one of those he had forged a bond with, even though she was leagues beyond him in power. He knew that had it not been for the spirit coin and the fact that his target had been basically stationary, he would have never been able to make that strike, evolved racial gift or not. But Fortune had been kind, and he had made it. Made a difference. And making a difference for those he cared about; now that was a cause worthy of an adventurer.
¡°And thus, the scene has been played out. It is always disappointing when hard work does not turn out the way one hopes. At least I got some important observations out of this trial, and some tools that will work even closer to the heartlands. It should be enough to satisfy the others.¡± a woman mused from where she sat on the top of one of the cliff spires dotting the forested landscape, taking a long draught from her slender pipe. From up there, she could see everything yet no one, not even the silver-rankers in the conflict below, could sense her. Instead, they saw only each other and their enmity. Had someone actually been able to gaze upon their observer, they would have seen a breathtakingly beautiful celestine woman sitting comfortably on a small cloud of smoke which bore her aloft like a wispy cushion. Her hair and eyes shimmered like bismuth, the former gathered into an elaborate arrangement held in place by glittering combs and hairpins while the latter were languidly half-closed. Clad in multiple layers of silk robes, she looked like a queen presiding over her court. And for a high priestess of Discord, the conflict below was as close to that as one might come. ¡°Yes, you are correct, my god. Patience remains our greatest virtue.¡± she said after being silent for a time, as if listening to a voice only she could hear. ¡°But I can¡¯t help but be slightly peeved. Had not the Victorious Sunset sect suddenly shown some discipline, this might have played out very differently. Even poor grand elder White fell. It was unfortunate for him that I never did find a moment where my intervention would have been worth it. If irony was a god, they would have appreciated it too. An iron-ranker being the mote of dust to tip the scales. Sometimes, life surprises even those as old as me.¡± She finished, puffing out a shimmering cloud of smoke. ¡°Thank you, my god. I am pleased that you still found this venture to your liking. I will aim to perfect some of the methods in future endeavors. And at least there have been plenty of your seeds sown here, not least by the clergy of Undeath. I suspect that what remains of the Unbreakable Chains sect will not be overly enthused by them detonating their ritual site.¡± The woman lapsed back into silent observation, smiling slightly as she saw a group of blood cultists arguing with some adherents of the so-called path of pleasure, the group soon coming to blows. Even as the former allies fought, she finally rose and disappeared, deciding not to tarry any longer. After all, there were other projects to plan and set in motion. 55. Aftermath It had been a long time since Rupert felt as wretched as he did in that moment. All over his body, his flesh felt like a mix of having been rotted through and torn apart at the same time, and it felt like the organs that were no longer a part of his body had somehow reappeared inside him, but all in a tangled mess. ¡°This is almost worse than that time with the injector rafflesia. Almost.¡± he thought, shuddering slightly before locking the memory back firmly into the mental section where he stored the parts of adventuring life best not disclosed in polite company. Or any company for that matter. Rupert snapped out of his dazed ponderings as his aura senses picked up a shuddering, coming from beneath him. The one eye that could snapped open, and the leonid made the painful choice of rolling over to uncover the form of Braid. Most of the bronze-rankers form looked more wretched than Rupert felt, his fine robes and cloth mask hanging in tatters. While most of his face was still covered, Rupert caught a glimpse of pale skin covered in dark runes barely visible due to grime and necrosis. ¡°Huh, so that¡¯s the color of Braid¡¯s runes.¡± part of Rupert¡¯s mind idly noted while he started scanning the man¡¯s condition, not having ever seen the man without his cloth mask. From his shuddering aura, he was badly wounded, but alive, his bronze rank meaning that he would surely make a recovery as long as he wasn¡¯t killed almost instantly. Reaching into his dimensional bag, fortunately still intact hidden beneath his armor, Rupert produced a healing pill which he dropped into Braid¡¯s mouth and massaged his throat to help him swallow. As the bronze-rankers aura started calming somewhat, Rupert took a pill of his own before properly scanning his new, transformed surroundings. The two men sat in a shallow crater, the bottom of which was some kind of mix between rubble and mulch, created by the force and necrotic energies released as the ritual overloaded catastrophically. Apparently, Braid had been successful in his final effort of directing the detonation rather than diffusing it. While the crater stretched for about a hundred meters to each side, and a lot of trees had been toppled and withered in a wider area, it was still well below the early catastrophic estimates. Rupert also noted with some satisfaction that the explosion seemed to have partially decimated their enemy¡¯s nearby war camp as well. Even while Rupert¡¯s magical senses had been somewhat scrambled by the increasing magical fluctuations at the end, his magical hearing had still been able to hear Braid¡¯s increasing pulse and mumbling. Just as it had reached some kind of peak, Rupert had dashed to his side, thunderous steps throwing the wraith¡¯s off balance even as he appeared to envelop Braid inside his sonic barrier while he also channeled his sonic attack all around them in an effort to push away what forces he could from the detonation. In all honesty, the leonid had not known it would work, but he had known that he had to try and save the bronze-ranker who might just have saved a lot of adventurer lives from their enemy¡¯s parting gift. The wraiths. Rupert¡¯s thoughts did a rather abrupt backtracking, scanning his surroundings more thoroughly. They were silver rank, which meant that they just as well might have survived the detonation. He didn¡¯t have to look for long. Far away, just at the edge of the crater, Frost among Morning Dew sat on a toppled frozen statue while resting her head against another, this one still staying upright even though it was shorn in half. At a closer glance, it became obvious that her attempt at casually lounging was but a thin veneer for exhaustion and injuries of her own, her aura almost completely retracted. But her presence did lift a metaphorical weight off Rupert¡¯s chest, since it meant that she had not fallen to grand elder White. Bending down to gingerly pick up Braid caused quite a bit of discomfort, but the pill was doing its work of lessening the pain and restoring the strength to his limbs. Crossing the distance to the seated woman did not take overly long, but the footing was a bit rough as Rupert made his way through the mix of rock and decayed plant matter. ¡°It seems like the adventure society owes you doubly, Frost among Morning Dew.¡± he called as he approached, indicating the dispatched undead. ¡°Deputy director.¡± she greeted. ¡°These two were barely holding together when I arrived and did not challenge my path overly much. The grand elder, on the other hand¡­ That fight was something I hope will reflect positively on me in my contribution to this war.¡± ¡°Do not worry, mistress Dew. Have you known the branch director not to honor his agreements? I do believe that many would view your cooperation over the years as quite beneficial.¡± he said, chuckling in response to her mercenary attitude while gently putting down Braid in what little grass and moss remained beyond the crater. ¡°True.¡± she acknowledged, opening her eyes to give him a proper look. ¡°If I may say, deputy director, you have seen better days.¡± While Rupert didn¡¯t have a mirror, from what he could see of his tattered armor and patches of decayed skin and fur, he must be quite the sight to behold. ¡°I must apologize for the poor presentation, mistress Dew. Should I assume that the plans for bottles of wine we meant to share in the case of our victory are considered null and void?¡± ¡°Oh, I shall deign to forgive you under the circumstances.¡± she said, closing her eyes again, a slight smile playing over lips painted blue. ¡°If I may ask, what made you change your mind after all these years? I must admit that I had given up on the prospect of you accepting.¡± ¡°Deputy director¡­ Rupert. I assume that you have been able to dig up at least a little of my past?¡± ¡°A gentleman shouldn¡¯t pry, mistress Dew, but a deputy director might have to. At times.¡± ¡°Then you should probably be able to deduce that my path will eventually take me back south, into events where I will depend on no one but myself and the strength of my path.¡± As her companion, at least the conscious one, remained silent, she continued. ¡°But a certain young one has also given me some perspective; that some bonds are meant to be forged and may have value even if they are not meant to be forever, if only in the experiences they made possible and the memories which follow. And for those like us, memories are forever.¡± ¡°It is indeed fascinating what we may learn from mentoring the young. That is one of the cultural aspects I appreciate in these lands. While many may be fierce and individualistic, you do place great emphasis in directly mentoring those less experienced, often dedicating time, effort and resources beyond what I might have expected from people in other parts of the world. It is a bit of a contradiction, but one I appreciate nonetheless.¡± Dew was about to respond when they both tensed slightly, only to relax as they recognized the silver-ranked aura which approached. Force of Raging Torrent landed nearby just a moment later in a burst of grass, gravel and moss, coming out of a mighty leap which had spanned over a hundred meters. ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you both live.¡± she said as she approached, brushing off her armor and looking around. ¡°Because from the look of this place, it might have been a near thing.¡± ¡°Do you have any words from the rest of the battle?¡± Rupert asked, straightening best he could. ¡°They were tenacious, but we sent them running when enough of the summoning circles were brought down. Some were even fighting each other at the end. Vigil and grand elder Sight are leading the pursuit efforts. From what I could gather, we¡¯ve suffered losses, but not catastrophic ones. Still, I¡¯d imagine that casualty reports are always grim reading. But congratulations, deputy director. I would dare to say that we have won, unless something spectacular remains to surprise us.¡± she finished, directing a fierce smile towards them both. ¡°From the looks of you both, there are sure to be stories which need to be told.¡± As he was feeling hale enough to move about, Rupert gathered up the unconscious Braid once more. ¡°Then we should assist those we can. Mistress Dew, you and I should head back to our fallback positions and start coordinating cleaning up. Master Force, please sweep what you can on the way back and assist in cleaning out the stragglers. We always knew that we could never get them all, but we can at least make sure to lower the risk of a similar force gathering here in the future.¡± The two women nodded at him in response, Dew rising from her seat and shattering the icy statues with a casual swing of a conjured mace. Then they were off, back to duty once more.
¡°Welcome, branch director LanCaire. Please, have a seat.¡± ¡°Thank you, city lord Indomitable.¡± Jarvan said, taking his offered place in a luxurious armchair in the lavishly decorated office. If one could tear their eyes from the rich woods and shimmering silks of the furnishing, Jarvan had to admit that the city lord¡¯s view of the city surpassed his own. The panoramic vista was downright unfairly beautiful, more than a city in a magical backwater should have the right to be, at least according to Jarvan¡¯s worldview before coming here. ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse my pointing it out, it seems like the line outside is even bigger here than it is outside the administration building back at the campus.¡± the branch director continued, nodding in thanks to a maid bringing him a cup of chilled sap-wine. Either the city lord shared Jarvan¡¯s love for that particular local beverage, or he had done his research. ¡°Then you still have my condolences. We do indeed have our work laid plainly in front of us at the moment.¡± the elven man sighed. Jarvan could clearly see the family resemblance with Will, although families of essence users became a bit weird in that regard as the rejuvenating effects of ranking up meant that lord Indomitable looked more like Will¡¯s older brother when using normal-ranker standard. But those who spent time around essence-users quickly learned to follow other cues to discern age. It was something in the eyes for most, but also their aura which had a certain depth, allowing the experienced to distinguish a young silver ranker from an older one. And when meeting the city lord for the first time, Jarvan had known that the elf was older than him by at least a few decades. ¡°Even so, you requested this meeting, lord Indomitable. And from the more discrete setting, I assume that it is not for any public announcements.¡± ¡°To begin with, branch director, I¡¯d like a report of the situation in the city after the¡­ unrest. While I assure you that I have thoroughly read what has been sent to me, I would like your personal thoughts on the matter as well.¡± the city lord responded, neither confirming nor denying Jarvan¡¯s comment. Jarvan looked at the local ruler in silence for a short while, before smiling pleasantly. ¡°Of course, city lord. As you are hopefully aware, the unrest- or maybe outbreak would be a better word for it- is now under control. Have you been informed of the initial theories of its source?¡± ¡°Some kind of implant into normal rankers which caused undue aggression and even quasi-iron rank if left unchecked? And Undeath seems to be involved somehow?¡± ¡°It is believed so, yes. The latest report I received from the magic society was that it seems to be some kind of possession, or at least adjacent to it.¡± ¡°An uncommon occurrence. Isn¡¯t it usually quite unfeasible to possess someone with a controlled aura?¡± ¡°Mostly, yes. You would often have to suppress someone¡¯s aura completely, and even then it is a tricky process to make it last for even a short while. I¡¯ve heard rumors of a gold-ranked kind of specter which is quite feared for that very ability, as even a short lived loss of control can be fatal when the stakes are that high. But normal rankers don¡¯t enjoy many of those protections, even if the result isn¡¯t very threatening, at least not in terms of power.¡± ¡°You said something about an implant?¡± lord Indomitable asked, backtracking to what Jarvan had mentioned earlier. ¡°Ah, yes.¡± Jarvan said, producing a small, runed jar from his dimensional storage space, a small armored gauntlet appearing to hand him the item. Inside the jar was a thin sliver of a black substance which looked like crystallized tar. ¡°We found these in several others after beginning a sweep of the population. This is, in fact, a weak spirit. And when released, it attempts to seize control of parts of the host, mostly lowering inhibitions and increasing aggression while giving a slight boost to their attributes. But the control seems to erode after a day or two, from our estimates.¡± ¡°What is the scale then? The whole city?¡± ¡°Not even close, city lord, but enough people and spread out just enough to be a nuisance.¡± ¡°But you said it was under control?¡± ¡°It is.¡± Jarvan confirmed. ¡°So all in all, it looks like a failed attempt at something bigger. Probably linked to the more substantial, if small scale, threat we dealt with before sending off the expedition.¡± This time, it was lord Indomitable¡¯s turn to give Jarvan a silent, regarding stare. ¡°But you suspect there to be more?¡± ¡°Yes, city lord. The attempts as a whole have felt too¡­ small. In scale and in quality. This unrest never had the chance to accomplish anything major, at best being a diversion for something else. If so, it was not to distract us from something we know we possess, as all major assets have been checked and accounted for. Even if we hadn¡¯t discovered where they had stashed the silver-ranked undead, it would need to have been a considerable number released here to truly threaten the city in a meaningful way. You, me, my wife, the magic society director and at least a head priest or priestess of some temples. There were several silver-rankers left even after the expedition had left.¡± ¡°Do you mean to say that it was a distraction from something else entirely?¡± Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Jarvan sighed. ¡°Here is where conjecture starts passing into the realm of pure speculation. This phenomena, manipulating people on a wider scale. It does fall into line with the reports we have gotten from the Victorious Sunset sect, now that they are suddenly in a sharing mood. It is not the same medium, but it does get me thinking. How widespread is the influence, these dark paths, that lurked beneath the surface of the fallen sect? Were they an isolated case, or merely the latest in the expansion? Will we find more hidden cells of Pain-worshippers or users of restricted essences if we go scratching the surface elsewhere?¡± ¡°You are right, branch director. That does sound like speculation. But also just the kind of question someone needs to be asking. Can I trust that the adventure society is looking further into this?¡± ¡°That you may, city lord. I will keep you apprised if anything new comes to light, but I believe that this will be an investigation in the longer term.¡± ¡°Believe me when I say that I am a patient man, branch director. I shall return to my¡­ petitioners then, as I believe you have those waiting for you.¡± Jarvan grimaced while rising from his chair. ¡°If I have to listen to another entitled merchant complaining about the ¡®heavy-handedness of adventurers¡¯ or ¡®costly collateral damage¡¯ I might just start throwing them over to your spire to deal with instead.¡± ¡°Then I can send you a couple of disgruntled nobles. Over half of the local families are up in arms, questioning the lack of response or that the response was too forceful, all in search of political leverage. It will probably be months, maybe even a year, before I can hope for the quarreling to settle down.¡± Lord Indomitable did a better job in schooling his expression, even though his words made his sentiment quite clear. ¡°If there is one universal truth, city lord, it¡¯s that many people together in one place will inevitably disagree. And it will be up to people like you and me to try and clean up the messes that follow.¡± Jarvan was almost out the door when he suddenly stopped, looking back. ¡°Oh, one more thing, lord Indomitable?¡± ¡°Yes, branch director?¡± ¡°Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune. As the branch director of the adventure society, I call dibs.¡± As the door closed, Indomitable March of Glaciers gave a sly smile. ¡°Oh, branch director, I do believe you will have to start practicing the noble art of sharing.¡±
Even as the adventurer forces were corralling the last of the prisoners from the hidden sect compound, Walker still felt very ill at ease from what they had discovered there, knowing that all present shared his feelings to some degree. In the aftermath of the battle, everyone still had a role to fill. As one of the foremost scouts in the gathered force, Walker had been dispatched to try and discover the location of the Unbreakable Chains sect¡¯s hidden compound. Even though the interrogation of prisoners had been slow going, the existence of such a hidden place had at least been confirmed. When they had finally found it after a few days of canvassing the woodlands to the west, a grand entrance previously hidden by concealing arrays, the doors had stood wide open and the arrays had been left without power. Using flares, they had called for teams to search the compound under the command of grand elder Sight, and had ventured down into the maze of constructed tunnels. From the level of wear and furnishing, the fallen sect must have hidden there for years, gradually expanding and shielding the underground compound from detection. They found everything from simple dormitories to small estates, complete with lacquered wood buildings inside larger caves. And they also found people, all broken in different ways. Some were subservient thralls, cowering and pliable. Others were broken in even more depraved, vile ways. And from the remains of blood sacrifice and necromantic ritual chambers, many had been broken down to mere components for the dark paths of others. Walker hoped that as many as possible would have a chance to recover, but he had also seen broken people before during his career, and knew that the way back would not be simple. But as that would be the main concern of the church of the Healer, Walker turned to other matters; the lack of guards, warriors or other more combat-oriented members, as well as other civilians. While he assumed that most of them would have been deployed, there should still be more people left. And him sweeping the area did provide Walker with an answer, as he found the tracks of several groups traveling in different directions away from the hidden compound. Many were already days old, his substantial tracking capabilities allowing him to discern the time of their departure in great detail. ¡°Some even left at the time of the final push. How did they get word back so soon?¡± Walker mused to himself where he crouched next to another set of tracks. He considered setting after them right away, but even with his speed in the forests it would take time to find them. Too much time. And in the end, the numbers weren¡¯t enough to warrant such an initiative. A few dozen people spread out over the various departing groups. Turning back to the hidden compound, Walker went back to report. It would be up to the higher-ups to decide what to do with this, an arrangement he had always been rather comfortable with. While he had often wondered why the society had given him of all people a third star, being as politically disinterested as they came, he had landed in the theory that it might be the very reason for it. They knew him as impartial, unaffiliated and unambitious, at least in that sphere of the social strata, and so apparently trusted him to deal with such matters. And while there had been some troublesome contracts over the years, Walker had found that the perks far outweighed the nuisance. ¡°I wonder if I can earn the third star again at silver?¡± he wondered to himself, thoughts looking towards the future as he walked the paths of his beloved forests, returning to his task.
¡°So, how do you feel? Now that you have gotten the chance to wind down a bit?¡± Kite asked Serene while looking out over the battle-scarred wilderness. The pair were standing at the top of the adventure society¡¯s base camp, along with others who enjoyed the view of the sun shining down on the ocean of leaves. Some stood in groups or pairs while others were alone, staring forlorn out into the distance. Thanks to Serene¡¯s aura, the two could speak freely. Kite had checked in on her once in a while during the few days since they had returned from the final war-contract. Even as they had all mostly rested, his thoughts had often gone to the young priestess as she had in the end been the one with the greatest personal stake in this conflict, facing her tormentors in cause if not directly. Serene sighed, the sound of wind chimes accompanying the bittersweet smile on her face. She took her time to answer, pushing a jade-green strand of hair from her face, obviously collecting her thoughts. ¡°Kite.. I¡­ I feel a lot. And somehow not much at the same time. Facing the fallen sects, especially those of the path of pain¡­ make me feel proud. Powerful even. It was only that one time, in our defense along with the scout platoon, that I was active beyond my normal role. But the feeling of taking their twisted plans and turning it against them. It felt good. Very good. And it actually makes me a little frightened.¡± ¡°How so?¡± ¡°In the end, I wanted closure. To see that I could stand up to them and make a difference. Not vengeance or retribution. I thought I had put those thoughts aside long ago, but apparently not.¡± ¡°Then I can officially welcome you into the society of discovering unpleasant parts of yourself.¡± Kite noted wryly, causing Serene to giggle. ¡°It is good to have company at least.¡± ¡°So you feel frightened for feeling pleased by the revenge, and how powerful it made you feel?¡± ¡°Yes, that is it.¡± ¡°Then what do you want to do with that feeling?¡± She sighed again. ¡°That is the hard part. The one I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t believe it will be too easy to just ignore it.¡± ¡°Well, uncle Walker did say that moments such as these might shape how we move forward, what adventurers and people we become. But he didn¡¯t say they were the only moments for such change. Serene, you are kind, empathetic, observant and very dutiful; amazing at ceding the spot in the sunshine to those who need it. And apparently a little vengeful too, at least more than you want to be. But that doesn¡¯t invalidate the rest. And neither does it have to be something to just accept as inevitable. The path towards the heavens is a long one, after all.¡± Serene looked at him for a while in silent contemplation, before sidling up and leaning her head against her friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Kite, has someone ever told you that you are earnest to a fault?¡± ¡°This again?¡± he asked, a bit embarrassed. ¡°And wise too. Aren¡¯t you still nineteen? Whenever did you find the time to gather such emotional wisdom?¡± she asked, her tone slightly teasing but still kind. ¡°Twenty as of next month. And in all honesty, I feel like I am mostly just quoting people more wise than me. I often spoke with my aunties about these things. And you know uncle Walker; he will deliver his sage wisdom if you give him the slightest chance. Master Stone and even mistress Dew; both have also said such things. Be it in different words or in passing.¡± ¡°There is no shame in heeding the wisdom of others, Kite. But do not sell yourself too short either. You are the vessel through which their thoughts and ideals are carried into the world as actions and words. And the vessel does matter. Even the most perfect song will not convey its meaning through an unworthy songstress.¡± ¡°It sounds like you carry plenty of wisdom already as well, Serene.¡± Kite responded, smiling as they both rose from the crenelated edge of the clifftop. ¡°But we should get back to it. I assume you remain with the healers?¡± ¡°Indeed, although it is mostly observation of a few now as we wait for the final transports to leave. How about you? Carrying boxes like Dragonfly?¡± ¡°Not this time. Apparently it is-¡± Kite said, retrieving a paper slip with his current task, ¡°- final inventory of temporary warehouse three.¡± ¡°It sounds like stimulating work.¡± Serene teased with a smile, as they returned down into the tunnels, going their separate ways. In the days after the battle, most iron-rankers had been pulled from active duty, so as to not risk them as much during the cleanup. After all, most bronze-rankers had a much higher chance of surviving traps left by their foes or groups of stragglers. This left most iron-rankers lending assistance to the functionaries with logistics and, as of yesterday, retrieval and the gathering of supplies in preparation for their departure. Many adventurers, especially those of the sects, had scoffed at such menial labor, some even leaving early as they were not bound to fulfill such tasks. But Kite and his group had stayed, both to do their part and earning a bit of extra contribution while waiting for uncle Walker and Grim to return from their current deployment. Using his armor¡¯s increased strength had allowed Kite to contribute with some of the heavy lifting, although those with actual strength-enhancing powers still outshone him easily. Dragonfly had become terrifyingly strong since her strength-increasing power had ascended to bronze rank, and the power was common enough among adventurers to quickly have Kite feel more like a hindrance. Apparently, the stressed out functionary who assigned the tasks had thought so as well, barely meeting Kite¡¯s gaze before handing him a new slip with a task. ¡°So, I am apparently supposed to take inventory of the warehouse¡¯s content and report back.¡± he murmured to himself while making his way through the temporary settlement, now quite crowded as people were hard at work, be they other adventurers going about their tasks or enterprising merchants and business owners who were readying for departure. The warehouse was a simple block of a building, probably stone-shaped into existence on the spot. It was situated on the very outskirts of the camp, and there was much less foot-traffic here where the buildings were less concentrated. From the slight feeling brushing against his aura sense, there might even be other people there to share his task. Kite also had heard rumors that there might even be attempts to entice people settling in the otherwise uninhabited area after it was made sure that the region was indeed safe, using the stone spires and some of the infrastructure left behind as a base. Sliding the large warehouse door to the side, Kite entered. ¡°Hello?¡± he called, receiving no answer. The interior of the building was as simple as the exterior, being rather murky since the only light came from window slits high up on the walls, motes of dust visible in the stark rays of daylight. Most of the building¡¯s interior was a large, open room with stacks of crates along the walls, although very few remained in the room''s center. Against one back wall, simple wooden partitions formed a shallow network which allowed for sorting of certain supplies. Walking just a bit further into the room, part of Kite¡¯s mind was pondering on where to begin taking stock. But the other was occupied with the feeling of wrongness that sent shivers up his spine. A feeling that was quickly proven right when the door was slid shut behind him and several auras were projected. Four of iron-rank, and one of bronze. As he immediately activated his perception power, he took in what he assumed to be his ambushers from where they revealed themselves, standing up behind crates. The bronze-ranker even dropped down from the ceiling to land behind Kite, blocking the only door to the warehouse. Had he not been in the way, Kite would probably have attempted to flee, as one of his recently ascended abilities might have assisted him in the escape. However, the people did not immediately attack him, giving Kite a chance to take stock. The bronze-ranker behind was an unknown human man, leaning confidently against the warehouse door with a smirk, a recording crystal hovering above him, while the rest of them were ones Kite recognized to different degrees. They all wore the robes of the Descending Star sect, with Resplendent Evening Mist being the only one there who Kite knew by name. The rest he recognized as the disciple¡¯s followers, all of the initiate rank. ¡°We meet again, outcast trash.¡± Disciple Mist said, the dark-haired elf looking quite smug as he stopped a few meters away from Kite as the rest. ¡°Disciple Mist.¡± Kite replied, voice flat. ¡°I would have assumed our business would be considered concluded. The result of the clash was not in doubt.¡± ¡°You see this, my friends. The outcast remains as arrogant as ever. Did you really think that just defeating me through cheap tricks would leave you walking away? That such a stain on my honor would not go unanswered.¡± ¡°I see you still confuse honor with pride, disciple.¡± ¡°And I see that you still do not realize your situation, trash.¡± disciple Mist replied, voice tensing slightly even though he still tried to keep it nonchalant. ¡°As you can see, there are others who agree that this cannot be allowed to stand. Initiate Sparrow here was most disappointed that your arrogance cost her the awakening stone that was meant to be hers. And inner disciple Soar was kind enough to come and oversee us righting this wrong.¡± he finished, indicating the bronze-ranker at the door. ¡°From what I gather, you are not here to just demand the stones back.¡± Kite stated matter of factly. ¡°You are here to strike at me, four against one, and still walk away deluding yourself that what you did was honorable? That your brittle pride is reason enough to justify anything?¡± ¡°Oh, but you mistake our intentions. One cannot hold it above you to not understand the reasoning of your betters.¡± disciple Mist said condescendingly. ¡°We are here to teach you a lesson, a lesson you would do well to simply accept. Then we will be on our way, and leave you and your pitiful existence behind us. But should you be a less than wise student and struggle, then I cannot guarantee that an accident will not occur. And that would be a shame, wouldn¡¯t it? Both for you and the Victorious Sunset sect. As rumors tell it, your demise might cast aspersions on them.¡± ¡°None of what you have said so far contradicts my statement. As I said the last time we met, disciple, your words are but wind, to distract you from your own frail conviction.¡± Inside, Kite felt the remnants of the fury from his earlier encounter with the disciple once more being unearthed. But this time it was different. It didn¡¯t smolder like the fire, or give off the icy chill. It was something hard, something that the weeks of fighting other people had started tempering. The mindset that had gradually started forming over this expedition, to help cope with the horrors of battle. But another difference from last time was that it felt more like partially unsheathing a blade rather than exploding from within. And Kite realized, to his relief, that it was something he would be able to put away again when it was no longer needed. ¡°It seems that I too am capable of affecting what person I strive to be.¡± he thought, before continuing to speak. ¡°Then, before we begin, know this. I do not wish for this fight. While I do not regret defeating you, disciple Mist, I do regret the circumstances. Letting you affect me so is beneath who I aspire to be. Should you accept them, I will return the prize I rightfully won and be done with this affair. Know that if you attack me now, I will defend myself. In cornering me with such numbers, I will not hold back. Know that you risk your lives in doing this.¡± Disciple Mist scoffed. ¡°Look at you, trash. Still arrogant to a fault, even threatening students of the Descending Star sect while bargaining for your life. Initiates, let us teach him the lesson he deludes himself that he stands above. Don¡¯t go begging for mercy, outcast, as it is you who are courting death!¡± 56. Mist Even as he exchanged words with the students of the Descending Star sect, Kite knew that the situation he was in could prove to be very, very dangerous. He did not regret saying his piece, especially as it was obvious from the very beginning that this would come down to a fight of some sort. And even though the most pragmatic option might have been to let them beat him up, Kite was not about to leave himself at the dubious mercy of the kind of people who had arranged this only to realize that they meant to kill him all along when he was already beaten. The conversation had also made Kite connect a small detail that he had overlooked before. The functionary who gave him the task had been unwilling to meet Kite¡¯s eyes. He had assumed that it was due to stress and distraction, but now knew that it was not the case. As forcibly reading someone¡¯s aura was quite rude, he had not done that either, thus getting little clue that he would land in this predicament. Kite did thank Fortune that he had been wearing his armor due to the more physical tasks he had undertaken earlier, and as their conversation came to its inevitable conclusion, he had tried to at least get a good look at the others through his perception power. As they were initiates, this generally meant that the other three iron-rankers had not awakened all of their essence abilities yet, or been demoted. If they had been sent on this expedition, they probably weren¡¯t entirely without experience, but Kite knew too little of the political landscape of their sect to guess more. A vague plan started forming in Kite¡¯s mind, but it was all resting on his capabilities to adapt and make the right calls in what would inevitably become a chaotic mess as well as that the bronze-ranker would stay a passive observer, only guarding the door. He said a silent prayer to Fortune and Warrior as the final words were uttered. ¡°Don¡¯t go begging for mercy, outcast, as it is you who are courting death!¡± Four auras clamped down on him as they all sprang into motion, Kite realizing to his relief that his evolved racial gift and training with Serene allowed him to hold firm, although unable to push back. This meant that his eroding aura would continually wear at their magical effects, be they special attack, boon, spell or affliction. And since coming back from the final battle, do even more.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Discarnate Erosion] has reached Bronze 0. [Discarnate Erosion] has received additional effects. Discarnate Erosion Special ability, aura. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: All hostile magical effects affected by your aura start to erode, reducing the duration of ongoing effects and lessening the impact of spells and special attacks within the area. Effect increases the longer the hostile effect remains inside the aura. Effect - Bronze: Increases the casting times of hostile spells within the aura.
Evolving when the group had returned from the final active war contract, his aura was now even more of a nuisance to his foes, one he hoped would increase his chances of survival. Early trials with his companions had indicated that it now took about a fifth again longer to cast a spell as the aura actively broke down the coalescing magic, and would only increase as Kite¡¯s power did. While disciple Mist initiated with the expected pale bolts of magical energy, his companions employed different powers. One conjured a long, single-edged greatsword looking like a stylized claw of some epic beast, rushing toward Kite in an offensive charge. Another initiate conjured a whip of steel threads, her pace more measured as she advanced while the final one fell into some kind of spellcasting. Kite¡¯s immediate response was not to attack, but to change up the battlefield. ¡°Wall!¡± All around the warehouse, segments of force walls appeared, stretching from the floor up to the roofs. They created an irregular pattern, not as solid corridors but rather an uneven patchwork which allowed individuals to move about but made it very hard to line up ranged attacks or move in a straight line. And since a few days back, the collective area of the force walls had significantly increased.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Leyline Warding] has reached Bronze 0. [Leyline Warding] has received additional effects. Leyline Warding Spell. Cost: Moderate mana Cooldown: 30s Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Create a solid, translucent barrier anchored to a surface. The barrier can be up to 3 meters in height and up to 10 meters long. The length can be split among multiple barriers. Only one casting of this spell can be active at a time. Strength of barrier increases with the [Power] attribute Effect - Bronze: Barriers no longer need to be anchored to a surface. Height increases to up to 5 meters and total length up to 30 meters
The sudden appearance of the multiple walls of force halted the sect offensive slightly, as both the pale bolt of light from disciple Mist and the channeled beams from a pair of conjured eyes, courtesy of the spellcaster, were caught in the obstacles. The whip-wielder was not hindered much as she started to weave through the suddenly complex environment, while the charging initiate with the greatsword did an excellent reenactment of Dragonfly by charging straight into the obstacle. The pane of force cracked from the collision and left the initiate in a stunned heap, unfortunately too far away for Kite to immediately capitalize on the mistake. What was more worrying was that both the ranged attackers seemed to deal disrupting force damage with their attacks shown so far, cracks swiftly appearing as the barriers were broken through. But Kite did not remain idle either, already moving towards his first target even while disciple Mist was shouting for his initiates to corner Kite. It was the steel whip which reached him first, its flexible length snaking through the obstacles with supernatural grace and control in an attempt to strike at Kite while augmented by the power of some kind of cutting special attack. The weapon scored deep gouges in the floor as Kite sidestepped the first two strikes before the third, which was aiming for his throat, vanished in shards of dissolving mana to his Pattern-shattering counter. As he had seen two of his opponents conjure their weapons, Kite had felt his chances rising ever so slightly. If they did not carry physical spare weapons, fighting him would be very costly in terms of mana. Many did carry such spares, but they were rarely of the same quality as the conjured ones. Blocking two luminescent bolts from the disciple, using the conjured barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding, Kite had now closed the distance with the whip-wielder even as the swordsman was getting back to his feet. The initiate conjured a new whip even as a cascade of metal threads shot from her palm in an attempt to keep Kite at a distance. Recasting his barrier into a wider disc, Kite activated the charging power of his belt to quickly close the distance even as the threads bounded off his shield. Her whip had already snaked out to entangle his legs, but even while it started cutting through his stone armor and scored light wounds on his shins, Implacable motion made sure that it did not manage to get purchase enough to trip him. Even as she seemed to prepare another special attack, her eyes widened as Kite let his momentum carry him straight into her, using his armored bulk and momentum to drive her into the force wall at her back. The close proximity negated her reach and left her frantically fending off Kite, and while her conjured whip managed some more grazing hits due to its almost sentient movements, there was not enough leverage for proper strikes. In his expanded vision, he could see the his other assailants trying to get in position to attack as disciple Mist was moving about to find another trajectory to cast his pale beams while the initiate with the channeled spell seemed content to just drill her way through the intervening barriers one at a time to reach her target. Seeing that the swordsman was drawing closer, Kite prepared himself even while grappling with the whip-wielder still pressed against the wall. Dispelling her whip once more through an unarmed strike against the length of conjured metal, he ducked out of the way of a raised hand to narrowly avoid another stream of sharp-metal wires even as his own clenched fist aimed a punch at her face. As his foe threw her other hand up to intercept, Kite proved that his words about not holding back held truth. Appearing from his void sheath, his katar manifested in his closed fist, piercing through her interposed palm. Screaming with pain, she lost focus for just a moment which allowed Kite to drive her hand back into the barrier wall which her back was already pressed up against . Her scream became a wheezing gasp as he activated the weapons enchantments, causing a conical blast of resonating force bursting out from the blade and leaving her hand a ragged stump, splattering them both with blood and tissue. ¡°You bastard!¡± came a shout from his side, the swordsman finally arriving to see his fellow initiate¡¯s hand sundered in such a gruesome way. Kite had tracked his movements even as he was up close with the whip-wielder, and as the initiate charged once more while swinging his blade in a downward blow, he let his katar disappear while grabbing the stunned woman in front of him and sending her stumbling into the swordsman¡¯s way in the semi-cramped confinement between the force walls. With a curse, the swordsman tried halting his momentum while dismissing his summoned blade as he was unable to stop the downward swing and the temporary corridor was not wide enough to properly redirect it. To his credit, he did manage to wrap his arms around the stumbling woman and turn their fall into some kind of semi-controlled roll. Kite continued to attack, but his spear-thrust was turned aside as the swordsman conjured a defensive barrier of conjured terracotta statues who raised their shields in protection of the pair. Unfortunately, this happened simultaneously as disciple Mist, still insisting on keeping his distance, managed to line up a new angle of attack, sending a barrage of pale bolts Kite¡¯s way. While most were blocked on another conjured barrier, Kite still felt the painful sting as a few got through his defense. While his armor took the brunt of it, he still suffered more superficial wounds across his arms and thighs. Instead of staying put and pressing the attack, Kite stepped sideways to escape the line of fire, his mind going back to one of his lessons with mistress Dew. ¡°When facing multiple opponents alone, remember that the relentlessness of winter can be emulated on different scales. If outnumbered without a way to flee, staying in motion, complicating the environment and taking every opportunity to threaten your opponent will be a better way to use the concepts behind this style, rather than staying locked to one opponent and becoming surrounded. With your power set and endurance, this should be a valid tactic for you to practice.¡± his mentor¡¯s teachings echoed in his mind as he continued to move back and forth between the rows of barriers while sending his throwing star mixed up with his other ranged strikes to keep disciple Mist on his toes. Moving away from the defensive perimeter of the swordsman, he once more took stock, seeing that another opportunity might soon be upon him. While many still remained, a considerable amount of barriers had been punched through by the initiate with the channeled beam of disruptive force, only a pair of barriers remaining between Kite and her as she was systematically reducing his cover. Outwardly keeping up his focus on the elusive disciple Mist and continuing to exchange ranged attacks, Kite¡¯s main focus remained on the beam as it chewed through the next to last barrier and started on the final one, cracks spreading quickly. If he timed it right, it should¡­ As the final barrier cracked, Kite¡¯s combat staff was already in full swing in a two handed upwards strike as he pivoted on the spot. The channeled beam which had now started chewing through his armor, suddenly winked out as his powerful swing overcame the distance and struck the caster in the stomach just as she had started to cast another spell, the ripple in the air bringing rending spatial tears of Void-Sunders-Firmament to further increase the damage. She left a scattered trail of blood as she was lifted from her feet by the blow, Kite further hardening his heart for what was to come. Because as he struck, the living cluster of symbols at his back named Sage had already floated out from behind him. Before the casting initiate¡¯s momentum had been spent, allowing the pull of the earth to start carrying her downward again, she was hit by a white beam of resonating force which blasted a fist-sized hole through her chest. As Sage had quickly been fully charged from all the spells and abilities unleashed, the unleashed beam resonating force easily chewed through flesh, bones and organs. ¡°Sparrow! No!¡± Disciple Mist shouted, ceasing his attempts at attack to rush to the fallen woman. Meanwhile, the swordsman, having finished giving his companion a healing pill and making sure she was stable, came rushing at Kite with a wordless roar. Kite retreated a bit further in between the few force walls that were still left intact, and was still almost caught by surprise as the man flung his conjured greatsword at Kite, the heavy blade spinning end over end as it closed the distance. As Kite flicked his staff and dispelled it with a touch, he realized too late that his enemy had adapted at least a little to his strategies, as the man produced another, simpler but equally heavy sword from a dimensional pouch while continuing his charge even as Kite¡¯s guard was now open and his dispelling counter was unavailable. ¡°Die, scum!¡± the young man shouted, his blade emitting a heavy pressure which Kite recognized as Unstoppable force, one of the most common but devastating special attacks often awakened by the might essence. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Ward!¡± Even as the barrier appeared, Kite released the grip on his staff and was about to bring out his greatsword to interpose in the hope that the small, well-timed barrier would halt the blow for long enough. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed as even Kite¡¯s concentrated barrier couldn¡¯t entirely negate such a strike. He had only managed to partially interpose his own weapon as the small disc of force cracked, his sword being ripped from his hands by the remaining force of the powerful attack. The intervention did manage to shift the incoming weapon enough so that it impacted Kite¡¯s shoulder before tearing through his stone armor and scoring a deep cut down along the left side of Kite¡¯s torso. While Kite was almost blinded by the pain for a short instant, it was still a lot better than being almost bisected, and unlike what his opponent might have expected, Kite was not flung back or down to the ground by the force as the floor beneath him within a few meters cracked when the momentum was forced down instead. This meant that Kite, fighting through the pain while remaining close enough to sidestep his opponent''s blade now partially lodged in the ground below, was able to close the short distance between them before his opponent could recover his weapon. An uppercut thrust of his katar, the weapon covered in tearing void, had the armor-piercing weapon puncture the swordsman¡¯s breastplate with surprising ease. His foe screamed with pain as the chaotic spatial tears started damaging his insides, activating a power which quickly turned his body to what looked like hardened clay. Unfortunately for him, this helped little against the burst of resonating force Kite released from his blade while already lodged in his opponent¡¯s torso. A cascade of blood erupted from the young man¡¯s mouth before he fell limply to the ground as Kite shoved him to the side. While staggering upright, Kite¡¯s expanded line of sight showed him the two other assailants both staring in mute horror at their companion¡¯s fate. The woman with the whip still knelt on the floor, cradling her ruined hand even if the bleeding had been stopped by the healing pill while disciple Mist knelt next to the limp form of the spellcaster. ¡°You¡­ you beast! Murderer!¡± disciple Mist shrieked as he regained his feet. ¡°How dare you? How DARE you?! Inner disciple, please punish this wretch. It should be obvious to everyone that he is but a rabid animal that needs to be put down!¡± The final words were aimed at the bronze-ranker at the door who had remained an observer until now, although Kite was admittedly surprised that had been the case for so long. Tensing, his focus also turned to what might be his demise. ¡°Maybe I can make a break for it if he enters the fray.¡± Kite though, mind flickering through different escape scenarios while muddled by pain. ¡°Perhaps the-¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid that the inner disciple will not deign to interfere in the quarrels of those beneath him. Isn¡¯t that right, inner disciple Soar?¡± The speaker was yet unseen, even as her voice rang out through the room. But she was soon revealed as two other figures appeared as their cloaking powers lifted, a man and a woman both wearing the robes of the Victorious Sunset sect and each emitting a strong bronze-ranked aura. The man stood closely behind Soar, the tense posture of the inner disciple indicating that he was held captive through some unseen means. The woman stood beside Soar, leaning casually against his shoulder while a hand sporting sharp, golden claws rested precariously close to his neck where a simple suppression collar could be seen. She was human, the fair skin of her face tattooed with a beautiful golden pattern, her face projecting a casual ease even in the tense situation. Both her and her comrade had a recording crystal of their own hovering above them, more complex and expensive models made to be compatible with stealth powers. ¡°Why- you-¡± disciple Mist was spluttering, as shocked as the rest of the iron rankers present as neither had sensed their presence. ¡°This is not your- you- you shouldn¡¯t interfere in our business. Your sect has no right to-¡± ¡°Oh, but I believe that you made it our business, disciple-¡± she began, emphasizing Mist¡¯s lower rank, ¡°- when you chose to target this particular outcast in such an underhanded way. You even said it yourself; if anything happened to him it might cast aspersions on our sect. I do hope that your actions are not a reflection of the Descending star sect in general. It would be a shame if our allies had sunk so low.¡± she finished, ''tsk-ing'' while shaking her head in an overly dramatic gesture of disappointment. ¡°Then- then what will you do? Will you too sully yourself with the blood of lower-rankers?¡± ¡°Like you just asked Soar here to do, hmm?¡± the woman asked, smiling as Mist gritted his teeth in frustration. ¡°But no, we will let you juniors resolve your own business, as you should have done from the beginning. Besides, I do not think that the outcast will even need it.¡± ¡°Then we shall finish this. Get yourself together, initiate Summer. He is wounded, so it should not be too much trouble to-¡± the disciple ordered his only remaining companion, only to falter as Kite started emitting a fierce light, his wounds closing within seconds. ¡°You know the saying, disciple. Don¡¯t go prod a tiger only to cry when it bares its fangs.¡± the tattooed woman chuckled as the outcast was once more in more or less pristine condition. Even his armor restored itself by absorbing materials from the stone floor. Kite turned to her and met her gaze, seeing only amusement dance in her eyes. He nodded once, then turned back to the remaining iron-rankers that opposed him. ¡°Cease this, collect your fallen and leave.¡± Kite stated, voice steadying after the surging power of Immortality had restored him. ¡°This was unnecessary from the very beginning, and continuing it saves you neither face nor honor.¡± For a while, it looked like the disciple was actually weighing his options. Kite hoped that rationality would win out, and for a while it looked like it was close. But then Mist looked down at the fallen woman next to him, the one named Sparrow. And when he looked back, Kite saw only prideful fury tinged by grief. It did not take a genius observer to realize that there might have been something more there. ¡°For the honor of my sect and the solace of her family, I will see you dead, outcast scum. The heavens will empower me. This transgression will not stand!¡± the young elven man shouted as he leapt to his feet, mist appearing beneath them as he initiated his air-walking power. Kite raised a barrier to deflect the onslaught of projectiles which followed, but did turn his head to look directly at the whip-wielder who still remained on her knees. As he met her gaze, she just gave him a quick, faint shake of her head before her gaze dropped to the ground. Redirecting his focus to the initiate who was gaining a bit of altitude, Kite dismissed what walls of force that remained and recast the spell. ¡°Wall.¡± This time, he employed another tactic now possible thanks to the evolution of the spell, conjuring what essentially became a lower ceiling covering most of the small warehouse. This meant that disciple Mist could not climb higher than about a meter and a half over the ground unless he spent time clearing out the barriers. Time that Kite did not mean to give him. ¡°I don¡¯t need vantage to defeat you, you scum. I know your underhanded tricks now!¡± the disciple shouted as he dodged the first ranged strike Kite made with his spear, sensing the intent at the last moment now that he knew what to look for. He answered with a barrage of his pale bolts, every once in a while empowering one to become a more powerful beam. Kite blocked them on an expanded barrier, channeling mana into it to reinforce it as he closed the distance with the disciple. Choosing an enclosed building had backfired on the elf, as his powers of movement and evasion gave him much less of an advantage. But as he was not taken by surprise this time around, he did get the chance to employ more spells than during their clash. ¡°Mists of early dawn!¡± A bank of mist exploded out from the middle of the room, vastly decreasing Kite¡¯s visibility. From the stream of projectiles which continued to assail him, it apparently did not impair the disciple. Following the stream of attacks to its source, Kite arrived only for his swung spear to hit a silhouette of thicker mists, the disciple apparently having left it as a distraction through which he could channel his spells. ¡°Witness the true power of my path, trash!¡± came a mocking voice from another direction as more attacks started raining in. While annoying, Kite did remain collected due to two factors. The first was his aura, as he could see patches of mist visibly eroding in the effect, hastening the dispersal of the fog bank. And his second were the twin mana-draining vortices which had locked on to his target, apparently remaining so for as long as disciple Mist stayed within range. So Kite went on the defensive, moving around and deflecting what he could. Unfortunately, counterattacking was hard as striking through his intent required him to actually see the target. This forced him to wait for a dozen seconds, then another before he finally caught a glimpse of his foe through a part where the mist coverage had become patchy. But instead of turning towards it, Kite employed some deception of his own, turning into another direction as if swinging his staff toward a space where the disciple definitely was not. As the disciple recognized the feint too late, Kite heard a satisfying sound of impact as the echoed mana draining and dispelling effects hit the elf along with the physical force. While he had yet to practice it much, his evolved racial gift allowed him to project his strike to a point he could clearly perceive which had no solid obstacles in between. And Kite, using his perception power, could see everything around him. The feint had allowed him to surprise his enemy this time around, and with some practice, he did not doubt that its usefulness would only increase. Charging in the direction of his foe, Kite arrived just as the disciple sprang from the ground while still looking a bit winded. As Kite¡¯s staff echoed the effect of the attacks as well as part of the damage, both the active effects on the elf had winked out causing him to fall to the ground. As Kite¡¯s greatsword descended toward him, the disciple turned into a cloud of fog, flowing around the attack. At first, it tried moving toward one of the window slits above, only to be unable to penetrate the horizontal panes of force above. Denied the escape attempt, disciple Mist had to make do with escaping to the other side of the room, chanting even as he reformed from the vaporous state. ¡°Mists of early dawn!¡± Mist once more filled the room, followed by the angry voice of his enemy. ¡°Did you think surviving one round of my glorious haze would leave you safe? How many more can you weather, outca-¡± ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± It was as if an unseen and unfelt wind came and whisked the mist away, along with most of the barriers covering the ceiling. And just as the final dregs of vapor vanished, Kite was upon his enemy, the charging power of his belt having recharged to carry him to his foe with great speed. And even before he reached his foe, Kite cast his spell for the third time during this confrontation. ¡°Wall!¡± And this time, he created neither a maze nor a ceiling. He created a cage, and disciple mist was stuck inside with him. The cube he created around them was around four meters to a side, big enough to swing with ease but small enough that there would be no escape. ¡°I should have done this right away.¡± a part of Kite¡¯s mind idly mused as he swung at the elf, his foe dodging quickly enough to turn the blow to a glancing one. Kite¡¯s void tears still shredded part of his robes and created lacerations across his thigh. Changing to his spear, Kite let a hastily aimed magical bolt glance off his stone armor, crumbling some of the obsidian outer layer even as he began a flurry of jabs and thrusts, his skill with the weapon having improved after his many sparring sessions with Will. The bone spear glanced off his opponents ribcage, narrowly missed his throat and finally bit deep into his opponents left bicep. While each jab ever so slightly slowed his opponent down, Kite had been looking for a chance to use its gruesome enchantment in hope to finally finish the battle. Paying the high mana cost, Kite felt a pulse of warping energies surging from the tip. And a moment later, the disciples upper arm seemed to expand outward as the bones warped into a jagged clump of thorns and torn muscles. Kite knew that pain since his first encounter with the effigy and its guardian so long ago, and the disciple seemed to share his sentiment as he screamed in agony. Not about to let him regain his focus, Kite relentlessly continued his offensive. An armored knee threw the elf against the force wall behind him, a gauntleted fist followed, colliding with his cheek and throwing his head to the ground with a cracking sound even as the obsidian outer layer tore at his foe¡¯s skin. As he continued delivering what was essentially a beatdown, the ranged skirmisher seeming to have neglected his hand-to-hand training, Kite¡¯s instincts sometimes told him to bring out a weapon to pierce, slice or crush, or just to allow Sage to finish the elf. But even as the hard, flinty part within Kite had emerged, it was not the insensate fury from before. The disciple was just one more of young, haughty and prideful warriors he had met during his time as an adventurer. Kite knew that many would say that he didn¡¯t deserve much mercy, and a small part of Kite didn¡¯t think so either. But the greater part of him did. Not that the disciple in particular felt deserving of it, but rather what it would turn him into. He had little doubt that he had killed two of his foes before, as he had killed during the war. Kite doubted that he had the skills to face four opponents and still hold back. But now, his opponent at his mercy, he could. For himself and who he wanted to be, and for his future. This fight would no doubt bring consequences, and killing the disciple out of hand would just make them worse. But the man had also sought Kite out, laying a trap where a straight up duel had failed and spouted the thinnest of pretenses to justify his actions when all he really suffered from was a slight loss of resources and a bruised pride. Because of this, Kite wouldn¡¯t let him off easy, either. When the force walls dropped, the broken form of disciple Mist crumpled to the ground, alive but severely starved of both health and mana. Kite looked to the only conscious initiate, indicating with his head that she was free to tend to him. As she scrambled over to give him a healing pill, Kite strode cautiously toward the trio of bronze-rankers by the door. ¡°Well, outcast, it is at least good to see that it wasn¡¯t a complete slouch who put our sect¡¯s reputation on the line.¡± the woman said, a genuine smile on her face as she regarded him. ¡°If you were ever in the market for some actual backing, I am quite sure you would be welcomed with open arms.¡± ¡°While the offer is kind, I regret to inform you that I aim to remain unattached for the foreseeable future.¡± Kite said, tone neutral and polite towards these unknown factors, knowing they could well decide to turn on him. ¡°So we¡¯ve gathered, but it never hurts to offer.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like you have been falling over yourself before this.¡± Kite thought, but kept it to himself. ¡°If I may ask, why did you come here? And how did you know?¡± She regarded him for a while before answering. ¡°Let¡¯s just say that there are people in power who would be quite concerned if something happened to you which could be laid at our feet. So this time, it felt appropriate to step in. But do not expect it to happen again, outcast. We do have other things to do rather than follow you around.¡± she said with a knowing smile. ¡°Then I thank you for your assistance, and will strive to sever our karma when the opportunity arises.¡± Kite said, with a polite bow. ¡°You do that, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune.¡± she answered, still smiling as her colleague opened the warehouse door. ¡°But I wouldn¡¯t consider it too out of balance. We did have our own vested interest in this outcome, after all. But should you get the chance, I would consider looking after my younger brother if you meet him. I would be curious to hear how turning outcast has gone for him and his path.¡± His mind processed her words for a few seconds before he spoke, realization dawning. ¡°You¡¯re from the Providence family?¡± The woman gave him a knowing smile. ¡°It is time to go, outcast. We¡¯ll just make sure no unpleasantness awaits outside, then we¡¯ll be off.¡± she said, ignoring his half-question, half-statement. ¡°Oh, and Soar, you surely won¡¯t mind if we give this to Kite?¡± she finished, snatching his recording crystal out of the air before tossing it to Kite. ¡°Our young outcast here deserves some kind of memorabilia for his performance. Now, I do believe that some of your juniors require your assistance over there. It seems to be a most acute case of stupidity.¡± At her words, her companions shoved inner disciple Soar into the warehouse, the suppressed man still easily keeping his balance while staring, murder in his eyes, at the two bronze-rankers before the woman threw the sliding door closed with a screeching of rails followed by a loud crash. ¡°Then I believe that our ways part here, outcast. I¡¯d suggest trying to stay out of further trouble.¡± And with that, the two walked away, turning a corner around another stone structure and disappearing, both out of sight and from Kite¡¯s aura senses. He was left standing there in the afternoon sun, covered in splatters of blood both his own and from his foes. Thinking it prudent to leave as quickly as possible, Kite took off back towards the central pillar, the recording crystal clutched in one gauntleted hand. He had some cleaning up to do, and suddenly many, many things to consider. 57. Student, it is time to be off On the images emitted from the projector, a semi-translucent cage of force disappeared, showing Kite exiting while dropping a broken but alive iron-ranked elf at his side. Reaching out to pause the projection, branch director Jarvan turned to the young man who sat in an armchair next to him. The pair sat in the director¡¯s comfortable office, Adelaide being the only other person in the room. She was currently busy fuming, having watched the recording along with them. ¡°The- the gall. What kind of weak pretense is that? How could that even begin to justify-¡± she was half-snarling where she paced, green hair swishing back and forth at her agitated motions. ¡°And yet, Kite prevailed, although circumstance did step in to assist, Fortune be thanked.¡± the branch director mused, not outwardly sharing Adelaide¡¯s anger. His gaze turned to Kite. ¡°Kite, would you mind sharing your reasoning behind your actions here? Because from the looks of it, there was some of it involved. You did not look insensate when you fought.¡± The younger man remained silent for a while, considering his answer. This had been his first time watching the recording, even though Dragonfly had begged to see it once he had convinced her to not charge off and make more trouble. Kite¡¯s return to the spire in the base camp had caused a bit of a spectacle. First he had to fend off worried healers and then calm his worried and irate companions. Their reactions had gone from indignant fury to impressed disbelief as he told them the tale while cleaning off the blood and other remnants from the fight. And they had all agreed with him in that his remaining at the base camp was probably less than ideal, as had Walker and Grim when they later returned from deployment. Apparently, deputy director Rupert had agreed, as the group had swiftly been assigned as escorts to one of the convoys carrying wounded and supplies back toward Gilded, with the exception of Walker and Grim, whose skills remained too important in cleaning up the aftermath. As the deputy director had urged Kite to go directly to the adventure society with this matter, he now found himself in his current situation, pondering the branch director¡¯s question. ¡°From their words, I did not trust their intentions. Just accepting a beating would probably have seen me killed as well. Due to their numbers, I could not hold back either, even though I knew each death would mean more of a mess afterwards.¡± ¡°Was that why you did not kill the disciple? I do not believe many would hold it against you.¡± the director asked. ¡°But some would, and I do believe that it would be a poor choice to cultivate such a grudge further. Even though I admit that part of me wanted to punish him for putting me in this situation.¡± Kite stated, a mix of somberness and frustration warring in the pit of his stomach. During the trip back from the expedition, Kite had plenty of time to reflect on his deeds. He viewed the deaths as necessary in the moment but a waste in the grander scheme of things. Where he might have felt more guilt before, that sliver of regret was dwarfed by his frustration at the disciple and his poor choices as he had dragged the initiates into this conflict. Kite had warned them and stated his intent, as they had already conveyed theirs. But experience seemed a poor teacher so far for the disciple, and Kite imagined that his family would not be an improvement. Jarvan nodded at his explanation. ¡°In that, you are probably right. I must say that I am pleasantly surprised that the Victorious Sunset sect chose to step in. While they had their own interests at heart, there would have been many other ways to resolve this without intervening directly on your behalf. And I remain impressed by your choices, Kite. Know that you will have the full support of the adventure society in this matter.¡± ¡°What will you do then, branch director? Surely this foolishness can¡¯t be allowed to just be swept aside?¡± Adelaide asked before stopping herself and blushing slightly at the outburst and questioning of her superior. But Jarvan took it in stride, giving her a sly smile. ¡°Of course not, Adelaide. But I have been overseeing this branch for a while now, and I believe I am becoming better at handling these local politics. Trust me in this matter.¡± he finished with a wink. ¡°Of course, branch director. Forgive me.¡± ¡°It is better to question than to allow potential folly to go unchecked.¡± the branch director replied before turning back to Kite. ¡°But I would ask to have copies made of the recording, Kite. It will no doubt help in the maneuvering that is to come.¡± ¡°Of course, branch director.¡± Kite answered. ¡°Is there anything else you require?¡± ¡°Nothing more at the moment. It will be a while before Rupert returns and we can deem the expedition completed. After that, you and your companions will be able to claim the rewards for your contribution. And from what I can sense from your aura, you will need all the resources you can get. Ranking up is an expensive endeavor.¡± Jarvan chuckled, before adding. ¡°But please remain in the city for a while. I will make sure that you are not bothered. Take some time to rest and recover. After this kind of expedition, it is important to wind down and center yourself.¡± ¡°Thank you, branch director. I will.¡± Kite said, rising from his seat and taking his leave. After the door closed behind him, he sighed as he walked down the corridors of the society administration building. Glint peeked out of her bottle, before floating up to hover next to his head. ¡°Yes, Glint. I do think we have earned some rest.¡± he said, gently stroking her pink scales with the back of his hand. ¡°And then we have to order some expensive materials for Sage.¡± The carp whirled a few laps around his head, conveying a sequence of impressions to him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you will rank up too once I do. You don¡¯t even need a ritual, you can do it all on your own.¡± Another set of impressions followed. ¡°Yes, I can buy you something nice as well.¡±
On the images emitted from the projector, a semi-translucent cage of force disappeared, showing Kite exiting while dropping a broken but alive iron-ranked elf at his side. Reaching out to pause the projection, Luster of Imminent Dusk looked thoughtful at the frozen picture for a short while before turning to the woman who still knelt behind her. ¡°You did well in intervening here, inner disciple Providence, and will receive an award in sect merit for carrying out my will, with an added bonus for a most satisfactory solution with the recorded evidence.¡± ¡°Thank you, sect leader.¡± the kneeling woman responded. ¡°You may leave, inner disciple.¡± sect leader Dusk dismissed her, turning to the other woman in the room as the door closed behind the retreating bronze-ranker. ¡°Grand elder Sight. You too have done well in this endeavor, and represented our sect to my satisfaction. Grand elder Lark¡¯s demise is regrettable, but such is the nature of forging our paths towards the heavens. Most do not arrive.¡± ¡°Thank you, sect leader.¡± the celestine said, bowing to her superior. ¡°Have you chosen candidates for his position?¡± ¡°I have some in mind, but it will wait until all of our members have returned. The celebrations will be a good time to announce the open position, after everyone has had time to process and grieve for those who will not return.¡± Dusk replied, thoughtfully looking out the window. ¡°When I left, the final preparations had already been made, sect leader. It should be but a few days. The Descending Star sect are leaving as well, and the unaffiliated will not be far behind.¡± ¡°Good. You may leave as well, and claim rest well-earned.¡± As Sight left as well, sect leader Dusk continued her contemplations. This expedition had been a success; the remnants of the fallen sect and their allies thoroughly stamped out, and what little remained was scattered enough that Dusk did not think it likely that they would reform in the shadows once more. The loss of grand elder Lark had been a blow to the strength of the sect, as had all of the others who would not return along with their fellow students. And while the casualties had been higher than expected, they had not been catastrophic, although the reports indicated that infighting had been close. Such a quarrel might have put the whole expedition in jeopardy, and Dusk found herself once more thinking about the jade-sky gate and the consequences of the debacle at the conclusion of the trial. ¡°Fate is truly fickle. To think that the light touch of a mere iron-ranker on the scales might have such an effect on the outcome of grander events.¡± she mused to herself, sipping from a cup of tea delivered by a junior elder. Even though the expedition was over, concerns still remained. The presence of the forbidden gods among the fallen sect had been known, but their allies from the church of Undeath and the Red Table had been an unwelcome surprise, as had the amount of silver-rankers their enemy had been able to raise. And the goings on in the city hinted at a larger presence than they had believed. And then there was the mysterious condition that they were still stamping out the remnants of within their sect. While they now knew what to look for, the origin of the subtle mental corruption was still unknown, the local priests of the Healer still unable to locate where it began. ¡°Fortunately, there is still a future in which to combat those challenges.¡± Dusk muttered, sipping her tea once more as she watched the setting sun from her solar. Tomorrow would be a new day, with new battles and victories awaiting her and her sect.
On the images emitted from the projector, a semi-translucent cage of force disappeared, showing Kite exiting while dropping a broken but alive iron-ranked elf at his side. This time, Jarvan did not reach out to pause the projection, letting it play to the very end, showing the two inner disciples from the Victorious Sunset sect and conveying the final conversation before they took the crystal from inner disciple Soar, ending the recording. While careful not to let it show on his face or in his aura, beneath his somber facade Jarvan was almost giddy with gleeful schadenfreude as the mood in his office had changed considerably, his visitors now remaining stoically silent. ¡°This¡­ this changes nothing!¡± an elf man, the father of disciple Mist, started, trying to rekindle the outraged indignation he had attempted to wield like a battering ram at the start of this meeting. ¡°That young brute still laid hands on my son. We demand retribution! Had the brat just known his place from the start, this would never-¡± ¡°Master Resplendent, I do believe it would be best if you remained silent for now.¡± Meridians of the Sky, grand elder of the Descending Star sect interrupted him, her silver ranked aura smothering his core-laden bronze one as effectively as a bucket of water dousing a candle. The man looked like he was about to object, but thought better of it under the runic woman¡¯s stare, settling for an angry snort of derision. ¡°Indeed, it would be more beneficial to your cause not to demand any further action from the adventure society. Rules are not something to flagrantly disregard one moment just to try and wield them like a shield for your son¡¯s foolishness in the next.¡± Rupert stated, his voice a low growl. Having returned to the city just this morning, he was less than pleased having to suffer these kinds of visitors. ¡°How dare you call my son-¡± master Resplendent began anew, only to be silenced again by the collective stares of the gathered silver-rankers, his own bodyguards and followers remaining anxiously silent in the background. ¡°Let me recount what has been presented to me.¡± Jarvan began. ¡°Initially, the young disciple Mist challenged adventurer Kite to a clash of paths, intending to humiliate him for alleged insults to the Descending Star sect, said insults being other public, officiated clashes. After losing said clash, the disciple then proceeds to set up an ambush for adventurer Kite, bringing along three other iron-ranked initiates and a bronze-ranked inner disciple, making claims that this too is for the honor of his sect while indicating that they mean to injure or even kill the adventurer in question. And to lure him there, they even bribe a lesser functionary of the adventure society to hand Kite a false task in the aftermath of the expedition. And then said adventurer, after clearly stating that he will defend himself appropriately and asking them to cease hostilities, decisively defeats said ambushers while outside intervention only ensures that said bronze-ranker does not intervene. No further assistance asked for or offered. Is this the grounds for said retribution you have, quite loudly and repeatedly, demanded during our meeting so far, master Resplendent? Grand elder?¡± Jarvan finished, his voice having gradually lost all of its joviality, replaced by the steel which was now permeating his tone. Before master Resplendent could speak again, grand elder Meridian made sure to seize the verbal initiative. ¡°Branch director, in light of the evidence presented before us I must offer a formal apology on behalf of the Descending Star sect. This was decidedly not the event presented to us by the Resplendent family, and as such, our accusations have become baseless. I assure you that we will make sure that this incident is thoroughly investigated and that the punishment of those involved will be swift and decisive.¡± ¡°While I approve of your apologies, grand elder Meridian, I will expect to see something more concrete than vague promises of investigations.¡± Jarvan responded, not letting her off the hook so easily. ¡°An innocent adventure society member was almost killed by those who would be allies, something that the society takes very, very seriously. Those who died had already forsaken their membership in participating in this farce, and young master Resplendent is as of now no longer a member, his membership immediately revoked.¡± ¡°Now wait just a moment. Director, surely there is something we can-¡± master Resplendent started, his tone rather different. Losing a membership meant a great loss in both prestige and income for a family such as theirs, both in the present and future. While it was possible to reapply, it would rarely be approved unless there were distinct ameliorating circumstances. Jarvan mercilessly cut him off, continuing. ¡°I expect to see something suitably decisive from your sect, grand elder, else I will be forced to decide on a more communal punishment. It would not grant me any joy to take a drastic cut of your sect''s total contribution, as many of your students and elders fought valiantly during the expedition. But should you not see fit to deal proper justice in this matter, the adventure society will. ¡°It shall be as you say, branch director.¡± grand elder Meridian said, bowing just the minimal amount to show deference, but from her rigid posture it was clear that she did not appreciate Jarvan essentially backing the sect into a corner. Unfortunately for her, Jarvan did not care. ¡°We shall of course also make sure that proper compensation is offered to the adventurer in question, making sure that our karma is properly severed.¡± ¡°That would be most proper. I do know that he favors essences and awakening stones. You may leave said compensation with the society when it has been gathered, and we will make sure that he receives it.¡± Jarvan said, having reverted back to his more pleasant and jovial demeanor. ¡°Branch director, we would like to deliver it in person and extend our formal apologies. It is only right under circumstances such as these.¡± Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Oh, I imagine that you would.¡± Jarvan said, eyes gleaming. ¡°But this particular young man is a very diligent adventurer, and will soon leave on another extended contract. As such, he will not be available in the near future. I wish I could tell you more, but the details remain classified.¡± ¡°That is¡­ unfortunate. Then we shall have to leave the compensation with the society, as suggested.¡± grand elder Meridian said, tone neutral and polite, albeit that the tension remained. ¡°Master Resplendent, I believe our business to be concluded.¡± she said to the elven man, in a tone which brooked no argument. He had remained silent since the conversation turned unpleasant for his case, looking stricken as he left alongside the gathered followers of the two visiting parties. After the door closed behind them, Rupert turned to his friend. ¡°Jarvan, do you know if Kite actually does prefer essences and awakening stones as payment?¡± ¡°Knowledge¡¯s knotted knickers, Rupert, he¡¯s an adventurer. We all love essences and awakening stones!¡± ¡°You just want to buy them from him, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Well¡­ yes. But my point still stands!¡± Sighing, Rupert shook his head. ¡°Still, have you thought about the young man and his involvement in this?¡± ¡°Oh, what do you mean?¡± Jarvan asked, the gleam in his eyes telling Rupert that he had indeed thought about just that. ¡°It is not often that some iron-ranker has had a hand in details that turned out to be surprisingly important for the bigger picture. His decision after the gate-incident¡­ Had it not been for that, we might have faced a great disadvantage if the sects had begun their infighting. And I¡¯ve also seen the report of Dew¡¯s duel with grand elder White. Fortune must truly have favored him to be able to tip the scales even the slightest in such a conflict.¡± ¡°Well, it is part of his name, Rupert. But I do agree with you.¡± ¡°Do you think that there is something bigger at play here?¡± Jarvan looked thoughtful for a little while before answering. ¡°No, at least not anything I can imagine. Sometimes these people just happen to be in the right place at the right time, making a decision which will cause ripples across a scene much greater than them alone. It is probably happening everywhere around us all the time.¡± ¡°Jarvan¡­ Are you alright? That almost sounded profound. Has the isolation here in the city finally gotten to you?¡± ¡°Oh hush you.¡± Rupert chuckled before continuing. ¡°It does sound like you still want to keep an eye on the young man.¡± ¡°Oh yes. I believe he has been a most worthwhile investment, along with his companions. Letting them continue to do their thing will probably benefit us in the long term.¡± ¡°But you have already sent them on another contract?¡± ¡°Well¡­ that might have been stretching it a little. But I do mean to offer them one. It would probably be best to send him out of the city for a little while, in the company he enjoys. Let things calm down for a bit. I do think we can keep him safe in the city, but you never know if anyone decides to take their spite a step further than we¡¯d expect.¡± ¡°Are you sure they will accept? And that it won¡¯t be even more dangerous to send him out of our reach?¡± ¡°Oh, I am quite sure. On both accounts.¡±
¡°Kite?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± he mumbled from somewhere deep beneath the tangle of pink curls currently splayed out over him. ¡°I think we need to talk.¡± ¡°About the fact that you are leaving soon?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Dragonfly mumbled morosely, snuggling closer to him. ¡°I still want to go with her, but part of me does not. And I thought that it would be best if we made sure where we stand before I go. Just to- you know- not leave things unsaid.¡± Emerging from the silky depths, Kite brushed some of it aside so that he could look at her while they talked, feeling that the subject deserved it. ¡°I just wanted to see if you still felt the same about our arrangement. I know I do. It has been wonderful, both as training and relaxation.¡± Kite took a short while to look down at her, all relaxed as opposed to the first time she had broached the topic. They had indeed grown very comfortable around one another, physically and spiritually. And Kite knew that he would dearly miss her honest, passionate presence when she left. The thought still sent a twinge of sadness through him when he thought about it, even if he had come to terms with it. And so, he replied: ¡°I agree, Dragonfly. On all points. Know that I will miss you dearly, though. You have been one of the constants in my life as an adventurer, and I have learned so much from you.¡± ¡°Oh yes, you have been quite diligent-¡± ¡°Not just in that way!¡± Kite laughed while holding her a bit closer. ¡°In almost every way. So I hope you know that you will always be a welcome part of my life.¡± As his earnestness triggered the usual blushing reaction, he continued. ¡°And in regards to this¡­¡± he said, gesturing to them where they lay tangled after last night''s rather intimate aura training. ¡°If, when you return, we are both otherwise unaffiliated at the time, know that I remain open to start practicing volume two of the manual. But also know that I wish you to prioritize your happiness and what you want. I won¡¯t hold it against you if you find a strapping young master who catches your eye.¡± She giggled. ¡°Well, he better be very handsome then, because most of them we¡¯ve met lack a lot in the personality department. And I do feel it more likely that it will be you who has been snagged by some middling heiress. How many marriage proposals have you gotten by now?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t remind me¡­¡± he groaned at her teasing, Dragonfly giggling again as they lapsed into a companionable silence. It felt good to know that things remained the same between them, easing his inner turmoil in regards for the future. ¡°But we must at least have a proper feast to see you off.¡± he said, breaking the silence after a while. ¡°Oh yes. Yes we do.¡±
Glint happily devoured the pair of scales uncle Walker offered, her own coat of pink shifting just a bit more towards the mother-of-pearl which had spread in patterns over her body ever since Kite had gifted her the first one. ¡°Well, little Glint, you do seem to be ever so fond of these.¡± Walker chuckled, gently caressing her silky fins with his right hand. His left arm, severed in his daring escape from a priestess of Undeath, was well on its way to being fully regrown, although it still had some filling out to do. The process was a simple one as long as one had access to the services from the church of the Healer. ¡°I wonder what they actually do, as I doubt the changes are only cosmetic.¡± Kite mused from where he sat at their small table in the apartment they had shared ever since he had arrived in the city. ¡°Indeed, my boy. This old man has a feeling that the changes we see are most portentous for what is to come. Speaking of familiars, have you gotten the materials for Sage?¡± Walker asked, looking at the sentient collection of symbols who was happily hovering next to a small bonsai tree Walker had taken to cultivating recently, seeming engrossed in the small branches and shifting colors of the exotic little tree. ¡°I have placed the order, but once more it will take a few days. I was fortunate to have some of the materials on hand, but most needed to be placed in a custom order. Still, it is always worth it, and even with the reduction from being sponsored, the contribution from the expedition covered it with some left to spare.¡± Kite said, looking fondly as Sage had drifted to view the tree from the top, hovering horizontally in the air while looking at the foliage. As if the new angle gave the experience a whole new meaning. ¡°I will have to dedicate some extra time and affection to Sage and Glint sometime soon. The expedition didn¡¯t really leave me much time, and I¡¯m still loath to bring Glint out in combat, as she doesn¡¯t have much in the way of self-defense.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, little Kite. Bronze rank will surely alleviate some of your worries for a bit. But it is always good to give your familiars time and attention. They are as part of you as you are of them, after all.¡±
¡°Well, I guess this is goodbye for now.¡± Dragonfly said, a bit misty eyed as she finished up her final round of hugs. ¡°You better all have reached bronze before the surge so that we can deploy together.¡± It was two days after Kite¡¯s and Dragonfly¡¯s conversation that they found themselves at Gilded¡¯s south city gate, a gathering of people who had seen a lot together during the last few weeks. While Kite, Serene and Will were obvious participants, both uncle Walker and Grim had also joined in giving their farewells as Dragonfly and her master were about to depart to the south. The Autumn lands were the northernmost province of the kingdom, and the part where the mana was the sparsest. For those who reached silver rank, it was almost a must to travel south if one wanted to continue climbing the ranks with any kind of decent pace. Only those with specific reasons tended to stay, such as those occupying the higher positions within different organizations. Thinking about it, Kite realized that he knew little about mistress Dew¡¯s reason for remaining here, her being the only unaffiliated silver-ranker who was active in the area. ¡°We will make sure to return for the monster surge.¡± Master Force assured her proteg¨¦ once more. ¡°You better work hard, Dragonfly, so that you can impress them thoroughly with your growth.¡± The silver ranked woman looked eager to be off, still aiming for even loftier heights as she followed her path. ¡°And you better work hard as well, Walker. From the feeling I get from you, you should be able to taste the silver by now.¡± ¡°Well, some of us at least have some sense to enjoy the journey instead of just focusing on the destination.¡± the bronze-ranker huffed, the good-natured teasing a familiar part of their banter. ¡°Do take care now. The south is just more of everything, be it more dangerous monsters and ever more powerful sects and adventurers.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Walker. I already have a place for us to start out. It should be good for the growth of us both.¡± Force finished, clapping a hand on Dragonfly¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Student, it is time to be off.¡± As Dragonfly took a long look at her friends, Kite was struck by how much she had grown during the year and a few months they had known one another. While she was still the vibrant, cheerful and stubborn young woman he had met, the thick, pink curls of her hair even longer and more dense now. But she was also more in other subtle ways. Her confidence was more tempered now, and her bearing straighter and more controlled. But it was in her aura that the starkest change was noticeable. Not only had it filled out as she awakened all of her essence abilities, but the experience and training she had been through during the year had given it both strength, nuance and depths that it previously didn¡¯t have. She gave off the warm feeling of the sun during a summer morning, even though the aura shuddered slightly as she waved her goodbye before joining Force along the road leading south. Even though he carried the knot of separation in his stomach, Kite still thought it bittersweet. He was sure that their paths would rejoin one another in the future, just as they had vowed for them to do. Letting the silence linger for a moment longer, it was Walker who spoke up first. ¡°I suppose we better head to the seventh peak. This old man is quite curious why the branch director has summoned us all.¡±
¡°Mistress Dew!¡± Kite greeted as the group entered the office of the branch director, seeing that his mentor waited there along with the two directors. ¡°Kite.¡± she returned the greeting with her typical slight smile, nodding to the rest in acknowledgement as well. ¡°Ah, good. You are all here.¡± Jarvan said, inviting them to sit with a gesture. ¡°I trust that Force and young Dragonfly were seen off safe and sound?¡± ¡°They were, branch director, and sent their regards.¡± Walker answered as the group gathered around a low table, taking their places in plush sofas of a foreign make. ¡°It is a shame to have someone of Force¡¯s caliber move on, but it is understandable. The road to gold rank is quite long.¡± the branch director said with a rueful shake of his head. ¡°But that is not why I have called you here today. I-¡± he began, retrieving a document and sliding it across the table toward where Kite and Walker sat, ¡°- have a contract for you.¡± ¡°For all of us?¡± Kite couldn¡¯t help but ask, using his expanded perception to regard the rather mixed group gathered at the table. ¡°Indeed.¡± Jarvan said with a smile. ¡°But in all honesty, I do think you will find it quite enticing.¡± Uncle Walker was already smiling, a bit of an excited look to him as Kite began looking over the contract in earnest. Skimming through the document before him, he saw that it was a request for reinforcements to assist in the handling of a silver-ranked monster which had manifested near one of the more remote settlements to the north. The name of the settlement being Starberry Peak. ¡°You¡¯re sending us home?¡± Kite asked, his smile interrupted as his mind continued processing the implications. ¡°But a silver-ranked monster. Why send all of us? It is not likely that we could be of assistance.¡± ¡°Not against the monster itself, no.¡± Jarvan confirmed. ¡°But a silver-ranked one spawning in these parts is usually a precursor sign to the monster surge. Even if it should still be a ways off, there is reason to believe that other monsters of iron and bronze rank would have been manifesting in increased numbers as well. And who better to handle them than a local who, along with certain close companions, are on the very cusp of bronze rank?¡± ¡°Director I- I do not mean to sound ungrateful but I didn¡¯t think that the society took a role that active in the ranking up of its members.¡± Kite asked, still a bit confused. ¡°You are correct again, Kite. Normally we do not, and we will by no means force you to participate. But due to some¡­ delicate¡­ business you¡¯ve recently been involved in, we thought it best to enable you to leave the city for a while and allow us to get a handle on things. And as we are already taking a more active role in the progression of one member, we thought that a monster such as this would be an excellent opportunity for a certain expert messenger to make a final push. With mistress Dew there to supervise and provide backup if needed.¡± Jarvan finished, looking pretty pleased with himself. Kite turned to mistress Dew, who gave him a nod of confirmation. ¡°I will come along, my young student. After all, the balance of our karma seems to have made a grand shift in your favor since a certain little intervention of yours. It is the least I can do to begin to show my gratitude.¡± ¡°Am I included in the offer as well?¡± Serene asked, and Jarvan nodded in confirmation. ¡°Yes, priestess. Should you wish for it, you are included, as well as young master Indomitable. The city lord was in favor of the contract.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve already talked with my father?¡± Will asked, surprised. ¡°Indeed, young master. Ever the prescient man, he was most satisfied with the notion of you continuing your path among known companions.¡± ¡°Then I see little problem with this- no, I welcome this opportunity!¡± Will exclaimed cheerfully, rising from his seat unable to contain himself. ¡°When do we leave?¡± ¡°I would recommend as soon as possible, but do not forget to stock up for when you ascend to the next rank. The contribution from the war should help you at least with the basics.¡± Jarvan answered, pleased that the others saw the merits of his offer. He then reached beneath the table and produced a simple lacquered wooden box. ¡°Oh, and Kite. You have received compensation from the Descending Star sect after this little debacle of theirs. I took the liberty to negotiate on your behalf.¡± He opened the lid to reveal a set of four essences and six awakening stones. ¡°They are all of the cheaper varieties, but it should hopefully be to your satisfaction. If you are still amenable to our previous arrangement¡­¡± he finished, trailing off suggestively. ¡°Branch director, thank you for this. It is way more than I was expecting, especially since I expected nothing at all. But in regards to our previous deal, I¡¯m afraid I must decline this time. I believe that I have another purpose for these.¡± he said, looking up from the box and its content to almost flinch as the branch director''s expression had turned into the closest to a newly kicked puppy Kite had ever seen. ¡°Jarvan, young Kite is free to make his own choices.¡± Rupert said firmly when it looked as if the director was about to speak. ¡°But-¡± ¡°Jarvan, with what you have already bought from Kite it will be at least three years before you will need another set. By then your quota will surely have been replenished.¡± the deputy director continued. Giving his deputy and friend a petulant glare, Jarvan turned back to Kite. ¡°That is¡­ most unfortunate, Kite. But I understand. And will have to ask you to give me your badge.¡± ¡°Wha-¡± Kite began, horror and confusion almost settling in before seeing the slight cracking of the branch director¡¯s facade. Giving him a flat look, Kite did as instructed even as Jarvan chuckled gleefully, happy to have at least gotten some vengeance for the ¡®slight¡¯. ¡°Even in the light of this unfortunate choice, the Gilded¡¯s adventure society branch have decided to promote you to a three star adventurer, for service given and judgment shown beyond what one might expect from your rank. Both your handling of the gate-affair as well as your showing in this last little escapade has shown your mettle, Kite. You won¡¯t find many iron-ranked contracts of that grade, but it will mean that you will start bronze-rank at two stars. Please keep that level head of yours, as well as your decisive handling of matters when other options are exhausted.¡± ¡°Th-thank you, director.¡± Kite said, heart still hammering after Jarvan¡¯s little joke on his behalf. ¡°I will hopefully continue to make you proud.¡± ¡°I do not doubt it, Kite. You and your companions are all shaping up to be fine adventurers.¡± Jarvan said. ¡°You even stood up to my little secret technique which I have named the Inducer of Shame and pity. My wife falls for it every time, and she¡¯s a silver-ranker.¡± he added slyly. From there on, the conversation drifted towards lighter topics before the meeting was adjourned, Kite¡¯s expanded perception revealing that Jarvan still looked longingly at the box as he put it into his dimensional satchel. The group all scattered after exiting the building, all having preparations to make. ¡°Will you come as well, Serene?¡± Kite asked, stopping his friend before parting ways. ¡°Will you continue adventuring even after facing them?¡± ¡°Yes, Kite. On both accounts.¡± she answered him, wispy voice hinting a smile. ¡°It seems like we haven¡¯t sung our last song together just yet.¡± 58. Different expressions of worry As the ritual finished, light gradually fading, Kite was greeted by a sight which brought back memories, as a tear formed in the empty air of the ritual room, more following as if some dimensional calligrapher created its art. But unlike the last time, there were a lot more of the otherworldly strokes, the end result being a rough circle around sixty centimeters across. ¡°Welcome back, Sage.¡± Kite said fondly as he felt the same vague feeling of recognition through their bond. ¡°You have grown.¡± ¡°Gratitude.¡± Kite blinked in surprise as the familiar actually answered. The meaning was not conveyed through spoken words, but rather the floating tears rearranging themselves to form symbols which conveyed the meaning in the same mysterious way as always. As the familiar¡¯s diameter had doubled, there was a lot more to work with. ¡°You can talk- or rather, convey meaning more clearly now. I¡¯m glad.¡± Kite smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve heard where we are going. How do you feel about that?¡± The familiar seemed to ponder the questions for longer than Kite had expected, before answering. ¡°Excitement Cataloging Vastness¡± ¡°So¡­ there is a lot you want to see?¡± Kite guessed from the disjointed concepts, conveyed one at a time. ¡°Affirmation.¡± ¡°Then come join us. Glint is waiting outside with Serene. She will be happy to see you. I think she worried about you going through this change.¡± Absorbing Sage back into his subsumed state, Kite left for the exit. Performing this ritual was some of the last things to do, and he looked forward to letting Sage showcase its new capabilities.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Astral Gatherer] has reached Bronze 0 [Astral Gatherer] has received additional effects. Astral Gatherer Ritual (Familiar). Cost: Extreme stamina, Extreme mana Cooldown: None Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Summon an astral gatherer to become your familiar. The astral gatherer is an incorporeal creature without physical substance. While manifested, the astral gatherer accumulates small remnants of mana each time mana is spent in its vicinity, which is substantially increased if the skill in question drains or destroys mana. Amount of remnants gathered will vary in accordance with the amount of mana spent or drained. When enough remnants have been gathered, it can unleash the stored power in one of the following ways:
  • A destructive beam of energy, dealing resonating force damage or disruptive force damage.
  • A burst of mana recovered for the summoner or a chosen ally within range
When subsumed into the wearer''s body, the astral gatherer becomes an incorporeal vortex resting beneath the summoner¡¯s sternum. As long as it remains subsumed, the gatherer exudes a subtle pull on the ambient mana in an extreme radius. This may trigger magical manifestations that were already on the brink of manifesting. Effect - bronze: Familiar can store additional energy, enough for another unleashing of stored power. Adds the following options when unleashing stored power:
  • A potent, short lived boost to health regeneration
  • Attempts to cleanse all hostile afflictions of the magical, curse, wounding, bleeding and poison categories from a target.
The familiar now brought more options in the shape of support, with a healing effect and a cleansing effect, as well as a greater cap on how much energy the gatherer could store. Kite had felt a lot of relief at seeing these changes, as it meant that as long as Sage remained by his side, two of his previous weaknesses were somewhat ameliorated. As expected, Glint was very happy to see her fellow familiar again, floating around Sage in happy circles. ¡°Glimmering Swimming Greetings¡± The being emoted its intent at the happy carp as Serene, clad in her more robust enchanted robes, turned to Kite. ¡°Are you ready to go? The others await us at the first peak.¡± she said, before adding. ¡°If we can get Glint to stop fawning over her companion, that is.¡± ¡°We are.¡± Kite said, catching the joyous carp in cupped hands, looking at her excitedly wiggling mustaches. ¡°We are going on an adventure again, after all.¡±
Taking a deep breath, Kite sighed a bit in contentment as he took in the forests around him, relishing in the fact that the woods were now only a quiet backdrop rather than potential hiding places for enemies actively out to kill them, monsters notwithstanding. ¡°It is rather fascinating how context shapes experience. We have spent most of our previous weeks outside in forests such as these, yet these feel relaxing. Not being part of a low-scale war does help, I suppose.¡± he mused quietly to himself, watching Glint play in a nearby stream while Grim, Will and Serene were all going about their business. To speed up the first leg of their journey as well as allowing them to leave a bit more incognito, those present had gone ahead via Grim¡¯s portal while Walker and Dew followed by foot. The silver-ranker and expert forest walker could cover the distance in but a few hours while it would have taken two days had they all gone together. As such, there had been time for a nice lunch out in the calm forests while they waited for the rest of their group to catch up to them. And as they spent the time talking and listening to Serene singing, Kite knew that this contract would be good for them, as they were all in need of rest. The expedition had been unlike anything any of the young iron-rankers had been through before, and none of them had come out of it quite the same as before. Serene felt more confident, some old specters of her past left behind in those bloody forests, while Will felt sharper, his normal flamboyance carried out with a keener eye for his surroundings. And while she was not with them at the moment, he had felt it before she left; Dragonfly had become more tempered and in control even as her inner passion burned even fiercer. Kite knew that he had changed as well; there was a hardness in him now that had not been as pronounced before, one that he aimed to master in the same way as any other tool and trait in his disposal. He did not want to become a hard person in general, all sharp edges, but wanted to continue nursing the solidity he had leaned against when cornered by the students of the Descending Star sect. And to help facilitate those nuances, it had felt good to laugh and relax for the last couple of hours, putting away the slightly more jaded parts of himself and focusing on other matters. ¡°Oho, it does seem like you youngsters have not languished too much while waiting.¡± Walker¡¯s voice called out to them as he and mistress Dew entered the clearing not far from the road where they were waiting, a huge moss covered boulder as its only distinguishing landmark. It had still been enough for Grim to have this place as a viable portal point. None in the waiting group had sensed their approach, but that was to be expected from the silver-ranker and master forester. They quickly broke down the temporary camp, and were once more wandering the way towards Starberry peak for Kite¡¯s second trip home. He wondered what his aunties would think when he told them of his rather busy life since his last visit.
¡°Adventurer Braid, you mean to take this contract?¡± ¡°That is correct.¡± the cloth-wrapped man answered politely to Adelaide, who was currently manning the counter in the jobs hall. ¡°You. A bronze-ranker who is supposed to be in recovery. Taking a one-star, iron-ranked delivery contract to a small village up north?¡± ¡°That is correct. The healers have said that some light exercise ought to help with the final stretch of the path to recovery.¡± he answered, equally polite. ¡°Adventurer Braid¡­ Two weeks hiking isn¡¯t normally what most would consider light exercise.¡± ¡°Ah, but the wonders of bronze-rank, dear Adelaide. It enhances you beyond what you might consider possible.¡± A brief silence followed as Adelaide regarded the man, but as she found his aura stable she couldn¡¯t well deny him a contract which would otherwise probably remain unclaimed for quite a while. ¡°I¡­ see. Then best of luck. You can pick up the package over at the usual counter.¡± she finished, the doubt never leaving her tone. ¡°Thank you, Adelaide. Have a pleasant day.¡± Braid said cheerfully, going straight to the counter for picking up deliveries. As he exited out to the plaza on top of the seventh peak, Braid was quite giddy. After hearing from Rupert that Kite, the adopted child of his academic hero, was returning to his home village on a contract, he had been devastated when he learned that they had already left before he could ask to join them. To meet Curious Crow flies Swift. The thought sent a chill of excitement down his spine. There was no risk in forgetting his copy of her book, as he always carried it in one of his dimensional storages hidden in the enchanted cloth of his elaborate clothes. ¡°Maybe she will even deign to sign it!¡± he cheerfully thought to himself as he left the adventure society campus, heading for the northern gate. Braid dearly hoped they would forgive his unannounced visit, eager enough to get going that he did not notice the pair of small, glossy eyes following him, whiskers twitching slightly.
¡°You. Did. WHAT?!¡± auntie Dove half shouted, rising as her voice climbed in pitch, a literal trickle of smoke escaping her mouth. ¡°Calm down, dear.¡± auntie Crow said, sipping her tea. ¡°Crow, he went into the gate. The gate. The gate which kills most of the people who attempt the challenge.¡± ¡°And he apparently thrived, dear. Maybe you would even get to know how if you let Kite finish his story.¡± ¡°And you!¡± Dove turned to Walker, pointing an accusatory finger. ¡°You let him?!¡± ¡°Ehm- Dove, please. Kite has shown such promise. I thought it best to support his path, not curtailing it. And as dearest Crow said, he is fine.¡± Uncle Walker tried his best in assuring the irate alchemist. Dove looked from Walker, to Crow and to Kite, who did his best to nod reassuringly. He could feel her aura making contact with his, probing it for indication that he was indeed fine. Apparently finding nothing to indicate otherwise, she seemed to calm down a little as she once more sat down beside her, Crow laying a calming hand on hers. ¡°Alright. Alright. Sorry, mistress Dew, for the outburst.¡± she said, bowing slightly to the very amused silver-ranker who shared their table. Dew only waved it off with a smile, sipping her tea. ¡°And as you are sitting here Kite, that must have been quite the adventure. Which you survived. Surely, that must have been the most spectacular thing by far to happen during your year away.¡± Dove continued, seemingly talking more to herself than to the rest of them. Kite and Walker exchanged a long look.
¡°I do believe that sending Glint to her was a wise move.¡± Crow said as she rejoined the rest of them at the table, having returned from the kitchen where auntie Dove was currently being distracted by the ever helpful shimmering carp. ¡°But I must say, Kite, that your time while iron rank seems to have been more spectacular than what most experience. I am sure that Dove will want to hear more of it, as soon as she calms down a bit.¡± Crow finished, ever the calm cliff which anchored her wife¡¯s more passionate emotions. ¡°I have to admit that I had not reflected on the difference in experiences. Honestly, auntie, there hasn¡¯t been that much time for it during the last weeks.¡± Kite said, feeling a bit guilty at having caused such a fright for auntie Dove. ¡°Do not fret, little Kite. It is good that she gets some practice in tempering her worries as well. While she has always known that you might start upon the path of an adventurer, it is still a reality that she is grappling with. Both of us are, albeit with different¡­ expressions for said worry.¡± Crow said. ¡°I, for one, feel that the company you keep speaks of a keen eye of which relationships to nurture.¡± she finished, turning to the rest of the people present. When they had arrived just a few hours earlier, his aunties had been slightly overwhelmed by the group at their doorstep, not having expected their request for aid to be heeded so soon nor being visited by a silver-ranker and the son of the city lord. Fortunately, the pair did complement each other well as Dove¡¯s warm and welcoming persona meshed well with Crow¡¯s expediency and order. As such, they had all quickly been settled with sleeping arrangements and exchanging stories around the now quite crowded dinner table. Neither Mistress Dew nor Will demanded much in the way of formality, helping to keep the atmosphere relaxed, even though Grim insisted on assisting with the logistics of feeding the group. ¡°While I am not a mother, it is easy to imagine the worry of being a parent to an adventurer. Even for those who mostly take on the more straightforward contracts, the danger is always very real.¡± mistress Dew said. ¡°But speaking as one who has had a part in training young Kite, it is clear that you have prepared him as well as could be demanded from those with your level of resources.¡± Stolen story; please report. ¡°We thank you for your acknowledgement, Frost among Morning Dew.¡± Crow said, inclining her head. ¡°You give us more face than we deserve.¡± ¡°While I do appreciate formality at times, I would prefer not to wield it overly much in a setting such as this.¡± the silver-ranker responded with a slight smile, indicating the cozy house in which they sat. ¡°Mistress Dew will do. You are the parents of my favorite student, after all.¡± ¡°Mistress, am I not your only student?¡± Kite asked his mentor. ¡°That you are, Kite. But as you are also the only student I have taken, it is not more than right for you to claim the title. I thought that we would only have a short while together as I drilled you in the basics, but fate saw fit to entangle our karma quite a bit more. Now, thanks to you I have both met a diamond-ranked being as well as persevered against an enemy who might just as well have claimed my life. Show some mercy to your poor teacher. How is one supposed to compensate for that?¡± Dew smiled, even going so far as to show some feigned worry, the level of expression rare in the otherwise frosty cool of her demeanor. Kite was actually a bit taken aback by the praise, giving rise to a bit of chuckles and giggles around the table as he stared in mute surprise at his mentor. ¡°I- T-thank you, mistress Dew.¡± he managed, still a bit flustered at the attention. ¡°It is merely the truth, student. Do not expect leniency from here on either. There will be a lot of work to do once you hit bronze-rank as we rid you of some of those bad habits you have picked up during your time as a frail being.¡± ¡°Mistress Dew will have our eternal thanks for looking after our little Kite. As will you, Walker.¡± auntie Crow said with a slight bow. ¡°If you will excuse me, I think it is time to retrieve my wife. She will no doubt want to hear the rest of the story now that she has gathered herself a bit.¡± Crow left for the adjacent kitchen, from where a steady stream of cooing praise could be heard. ¡°Now who is a good little fishie? Who is the best little familiar? Yes it is you. It is you. And unlike that no-good Walker, you will keep Kite out of trouble, won¡¯t you? Oh yes you will! Oh yes you will¡±
Kite took a deep breath to center himself, looking at the thick log propped up horizontally before him. ¡°This instinct will be quite challenging to overcome.¡± ¡°Indeed. And therefore, you should work diligently in learning your limits.¡± Grim replied. It was the day after they arrived at Starberry peak. Uncle Walker and mistress Dew had left to scout out the reported silver-ranked monster, leaving Grim and his aunties in charge of the training Kite had planned to undertake before he and his companions would go out to hunt their own quarries. They had been allowed to set up a small training space close to one of the logging yards near the base of the cliff on which the village sat, some of the lumberjacks gladly giving up some space for the novelty of watching adventurers train. ¡°Then may the heavens witness me.¡± Kite said, and set off at a run toward the thick log. And instead of leaping over it, he went straight through it. As his body came into contact with it, the log cracked before his momentum, the brief contract barely registering to Kite even while splinters flew around him and the two remaining pieces of the log thumped down at either side of him.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Implacable motion] has reached Bronze 0 [Implacable motion] has received additional effects. Implacable motion Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Increased resistance to effects that hinder or impair movement. Effects that take hold will have significantly decreased duration, depending on the rank of the effect. Effect - Bronze: Movement may break through inanimate objects up to a certain threshold of durability based on your rank and the rank of this ability. Mana may be paid to temporarily increase the threshold based on mana spent. Intent is needed for this ability to take effect, and it does not increase potency of attacks. This ability may not damage vehicles, equipment or similarly wielded objects.
The sensation had been strange. Kite had not received any additional strength or momentum from the ability. It was instead as if his motion had become undeniable, the lesser material forced into giving way based on entirely different principles. ¡°Magic truly never ceases to impress.¡± he said in wonder as he saw what was essentially the trunk of a thick tree split in half by his passage. ¡°But even it is not without limits.¡± Grim said while nodding in acknowledgement. ¡°And that is why we need to find those limits.¡± What followed was a few hours of testing the limit of Kite¡¯s newly evolved ability, often through nervous dead runs toward solid objects of different hardness and thickness. While there was no pain involved when he succeeded, there were certainly some tests which did not, as the last one where he tried passing through an iron-ranked magical barrier from a simple formation made by auntie Crow. Kite¡¯s head was still ringing a bit, even though his now bronze-ranked recovery attribute was fast at work. ¡°So, from these trials we can assume that normal-ranked objects are generally within your range of breaking through, but that thickness is the determining factor. And that magical constructs that are actively being maintained may not be affected by the ability, even though further testing would be required as well as with magical materials currently unavailable.¡± From their testing, Kite saw that he could generally pass through mundane obstacles, like a tree trunk or a wall, without much cost or resistance. But as soon as he tried stone, the cost in mana quickly increased. He had blown through a few boulders, and might have braved a normal house wall, but something akin to a fortified stone wall remained outside his reach with his current mana pool. ¡°Dragonfly would probably be quite jealous of this one. It feels like she would have enjoyed the thrill of it.¡± Will remarked from nearby where he was practicing some of his spear forms. ¡°I do believe she would.¡± Kite smiled, sending a thought to his far away friend. ¡°While it shall be interesting to see how best to leverage this, I find myself grateful yet again for the intuitive nature of essence abilities. I wouldn¡¯t want to accidentally start walking through doors or break through walls I lean against.¡± His comment made Serene giggle slightly, even though it did not interrupt her song. Over the last months, she had grown ever more proficient in producing two streams of sound at once, effectively able to talk while singing or adding another layer of song for additional harmony. ¡°But I hope that you will be careful, little Kite.¡± auntie Dove said, fussing over him like every time he had collided with his intended target instead of passing through. ¡°You better rank up soon, if only to ease your poor auntie¡¯s mind.¡± ¡°I will do my utmost, auntie.¡± Kite said, giving her a quick hug. ¡°After all, the branch director basically sent us here for that purpose.¡± She looked like she was about to fuss some more, but was interrupted as Walker and Dew returned, the latter looking contemplative while the former had that almost electric mix of excitement and trepidation. ¡°I assume that you have located it? And that our initial assessment wasn¡¯t too inaccurate?¡± auntie Crow asked where she sat in the grass while working on a formation plate. ¡°We did indeed, good Crow. And from what we¡¯ve gathered, it should be within this old man¡¯s capabilities as long as I stay true to my path.¡± he said excitedly. ¡°Walker, calling yourself an ¡®old man¡¯ while not even being in the top half of us gathered here doesn¡¯t really emphasize your experiences the way you¡¯d like.¡± Dove remarked sweetly, laughing at Walker¡¯s almost horrified look. ¡°Me and Crow both have a few years on you, as should both master Grim and Mistress Dew from what I¡¯ve noticed.¡± As both the elf and the silver-ranker nodded in confirmation, Walker¡¯s shoulders slumped. ¡°Back to being a junior¡­¡± he muttered, before turning to Kite and his friends. ¡°Well then, fellow younglings, would you like to learn what manner of beast that this junior will try to vanquish?¡± ¡°Please tell, uncle.¡± Kite encouraged him once he stopped shaking with poorly repressed laughter. ¡°Well then, little Kite. In but a day, your dear uncle will be tangling with an autumn knight.¡±
¡°Wander, I implore you! Please get off me!¡± Braid begged from beneath the mound of rats which were currently weighing him down. They had crept up upon him where he camped just a few days into his journey, Braid immediately recognizing the modus operandi of his friend and colleague. And thus, he knew the futility of trying to escape once thoroughly buried beneath her swarm state. ¡°Braid, it is not very nice to intrude on the family time of others~.¡± a myriad of squeaking voices told him as one. ¡°But- but you don¡¯t understand. She is my hero, the reason for my path. Please Wander, I just want to meet her and give her my thanks.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ To me, it still sounds a little creepy~. She is married, you know¡± ¡°Wander! It is not like that! ¡°Mhmmmm¡­~¡± ¡°Wander, once more. Please. I will give you what assurances I can. I-¡± he paused, realizing that he was even willing to go that far. ¡°I¡¯ll even sew something for you!¡± The swarm atop him stopped, twitching noses turning toward him. ¡°You will? Something all of me can wear?¡± ¡°I¡­ I will.¡± ¡°Promise~.¡± ¡°Heavens as my witness.¡± ¡°Then I accept your earnest offer to assure your sincere intentions.¡± she said with mock formality, her usual singsong tone absent as the swarm did their best Rupert-impression. ¡°We shall leave in the morning then~.¡± ¡°We?¡± Braid asked with a sinking feeling. ¡°I have to come with you and make sure you won¡¯t be up to anything untowards~-¡± the swarm said cheerfully. ¡°And give you my measurements~!¡± ¡°Won¡¯t the deputy director need you elsewhere?¡± ¡°Braid, we¡¯re adventurers. It¡¯s not like he can set my schedule unless we have a contract, you silly man~.¡± Resigning himself to his fate, Braid could already see the expenses racking up. All that myriad quintessence he had saved up was now basically already spent. But still, Braid felt resolved. When it came to what truly mattered, the patterns of the world expressed through formation and array, everything else was secondary. Even wealth. And convenience.
It was early evening when Crow was interrupted in her work by a slight pulse of aura outside as the visitor announced herself. After a responding pulse, the paneled wooden door was slid aside as Frost among Morning Dew entered Crow¡¯s workshop. With part of the stipend provided by Kite¡¯s birth parents, Crow had been able to gradually expand the workshop which now occupied a smaller, separate building close to the main house. As with most else in the forested region, it was built of wood and had a clean, unassuming design that Crow favored as it left fewer distractions in her work. The inside of the workshop was similarly clean and minimalistic, with neat stacks of designs and the myriad different materials Crow used in her work. ¡°Mistress Dew.¡± Crow greeted, turning from her work while animated strands of hair sorted the schematics she had been working on to their proper place. ¡°How may I assist you?¡± Crow had found the silver-ranked woman rather pleasant in that she held proper etiquette in just the right amount of regard, as well as her lack of demands or other kind of special treatment during her stay. While silver-rankers were everywhere in some parts of the world, they were rare and respected in rural regions such as the autumn lands. ¡°I only come to talk and ask a question, mistress Crow.¡± Dew said, joining the other woman at an offered seat next to her worktable. Sitting down, she noticed a small formation plate, the simple kind used for practice, standing upright in a frame at the edge of her desk. From the scribbles within, barely recognizable as an attempt at a simple alarm formation, Dew thought that it might be the work of a complete novice. Or a child. Seeing Dew¡¯s gaze lingering, Crow answered the unspoken question. ¡°It was Kite¡¯s first attempt. I believe that he was around six years old at the time. Raising a child does make one sentimental, and I like to keep it around for the memories.¡± ¡°So you have taught him your craft?¡± ¡°I have, at least to a basic level. But we quickly realized that he had a greater knack for rituals, and even then only as a complementary skill set. As soon as Walker started training him, we knew that the path of a more active adventurer would no doubt be the one he would walk. But I made sure he would at least have basic proficiency in the more static aspects of magic.¡± Crow finished, a bit of pride in how her boy turned out leaking into her aura. ¡°But I would assume that Kite¡¯s upbringing and my fond memories weren¡¯t the reason for your visit?¡± ¡°Indeed not, but thank you for sharing them. You have raised Kite to be a fine young man.¡± Dew said, before turning to her true subject of inquiry. ¡°But he never told me that one of his parents was part of the Crow clan. Does he not know?¡± ¡°No. It was a long time since I left my family. Many do, as not all want to follow their path. Fortunately, they are kind enough to give each of us a choice. To them, I am only Curious, the young woman who left. I have simply been Crow for so long now that I sometimes almost forget that it once was my family name.¡± the dark-haired celestine answered. Dew did not sense much tension or hostility from her aura, which told her that the subject did not seem to be that sensitive. ¡°But no, I suppose I have not told him.¡± Crow continued. ¡°Now that he is closing in on bronze, it could be good to at least give him the knowledge of how to contact them, should he need assistance. The Crow clan does care for their lost eggs and their offspring, and knowing a clan of assassins might be beneficial in the long term.¡± ¡°The Tengu and her murder of Crows are rather famous in the heartlands, so I am sure that he would hear of them sooner rather than later should he choose to travel there.¡± Dew agreed. ¡°There aren¡¯t that many other celestine lineages that have your features.¡± she said, indicating the other woman¡¯s black hair and eyes. ¡°No, but it has the perk of being just close enough to the colorations of other species that it can be overlooked.¡± Crow mused, a silken strand rising of its own accord for her to look at. ¡°But then I must ask you a question of my own, mistress Dew. Why did this feel important enough for someone like you to come calling? Are you looking for my clan¡¯s services?¡± ¡°Nothing so drastic, I assure you. It was part curiosity and part in looking out for young Kite should he decide to travel south eventually. I owe him a great debt for his intervention in a battle far above his limits, and I mean to assist him in what ways I can to eventually help our karma regain balance.¡± ¡°Thank you, mistress Dew. It eases a parent¡¯s heart that he has one such as you carrying his interests at heart. I will speak to him on the matter later. As for now, I think we should all focus on tomorrow¡¯s tribulation. Do you think Walker can make it?¡± ¡°I do. He is in his element and his heart and mind are as one. I have not known Brave Walker of Paths for long, but it seems interacting with the younger ones have helped him regain a bit of his drive.¡± Dew stated, certainty in her voice. ¡°Then I shall defer to your judgment. And I must admit that it is a bit infectious. Both me and Dove are pondering if we should follow his example and hasten our path towards silver.¡± ¡°Some walk the path while some run, fast enough that their feet barely have the time to touch it. If you have the dedication, you will get there.¡± Dew said while rising. ¡°Now getting beyond that¡­ That is an entirely different proposal.¡± With those words, she bade Crow farewell, returning to the house and preparations for what tomorrow would bring. Hopefully, the birth of another silver-ranker.
Closing the door behind him and leaning his enchanted umbrella near the door to his small apartment, the young man wearily sat down on the floor near his lone small table. Looking out the window, he could see the streets of Bastion through the haze of falling raindrops. Even though it wasn¡¯t visible from his humble little apartment, one could still hear the faintest rumble of the sea near the docks. Tying up his black hair in a bun, the red streaks barely visible as it was bundled up, Brilliant Bloom sat down and put a small box down at the small table. It had been weeks since he had arrived in the coastal city, and his identity and location should still be quite hard to discern. He wondered idly if his family was even looking for him, or if they had just written him off as a failure to be discarded. While it had been a hard few weeks, Bloom also had to admit that it had not been as bad as he had imagined it. There was a certain liberty to the experience of traveling and taking contracts as he wished, although the members of the local sects had given him flashbacks to his previous life in how they treated some of the unaffiliated or each other. Swallowing his pride and keeping his head down had been hard, the habit of always projecting force deeply ingrained. But he had persevered, and even been able to do a fair number of contracts in monster hunting, saving up for his next to last awakening stone, finally putting the completion of the set within reach. ¡°When I joined the sect, I thought it would be done in no time. How clouded were my eyes?¡± he chastised himself. The rewards under disciple Rise had been few and far between. But his mind turned back towards the box on the table, and his curiosity overcame his caution. Anything sent through the adventure society was thoroughly checked, after all. And it had been handed to him by that rather cute receptionist who Bloom was pretty sure tended to flirt with him. He wondered how he might go about reciprocating the act. ¡°Would she be receptive to poetry?¡± he mused as he untied the string around the small wooden box, opening it to find something more than he would have expected. A lot more. On a simple linen cloth lay an awakening stone of a pale green color, lines of light seeming to continually grow from within it without ever reaching the surface. Next to it lay a letter. Brilliant Bloom Do not forget that your actions of the present are more important than those of the past. Because while those of the past are absolute and unchanging, Those of the present are still yours to wield. May this stone be a symbol for what you have done. And what you can yet achieve. Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune And next to the stone lay a small strip of paper, announcing a simple definition of the gift;
Awakening stone of Growth
59. Dichotomy of leisure and danger As he leapt from one platform to the next, Kite averted a thick whip of coiled roots on his personal barrier before slicing off the offending appendage through a strike empowered by his tearing void. His enemy, an autumn pawn, gave off a shriek from inside the ball of tangled roots and vines before sending both its smaller spawned saplings and more crushing vines against Kite. And this was just what Kite wanted, as it forced more of them into contact with the platforms upon which he stood. In order to push one of Kite¡¯s more niche abilities which drained mana upon contact with his barriers, he had used his force walls to summon several horizontal platforms around the area where they engaged the bronze-ranked monster and its spawn. While the ability normally only achieved a limited effect through the brief contact with Kite¡¯s barriers, he had come up with this idea after his fight with disciple Mist and his followers. The walls of force was not just a great tool for defense, but also for complicating the battlefield. In this case, it gave them all a bit of vantage as both Will and Serene remained upon the platforms while they fought, forcing the smaller spawnlings to clamber up on the platform and be set upon by the constant mana draining. Will seemed to especially enjoy the tactic, enacting dramatic leaps between platforms while using the reach of his spears to constantly harass his foes while building up enough momentum. Serene remained more placid, often going unnoticed thanks to her aura manipulations, but Kite knew that she was just gaining a momentum of her own. They were all forced to pick up some of the slack left by Dragonfly¡¯s absence. Even while the group fought their own foe, the true battle was being waged further down a forested valley, where a huge centaur consisting of different kinds of plant matter ripped whole trees from the ground which transformed into lances to be thrown at or thrust towards its elusive opponent. Both mistress Dew, Grim and Kite¡¯s aunties were nearby, allowing the younglings to engage the autumn knight¡¯s subservient pawns while making sure that the greater conflict didn¡¯t accidentally get the iron-rankers caught up in it. With Dragonfly and her flames gone for now, the group had to prioritize a different strategy against the rapidly replenishing bronze-ranked monster. While they had faced several before, autumn pawns were usually a nuisance if you could not clear away their outer shell of animated plant matter quickly enough. As such, Kite led his friends into a battle of tempo and attrition, as all three of them had more potent ways to deal damage which required a bit of setting up. Changing platform to lure more of the spawnlings to gather in one space, Kite felt a bit of satisfaction as his positioning allowed Will to swoop in, diving from above as part of a rain of conjured lances while Serene used one of her miniature hurricanes to scatter other of the small fry. ¡°I do believe that we are nearing the crescendo.¡± Serene¡¯s wispy voice said, reaching them as she shaped the sounds into existence near both of them. ¡°Take the lead, priestess!¡± Kite answered. ¡°Carried by the heavenly wind. May thine heart¡¯s song be dissolved in the dirge of despair!¡± With her evolved racial gift, Serene basically cast two spells at once. The first was her versatile movement spell which attempted to shift a target, now able to affect two targets since its ascent to bronze rank. This carried both Will and Kite off in different directions as the elven scion was sent skyward while Kite flew straight towards the autumn pawn, the surface of which was already being torn asunder by Serene¡¯s channeled sonic attack. Without hesitation, Kite unleashed some of his own most potent offensive options. ¡°Disassembling.¡± Sage conveyed as it fired not one but two potent beams of resonating force which punched through the resilient wooden roots and other plant matter covering the sphere-like monster, widening a hole in the dissolving protective carapace. Striking at the same spot, Kite thrust his spear into the weakened bark, the spatial tears of Void-Sunders-Firmament empowered by Potential of Stolen power erupting like an unwinding spool from the tip of the weapon. Almost at once, a deep almost spherical indentation was created where the void tore matter apart. And that spot was where Will struck. ¡°Heavenly Shaft; Darkness Penetrator!¡± he shouted with his usual dramatic flair, the large golden projection of his spear plunging into the weakened creature before bursting outward in an explosion of gilded glory. All of this intense violence unleashed in short order was too much for the bronze-ranked monster, it remains soon shredded by the finishing notes of Serene¡¯s dirge, the swarm of saplings withering and dying with the demise of their progenitor. ¡°Kite, I must say that this was a splendid use of your force walls.¡± Will praised as the trio of iron-rankers gathered after their confirmed kill. ¡°You gave me the perfect leverage to plunge my Heavenly Shaft just deep enough. But come on, more of them await!¡± the cheerful noble finished, moving on toward Grim who had already found them a new target. ¡°Dragonfly will be anguished to have missed that one.¡± Serene mused with a giggle from where she stood next to Kite. ¡°Are we sure that he is not just doing it to see how long we will be able to take it without breaking?¡± Kite mused, looking after his friend. ¡°If that is the case, young master Indomitable has a lot better aura control than you or me. From what I can sense, he is just a pure soul, one with his purpose.¡± she said with feigned sagacity as the pair moved to catch up. Kite did send his thoughts to his uncle as well as prayers to Warrior. ¡°You can do it, uncle Walker.¡±
Fighting silver-ranked monsters was a thrill. While Walker had slowed down and taken his time with his life as a messenger, he still felt it during the more intense battles he had been part of. Of balancing on the edge of danger, utilizing his skills and abilities to thrive. To fuse them all into something unified worthy of calling his path. And while he had fought silver-ranked monsters before, such as part of a quick response team of bronze-rankers during the war to handle one of the silver-ranked wraiths, this was his first time going at it alone. The autumn knight was a ferocious creature, arming itself with the environment to lay waste to its opponents while building a small ¡®court¡¯ of autumn pawns. It stood around eight meters tall, on four legs beneath a vaguely humanoid body, all made from intertwined plants and hardened wood. Walker shuddered to think that there might have been even higher ranked similar monsters if the ambient magic had been dense enough. He leapt into a patch of foliage to avoid a thrown spear, a small copse of trees sprouting from where it landed as the creature plucked a new projectile, rearranging the forest more than it destroyed it. While Walker agreed with the sentiment of preservation, he would have to be a little more destructive in his own approach. Appearing close to a huge leg, Walker swung his leaf-blade which elongated and curved like a sickle, unleashing the attack he had dubbed Deforestation. The slashing special attack was excellent for sundering and severing, and as it had ascended to silver rank, the costly attack was enough to actually sever the leg. But a silver-rank monster was not helpless prey, already striking out at Walker even as it became unbalanced, a wooden lance deftly redirected toward the elusive brone-ranker. He dodged to the side, a rush of leaves carrying him far enough away to avoid the erupting growth from the point of impact before the leaves joined the storm around him which was constantly whittling away at his foe, growing with each plant Walker conjured or when some of his other abilities were activated. Even though there was plenty of plant life available to Walker, his conjured ones also increased his mana and stamina regeneration, the effect increasing with each growth present around them. This was what enabled him to keep using the high-cost, high-damage special attack repeatedly, severing another leg before being just a tad too slow to entirely evade the swing of the autumn knight¡¯s arm. The mass of his foe and the subsequent force sent him flying, a glider of leaves forming to arrest his momentum as he sacrificed part of his leaf storm to form healing drops of shining dew which greatly assisted with his healing. ¡°This old man will not go down so easily.¡± he chuckled, releasing the glider to avoid another thrown tree-spear, immediately teleporting through the plants once more upon landing, severing part of an arm upon emerging. Even as he fought, his foe was already rebuilding the lost legs albeit that the progress was not too fast or entirely without cost. ¡°We¡¯ll see who is the most tenacious one in this forest.¡±
Having finished the third and final autumn pawn, polishing the timing of their collaborative burst of damage, Kite, Serene and Will joined with the rest of their group on the top of one of the lower cliffs which had a decent vantage over the battle being fought beneath. At this time, Kite did mourn that he hadn¡¯t yet reached bronze rank as he had trouble perceiving details from this distance, although none of the iron-rankers requested to go closer. Dove was the only one of the higher-rankers which seemed to have trouble relaxing and watching the exchange, pacing about as she watched, small subconscious comments slipping from her at times. ¡°No, look ou- Yes! Nononono- Remember the plants, Walker. Yes, good one!¡± Kite came to stand next to where mistress Dew sat on stone, its top sheared off to form a more comfortable seat. ¡°Mistress Dew, how is he faring?¡± Kite asked while looking down at the spectacle where the forest had been rearranged, the two forms half obscured by Walker¡¯s storm of leaves and petals. ¡°He is doing fine, Kite. In fact, I believe it is just about time to enter the final phase.¡± As she said it, the storm of leaves changed. From the myriad swirl of colors, they all changed to a deep crimson, before the shredding swirls started condensing and contracting around the autumn knight. This was uncle Walker¡¯s most potent finisher that he used to end the fights that had been allowed to go on for long enough. Kite could imagine his uncle moving through the dance-like steps of the special attack as he fought on, his movements bringing only death to his foes. And while it took longer than what Kite had ever witnessed before, this did indeed close out the fight. The shredded form of the autumn knight finally staggered and fell, then remained still. Gradually, the storm of leaves started subsiding and finally scattering, raining down in a wide area as they started dissolving back into the magic from which they had sprung. Not long after, uncle Walker stepped out from some of the bushes up at the cliff, joining them where they stood to take in the view. ¡°I hope I did not embarrass myself too much.¡± he said with a grin even though he looked weary. ¡°Oh you performed adequately.¡± Mistress Dew stated as the highest of rank and most knowledgeable present. ¡°But there are some pointers I see that I will have to give you. Junior.¡± she finished, a slight smile on her blue lips. ¡°Should I manage to break through, I shall be in your care, mistress.¡± Walker said, bowing with overly elaborate care. ¡°Oh, I believe that you will. Your aura feels close to bursting. Come then, let us return and see what came of this.¡±
¡°There are surprisingly many villages out here, Braid. Which one is it~?¡± Wander complained where she walked beside him in her human form. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°I think¡­ this one.¡± Braid said, pointing towards a nearby peak where soft glows from windows could be seen in the early evening gloom. ¡°Or maybe that one?¡± he asked, voice faltering slightly as he saw traces of habitation on another peak further away. ¡°Maybe we should have turned east at the last mountain-¡± ¡°Braid, I¡¯ve found it~¡± ¡°What- where? You don¡¯t have the map, Wander. How could you-¡± he began, but then he felt it too. A silver-ranked aura shining like a beacon across the forests below. It was the forcefully projected aura of ranking up, as someone took a new step on their path towards the heavens for all to witness. And Braid recognized the aura. ¡°Definitely that way.¡±
Watching someone rank up turned out to be a fascinating experience, especially when you possessed aura senses. Upon their return to Starberry Peak, uncle Walker had immediately gone off to meditate in Dove¡¯s garden, taking a seat near the very edge of the cliff with a splendid view of the forests and mountains below. The others joined him in meditation, but chose spots further away in order to give Walker some space for what could be one of the most important moments in his life. And as his ascension to a new realm of power began, they could all feel it clearly. It began as Walker¡¯s bronze-ranked aura started blooming outward as if slowly being projected while straining against some kind of unseen force. As always, his familiar aura gave off the sense of the smells of the forests after a refreshing summer rain, a sensation which only intensified and grew more nuanced. It was as if his presence strained to become something more than it had previously been. And then, like a sprout breaching the soil, a streak of power appeared in the bronze-rank aura. And then another. And another. The streaks joined and became a stream, culminating as Walker¡¯s aura surged outwards to cover the whole area as the bronze-light shining from him melted away to be replaced by a bright, silver glow. And with it, the rest of him changed slightly. Walker¡¯s handsome, if somewhat rugged, features became more defined and he looked just a bit younger than before as well as giving off a little bit more of the timeless feeling Kite often associated with higher-rankers. As he rose, he felt both powerful and graceful, one with his surroundings on a deeper level then before. Taking a measured, composed pose, Walker spoke. ¡°Kite.¡± ¡°Yes uncle?¡± ¡°Be ready with the crystal wash.¡±
Once properly cleaned up, his simple clothes already burned as far from the house as possible, Walker gave off the confident and somewhat smug look Kite had known him to wear when he thought he had done something praiseworthy. He received the well-wishes and congratulations from everyone in stoic, if slightly feigned humility. And as most of the village had been invited for the occasion, Walker received his fair share of attention. As he had toured the countryside both alone and with his companions, Kite had been happy to learn how fond the people of the Autumn lands were of Brave Walker of Paths. He had been a constant occurrence for so long, reliably bringing supplies and trade to the remote villages which sprung up around the many lumber mills of the region, and many seemed to regard him with the same respect as they would a lord. Finding himself at the edge of the gathering as he went to get more chilled sap-wine, Kite was close enough to notice two other bronze-ranked auras announcing themselves at the small gate to the wooden fence which surrounded auntie Dove¡¯s garden. And he found himself surprised to recognize them. ¡°Hi Kite! Fancy meeting you here~!¡± Wander called, feigned surprise in her voice while waving over the fence in greeting. Braid, masked as always, stood beside her while clutching a package as if his life depended on it. ¡°Wander! Braid! What in the heavens brought you here?¡± Kite greeted cheerfully as he went to invite them in. ¡°We- we have a delivery. For Curious Crow flies Swift.¡± the obviously nervous man stated, holding out the package. Behind him, Wander gave Kite a meaningful look. From their time spent together during the expedition, he knew of Braid¡¯s idolization of his auntie. The woman¡¯s gaze seemed to contain a promise that she would not let things get out of hand. Kite winked at her in an attempt to assuage her worries as he turned to Braid. ¡°Then it sounds like you best come in and make your delivery. I am sure auntie Crow will be delighted to meet you.¡± he said with an easy smile. He had never felt anything other than pure admiration from Braid towards his auntie, and it felt good to facilitate him finally meeting his academic hero. ¡°Great! Thank you~!¡± Wander cheered, half-dragging a nervous Braid with her through the gate and joining Kite to find auntie Crow. Unsurprisingly, she sat at the edge of the crowd in the garden, calmly monitoring the festivities while Dove was away somewhere, probably getting more food. Auntie Crow had always had the sharpest senses of the two, and she quickly noticed Kite and the two new arrivals. ¡°Unexpected guests, little Kite?¡± she asked him as they drew close. ¡°Yes auntie. They are the messengers bringing the delivery for you, as well as comrades from during the expedition. I present Braid Spun from Honesty and They who Wander.¡± Kite said, gesturing to them each in turn. ¡°Greetings. I am Curious Crow flies Swift. Welcome to my humble home.¡± she greeted in turn, rising to give them the bow required to show proper courtesy. ¡°Hello! You have a lovely home, mistress Crow~.¡± Wander said with her usual cheer. ¡°I- Gree- Ple-¡± Braid stuttered, trying to start three different sentences at once. Even though he was of a higher rank than Kite, Braid was probably just a year or two older. Although her aura was restrained and neatly controlled, auntie Crow still cut a striking figure with her midnight hair and eyes, clad in neat and crisp robes with gold-threaded embroidery. Fortunately for the younger man, auntie Crow was also quite merciful, even if her strict exterior might hint otherwise. ¡°Ah, you must be the Braid that Kite has spoken fondly of in his stories.¡± she said, pushing her glasses up a bit further on her nose. ¡°And from what I can see, your skills go beyond rituals, formations and arrays.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking, mistress Crow, why do you wear glasses? Us essence-users don¡¯t tend to ever need them~.¡± Wander asked, leaning closer to gaze upon the crescent moon glasses. ¡°Are they enchanted~?¡± ¡°They are indeed.¡± Crow said, removing her glasses for Wander to inspect. ¡°While the fates have been kind to me in many ways, my perception power is yet to awaken magical perception. As that is a quite useful tool in my craft, these help me compensate as well as incorporate a few other different functionalities. Much the same way as I would assume your mask, master Braid.¡± ¡°Oh, please. Just Braid will suffice, mistress Crow. And as for the mask, you are correct. I have embroidered several additional enchantments, as well as woven some runes into the pattern of the fabric itself.¡± he said, words coming a bit easier once the subject of his craft came up. ¡°Impressive.¡± auntie Crow said, the younger man seeming to grow a few centimeters taller by that lone word of praise. ¡°If you would not mind to showcase a bit more of your work, my workshop is nearby. It will no doubt be a better environment to discuss more esoteric matters.¡± she finished, turning to lead Braid off toward the smaller building without waiting for his confirmation. Although even Kite had been able to sense the excitement leaking from his aura. ¡°She seems nice~.¡± Wander stated when the two of them were left standing looking after the two, already seeming to be in deep conversation. ¡°Anyone with half an aura-sense could sense Braid¡¯s nervousness. Not everyone would have been as kind~.¡± ¡°Auntie Crow might seem strict, but she has always had a way with people. Auntie Dove is nice in her very caring, passionate way, but can be a bit oblivious in matters of feelings at times if she gets caught up in her own. Auntie Crow just seems to see what is on your mind, and is very good at handling people. And besides, you have seen Braid at work. I am sure that they will get along fine once he relaxes a little.¡± Kite said, smiling at the memories of all the times he himself had gone out to his auntie¡¯s workshop to talk about something that was on his mind. ¡°Come on.¡± he continued. ¡°Let us find some food and listen to some of my uncle¡¯s stories. From how Braid has talked of my auntie, they will probably be in there for a while.¡±
And so, the number of guests in the house on top of Starberry peak increased by two, depending on how one counted Wander. Braid was beyond overjoyed by the offer to stay a while from auntie Crow, and the pair had quickly formed somewhat of a teacher-student relationship even though their capabilities weren¡¯t leagues apart. Crow did have the advantage in years of experience, but the ambitious young bronze-ranker was very talented if she was to be believed. While their house and the guest house were considered roomy by rural standards, it still left Braid and Wander camping out in the garden, although the enchanted pavilion carried by the adventurers did make the prospect a comfortable one. After his ascension to silver-rank, Dew quickly took Walker under her wing and started training him according to his new capabilities, as well as giving his swordsmanship a thorough working through. ¡°I might as well make myself useful while I am here, and there is little point working more with you now Kite with bronze-rank just beyond the corner. Being an unofficial bodyguard is quite relaxing, but I prefer not to be entirely without work.¡± she had said the first morning when they headed out. But they did never stray too far from Kite and his companions, as there was still the worry that some disgruntled party might decide to use force in an attempt to silence a living stain on their honor, even if the risk of that happening were deemed to be slim. Thanks to the precursor signs of the monster surge, Kite and his companions could keep up a good pace in their monster hunting, Walker often taking the time to check out the villages in a startlingly wide area for signs of suitable prey. While Will and Serene still had a wide range of abilities left to reach the peak, Kite had raced ahead. His evolved human racial gift meant that the small but significant bonus growth was even more noticeable now that he steadily fought alongside his companions. His progress did slow down a bit though, as the powers that still had not evolved were either the ones that he had awakened the latest or those that were more situational in use. Kite had the luxury of a lot of his abilities being relevant in most combats, his path having plenty of ways to increase his endurance while hampering his enemy¡¯s recovery, resources and tempo. As such, a lot of his work came into facilitating new, sometimes convoluted ways to make some of his abilities more relevant. While some ways, such as avoiding the use of his barriers to trigger his resistance to being forcefully moved, was not really something he wanted to turn into a habit, there were other which gave rise to tactics to improve upon and incorporate in the future. Forming platforms of his walls of force was one such strategy, as well as using his conjured personal barrier as a kind of shield press; shoving the barrier into his opponent and keeping it in contact while still attacking around the semi-translucent ward. Thus began a time that had a strange dichotomy to it; a trip which felt like leisure even as their days were filled with potentially deadly combat. A time for growth, and also for healing and tempering. The expedition and the war had left marks on them all, and it was time for them all to take those marks and turn them into strength.
¡°It should be around here somewhere. Where? Where?! Why does a backwater such as this even exist.¡± Soar on Enlightened Wind half snarled where he stood among the trees of the most rural parts of the Autumn lands, and this was saying something as the whole province was considered a backwater. He had paid a goodly amount of money for the information, probably more than that outcast scum was really worth. But after his demotion to disciple and knowing in no uncertain terms that the way back up would be an arduous one indeed, Soar¡¯s frustration and rage had to go somewhere. At least that damn disciple Mist had been thrown out, although apparently the other iron-ranker had been shown some leniency. And if Soar could just rid himself of the stain this young upstart represented, he suspected that doors would be opened for him. The political landscape was in turmoil, many of the more affluent families on the warpath against city government and adventure society. They even had the gall to accuse the sects of not fulfilling their duties. The upside was that they were recruiting heavily, trying to tie as many essence-users as possible to their families, and in that lay Soar¡¯s chance. His opportunity for advancement within the sect all but gone, there was a certain charm to the thought of being taken in by the rich and affluent. Maybe even catch the eye of some young heiress¡­ ¡°Ho there, traveler! What brings you to these parts?¡± a voice interrupted his musings, and Soar turned to find a man dressed for the outdoors walking down the road of which he stood near. Most of him was covered by an enveloping cape to protect from the wind and weather. He was surprisingly handsome for coming from such a backwater, even though his thin mustache was accompanied by some scruff on his chin and he even had a long stalk of some kind of grass hanging from the corner of his mouth. ¡°You there, peasant. I come searching for a village named Starberry peak. Which of these hovels is it?¡± Soar asked, straightening to muster all of his authority. His aura accompanied it, pushing down on the man. ¡°Oh, yes, that is nearby.¡± the man answered cheerfully, surprisingly unbothered by Soar¡¯s aura clamping down on him like a vice. ¡°What business does one such as you have in these parts? Are you bringing a delivery?¡± ¡°As if I¡¯d stoop to something like that.¡± Soar snorted. ¡°I have unfinished business here, which is none of your concern unless you continue this line of questioning. Or I might loose my¡­ patie-¡± he trailed off as he finally realized the source of failure for his suppression attempt. While it had at first felt like his aura had met little resistance, Soar now realized with a sinking feeling that there was indeed an aura present. One much more powerful than his, easily keeping his aura at bay just before the edge of suppression. This became even more evident as the silver-ranked aura surged outwards, reversing the grip and almost instantly crushing Soar¡¯s. ¡°I- senior, forgive this-¡± ¡°I would advice you, young man, that this is not a place for anyone to come seeking trouble.¡± the man continued, still keeping his pleasant smile. ¡°And you should count yourself lucky. Had you met my mentor instead of me, she might have found your presence a little more¡­ offensive. Now off you go! This is not a pleasant place to be loitering about. The way back to the city is long, after all.¡± The last part of his statement was punctuated by a pulse through the forest around him, Soar suddenly feeling as if the trees and bushes, even the grass beneath him, suddenly felt hostile and threatening. Soar did not attempt more apologies, and instead turned around and ran southward for all his bronze-ranked speed and movement abilities were worth. Walker looked after the fleeing man, idly chewing on his straw. ¡°Seems like I wasn¡¯t just a paranoid old man in keeping a watch around here. But not that I need to go very far, anyway.¡± he muttered. His ascension had uplifted his senses even further, the forest telling him its secrets in a wide area around him. Smiling, Walker turned back and melded into the woodlands. His ranking up had gone more smoothly than expected, even surprising himself with how far his dedication had taken him during the war and afterwards. It was now time to once more give a helping hand to the younger generation. 60. Glimpses of preparations ¡°Eat your fill, little one.¡± Walker smiled as he offered up a small pile of the shimmering scales to an ecstatic little carp. ¡°Most impressive, uncle.¡± Kite said, amazed. So far, he had never found anywhere near that number. ¡°Silver-rank is quite useful, little Kite. Learn from your uncle, and strive to achieve my lofty heights.¡± Walker said, puffing out his chest in pride. ¡°My new senses and speed allow me to cover quite a lot of ground, as well as notice more of these little treasures than before¡± ¡°I will indeed ever strive to emulate my great uncle.¡± Kite said with mock severity, bowing deep to his mentor over the table.¡± ¡°You are wise for your years, as ever.¡± Walker said smiling, before continuing. ¡°But tell me, how goes your training, young Kite? Any more breakthroughs?¡± The pair were seated at a table in auntie Dove¡¯s garden. It was a nice autumn day, still carrying some of the warmth from summer in the winds. Off to one side, Serene sat meditating while her song rang out over the lands below, the tones seeming to merge with the wind. As of late, her meditations had started drawing a crowd of small animals. One little blue sparrow had even taken a seat on her head, perching in her greenish jade locks while she was lost in her song. Somewhere below, Will was practicing his spear katas under the oversight of Grim. His aunties were about their business, Braid still assisting auntie Crow while Dove was hard at work harvesting in her garden. But as she had the plant essence, the work was not as strenuous as one might think. Wander was probably off exploring as she usually took to if she became bored. Kite would be surprised if there were any nooks and crannies left unexplored within dozens of kilometers as the swarm of rats mapped out the land. Overall, the hodgepodge concentration of essence-users had fallen into a comfortable rhythm as they had all remained in Starberry peak for just over a month by now. Grim had even undertaken the journey back to Gilded to stock up on supplies, mostly to continue meeting the dietary needs of the silver-rankers who needed more concentrated magic for sustenance. The last person to account for made her presence known just as Kite was about to answer uncle Walker¡¯s question. ¡°Your other mentor is also curious about your progress.¡± mistress Dew said as she came over to join them. Kite had been most surprised at her adaptation to the slower and more leisurely pace of their current situation. ¡°Mistress.¡± Kite greeted as she sat down. ¡°I have indeed been fortunate in that two more of my abilities have advanced to the next rank.¡±
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Spiritual Futility] has reached Bronze 0. [Spiritual Futility] has received additional effects. Spiritual Futility Special ability (Mana drain). Cost: None. Cooldown: None Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Opponents who makes a melee strike against or come into contact with your barriers have some of their mana drained. The drain is continual if the opponent remains in contact with the barrier. Effect - bronze: Mana drain increases exponentially the longer the opponent stays in contact with the barrier. The rate of drain is gradually reduced back toward initial values during moments not in contact with a barrier. Congratulations! Your ability [Unyielding] has reached Bronze 0. [Unyielding] has received additional effects. Unyielding Special ability. Cost: None/moderate mana Cooldown: None Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Become highly resistant to all hostile effects that would move or displace you, including physical momentum. Any additional damage that would be dealt to you by the canceled momentum will instead be transferred to the environment. Additionally, this ability may be activated for a cost of moderate mana to give increased damage reduction from external sources of damage for a short duration. Effect - Bronze: Some of the damage and movement negated will be stored in a separate reservoir of potential, which you may release to add additional momentum to a leap or stride. Any excess will still be transferred to the environment.
¡°Excellent, my boy. Then there should not be many left before you take the step, leaving the stumbling start of iron rank behind.¡± Walker nodded in satisfaction as Kite finished relaying his instinctual knowledge of the new, ascended effects. ¡°And I do believe it is something we can work with.¡± mistress Dew said, looking pleased. ¡°It was high time you got something that at least could be considered adjacent to a movement ability, situational as it may be. But I do hope that you have still prepared properly with equipment to pick up the slack.¡± In response, Kite produced a pair of boots from his dimensional bag.
WWJS: [Item] Earthen Realm Pathstriders Boots Bronze rank - epic [Effect] Increased movement speed on foot [Effect] Greatly reduced stamina cost of long-distance walking [Effect] Self-repairs at a moderate pace [Effect] For a cost of moderate mana, significantly increase movement speed for 10 seconds. Cooldown: 30 seconds.
The high boots were made of dark leather with subtle plates of an enchanted green-tinted steel. At a glance, they were nothing special, but those in the know would recognize the quality of the item. The pair had cost Kite quite a lot, after all. ¡°It is one of the items I commissioned from the trade hall for the credit I won through duels.¡± Kite said after explaining the simple and straightforward effects. ¡°I went with simplicity for increased capabilities of the enchantments.¡± ¡°A good choice, student.¡± Dew said approvingly, Walker nodding along. ¡°Even with Glint to ride on, you will find yourself walking quite a lot over the years to come.¡± ¡°Walking Inferiority Floating¡± During their discussion, Sage had come floating over, delivering a statement through the usual reconfiguration of the symbols which made up the familiar¡¯s form. ¡°Yes, Sage, floating would be more convenient. But that is not within the purview of my path, so I will have to use what the heavens saw fit to give me.¡± Kite said, trying to interpret the familiar''s intended meaning. ¡°Disappointing¡± After conveying the final concept, Sage once more floated off to observe the world, seeming fascinated by auntie Dove¡¯s harvesting of herbs. Walker looked after it, and spoke once Sage was a bit further away. ¡°Is it just me, or has that creature turned out to be a bit sassy now that it can actually communicate?¡±
Conjured javelins streaked upward through the air as the rune heron made another pass, a rain of firebolts streaking downwards from glowing runes on the inside of its majestic wings. Gusts from Serene and barriers from Kite shielded the trio as it went past, banking around to fly back toward the trio of iron-ranked nuisances which had disturbed its territory. ¡°Be ready.¡± Serene called, the timbre of her voice already carrying the droning tone of a prepared spell. ¡°Be swept away by the hammer of the hurricane!¡± Utilizing a similar tactic as the last time they had faced such a monster, Serene unleashed one of her hurricane torrents from above the swooping avian, forcefully pushing it toward the ground. While its altitude was forcefully lowered, the rune heron was not completely grounded as it had flown rather high, continuing its flight toward them albeit slightly more wobbly. But Serene had accounted for this, releasing the held tone in a surge of magic. The same hurricane spell, cast in advance and held at the ready, crashed into the monstrous bird yet again. And this time, it was thrown forcefully onto the ground, toppling a tree before finding its feet. Both Kite and Will were ready, charging toward it as the monster righted itself. It was a bit dirtied and ruffled, but by no means out of the fight. To drive that point home, it extended its wings where it stood, and through his magical perception Kite could see three different sets of runes lighting up as it prepared to unleash an elemental torrent against the two charging warriors. ¡°As we planned!¡± Kite shouted, coming to a stop as Will did the same behind him. The elf crouched in a ready stance, Kite waiting until just the right moment when the heron unleashed the chaotic elemental torrent. Blades of wind, needles of wood and chaotic bolts of lightning came at them like the hammer of primordial vengeance. But the trio had indeed planned for this, even wished for it. ¡°Void!¡± Kite¡¯s response was to bring out his most potent defensive measure. The black gate appeared, devouring the myriad projectiles aimed at the pair. And as the duration was about to run out, Kite started supplying it with a new stream of mana, using his racial gift to extend its duration, even though the cost was very high to sustain this powerful spell [Gate of Nihility sustained by Channeler] His mana was leaving him like a river toppling over the edge of a waterfall. For a while, Kite feared that he was not going to last the whole attack, but just as he felt the limit draw near, the stray projectiles which flew by the sides of the black disc petered out. ¡°Now, Will! Wall!¡± Kite shouted, releasing his black gate while instead conjuring more platforms through the air, like a stairway leading up. The panes of force had barely appeared before Will started striding upwards at a sprint before the heron had time to attack again or try to take off from the ground. The elf scion leapt from the topmost step, beginning his plunge downward as wings of spears appeared to further launch him towards his foe. A quick burst of wind from Serene gave him even more momentum, launching him like a ballista bolt into their enemy while Kite was running towards the ensuing melee, also bolstered by Serene¡¯s winds. Will¡¯s first strike had done its job, both injuring the foe and grounding it as a great part of its wing was torn apart by the plunging attack. Shrieking in agony, it unleashed more elemental projectiles as Kite finished his own rush into melee, further laying into the creature. As the wild fight ensued, the young men¡¯s gazes met briefly, exchanging a fierce grin before going back to their task.
¡°I¡¯d say we did great! We will prove ourselves worthy of the legends!¡± Will exclaimed in triumph, wrapping Kite in a fierce hug as he came down from the high of battle now that the rune heron was defeated and returned to rainbow smoke. Ever since his talk with Kite after the nightly raid, the young noble had become a lot more casual around them as he gradually adapted to a new reality in regards to basic physical affection. Since Dragonfly had left, it seemed that Will unconsciously picked up some of the slack in regards to doling out hugs, although he had not yet reached the level of comfort to extend the same to Serene. Any kind of physical closeness with the opposite sex still seemed to be a more foreign concept to the young noble. The celebratory hug was interrupted by Sage, who had emerged to inspect the embrace. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Entangling Touching Mating?¡± The familiar projected the meanings, Kite gaining the distinct impression that the last statement was a question. ¡°No, Sage. A hug does not necessarily mean that. Mostly it is just a simple thing. A hug.¡± Kite said while laughing, proceeding to try and explain much in the same way as he had done to Will many weeks ago. The familiar seemed to be listening intently, and when Kite finished it took a few seconds before projecting; ¡°Disappointing.¡± After that, Sage once more flew off. Will looked a bit puzzled by the exchange. ¡°What was that about?¡± he asked, not having gotten a good look at the initial statements. ¡°Nothing special. It just seems like Sage wants to understand the world, if only to find it lacking.¡± Kite said, deciding to spare the young noble from the exact nature of the inquiry as he was unsure if Will was ready. The noble had seemed skittish enough around the whole concept of sexuality, and Kite thought it best not to complicate it further with all the options that were available for those whose inclinations were a bit more open. ¡°Still, this hunt should have given your void gate a good working through.¡± Will continued, dropping the subject in favor of his favorite; battle. While hunting the bronze-ranked monster was a necessity in and of itself, that particular one had been chosen to see if its tendency for magical ranged attacks would give an opportunity to really employ the gate. And it was a choice that should no doubt have paid off. ¡°I do believe so, but we should not let up. Walker will guide us to the next sighting. A forest hydra should give the both of you a good reason to bring out your best.¡± Kite said, Will and Serene nodding as they once more set off together.
¡°Isn¡¯t it nice, dear?¡± Dove asked, looking out the window into their garden. ¡°If it is my view you are talking about, then yes. It is nice.¡± Crow said where she sat reading a book, although she was currently looking straight at her wife. ¡°Not that.¡± Dove said, blushing furiously as she always did. ¡°Having guests. The house full of life. I do love our quiet little nook, but now that we have had this for a few weeks, I must say that it will be awfully silent once they depart,¡± she finished, the last statement said with a bit of a wistful sigh. ¡°It has indeed.¡± Crow said, nodding in assent. ¡°It might be that the quiet life we came here looking for isn¡¯t really what we need any more.¡± She rose and went over to stand at Dove¡¯s side, looking out over the garden where Kite and their guests each went about their business. The calm was even broken by light streaming out of Kite, now mostly colored bronze. ¡°Another breakthrough. Our little chick sure has come far.¡± Crow continued, also looking a bit wistful. ¡°He sure has. Even though the years raising him were rather intense at times, he was such a wonderful little one. Still is, I suppose.¡± Dove agreed. ¡°At this rate, he will pass us by before long. We did know we took the slow route by choosing this life, but part of me can¡¯t help feeling that reaching silver rank feels a bit more important than it did before.¡± Crow mused. ¡°There would be a lot more we could do after reaching silver too.¡± ¡°I suppose working with new ingredients might make for a nice challenge.¡± Dove said thoughtfully. ¡°But it would be a bit of work, and not the calm kind. Our crafting-related abilities are already there, but it has been a while since we truly pushed ourselves in combat. The occasional bronze-ranked monster close to the village does not make for a quick pace.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± Crow agreed. ¡°A good thing that Walker is here. Without him, the young ones would have to travel further between each contract. Shall I take it that you want to take up the adventuring life again, love?¡± ¡°Only if you want it, dear.¡± ¡°Then I have a proposal. We can see if we can stretch our wings a bit, and start picking up contracts in the area again. And then we take an even more active combat duty during the surge. That should take us far enough.¡± ¡°Oh, Crow, that is a great-¡± ¡°It is nice that you feel that way.¡± Crow smiled, interrupting her wife. ¡°But I was not yet finished. You did say you wanted less of the silent life? While the life of a wandering adventurer does give excitement, neither of our crafts are best performed on the road. Therefore I propose as such; should we manage to reach silver rank, we can once more return to a more sedentary life. And maybe have another child or two?¡± Dove had been nodding along Crow¡¯s statement so far, but as she comprehended her wife¡¯s final question, it seemed as though her mind overheated slightly. ¡°We- you and me- child? Children?¡± she said only half coherent, as she was prone to become when overcome by more intense emotion. ¡°It is not an entirely new question, love.¡± Crow said, patting her hand. ¡°We did talk about it more when we were younger; that we might start a family once we had established ourselves. While Kite¡¯s arrival was a bit ahead of the schedule, it did prove to be rather enjoyable when all things were said and done.¡± ¡°Yes, but- but Crow, can we- are we good enough yet to-¡± ¡°Dear. Look at Kite. I do think that it is quite the testament to our abilities.¡± Dove looked out the window, at their little boy who had grown up to the young man who was now excitedly explaining something to his companions. She took a scant second to center herself, before answering. ¡°We did, didn¡¯t we?¡± ¡°Think about my proposal some more, dear. We will have plenty of time to discuss it. As for now, it looks like Kite is coming over. No doubt to share his latest progress with us.¡±
Wander stretched happily, the warmth of today¡¯s dinner still spreading through her. ¡°Heavens, an herbalist sure knows where to find her spices.¡± she thought with contentment, barely even registering when her perspective fractured into that of many. Now as a swarm of rats, Wander flowed up a wall, a small army of noses and whiskers taking in the world around them before reforming on the roof of the guest cabin to bask in the setting sun which still cast some warmth. As bronze-rankers had good hearing, and Wander better than most, she had just laid her head down against the roof tiles when she heard a conversation from within the cabin. It was muffled, but clear enough for those who knew how to listen. ¡°Kite, may I please hold it again. The feeling of it in my hands is just so addicting.¡± ¡°Will, you know I won¡¯t deny you. Especially when you ask so nicely.¡± the other young man chuckled. Wander heard someone rising from a chair and moving across the floor. A moment later, there was a sigh of contentment. ¡°As always Kite, it just.. Wonderful. Marvelous. The feeling of it in my hands, the length and thickness of the shaft¡­¡± ¡°Well I do know that you like it, but be careful. You can¡¯t yet handle it. Not for long at least.¡± ¡°No? Then watch me impress! Your mind will be swept away by my skill!¡± At this rate, Wander had gotten curious. Very curious. It was almost too good to be true. Shifting into a swarm of rats once more, one of them climbed down the facade to peek in through the window. ¡°Such a delightfully scandalous pairing it would be.¡± she thought, the images echoing through myriad minds. ¡°The son of the city lord and the outcast adventurer. It would be too precious. It would need to be protected. It would-¡± As she peeked in, her wandering mind soon experienced immeasurable disappointment as her day was ruined. Inside, Will just managed to complete the final moves of a spear kata before hurriedly laying down the weapon at the table while shaking his hands as if he had just let go of something that was too hot. ¡°Well, you manage to impress once more, Will.¡± Kite said in an attempt to cheer up his friend. ¡°But not even you have the tenacity to perform the whole series with an over-ranked weapon.¡± Looking at the spear like a lover who had just slapped him, Will sighed. ¡°But it is just so¡­ perfect. The feel of the wood, the sound as it moves¡­ What is it made of? Singerwood?¡± ¡°It is a bit unclear, but the woodcarver I consulted thought so. Even my rather odd looting ability does not give me more specifications. But the sonic enchantment does indicate it as well. I¡¯ve even thought of using it from Glint¡¯s back like the lances of cavaliers.¡± ¡°Ah, to have an arsenal of my own.¡± Will said, a bit jealous. ¡°Will, you can conjure pretty impressive spears already.¡± Kite said, a bit amused. ¡°Oh, I know. But it''s.. It¡¯s just not the same.¡± ¡°At least console yourself of all the money you will save.¡± Kite said while putting the spear back into his dimensional storage. By then, Wander had lost interest in the conversation as the two young men left the guest cabin. She returned to the roof, muttering to the heavens that there apparently was not much beauty left in the world.
¡°Are you ready, adventurer Kite?¡± Grim asked, tone politely somber as usual. ¡°I am!¡± Kite called, standing around twenty meters away. In response, Grim chanted a spell: ¡°Welcome, shimmering reaper!¡± At his words, the largest swirling storm Grim could muster appeared in the space between them, drifting towards Kite at an uncomfortable speed. The younger man stood firm, responding with a spell of his own. ¡°Void!¡± The black gate appeared, but it was larger than before as well as having gained another quality. It had always had a kind of silent presence, the mind unable to properly categorize if it was a wall or a portal. But now, the gate also had a gravity to it; a kind of physical and spiritual pull. It was not enough to drag a person towards it, but the effect was useful nonetheless. Waiting behind the gate for a few seconds, Kite let the gate dissipate after its natural lifespan ended. The storm of glass shards was gone, and Kite looked at the elf in anticipation. ¡°It did indeed work as you hoped, adventurer Kite.¡± Grim said with a nod of confirmation. Will had been watching from the sidelines with a recording crystal, and came over while bringing out a small projector he normally used to watch his own spear-katas and correct himself while away from his usual trainers. Inserting it into the projector, the small device created a flat hologram which depicted Kite and Grim standing opposite one another. The elf released his spell, and soon after Kite¡¯s black gate appeared. At once, it became obvious that the pull one felt from the gate was quite a lot more palpable against the spell. Immediately on appearing, the black disc started devouring the storm of winds and glass shards, actively sucking it in and leaving nothing by the time the gate vanished. ¡°From my observation, it did look as if it pulled in effects from quite a wide angle.¡± Grim noted. ¡°This should be a boon in many situations, as you can imagine.¡± Kite nodded in agreement, mind awash with ideas as Will replayed the recording. The gate had been one of his recent advancements, about a month and a half since arriving at his home village.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Gate of Nihility] has reached Bronze 0. [Gate of Nihility] has received additional effects. Gate of Nihility Spell. Cost: High mana Cooldown: 1h Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Bring forth a short-lived wall of nothingness, up to five meters wide and three meters high. You have some control over the overall shape of the barrier. Any projectile or spell effect striking the wall is absorbed into the void and negated. Any being that comes into contact with the wall suffers a high amount of damage as they are forcibly ejected from the barrier. Attacks of higher rank may not be entirely negated. The barrier cannot move once created and cannot be summoned into the space of any creature. Effect - bronze: Gate exerts a pull on projectiles and other conjured or created magical effects in a wide area in front of it.
After being painstakingly set up in more encounters than he would otherwise have taken the time to, it had paid dividends. His most potent barrier now joined the other two more recent evolutions, as Kite now could almost taste bronze rank with the remaining pair feeling so close.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Immortality] has reached Bronze 0. [Immortality] has received additional effects. Immortality Special ability (healing, recovery). Cost: None Cooldown: 24 hours Current rank: Iron 8 Effect - Iron: Instantly restore a large portion of health, mana, and stamina. Amount restored is based on how depleted health, mana, and stamina are when the ability is activated. Effect - bronze: Gain ongoing health, mana, and stamina recovery effects. The strength of these effects is based on how depleted health, mana, and stamina are when the ability is activated. ¡ª--- Congratulations! Your ability [Undeniable] has reached Bronze 0. [Undeniable] has received additional effects. Undeniable Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Each time your effects are resisted or do not take effect, deal a small amount of transcendent damage to the target. Examples include an opponent being immune to one of your attacks or damage types, or one of your effects failing to dispel due to a lack of magical effects on the target. Effect - Bronze: The damage is now also dealt when one of your attacks are blocked, such as by a shield, interposed weapon or magical barrier.
While he had seen it coming for quite some time, Kite¡¯s powers were continuing to shape up as a somewhat defensive, endurance fighter with a few more potent aces in his arsenal to shift the tempo of a fight or deny an opponent a key advantage. The two abilities remaining were awakened from his negation confluence, his dispelling wave and empowering boost. While both were useful, they had been some of the hardest to rank up. In the case of his dispelling wave, it had been rather hard to use properly when fighting alongside his allies and not risk affecting them as well and accidentally removing important boons from them. And in regards to his empowering ability, the answer was more straightforward; most battles did not last long enough for him to use it. It had been now during his time near Starberry peak that the two had seen more consistent use, when Kite and his companions made sure to give him the opportunity to use them. ¡°Not long now.¡± he murmured to himself as Will and Grim were retrieving the projector. Glint flew up from her bottle while sending him an emotion of determination and excitement through their link. ¡°Yes, I can see that you are excited as well.¡± he smiled, throwing her a snack which she greedily devoured, mustaches wriggling happily. ¡°It is not merely my advancement I am working on, after all. But be prepared; we will probably have a lot of work to do if we make it.¡± From the way she made an attempt at wriggling ferociously, the little carp projected boundless confidence. ¡°I¡¯m glad you think so.¡± he said, rising up to join the others as Glint floated along. Just the final stretch remained now. Even if the path towards the heavens was a long one, the step still felt quite momentous. 61. Ascension ¡°Kite, don¡¯t forget to take one of these before you go out!¡± auntie Dove called, coming over to the trio of iron-rankers and giving them each one pill. The small sphere emanated a pleasant warmth through its hard exterior, and Kite popped it into its mouth without hesitation. Soon, a pleasant heat began spreading from his stomach to permeate his whole body. ¡°Thank you, auntie.¡± he replied, giving her a quick hug. He knew from experience that the pills would provide comfort against the chill in the air which had begun to pick up as they neared the middle of autumn. Two months had just about passed since they came to Starberry peak. Braid and Wander had left a few weeks ago, the former almost being dragged away by the latter while she had thanked Crow and Dove profusely for their hospitality. Other than that, the trio had progressed with their usual regime of training and hunting monsters, feeling quite spoiled by the trio of bronze-rankers and the duo of silver-rankers who were now dedicating time and support to their progress. Uncle Walker and mistress Dew had spent many an hour out in the fields to support them in detecting suitable targets and finding notices from the villages of the area. Rarely, if ever, before had the northern parts of the Autumn lands been so clean of monsters. Mistress Dew had praised Sage¡¯s ability to trigger manifestations more than once, as it had let them keep up a good pace. With the increase to bronze rank, the familiar could sense and trigger the concentrations of ambient magic from a greater distance, and the additional monsters had been a boon to the hard-working trio. As a bonus, the familiar had also led them to four essences and over ten awakening stones over the two months spent actively canvassing the area. Most were some commonly found around these lands, such as the tree essence or awakening stone of the leaf. The one notable difference was a rarer awakening stone of the moon. Kite had happily stashed these treasures, building upon his collection for his vague plans. ¡°Your aura almost feels like a small bud about to burst into bloom, Kite. I¡¯m sure that today will be the day.¡± Dove said, supportively. ¡°May Fortune show me kindness then.¡± Kite said, returning her smile before waving farewell as they left through one of Grim¡¯s portals, the two silver-rankers having left earlier to meet them at their destination. ¡°Better start preparing tonight¡¯s dinner. I am sure we will have a reason to celebrate.¡± Dove said cheerfully to no one in particular as she went back into the house, humming a tune she had picked up from Serene sometimes during the last couple of weeks.
¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± The dispelling ripple once more passed over the area, canceling even more of the wind blades fired from the galezard pack, the group of monsters even being led by a quite rare bronze-ranked alpha of their species. Even as the wave had burst out from him, Kite returned to what he had done before; running. So far, he had been engaging the pack alone, running around the pack and using barriers, force walls and pure physical capabilities to block and dodge the salvoes of wind blades while waiting for his dispelling wave to become available again. The presence of the alpha had further intensified things, as it could also produce a wider twister of cutting winds which could also hold those caught up in it in place for the rest of the pack to dispatch. Kite managed to narrowly dodge one such twister, but was clipped by another wind blade which drew a splash of blood. As he dove down behind a rock, already nicked and scored by being used as cover in such a way, Serene¡¯s voice reached him. ¡°Do you think it is enough, Kite? Should we intervene?¡± ¡°Please hold on just a little bit longer. Your movement boosts and healing is already doing plenty!¡± he answered, conjuring a set of force walls for cover while Sage channeled a charge of its gathered magic into him, using the potent short-lived regeneration effect which had become available at bronze-rank to replenish himself. From the number of wind blades negated and the constant mana drain of Kite¡¯s vortices, the familiar had a good supply of magic remnants to gather. Sending out another dispelling wave in the gap between barriers, Kite pressed on. He would make the most out of this opportunity. And when Kite was finally exhausted enough that he started making dangerous mistakes, he had still outpaced most of his opponents. During the minutes beneath the bronze-rank mana draining effects, the iron-ranked galezards had now become so destabilized by mana fatigue that they could barely function. Only the bronze-ranked alpha still stood strong, its greater reserves allowing it to outlast Kite when he did not employ his single-target version of the ability. ¡°I- I do believe that I am quite done now. If you would, please take over.¡± Kite said, the battle having strained even his now bronze-rank recovery attribute to the degree that he was breathing quite heavily between the words. ¡°With pleasure!¡± Will exclaimed, and Kite saw his friend emerge from further in between the trees, flying towards the monsters with a fierce gleam in his eyes, Serene trailing behind him as she readied her spells. As his friends'' battle cries and songs started echoing out over the clearing, Kite leaned his head back against the stone and smiled. This was hopefully the last of such encounters, where they had found monsters of these lower ranks who tended to utilize magic more actively. There had been a few slogs such as this of late, where galezards and some of the different kinds of elementals were the most promising targets. ¡°If I am fortunate, bringing this troublesome spell through bronze rank won¡¯t be quite as challenging.
From where she sat atop the rock, Dragonfly enjoyed looking up at the stars gradually appearing on the sky, which was balancing on the verge between dusk and night. Even more, she enjoyed being out on the roads again along with master Force. While the mercantile city of Convergence had been awe-inspiring in its sights and the amount of people, she had quickly become quite fed up with the local adventurer culture. The three sects of the area were all holding application ceremonies at the upcoming midwinter, which even further pushed young adventurers to compete and clash in order to catch the eyes of the sect recruiters. If she met one more middling iron-ranker who acted like high and mighty young master or mistress by the simple virtue of being from the area while she came from the ¡®backwaters¡¯, Dragonfly had half a mind to start issuing clashes of paths left and right. ¡°It did seem to work out for Kite, at least being challenged all the time.¡± she mused, looking out over the roiling hills and wider plains between the small mountain ranges which dotted the area. ¡°Still, there are so few trees. I almost feel naked out here.¡± To focus on her growth, Force had guided her further out from the cities to snatch up suitable contracts before they made it to the local adventure society branches while she herself took on every silver contract she could find. Dragonfly was proud of her growth, her set of powers lending themselves well to fighting self-sufficiently. But her thoughts often went back to her friends, both in and out of combat. Dragonfly always missed them, which she had known she would. ¡°Hopefully, they will come south as well in time. Maybe even after the monster surge?¡± she muttered to herself before looking up at the stars again. This night had her thoughts going to them a little bit more than usual, as it was almost like there was something momentous about to happen. She knew it was just idle imagination, but still liked imagining that there was a connection left between them which transcended the distance. ¡°Just you wait until we meet again.¡± she thought with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll show you how far I can rise, so you better work hard too.¡±
The time was here. Kite could feel it. Which also made it a bit harder to actually sink into the meditative state that usually came so easily these days. There was a change brewing inside him, as if one last ingredient had been added to an alchemical concoction. And that concoction was about to transform; become something more than the sum of its parts. He was sitting in the same spot uncle Walker had upon his ascension to silver rank. Clad in simple loose pants, his family and friends remaining at a respectful distance. The final two abilities had been stubborn, but through tenacity and support, he had pushed them across the final threshold.
WWJS Congratulations! Your ability [Ripple of Cancellation] has reached Bronze 0. [Ripple of Cancellation] has received additional effects. Ripple of Cancellation Spell. Cost: High mana Cooldown: 30s Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Release an expanding wave of magic-canceling energy. Creatures or objects hit by the wave will have one random beneficial magical effect canceled. If that effect came from a magical ability, the ability will be unavailable to activate again for a short duration. If multiple targets have the same kind of magical effect active, there is a higher chance that it will be the one which is canceled. Magical projectiles hit by the wave will be negated. Projectiles of a higher rank might not be entirely negated. Effect - bronze: Attempt to dispel two additional beneficial magical effects. ¡ª--- Congratulations! Your ability [Potential of Stolen Power] has reached Bronze 0. [Potential of Stolen Power] has received additional effects. Potential of Stolen Power Special ability. Cost: None. Cooldown: None Current rank: Bronze 0 Effect - Iron: Gather charges each time an effect is dispelled or mana is drained/destroyed. Use accumulated charges to give a potent boost to an ability, partially changing its scope and/or effect. Effect - Bronze: Generate additional charges when dispelling more powerful effects or draining more mana in a single instance.
Finally, the path formed in front of his mind''s eyes. Each part of the winding road was there, polished across iron rank, while his friends, familiars and companions had all left their marks. And it was all ready to transform. With the path, came his usual mantra. The words had remained the same, but somehow grown more solid and real over the last months, as if each repetition was like the river slowly smoothing out a shining stone which rested at its bottom. ¡°My path will not be shifted by the world, but learn from it. My path will not be cracked by the world, but be tempered by it. My path will not be moved by the world, but use it to gain momentum. The world will be moved by my path, made indestructible by the bonds I forge.¡± As the path stretched into infinity, Kite¡¯s mind traveling along it while spurred on by those words, it was as if the darkness around the path started to glow, just as Kite felt the last unseen piece fall into place inside him. For a shuddering moment, all was still and quiet within. Finally having reached equilibrium. And then, like a star being born, there was light. And there was power. While unseen to his closed eyes, Kite knew that bronze light was streaming from his body, his aura projected. Not as far as uncle Walker¡¯s had been, but still noticeable for all who possessed the means to notice. And the wonderful, powerful feeling which had lain forgotten since his first rank-up to iron was back in force. His breath was the storm, his heart the thunder. Lightning flowed through his veins, his muscles burgeoning with power like a geyser about to erupt. Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune was now more than he had ever been before, body and soul. And while the sensation had him longing to leap off the mountain and run through the forests below, Kite remained seated. Because with each blessing, tribulation followed. Kite was very glad that he too had splurged a bit and ordered the crystal wash in advance.
¡°So, how do you feel?¡± auntie Dove asked, giving him an exuberant hug once he had cleaned himself up, the slag and impurities taken away for disposal. Now dressed in a comfortable new set of clothing; a dark blue silk shirt with two rows of buttons and loose, comfortable pants, Kite felt reborn on all levels. ¡°Like a new man, yet still the same. But more.¡± he answered, returning the embrace before catching auntie Crow in one as well. Then the rest were upon him as well, offering their congratulations and guiding him towards the prepared dinner. This gathering was more modest upon Kite¡¯s request, only his friends and family present. And it was not only Kite who had gone through a change. Glint wasted no moment to preen and float about the garden. While her smaller form was about the same size, there was an entirely new level to her shining luster as the pink and shimmering scales now seemed to be properly intermixed, gradients instead of each scale being colored one way or the other. Another notable change was the additional pair of veil-like pectoral fins she now sported just above the old pair as well as a new dorsal fin, the thin membranes constantly floating about her as if suspended in water. And finally, her eyes had changed as well, losing a bit of the blank fish-stare as they could now move about more like those of most other animals. Kite couldn¡¯t wait to have her showcase what her ascension meant in terms of abilities, but that was a subject for tomorrow. Tonight, the focus remained on the joy of celebration and a path that had become more than it was before. Kite let himself be swept up in it and thoroughly relax, especially as he knew that tomorrow would bring anything but rest.
If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Very good, Kite.¡± auntie Crow praised where she sat opposite him in the communal area of the house. ¡°You have been keeping up your practice in aura training. There wasn¡¯t much we needed to do to adjust to your new aura strength. But remember to keep on doing the new exercises I taught you.¡± ¡°Thank you, auntie. But the credit isn¡¯t only mine. You started teaching me way before I even knew that this life lay before me. And- Well, I didn¡¯t only train on my own. Dragonfly helped a lot. And Serene too- but not in that way.¡± he hurriedly clarified. ¡°Well, you have chosen good companions, little Kite, even if there will probably be times that you are not by each other¡¯s sides. You can still carry spiritual parts of each other in the strength you have tempered together.¡± Crow said, smiling at Kite¡¯s slight embarrassment. ¡°And in regards to the dyadic practice, I¡¯ll make sure to bring you a copy of the second volume before you leave.¡± ¡°Thanks, auntie.¡± Kite said, still a bit embarrassed even though he knew he didn¡¯t need to be. ¡°But I do imagine that mistress Dew is waiting for me, so I best get going.¡± ¡°Indeed. It is good to work the body as well as the spirit. You have a lot to get used to, but I know that you will work hard.¡± she smiled, waving him off as he exited the front door to go down forest below. As he was leaving, Kite marveled at how much easier it was now to make use of his full perception power, as he was now able to constantly keep the all-round vision active as long as he wasn¡¯t actively recovering. His spirit attribute had been the last to reach bronze-rank, and its increase in cognitive processing speed meant that the amount of stimuli didn¡¯t threaten to overload his mind as it had done during prolonged use back at the middle of iron rank. And it was not just sight, as all was clearer to his senses. Kite even thought he saw nuances of color which he previously had not noticed, as well as a whole new palette of smells and textures. His improved senses also let him notice mistress Dew waiting for him just below where the cliffside road leading up to the village began. His mentor was sitting in meditation, but Kite had no doubt that she had already noticed him long before he did her. ¡°Greetings, student.¡± she said as he approached. ¡°Greetings, esteemed mistress Dew.¡± he replied with a smile and a proper bow, cupped hands and all. ¡°Your humble student is here before you, seeking guidance. ¡°I see ranking up has not gone completely to your head, as you still remember to show proper respect.¡± she said, a smile tugging at the corner of her blue lips. ¡°Your aura feels adequately controlled. Good. That means that you are ready for the rest. Your improved recovery attribute will be worked properly today.¡± As her smile widened, Kite couldn¡¯t help but feel a slight hint of trepidation. ¡°What is it with higher-rankers and their glee in tormenting us juniors?¡±
Leaping through the air, Kite just barely managed to not collide with a tree upon landing, especially as he did not want to accidentally shatter the living growth with his evolved ability without due cause. While he did manage a proper landing, he still marveled at his newfound strength. Throughout iron rank, it had gradually climbed upwards, but there had been a decided burst of progress when he passed into the realm of bronze. ¡°You managed to correct, which is good. But try again to get a proper feel for it.¡± Dew instructed from where she sat, reading a book while still keeping enough attention on him to give him pointers. While Serene and Will had gone with Walker to continue pushing their training, it had been decided that Kite was in much more need of consolidating his ranking up. As such he had stayed behind, and would do so for a time as to allow his companions to pressure themselves more. With their proficiency and uncle Walker present, there was little risk for any serious mishaps. After beginning with aura training under auntie Crow, mistress Dew had taken Kite under her wing to help him get acquainted with his new physical and mental capabilities. This had begun with simple obstacle courses, using the natural landscape as a practice yard as Kite bounded through with a speed, grace and power he was just getting used to. Moves which would earlier have been considered impractical were now within the scope of reason, and Kite knew that this was but one of many such sessions he would need to spend in intense physical training. When he started to become more comfortable, still surprising himself by going at it for over two hours before succumbing to complete exhaustion, Dew stopped for a break. While they ate a light snack of spiced rice wrapped in flavorful leaves, his mentor spoke up. ¡°You have just about found your stride, student. Put on your armor when you have eaten. It is time to do it all again while wearing it.¡± Munching down the last of his food, noting that bronze-ranked dishes tasted even better than those he had previously eaten at iron, Kite started bringing out pieces of armor he had been carrying in his storage for a while now. The centerpiece of the armor was a hauberk made from myriad rings, the color of matted green jade. The chainmail part split beneath the belt to cover his thighs, and was complemented by shin guards, gauntlets and pauldrons, all of a rather unassuming design with a few lamellar ridges being the only adornment.
WWJS [Item] Raiment of Covetous Jade Armor Bronze rank - epic [Effect] Moderate self-repair and self-cleaning [Effect] Mana draining abilities have an increased effect [Effect] Whenever you drain mana from an opponent, gain a boost to your [Recovery] attribute for a short duration. The boost is in proportion to the amount of mana drained.
¡°Interesting.¡± mistress Dew mused as Kite informed her of its properties. ¡°Was this one of the pieces that you commissioned from the trade pavilion?¡± ¡°No, it was brought to me through the providence of Fortune.¡± Kite smiled. ¡°So by your rather odd looting power? Are all of the results becoming more tailored like this piece? It does seem to merge with your path almost frighteningly well.¡± She did have a point, as its enchantments were actively in line with a few of Kite¡¯s abilities. While he would miss the increased strength of his stone armor, Kite hoped that the increase in recovery would more than make up for it. ¡°Heavens no.¡± Kite laughed. ¡°While it does seem to have improved upon the ability¡¯s ascension to bronze rank, I have still sold off most of the items it has produced over the last months. This one was a stroke of fortune, make no mistake. But I am ever thankful for it. The ability may not drown me in spirit coins, but if it will follow this trend I have hopes that it will create even more compatible options in the future.¡± ¡°Well said, student.¡± Dew answered with a nod. ¡°Then you¡äd best don it and test your limits with it, as you will be wearing it quite a lot in the days to come.¡± After another hour of adjusting to the increased load of the armor, they instead transitioned into combat training. As Dew had said before, she had eschewed more training during iron rank to instead focus more once he hit bronze rank. After spending the rest of the afternoon being thoroughly put through his paces, Kite could understand why. As with the mobility training, bronze-rank had opened up a world of possibilities which would not have been feasible earlier. The whole of Kite¡¯s being had started taking steps beyond what had earlier been possible, be it speed, balance, reactions or precision. And mistress Dew spent the hours painstakingly, and sometimes a bit painfully, breaking some of his habits where his old capabilities now limited his thinking. When Kite finally sagged from exhaustion, she showed her infinite mercy in declaring the day¡¯s sparring session over. He staggered over to a patch of soft moss and allowed himself to slump down into the green embrace. ¡°Mistress Dew?¡± ¡°Yes, student?¡± ¡°First of all, thank you for assisting me in this.¡± ¡°It is the duty of a mentor. What kind of teacher would I be if I let you run off before making sure that your foundations were solid?¡± she stated, words formal but a hint of playfulness in her voice. ¡°And a student should always be thankful to his master nonetheless.¡± Kite said, looking up from his prone position towards where she had once more sat down on a nearby rock. ¡°But if you do not mind me asking, what will you do after our stay here?¡± ¡°Already eager to be rid of me?¡± ¡°Oh heavens no. This humble student is always thankful to be in the grace of your presence¡± he answered, even though he knew the joking sarcasm of her question for what it was. ¡°As it should be.¡± she said, before continuing. ¡°I must say that this little¡­ vacation¡­ has been a lot more pleasurable than what I had imagined. It has been a very long time since I stayed at one place for so long. I had almost forgotten how it felt. As for the future, I will eventually go back to the hunt. The path to gold rank is one of attrition and grit, Kite. The progression is glacial, which is unfulfilling even to my path of ice and snow. And after the surge, I will take my leave of this region and travel south for the final stretch as well as to sever some karma left unbalanced for too long.¡± The final words had an edge to them obvious even to Kite, his exhaustion clearing quicker than he expected, and they also conveyed a clear message; Dew would not elaborate further on the matter at this moment. ¡°If that is the case, you will be missed, mistress Dew. Know that you need but to ask, and I will assist you in what ways a humble little bronze-ranker can.¡± Kite said, sitting up to look at his teacher. She gave him a long look in turn before chuckling. ¡°I do not know if I should further unbalance our karma, student. Even my time here does not properly compensate for what you did for me, and I am not one to leave such a karmic debt unresolved.¡± Holding up one finger to forestall the protest he was just about to voice, she continued. ¡°But do not fret, student. From our sparring today, it is clear that we will still spend many hours together here. And before we turn in for the day, I would like to hear your reasoning for your choice of armaments.¡± Swallowing his protest, Kite gave his mentor another meaningful look indicating that the subject of karmic debts was not settled before moving on to her question. ¡°Well, teacher, I have tried to take your teachings to heart when developing parts of my fighting style, but have felt that the evolutions my path has gone through has required me to further expand upon the scope of my ambitions.¡± he began, trying to summarize his thoughts. ¡°You speak of your racial gift evolution? It is wise to make it the fulcrum of your combat style, as its applications are many. And why did you choose these armaments as a foundation?¡± ¡°Well, part of it has been availability and what my power has brought me.¡± Kite began, bringing out the first weapon he intended to show her out of the more hectic sparring. It was a spear, although with a head long enough to blur the lines between it and a glaive. It was a weapon which looked almost grown rather than forged, with a spearhead made from some kind of clear crystal which seemed to have just spontaneously grown into the almost sword-like edge with a wickedly sharp point. The haft was wood, and while the weapon as a whole was straight as an arrow, the pole did curve slightly here and there contributing to the organic look. Both the head and haft were dotted with small holes, seemingly having little function until Kite started moving the weapon around, when it started giving off a whistling sound as the air started shimmering with the vibrations.
WWJS [Item] Whistling Visitor Spear Bronze rank - epic [Effect] Motion generates a sonic vibration which adds resonating force damage to any attack made with this weapon. Damage is increased in proportion to the speed of the motion. [Effect] Each time you deal resonating force damage to an opponent, gain a stacking boon which increases the [Speed] attribute. The boon starts decaying if no resonating force damage is dealt in a moderate duration, but will persist even after you no longer wield this weapon.
¡°As I had the luck of receiving this one from my looting power, I sought to use it as I am already familiar with the use of the spear, and the enchantments should lend themselves well for when I need the resonating force damage. I would also hope to learn how to fight from Glint¡¯s back in a pinch, and therefore a spear should be beneficial.¡± ¡°Especially since it will increase its potency via movement.¡± mistress Dew agreed. ¡°And the sword?¡± ¡°That I did commission, as I had something more specific in mind.¡± Kite said, retrieving the blade in question. It was a curved saber in a white sheath decorated with subtle magical runes emanating a solid, stable feeling. After it appeared in his hand, Kite let go of the weapon, the enchantment on the sheath leaving it hanging in place in the air. He drew it, leaving the sheath floating separately, revealing the blade to be a matted red color with its curved edge following a wave shape. The crossguard bent down to form a handguard on one side, made from metal as white as the sheath.
WWJS [Item] Carmine Sunrise Sword Bronze rank - epic [Effect] After being drawn from a sheath, the first attack deals additional damage and converts all physical damage to rending damage. [Effect] After being drawn from a sheath, the first attack adds instances of the [Bleeding] affliction. Instances inflicted increases in proportion to damage dealt from the attack.
¡°And the sheath has only two enchantments; being able to become spatially locked and increased durability.¡± Kite finished. ¡°I can see that you asked them to concentrate the enchantments on this one as well, as well as having the crafter customize it in accordance with your path. But how did you access the level of craftsman needed for this? Your promotion to three stars is quite recent after all.¡± ¡°Well. let us just say that having the branch director grateful to you does help open some doors.¡± Kite said with feigned neutrality. His mentor laughed. ¡°You remain wise, student, but have started to nurture a cunning streak as well, I see.¡± she praised. ¡°You should look at complementing your core arsenal with armaments bearing more potent usable enchantments as well, if only to bring out as opportunity arises even if your proficiency with the weapon itself is lacking.¡± ¡°I will keep my mistress'' words close to my heart. But I must admit that I am a bit wounded that she did not compliment me on my last, beautiful implement.¡± he said, adding a bit of feigned hurt to his voice as he let his final prepared weapon drop down into his hand. With a flick of his wrist, the war fan unfolded to hide his face, only leaving his eyes staring with theatrical accusation at mistress Dew. It was one of the weapons produced by his looting ability that he had almost discarded at first, but had decided to make it an addition after some counsel from Will and Serene. The fan had a frame of golden metal, each part in the latticework ending in a short blade along its upper curve, while the leaf of the weapon portrayed an enchantingly beautiful landscape of autumn-colored forests and high cliff peaks, with a single lake as its centerpiece under painted swirls of wind. The lake depicted with such detail that it felt like you could see one¡¯s reflection in it from the right angle.
WWJS [Item] Mirror of Autumn War fan Bronze rank - Epic [Effect] Activate for a cost of moderate mana to launch a gust of wind, attempting to knock back creatures and projectiles in the affected area. Cooldown: 3 minutes [Effect] When you would dispel a projectile of bronze rank or below, you may instead pay a mana cost to reflect the projectile back towards its source. Cost varies with the mana cost of the projectile. Cooldown: 1 hour [Effect] Activate for a cost of high mana to surround yourself with a swirling vortex of wind and leaves, granting greatly increased movement speed and the ability to glide through the air for one minute. Making attacks or similarly hostile actions will break the effect. Cooldown: 24 hours. [Effect] For a very low mana cost, retract or extend the bladed portions of this weapon.
¡°I did notice it, albeit that you didn¡¯t often bring it out during our sparring. The artwork feels very familiar, with the exception of the lake.¡± she noted, casting a meaningful gaze at the forests around them which closely matched the beautifully painted fan. ¡°I must admit to being a bit skeptical to this inclusion, as a good dagger or hatchet might serve you better for fighting in close quarters. But the choice, for good or ill, is ultimately yours. And should you change your mind, it will at least be a pretty accessory.¡± ¡°I do hope it will help in unexpected ways more than a fashion statement.¡± Kite said, about to ask something else when mistress Dew interrupted him with a raised finger. ¡°From what I smell on the wind, it would seem that dinner is soon ready. We best get back, student. There will be many days such as this in your future while your companions catch up to you.¡± Even though Kite¡¯s senses had grown sharp with ranking up, he was still reminded that the heavens remained very far above as he had not felt any smells indicating the waiting food. As he put the war fan away and gathered his other belongings, Kite felt both content and extremely fortunate to take the step into bronze rank like this. Not only had he mentors to guide him, but had also been blessed with the power which had provided him with these precious pieces of equipment. Even if most things that his power produced were unfit for him, it still eventually landed him pieces that actually resonated well with his path. He could barely imagine what would await him should he reach silver rank. ¡°That will be something to enjoy when reaching the next peak of my journey. There seem to be ever more to strive towards at the horizon.¡± he mused to himself as he followed his mentor back toward the village. 62. Reflections and revelations Serene looked truly radiant where she sat in the garden, a set of fresh robes and a dose of crystal wash later. Celestines were often regarded as very beautiful for those with more human sensibilities, and her ranking up only compounded that special symmetry in their features which gave them an almost otherworldly look even without essences to boost it. Her jade green hair and eyes had an entirely new luster where she sat talking with Kite and Dove, her lips never moving but her meaning easily carried through her magic. A mere week after Kite¡¯s ascension, it had been Serene¡¯s turn to push through the barriers of rank and ascend. Had it not been for the local culture and Kite¡¯s lone adventure inside the jade-sky gate, she would surely have been the first. ¡°I had little doubt she would beat me to bronze.¡± Will said to his manservant where they sat on the opposite side of the long table that was brought out of storage for these kinds of celebrations. ¡°She has been our constant, even before I joined them. Her powers are always present. Like a song you can¡¯t get out of your mind, even should you want to. I am glad that she found the people to help her along the way.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t help but note that the young master seems to not only be talking about the young priestess.¡± Grim noted with his usual formality, although Will did note him focusing a bit more on their conversation, as if sensing some gravitas that he deemed important. Will¡¯s first response was a sigh, but eventually he answered. Grim had been his companion for almost all of his life, and even though their relationship was at its core a professional one, Will trusted the manservant with his life. And his troubles. ¡°You are right, Grim. And in a way, I have to admit that my father was too, even though it will take more than a sentimental mood for me to admit it to his face. If the last couple of months have taught me something, it is that I too need them to grow. Of all of us in this group, I have had the most close calls, been the closest to fall on more than one occasion. They have all saved me more than once.¡± ¡°I would like to point out that you have done the same for them, young master.¡± ¡°Yes, but that is not the point I am building towards.¡± Will said, waving off the other man¡¯s words. ¡°I have few doubts in my personal skills and the path that I have chosen is mine and mine alone. But in the end, a spear sometimes needs the rest of its phalanx to bring out its true potential. And likewise, I do believe that my path cannot be that of a solitary hero in the future. I just don¡¯t have the versatility of Kite or self-sufficiency of Dragonfly. Like Serene, I will need to surround myself with good people, no matter what the other scions would think of the matter.¡± Grim regarded his charge for a while, comparing his mental image of the brash teen with the, admittedly, still brash young man before him. But there was something more solid about Will these days, even though he usually wore his heroic facade the same as before. ¡°I believe that young master has grown just a little bit wiser. And that you have already cultivated companions to stand by you, to shore up your path and add your strength to theirs. In most places in this world, such teamwork is the lauded norm rather than the mere necessity our culture likes to tell itself.¡± ¡°Yes, Grim. You are right. They are wonderful companions. But I also have the feeling that our paths will not always intersect. Dragonfly has already left, and it feels like the winds of fate aim to bring Kite a lot further than the Autumn lands. While I still have duties here, above being an adventurer.¡± ¡°It seems like you have some matters of import to broach with your lord father when we return.¡± Grim said, the statement ringing true to Will¡¯s reluctant mind. ¡°And you are right in that as well, Grim. I will do that.¡± he said, before his eyes caught a bit of the usual gleam Grim knew heralded some of his charge¡¯s more stubborn streaks. ¡°But do not believe that me becoming the Saint of Spears, wielding my Heavenly Shaft to shatter iniquity is anything but confirmed. I will grasp this fate, Grim. Every Saint will need his boon companions after all.¡± Years of practice allowed Grim to keep his neutral facade, stifling the internal groan that Will¡¯s shenanigans usually tried to force from him. Instead, he only nodded. ¡°Very good, young master.¡±
After that day, Serene joined Kite in the mobility training in order to get used to her new body, although she eschewed most of any sparring in favor of more proper aura training. Apparently, her church had already supplied her with meditations to expand her control now that she wielded something a lot more potent, quadruply so due to her fourfold aura. This left Will going on with the final push alone under Walker¡¯s oversight. The silver ranker was more than enough to keep him safe should something happen, and had some supplementary healing abilities to assist in case of injury. The healing nectar and berries his plants could produce did by no means bring him close to a proper healer¡¯s capabilities, but to an injured iron-ranker, the potent magic was like a breath of life. Mistress Dew ran them both quite hard, and especially Kite whose focus remained on sparring. But he was eventually introduced to another set of skills that needed updating. ¡°Now that you have ranked up, there are a few more rituals that would be wise to add to your collection.¡± auntie Crow instructed him, allowing him to look through the book in question which showed the different diagrams and symbols. ¡°But Braid also told me that he had hopes of experimenting with the breaking of formations and arrays with the help of your abilities. He is a most studious young man, so I hope that you can indulge him if you find the time.¡± ¡°I take it that he left a favorable impression?¡± Kite asked, already thinking that he knew the answer. The pair had spent a lot of time together on different projects when Braid and Wander had stayed with them, after all. ¡°Oh yes. Once he got over his initial nervousness, he proved to have a remarkably good grasp of the art for his age, as well as several novel ideas. I have even made sure to add a few to my collection. Knowing a capable crafter such as him is rarely a bad idea, Kite, so I recommend you keep him close. And possibly curtail his tendencies of academical hero worship a bit if possible.¡± Crow finished, with an amused smile. ¡°I don¡¯t know him very well, but he seems like a very genuine person and I would not mind helping him out. I might need the art of array-breaking myself as well.¡± ¡°As always, we seem to have raised a wise young man. Hopefully wise enough to not let his knowledge of rituals be left at the wayside.¡± auntie Crow finished, and their practice began in earnest.
Kite couldn¡¯t help it as he let out a cry of joy and excitement at the sheer speed of his passage. The canopies of the forest passed by just a handful of meters beneath, becoming a blur of autumn colors as Glint¡¯s passage quickly covered the distance like a pink, shimmering comet trailing a tail of vapor. ¡°Have I told you that you are amazing?¡± he half shouted to the carp, and he could see that his message had come across as she wiggled happily beneath him. Since reaching bronze-rank, it was the enlarged state of the familiar which had gone through the most stark changes. Glint had slightly elongated, becoming a bit more serpentine in shape with a thinner and sharper snout rather than the gaping mouth of a fish. She still retained her tendril-mustache, the two small appendages having grown longer and flowed around her in the wind of their passage. And her water-controlling powers had increased drastically, as she could now levitate larger quantities of water at a time and even conjure it by spending more mana. This was what allowed the impressive speed and height which the pair was currently traveling, as she could reach great speeds on open stretches when she had some time to accelerate and gather momentum. Kite also held hopes of her assisting him more actively in combat, as her bronze-rank body was a lot more resilient than her earlier one. While they had no trouble weaving between the cliff spires, Kite was almost thrown off when the pair tried making a sharper turn to avoid a flying iron-ranked monster which had flown down to investigate if the speeding thing was something to eat. While the monster had been left wanting, scared off by a burst of Kite¡¯s aura, it had also served as a reminder that the dangerous creatures were drawn to fast-moving things, and Kite would have to choose his moments to use her as a mode of travel. As dusk was almost upon them, the pair was just heading back as Kite felt a nudge from Sage. ¡°Let us stop at that peak before heading home.¡± Kite said to his familiar-turned-mount, making sure to accompany the words with a clear mental image. After getting thrown off as Glint halted a bit too abruptly, Kite noted that there was a bit more practice needed in this regard as well while he was attempting to rid his now soaking wet armor and clothes of gravel and dirt. The water in question came from Glint as well, who had conjured a huge ball of water to arrest his flight, causing him to tumble into the cliff slightly dazed but unhurt. ¡°Once more, you are the best.¡± he said with a slight groan, more out of habit as he once more marveled at his bronze-rank body and its resiliency. ¡°Let us see if we can¡¯t get up there and see what Sage felt.¡± While Glint could levitate above the treetops now, it was still not true flight. But Kite¡¯s evolved force wall allowed him to scale the cliff surprisingly easy as he conjured the panes of force into a makeshift stair. Another perk of bronze-rank; it was easier to visualize more split up and complex formations for the spell. As they arrived at the top, Kite gave the mental command to Sage to nudge the gathered magic, which gave rise to the typical vortex of rainbow smoke. ¡°Fortune be praised! It seems to be a treasure.¡± Kite said, lowering his ready stance in case it was yet another monster which would appear. Knowing that the process would take a short while, he took the time to admire the view. The forests of his home had always looked their best at dusk and dawn, where the colors of the sky heightened the shifting nuances below. ¡°It has been truly good to be home for so long.¡± he said to Glint as the carp floated up beside him. ¡°Looking?¡± The concept was emoted by Sage as it too floated up beside him, also giving Kite the feeling that it was a question rather than a statement. ¡°Yes, Sage. The sunset is quite beautiful, and it takes me back to happy memories from the time when I grew up.¡± The familiar seemed to gaze at the vista for a short while. ¡°Disappointing.¡± It gave its statement before floating over to inspect a moss-covered boulder, apparently much more interesting to the alien being¡¯s senses. Kite just shook his head with a smile, walking over to where the manifestation was just about done. ¡°It seems like Fortune was even kinder than I had hoped.¡± He said, recognizing the shape of an awakening stone. What finally appeared was a stone which matched the colors of the current sky very well, giving the hint that a sun had just disappeared out of sight at its center.
WWJS: [Item] Awakening stone of Twilight Unranked - Rare An awakening stone containing the concept of dusk and endings
¡°Well Glint, Fortune is poetic as well.¡± Kite said, as the concept of the stone was rather obvious. Feeling a bit poetic, he continued. ¡°This is indeed the dusk of an important part of our lives. May we see what morning brings. Together.¡±
About two weeks after Serene, it was finally time. Will sat ready in the same spot at the edge of the garden as those who came before him, although heating lamps had been placed near him to ward off the evening chill. While Kite had seen excitement in each face of those seated in that spot, none wore it as openly as his noble friend. The young scion had a grin on his face even as he meditated, and the expected glow from within emerged not long after; a bronze glow which started streaming out from him as his aura surged outward. Apparently unable to help himself, Will jumped to his feet even as the glow was still fading from him, conjuring his spear in a triumphant pose. ¡°Hear me heavens! I am now one step closer to you. Witness my Heavenly Sha-¡± he began, but was unfortunately not able to finish his grand proclamation as the realities of ranking up hit him in full. Grim had already begun making his way over, producing a folding screen to shield his charge from view as the normal sounds of misery were heard from the other side. Fresh from the experience, Kite, Walker and Serene all winced slightly in sympathy. However, the noble did not let this put a damper on the rest of his evening, celebrating to his heart¡¯s content even in the humble surroundings. ¡°One would have thought that the son of a city lord would scoff at our humble home.¡± auntie Crow said as she joined Kite in fetching more tea. ¡°But he has so far seemed to enjoy it.¡± ¡°That is Will for you.¡± Kite chuckled. ¡°He has a tendency to just embrace the situation and enjoy most things, rich as well as humble.¡± Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¡°Then he will at least not want for joy in his life. An admirable trait.¡± she said, closing the door behind them as they entered the kitchen. ¡°Then I will assume that it is soon time for you to depart?¡± Kite stopped from where he was retrieving a jar of dried herbs, looking at his auntie. ¡°I suppose it is.¡± he said, with a bit of mixed emotions. ¡°While part of me just wants to stay longer, another¡­¡± he trailed off, looking out through the small kitchen window. ¡°Another wants to see all the other things the world has to show you.¡± Crow filled in, nodding at him. ¡°You are an adventurer now, Kite. And from what your stories tell, you are also shaping up to be a fine one.¡± ¡°And an annoying one, if some of my opponents are to be believed.¡± he said with a grin. ¡°You did call it auntie. Back when I had just set foot at iron rank.¡± ¡°I do hold true to those words. Your auntie will be proud if you can annoy some more arrogant young masters and mistresses on your travels.¡± she said before turning more serious. ¡°But I would also want to give you some more advice, little Kite, if you still want such words from your old auntie?¡± ¡°I would be a fool not to.¡± ¡°Then listen well. While the Autumn lands are my home, and its forests are very dear to me, the southerners do have one thing right about it; that it is rural. Even the two sects are not of the same quality as many in the south, and most of the more talented local students soon travel towards greener pastures and join more prestigious ones. While I have no doubts in your talent, little Kite, remember that most of those you have faced here so far are those who were unworthy or incapable of doing so. Do not underestimate the sects and their students, should you travel south. While I would still not recommend joining one, as the structure and politicking remains the same, there is still more to be had from working along them. You have shown due caution so far, and I believe that you will find your way there as well. But please take your auntie¡¯s words to heart.¡± Kite absorbed her statements in silence, mulling them over before nodding. ¡°Thank you, auntie. I will take that to heart, lest I start to cultivate the pride that has reaped too much misery in these lands already.¡± ¡°Good boy.¡± she said, patting one of his hands. ¡°But I also have something else for you. Some history as well as possible assistance.¡± As he nodded expectantly at her, Crow continued. ¡°I have not told you this, but I come from the south as well. From a city named Cinnabar Rise.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ not too far from the capitol, right?¡± ¡°Indeed. And what you do not know is that your auntie¡¯s former clan is rather famous. Have you ever heard of the Tengu?¡± ¡°No¡­ No I do not think so.¡± ¡°Should you travel south, you will surely hear of her. The Tengu and her murder of Crows. It is one of the most famous assassin clans in these lands.¡± Kite was a bit taken aback by the revelation. ¡°Your family are assassins?¡± ¡°Not all of them, I assure you.¡± Crow said, chuckling a bit. ¡°But quite a lot of them, yes. And before you ask, little Kite, I am not. In the clan, we each get a choice when we come of age to absorb essences. Should we choose to join the family¡¯s main business, our essences will be gifted to us accordingly. And those such as me, those who do not choose that path, we get another set of essences deemed more fitting for us. Many still stay to perform other roles and tasks, and some leave to find their own fortune.¡± ¡°But- but what does that mean? Are you hunted? Would someone try-¡± Kite began, only to falter when Crow waved away his worried questions. ¡°I do understand that the term assassin might indicate that the clan is hidden, pursued by the forces of justice. But you need to know Kite, that the political landscape of Heavenward and the heartlands are anything but simple. In fact, it is a place where a clan of assassins may live openly, viewed as just another tool in that world of intrigue and pride. In many circles, the Crow clan is even quite esteemed.¡± Kite tried imagining such a society, and had to admit defeat. ¡°That¡­ the capital sounds like a complex place. Terrifying even.¡± ¡°Good, then that point has come across at least.¡± auntie Crow said, nodding at his statement. ¡°But in all honesty, the contracts to directly target individuals are apparently rather few, and those are mostly to hunt down those who flee the grievances and judgment of their peers. Most of the Crow clan are active adventurers. And while there have been attempts at retribution against the clan in the past by some party who took their interference a bit too personal, it does help that the Tengu and her consort are both gold-rankers, and rather powerful ones at that.¡± ¡°Do you have any contact with them? Your clan? Or family?¡± ¡°No, although it is not forbidden. But the clan is decently sized, so I would not claim to even have met most of them. Us not reaching out to one another is more a consequence of distance and my choice to leave. It was not the life I wanted, after all. But as for contact, I do have a reason for telling you this, Kite. Should you find yourselves in the south in the future, the Crow clan might be a source of contacts and allies. Even us ¡®lost eggs¡¯ are still considered family, as are our offspring. And I am quite sure that you would still count, as you are my child in all but blood. If you ever meet them, telling them my name and our relation will at least get you the benefit of the doubt and them looking into the matter. I even took the liberty of sending them a letter to update them on my situation as well as our relationship. It has been just over two decades, but I would be very surprised if the Crow clan had forgotten me.¡± All of this had Kite look at his auntie in a slightly new light. She had always been disciplined; fond of protocol and a stickler for training and repetition. To not give away more than necessary to those she did not want to. Imagining her growing up in such a, to him, alien environment did make some pieces fall into place. ¡°Then¡­ thank you, auntie Crow. For sharing, and for the assistance. Even now that I am rather grown, you never cease to take care of me.¡± ¡°Oh, little Kite.¡± she said, giving him a hug. ¡°A parent¡¯s duty is never over. It might just start taking on different shapes as the years go by.¡± ¡°Then if-¡± ¡°I do sense that you have more questions, little chick, but I believe that we¡¯d best save some of them for later. They are waiting for us and the tea. Go celebrate your friend¡¯s achievement. We can speak more of my path at a later time.¡± Following those words, she all but shooed him out of the kitchen, carrying three freshly brewed teapots in strands of animated hair.
¡°I¡­ Thank you. Both of you.¡± It was Serene who first broke the silence. She sat with the other two freshly minted bronze-rankers, looking up at the night sky. The celebration had died down a bit, and Kite had shown his two friends his favorite spot on the slanted roof of the guest cabin, where one could lean back and watch the skies. Both Kite and Will looked her way, and she continued. ¡°A year and a half ago, I would not have thought it possible for me to reach bronze rank by now. There were even times I almost gave up on the thought. And while I know that taking me along was not only some kind of mercy, that I have not been some kind of burden, my gratitude still stands. You have both allowed me to lean on your paths for strength, and I want you to know that you can always lean on mine for spirit and aid.¡± ¡°Well, if we are in the process of conveying our gratitude, allow me to do the same.¡± Will said, taking up the conversation after the short silence after Serene¡¯s words. ¡°Many say that the climb towards the heavens is a lonely one, but you have both shown me that the saying is quite false. And my father too, I suppose, although I hope neither of you will tell him that. Thank you, for taking me along and for supporting my most singular of paths. I am honored to call you my friends. Even should our paths diverge, I will ever cherish these memories and do my utmost for them to meet again.¡± ¡°In a way these days have been the first of our new lives. Where we have been reforged and tempered into something more. I will remember them for the rest of my days, and always thank Fortune that we happened to be brought together.¡± Kite said, continuing. ¡°It is most serendipitous what good that may come from looking at just the right note at the boards of the adventure society.¡± The last comment elicited a laugh from them all, Will¡¯s voice accompanied by the chiming sound of Serene giggling. ¡°And to Dragonfly, wherever you are. Thank you as well. You know why.¡± Kite finished, looking out over the horizon. They all knew that this was not by any means goodbye, but also that the future was just a bit less certain. Both Will and Serene had other duties, and Kite¡­ He had yet to find out where his path would take him. Hopefully, it would at least be in good company. From there, the conversation slid onto more light matters, the trio content in reminiscing about their travels. Kite had even zoned out slightly, his mind left wandering the winding, branching road of memory, when he was brought back to the present by Serene looking at him a bit more intensely than before. And from the mischievous glint in the priestess¡¯ eyes, Kite suddenly knew that found himself in trouble. ¡°Kite, I couldn¡¯t help but to note certain¡­ fluttering¡­ in your aura now that your mind wandered. I wonder now why that could be?¡± she asked, giving him a meaningful look in one of her rare showings of her teasing side. ¡°Ehm, surely, you are mistaken-¡± Kite began, but it was too late. Will had picked up on Serene¡¯s curiosity. ¡°No need to be ashamed, my friend. My mind wanders a lot too. Were you perhaps daydreaming of the future? Of heroic deeds, and true love¡¯s chaste embrace?¡± The young noble¡¯s question might have seemed full of meaning, but to all present it was clear that it stemmed from the same almost unbelievable, earnest naivety Will showed in many matters of the heart. Kite considered trying to wave the subject away, but he knew that Serene wouldn¡¯t let him off the hook so easily. So he chose to forge on. It might even be a good lesson for his rather oblivious friend. At least he hoped so. ¡°Well¡­ not really. More of past love, to be honest.¡± Kite said a bit tentatively. ¡°Past¡­ love?¡± Will asked, seeming almost unable to grasp the concept. ¡°Yes, past. There was a girl. Here. In the village. When I grew up.¡± Kite continued, stopping often in the hopes that Will would finally grasp the meaning. As the young noble¡¯s eyes widened, he felt hope rise in his chest. ¡°You mean¡­ One of those relationships you told me about? One outside¡­ marriage?¡± Kite¡¯s hopes were dashed, as his friend looked torn between being scandalized and intensely curious. ¡°Kite, my friend. I- I never thought you to be such a rogue!¡± he proceeded to exclaim, only to continue with more questions. ¡°Who was she? Was she the fairest in all the lands? Were you denied courting her by her family? Did you¡­ did you hold hands?¡± ¡°Why- I-¡± Kite began, but realizing that he was in the deep end now, there was no other way he could take but forward. ¡°Her name was Brook. We grew up together, and when we came of age the friendship became more than that. The memories are sweet ones, filled with the earnest love of teenagers. Her family did like me, and had they not moved many years ago, I don¡¯t know where we would have been today. But she did move. I never thought I would get over it. But as with most things, time gave way to wisdom. And yes, we did hold hands. On this very roof, in fact.¡± he finished. During all of his telling, Will had listened with rapt attention. When Kite fell silent, he looked down at the wood tiles, then back at Kite. ¡°Well, as I said. Kite, you rogue.¡± During this short break, when Will was staring at the roof in half-horror, half-excitement, Kite once more met Serene¡¯s eyes. She nodded. Kite shook his head. Serene nodded again. And Kite was on the way to suggesting they all head to bed, when she stole his initiative by speaking. ¡°Will, from Kite¡¯s reaction I do believe that it was not only hand holding which occurred here, or between them.¡± ¡°What- what do you mean? What more is there? No, wait- do you mean¡­ those non-platonic hugs you told me about, Kite?¡± After giving a withering look to the priestess, who in turn did an impressive job of keeping her facade calm and demure, Kite looked to his friend. And after taking a long breath, he decided that it was time. That night, a certain young noble learned quite a lot about the more free aspects of relationship and intimacy. Kite just hoped that Will¡¯s spirit would eventually recover, bronze-rank or not.
Kite was a bit misty-eyed when he once more hugged his aunties farewell. They were all standing by the gate, under an overcast sky which hinted that the first light snowfall of winter might soon be upon them. His stay back home had been a transformative one, and Kite literally left as something more than when he arrived. Spending those days with his friends and family had been the best he could ask for to wind down and consolidate himself after the intensity and violence of war, and Kite felt that he had to properly thank the branch director for this opportunity once he returned. Maybe even sell him a trio of essences. ¡°Take care now, little chick.¡± Crow said, giving him one last hug. ¡°As you know, your aunties will start working hard now as well.¡± ¡°I look forward to seeing you as magnificent silver-rankers in the future, auntie. You will be radiant, as always. Both of you.¡± ¡°We really did raise such a nice young man, didn¡¯t we Dove.¡± auntie Crow said, turning to her wife who was still dabbing at the tears which rarely stopped flowing during farewells, only managing a nod. ¡°But I will see you again for the surge. Unless something hinders me, I will make sure to join you here in the fortress town.¡± he said, giving them both a long look to imprint them in his now improved memory. Auntie Dove, all warmth and passion, with her long mass of brown curls and ever-rosy cheeks. And auntie Crow, her strict and dark exterior hiding a sharp mind and ever-flowing font of care. ¡°I love you both. Take care, and may Fortune care for us all until we meet again.¡± Kite finally said, tearing himself away and waving as he started walking down toward Grim who waited by an open portal. Another more surprising gain during their stay had been that the elf manservant¡¯s portal ability had finally reached silver rank. This had greatly eased the process of procuring more supplies, and had even allowed mistress Dew to step through and drastically shorten their journey. What had taken Kite weeks on foot the first time he left, would now take but a day or two as they could all portal-hop back toward the city. He gave his aunties and his home village one last look, then nodded to Grim before stepping through. Once more, he left his home. And once more, he promised himself to return. But first, he would experience so much more. As uncle Walker had said, iron-rank and its tribulations had helped them learn which kind of adventurer they wanted to be. And during bronze-rank, it would be up to him to further temper himself; being reforged into that very image. Kite¡¯s path remained his own, but he already knew it would remain a path of friendship and new meetings. Of enemies fought and allies aided. Because the world would be moved by his path. And his path would be made indestructible by the bonds he forged.¡±
A golden beam rises from the young man¡¯s conjured blade, descending like heavenly punishment as the earth beneath is shattered. His black hair flutters in the gust as the iron-ranked monsters are annihilated. After such a long wait, he has been made complete through a twist of fate and karma. The symbolism of his benefactor¡¯s final gift will not be forgotten. He will indeed grow. Between the vast archive shelves, a young woman toils, memories of rural childhood a rare, but fond, visitor. She keeps her head down, preferring the company of the few even as she works hard. One particular reward for a work well done changes her life forever. While she does not know exactly what her future holds, she at least knows that she is fond of the path walked so far. But there is still something unresolved in her past, a thread cut before it could run its course. She has resigned herself to it, but still cannot resist to wonder what could have been. Chains follow their dancer, more numerous and stronger than ever before. The dancer in question is a young woman, and her motions weave her web of control and domination. There are always those who would need power applied without questions asked, and as such, her dance and growth may continue. Because there are answers she demands, and she will get them even if they must be torn from the heavens themselves. She is the divider and the unifier, the one who takes two things and remakes them into one whose sum is more than its pieces. But she is also hampered and hindered; chains of rivalry tying her down when all she wants is to soar to the very heights of creation. Forced to even greater risks to be able to walk her path, recklessness will throw her into a crucible with the potential of an inglorious death but also the stairway to the heavens from her dreams. He is the tempest, his blades; the whirlwind. But he needs to be more. For himself, his family and his city. His pace is one of breakneck speed and absolute skill, his momentum something precious that can not be allowed to be forsaken. But unbeknownst to him, there are those who would like nothing more than to see him stumble and fall. And behind them, something wicked stirs. 63. New opportunities ¡°Kite, how are you? You look rather spent.¡± Serene remarked when the young man joined her at the table of their usual meeting place; a local restaurant which served mainly steaming hot bowls of noodles and various side dishes. The group had been glad to discover that the establishment was also able to cater to their bronze-ranked dietary needs, and Kite let the soup warm him. While his ascended body was more than able to handle the mild winter chill of the region, it was more his spirit that needed the refreshment. ¡°The Descending Star sect is becoming rather tedious. This is the third clash of paths I have fought in this week. It is probably only a matter of time until I lose.¡± he said a bit morosely. The last one had been close; the closest one yet, as it had been a senior disciple who had progressed further into the rank than Kite. She had been skilled as well, and his current mild infamy had meant that she did not underestimate him. Had she walked a path more suited to handle Kite, he knew he would have lost. ¡°They don¡¯t even ask for anything, just stating that they want to ¡®trade pointers¡¯.¡± he finished, biting down on a piece of deep fried river fish, sighing as the myriad spices made the flavors positively burst inside his mouth. ¡°Do you think they mean to try and kill you? Blame it as an accident?¡± Serene asked, a bit worried. ¡°No, it is too public. I think it is only a matter of pride now. And from the pattern, their hands seem to be tied. But who could blame them for just trying to ¡®learn¡¯ from the experience. Although I must admit that I am being a bit prideful too. It would have been easier to just let one of them win and hopefully be done with it. But¡­¡± Serene shook her head. ¡°Then you would not be true to yourself, Kite. Having a bit of pride and being prideful can be very different things.¡± ¡°Thank you, Serene.¡± he said after a short pause, grateful for the support for his little self-indulging. ¡°But otherwise, things have progressed. It was a shame you couldn¡¯t join us on the last contract. Is the church keeping you busy?¡± ¡°Indeed, they are.¡± she said, sighing with the sound of a forlorn wind whistling outside a closed window. ¡°While I am very honored for all the training they are providing me, it is a shame that it keeps me from being as active in seeking contracts.¡± ¡°We knew it would probably be like this for a while. Just know that you are missed and that you are always welcome back with us whenever you wish.¡± Kite said, giving her a supportive nudge of aura. Upon returning to the city, he had gotten a new appreciation for his new level of aura strength. It was both fascinating and a bit scary how much he could glean from a normal ranker and even many iron-rankers, and he understood why it had become custom not to pry too much. She smiled, nudging him back before continuing. ¡°Have you heard anything from Dragonfly, by the way?¡± ¡°Just a short message via the adventure society. She is apparently doing well sweeping the countryside down south, and also broke through to bronze rank a few weeks after you.¡± ¡°That is wonderful! We shall have to celebrate properly once she returns.¡± ¡°Indeed we shall, although we better stock up on food in time. It might not be until just before the surge when we see her again.¡± From there on, the conversation remained light during the rest of the meal, and Kite found himself in a contemplative mood while he was gliding above the streets on the back of Glint. Even though it was quite uncommon in this rural region, the city still had regulations about not intruding over private property while in flight. Kite spent the trip laying down on his familiar¡¯s back, watching the clear sky and thinking while practice and bronze-rank reflexes allowed him to keep his balance. In one way, much had been the same once he returned. While he took higher level contracts, it was otherwise much his previous everyday life. ¡°Where do I want to go from here?¡± he thought to himself. While part of him would be fine with spending the time until the surge in Gilded working contracts, another wanted something more. Fortunately for the latter, he had been invited to see Will at the city lord¡¯s palace tomorrow, as they had apparently found a teacher amenable to train Kite in the way of the staff. He still felt a bit guilty about accepting some kind of compensation for Will joining them, but the young noble had remained adamant in that his family would not see their karma unbalanced. Glint could do little more than send him some mental concepts of support, and he patted her back with a smile. ¡°Thank you nonetheless. The luxury of freedom is that I do not need to decide at this very moment. Better to get some rest first. At least it will be nice to see Will tomorrow.¡±
¡°Kite! My friend!¡± Will exclaimed happily when Kite was escorted into his courtyard, the snow and chill kept out of the small gardens by arrays built into the palace. ¡°Please come sit with me!¡± It had been a few weeks since they last saw each other, and Kite had to admit that bronze rank had treated his friend well. The elf had always been handsome, and ranking up had further defined his jaw and given his hair a literal golden luster, moving away from the metaphorical. Only a few pleasantries were exchanged between the friends as they caught up with the goings on, before Will charged straight into the matter at hand. ¡°As I said in my letter, we have had success in brokering a deal with a teacher for you. From a prestigious family, no less!¡± Kite¡¯s features must have sunk a little at the mention of said prestige, as Will hurriedly continued. ¡°But I assure you, it is not the way you think. Her name is Phiona. Phiona Geller.¡± That name did give Kite pause. ¡°A Geller? Here?¡± The Geller family was renowned across the world, with myriad branches producing competent adventurers. Even out in the rural Autumn lands, Kite had heard plenty about their skill. ¡°Aha, I knew you would approve!¡± Will said with a grin as he saw Kite¡¯s slight worry change into the thoughtful smile he often displayed when he was curious. ¡°She is a bronze-ranker, but close to the peak. While I do not know all the details, she has apparently chosen to stay in Hua-Xi for a while along with one of her cousins, and was amenable to teach you for half a year. From what my family could gather, she is very well regarded in terms of skill with the staff.¡± ¡°Will, this- this sounds amazing. Where is she staying? Anything else I should know?¡± ¡°Well-¡± his friend began, his expression telling Kite that there was some kind of caveat to this development. ¡°She is staying rather close. At least on a national scale. She resides in Bastion, and is apparently swept up in matters there, unable to travel.¡± ¡°So¡­ I have to leave Gilded for a while?¡± Kite asked ¡°Why, yes. But- but you do not have to. We can look on for other alternatives should you-¡± ¡°No, no. It¡­ It is actually quite fine. I have never traveled to the coast before, and have had a mind to widen my horizons. This is a marvelous opportunity you have given me. Thank you Will. And send my regards to your family as well. The only hesitant part of me is the one that has to leave you and Serene for a while. And uncle and mistress Dew too.¡± Kite said, sharing the reason for his slight inner turmoil. ¡°I was thinking a lot on what to do next, and this is an excellent way to let fate and fortune decide.¡± Will seemed relieved to hear that the offer was well received as he quickly changed from worried assurance to optimistic cheerfulness in a heartbeat. ¡°Excellent! We shall send word to young mistress Geller and make the arrangements then. I must admit that I am a bit jealous.¡± ¡°Is there no possibility of you coming with me?¡± Kite asked a bit hopefully ¡°Alas no. Duties of the family.¡± Will sighed. ¡°It seems that me spending so much time away during the war and our trip north apparently gave them even more reasons to increase my duties once I was back. But I do hope that we can leave for great adventures again in the future! My Heavenly Shaft will not rest idly while you are away.¡± Even after their more frank ¡®conversation¡¯ about romance and sexuality back in Starberry Peak, Will had adamantly kept to his naming conventions, not letting something so low as base innuendo ruin the deeper, divine meaning. Now being able to notice and interpret Kite¡¯s carefully schooled expression, Will gave him a withering look. ¡°Oh hush, you commoner with your base interpretations.¡± he said, the jibe accompanied by obvious theatric sarcasm. ¡°And in that regard, you¡¯d best step carefully here in the palace. My governess was apparently less than pleased with you ¡®corrupting¡¯ me. Even filed a formal complaint with my father about it. Fortunately, he has seen your worth so nothing came of it. But should you see a stern, older elven lady slowly approach you in these halls, I recommend a quick retreat!¡± ¡°I¡­ shall keep that in mind.¡± Kite said, looking around himself before feeling stupid. He still hadn¡¯t quite shaken the habit even though he could see all of their surroundings constantly now that his spirit attribute was up to the task. ¡°As well you should. I am still a bit unsure how much I believe you in this matter, but I have already entrusted my education in commoner social conventions to you, so I will have to continue to be in your care.¡± Will said, then continued with some enthusiasm. ¡°But I do think that we have talked enough. How about a last proper spar before you leave?¡± ¡°Oh, I believe that I have the time to help the upcoming Saint of Spears sharpen himself just a bit more.¡± Kite responded, rising from his seat. The pair had often sparred since they had begun their training under instructor Concente, and had continued the practice ever since. As they were not at the training yard at the campus, nor in a city big enough for a mirage chamber to be available, they most often trained only in technique. Here, it was obvious from the start that Will was far ahead of Kite as he had been training from a young age. While uncle Walker¡¯s tutelage had meant that Kite had a decent foundation when he started out as an adventurer, it could not hold up to the privilege of professional trainers. And even though Will still won out in terms of pure skill, Kite prided himself that the gap was not as pronounced these days, and that it was barely noticeable when their powers came into play to complicate the matchup. ¡°Well, bronze rank once more shows its benefits.¡± Will said when they eventually stopped, having carried on longer than ever before as their stamina was greater and bruises healed quickly. ¡°It does indeed.¡± Kite said, smiling as they crossed the training spears with each other to formally end the spar. ¡°I will miss you, my friend. Promise to keep working on your path until we next meet.¡± ¡°Likewise. And be careful in Bastion. As a bigger city, it has wonders but probably even more politics. I wouldn¡¯t want to have to come rescue you from some young heiress that had sized you up.¡± ¡°You make me sound like some kind of flirt.¡± Kite said with a roll of his eyes. ¡°Well, you are a base commoner. And from what you told me, I will expect nothing but more scandalous behavior.¡± his friend responded with a cheeky grin.
After leaving the city lord¡¯s palace up at the first peak, Kite made a stop at home to leave a message for his uncle before going up to the seventh peak and the adventure society campus. His mind was abuzz with excitement for the upcoming trip, which he would undertake in just three days if he was to travel all the way to Bastion. Will had given him a document with some of the arrangements, and the Indomitable family was kind enough to make sure that Kite¡¯s reply reached young mistress Geller. This left him with some loose ends to temporarily clear up; speak with uncle Walker, Serene and mistress Dew, as well as inform the local branch about his departure. A lot of Kite¡¯s trepidation had left him, especially as the trip should hopefully allow the sect students of the Descending Star sect to calm down and move on to other matters. As he knew that his uncle and friend were unlikely to be available at this moment, he chose to go up to the adventure society campus where he found Adelaide after a few minutes of asking around. The green-haired elf was not manning any counter, but she was still happy to meet Kite in one of the private conference rooms. ¡°If it isn¡¯t my favorite local! What can I help you with today?¡± she said with a pleasant smile as she sat down, only for the smile to gradually turn into a frown as Kite explained his plans. ¡°Let me see if I understood this; you have just returned, and now you are leaving? Again? Fair Justice, what ill deeds did I do to deserve this?¡± The last question was posed towards the sky, an almost accusatory glance directed at the unfeeling heavens. ¡°Well, I suppose I can¡¯t keep you here, you being a free man and all. You haven¡¯t considered doing any crimes or shady activities which we can use to keep you in the region?¡± she finished, mock hope in her voice. ¡°Alas, no. But do not fret, Adelaide. I assure you that you will ever remain my favorite functionary.¡± Kite said with a placating gesture. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. ¡°But what if you go to Bastion and there is suddenly another functionary? Who¡¯s more efficient and panders to your every need?¡± she pouted. ¡°Then I will remain strong and keep my heart where it belongs. I do possess the resolute essence, you know.¡± he assured her with theatric sincerity. They both stared at each other for a short moment before Kite finally cracked, Adelaide following soon after as they laughed. After having a lot of professional interactions over his time as an adventurer, Kite liked that they had developed a more casual rapport. ¡°I am serious in that it will be weird to not see you when turning in contracts for a while.¡± he said when the mirth calmed a little. ¡°It will be an adventure, to be sure, but Gilded is where it all started for me. So in the end, you will always be my first.¡± he finished with a wink. ¡°Look at you, learning to mix some wit in with the earnestness. I am not sure that the world is ready.¡± she laughed. ¡°But onto business. Would you like us to inform the Bastion branch that you will arrive?¡± ¡°If you think it will help in any way, please. But I do not expect to stand out. In fact, it would be rather nice to avoid too much attention for just a little while.¡± ¡°While it is a bigger city with slightly higher magical density, the branch director there is a friend of Jarvan. Like him, she is always on the lookout for trustworthy locals.¡± When hearing her words, Kite remembered something. ¡°Speaking of the branch director, I have actually changed my mind about selling him another trio of essences, as long as he is still amenable to our arrangement. Would you mind delivering them to him?¡± Adelaide stared flatly at him for a while before sighing. ¡°You just had to say that, didn¡¯t you. In case you wondered, he has put you giving that very offer as a prioritized reason for arranging a meeting. He is currently in a meeting with the deputy director from the magic society, and I suspect that he would throw the man out in an instance if you came knocking with an errand like that. So we might as well go to his office.¡± she finished, rising and waving for Kite to follow. ¡°So, he is still as eager?¡± Kite asked as they walked through the corridors, a path which Kite suspected that he had walked more than most iron-rankers in the region. ¡°Oh yes. Our esteemed branch director remains unchanged in your absence.¡± Adelaide answered while guiding him, although it was mostly just for show to indicate that Kite was allowed in the deeper parts of the administration building. Their conversation lapsed into worldly subjects while they waited outside, and just about a quarter of an hour later, the double doors were opened rather abruptly as a robed man was almost pushed out. ¡°Branch director, I still ask you to take some more time to reconsider-¡± the bronze-ranker, which Kite assumed was the deputy director of the magic society, tried to plead, but was interrupted by a smiling Jarvan. ¡°Oh, I will, deputy director Gong. I just need to sleep on it. You know how us foreigners are. Please be welcomed back tomorrow!¡± ¡°But- I-¡± the man began, but seemingly resigned himself in an effort to save some dignity. ¡°Understood, branch director. I will inform my director of your choices so far. And of our¡­ proceedings.¡± he finished, emphasizing the last words as he turned on his heels and left without sparing Kite or Adelaide another glance. Which might have been fortunate, as Kite had heard that deputy director Gong was a member of the Descending Star sect. The man had barely rounded the corned when director Jarvan turned to Kite. ¡°Guardian¡¯s girth, Kite, don¡¯t just sit there! Come in, come in! I finished up as quickly as I could as soon as I felt your aura outside. And congratulations upon reaching bronze rank!¡± Before Kite knew it, he was sitting in one of the cushy seating areas, the branch director personally pouring him a drink of some kind of green, shimmering liquid. He was happy that he took the cautious approach with only a small sip, as it almost seemed to explode in his mouth. ¡°Ackamaran leaf brandy.¡± Jarvan explained, almost draining half his glass. ¡°It does bring me back to bronze rank. Fantina loved it, so we drank many a bottle during our time on the road. But I suspect that you are not merely here about reminiscing. What brings you to my door, young Kite?¡± he finished, trying to act casual when he was subtly but steadily leaning forward in anticipation. As there was little point in trying to hide much from a silver-ranker, Kite just reached in and started producing essences, putting each cube up in a row along the table¡¯s edge. Thanks to Sage, his time during the war and constant hunting up in the north had left him with a staggering amount of eleven essences. Most were of the more common varieties, such as the two tree essences, but he was a bit happy to have come across a few slightly more uncommon ones. ¡°As thanks for your rather generous arrangement to send us up north, I would like to sell you three of these, along with six awakening stones if you should wish for them.¡± he cheerfully informed the branch director. ¡°Kite, you- I- only three? I assure you that-¡± ¡°Only three, branch director. I am sorry, but as I said I do have some plans for a lot of them. But you have been kind to me, and now that Fortune was kind to me as well I thought to balance out our karma a bit.¡± ¡°Then- I accept. You, Kite, are a marvel. So many essences in these parts? There has been even fewer than usual on the market lately too, so I was almost worried! Three of these you say¡­¡± Jarvan said, trailing off as he inspected them each along with the collection of twenty one awakening stones Kite produced. After a lengthy process of haggling, Kite parted with the earth, growth and blight essences he had, along with six awakening stones. In return, he got a hefty sum of money from the branch director. While Kite might have gotten slightly more by auctioning them, it always felt nice to help out the director, and he had to admit that the man¡¯s favor had treated him well. In the end, Kite could sympathize with the importance Jarvan placed on family. A bit into the proceedings, Adelaide cleared her throat. ¡°Branch director, you might also wish to know that Kite will travel to Bastion for just over half a year.¡± This had Jarvan stop and look up at Kite from where he had previously been gleefully storing his new acquisitions. ¡°To Bastion, you say?¡± he asked, even if it sounded more like a statement. After a moment''s thought, he seemed to come to a decision. ¡°Then, would you like to join in on a contract?¡± ¡°A contract, director?¡± Kite asked, curious. ¡°Let¡¯s just say that it is one of the more discrete kind of contracts. One not posted on the official boards. Would you still be interested? It is of course nothing untoward, but rather more delicate.¡± he said, adding the last after Kite gave him a searching look. ¡°You already know both Wander and Braid, who have both been sent to Bastion just a few weeks ago to work the contract under the local branch director. Now that I think about it, I do believe that you will be a good fit.¡± Kite had to admit that Jarvan had got him on the hook almost from the start, only making his decision more inevitable as he had continued his explanation. But there was one thing Kite had to know beforehand. ¡°I am going to Bastion mainly for weapons training. Would the contract allow for that?¡± ¡°Oh yes, do not worry.¡± Jarvan waved off. ¡°In fact, it might not lead to anything in the end. But we have a duty to follow these leads. Shall I take it that you are interested?¡± ¡°Yes. Yes I am.¡± Kite agreed almost immediately. ¡°Excellent! You may of course opt out should you wish, but I must press the issue of secrecy on this matter. But you have been trustworthy before, so I am not questioning your integrity. This new contract is part of an investigation. The war with the fallen sect gave us a lot of small leads, even if some of them seemed to clear out their main compound quite well. And the leads indicate that the Unbreakable Chains corruption might not be an isolated incident, and that similar forces might be at work from the shadows in many other places. As some threads hinted at Bastion being one of them, we have initiated an investigation with the assistance of the local branch director. More such investigations are subtly being initiated in other parts of the kingdom, but as Bastion isn¡¯t considered as a very vital location, a small team of bronze-rankers will handle the initial investigation there. Higher-ranked support will be provided if enough evidence of activity from the restricted elements can be gathered. Braid and Wander are some of our best covert operators, which I am sure you can understand. But I think you will complement them well, especially if there are¡­ altercations.¡± ¡°I- thank you for this opportunity, branch director. It would mean a lot to be a part of something like this.¡± Kite said, genuinely meaning it. While he was all for the more common monster hunts, unrooting more of the forbidden forces felt meaningful on a different scale, should they prove to be present. ¡°Good lad. I will send word to branch director Dobrazza that you are joining as well. They will have the paperwork ready by the time you arrive. Unfortunately, I cannot offer to portal you there as we did with your colleagues.¡± ¡°Thank you for the consideration, branch director, but it is fine. Glint and I have looked forward to a more lengthy trip together anyway.¡± Kite said with a nod of thanks. ¡°Then I believe that it settles things. I know that this would be a productive meeting when I sensed you outside. Good luck, Kite. And try to enjoy yourself as well.¡±
As dawn was just beginning to color the winter landscape with hues of peach and lavender, Kite passed through Gilded¡¯s southernmost gate. The guards barely had the time to open them before he was through, his desire to get going filling him with boundless energy. As he knew that the monotony of the road would probably get to him soon enough, he thought that he might as well enjoy the feeling while it lasted. The day before had been one of farewells and preparation. After seeing Serene at her temple after listening to one of the beautiful choral services and having tea with mistress Dew he had spent the rest of the day with uncle Walker. The older man had given Kite what advice he could in regards to the journey, but it had been a long time since Walker had made the trip himself. ¡°Besides, you are a bronze-ranker now.¡± he had stated as he grew close to the end of his sage advice. ¡°While the occasional silver-ranked monster may appear around here, it is so rare that you shouldn¡¯t have to worry. And the bronze ones should either be something you can handle or something that Glint can outrun. I¡¯m more worried about the city itself. The bigger they get, the more trouble one can find. So your old uncle is quite glad that you will have allies already in place.¡± ¡°Thank you for your concern, uncle. I promise to try and send a message when I can.¡± Kite had said while pouring them another cup of tea. ¡°Good, good. Here-¡± Walker said, raising his cup in a ceremonial toast. ¡°May you bring fortune to those worthy in Bastion. And stay safe both during the journey and during your stay. And speaking of journeys, your old uncle does have a gift for you for the roads ahead.¡± Kite smiled fondly as he looked down at his uncle¡¯s gift which he had just retrieved from his dimensional pouch. It was a hat of the typical flat and slightly conical make that was widely spread across Hua-Xi and surrounding lands in all walks of life. Where those worn by peasants were often made from woven straw, this once was a bit more exotic. At a glance, it was a rather simple creation of a dark gray color, but upon looking closer one could see that the dark material was made from rows upon rows of small scales over a light wooden latticework while the inside was lined with colorful silk depicting a twilight sky with a single blue kite kept aloft in the wind. The thoughtful gift still almost made Kite become a bit misty eyed when he looked at it, and its enchantments were definitely true to his uncle.
[Item] Sojourner¡¯s Companion Headwear Bronze rank - epic [Effect] Potent self-repair and self-maintenance [Effect] Protects the wearer from non-extreme elements, such as heat, rain, cold and dampness. Does not protect against attacks. [Effect] Slightly increases the wearer¡¯s health, stamina and mana recovery. This effect increases when in motion, although the speed of the motion only impacts this effect to a limit. [Effect] Pay an ongoing very low mana cost to feel the cardinal directions. [Effect] Pay a high mana cost to transform this hat into a pavilion for ten hours, keeping all other enchantment effects as well as activating a basic concealing array. Cooldown: 12 hours
From the enchantments, it was clear that his uncle had commissioned this piece to be a traveler¡¯s best friend. Donning it, Kite felt the enchantment keep it on his head without the need for straps and the hat¡¯s restorative effects was like a faint, fresh breeze through his body. ¡°Thank you uncle. May Fortune treat you fairly during my absence.¡± he murmured, before turning to his familiars. Both were floating along him, Sage busy with its usual worldly observations while Glint was looking at Kite expectantly. ¡°Are the two of you ready?¡± ¡°Traveling Novelties Cataloging¡± Sage conveyed, Kite thinking that the lack of disappointment should mean that the astral gatherer was indeed ready for a trip. Glint was a bit more straightforward in her enthusiasm, taking several laps around him while conveying eagerness through their bond. ¡°Then let us be off. If you would, Glint.¡± Kite said after stroking her fins in passing. One shimmering transformation later, he sat up on her back as she set off, quickly gaining a few meters of elevation before setting off to the southwest in a glittering arc of fine vapor as the winds of fate and fortune carried them towards their new destination.
¡°It¡¯s nice that Kite is joining us. There being three of us might mean that I don¡¯t need to go out and get wet as often~.¡± Wander complained from where she was sprawled out in a chair wearing some spare robes while Braid was shaping up a quick ritual to quickly dry her soaked clothes. ¡°That is the beauty of not turning into a swarm of borderline vampiric rats.¡± Braid answered cheerfully. ¡°I can at least use an umbrella.¡± ¡°You are not helping, you meanie~.¡± Wander said while giving her companion a dirty look. ¡°Can¡¯t you weave some protection from the elements into the clothes you¡¯re making me as well.¡± ¡°Wander, I have already told you; the more effects you want, the weaker each effect will be. I am already stretching things as they are. You try sewing and enchanting clothes that should be able to split into several dozen miniscule copies while still retaining their effects.¡± One could practically hear the eyeroll in his tone even though his cloth mask hid his face as always. ¡°Besides, we better get back to searching. The branch director was rather sure of the lead, so we should not waste time.¡± ¡°Fiiiiiine~.¡± the woman said with a groan, nabbing a sandwich from the table in the room they shared before striding towards the door. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope we find something soon. Preferably something we can really tear a new one~.¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather that we didn¡¯t.¡± Braid muttered as she left, returning to his work of pouring over documents while simultaneously forming a weave in the air beside him. Working with myriad and dimension quintessences was always tricky, but he had to admit that the project had taught him much. As well as taking a sizable bite out of his crafting funds. However, the weaving stopped about an hour later as Braid notices yet another metaphorical thread in the ledgers. ¡°Another small loss for the Relentless family. Surprisingly many for such a prominent name. Are they being targeted? If so, it is very subtle. Something to look into¡­¡± he murmured, scribbling some more notes on a scroll. Outside his window, the rain had started up again, although it was mixed with the occasional snowfall to form a very wet slush on the city streets, something that made Wander very displeased. Not far, the bustle of the harbor was everlasting even during a season with more capricious seas, making the city of Bastion even more a hive of activity than Gilded. Braid did agree with Wander that it would be nice to have Kite alongside them, and not just for the pleasant company. The leads were faint and traces subtle, but there was something going on here. And when one started pulling on such well-hidden threads, you rarely knew the full extent of what you would unravel. ¡°Slow and steady, Braid. Slow and steady.¡± he said, resuming his tedious work while the mesh of floating threads started growing once more. 64. Wayward Peony ¡°Sevenfold curses of the heavens upon that blasted Stoic Boar and his whole line.¡± Peony half whined, half snarled where she ran through the forest, the two jade mantises still in pursuit. That there were only two bronze-ranked specimens and not one of their silver-ranked giant brethren was not much of a comfort to her right now. Feeling one of her spells becoming available again, she chanted it as she ran. ¡°Ferric transfiguration; shackles¡± Touching some of the nearby trees and bushes even while she continued her sprint, patches of dark iron quickly spreading in a trail behind her. The mantises had been gaining on her, but Fortune seemed to favor her as the spell had time to transfigure enough of the plant matter for its effect to kick in. The vegetation formed a dozen iron shackles which darted out towards the monsters, clamping shut around legs and arms. But she already knew that it would not hold them for too long as the hellishly sharp blades of their forearms started cutting through the iron bands and chains. But Peony knew that each second she survived was a second where a solution might present itself. And it was in times like this that the so-called ¡®safe¡¯ life of a craftsman proved to be a lie. She was painfully aware of this as she felt her stamina fading faster than she would like, and had already taken a pill for recovery earlier which left her unable to aid her diminishing reserves. From the sounds of screeching metal coming from amongst the trees and bushes behind her, the hunt would soon resume. Bitterness and frustration had fueled her so far, but she also knew that they were a false sense of strength, and she had just begun to start looking for a place to make a desperate stand when her aura senses suddenly picked something up. Not far away, she could sense another bronze-ranked aura, definitely an essence user, in conflict with a single monster whose aura was becoming a bit unstable. It was potentially salvation and assistance, but it did not sit well with Peony to just plunge a stranger into danger like that. But as she felt her spell wink out, meaning that her pursuers had broken free, the primal part of her brain with only survival in mind brutally overrode such ethical qualms. ¡°Warrior, give this stranger what is needed to prevail, and Fortune, please have me stumble upon someone who will not just finish the job.¡±
As Kite had set out that morning, he was once more struck by the stark reality that he had now well and truly left the Autumn lands. Almost all the foliage around him was now green. While he logically knew that this was indeed the prevalent color of the leaves of non-magical plants around the world, it was still quite alien, almost to the same level as if the sky had suddenly turned red or that one of the moons would just up and disappear. But he had still enjoyed the trip, skimming just over the treetops on Glint¡¯s back at a quite respectable pace. Even with his familiar, the trip would take just over a week should he be able to constantly keep maximum speed, and had he been on foot he would have been on the road for well over a month. And the trip had not only been leisurely. While his aura could scare off many iron-ranked monsters, he had still fought off a rather persistent flock of opal drillbeaks, but it had been his encounter with the crown catcher that had given him most pause. One moment, he had been cruising along on Glint¡¯s back when a mass of tentacles had suddenly burst up from the foliage to start grabbing at him. One of them had caught Glint, Kite just managing to sever the limb before anything more worrisome could happen. The monster itself looked as a more arboreal cousin to the catcher of the rapids, the tentacled monster uncle Walker had fought on their first trip together. It had a central bulbous body firing wood shrapnel at them while the tentacles, thinner and more numerous than its aquatic cousin, had tried entangling both Kite and his carp. But once the surprise had worn off, Kite had managed a reversal where he had Glint go into full evasive maneuvers while he used his new blade and the intent of his evolved racial ability to sever some of the limbs before conjuring some platforms of force to let him get in close and eventually finish it after a protracted battle. Because unfortunately for the crown catcher, its favored environment did not help its bulky body much in the way of movement, so Kite had been able to lay siege to the monster perched high up in a particularly stocky and sturdy tree. But other than that incident, Kite had an overall enjoyable time as he spent his days traveling and taking in the sights while his evenings were spent in meditation and playing with his familiars. While Glint was easily entertained, it had taken a bit of trial and error to find out if there was anything Sage could enjoy. In the end, the classical game of two dozen questions had been the key, the alien familiar seeming to thoroughly enjoy guessing at something only through questions to define the parameters. And it had grown almost eerily good at it too. Kite had deemed himself to be about half a day from his destination when Sage had hinted at a magical manifestation that could be triggered nearby. This had happened quite a few times during his travel so far, and with the exception of a single pile of stone quintessence, all of the opportunities had been monsters. And the latest had continued the trend. What he would later find out was called a spite dryad once more lashed out with its five willowy arms against Kite, the thin and flexible ends reaching speeds which would easily tear through flesh. The flexible attacks had proved a bit of a difficulty to Kite as they were very fast and often reached around his smaller barriers, leaving him grazed multiple times as he was just now finding the optimal size of his personal ward. Other than that, he felt that he had the battle under control as the monster¡¯s thicker and more rigid wooden body was scored, shattered and punctured by resonating force damage from his weapons and special attacks. In a slight fit of pride, he was even using the final stretch of the fight to practice his barriers more against such opponents to gain more from the encounter. But when his aura senses suddenly picked up another set of bronze-ranked auras; one essence user clearly in flight pursued by two monsters, he knew that he had to close out this practice session. ¡°Sage, if you please.¡± he said, batting away another whip-like arm as his familiar took position. Just a moment later a white beam of resonating force damage shot through the body of the monster, another quickly following as the first didn¡¯t quite take it all the way. His wooden assailant hadn¡¯t even hit the ground when Kite¡¯s expanded vision saw a human woman bursting out from the nearby underbrush. She was clad in robes plated with some kind of lustrous metal, and going by the tears in the material it was clear that she had already been injured. As he did not sense any hostility from her, Kite projected his own aura even further to envelop hers without suppression, hoping that it would indicate that he was friendly. But to be sure, he backed it up with words. ¡°To me!¡± he called, starting out towards her when he sensed her pursuers close the distance. Two huge insects with almost stone-like jade carapaces leapt out from the terrain, each bigger than a heidel. It was obviously some kind of mantis, although quite far from the ordinary insects Kite had been fascinated by as a child. Sending the impulse of ¡®left¡¯ to Glint, Kite activated his speed-enhancing boots to close the distance. The leftmost of the leaping mantises was suddenly halted as it splashed into a huge ball of conjured water and was left suspended there as it flailed wildly. The improved control over water Glint had shown after ranking up had not only increased her mobility, but let her wield a few defensive and controlling options as well, the encapsulating blob of water being the most prominent. As for the second monster which closed in on the fleeing woman, Kite¡¯s staff had already appeared in his hands as he swung. His intent carried the strike past the woman, impacting the airborne mantis in the side just as it was halfway through its downward trajectory. While not powerful enough to have it come to a dead stop, it did throw it to the side and into a more awkward stumbling landing. He met a pair of brown eyes wide with the adrenaline of flight as they passed, but there was no time to convey much else before the moment had passed. Kite had almost closed in on his target as he let his saber appear, the spatial-locked sheath appearing in just the right angle to let his momentum draw the blade free and strike. He was glad that he had practiced extensively with the new weapon and its peculiar sheath, as there had been many awkward draws where he instead found himself half stuck at an odd angle. The curved blade trailed the spatial tears of Void-Sunders-Firmament as Kite went for a crippling strike, being only about three meters away when his intent once more let the strike carry the distance. The resonating force damage allowed the blow to shear through half of the leg he had targeted, and moment later the sword¡¯s enchantment took effect as a burst of force was emitted from the slash, ripping apart the leg from the inside. This left the huge insect staggering slightly, making its downward slash at Kite come in at an awkward angle which enabled him to easily deflect it on the barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding. Taking advantage of the opening, a strike with his staff cracked the chitin of another leg leaving it a bit unsteady. After the initial exchange, Kite was pushed onto the defensive for a while as the mantis had time to find its new balance and start a relentless counterattack which had Kite utilizing both barriers and blocks. As the insect used nothing in the way of enhancing effects or special attacks, Kite¡¯s dispelling measures became more of a means to deliver the small amount of transcendent damage from Undeniable, the passive power helping to wear down the giant insect. Had it only been one of the monsters, he would have been comfortable in warding it off for long enough to mount a more substantial counterattack, but Glint¡¯s controlling spheres of water would not hold on forever. And two of the monsters would leave him a lot more pressed. But just as the suspended monster had started working its way free, Kite felt a pang of relief as the escaping woman had apparently not continued her wild flight, instead throwing out a few metal spikes in the area around the mantis. Where they landed, the area started shifting into metal shackles which honed in on the still trapped monster, further locking it down. As she followed it up with another spell which seemed to almost instantly freeze the sphere of water to solid, magical ice, Kite dared to count on that she and Glint together should at least be able to keep it occupied. This left him calmer as he continued to deflect the attacks from the mantis in front of him. Choosing his moment, Kite chose to forego the barrier and instead brought out his saber horizontally before him, blocking the downward strike of one bladed arm on the reinforced sheath and following it up by smoothly drawing the sword out to the right in a void-enhanced slash which struck the monster¡¯s other arm in a repeat of his earlier strategy. The violent severing of the arm brought him some satisfaction as he let the blade and sheath return to his void sheath while jumping backwards to avoid a swipe from the remaining arm. With only one arm remaining, Kite could retake the initiative as he started using barriers and counterattacks in concert, his attacks already being delivered even as the barrier appeared. And as the monster seemed to have its strengths in speed and its hard carapace rather than endurance, he soon managed to deliver a devastating crushing strike to its head. The fallen mantis''s companion was not faring too well under the controlling duo of Glint and the stranger. While Glint did not have any conventional offensive measures to speak off, the woman had thrown out more of the metal spikes which either struck the mantis to weaken its defenses as its carapace looked to be rusting where it was hit or create larger spikes from the ground to pierce it from below. Another beam from Sage and a void strike from afar ended the creature¡¯s struggles, leaving their part of the forest with the almost eerie silence after a battle. While he was rather used to it, part of Kite¡¯s mind was still fascinated by how much carnage could be unleashed in just a minute or two, and the participants had only been bronze rank. And while the woman seemed stable of body and mind, it was still rather obvious that she was not as used to fighting for her life as him. Her stance remained tense and she seemed to still be on the lookout for the next foe to fight. ¡°Greetings, mistress.¡± he called to her when he drew close, giving her a formal bow. The words and motion seemed to snap her back to reality even as Kite got a better look at her. She was a willowy woman slightly taller than him, with almond skin and magenta hair gathered in a braid. Had it not been for her brown eyes, Kite might have thought her a celestine. Her bronze rank aura was unmistakable, as was the tinge of monster cores in its depths, although she had an acceptable level of control for a core-user. ¡°Blasted- heaven-cursed- son of a-¡± was the response he got, although from her looking toward the sky as she said it, Kite deduced that the curses were not directed at him in particular. After spouting some expletives for a few more seconds, she seemed to sag as she plopped down on the ground as the anger and frustration were replaced with a morose exhaustion. An awkward silence followed, where the woman just covered her face with her hands where she sat while Kite was left standing in front of her. Not knowing what to do, he once more leaned against the sage advice of his auntie. ¡°When you don¡¯t know what to say, then say nothing. A silence usually wants to be filled, which leaves it to the other person to do so.¡± auntie Crow had told him many times during his life. So he chose to walk up to her and sit down at her side, albeit at a respectful distance, and just waited. Glint shrunk down to her normal size and joined him, happy to have him stroke her scaled back as she floated back and forth in front of him. After sitting there in the middle of the woods for a while, listening to the rustling leaves, she eventually took a deep, deep sigh. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡± she said, her voice a bit shaky as the more intense emotions which had propped her up so far were allowed to peter out. Switching to a kneeling position, the woman turned towards Kite and bowed so low that her forehead almost touched the ground. ¡°I, Daybreak Peony, extend my most sincere gratitude to you, savior, as well as my deepest apologies that I brought my troubles upon you. From this day on, I will ever endeavor to see our karma severed and balance restored.¡± While Kite sensed that her gratefulness was genuine, he thought that they still carried a lingering shadow of frustration. Still, there was little to do but to greet her in turn, and perhaps he would get to know more in time. ¡°Greetings, Daybreak Peony. My name is Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, but I would be grateful if you would call me Kite.¡± he said to the still bowing form of his company. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°Then, benefactor, please call me Peony. And allow me to take the first step to repaying your kindness.¡± she said, rising to her feet and briskly walking off towards the two fallen mantises. She knelt down by the first and touched it before quickly skipping away from the carcass, which started dissolving just a moment later. Most turned into the rainbow smoke of a monster returning to the ambient magic of the world, but Kite could see part of the dissolving magic instead condense and gather in a pile where the remains of the monster once lay. Meanwhile, she repeated the process with the other mantis, eventually gathering up the small piles of items which had manifested and laying all of it down at Kite¡¯s feet. A pile of what Kite quickly deduced was bronze-ranked insect quintessence, simple pouches of spirit coins and a blade from one of the mantises. ¡°Benefactor, I would be grateful should you accept this small offering, but one of many which I will provide you should you wish for it.¡± Peony said, bowing once more. While the part of Kite who still idealized the storybook heroes wanted to deny the gift and declared that nothing remained unbalanced between them, his time as an adventurer had taught him two facts; that people didn¡¯t always react as well as one might hope if they thought themselves patronized, and that adventurers such as him would almost never find themselves without the need for more money and resources. From the determined look in her eyes, it would seem that Peony was one who put great importance to this perceived debt. And even with his own strange looting power providing him with great benefits, he had still spent the lion¡¯s share of his savings on his different commissions. As such, he bowed to her in return. ¡°Thank you, Peony. I will put them to good use.¡± he said, while he stowed the gifted compensation away. ¡°Is that a looting power? I must admit that I have never seen a conventional one in use before.¡± ¡°But you have seen more unconventional ones?¡± Peony half asked, half stated as she righted herself. ¡°Indeed. The master of a friend has one which only produces more condensed magic, such as quintessence, awakening stones or essences. I think it stems from the force confluence.¡± he said, while nodding. ¡°I have one as well, but of a different variety. And from what I can feel-¡± he continued while sensing the progress of his own, ¡°- it is just about done.¡± Deciding on a practical demonstration, he gave the mental assent for the gathered energy to coalesce. One small vortex of rainbow light later, a peculiar weapon manifested. It was a sickle-like blade which curved inward, very close to that of the mantises they had just fought. While it had a handle, said handle had a long and flexible vine fastened at its bottom, turning the weapon into something akin to a rope dart or kusarigama. ¡°It takes a bit longer to pay dividends, but it always provides equipme-¡± he began explaining, but his words almost caught in his throat when he saw Peony staring at him as if he had suddenly turned into one giant spirit coin, and what he could sense from her now barely controlled aura, he was unsure if she wanted to lock him away in a vault or eat him on the spot. ¡°May I¡­ see that?¡± she asked, voice as intense as her stare. Wondering if he had made a mistake in coming to this particular person¡¯s aid, Kite slowly handed her the bladed vine. She quickly took it, retrieving an eyepiece from a pouch at her side and started inspecting it. ¡°Bronze rank¡­ decent quality¡­ stretching¡­ severing¡­¡± he could hear her murmur as she turned the weapon over in her hands. ¡°And your looting power produces this? And equipment like it?¡± ¡°So far, yes. Mostly weapons and armor have come of it until this day.¡± he said, not hesitating to share but still a bit taken aback by her intensity, although he had to admit that his curiosity of her behavior was steadily increasing. ¡°Do you choose? Or are they random?¡± ¡°I- uh- they are mostly random, but since bronze rank my needs seems to influence the randomness a bit in my favor.¡± ¡°This¡­¡± she said, looking down at the weapon in her hands. ¡°You- I- we-¡± Suddenly interrupting her own floundering, Peony threw herself down into a proper kowtow right there on the forest floor. ¡°Please become my business partner!¡± she all but shouted into the ground, continuing in a steady stream of words. ¡°Benefactor, I would hate to ask more of you, but this meeting must have been ordained by fate and the heavens themselves. Your mere existence is a boon to me- nay- to all the people of this lands. Please let this lowly practitioner of the craft tie herself to you glorious ship, as your fate will truly be one to-¡± During her tirade, Kite tried to get a word in a few times before finally giving up, giving her aura a hard poke with his own. While not quite an aura spike, it was still close enough for the sudden discomfort to jolt her out and look up at him with wide eyes. ¡°I am sorry for that, Peony, but you were getting a bit ahead of yourself in your haste.¡± he said, taking care to smile and show her that he was still in a good mood. ¡°But if you tried to get more words out at the same time, I was afraid that you would erupt like one of the geysers of the northern steppes.¡± ¡°Benefactor, I¡¯m-¡± ¡°Please, do not apologize, Peony. I can see that this is important to you. And my auntie always said that important matters need to be given both the proper time and place. So I would suggest that we make our way back to the road, find a clearing to make a proper camp and then we can talk about it over a cup of tea. Would this agree with you?¡± he said, keeping his tone measured and maintaining eye contact the whole time to keep her from spinning into another gout of words. From her look and what he felt from her aura, he deduced that she was probably still quite shaken from the run-in with the monsters, and when added to the sudden and intense excitement that she had felt when hearing of his power, it probably became quite overwhelming. ¡°I- I¡­¡± she took in a shuddering breath. ¡°You are right. Please, lead the way.¡±
The stranger- no, Kite- Peony reminded herself, had indeed been right. The warm tea and the heat of a magical lantern worked wonders for her frayed nerves where she sat against a tree. Her host and savior had just finished pouring himself a cup, and sat down next to another tree close by. Peony studied him from the corner of her eye while sipping at her tea in silence. She placed him somewhere in his early twenties, probably just shedding the last teenage features with his ascent to bronze rank. She scanned his features; distinct jawline but otherwise not that spectacular. Black hair with a hint of gray mostly gathered in a loose topknot. He had the luster and lean athleticism of a bronze-ranker. And his blue eyes tinged with gold around the pupils looked kind as they were looking at her. At her. Realizing that she had been caught staring, she started slightly which caused him to smile. Still, this was no time to get too flustered by social faux pas, so Peony decided to soldier on. ¡°Sorry, I- I just didn¡¯t have the time to really look at you before. I must have been truly shaken, and you had the hat on and-¡± ¡°Do not worry, I understand.¡± he said gently. Although she knew he meant to be kind, part of Peony still bristled a bit at being handled almost like a skittish animal. ¡°Would you like to explain from the beginning why you were out here? And what made you so excited before? From your aura, I would imagine that you are a crafter, as other core-users such as the nobles and dignitaries would probably not venture out like that.¡± While part of Peony was instinctually more on guard from his questions, she swiftly and brutally buried that part. If she was to have any chance in strengthening her ties to this heaven-sent stranger, she should not bring him anything but honesty. Him probably having saved her life weighed in a great deal as well. ¡°Yes, you are right. I am indeed a crafter. Together with my husband and family, I run a business in Bastion.¡± ¡°As you are of bronze rank, I would assume that you are either quite successful or come from a family of means.¡± ¡°No, at least not in the family part. My mother¡¯s side has run a small mercantile business trading in mortal craft goods for a few generations. Never anything huge, but good enough to save up to a set of essences for one descendant. As an only child, they didn¡¯t really have much to choose from. And as for success, that is¡­ complicated.¡± ¡°How so?¡± ¡°I-¡± Peony began before stopping. ¡°Actually, it might be better to tell you about my essences first, as a lot of context depends on them and what they gave me.¡± Kite leaned forward as a response, curiosity clear on his face. As most in his line of work, hearing about the path of others always gave a certain thrill as there was so much to explore and understand in the magical world. ¡°My essences are iron, adept and magic, creating the transfiguration confluence.¡± Kite¡¯s eyebrows raised a bit in surprise. ¡°Transfiguration? Are you a shapechanger?¡± That was the powers he himself associated the most with the confluence, having seen several essence users wielding its power during the war. One who had transformed into a humanoid octopus with eight tentacles extending from his back had left a rather distinct impression in his memories. ¡°No, even though most assume so. As you might have seen when we fought, I transfigure the world around me; change and remold it into other things. At least temporarily. And that relates to my craft as well. One of my powers, probably the most central one to my whole craft, allows me to take two items, break them down to varying degrees and recombine them to a greater whole.¡± ¡°Just like that? That sounds amazing.¡± Kite said, wonder in his voice. ¡°Well, no. It was quite hard to learn to use properly, at least if I wanted to make something other than a warped abomination of an object. There is a lot of visualizing and something akin to composing the different elements and finding ways that they can fit together to create something new.¡± ¡°Does it work on anything?¡± ¡°Most inanimate objects, yes. In the beginning, I actually used it to make art. To practice and bring in some coin. But my family helped me learn more about the art of making weapons and armor, as we had decided to choose a more narrow field to allow me to learn the finer points of the craft. In a bigger city with lots of adventurers moving through, buying excess gear and selling more powerful products should have been a steady stream of revenue. And in the beginning, it really was.¡± ¡°But not now?¡± Kite asked, knowing that she was building up to some kind of trouble. ¡°Indeed. During iron rank, few even noticed the change in our business. I managed to get a membership in the adventure society, getting to tag along on contracts with some other adventurers in exchange for splitting the loot from my ability which had evolved from absorbing my confluence. That gave us the funds for more stones and materials for me, bringing in more revenue. I also got enough monster cores to advance. Overall, things looked good until just before I hit bronze rank. Then people started noticing.¡± ¡°Not the people you wanted?¡± Peony sighed. ¡°No. Bastion is rich in crafters, many falling under the purview of the different influential families. The Stoics are one such family, smiths under the wing of the Stellars. At first, we got along fine. But as we began seeing more success, they began to approach us with offers of a merger; we were to join our business to theirs to reach new heights together. While it was ostensibly a decent deal, having someone else controlling our fates like that did not sit well with us. So we declined, offering deals of cooperation instead and favorable rates.¡± ¡°I take it that they did not relent in their ambitions?¡± ¡°Our story is indeed one oft repeated in these lands; someone noticed by someone more powerful. Someone who will not stop until they get what they want.¡± ¡°So they pressured you?¡± ¡°Not directly, no. Did not want to risk their patron¡¯s good name to be besmirched. But they worked through other means. Rumors, bribery, warnings, offers of better deals to adventurers who would not cooperate with me or my family. The Stoics are the most well known maker of arms and armor in Bastion, and few adventurers would want to be on their bad side. So fewer would take me along, even if it would enrich them. I could see that they were sorry about it, but sorry would not match up to the discount they would get from the Stoic family. So our coffers were gradually being drained. We had enough to afford the cores to get me to bronze in the hope that would change things, and the mundane side made enough revenue to assure we did not go hungry. But I¡­ I found myself stuck and unable to progress. And our project in providing essences for my husband ground to a halt after affording two.¡± Just talking about the deadlock made Peony want to throw something and scream at the heavens. All those polite refusals from people she thought she could depend on. Those smug smiles from Stoic Boar when he met her, asking if they had given further thoughts to their generous offer. The pained smile of her husband when he assured her that it was no rush; that things would work out in the end if they just persevered even as he had such beautiful dreams about wielding magic of his own. A small head covered in pink scales and wriggling mustaches brought her out of her spiral of frustration as the fish appeared from under the cup she clutched in a deathgrip. It gave off a happy little wiggle, floated in a circle around her before returning to Kite who fondly stroked the flowing fins. ¡°So it was a prison without bars; you lived while your potential was being shackled. Did you not consider moving to another city? I am sure that your business could thrive elsewhere.¡± he asked her, and she looked down in a mix of shame and helplessness. ¡°We did talk about it. But- but Bastion is our home. All of us have lived there for our whole lives. We have friends and extended family, contacts and a house in a premium spot. In the end, we might do it. But we are not ready yet. I am not. Not because of bullies like them.¡± Kite looked as if he sympathized with her, his gaze distant in remembrance for a moment. ¡°So that was why you decided to come out here? Bring in some revenue on your own?¡± ¡°I just wanted to feel like I was in control. Take out some iron-ranked monsters. Maybe a single bronze-ranked one if it was the right kind. Do something worthwhile with all that the family gave me.¡± ¡°Do they even know where you are?¡± The questions caused Peony to freeze and avert her eyes, the gesture apparently giving him all the answers he needed. ¡°Then I am sorry for saying this, but coming here was probably one of the most foolish moves you could make. What would dying out here bring to your family but sorrow and regret?¡± he asked. While his voice was kind, his words were sharpened by uncomfortable truth delivered without preamble. ¡°But I can also sympathize with doing something rather stupid because of frustration, especially that born of being the focus of powers greater than you which seeks to use you.¡± Peony was silent, still unable to meet his eyes as her heart clenched. It had been over a day already. Her husband¡¯s worried face appeared in front of her mind¡¯s eye, trying to keep up his cheery facade even when the smile kept slipping. And her mother who would stay up late fretting. The shame intensified, enough that Peony didn¡¯t notice that her companion had stood up and was now kneeling in front of her. ¡°So, you would like me to partner up with you and your family? To provide you with excess equipment and maybe also bring you with me on contracts? Even if this will alienate me from one of the most prominent and influential suppliers of equipment in the city?¡± he asked, tone kind but words not painting a pretty picture. Peony¡¯s heart sank, but refused to give up. She had to find some way to convince him, to appeal to him, to- ¡°Then I would expect quite the beneficial deal out of this. I do have a lot of equipment to spare after all, and having a crafter who could tailor to my needs does have a nice ring to it.¡± he said with a wink, interrupting her scrambling mind. ¡°You- you will do it? Really?¡± ¡°Yes, really. As long as you have been honest with the circumstances, I will do my best. Honestly, your abilities sound like something heaven-sent for me as well. I definitely gain more equipment than I can use, and as I lack conjured arms or armor I will be in constant search for new additions. While the attention sounds a bit troublesome, it doesn¡¯t sound like I will need much from the Stoic family and their services anyway. So, Daybreak Peony, would you deign to accompany this humble and weary adventurer to Bastion? While I have other business, I will remain for at least half a year in the city. So we best get started as soon as possible.¡± he finished, reaching out his hand for Peony to clasp. As she did, it was as if the mantle of frustration she had worn for so long became just a little bit lighter. Peony now had one thread, a golden one at that, to grasp. And by the gods, she would not let go. 65. Bastion The day had already turned to early evening when a giant carp, carried through the air on floating water, was finally closing in on the city of Bastion. Kite and Peony sat on her back, the former looking with wonder at the city that could be gleaned in the distance while the latter was still thoroughly enjoying the novel mode of transportation. Kite had thought that his serendipitous new companion would have been at least a bit hesitant to ride upon the great flying fish, but Peony had only stopped giving out small cries of joy and excitement about an hour into their traversal of the final stretch to the city. Before them, surrounded by farmlands more vast than Kite had ever seen before, stood the city of Bastion. While it was not visible from their approach, he knew that the city was situated next to the great ocean of Hua-Xi¡¯s eastern coast, which separated the mainland from the land of the colossi by a comfortably vast stretch of water. The legendary chain of islands east of the continent was known for producing various types of gigantic monsters, and it was considered the height of foolishness to venture there if you were below gold rank. While the city of Bastion was no legendary land, it was still the largest settlement Kite had seen so far in his life. Two sizeable mountains bordered the ocean, the city originally built in between them. Spanning the stretch between the westernmost parts of said mountains was a great defensive wall, the source of the city¡¯s name. In the centuries since Bastion¡¯s founding, the city had eventually spilled out over the natural borders, and both the mountains themselves and the area around the great wall was teeming with buildings. ¡°It looks amazing!¡± Kite exclaimed as Glint brought them ever closer. ¡°Is it true that the inner districts are built like steps down towards the harbor?¡± he asked Peony who sat behind him. ¡°Yes. My family has our house and business at the Second Step, where the First Step is the harbor. Prime real estate for any mercantile interests.¡± she answered with obvious pride while trying to keep her braid of magenta hair from flapping too wildly in the wind. ¡°But you should know that flying within the city is restricted to those with special permits, so Glint will need to keep a lower profile.¡± ¡°How does one get such a permit then?¡± Kite asked, eyes still fixed on the city in the distance. ¡°Become someone really important. Unless you happen to be a lost scion of a noble house which you have yet to reveal, or aspire to be a director of one of the societies, I would not count on it.¡± Kite sighed as he agreed that it did not sound very likely, but the question of his own background stirred in the back of his mind. He still felt mostly curiosity on the matter, and wondered if the heavens would see fit to reveal it in the future. They had already passed several groups of people, carriages and other adventurers on their way in, and the traffic increased the closer they got to the city. Apparently, it was not only them who were about to return to the city before nightfall. They still had quite a bit to go when Peony started directing Kite towards a particular part of the road until they eventually arrived at the end of a line which at a glance seemed to be meant for adventurers. It was a lot shorter than the rest, and its clientele was a lot more hodgepodge. Kite was not the only one who used a familiar as mount, as he could see a four-legged thunderbeast carrying a small group of adventurers in a howdah on its back. As their pace slowed to a crawl, Kite eventually had them set down and for Glint to return to her bottle in order to be less conspicuous. It had been more than once that he had been called out by those seeking to challenge him in such lines. But they were either fortunate or insignificant enough to pass without any special consideration given from the people around them, and both of their adventure society badges were enough to provide them swift access to the city. When they passed beneath the walls and through the gates, Kite felt something akin to an unseen pressure from the walls above, his skin tingling slightly, but the sensation quickly passed as they came into Bastion proper. The houses had many similarities to those of Gilded, tiled and slightly curving overhanging roofs and a lot of different colors and fabrics on display. But unlike Gilded, there was a lot more stone used in the construction, where most buildings used it for at least the lowest floor. Sculptures were very prominent, with depictions of mythical beasts, legendary warriors and magical phenomena being visible from almost everywhere as they adorned everything from street corners to balconies. Kite did feel that the relatively little foliage gave the city an entirely different feel than the one where he had spent most of his adventuring life. As Kite had been told, the city was built in seven tiers like the steps of an amphitheater down toward the harbor. And for the first time in his life, he beheld the ocean. Even though he had heard about it and its vast quantities of water, seeing it was something else entirely. The light of the early evening still left the dark depths quite visible even in the light rain which had started up a few hours ago instead of the snow he would have probably seen back in Gilded. In the harbor, a fleet of ships were moving around or remaining docked to the network of piers which stretched out into the waters below. As a whole, Bastion was rather imposing as the monument to people¡¯s persistence as they had carved this marvel out from the land in one of the earliest attempts at spreading the kingdom¡¯s borders to the north. ¡°Impressive, isn¡¯t it?¡± Peony asked, smiling proudly as she took in the slack-jawed young man beside her. Kite could only nod, and Glint seemed equally impressed where she floated about while playing in the rain. Only Sage remained inscrutable where he floated beside Kite, but its lack of projected disappointment at least gave some hints of interest. ¡°Please, benefactor, this way. I¡¯d better get home to my family as soon as possible.¡± Peony continued. ¡°Lead the way then. And please, I told you to call me Kit- aaand she¡¯s apparently not listening.¡± Kite finished, the last part with a flat tone as Peony had forged ahead, waving for him to keep up in the throngs of people. He did notice with some satisfaction that even though the crowds were a lot more dense here, he did not feel any of the overwhelming sensation from his first visit to Gilded when his aura senses had been new and rather raw. He navigated the crowd to once more join up with her, and they were passing down the main thoroughfare which led from the main gate straight down to the docks. The street was split into two different kinds of lanes. At each side, there was a grand stair for pedestrians while the middle was something else entirely. Kite had thought it was a decorative stream running down the length of the city while splitting the wide street in two, but soon found out that the water was used as a medium to carry elevating platforms which ferried wagons and those with heavier loads up and down the incline. He was also surprised to see fish living in the streams, a sleek kind of red eel dominating the rapids as it was seemingly quite adept at swimming up the streams at their leisure. Being on foot, they took their time descending the wide stairs while Peony gave short explanations of the different steps. ¡°The Seventh Step is where the adventure and magic society headquarters are situated, as well as the barracks and buildings related to the city guard. Also, a lot of warehouses and storage. The Sixth is a lot of overland trading companies and residential areas, and the fifth and fourth are also quite the mix. Those steps in the middle are the least affluent. The Third step houses a lot of the entertainment businesses, while the Second is where a lot of the more influential craftsmen and overseas trading companies reside. And the First is the harbor, along with most warehouses and other infrastructure relating to it.¡± The explanation was given while they moved, Kite trying to keep up and identify the different landmarks she pointed out. One thing that was a bit out of the ordinary to him was the placement of the more affluent and luxurious buildings. From their vantage when passing through the Fifth Step, he could see several more luxurious compounds with other signs of richer inhabitants in the houses around them. It gave the feeling of the rich creating their own small ¡®islands¡¯ in the city rather than being concentrated to one particular step. ¡°I imagine that the city lady is housed in one of the palaces on the mountains?¡± he asked, indicating the magnificent complexes built on each of the two mountains. ¡°Ah, yes. Her abode is up on the Southern Ascent, while the North Ascent houses the temple district out of respect for the gods.¡± As his hat gave him ample protection from the weather, the trip became a rather pleasant one as Peony continued dropping small facts about the city as they walked, until they finally reached the Second Step, turning from the main thoroughfare and along one of the heavily trafficked avenues which ran the half-circular length of each step. His guide and ward finally started slowing down, and he followed her gaze to a decently sized little compound of two buildings with a garden in between and surrounded by a small stone wall. Peony¡¯s shame was quite obvious as she stopped and stared at her home. ¡°Are you worried?¡± Kite asked, stopping beside her at the side of the street. ¡°Not as worried as they are, I would assume. My mother will be quite furious. My husband won¡¯t show it too much, but I know that it will have eaten away at him. I-¡± ¡°Them feeling a lot just means that they care. And in all honesty, I¡¯d say that they have earned being a little angry at you. Let them get it out, and their relief at having you back will do the rest.¡± he said, trying for an encouraging smile. Peony nodded, taking in his words before turning back to him. ¡°You¡¯re what? Twenty-something? Definitely younger than me by a few years. What did you do to start spouting such sage wisdom?¡± she asked, a bit incredulous. ¡°I had quite wise parents, and my uncle likes to style himself the paragon of that particular virtue.¡± he said with theatrical sagacity as he appreciated that he could elicit something other than polite deference. Even though such rites still had their place, Kite hoped that their cooperation would be one of less formality and more joviality as he was in a new city with few contacts. ¡°Of all the strangers that could have saved me, I did apparently stumble upon the most wise of benefactors. Truly, one in a century.¡± she jibed, before seeming to realize how she was phrasing things. ¡°But please, I do really mean-¡± ¡°I know, Peony, I know. Come on, let us go and not keep your family waiting any longer.¡±
¡°Would you like some more tea?¡± Patient Sun, Peony¡¯s husband, asked Kite where they sat together in a comfortable seating area clearly used for receiving guests. ¡°I am sure that my mother in law will soon have gotten most of it out of her system.¡± The man was human as well, with dark hair and eyes of a shade of brown so light that it bordered on gold. Like the rest of Peony¡¯s family, he wore comfortable silk robes, albeit cinched tighter around the torso and arms as opposed to the more loose sleeves favored by others. He had the slightly more magical aura of one who had absorbed at least one essence but not enough to complete the set and rank up. And he seemed to have truly mastered the art of the pleasant smile, being every inch the pleasant host as he proffered the teapot along with his question. ¡°Thank you, master Sun. Both the tea and your home are very lovely.¡± Kite said, receiving a refill as he once more looked around the home. It was the home of the moderately wealthy, clearly showing its age and how lovingly maintained it must be. Much of the decor had that slightly antique look, and Kite suspected that there were many small family heirlooms spread out among the paraphernalia. Their arrival to Peony¡¯s home had indeed gone along with her expectations. After a tight embrace from her husband, a house servant had quickly informed her parents who had arrived shortly afterwards. They had thanked Kite profusely before leaving him with Sun, going off to let Peony ¡®get cleaned up and have some words¡¯. From the agitated normal-ranked aura Kite could feel, they were indeed starting to calm down. ¡°If I may ask, adventurer Kite, what brings you to these parts? The introduction was rather abrupt. You found my wife while on the road?¡± Sun asked as he sat down himself, taking a cup of tea. ¡°I have traveled here from Gilded for work and training.¡± Kite began, summarizing the basics of his reasons for traveling as a way to make small talk, while leaving out his contract with the adventure society. ¡°From what you tell, we must truly give our thanks to Fortune and Traveler, as your meeting with Peony seems most auspicious. Truly, the heavens smiled upon us this day in a time where such grace is in short supply.¡± Sun said after finishing his story, keeping his pleasant facade throughout, although Kite couldn¡¯t help but glean some of the man¡¯s emotions throughout; his worry which had still not quite abated, his gratitude but also a fair dose of suspicion. In regards to the latter, Kite was not entirely surprised. It was as if the man was just waiting to see what this most fortunate encounter would cost them. Just as he was about to try and assure Sun, they were interrupted as Kite could sense Peony and her parents returning. Her parents entered first; a pair of middle-aged normal rankers dressed in similarly fine clothes as Sun, her mother sharing Peony¡¯s magenta hair although a bit more faded with age. Their daughter followed in their wake, looking thoroughly chastised but also quite relieved. While she wielded magical powers and had broken through human limitations, the parent-daughter relationship seemed to remain the same. And Kite supposed that it would be the same for him even should he one day pass his aunties in rank. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune.¡± Peony¡¯s mother began, bowing deep along with her husband. ¡°Our words cannot convey our gratitude for your assistance, as well as our apologies for lack of decorum upon your arrival as our worry overshadowed our sense. I am Daybreak Lily, and this is my husband, Rock giving Shade. We welcome you in our home, and would seek to repay you for the assistance you have provided our family, so as to assure that our karma be severed.¡± They both followed the more simple naming conventions of commoners, and had continued the tradition in naming their daughter. Hua-Xi¡¯s naming conventions were a complex affair, where one was free to give their child any name one wished, but that overstepping and giving too grandiose a name to one born under simple circumstance might have their surroundings believe that you lacked humility and sense. Most kept rather short names with down to earth metaphors, while the nobility and those of means often favored more spectacular or grandiose concepts. Kite fell somewhere in between, his longer full name having the more complex poetry but none of the words reaching too far above his station. And as was the norm outside the nobility, neither of the pair had changed their names after marriage. ¡°Well met, mistress and master of this house.¡± Kite said, rising to bow in turn. ¡°I assure you that your daughter has paid me back in full for what assistance I could provide. It would be my honor for you to call me Kite, and if I could infringe upon your hospitality for just a little while longer, as me and your daughter have a business arrangement we would like to propose.¡± ¡°Daughter, is this true?¡± Peony¡¯s mother asked as she turned to her daughter. ¡°Yes, mother. Me meeting my benefactor here has been auspicious in more ways than one. He might even be the means of our salvation.¡± Peony said, a bit of her excitement breaking through the chastised look from before. ¡°Then we will gladly host you, Kite. There will be plenty of food and drink, so that we may break bread and talk business. We hope that you will not mind calling us by our given names as well.¡± Daybreak Lily said with another bow, lighter this time. It did not take long for the two servants of the house to bring food from a nearby restaurant, and Kite took the opportunity to enjoy seeing the family together as the formality was gradually being eroded down as he slightly retracted his aura to allow them some more space. While he was nowhere near Serene¡¯s ability to pass almost unnoticed, he had practiced enough with her to get at least some degree of control over his perceived presence. They talked and laughed as Peony regaled them with a somewhat edited tale of her plight, downplaying the danger to her life a bit while playing up Kite¡¯s role. While he appreciated the praise, Kite also felt a bit of concern as Peony¡¯s husband seemed to become a bit more quiet and reserved when she mentioned Kite¡¯s prowess. As they all had gotten something to eat, Peony once more seemed to focus on his presence as it was time to talk business. ¡°-and as he showed me his ability, I just knew. I just knew that he had the potential to be our savior in other matters as well.¡± she finished, having told her family about Kite¡¯s own ability. ¡°Does my daughter speak true? Is this wonder possible?¡± her father asked, looking at Kite with a mix of disbelief and hope. ¡°She does indeed, although I too have to fight monsters for it to start paying dividends. Fortunately, that is ever the lot of an adventurer.¡± Kite answered. ¡°And you would agree to such a business arrangement? Why? Did she not tell you of the Stoics?¡± Peony¡¯s husband, Sun, asked. From his rather clipped tone, it was quite obvious that his suspicion had not been assuaged. ¡°Husband, you disrespect our benefactor.¡± Peony chided him. ¡°Kite has done nothing to deserve such suspicion. I told him about the Stoics and everything.¡± Inwardly, Kite winced as her coming to his defense probably did little to placate her spouse. ¡°And you seem to have put the cart before the heidel, wife. You do not know this man, yet you would tie our fates to his?¡± ¡°He saved me, Sun, even as I brought my troubles to him, and has given no indication of having any foul intent.¡± ¡°Peony, you have clearly painted him as radiant as the sun already, so I would not expect you to be able to see any such shades, blinded as you might be.¡± ¡°Husband! How-¡± Peony began, voice rising slightly, but fell silent along with the rest of the table as Kite flared his aura slightly in an attempt to break into the conversation. ¡°I do think that my presence here is causing a bit too much contention in a time where you should be allowed to celebrate Peony¡¯s return.¡± he said, rising and bowing to each of them. ¡°As it is late, I believe I must be off to seek my lodging. If you would, Peony, please convey the rest of the potential business arrangement that we discussed. But perhaps after having allowed the remnants of fretting and worry to settle. Should you wish to discuss things further, please inquire with the adventure society and I will contact you again. Masters and mistress, thank you for the meal and company.¡± Kite finished, before backing out of the room, bowing one last time towards the gathered family before exiting, nodding to a confused servant who he met at the door. Once out, he took a moment to center himself and try and rid himself of his anxiousness, as it was rather an uncomfortable experience to be the object of strife. He could still sense the auras inside, but tried not to pry further. As he walked off towards the main thoroughfare and the stairway, he did try to nurture the hope that things would work out, as he truthfully thought that this opportunity was a great one for him. Someone who would gladly use his spares as material while guiding and refining would be a godsend, especially as she would be able to provide him with a share of coins to make up for the lost revenue of selling what his ability produced. ¡°Complications? Reasons?¡± Sage had floated up next to him, apparently trying to decipher what the exchange had been about. ¡°From what I gathered, there were some complicated feelings involved here, but it would be rude to delve further. Peony¡¯s husband did seem quite opposed to the idea, but it felt like it was probably my presence he objected the most to. Maybe he was just jealous or overprotective?¡± Kite mused aloud as they walked back through the city. Bastion¡¯s streets were well lit from generously sized glow stones spaced out along the streets on small stone pedestals. Sage seemed to take in his explanations, before it gave one of its by now trademark responses. ¡°Disappointing.¡± ¡°In that, I do agree. But I have hope that things will work out soon enough.¡±
Patient Sun was sitting in the bed he shared with his wife, leaning against the wall while engrossed in one of the latest reports and orders placed with their family. One did not need an aura sense to see that he was pointedly continuing to be very focused on said report even as Peony entered dressed in a soft, silk nightgown. Deciding to not beat around the metaphorical bush, she sat down on the bedside next to him and gave her husband a long look. Sun did continue to put up a brave struggle, as he always tended to do when they had an argument. But this time, Peony did not have the patience for a drawn out conflict. Instead she reached out, cheating a bit with her bronze rank strength and speed to swiftly and efficiently yank the scroll out of his hand. Before he could protest further, she climbed up onto the bed and straddled him, looking him straight in the eyes while keeping her aura under control so as to not employ too much cheating. ¡°Husband, what is really the matter here?¡± she asked him, her tone having lost its edge from the more proper quarrel after Kite had taken his leave. He was about to give a curt response when she forestalled him. ¡°Love, I have never known you to be an unreasonable man. Sometimes stubborn and often a bit theatrical, but never to this extent.¡± ¡°Maybe I am the only one here actually concerned about your safety?¡± ¡°Sun, you were impolite. To a stranger who, while I haven¡¯t known him for more than a few hours, at least has done nothing wrong to me or us. You have never been impolite even once when one of the Stoics have come inquiring about their so-called offer, and they are the actual source of our troubles.¡± Peony pointed out, not letting him divert the conversation again. ¡°Please love, for the decade we have had together, please tell me what is really wrong here.¡± He looked at her for a long time, and close to about a full minute passed in silence as they just stared at one another. ¡°This¡­ does remind me of the time a decade ago, when we got together. You did this that time as well.¡± he finally said as he broke the silence, his tone a bit softer and quite wistful. ¡°One thing still remains the same with you, Patient Sun; if I want to know your true feelings, it does seem like physically pinning you down is my only recourse.¡± she said, unable to keep from smiling slightly as well. And as she spoke, something clicked in her mind. ¡°Sun, is that what it is about? About us? Are you¡­ are you jealous?¡± From the way he swallowed hard and suddenly had trouble meeting her eyes, Peony knew that she had caught at least part of the matter. ¡°But love, why? Have I ever given you reason to doubt my love for you?¡± Sun took some time to answer here as well, but Peony could see that he was being worn down as his own, mostly reasonable mind, continued the work even when she had fallen silent. ¡°It¡¯s- it¡¯s silly to say out loud.¡± ¡°Trust me love, at this rate it¡¯s even more silly not to.¡± Sun took a deep breath. ¡°The way you looked when you returned, love. You were so happy, so full of life and excitement. In a way you have not been for a long time now, not since these troubles started. In a way I remember from all of our times together, from when we began courting. From when we got married. It¡¯s¡­ I used to be the one who made you look like that. To act like that. ¡°Sun, I-¡± ¡°Please, love, let me finish. You know that I have tried to be there for you throughout this ordeal, to cheer you up, to help you. To make that vibrance return to you. Instead, you disappear for almost two days and come home with some young, handsome adventurer who is suddenly your hero as he saved your life and, heavens behold, he is even the salvation to our family¡¯s problems. Suddenly, he made you look like that. I could not do it anymore, and suddenly someone else could. And that made me feel so useless. I am too weak to help in the way of powers, and-¡± he sighed, ¡°-maybe too weak to support you at all.¡± Peony looked at her husband after he fell silent, still too ashamed to meet her gaze. She leaned in and rested her forehead against his. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, love. For leaving like that and making you worry. And for leaving you to try and smile for the both of us. These times have been hard on all of us, not just me. Although I might be a bit swept up in it at times and forget. Will you please forgive your lowly wife for her vacuous mind?¡± she said, the last sentence delivered with a certain theatrical formality. ¡°Only if you forgive your bumbling husband, as he often tends to lose his way with words.¡± he answered, completing their own little inside joke which they had kept going for the eight years since they had been married. ¡°And I do stand by my statement that my husband is most theatrical at times. But I suppose that his cute behind can forgive even such shortcomings.¡± she said, kissing him gently. ¡°I do not want to make you uncomfortable, love, but I would still ask you to at least think about the business proposal.¡± ¡°I know¡­¡± he sighed as she leaned against his chest and he gently stroked her hair. ¡°And you are right, love.¡± ¡°As always.¡± she muttered against him. ¡°Oh I would not go that far, unless you have suddenly shed the core usage and become a full time fighter.¡± he said, laughing as Peony looked up at him, sticking out her tongue. ¡°But yes, we should invite him over again and have me apologize and discuss things properly.¡± ¡°Thank you, husband. For being you.¡± ¡°Even if I¡¯m theatrical and stubborn at times?¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡±
¡°Nona, we better head back toward the city soon. Wasn¡¯t your student-to-be supposed to arrive any day now?¡± Rachel asked her cousin, springing the question upon her even as the bludgeoned monster carcasses were still laying dissolving in pools of acid. She knew it had to be sudden, lest her surly cousin would just continue procrastinating. ¡°Ugh, I wish I hadn¡¯t taken that contract.¡± Phiona Geller complained even as she let her conjured staff disappear. ¡°It''s probably just another of their young masters whom we¡¯ll have to put up with.¡± ¡°Second thoughts are kind of pointless now, Nona. The money sure won¡¯t hurt. But if you¡¯d rather reach out to the family-¡± ¡°No.¡± Phiona snapped, before letting her voice soften slightly. ¡°No, Rachel. You are right. We¡¯re gonna need the money if we are to have some silver-ranked gear that won¡¯t make us die of shame in the parts of the world which actually matters.¡± ¡°We could still contact the family again. I¡¯m sure that your mother will-¡± ¡°Rachel, I said no. Like all the other times you¡¯ve asked me. But it¡¯s not like I¡¯m forcing you to be here, so feel free to leave.¡± Rachel did not take the rebuke to heart, instead walking up to her cousin and giving her a hug. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I know you had a reason for leaving, and I¡¯ll stick by you. Best cousin in the world, remember.¡± she said with a wink while pointing to herself. Rachel counted it as a small victory when her surly cousin did smile a little. ¡°Thank you, cousin. You are indeed the best. And you are right, we better get back. But if that so-called student thinks that he can slack off or that he will be able to give me pointers, he will get to see just how well we Gellers are trained. And how far I can shove a staff up his-¡±
While the lodgings for adventurers up at the society campus were nothing fancy, Kite still got a decently good night of sleep in the common dormitory. In the morning, he walked around the complex to get a feel for it, and recognized most of the different kinds of buildings even though the layout was a bit different and it was slightly bigger than the one in Gilded. Deciding it was time, he found one of the desks in the jobs hall and turned in the paperwork which Jarvan had sent him as part of him joining the investigation here in the city. ¡°Ah, I see.¡± the functionary stated, giving Kite a once over. ¡°From what I read here, we will have to reach out to others deployed in the city. Due to the level of secrecy stipulated here, I will have to ask you to return this evening, where a contact will be waiting to get you up to speed.¡± The woman seemed to know few details, and Kite was content with getting some time to explore the city as well as try to locate his teacher to be. The morning was bright but overcast, and the chill in the air didn¡¯t quite reach freezing. Bastion¡¯s streets were already crowded, with a myriad of people going about their different errands. He didn¡¯t need to go far before he saw a restaurant serving steamed buns of all kinds which was already open. It called to him, or more likely his stomach, and Kite decided that it was high time for breakfast. ¡°Would you like one too?¡± he asked Glint as he passed through the doors into the eatery, the place quite bustling even at the early hour. The little carp sent him clear feelings of excitement in return, taking her time to choose from the many different kinds available. Just before he turned around, a basket of steaming buns under one arm, Kite froze as his expanded vision revealed that one of the patrons had looked up at him, fixing his gaze on Kite in wide-eyed disbelief. The young man had a decently strong iron-ranked aura, and black hair with some red streaks mixed in. And it was a man Kite recognized. ¡°It¡¯s you!¡± two voices called in unison. 66. Serendipitous meetings ¡°It¡¯s you!¡± two voices called in unison, Kite speaking before even turning around. Young master Providence, or rather just Brilliant Bloom these days, looked abashed as the gazes of other patrons were leveled at them after their outburst, and didn¡¯t seem to know what to do with himself and the sudden attention. It had been a long time since Kite had seen the young man, let alone talked with him. Their last communication had been the letter he had received as the former initiate had left Gilded. Making a snap decision, Kite strode over and sat down in the chair opposite the young man, who sat alone at a small table, while the other patrons quickly lost interest. Awkward silence reigned between them in the moment after Kite had sat down, and he decided to keep the momentum going. ¡°I do believe that fate had connected us more thoroughly than anyone might have known that day beneath the waterfall.¡± Kite said, smiling in an attempt to break the tension. ¡°This is quite the coincidence. How have you been?¡± He had known that the young man had traveled to Bastion, but had not really thought more of it as it was a big city and Kite did not expect to actually run into the former young master. ¡°I-¡± his companion began, but paused to straighten slightly in order to regain a bit of dignity. ¡°I¡¯ll have you know that I have been well. Surprisingly so. The life of an outcast is not as¡­ terrible¡­ as I would have thought it to be.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear it, young ma-¡± Kite began, before stopping himself. ¡°You¡¯ll have to excuse me, but¡­ what do you wish for me to call you now?¡± ¡°Brilliant Bloom is quite fine, although I would not mind just Bloom either. It would not do well for our karmic bond to demand formality from you.¡± the young man said, seemingly finding it a bit hard to find the right balance of formality between them. ¡°Then please, call me Kite. After all, these days we are merely fellow adventurers.¡± Kite responded in an attempt to give the former young scion some assistance in the unknown social landscape. ¡°Well then¡­ Kite¡­¡± Bloom said, as if tasting the name. ¡°As I said, I have been quite well. This whole life has been liberating and the¡­ gift¡­ you sent me¡­ It did change quite a lot.¡± ¡°Oh? May I ask what you awakened with it?¡± Kite said, leaning forward with interest. Bloom seemed a bit taken aback at first, as it had apparently not been the question he had expected. Still, he collected himself and held out his hand, where small motes of shimmering light, almost like dust caught in the sunlight started to emerge, eventually forming the vague shape of a butterfly made from the glittering particles. ¡°This is Glitz.¡± Bloom said as the familiar flapped its rather insubstantial wings, before flying up to rest in his hair almost like a ribbon of shining particles. ¡°While she looks small, I assure you that the growth aspect is there.¡± ¡°She¡¯s beautiful.¡± Kite said, admiring the creature. ¡°Which essence?¡± ¡°Dust, but I¡¯d like to think that she took some aspects from light as well.¡± ¡°I believe you are right.¡± Kite agreed. ¡°And the name fits perfectly.¡± ¡°Well, Felicity chided me for not naming her at once. Fortunately, she approved of the choice as well.¡± Bloom said with a distracted look he seemed to remember something, only to quickly stiffen upon Kite¡¯s next question. ¡°Oh? And who¡¯s Felicity?¡± Over the next hour, Kite managed to tease and prod the young man¡¯s story out of him, Bloom''s words coming in a steadily increasing stream after his initial floundering on how to treat Kite. He told him of his first few contracts as he had kept his head down and engaged in simple monster hunts while ignoring the jibes of other young members of the local sects. Apparently, it had gone rather well as he had worked hard to afford his final few awakening stones, where the stone Kite sent him had become the final one needed to complete his power set. During this time, he had found himself talking more and more with one of the functionaries often manning the counters at the jobs hall, a young local woman named Night Sky Felicity, and she had both been the one to convince him to name his familiar and also the one to first ask him out. ¡°-so at first I didn¡¯t know if she¡¯d like the poem as she was all silent, but then¡­¡± Bloom trailed off, idly touching his lips. ¡°Let us just say that she was clear in her approval.¡± ¡°It does sound like life here has treated you rather well indeed.¡± Kite said, giving the young man an encouraging smile. ¡°I will remain an honorable gentleman and not pry further, but from what you told me of her, it sounds like you will make many rivals cough blood in envy.¡± ¡°As they should.¡± Bloom agreed knowingly, having begun to make some of Kite¡¯s joking formality his own. Kite was struck with the difference between this meeting and their first, his mind¡¯s eye overlaying the overly prideful young master beneath the waterfall over the much more relaxed young man of the present. Circumstance and experience were indeed great harbingers of change. Feeling that the conversation had settled on a comfortable spot, Kite fed the last steamed bun to Glint before rising. ¡°I thank you for the pleasant conversation, but I have to be off. There are some errands I would like to do before I see if I can find my teacher at the inn where I was informed she would be staying.¡± ¡°Ah, yes, the teacher you spoke off. You are fortunate indeed to find mentors even as an outcast. I will have to strive and emulate you in that regard as well.¡± Bloom said, rising as well and giving a small bow. ¡°And do not think that I have forgotten the debt still unsettled between us. Brilliant Bloom may no longer be of the sects of the families, but he will still make sure that our karma is in balance in the end. But I do hope that you would still consider trading pointers with me in the future.¡± ¡°That would be nice. You said you thought that you would be out on a contract for a week? How about the upcoming sixthday then?¡± ¡°A most excellent suggestion.¡± Bloom said, and they discussed some more details before going their separate ways, the little butterfly still perched in her summoner¡¯s hair.
Kite spent the rest of the morning exploring the city as he walked its curving avenues and took in the sights. He spent more than an hour down at the harbor, taking in the vast quantities of water and the great ships that were being loaded or unloaded along the piers while Glint played in the bay, and eventually found his way to the Stormbringer¡¯s Perch, the inn at the First Step in which he was informed that Phiona Geller was staying. It was a tall building constructed in a more foreign style with beams of wood crisscrossing the painted stone facade and the roof having more straight angles rather than the curvature typical of the local architecture. From the look of the clean and well kept building, it was probably on the pricier end of things, but as his mentor-to-be came from a quite famous family, Kite guessed that such expenses meant little to her. However, he had to leave with unfinished business. The owner had been a bit suspicious at first when he came asking after young mistress Geller, but the documentation and contract Kite could show at least got him the answer that she was to return late this evening and that he should try again tomorrow. Kite left after leaving a message to be given to her upon return, informing that he would be back in the morning of the following day. ¡°I guess that this leaves me more time than expected.¡± he mused to himself as he was once more walking up the stairs to the main thoroughfare. With his appointment in the evening he did not have the time to pick up any contracts outside of the city, and while some leisure would never hurt, his mind still itched for something more directed to spend his time on at the moment. Casting an idle glance at where Glint floated happily beside him, he realized that he indeed had something he could do, and Kite started to climb the stairs with renewed purpose. After all, Bastion¡¯s branch of the magic society was bigger than the one back in Gilded. And so were its archives.
¡°Are you sure?¡± Braid asked his companion as Wander plopped down on her bed, sighing contentedly as she was chomping down on a piece of bread. ¡°Braid, I have investigated it from all angles I could. Simultaneously. From the smell, there is definitely blood cult activity here. You will probably want to take a look at the defensive array too~.¡± The masked man seemed to think for a while before nodding. ¡°We¡¯d better report it in and see if we can get dispensation to investigate further. Branch director Dobrazza should be amenable.¡± ¡°Yes, I can see why Jarvan likes her. She¡¯s at least not averse to some action~.¡± ¡°Bastion is still considered quite rural by the heartlands, so the adventure society hasn''t got as many toes to trample here, at least not toes who matter.¡± Braid said. ¡°And on another note, I think that your commission is almost finished.¡± ¡°It is~?¡± Wander said, sitting bolt upright. ¡°Can I see? Can I try it on?¡± ¡°Quite soon. I just have the final touch which I need to procure from the trade pavilion. We might as well go up to the society campus now to accomplish both of our errands.¡± His words had barely left his mouth before Wander was halfway out the door. Smiling beneath his mask at her eagerness, Braid followed.
¡°-and should you need any help, our junior archivists are at your disposal. You should be able to find them among the stacks.¡± a magic society librarian explained to Kite as he was led into the huge library. Rows upon rows of shelves containing books, scrolls and even some etched plates of metal or stone filled the large chamber, and from what Kite had gathered there were several floors beneath which had been dug down into the stone beneath the city. The whole place had the usual dry smell of dust and paper which Kite had previously associated with auntie Crow¡¯s small study next to her workshop, at least before visiting the two magic society branches. Bastion¡¯s magic society had a bigger campus than the one Kite had seen before, where the complex sprawled along the northern parts of the Seventh Step. Fortunately, gaining admission to the library had only incurred a small fee due to his adventure society membership, and the functionaries he had met so far had been polite and helpful. ¡°Is there anywhere I should begin if I want to find information about magical creatures?¡± Kite asked the man before he took his leave. ¡°Ah, yes. There is an extensive section two floors below. As I said, should you wish for assistance, please don¡¯t hesitate to call upon the junior staff.¡± ¡°Thanks again for your assistance.¡± Kite said with a polite bow, the man leaving him to his search. It was a calm and serene space, the visitors keeping quiet and to their own tasks. Kite navigated the corridors formed by the shelves, eventually finding a spiral staircase which took him two floors down, each floor being an equally large space, albeit without windows once he went below ground. There he quickly found the section aptly labeled ¡®Bestiary and monster studies¡¯. But the reason that it was easy to find was that it was quite extensive, encompassing almost half the floor. ¡°Well, it seems like we have our work cut out for us.¡± he said, glancing at his two familiars which both hovered next to him. Glint looked enthusiastic, giving him an encouraging wiggle while Sage just seemed to gaze at its summoner for a little while before floating off. ¡°Well, at least there isn¡¯t much trouble it can cause here. Probably an interesting place for it, too.¡± Kite mused while shaking his head. He began to try and map out the different sections and at least find the categories pertinent to his search. Even that task proved time consuming, but he did make some headway. ¡°Magical beasts; fauna and legend. This should be a place to start. Let us see if we can¡¯t find something about you here, Glint.¡± The little carp had already floated away between two shelves, looking at the backs of books and the stashed scrolls in fascination. As Kite, after searching through an index, began to retrieve some volumes and started his perusal, she eventually lost interest and returned to her bottle for a nap. It was easy to lose himself in the words, often accompanied by beautiful illustrations, and Kite was fascinated by the many kinds of magical beasts which made the world their home. Most lived in far off places, such as the gargantuan Mesa Tortoise whose shell was depicted as a small mountain of rust red stone with a flat top or the diminutive solar hummingbird barely the size of his thumb but apparently able to emit such a fierce heat that older specimens could bore through metal walls. What did make him stop and make a double take was when he saw a familiar beast illustrated on a scroll. It was not a glittering pink carp, but something else he had seen with his own two eyes. It was a small feline creature, but instead of paws it had human hands and its tail was long and winding, covered in fur with a distinct golden luster that seemed to glimmer on the page. ¡°Gilded cat.¡± Kite read aloud, recognizing the creature that he had met as a child on an excursion along with auntie Dove. He had given it a berry and it had shown him a great place to play. ¡°And maybe also a treasure of another kind.¡± he murmured, reaching inward with his mind to feel his looting power; the power which had been awakened from the very stone he had found that day. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°Mystical and reclusive beast of Hua-Xi-¡± he read, ¡°-the Gilded cat is known for its beautiful fur. No direct study of the beast has yet been performed in the kingdom as all scientific expeditions to reported sightings have yielded no result. All reports so far are from incidental encounters believed to be on the creature¡¯s term. While this might discredit the existence of the species, the reports have been very similar even when the witnesses in question could have no discernible way of communicating said description to one another across time and space. As such, the beast¡¯s abilities and properties remain unknown. Many view them as a good omen and portent of greatness, but such claims have no way to be verified and are therefore likely to hail from the superstitions of the common people.¡± he finished, nothing else written in the entry. ¡°Do you see this, Glint?¡± he asked, holding up the scroll for her to peek out from her bottle. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to tell auntie-¡± ¡°Eeeeeeek!¡± His demonstration was interrupted by the shriek of a person quickly followed by the sound of multiple books tumbling to the ground. Kite quickly rose to his feet, hurrying along the stacks to where he thought the commotion had come from. And since hitting bronze rank, his hearing was quite sharp. ¡°Maybe it was a bad idea to leave Sage to its own devices after all.¡± he groaned, rounding a corner to find that his familiar was indeed floating in that particular corridor, while a pair of arms were flailing from beneath a small pile of books as the person did their best to extricate themselves. From the sleeves of dark blue robes, it was probably one of the archivists, and Kite could sense that the person was of normal rank with a single essence absorbed as he quickly made his way toward the mess. ¡°I am so sorry.¡± he began as he reached down to grab the hands and assist the struggling archivist. ¡°I should really have kept my familiar with me. It just like exploring, and I-¡± he continued, but faltered as he realized that he recognized the person who he had just helped to their feet. Even as she was blinking away dust and moving locks of auburn hair away from her freckled face, memories from almost half a decade ago came crashing back. She was older now, having taken the step from teenager to young woman, but there was no denying that this was indeed her. ¡°B- Brook?¡± Kite stammered, dumbfounded. One part of his mind was left reeling while another couldn¡¯t help but ask the heavens if this was indeed the day of sudden and unexpected reunions with people he honestly had not expected to see again. ¡°Excuse me, benefactor, do I know youuuu¡­¡± she began, the last word fading down into a soft whistling as she blinked away the last of the dust and looked at him clearly for the first time. The silence stretched out between them, Kite getting a hint of the stark confusion of his childhood friend and first love before quickly retracting his aura. It did not feel right to force her emotions on display. And nonetheless, he could read plenty from her face as the stark, dumbfounded incomprehension transitioned into her giving him a proper scan to her realizing that she was staring and ending up with a slow but distinct blush creeping up over her face. ¡°K-Kite?¡± she eventually managed to squeak. ¡°Is- it''s¡­ It''s really you.¡± The last part was a statement, not a question. ¡°But¡­ how? Here? Why?¡± she floundered. ¡°I should ask you the same thing. You work for the magic society? That¡¯s amazing! Your family must be so proud.¡± he said, feeling genuine pride and happiness for her while trying to shove down the rather pressing awkwardness as part of him truly did not know how to act. One part wanted to hug her, egged on by the emotionally wounded teenager in him which he thought was properly laid to rest. The more reasonable part instead counseled caution and some neutrality, as many years had passed and reminded him that he knew nothing about her life nowadays. In the end, it became a kind of half-measure where he put a slightly awkward hand on her shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s really good to see you again, Brook.¡± he finally managed. True to her shy self, Brook blushed and looked down. ¡°Likewise, Kite.¡± Silence once more reigned, and Kite felt himself grasping for a thread to push through these unknown waters he had been plunged into, in the hopes of finding a familiar shore. A lifeline appeared when he finally took in the pile of books on the floor. ¡°Heavens, look at the mess we created.¡± he said, bending down and started to pick up the scrolls and tomes as he continued. ¡°I am truly sorry if Sage scared you. I shouldn¡¯t have let it wander where I could not see it. Or maybe wander is the wrong word. It mostly floats. As it has no legs.¡± During his stressed rambling, he quickly leveraged his bronze rank speed to create stacks of books where it had once been just a messy pile before realizing that he had no clue whatsoever where the books would go. All the while, Brook was staring at him, eyes slightly wide and seeming to remember to blink only once he looked up at her from where he knelt. ¡°I-¡± he began, when his mind found another familiar straw to grasp. Kite blinked, paused then began anew. ¡°Would it be too uncouth of me to ask for guidance from this fair and wise maiden, as I know not where these great tomes of knowledge are meant to find their rest?¡± It was a familiar kind of phrasing which they had used many times, Kite assuming the theatrical persona of the noble warrior-sage while styling her as the fair and wise maiden. Having been borne from their make-believe play during childhood, it had been a staple during their friendship and subsequent relationship. And Fortune seemed to smile upon him, as the familiar phrasing worked. Brook¡¯s wide eyes softened as she smiled. ¡°Indeed, noble sage. It would be my pleasure.¡±
¡°Yes, we will make sure that he gets the message the next time he visits here.¡± the functionary of the adventure society confirmed. ¡°Thank you kindly.¡± Peony replied, bowing politely to the woman before leaving the counter, allowing the line behind her to move forward. She left the building, a bit disappointed to not have found Kite but also not surprised. The adventurer probably had all kinds of errands and tasks to be about, and wouldn''t just wait around the society campus all day. Still, Peony had a bit of a spring in her step as she started making her way back home. After her talk with Sun the other night, the family had sat down in earnest to let her explain her idea, this time without her husband being obstructionate. He did still ask the questions he deemed pertinent, but they were all reasonable. In the end, they had all been in agreement, and Peony had dropped off a message with the society to relay to Kite, inviting him to another dinner two days from now to further discuss business arrangements. Her cheerful mood lasted all the way to the second step, but it quickly soured when she heard a familiar voice call out to her. ¡°Ah, if it isn¡¯t young mistress Peony. How nice to see you on this fine day!¡± The caller was a man around Peony¡¯s age, clad in stylish robes and with his brown hair combed back and kept in a neat bun. And he had apparently continued to nurse his growing goatee of a beard since Peony saw him last, and she begrudgingly had to admit that it suited him. ¡°Young master Stoic.¡± she said, stiffening slightly yet gave him the shallow bow propriety demanded. Stoic Boar, oldest son of the main line of the crafter family, seemed to be in a cheerful mood even if the weather was rather drab. He was accompanied by one of their family guards, a bronze-ranker Peony recognized from earlier run-ins with the man. The woman still seemed to be good at pretending not to notice the conversation of her charge while still keeping a vigilant eye over their surroundings. While the Stoics were not one of the great families, they were still influential enough and under the banner of a family which stood near the peak of the city, meaning that they were even able to keep three bronze-ranked guards on retainer. ¡°I do hope I am not interrupting? As I saw you alone, and were heading this very way myself, I thought that I might as well keep you company on the way. Maybe we might even discuss the offer that still remains pending between our families?¡± he asked, all smiles as he fell into stride beside her. ¡°You mean the offer that you still mean to force upon us?¡± Peony replied, having little patience for the charade. ¡°Please, mistress Peony, I still claim that you have misunderstood the situation. It is only the natural way of things that people go for the best offers, be it in quality or prices. And you could be part of that, as you do know that my family sees great potential in your work.¡± Part of Peony wanted to rip the young man¡¯s lips from his face just to erase that knowing, smug smile. And while that more physical course of action was inadvisable, she couldn¡¯t keep herself from using the verbal one. ¡°I regret to inform you that the answer remains no, young master Stoic, and that my family is currently in serious talks with another party who will be able to provide a most beneficial deal. But do not worry, there is of course nothing we could ever do to rival the influence of the Stoics.¡± she finished, giving him an obviously fake humble smile. Peony¡¯s day just got a little bit brighter as Stoic Boar¡¯s smile got a little more strained. ¡°Oh, how fortunate? And what might this opportunity be?¡± ¡°Unfortunately, this still remains business between my family and the party in question. While I ever enjoy our chats, I cannot divulge family trade secrets.¡± Peony said, not showing even a sliver of regret. ¡°And I do believe that this is when we part ways, as I am almost home. Thank you, young master, for accompanying me.¡± she finished, bowing again before striding off towards her family¡¯s small compound with the spring in her step having returned in full. Stoic Boar looked after the woman, his smile slipping slightly before turning into a thoughtful expression. ¡°It sounds like the waters are stirring around our little catch. This will have to be brought before the family. Is one of the other greater families making a move on our acquisition? If that is the case, we will need to know all that we can gather.¡± he mused, before continuing along the street. Peony and her family business was as good as in the fold already, but apparently it looked like they still needed some time to be convinced. And that there might be some competition to dissuade.
¡°I¡­ I think I found it!¡± Brook exclaimed as she held up an old scroll. Kite looked up from the bookshelf he had been perusing, and quickly joined her to see what she had found, Glint already doing excited circles around Brook. Sage had quickly tired of their search and once more floated off, Kite letting it do so since Brook had assured him that she would be the only one manning this section in the upcoming hours. After pushing through the initial awkwardness, his childhood friend and former lover had gradually started to shed the most immediate shyness, and had even taken charge over the search once she had gotten to know Kite¡¯s reason for being there. It had been a level of initiative and passion Kite did not recognize from her during her youth, and he was happy to see that the books and all the knowledge within had helped her cultivate such a spark. And it had definitely helped that she had been positively enchanted by Glint, taking every opportunity to praise and pet the preening carp. And apparently, Brook had now also found something which might indicate Glint¡¯s origin. When he arrived at her side, Kite saw that she had carefully rolled out a very old scroll. At the very top was an illustration in an antiquated style that definitely depicted a fish akin to Glint. ¡°Celestial carp.¡± he read aloud as he saw the header, looking at Glint who had floated closer to her own likeness. ¡°Well, the resemblance is uncanny.¡± ¡°The celestial carp are rare creatures of this continent, all said to hail from the offspring of the legendary river dragon emperor.¡± Brook began reading. ¡°While they begin their lives as diminutive carp, they scour the waters of the streams and rivers for the scales of their ancestor, which is said to be resting in the source of all the rivers of the continent. By devouring the scales and absorbing the magic within, they are able to grow and even ascend through the ranks to eventually become mighty dragons of their own. As the creatures are very rare, few have been properly cataloged, but they are said to possess the ability to create and manipulate bodies of water and their scales are renowned for their great luster and beauty. This has caused the celestial carp to sometimes be hunted by the vain or greedy.¡± ¡°Wait, did you say ¡®dragon¡¯? Glint, are you going to turn into a dragon?¡± Kite asked, looking at the hovering fish who regarded him as if it was the most obvious conclusion in the world. ¡°The rest is mostly some more pictures¡­ And some poems.¡± Brook said, skimming the rest of the scroll¡¯s contents. ¡°So it does not look like much more concrete facts, but it is to be expected from scrolls as old as this one. The scholarly method has advanced a lot in but the last decades, and this should be at least two centuries old from what I can tell from the style. I¡¯m sorry that it wasn¡¯t of any more help¡± she finished, lowering her eyes while idly using her magic to smoothen out a minuscule tear in the paper of the scroll and sealing it to pristine condition. Kite had been quite surprised when he had taken a proper look at Brook¡¯s aura only to realize that she had bonded to a single essence. Apparently, her induction as a junior archivist had given her the benefit of being given a paper essence upon signing on for a five year contract of service, and her lone ability was quite fitting for her role as it allowed her to manipulate, mend and restore paper to a great degree. She did not have an aura sense or much control over it, however, and Kite had noticed that she seemed to know that the changes to him was more than just him maturing and growing up. ¡°No, Brook, this is great. Now we know what species Glint is. This is way more than I expected actually, and without your help I would still be looking way over there.¡± he said, gesturing off to where he had begun his search. ¡°Truly, thank you.¡± he finished, putting a hand on her shoulder and squeezing gently. Only when he saw her blush did he realize that spending so much time around Dragonfly this last year had probably made him a little more casual with touch than he had been aware of. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry.¡± he said, snatching his hand back. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean-¡± ¡°No.¡± she interrupted him, shaking her head while still looking down. ¡°It''s alright. It¡¯s just- you, appearing here. And you are an adventurer now, like you wanted to be when we were children. Don¡¯t you remember? All those times we played, you showing off something that uncle Walker had taught you and Leaf would try to imitate you and inevitably end up crying from a bruised knee? And now, you have it; that life. And familiars. And you show up here.¡± she said, shaking her head in disbelief. ¡°It¡¯s- it¡¯s just a little overwhelming.¡± As she said it, Kite could understand a bit of her perspective. Her life had probably been quite calm and orderly, while his had been the opposite. The training and the monsters. His companions. The jade-sky gate and the war. It was the mix of exciting and terrifying that he had somehow gotten more used to. ¡°Well, I can see that. Suddenly having a mystical being of symbols and snark floating behind you might not have been how you expected your day to go.¡± he said a bit abashedly. ¡°And speaking of said symbol, I will have to see what I can find about Sage too. But another day. It might be best for you to get to process this all a bit.¡± While she looked a bit relieved, he also glimpsed a troubled expression as well. ¡°But¡­ You will come back?¡± ¡°If you want me to, I¡¯d like to, yes. Or if you want to meet up somewhere else. I¡¯m sure that Glint won¡¯t mind giving you a ride.¡± ¡°I¡­ I¡¯d like that as well. Are you free sometime this seventhday? I have a day off so¡­¡± ¡°It would be the pleasure, nay, the honor of this warrior to meet the maiden most fair and wise in three days, so that you may lend me your counsel and I might in turn regale you with stories.¡± he said, falling back into their little inside joke. ¡°And besides, from the paths we have chosen so far, I do believe that it is you who deserve to be called the sage.¡± he finished. She blushed a bit further at that, but seemed happy as she showed him out while they finalized some plans to meet up at the end of the week. As Kite left, walking along the grounds of the magic society campus, he was once more struck with the oddity of fate and the paths of people intersecting. When he arrived in Bastion, he had thought that it might be a rather simple stay of training and contracts while he widened his horizons. But barely a day into his stay, while he had yet to meet his trainer he had gotten involved in what would hopefully lead to a beneficial business arrangement and happened upon not one but two people from his past, reforging or redefining connections that he had thought lost. ¡°It might be time to find my way to Fortune¡¯s temple again.¡± he mused. ¡°It seems like some more proper appreciation is in order.¡±
After purchasing dinner from a street vendor, Kite had taken some time to wander the steadily more busy evening streets of Bastion, eventually making his way back to the adventure society campus. He took to waiting in the lobby for his assigned contact to come pick him up, meanwhile reading yet another pleasant surprise, as Peony had left a message for him explaining that the situation had been resolved and that he would be welcome to their house once more for another dinner and more proper talk of business. Unless he sent word otherwise, they would expect him the day after tomorrow. ¡°My schedule is turning out to be surprisingly full.¡± he thought, but not getting further on his musings as he suddenly recognized a nearby aura which had made itself known. Looking down, Kite saw a brown rat which sat on its hind legs and looked up at him. And this time, it was wearing clothes. Something akin to combat leathers accentuated by a small cape now adorned the little animal, and when he looked around Kite could see a few others of the small critters, all identically dressed. ¡°Hi Kite~!¡± Wander squeaked at him in her familiar singsong voice. ¡°I¡¯m glad that you are here to join us! How would you feel about storming a cellar of potential blood cultists~? Like, right now~?¡± 67. Patience and Persistence ¡°Through those bushes. And to the right. See the grate down there? When I give the signal, go over, lift it up and climb down. Wait for it¡­ Wait for it¡­ You can go now~!¡± The whispered instructions came from the tiny rat perched on Kite¡¯s shoulder where he crept through the nicely kept gardens of a small estate on the Fourth Step. Having anything remotely called a garden in Bastion¡¯s rather urbanized and tightly packed cityscape meant that the owners were on the more affluent side of the social spectrum, and Kite was currently breaking into said estate under Wander¡¯s guidance. On her command, he swiftly crossed the final stretch of ground under the cover of darkness to get close to the wall of one of the buildings and open the already prepared grating. His aura was retracted, which meant that his senses were dulled in that regard, but Wander¡¯s many small bodies being spread out over the garden meant that she could easily help him evade notice from the few household guards. While Kite was not overly worried over the few iron rankers and half-step essence users, it was more a question of keeping the element of surprise as a more conventional strike team of adventurers were already surrounding the compound in order to lock it down. As he slid down through the opening and down through the open cellar window which the grate had been protecting, Kite realized that just over half a year ago, he had been the one to surround the area in support of the actual strike. He entered a proper wine cellar, with barrels and urns of different beverages stored all around the room where magical formations assured proper temperature inside each container. The room was well kept, and surprisingly free of dust. ¡°Affluent indeed.¡± Kite thought to himself as he rounded a stack of huge barrels to find Braid waiting for him along with several more of Wander¡¯s bodies. More were streaming into the cellar in Kite¡¯s wake, leaving only a scant few behind and with the commanding adventurers of the strike team outside. Braid didn¡¯t even look in his direction from where he stood next to a pair of wooden double doors, a rich red carpet leading up to them. Several glowing threads had surrounded the door, their glow revealing the defensive formations upon it; a magical diagram of several interlocking runes and symbols which spread out across the door. They glowed faintly blue under the light of Braid¡¯s threads, and Kite assumed that his companion had used some kind of revelation ritual to study the workings. ¡°Greetings, Braid. I assume that this is not merely another formation for keeping the wine cool?¡± Kite asked, voice kept low as he joined the other man in front of the door. ¡°Indeed it is not.¡± Braid said a bit forlornly as he was apparently pondering the magical symbols in front of him. ¡°Both an alarm and a rather inconvenient trap.¡± ¡°Will you have trouble with it?¡± Kite asked due to the concerned tone of his companion. ¡°What? Oh heavens, no.¡± Braid replied, almost laughing. ¡°I am more concerned with how someone would have paid for something like this. It is almost like half the materials went into making it look as imposing as possible. You should have seen it when we came in. It even glowed red. Red!¡± he said, sounding baffled. ¡°I only went through the trouble of a revelation ritual since I assumed that no one should be this stupid about it and assumed that there was more hidden here. But alas, no.¡± Kite chuckled at his explanation, shaking his head. ¡°Well, that is a relief. So, what is the plan? Wander only filled me in what little she could on the way here. Blood cult activity?¡± ¡°Yes~,¡± Wander confirmed from his shoulder. ¡°We have been assisting the local branch in looking for signs of covert activities from the forces behind the fallen sect. And mostly, it has been booooring.~¡± she complained with her squeaking voice. ¡°But we do have some leads, if vague ones. And this is one of them. I found that the family which owns this complex had some weird sources of revenue which coincided with certain regular gatherings. Wander has been observing this place since then, and confirmed it. Every other week, there is a gathering of some moderately affluent people here on these grounds, but they are nowhere to be seen in the main houses. And so, she followed them to this suspiciously well kept cellar with the ominous, magically protected door.¡± ¡°And besides, I can smell it. The scent of blood is distinct from beyond this door~.¡± Wander chimed in. ¡°So, what is our purpose here? Are we to flush them out?¡± Kite asked after taking in their explanation. ¡°Not necessarily. The adventure society wants as much proof as possible as we are messing with some influential people, or at least people beholden to influential people. When they signal that everyone outside is in place, we will see if we can¡¯t get past this door and see what they are up to in there. When we deem it necessary, we can intervene.¡± Kite nodded in affirmation. ¡°I will follow your lead then, seniors.¡± Both of his companions seemed to flinch a bit at the honorific. ¡°Being called that always makes me feel so old~.¡± Wander grumbled, while Braid let it slide without further comment. ¡°While I could just break down this formation the usual way, it''s simple enough that we could try out an experiment of mine which I have been wanting to see in practice. Kite, would you mind delivering a dispelling strike right here on my mark?¡± Braid instructed, pointing to a specific point on the magical diagram. Nodding, Kite took his position, two fingers poised to strike. Just a minute later, Wander gave the signal. ¡°They are in position and waiting for our call~.¡± ¡°Then, Kite, on a count of three.¡± Braid started. ¡°One. Two. Three.¡± Kite struck, his fingers shimmering with the familiar energies. During their experimentation together out in the field, Braid had assessed that Kite¡¯s attack had an effect on more fragile magical formations, and was able to disrupt parts of them at least temporarily. While it would rarely work against a fully fledged array, the Braid thought that it could serve as a nice brute force solution toward simpler constructs provided that Kite knew what he was doing. At the impact, part of the formation flickered and dimmed for a heartbeat or two before the magical reservoirs started restoring it. But Braid simply reached out and opened the door during the short downtime, the door sliding open just a few centimeters. On its exterior, the formation was now back to full force, but nothing else happened. ¡°As I thought.¡± Braid whispered while Wander sent one of her bodies inside to take a look. ¡°They didn¡¯t even take the time to make the formation to constantly check its state. To it, it doesn¡¯t matter if the door is open or closed, it only ¡®cares¡¯ if it is opened.¡± Just a few seconds later, the small rat waved them onward as her other bodies started following. Taking care not to open the door more than necessary, Kite and Braid followed. They entered into a small foyer, floor covered in the same plush, red carpet. An archway ahead was covered by a pair of closed drapes, and muffled voices could be heard from beyond. ¡°It is time to get some eyes on this gathering.¡± Braid whispered, producing a small recording crystal which he handed to one of the rats. The tiny rodent took it gingerly between its teeth, giving them both a stoic nod before it vanished under the hem of the crimson drapery. After another short delay, Kite waiting tensely with his aura retracted and his normal senses strained, Wander spoke up again. ¡°I¡¯ve found a good spot. It should be safe to use the portable viewing crystal. Those drapes really muffle the sound. And I think I know why~.¡± she reported, something slightly teasing in her tone. ¡°Mind sharing then?¡± Braid asked, his tone indicating that he did in fact not expect a response. ¡°It will probably be better to just let you experience it for yourselves~.¡± she squeaked, Kite almost getting the feeling of a mischievous grin on her face. ¡°Well, at least that means that whatever is inside isn¡¯t something we need to interrupt immediately.¡± Braid sighed, producing a flat crystal slightly bigger than his palm which soon started relaying the image from the smaller one carried by Wander. Kite marveled a bit at the probably quite expensive piece of magic, and suspected that it had quite limited range else it would probably have a lot more widespread use. ¡°Just imagine having a pocket-sized artifact to enable you to see something in another city. Or country even.¡± he thought while taking in what was shown on the crystal in Braid¡¯s hand. With Wander keeping watch in the wine cellar, they could even have the device emit faint sounds. While a bit awkward from the perspective of a rat hiding behind a vase on a small dressing table, they could still get a surprisingly decent view of the room. Unlike the wine cellar, the room was richly decorated. Expensive wooden panels with beautiful glow stone lamps covered the wall while plush carpets were spread around the floor, with the only exception being in an area around a central stone altar. Otherwise, there were many small tables, divans and recliners around the room, turning it into a mix between a lounging area and some kind of ritual chamber. Still, Kite couldn¡¯t help but think that there were more sofas and other more sizeable seating options than he would have expected. The room was filled with just over a dozen people, all clad in footlong crimson cloaks and discreet masks which only covered the eyes and cheekbones. They were talking, relaxing or drinking wine in a way that would be more at home at a posh soir¨¦e, and had it not been for the still living goat which was bound to the altar, Kite would have thought it to be just play and pretend. The animal was surprisingly docile, and he assumed that it was drugged. One of the cloaked people, a woman with lips painted the most vibrant red, called on people¡¯s attention, her voice small and rather distant through the device. ¡°Thank you all for joining us at this most auspicious time. I know that many of you are quite busy these days as the cause calls for all hands to join in, but it fills me with joy and excitement that you return to partake of the sanguine power so that we may revel in its glory together this night. You all know each other and what to expect, and as such, I will use my gifts to bring forth the fountain of vigor, so that we may exult together.¡± After finishing the small speech, earning many raised glasses and polite claps, she stepped up to the altar and started her preparations for what Kite assumed would be a blood sacrifice of the bound animal. Beside him, Braid shook his head. ¡°Why they would stoop to such primitive rituals is beyond me. Sure there is power in blood, but these ones would have the coins to spare. But at least they are only using an animal, so we can see where this leads.`` ¡°The one officiating is a bronze-ranker, and I sense two more in the crowd while the rest are iron. All of them reek of cores.¡± Wander reported, apparently having dared to quest out with her aura senses. Meanwhile, the woman had stepped forward and reached out with a hand to each side. This caused the cloak to part, revealing that she was completely naked underneath. A conjured goblet appeared in one of her hands while a curved, ominous dagger appeared in the other. ¡°Is¡­ Do rituals usually have clothing requirements? Or lack thereof?¡± Kite asked Braid, a bit incredulous at the scene. ¡°No¡­ No they do not.¡± The other man answered, sounding a bit weary. Kite looked back where the woman had started chanting, and it didn¡¯t take too long to work out in which direction this ritual would take. ¡°-and as the sanguine force is spilled, share its bounty and endless vigor to all. Let their senses be sharpened and their ceaseless advance never stop. Fountain of Crimson Vigor!¡± Her final words a crescendo, the dagger plunged into the throat of the goat, which remained docile even as its lifeblood started leaving it in a thick stream. But instead of splattering uncontrollably, it rose in a controlled undulating stream to disappear into the goblet, way more red fluid entering than would have been possible had it been a normal object. Red runes lit up on the goblet, bathing the room in a strange ambience. And with it came the effects of the ritual. From her chant, Kite supposed that it could probably have been used to grant boons of perception and endurance to one''s allies in combat. But his suspicions of its purpose that night became confirmed as all of the gathered started shedding their own robes, proving to be as naked as their leader, as they closed in on one another. Kite stared mutely for a while before he and Braid turned in unison to one of the rats nearby, both leveling withering glares. The rodents in question all seemed to fight with stymying fits of giggles. ¡°You- you should see your faces. I do. From several angles at once. It just gets better~.¡± she managed to say. ¡°Wander.¡± Braid began, his tone a bit ominous. ¡°How long have you known?¡± ¡°I only started suspecting it when I entered.¡± she said in her defense, still giggling. ¡°But I glimpsed more naked skin on my way in. And take it from one with some smell-related perception powers; it was quite obvious what they were expecting.¡± Kite glanced back at the crystal where the orgy was in full swing. ¡°So¡­ Do we just call it off and leave?¡± Braid sighed. ¡°No, we can¡¯t. That was not just a ritual, it was based on an essence power. And from the look of the equipment and fuel, it seems kind of likely that she has the sacrifice confluence. As she is not an adventurer, it is probably that she simply hasn¡¯t been checked.¡± Kite suddenly understood why they had to act. Sacrifice was one of the restricted confluences and one that never got approved as an exception as it incentivised using the weak as fuel for potent effects. Had it been a more powerful being, even a normal ranked person, under that knife, the effect would have been a lot more potent. The adventure society would always seek out those carrying it and make sure that they would never use it to harm others. Often permanently. Even should this woman ¡®only¡¯ use animals at the moment, she would remain a risk for the rest of her life. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Besides-,¡± Wander added, ¡°- there were some hints in her words which caused my whiskers to tingle. It will probably be worth it to cause a bit of a mess here~.¡± ¡°The city lady may have approved our investigations, but she will probably not be happy if we make a mess.¡± Braid groaned. ¡°Let the branch director handle it. I don¡¯t think that Dobrazza fears anything~.¡± Wander replied. ¡°I¡¯ll send word that they should close this place down as discreetly as they can. Be ready to move.¡± What followed was a bit of an awkward wait where the only sounds were the rather enthusiastic noise from those in the other room. Kite had to give it to the ritual, they all seemed to be quite energized by it. ¡°The rest are in position. Shall we go announce ourselves and interrupt them?¡± Wander asked, sounding quite cheerful at the prospect. ¡°We might as well.¡± Kite said, rolling his shoulders to loosen them out of habit before realizing that his bronze-ranked body was far from going stiff during the wait. ¡°Indeed. I shall announce us.¡± Braid said, walking towards the drapes. ¡°Wander, do your usual thing.¡± ¡°I am on it~.¡± she squeaked, moving around the feet of her companions while deftly avoiding the places where they stepped. Braid stopped in front of the drape, threads materializing around him only for them to be gathered in a complex web between his fingers while his deft motions formed the magical diagram. ¡°I call this Rupert¡¯s calling card.¡± he said, sounding a bit smug as the small ritual finished. All the threads were suddenly pulled taut before thrumming. They emitted a deep reverberation which shook Kite¡¯s insides, growing outward into a thunderous cacophony which shredded the drape and plush carpet in a small area beyond it. The activities in the room beyond had mostly frozen to a standstill, some of the participants still untangling themselves from one another. Rising from behind the altar, the woman who had performed the ritual stumbled to her feet, her fear turning to outrage as she saw the pair of adventurers enter. ¡°How- How dare you intrude here. This is a private gathering. Your meddling here will end you. Who are you? The city lady will see you executed for this!¡± she shrieked at the two, apparently not appreciating being interrupted. From the rest of the participants came angry murmurs of assent and similar threats. ¡°Then let us introduce ourselves, mistress. We are from the adventure society under a contract sanctioned by both the local branch director and the very city lady who will apparently have our heads for this. All of you here will be detained and questioned for the participation in blood rituals, while you, mistress, are under direct suspicion of wielding a restricted confluence essence. This whole compound is surrounded, so I recommend that you come along calmly and willingly to assure us of your harmless intentions.¡± Braid said, delivering the speech with a direct and detached voice which gave the otherwise scholarly and almost eccentric man quite the authority. As he spoke, a lot of those present had started looking uncomfortable, as had their hostess. Kite could see her eyes dart around, and he realized that his aura senses easily eclipsed her rather untrained control. Said aura senses also told him when she made the decision to do something drastic. ¡°Unleash the bloody torrent!¡± Even as she spoke, Kite and his companions, all three having sensed her intent, sprung into action. The glowing goblet on the altar in front of her exploded, releasing an enormous wave of blood in their direction. At the same time, everyone present started to scatter, as two places on the walls were revealed to hide escape routes behind the wooden panels. Kite¡¯s focus remained on the ritual leader, as he had already stepped out in front of Braid and chanted a short spell. ¡°Void.¡± The black gate filled their vision as it appeared, drawing in and swallowing most of the unleashed torrent even as Braid sent his threads snaking along the ground. As soon as the drops and small splashes ceased appearing at the sides of the gate, Kite let it drop to reveal the woman struggling to untangle from myriad glowing blue threads as she flailed in panic. None of them made any move to impede the fleeing participants, trusting that their people and Wander would take care of the issue. Kite had crossed two thirds of the distance to her when she seemed to come to her senses, melting down into a pool of blood which escaped the tangling threads, only to splash upon the ring of a second layer of blue threads which had already formed a containment formation around her. For a short while it looked like crimson wine trying to escape an invisible crystal decanter, but Kite cut that short as he brought out his war fan with its blades retracted. He had chosen it as it was the least damaging tool in his arsenal, allowing the blunt force of the metal frame to be carried to her by his intent as his dispelling strike forced her back to her solid form. She turned to him, dagger in hand, but it was clear from her stance and wild eyes that she was not overly trained for combat. One desperate lunge ended with one dispelled conjured dagger and Kite¡¯s gauntleted hand on her throat as he bore her to the ground. Had he still been an iron ranker he would have had a hard time containing her pure strength born from rank, but as he was both the same rank and had spent quite a lot of time practicing for fights such as this, it was barely a struggle. As the suppression collar clicked shut on her throat, the rest of the fight left her. ¡°You- you will pay for this. Trust my words, those such as you do not lay hands on your betters without consequences.¡± she tried, but the words sounded a lot more hollow in their current situation. ¡°And who would save you? Your so called allies have all left, and the city lady will not intervene. So it would seem there isn¡¯t much left to stop even an outcast like me from doing anything I want. Your power is hollow. Strength is what matters.¡± Kite said dispassionately, seeing if a freshly formed plan would bear fruit. And from the look of anger in her eyes, it just might have worked. ¡°You- you brat! You don¡¯t know who you are messing with. There are others who will strike you down for this, others who-¡± she began, but quickly stopped herself as she realized that she had been baited. From there on out, she clamped her lips shut and resigned herself to only casting glares promising vicious retribution at them. Just a few minutes later, more adventurers from those surrounding the compound came down through the escape tunnels, led by a man who Braid seemed to recognize. ¡°Braid. I trust that all went well down here.¡± the man greeted. He was a rather short, lanky elf with a shaved head and a pair of scars trailing over his scalp. As his aura was in the upper end of bronze rank, him having those markings meant that this man had been through quite the ordeal. ¡°Indeed, it went quite well. Thanks to Kite here, we even got a few more hints for the interrogators to follow up.¡± Braid said, gesturing to the man. ¡°Kite, meet Azure Devil. He is one of the most trusted locals and works closely with the branch director on matters which she deems important.¡± ¡°Not close enough apparently.¡± the elf, Azure, muttered. ¡°She has yet to accept any of my courting offers.¡± ¡°And Azure, meet Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. Worked his way through iron rank up in Gilded and comes highly recommended from the branch director there.¡± Braid continued, ignoring the other man¡¯s mutterings. ¡°Huh, quite a mouthful of a name. Your parents must be quite the poets.¡± Azure said, nodding to Kite. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I like it. But you haven¡¯t earned another then, I assume?¡± ¡°No, I have not. And I would be loathe to forsake the one which my aunties, that is, my foster parents, gave me. It bears meaning to us all. But please, call me Kite.¡± ¡°Pleasure. I was not born Azure Devil, but I do think that my mother would have found it fitting enough.¡± Azure said with a smirk. While they were talking, other adventurers had led the still silent ritual leader away from the room while others were starting to investigate the room. ¡°Well, we¡¯d better get on with it.¡± Azure said, looking around the room with a sigh. ¡°Let¡¯s shake this place upside down and see what falls out. Drinks are on me afterwards.¡± he finished, turning around and striding off without even stopping to hear any answers.
¡°Nona, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time to get dressed?¡± Rachel asked her cousin while combing out the last of her red hair. It was a morning ritual of hers, and she had just about reached the stage where she could imagine the almost orange curls to be dancing flames. Meanwhile, her cousin still lounged on one of the couches of their suite at the Stormbringer¡¯s Perch, clad only in a loose robe and being just freshly risen from her bed. ¡°Rachel, a city lord is paying for his contract. All odds are that he isn¡¯t even remotely awake yet.¡± Phiona commented from where she relaxed, half of her mind on the conversation and the other half on the book in her hands. Its title read ¡®A practical guide to aura defense. Volume III.¡¯ ¡°But the note said that he would be back in the morning today.¡± ¡°You know those nobles and their hangers on. Morning to them is probably noon for the rest of us.¡± ¡°Says the woman who loves sleeping in.¡± ¡°Oh hush you.¡± Phiona chided at her cousin¡¯s teasing. ¡°But we better get up anyway. Might as well go through morning practice and-¡± She was interrupted by a gentle knocking at the door to their suite. Phiona froze as Rachel, fully prepared to meet the day, went and answered. From the polite, soft voice Phiona assumed that it was one of the hotel staff, her bronze rank hearing picking out the conversation. ¡°Mistress, you have a visitor. He said that you would be expecting him.¡± ¡°Thank you. Tell him to wait down in the yard while my companion gets ready.¡± ¡°Very good, mistress.¡± As Rachel turned around after closing the door, Phiona groaned. ¡°Don¡¯t-¡± ¡°I believe-¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say it!¡± ¡°-that your student-¡± ¡°Gods dammit Rachel!¡± ¡°-is here.¡± Rachel finished, her teasing smile only widening at Phiona¡¯s frustration. What followed was a flurry of activity as the young mistress Geller threw on fresh clothes and made herself somewhat presentable. Rachel had to give it to Phiona; she sure could work fast when the situation called for it. ¡°At least he is not tardy.¡± Rachel cheered as the pair was walking down the stairs towards the ground floor, Phiona¡¯s sour mood not lightening at the slightest. ¡°He¡¯s probably just trying to ingratiate himself. I expect that he will stand there, all fancy and unwilling to soil the hem of his robes.¡± ¡°Nona, you do realize what you are inviting by saying such things aloud. Fortune can be ever the prankster.¡± They passed through the spacious lobby and dining area, out toward the yard connected to the inn. As this was an establishment which catered to a lot of adventurers and other essence users, the owner had seen fit to make sure that there was a small sparring yard as well as other equipment for at least iron and bronze rankers to practice. Those of silver rank and above usually needed more space and specialized equipment than could be fitted into a city where space was at a premium. As they slid open the doors leading out, they were greeted by a young man wearing armor. His dark hair was kept up in a loose topknot, several strands having escaped it earlier. As he was currently using a piece of cloth to wipe at a stain of blood on his armor, it was easy to imagine the reason for his slightly disheveled appearance. Assisting him was a pink little fish floating in front of him on a cushion of water while another similarly floating blob held up a small mirror in order to assist his cleaning himself up. Noticing the arrival of the pair, he froze before quickly turning towards them, chagrin spelled clearly on his face. ¡°Greetings, honored mistresses. I am Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune. Please forgive me for not being as presentable as I would have liked. I was called to a contract during this night, and the investigations afterwards didn¡¯t leave much time for cleaning up if I was to make it in time.¡± he said, while giving them a deep bow with hands cupped. Rachel just burst out laughing.
Kite found himself a bit perplexed as he had trouble reading the mood of his current situation. He was currently demonstrating some of the staff katas which he had been taught by uncle Walker while mixing in a few adaptations of spear forms he had practiced with Will. His metal staff sang through the air, the two bronze rings at its top chiming pleasantly as he swung it through the familiar motions. Observing him were the two women, Phiona and Rachel Geller. The former was of medium height, golden blonde hair kept in a pair of tight braids which were then curled into a pair of buns at the base of her head. Her expression had remained neutral, and her tone formal as she had introduced herself and asked him to demonstrate the katas he knew. Her companion, and cousin from what he had gathered during the introduction, was a head taller and a lot more expressive. Kite still did not know why the red haired woman had burst out laughing upon seeing him, but he gathered from context that it was probably more directed at her cousin than at him. She seemed like a person easy to like, full of expression and cheer. Both were quite pretty, probably even before bronze rank, but most of all he could feel that they were both very skilled. That assessment could be made from their auras alone, tightly controlled while still keeping nuance and finer manipulation available, but were only compounded along with their moves. Both women carried the assured grace of those in control of both themselves and their surroundings, despite Rachel¡¯s more bubbly personality. What worried him was that his mentor-to-be had yet to make a comment on anything he did, but he tried to just finish the series of motions in as relaxed a way that he could. When he came to a stop in a ready stance, he cast a questioning look at the blonde woman who had still to make a comment. ¡°At ease.¡± she said after regarding him for a while. ¡°Kite, was it? Would you share your essences with us?¡± ¡°Certainly, teacher. I have the barrier, resolute and void essences, forming the negation confluence.¡± ¡°Huh, that was not what I expected.¡± Rachel said, apparently surprised by his statement. Phiona remained unphased, however. ¡°Have you used any awakening stones of the staff?¡± ¡°No teacher.¡± ¡°Do you use other weapons as well?¡± ¡°Yes, teacher.¡± At this response, Kite felt that he saw something shift in her gaze, but had not the time to further process it before she responded. ¡°Then we shall have to see them as well, albeit that a spar would be the best way to get a holistic view. We will use the practice arena up at the society campus after lunch. There is no point in total singular focus if you are a dabbler.¡± Her final word made it click for Kite. It appeared that his new teacher did not think favorably of spreading out too much in terms of weaponry. ¡°But for now-¡± Phiona continued, ¡°- you will join us in our morning practice.¡± And with that, she set off towards the equipment set up in the yard, Rachel throwing Kite an apologetic smile as she beckoned for him to follow. What followed was a rather humbling experience, as the two more experienced bronze-rankers thoroughly put Kite through his paces while not only completing their own exercises but taking the time to teach him new ways to properly utilize his body¡¯s abilities and correcting some flaws in posture and bodily control. Spending almost two hours practicing strained even his evolved body quite a bit, and he felt a bit grateful when the exercise was done. ¡°Good. While there are some things to correct, you have a decent physical foundation.¡± Phiona stated, tone still professional. ¡°We will call this session to a close now, and meet up at the adventure society after lunch.¡± And with the statement, she gathered her things and left. Rachel trailed after her, but stopped and called out to Kite before exiting the yard. ¡°Nice to meet you, Kite! See you after lunch!¡± Kite was left rather exhausted and a bit confused. He thought he had put up a decent performance, and had tried adjusting after the pointers. But as his teacher remained rather hard to read, it still left him fumbling a bit and feeling rather insecure. Trying to gently let go of those feelings, he decided that there was little else to do but press onward. ¡°I suppose that this might be one of the trials where patience and persistence is key.¡± he mused as he turned and left through a lone gate in the fence that surrounded the inn¡¯s yard. He should at least have the time to clean up a bit properly this time. And actually get an hour or two of sleep. 68. Of ideas and business Two staves collided, a pleasant reverberation echoing across the small arena upon the impact, quickly followed by a hiss of pain as the other end of Phiona¡¯s staff snaked around his attempt at blocking. He got his vambrace up in time, but her strength still caused it to hurt enough for his hand to spasm slightly. Kite let go of his staff, ducking away from his opponent¡¯s weapon as he backstepped, hoping to bring some of his range to bear. Phiona did not let him, pressing her advantage with a flurry of thrusts with the staff¡¯s end. Kite managed to block a few and turn the rest into glancing blows, but that was only barely. He accepted another strike upon his shoulder, grunting with pain as his sheathed sword appeared to block the other end of his teacher¡¯s staff which once more came in to punish him. His slash was already on its way as her weapon collided with the spatially locked sheath, the force of her strike shoving it a few centimeters towards him. As his intent carried the slash toward her an instant sooner than expected, he was elated to see that he at least managed to graze her and force her back a step. In an attempt to regain the initiative against the clearly more skilled opponent, Kite continued to cycle through his different weapons to send more attacks towards Phiona while backing off a bit more. But the woman had grown wise to such moves, and her staff was a blur as she deflected each projected strike to once more advance towards him. Kite was feeling rather pressed and considering his options when Phiona made the choice for them both. Instead of blocking another swing of his sword, she used the weapon to launch herself up in the air as she leapt over it, came up in a roll beneath the follow up and swept Kite¡¯s legs out from beneath him. He didn¡¯t even have the time to try and roll away before the end of her staff was planted at his sternum. ¡°Well done, Kite! You lasted longer this time.¡± Rachel cheered from the side of the arena where she had been watching the bout, this being the third consecutive one where Kite had lost all of them. So far, they had spent the afternoon sparring without powers, although Kite¡¯s evolved racial ability was allowed as it was such an integral part of his fighting style these days. ¡°This should give me a base of evaluation. Come.¡± Phiona stated, letting her conjured staff disappear and walking off to Rachel while leaving Kite to get back on his feet before he tentatively joined the pair as he tried clearing his head from the exhaustion of the night¡¯s excitements and today''s rather challenging workouts. While he had gotten in a quick nap since leaving the yard behind the Stormbringer¡¯s Perch, it was still far from what he would have liked, but his bronze rank constitution allowed him to at least handle it a lot better than before. As he came to stand in front of the two Gellers, Phiona gave him a long look. ¡°It is quite noticeable that you don¡¯t possess a weapon essence or powers that incentivize picking a niche. While this leaves you somewhat without focus, you have at least adapted and picked tools to compensate. For a dabbler, you are at least adequate. Tell me, why did you want to focus more on the staff in particular? There must be a reason for your choice.¡± Kite cleared his throat, still being a bit nervous under the scrutiny. It was almost like the earliest days when training under mistress Dew, even though the gap in power between mentor and student was nowhere near what it had been back then. Phiona¡¯s rather cool demeanor continued to add to said nervousness as well. ¡°It is a lot due to the staff in question.¡± Kite said, bringing out the weapon. ¡°It was forged specifically for me under rather unusual circumstances, and is bound to me. From what I was told, it will grow with me even should I grow so far as to reach the heavens. It would be foolish not to make such a gift the pillar upon which my arsenal rests.¡± ¡°Ooo, it sounds like there is a story here.¡± Rachel chimed in, looking curiously at the weapon. ¡°And you have to admit, Nona, that it is a striking piece of equipment.¡± ¡°Would you care to elaborate then?¡± Phiona asked, looking closer at the staff as well. ¡°Then, are you familiar with the Queen of Jade and Sky, and her gates left as a trial to the people?¡± Kite asked. As both women shook their heads, he gave a brief explanation of the legend and his experiences. ¡°That. Sounds. Amazing!¡± Rachel almost squealed after Kite finished. ¡°Amazingly foolish.¡± Phiona added. ¡°Sending in lone essence users is foolish, and especially at iron rank. Building a legend around it is almost like asking for young potential to get themselves killed. I know what you are thinking, Rachel, but we will not seek them out.¡± Her cousin gave a pout at this statement, which Phiona promptly ignored as she continued. ¡°Still, I do understand more now. And it is only proper to forge your style around such a tool, but with your racial gift I can see why it will not be the only one you will wield. Heed my words well, Kite. It should be possible to make it the pillar of your fighting style, but it will require a lot of work from your part. Without specific abilities to supplement it, you will have to go even further than most would. My essences are staff, swift and adept for the master confluence, and most of my powers supplement me wielding a staff. As you lack that advantage, you will have to learn how to fill the gap with your own powers; your path, as you seem fond of calling it around here. Our months of training will only be the first drop in a lake which you must fill on your way to mastery. Do you wish to undertake this training, even knowing this? Even if you probably could be a decent enough adventurer even without it?¡± she asked, her voice severe. Kite bowed without hesitation. Undertaking this was the very reason for him traveling to Bastion, a trip which had already proved to provide a lot of fated meetings. ¡°I will be in your care, young mistress Geller. Teacher.¡± Both women seemed a bit taken aback at his sudden earnestness, Phiona giving him a long look while Rachel couldn¡¯t help but smirk at her cousin. ¡°Then we shall abide by the contract offered me by the city lord of Gilded. You seem not to lack spirit, at least.¡± Phiona said. ¡°I propose as such; We aim to train from morning until lunch each day. Exceptions can be made, such as when contracts from either party demands it. We should also try and find some contracts to work into our training regime, as I believe that you will need to have your fair share of experience against both monsters and people.¡± ¡°That sounds like a most agreeable proposition. Thank you, teacher.¡± Kite said, bowing once more. He felt excitement tingle through him, spurred on by her words. It would be hard work indeed, but there was something exhilarating at gazing up at the mountain you were about to start climbing. ¡°Then we are done for the day. Tomorrow after physical training, we will review your techniques supplemented by your abilities. Have a good day.¡± Phiona said, turning to leave. As Rachel didn¡¯t immediately follow, she glanced over her shoulder. ¡°You go ahead, Nona. I had an order placed at the trade pavilion, so I might as well see if it has arrived.¡± she answered, waving off her cousin even as she got a long look back which seemed to convey a lot of meaning. Mostly ¡®don¡¯t do anything to cause trouble¡¯. But Phiona did leave, walking off while Kite and Rachel were left standing next to the arena. ¡°Kite, would you mind walking me there?¡± the red-haired woman suddenly asked Kite, turning to him with a cheerful smile. While she clearly knew the way already, Kite wasn¡¯t as oblivious as to miss what the question really meant. ¡°It would be my pleasure, young mistress Geller.¡± ¡°Oh, please, call me Rachel. Young mistress Geller sounds like the villain in some bad romance novel.¡± she complained, making a face. Falling in step beside her, they made their way towards the trade pavilion. Bastion¡¯s adventure society campus was, as usual, more bustling than the one in Gilded, and with the company he was in Kite couldn¡¯t help but imagine the size of the complexes in the adventuring capitals of the world. It did not take long for Rachel to get to what she really had wished to talk about. ¡°Kite, I just want you to know that Nona isn¡¯t a bad person. Or as cold and strict as she may seem from today.¡± He looked at her questioningly, nodding for her to continue. His first impulse had been to start giving assurances that it was no problem, but he was a bit curious where her explanation would lead. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ she¡¯s just had a rough time of late. As in months. Or close to half a year. And she has become a bit stiff around most people as a consequence. That is even why we are here. To get away from it all, to let her find herself again without¡­ emotions from the past hanging over her.¡± ¡°Do not misunderstand me, Rachel, teacher has been nothing but professional so far. But from your descriptions, it sounds like she might not have been able to leave whatever it was behind.¡± Kite observed. He meant it, too. While it was not what he would prefer in his dealings with people, strict professionalism was vastly preferable to scorn or abuse. ¡°No, you¡¯re right.¡± she sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve tried to get her to return with me and face the¡­ issues¡­ but so far, no luck. But now that she accepted the contract with you, we at least have a kind of timer on things. Make a new decision in half a year and see what happens. And it hasn¡¯t been all bad. This place might be a bit rural, but it is perfect for the two of us when we go hunting for contracts without a silver ranker or higher looking over our shoulder.¡± ¡°I for one am rather grateful that you took me on. Teacher seems very skilled, and I hope to learn much from her. But if I may ask, Rachel; if it was teacher¡¯s issues which had you come here, how come you are with her? You have been nothing but delightful company so far, but it just made me curious.¡± he said, stressing the last part as she raised an eyebrow at him. ¡°Well, a girl could certainly stand to hear that some more.¡± she giggled. ¡°Let us just say that Nona¡¯s moping has not left as much room for appreciation for her dear cousin as would be considered optimal. I will take what I can get. And in regards to your question, Nona is my cousin, albeit rather distantly, but we have basically grown up together. I won¡¯t allow her to just leave the family and our former team to go off alone. Besides, the freedom part sure is nice. And seeing the sights, eating new food, and meeting polite young men such as you who have the decency to appreciate my company.¡± she finished with an overly theatrical wink. Kite laughed. ¡°Do not worry, lady Rachel.¡± he said with the same mock formality. ¡°In these lands and in this company, you shall not want for appreciation.¡± While her comments might have caused him to be flustered a year or two ago, Kite was now fairly sure that he had understood Rachel¡¯s words for what they were; playful banter. And his time spent with his companions up in Gilded had cultivated a great appreciation for said playfulness. It took the edge of an otherwise often severe reality. ¡°But if you think that I can help teacher in any way, do not hesitate to ask.¡± he added, a bit more seriously. ¡°Oh, I will. But I think that getting her mind off things might be good. And you have already subverted some of her expectations, which does help too. Just continue to be you, Kite, and I¡¯m sure that this will work out.¡± Rachel said, giving him a clap on the shoulder. They spent the next hour perusing the trade hall, trading some stories and Kite explaining some local cultural phenomena to her. Overall, Rachel remained the cheerful and open self she had presented so far, causing Kite to feel a pang of slight loss when he found himself missing Dragonfly as well. The two would probably get along quite splendidly. Even with said feeling of loss, he felt good about the prospects for the next six months. Bastion had indeed delivered a lot more than what he could have hoped.
¡°So, my dear Braid, what have you got for me. Azure, the tease, would not tell me until you both got here.¡± said Carmella Dobrazza, the branch director of Bastion¡¯s adventure society. She was a smolder, a race quite rare in Hua-Xi, with dark gray skin and hair the color of basalt and the fiery eyes common to her kind. Like Jarvan, she was silver rank and brought in from abroad to man the position. So far, Braid had found her to run a tight operation, even though her often sultry manners might give other implications. He was seated along with the branch director, Azure and Wander in Dobrazza¡¯s office. It was the classical large office, but director Dobrazza had gone with a distinct decor of a lot of onyx black and bright oranges, claiming it to be the height of interior design fashion in her homeland at the moment. ¡°It should be something to investigate further, branch director.¡± Braid said, producing a stack of paper which he handed to her. ¡°But the sweep of the estate did turn up some clues in the documentation. It would seem like many of the families represented during their little meetings had begun joint but covert efforts of mercantile undermining. So far, they have been wise enough to not leave a direct trail, but it should not take too long to narrow down their lists of potential targets.¡± Braid said, reporting his findings. ¡°My dear Braid, it seems that you like being a bit of a tease as well.¡± she ¡®tssked¡¯ at him. ¡°I can sense that you already have your own suspicions.¡± Braid swallowed, his mouth suddenly a bit dry under her direct attention, even though he knew it was probably augmented by her aura. And that he probably didn¡¯t even have saliva anymore. ¡°Well, it is only speculation from other investigations, but-¡± ¡°Please, good man. What have I done for you to torment me so?¡± Dobrazza pouted. ¡°It- it might be a coincidence, but my preliminary investigations seem to indicate a target for many such smaller acts of mercantile aggression that are already taking place. The Relentless family.¡± Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. This caused the director and Azure to start, both looking quite surprised. ¡°The Relentless family? That would be¡­ ambitious.¡± Dobrazza said, looking thoughtful. ¡°If not outright foolish.¡± Azure added. ¡°Aren¡¯t they one of the oldest families in the city?¡± ¡°Second oldest, yes.¡± Dobrazza agreed. ¡°Can you see any indication of why? Or other more specific motives?¡± ¡°As I said, it is still quite unclear. But I believe that there is a pattern here. As a weaver, I have become quite adept at spotting them.¡± Braid replied. ¡°Then it is something you will continue looking into. I will assign two investigative functionaries to assist you. The Relentless family is one of the cornerstones of Bastion. Many depend on them, especially with the upcoming Great Proving. Isn¡¯t one of their scions one of the head competitors from here?¡± ¡°I think so. Young master Vista. Apparently he¡¯s a spectacular talent, and quite a looker too. Have almost all of the young generation fawning over him.¡± Azure added. ¡°Hmm, then they are probably in the good graces of the city lady as well. The Great Proving is rather important for the next decade, no? But I digress. My dear, lovely Braid, you have been an excellent help. Your leads seem to have enough merit to pursue, if only to rule them out. How did your recent addition acquit himself, by the way? Jarvan was most polite and sweet in his letter recommending him.¡± the branch director asked, directing the question at both Braid and Wander. ¡°Kite performed well, and we are sure to have more use of him in future operations where we might need to apply some force or take prisoners. He is a most welcome addition.¡± Braid confirmed, Wander nodding in assent. ¡°Then it seems like I will have to meet this young man somewhere along the line.¡± Dobrazza mused. ¡°Until then, you have my permission to commission his services according to your needs, at the rate agreed upon in his contract. Continue doing such great work for us, and I will be sure to show you my most personal gratitude.¡± she finished, smiling at each of them before calling the meeting to a close. They had far to go, but it was nonetheless a beginning. And as Braid liked to think; find one thread, and it will usually lead you to more. Maybe even allow you to pull the whole weave apart.
¡°Love, Kite did not look like a man who would dismiss us for not having perfectly arranged table decorations.¡± Sun teased his wife, as Peony once more walked up to the prepared dining area to slightly push a pair of chopsticks a little bit to the left. His answer was a flat look which caused him to laugh all the more. ¡°What happened to respecting rank?¡± Peony grumbled as she let her husband give her a hug as a peace offering. ¡°Just because my wife is magical doesn¡¯t mean that she is magically right in every matter.¡± Sun retorted, flicking her on the nose. ¡°Oh I don¡¯t know about that.¡± she said archly, but let the matter drop. ¡°I think that I am just worried that he might have changed his mind.¡± ¡°If that is the case, I will find him and apologize. And if that doesn¡¯t work, it was not the heaven-sent opportunity you had hoped for.¡± ¡°You are right.¡± she said, leaning against his shoulder. ¡°But I can¡¯t help hoping. What if we could finally afford your final essence, love?¡± ¡°Do you mean that your husband isn¡¯t handsome enough with just the two?¡± he asked with a mock hurt expression. ¡°Just see it as a way of future-proofing. Just because I would still love you even if you turned all wrinkly doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t take steps to avoid it.¡± Peony replied, giving him a playful wink. Sun was just about to respond in kind when his wife suddenly stopped as if listening to something. ¡°He¡¯s here!¡± She exclaimed, still not moving. ¡°Well, we better go greet him then, love.¡± Sun said, shepherding Peony towards the front door. He couldn¡¯t help but be a bit jealous of that mystical aura sense Peony had often tried describing to him. It must be quite convenient.
Kite felt relieved when feeling that both Peony¡¯s and Sun¡¯s auras were quite at ease as they came to greet him at the door, as this meant that they had probably worked through whatever had troubled them before. While he didn¡¯t think it necessary, Kite had still splurged a bit on having some finer clothes tailored for him in order to dress for the occasion. He had to admit that the blue jacket with twin rows of silver buttons and loose sleeves along with the light gray pants was surprisingly comfortable, and the simple enchantments woven into them would ensure that they were kept clean and intact unless put under severe strain. Fortunately, his wide traveler¡¯s hat had been taken into account, with embroideries making sure that it fit into the ensemble as he often wore it to ward off the elements. After a round of greetings where Peony seemed to be the one most nervous, Kite was relieved that they finally sat down to eat and clear the air. ¡°Let me be the first to welcome you back, Kite, and to extend an apology. I was not the most gracious host the last time you visited, even when you had brought nothing but kindness to my wife.¡± Patient Sun said, bowing to him from across the table. ¡°As I said before taking my leave last time, it had been a trying time for you all.¡± Kite replied. ¡°I would wish for us to consider the matter as settled, as I do not consider our karma to be out of balance.¡± ¡°You are very gracious, Kite. Thank you.¡± Sun said, grateful for the face Kite gave him. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, we would all like to hear more about the potential arrangement that you and my wife spoke of. She has told us a bit, but wanted to wait until now to provide all the details.¡± Kite nodded in response, turning to Peony. The woman¡¯s nervousness had visibly lessened when the matter of how Sun had acted was laid to rest so quickly, and she now seemed quite eager to get to explaining. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take the lead then, Peony.¡± he said, smiling as she brightened and started explaining. In the end, their proposal was not overly complex. After detailing what Kite had shared in regards to his looting power, Peony quickly got down to the gist of it. ¡°-so our proposal is as such; Kite agrees to take me along on any contracts that seems appropriate. My role will be supportive and mainly set on utilizing my few control spells to lower the pressure. His familiar- ¡°she said, gesturing to the little carp who was currently floating around accepting morsels from Peony¡¯s family who had instantly become smitten with the little beauty, ¡°- will keep me as safe as can be expected. It is not without risk, but that will never be the case. I will loot the monsters for resources, with Kite getting a share. In return, he will agree to exclusively sell us the leftover gear his own power produces, and I will in turn work on commissioned pieces for him with the material we deem fitting. This will give us all additional funds, as well as materials for me to use for advancement and additional income. We never expected anything on a wide scale from this, but it would just feel so satisfying to slink out of the grasp in which the Stoics believe that they have us trapped.¡± she finished. The rest of her family had nodded along with the explanation, asking a few questions for clarification. It was Daybreak Lily, Peony¡¯s mother, who then turned to Kite. ¡°Would you really do this, young man? Going against the interests of those like the Stoics might mean trouble for you.¡± ¡°Yes, I would, for a few reasons.¡± Kite said, having thought of this at length over the last few days. ¡°First of all, I believe this to be a deal which genuinely benefits both parties here, where I both get additional pay for the contracts and access to a crafter who I can work closely with to tailor equipment for me. I do not mean to sound too mercenary, but the life of an adventurer like me without affluent familial backing and without the powers to conjure equipment is fraught with a lot of expenses. While I have been fortunate to have awakened my looting power, it won¡¯t be able to cover everything I need in and of itself. And, while it might be a more vague reason, I simply have a good feeling about this. I have since I met Peony. As for the trouble, my stay here in Bastion is only temporary, after all, and if all goes well with our potential cooperation, I will not need the services and goods that the Stoics provide, should they even choose to intervene.¡± ¡°I do hope that will be the case, but one never knows how people will act if they stand to lose face.¡± Sun said. He then looked at each of the family members present, all of them giving him nods. ¡°Then I would say that we can agree, as long as we can find specific rates that leaves us all satisfied.¡± he said, giving Kite a genuine smile accompanied by the twinkling eyes every merchant seemed to get when they were about to get into business details. After about half an hour of discussions of rates and some basic guidelines, every party present seemed to be satisfied. Peony was almost vibrating with eagerness to get to work, and they made plans to go looking for contracts the day after tomorrow, as Kite both had his time with his trainers and his meeting with Brook to take into account. Fortunately, he already had a solution to quell her disappointment at not setting out sooner. One of Kite¡¯s dimensional satchels was quite full with gear not suited for him, and Peony¡¯s jaw dropped as he started laying them out on a side table. ¡°Most of these are bronze ranked, but there should be some iron mixed in there as well. If you think that this is something you can work with.¡± he said, pleased at the happy little sounds his new business partner made as she was examining what would amount to a small pile. ¡°I think we¡¯d best let her lose herself in her materials for now.¡± Sun said, waving for Kite to join him in a nearby seating area. ¡°It has been a long time since she had so much to choose from.¡± Kite joined him as they sat watching the expert go to work, picking up different pieces of armor and weapons to get a feel for their make and enchantments. He enjoyed feeling contentment from Sun as well, as the man apparently found much joy in seeing his wife so happy. ¡°My concerns now seem so irrelevant.¡± Sun mused, smiling. ¡°Hindsight truly is a stern mistress.¡± ¡°At least she gives us experience as long as we are willing to grasp it.¡± Kite said, nodding along before taking the opportunity to ask a question he had been wondering about. ¡°If I may ask you, what is your path, Sun? I can sense that you have absorbed essences as well.¡± ¡°Let there be no secrets between business partners.¡± Sun replied, lifting his glass to Kite. ¡°In all honesty, my essences were mostly ones we could afford that might provide a decent chance at something usable in my everyday life, as the main goal is for me to have a chance at living as long as Peony. So far, I have the eye essence and monkey essence.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Kite asked, curious. ¡°What powers?¡± ¡°Only the two, as the essences have been the priority. My visual acuity is increased and I can see quite far in great detail. As for the other-¡± he said, as Kite could see him spend some mana. A moment later, a long and seemingly prehensile tail like that of some monkey species emerged from behind him, waggling back and forth. ¡°Surprisingly nifty, but honestly a little embarrassing. I rarely use it among people.¡± ¡°Why not? It is amazing!¡± Kite exclaimed, enthused. It reminded him a bit of how auntie Crow used her hair as extra limbs, something Kite had always found immensely fascinating as a child. ¡°How much can it lift? What can you manipulate using it? Can-¡± he began, his questions gradually being replaced with him throwing different objects to Sun who did his best to catch them and throw them back using the tail. ¡°It looks like the two of you are having fun. ¡° Peony noted when she joined them. While few could sneak up on Kite these days without impressive skills or powers, Sun was still a bit startled which caused him to fumble a throw. The pomegranate he had been trying to toss instead flew towards Peony in an awkward arc, easily caught by the bronze-ranker. ¡°I have to admit that I am a bit jealous of your husband.¡± Kite said, catching the fruit as she tossed it back to him. ¡°Having what will essentially be a third limb sounds very convenient.¡± ¡°See?¡± Peony asked Sun, as the latter got the distinct chagrined expression when someone suddenly sided with your opponent during an oft repeated argument. ¡°I always said that you should use it more. Practice makes perfect.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad you said that.¡± Kite added before Sun could protest. ¡°Because I have a mind to have you join in some physical training and combat practice.¡± ¡°Wu- what?¡± Peony spluttered, giving Kite a betrayed look as it was Sun¡¯s time to give her a smug smile. ¡°But I- I make things.¡± ¡°And you apparently have to be out in the field to get the resources for making said things.¡± Kite pointed out. ¡°Even with me there, I think it would be best for you to learn some more. You know enough to join the adventure society, so we wouldn¡¯t have to begin from scratch. And I might even have a trainer who I could persuade to give you some pointers.¡± he finished, shooting down some of Peony¡¯s protests. ¡°Fine¡­¡± she eventually grumbled. ¡°The things you sacrifice for the family business¡­¡± The rest of the evening was rather pleasant, with Peony and Sun sharing anecdotes from their long time together. Her parents joined them from time to time, but mostly left the younger generation to themselves. Kite had a warm, content feeling when he left their house this time, walking home beneath the light of the glow stones set out along the streets of the wider boulevards. He also had an idea, one that might require some trips to the trade hall and maybe even an auction in the coming days. This filled him with further purpose as he strode back through the drizzle in the late evening gloom. But as he exited the house Peony¡¯s family owned, he did not notice a set of eyes upon him, nor had he noticed them when they had tracked him during his whole evening spent with his new business associates. It was only when Kite entered the adventure society campus that his unseen watcher stopped, seemingly emerging from being hidden in the space between the raindrops. The woman looked at the society campus for a bit longer, before turning around and walking back through the city. She had a report to deliver.
¡°Daughter, you mean to say that not only did you meet little Kite again, but that he¡¯s an adventurer now?¡± Wistful Willow asked her daughter where the family were gathered around the dinner table, although Leaf was still off with the other loggers at the site they were currently clearing. This left only her mother and her father to question her about the surprise reunion, seated in their house on the rather sizable farm run by her uncle not too far from Bastion. He had gotten a plot of land in the latest wave of agricultural expansion, and this farm was the reason that the family had left Starberry Peak. ¡°Yes mother. I was very surprised, but seeing him again¡­ It was nice.¡± Brook said, smiling a bit as she ate her fish and rice. ¡°Well, little Brook. How was he? Still handsome? Is he still unmarried?¡± her mother continued, to her daughter¡¯s horror. ¡°Mother!¡± ¡°What? Can¡¯t a mother have her daughter¡¯s interests at heart? Adventurers make quite a lot of money.¡± Willow said, defending her line of reasoning. ¡°If he is still available, it might have been the will of the heavens that you would see each other again.¡± ¡°Mother, it was years ago. I do not know him now, at least not as I did.¡± ¡°But you will aim to remedy that?¡± Willow asked, looking encouragingly at her daughter. Brook hesitated for a short moment. ¡°We¡­ We will meet up tomorrow. I will show him around the city.¡± ¡°Heavens, tomorrow? Excellent, little Brook. Splendid! Have you thought about what to wear? We might have to touch up your hair a little. And-¡± her mother began, Brook zoning out as she went on and on about preparations which Brook would in the end mostly ignore. She didn¡¯t think Kite would care about such things. She didn¡¯t even know what to think about the whole situation. As it had been circumstance rather than incompatibility which had ended their relationship, it had always remained a bit of an unfinished thread for Brook, even as she had come to see their love for what it was; Sweet and earnest, but in the end also the early love of teenagers who were just learning the meaning of such concepts. And yet, he had appeared now, and Brook couldn¡¯t help but wonder what it would come to mean for her. Would it mean anything? Or nothing, just being a thing of the past? But she was snapped out of her thoughts by her father placing a calloused hand on her shoulder. ¡°Do not fret, little Brook. Kite is a good kid. Just have fun and reconnect a bit. Leave those worries of yours behind for a while, you hear?¡± he said, smiling down at her. She couldn¡¯t help but smile in response. ¡°Thank you, father. And you too, mother. I will do my best, and see where the heavens guide me.¡± In the light of her father¡¯s words, tomorrow now shone a little bit brighter on the horizon of her troubled thoughts. 69. Figure it out? Two staves collided, a pleasant reverberation echoing across the small arena upon the impact, followed by the sound of an ephemeral mirror breaking as Phiona Geller¡¯s staff disappeared into shards of dissolving mana. To her credit, she was barely even unbalanced by the sudden shift of leverage, quickly transitioning into a dodge as Kite¡¯s fist passed through the air where her head had been just a moment ago. She became a blur of extreme speed, suddenly having created a few meters of distance to Kite as well as having brought out a replacement staff from a dimensional satchel in but a heartbeat. ¡°Well, that will be supremely annoying.¡± she remarked, charging back a scant moment later. Kite had already started to send strikes her way through his intent, and Phiona sped up further to weave through the vicious gauntlet of attacks. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power.¡± The dispelling wave washed over her, canceling Phiona¡¯s increased speed. Adjusting quickly, she blocked another projected attack before her staff suddenly lengthened, shooting down into the ground at an angle to launch her toward Kite. The spinning staff met a conjured barrier the size of a dinner plate, Kite moving it back and forth to deflect a rapid-fire series of thrusts which followed. Another moment later, this became a lot harder as the staff started bending sharply at angles to swerve around his small barrier, forcing him to suffer a few hits as he reconjured the barrier with a bigger diameter, albeit at the cost of durability. He tried intercepting what special attacks he could detect with his own weapon or hands in order to disrupt them, but Phiona¡¯s skill with her weapon of choice had as many blows landing as Kite managed to fend off. Still, he did manage some retaliatory attacks as well as to remove a lot of the special attacks and other magical boons that his foe tried to stack up, putting small chinks in her rhythm which started paying more and more dividends as her mana was gradually absorbed by his vortex, special attacks and her hitting him or his barriers. Unfortunately for Kite, Phiona steadily began to get his measure as she chose to forego her more powerful attacks in favor of keeping up the pressure with her readily available special attacks that could be used in quick succession. Combined with her superior skills, this forced a confrontation of attrition which Kite realized that he would not be able to prevail in as long as his foe was that much higher in the rank than him while they both kept from using their more spectacular attacks. While the training arena had a powerful protection in place ready to stabilize and heal them, it was still not the safety of a mirage chamber. He was actually pleasantly surprised to have lasted the amount of exchanges that he did, especially when an attempted leg sweep fell short as his now active special ability which resisted attempts to move him prevented such tactic from most opponents of a similar rank, allowing him to land a decent strike of his own. But in the end, she broke through his barrier, staff colliding with his head hard enough for stars to explode in his vision as he staggered backward, finding his teacher¡¯s staff resting on his shoulder as he came out of his daze. ¡°I yield.¡± he panted, blinking the spots from his vision. ¡°Good. We will proceed to review this bout.¡± Phiona said, this time waiting for him to join her before walking back towards where Rachel sat observing them. ¡°Rachel, would you mind?¡± ¡°No problems, Nona!¡± the red-haired woman cheered, as a serpentine head suddenly grew out of her back before spitting a glowing, green glob at Kite. Even though its origin was friendly, he still couldn¡¯t help but flinch as it splattered across him, quickly melting away through his armor without leaving as much as a stain. Instead, he felt both his physical and stamina recovery increase. ¡°Not so bad, huh?¡± Rached asked him with a cheeky grin. ¡°While I am not mainly a dedicated healer, my renewal essence and hydra confluence still gave me enough to help out. Just be glad I didn¡¯t accidentally use the poison or acid spit.¡± she finished with a wink. ¡°I will endeavor to stay ever grateful for your mercy.¡± Kite said with a mock bow. ¡°See, Nona? The locals sure know how to show proper respect to beautiful ladies.¡± ¡°If you are quite done, we have a sparring match to review before lunch.¡± Phiona said as she sat down at one of the benches. ¡°It is noticeable that you at least have integrated your powers with your technique, especially the barriers. Have you had a mentor in that regard?¡± ¡°Yes, a silver ranker. I lived with him for a few weeks and he taught me a lot.¡± Kite answered, feeling a twinge of nostalgia at remembering his time with master Stone. ¡°And you do use your drains and dispels decently well. Many opponents will be put out of their rhythms enough for you to really punish them. But I have seen a few holes in your defense which we will need-¡± Phiona said, following with a more lengthy instruction. From the way she spoke, it was obvious to Kite that she had been trained very thoroughly. ¡°I must say, teacher-¡± he said as her review of his performance had ended, ¡°- that you are most impressive. Who trained you?¡± Phiona started slightly, and for a moment it looked like she would brush off the question. But in the end, she answered. ¡°One of my aunts. Katerina Geller. She spent a lot of time with me as I grew up, and trained me along with many other teachers.¡± The explanation was short, but there was a slight smile in Phiona¡¯s voice as she seemed to be fond of the memories. ¡°Well, if I ever meet her, I will convey that she trained one impressive student. I will ever strive to emulate your excellence, teacher.¡± Kite said with a grin. ¡°Uhm- thank you¡­¡± Phiona began before her more professional side returned in force. ¡°But it is not my process we should be focusing on. You need to continue forging your own style, not try too much to emulate mine. Taking inspiration is always nice, but one should be vigilant to not having it step out of bounds of the synergies-¡± she continued, falling into another lecture. From behind her back, Rachel gave Kite a huge grin and two thumbs up. As lunch was fast approaching and their daily session ended, the trio eventually retrieved their things and started leaving the practice area. During their walk, Kite took the opportunity to broach another topic. ¡°Teacher, Rachel, I have a proposal if you don¡¯t mind giving me just another moment of your time.¡± They both looked at him as they walked, Phiona waving for him to continue. ¡°I have happened upon a business arrangement with a crafter-¡± he began, explaining his arrangement with Peony and her family. ¡°-and as you spoke of contracts as a part of training, I was wondering if it would be acceptable for me to bring her along as well? We have planned an outing for tomorrow, should you wish to accompany us, or we can make other arrangements for the future.¡± Phiona looked thoughtful while Rachel, true to form, looked excited. ¡°That sounds like an acceptable proposal.¡± Phiona said eventually. ¡°And as for her joining in our physical training, it should be self-explanatory, no, mandatory. We can¡¯t have something go wrong and then be too hampered by an auxiliary. Besides, it will give Rachel some experience in training others.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Kite! I¡¯ll whip your little crafter friend into shape!¡± Rachel added, a gleeful smile playing across her face. ¡°Thank you, both of you.¡± Kite said, bowing politely while sending a thought and prayer of forgiveness to Peony for what might befall her. ¡°It is only a reasonable part of training.¡± Phiona said, brushing it off. ¡°But we shall have to postpone lunch a bit. If we are to take contracts, we might as well create a proper route. Tell your friend to prepare for at least five days in the field.¡± As he followed the two Gellers towards the jobs hall, his earlier thoughts and prayers intensified.
¡°A bronze-ranker? Just a random bronze-ranker, not one from any of the families?¡± Stoic Boar asked as he looked at one of his family retainers, a bronze-ranked woman who¡¯s path was that of stealth. She had been an excellent asset in the past when information needed to be gathered. ¡°Not from what I could gather without deeper infiltration and investigation, young master.¡± she answered from where she was kneeling. ¡°He seems to currently reside at the adventure society campus.¡± ¡°Then I am suddenly quite curious as to why a bronze-ranker would make Peony so assured.¡± the young master mused. ¡°He might just be an intermediary to throw us off, hiding the faces of their would-be backers. Not a bad move, if they found an outcast reliable enough. You have done well. Continue this line of investigation and go as deep as you deem safe without undue risks. Your usual payment is already waiting for you.¡± ¡°Thank you, young master.¡± the woman said, leaving and disappearing from view even before she had completely rounded the corner of Boar¡¯s office. ¡°Well, Peony, it seems like you have managed to root yourself without me noticing. Let¡¯s start digging them up and bring you into the nice little spot in our garden which we have prepared.¡± he mused, before returning to his work. His little project in bringing Daybreak Peony into the fold was but one of many threads currently worked by the young master, after all, as his work for the family and their benefactor took up quite a lot of time. He sighed and continued writing the letter to their subsidiaries. Boar was unsure why they were shifting some of their deals the way they did, especially in regards to the Relentless family, but he remained a dutiful son of the family. Maybe his hard work would even be noticed by their benefactors in the long run, opening new avenues of advancement. ¡°Maybe even marriage arrangements?¡± he dreamed idly as his pen continued its work.
Kite felt surprisingly nervous as he was waiting at one of the plazas at the Bastion magic society. ¡°Why am I this jittery?¡± he asked Glint who was floating next to him. ¡°It is Brook. I¡¯ve known her for most of my life.¡± The little carp looked at him blankly, and through his bond he got the feeling that she would have shrugged, had she possessed the anatomical means of doing so. ¡°Any input, Sage?¡± he asked, instead turning to his other familiar who seemed engrossed in an abstract sculpture with almost impossible angles presented. ¡°Quandaries? Uninteresting.¡± The statement was made through its usual projected meaning, and Kite chuckled. ¡°Well, I at least got what I was expecting.¡± He knew that talking to his familiars was ultimately a distraction from the core of the matter; that he did not really know where he and Brook stood now. In one way, he had met someone who was basically a stranger and in another, he had been turned back into a teenager with unresolved feelings rising from the depths of the past. Fate, however, did not see fit to allow him more time for rumination, which might have been considered a mercy. He saw Brook enter the plaza behind him, notice him, freeze for a few seconds and then walk over. As she drew close, he realized that he hadn¡¯t yet turned towards her as he almost forgot his own expanded vision at times these days, and accidentally startled Brook as he spun to face her. ¡°Oh- I- He- hello Kite.¡± she said, blushing slightly.¡± ¡°Hello, Brook.¡± he said. ¡°You look lovely.¡± It was obvious that she had dressed up a bit for the occasion, wearing a two-layered flowing dress of pale pink and white silk, along with an umbrella to ward off potential rain. It was quite a different look on her than the village girl he had seen so many times during his life, now looking every bit a demure young lady of the city. ¡°I- uh- You too. You look almost like a noble. Very dashing¡± she said with a small smile, apparently sharing Kite¡¯s sentiment. He wore the same new outfit as he had during yesterday''s meeting with Peony and her family, clothing a lot richer than he had ever worn back in Starberry Peak. An awkward silence ensued, Glint coming to their rescue as she twirled up between them, making Brook giggle a bit as the little fish showed off. ¡°Hello to you too, Glint.¡± she said, tentatively stroking one of her silky fins. ¡°I suppose that these two vagabonds will have to be in your care today, fair sage.¡± Kite said, falling back into their little jargon. ¡°Then I shall do my best to impart my wisdom to you.¡± she replied, blushing slightly but also relaxing a bit more. Brook had always been rather easily flustered, but she seemed to find her calm a lot faster these days. ¡°Please, lead on, fair sage.¡± Kite said, offering her an arm. She stepped up to him, and they walked off, side by side, finding a rhythm after some slight stumbling. The next hour was spent walking along the boulevards of the seventh step, Brook showing him the often impressive buildings to be found there while telling him about her family¡¯s move to the city. ¡°I do remember that your uncle was expanding his farm, although I must admit that the younger me did not think about it very favorably.¡± he said as she paused in her telling. ¡°Neither did I, at first. I think my mother was a bit worried for a while, but eventually the place started growing on me.¡± ¡°I can see why. There is so much here. And the ocean¡­¡± Kite said, trailing off while looking out over the bay. The pair had stopped at an overlook near the base of the mountain which housed the churches, and the day had so far been blessedly spared from the rains, even though dark clouds on the horizon promised an end to that respite. ¡°But how did you end up at the magic society? I always knew that you were bright, from how short a time it took for you to catch up to me once you started sitting in on auntie Crow¡¯s lessons.¡± Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ¡°Well¡­¡± Brook began while blushing yet again. ¡°It wasn¡¯t that spectacular. My uncle happened to hear that there was an intake for apprentice scribes and archivists, and as I am the best in my family at reading and writing as well as knowing the few minor rituals auntie Crow taught me, they sent me here to take the tests. I passed and was apprenticed for a year under a librarian, before being taken in as a junior archivist.¡± ¡°You apparently impressed them enough to provide you with an essence as part of your contract. I would assume that not everyone get such a treatment.¡± ¡°Well no, or yes, depending on how you see it. Not every scribe gets one, but all archivists do as part of our tasks are to care for and maintain both the library and the scrolls. If you work for long enough to get your full set, you have the chance to become a full librarian. Raising the spirit attribute becomes important down the line, as they have to process a lot of information at a time, so you get a stipend of monster cores too.¡± Brook explained, less flustered as it was a topic she felt confident in. Kite once more found that he felt happy when he saw the core of confidence in her, as it had been one of her struggles at times when growing up. ¡°Do you hope to be one then? Eventually?¡± ¡°If¡­ If I can, yes. Magic, even the little I possess, feels so¡­ It¡¯s like my being just found a new arm, but missing most of its fingers. I want to use it more, to get better. And I like the books, scrolls and knowledge. Being more in tune with that would be quite nice.¡± ¡°And you haven¡¯t considered applying to join the church of Knowledge?¡± Kite asked. There was a lot of collaboration between the magic society and the church, many being part of both organizations. ¡°I have, but¡­ no, I do not think that is for me. It''s not just the knowledge, but the place too that I like. Other duties would mostly feel like a distraction, and if I was to serve a god more directly, it shouldn¡¯t be half-hearted.¡± ¡°You are indeed the wise sage of us now.¡± Kite said, understanding her sentiment. ¡°But would you¡­ But would you please tell me about how this-¡± she said, gesturing at him, ¡°- came to be?¡± ¡°Well, I think that is a story best accompanied by dinner. Would you mind guiding me to a place to eat? I¡¯ll start telling you as we walk.¡± As such, another two hours and a nice dinner on some kind of foreign stuffed bread roll passed, Kite telling Brook about his years since she left. The training under uncle Walker, the vague revelations from his past and the essences which accompanied it. His travels to Gilded, of his companions and mentors there. About the jade-sky gate and the war. And finally of him traveling to Bastion and the reasons why. ¡°So you met young master Providence again? Here?¡± she asked him. ¡°Yes, just before meeting you, actually. We were both quite surprised. He just goes by Brilliant Bloom these days. Like many of us, he still seems to be trying to find his place in the world, but he seems to be doing alright.¡± ¡°Kite, I- You-¡± she began, floundering a bit. ¡°Your life these last two years. It sounds¡­ intense. Are¡­ are you alright?¡± Her last question had him start slightly, looking at her. She looked at him, a bit in disbelief but also a bit worried. He took a while to think his answer through, as it wasn¡¯t really a question that he had asked himself. ¡°I¡­ Yes, I believe that I am. There have been some parts that have been¡­ stressful, to say the least. Combat and violence comes in many different shapes. I guess that part of my training has been to prepare for that as well. But I have also been fortunate to not go through it all alone, and I have talked a lot about it with my friends, uncle Walker. And my aunties, when I visited home again. So.. yes. In many ways, life as an adventurer has surpassed my expectations. While I have witnessed some horrors, there has also been excitement and wonders to balance it out. Feeling that I as an individual can accomplish so much, and often make a difference for those important to me. It¡¯s a rather heady experience.¡± he admitted, feeling good about how the words came out. Brook looked at him for a while, before nodding to herself. ¡°Then I am glad that you got to walk this path, Kite. To me, it sounds quite terrifying, but the way you looked when talking about it¡­ It suits you.¡± ¡°I share the sentiment. To see you engrossed in that library, passionate about it at all that is contained within. You¡¯ve really grown as well, Brook.¡± As expected, his words further increased her blushing. ¡°Maybe we both have¡­¡± she murmured, and almost visibly steeled herself for the words that were to come. ¡°But¡­ where does that leave¡­ us?¡± Kite was a bit stunned by the question. Not that he hadn¡¯t thought a lot about it, but rather that the shy and reserved Still Brook in Blooming had been the one to first ask it out loud. Back in Starberry Peak, taking initiative hadn¡¯t really been her strong suite. Once more, he felt happy for her growth. They stood there, looking at each other for a silent moment, before Kite answered. ¡°Honestly, Brook¡­ I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m not sure that either of us expected to meet again. But I¡¯m glad that we did, and if you want- ¡°he said, hesitating a bit. ¡°- we could try to figure it out?¡± She took a deep breath, seeming relieved. ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡± ¡°But it would mean that the wise sage would have to give guidance to this vagabond warrior once more. Probably a lot more than that.¡± he added with a wink, feeling the tension of the moment leave him as well. ¡°The sage will acquiesce, although said vagabond might have to provide her with at least one ride on his marvelous mount as promised.¡± ¡°Oh, I believe that can be arranged.¡± Kite said, laughing.
Peony let out a miserable groan where she sat behind Kite on Glint¡¯s back, planting her forehead between his shoulder blades. ¡°Are you regretting our little arrangement, business partner?¡± Kite said a bit cheekily, looking back at the miserable woman, who just let out another groan in turn. ¡°Rachel, I believe that you may have broken my crafter.¡± he called to the red-haired Geller just a bit ahead of them on the forested road. She and Phiona were in turn riding Rachel¡¯s conjured familiar, Missus, who was an aegis cobra. The serpent was almost a meter in diameter with a length to match, covered in bony protrusions like articulated coppery plates of armor which glittered a bit like unrefined ore. The armored hood of the snake was especially impressive, as she was able to flare it outward almost like an armored bulwark to block attacks. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she did great! Just a few more weeks of this and she¡¯ll be in top shape!¡± Rachel called back cheerfully, Peony seeming to die just a bit further at her words. The crafter had given it her all during the morning¡¯s round of physical training, but even a bronze-ranked body needed exercise to really reach its potential. And from the way Phiona and Rachel trained, that potential felt vast indeed. While Peony had been happy for the opportunity for such a long outing, she had also been a bit intimidated by the two Gellers. Kite thought that it was probably just a matter of time until she got used to it though. As soon as she recovered from the rather tyrannical persona Rachel assumed while leading the physical exercise. At the moment, the group was traveling westward from Bastion, on a route predetermined by Phiona from the contracts she had gathered up the day before. No less than twelve contracts had been taken on, in turn taking them through four different outlying villages. Without Glint and Missus to ride on, the trip would have taken at least two weeks, but as it were, Phiona had expected it to take about five days. ¡°Did we have to pick the contracts the furthest away from the city?¡± Peony whined pitifully, as even her bronze-rank recovery attribute seemed to be struggling with her soreness even a few hours after the fact. ¡°Those furthest away are usually left the longest, which means that there is a greater need for us to dispatch them before they go berserk.¡± Phiona said, falling into her professional instructor¡¯s voice. ¡°For us, who actually care about the experience and not just the payout, we will do the most good for both our growth and those villages.¡± ¡°And besides, these contracts often last long enough for more monsters to appear, creating clusters of contracts which we can clear in a fell swoop.¡± Rachel added. ¡°This is gonna be so fun! Nona, it has been too long since we did a proper trip like this.¡± ¡°We came back just a few days ago.¡± Phiona interjected. ¡°Yeah, but that was just after what? Three contracts. Now we got some real numbers. Just a shame that there weren¡¯t any silvers.¡± ¡°Remember, cousin, that we are here to allow Kite to train and for me to instruct him. But don¡¯t worry. Enough of them were rather plentiful sightings, so you will get your due.¡± Phiona said, adding the last rather quickly when seeing Rachel¡¯s pleading look. Kite enjoyed hearing the familiar banter between the two, but was suddenly distracted as he felt a familiar pulse from Sage where the astral gatherer had been subsumed into his aura. ¡°Teacher, would you mind a short detour? My familiar has sensed something.¡± ¡°Sensed?¡± Phiona asked. ¡°I think it is easier to just show you, if teacher doesn''t mind.¡± At a gesture of assent from Phiona, Kite had Glint swerve off the road slightly, traveling through the forest for a few minutes. Fortunately, both Glint and Missus had an easy time navigating the terrain, and having to swerve between the trees was their only obstacle. He eventually found a patch of moss covered woodlands, unremarkable from the rest of the forest, but Sage confirmed that this was indeed the place. At Kite¡¯s mental signal, his familiar drew upon the ambient magic and pushed, giving the congregating energies just the shove it needed for the manifestation to trigger. ¡°A manifestation?¡± Phiona asked as the rainbow vortex appeared. ¡°Indeed. But it seems to be a monster this time. At least it means an opportunity for growth.¡± Kite said as he saw the size of the coalescing magic. ¡°Your familiar can trigger monster manifestations?¡± Peony asked nervously. ¡°Your familiar can trigger monster manifestations?¡± Rachel asked simultaneously, a lot more excited. ¡°Mostly monsters, yes.¡± Kite said, eyes still on the swirling colors. ¡°But sometimes, other manifested treasure.¡± ¡°This one looks like a bronze ranked one, judging by the size and intensity.¡± Phiona said. ¡°It shall indeed give you an opportunity for practice. Try using mostly your staff if possible, like we spoke about, and keep your other weapons as tactical options. Make it the pillar to support the others.¡± The three women backed off, Rachel and Phiona seeming unphased while Peony was a bit more nervous. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we have his back if anything happens.¡± Rachel tried to assure her as Kite stood facing the oncoming monster. From the crafter¡¯s expression, it was clear that she was not nearly as seasoned in the face of monsters and violence as the rest of them. In the end, what manifested first seemed like a small hill covered in moss like the rest of the environment, soon unfurled a set of fourteen legs like those of a crustacean, as well as a pair of huge pincers. No eyes were immediately visible, but Kite could see small, beady orbs between the legs which seemed to gaze at him with hunger. The ¡®hill¡¯¡¯ which had turned out to be a shell, was around three meters across. The myriad legs allowed it to quickly rotate on the spot, screeching furiously as it saw the little morsel named Kite stand the closest. Both pincers shot out towards him, extending on flexible limbs looking like entwined roots. ¡°I think I¡¯ve read about this¡­¡± Rachel murmured, retrieving the magic society¡¯s index and started searching. ¡°No¡­ No¡­ River hellion? No¡­ Ah, here. ¡®Mosstacean¡¯. Really? Isn¡¯t that as bad as the shab?¡± Meanwhile, the pair of pincers had collided with a pair of force walls which had appeared, two of many segments which had suddenly appeared around the monster. Some were even forming platforms in the air. Cracks appeared on both panes of force as the pincers clamped shut, spreading across them like a slowly expanding spiderweb. Kite had already backed up a few steps, his staff appearing surrounded by spatial tears as he swung at one of the claws from around two meters away. The mosstacean shrieked again, retracting the limb as the blunt and resonating force cracked parts of the green shell. Meanwhile, the other pincer had almost finished with the force wall caught in its vice. Before the monster could go on the offensive again, Kite decided to get some further use from the failing barrier before it collapsed. Spinning the staff, he struck out to his other side as the head of his staff hit the shimmering wall segment. The normally pleasant chiming of the weapon turned into a deep ¡®gong¡¯, as the pane of force detonated in a resonating wave visible to the eye, causing hairline cracks over the parts of the monster which were exposed to the vibrations. This was the new ability which his staff had awakened as he had performed the ritual to ascend it to bronze rank.
WWJS: [Item] Immutable Echo Combat Staff Bronze rank - [Growth] Legendary Forged through unyielding reverberations of inner strength, this staff heralds an immovable path. [Effect] Greatly increased striking power [Effect] Echoes the effect of special attacks delivered through this weapon once. The echo deals only half the damage of the original attack, but any other effects are undiminished. Can occur once every five seconds. [Effect] Absorbs a part of the physical force behind intercepted strikes, if any, lessening the remaining physical force to be endured by the wielder. After absorbing force in such a way, the next attack delivered will deal additional resonating force damage. The damage increases with the amount of physical force absorbed from the blow. [Effect] Vastly increased durability [Effect] Pay a cost of moderate mana to detonate one of your barriers struck by this weapon, creating a wave of resonating force. The damage of the wave scales with the mana cost of the barrier destroyed, and size of the wave increases with the size of the barrier. Remaining integrity of said barrier does not affect the potency of the damaging wave.
The weapon had indeed proved to be linked to his soul, evolving another ability which directly interacted with his different barriers. Kite had tried it out with his different options, appreciating the opportunity to get some extra mileage out of his defensive options. If he timed it well, he could get both defense and attack out of the same spell, and the effect had proven to deal decent damage as it required both a barrier to use and had a cost in mana. Even though he was pleased with his opening move, the battle was far from over. As his dispelling attacks had little effect on the straightforward beast, he instead leveraged them to deal the small amount of transcendent damage from his passive ability while delivering more decisive strikes with his void strike. What followed was Kite moving in between his barriers, focusing on the two pincers which the monster used to reach between and around the force walls, beating them away with his staff and detonating barriers which had started failing. One particularly vicious swing finally managed to crack one of the pincers, leaving it a broken mess. This was apparently more than the mosstacean was willing to just take, the primitive mind of the monster settling on a different tactic. It started to vigorously shake its shell, a cloud of yellow spores rising from it before spilling out over the area. Kite tried avoiding it at first, but eventually realized that there was little use unless he wanted to disengage and try to shift the battlefield. As they came into contact with his skin, he felt a burning sensation as the small particles started to deliver their poison in an attempt to rot his flesh into nice and slushy fertilizer. The feeling was thoroughly unpleasant, and while the damage was not accruing too quickly, it still put a different kind of timer on the fight. Keeping his calm through his combat meditation, Kite dodged the lone remaining pincer which darted back towards him with renewed vigor, crushing more of its shell through a counterattack. A scant few seconds later, he saw that the stream of spores flowing from the monster¡¯s back was petering out and decided that it was time to employ his countermeasures. Finding his way to an open spot, he kept his staff in his left hand while his war fan appeared in his right, opening to reveal the beautiful artwork upon it through a flick of his wrist. Kite took another step then swung it in a wide arc while channeling the required mana into it, careful to aim away from his three companions. A moment later, the wide torrent of wind rolled out from the weapon. The mosstacean was unmoved, but the clouds of spores were most definitely not. Yellow clouds were scattered out into the surrounding forest, losing further cohesion and leaving his immediate area mostly clear. Following this, he sent the command to Sage to use both its stored charges of power, one cleansing the poison from his body while the other sent a surge of regeneration through his body to counteract the necrosis. While it would have been nice to use the familiar¡¯s beams of resonating force damage, Kite thought that playing it safe was more important as he could now retake control of the tempo of the fight in a gamble that the monster could not just repeat its poisonous area attack. Fortune showed him favor, as the struggle continued without further spore-related incidents. When the second claw fell limp, the mosstacean¡¯s fate was sealed, but it still took a while longer to crack enough of its legs before Kite could finally finish it with an empowered void strike driven into the body where a leg once protruded. The creature fell limp, twitching a bit before stilling completely, but Kite still gave it another minute for the spore clouds to dissipate before he waved Peony over to use her looting power. As Phiona and Rachel drew closer, he could hear the end of their not so silent whispered conversation. ¡°But Nona, his familiar can manifest monsters. Monsters! And treasure! Surely the family wouldn¡¯t mind if I claimed him for marriage?!¡± 70. Ripples ¡°Brook, dear daughter, have you by chance stumbled into Kite again recently?¡± Brook¡¯s mother, Wistful Willow, asked innocently as they sat around the dinner table. ¡°What? Sis, you¡¯ve met Kite?¡± Brooks'' younger brother almost choked on his rice out of surprise. ¡°When? Where?¡± ¡°No, mother, I have not. As I do believe I told you, he was to be away on a contract for at least five days.¡± Brook answered, eyes thinning in irritation as she regarded her mother. She had sensed Willow dancing around the subject the whole evening, even though Brook had already told her about their time together three days ago. ¡°Contracts? Wait, is Kite an adventurer?¡± Leaf continued, looking more amazed by the second. ¡°Then have you at least made any more preparations for when you are to meet this seventhday?¡± Willow continued, ignoring the questions of her youngest. ¡°What preparations, mother? We are going to have lunch and then go for a walk along the beaches to the south? It''s hardly much to prepare for.¡± ¡°What? Are you and Kite dating again?¡± ¡°No need to take that tone. I am just looking out for you, dear.¡± her mother said, backing off from the topic once more as she noticed her daughter¡¯s irritation. ¡°Just remember that he is an adventurer now, surrounded by exceptional people. I wouldn¡¯t want to see you sad if you missed your opportunity.¡± Brook¡¯s father, Solid Pine, had sat silent throughout the conversation and unanswered questions, but decided to act as he saw a look of defiance he recognized quite well in her daughter¡¯s eyes. So far, it would only ever come out around her family, and he knew that only arguments and regret would follow. ¡°The dinner was lovely, dearest wife.¡± he said, suddenly rising. ¡°Come, my love. Your grateful husband will assist you in cleaning up as thanks.¡± Pine all but carried his wife towards the kitchen, ignoring her whispered protests, but stopped just long enough to give his daughter a knowing nod. Her grateful smile would forever warm his heart. As the door closed, Brook sighed and slumped slightly against the table. Confrontations were definitely not her fort¨¦, and even though it was just with a member of her closest family, she was still left quite emotionally drained. ¡°Sis?¡± ¡°Yes, Leaf?¡± ¡°Can someone please just tell me what is going on?¡±
¡°Kite, loosen your stance slightly. And remember the placement of your off-hand.¡± Phiona called from where she stood, a calm pillar among the chaos around her. ¡°Yes, teacher.¡± Kite managed to say, attempting to shift his stance accordingly even as he used staff and barrier to ward off the two cliff spinners which were harassing him. The arachnid monsters were about the size of a heidel and deviously quick even though they seemed to have a carapace made from stone. He did have to agree with Phiona that the contract should provide a good opportunity to practice footwork as the pack-hunting monsters were excellent at scuttling sideways, trying to flank him. ¡°Good use of your perception power.¡± Phiona commented as Kite whipped his staff up and behind his back without turning, deflecting a swipe from a sharp leg before adjusting to face both of his foes as best he could. Their other companions were quite busy, although with different levels of composure. Rachel seemed to enjoy herself as she engaged a pair of her own. Not one but five serpentine bodies and heads were sprouting from her back to curve up above her head, a result of her hydra confluence. Each of them were lashing out to bite at an opponent or spat bolts of acid against them while Rachel herself fought unarmed, her hands occasionally turning into even more snapping heads of different kinds of serpents as part of her special attacks. She was clad in medium armor made from some kind of monster scale, her path aiming more at controlling the area around her as opposed to Phiona¡¯s acrobatic fighting style, potent self-healing making her quite sturdy and hard to shift. Meanwhile, Glint and Peony were managing a pair as well, working in tandem with their restraining powers. While the crafter had yet to reach somewhere even remotely close to her companions in terms of calm, Kite had to give her that she had improved a lot in just the past three days. Even though it wasn¡¯t part of the contract with lord Indomitable, the Gellers had still started giving her pointers in the use of her powers. Phiona herself had already dispatched the pair she had engaged through fierce strikes and spectacular acrobatics, and chose to remain idle for now and act as a reserve should the need arise, while giving Kite some real-time instruction. Noting that both of his two foes seemed to prepare to strike at roughly the same time, Kite decided to make a more decisive move. Once more employing his all-round vision, he swept outward with both arms, his staff in the left and his blade appearing in the other. The staff struck with a chiming sound, delivering a powerful blow which left the spider staggering backwards. On his other side, hardened stone chitin met the reinforced sheath, ending at a standstill. A mental command locked the sheath in place, leaving Kite to draw the blade and deliver a sweeping slash trailing the tears of the void behind it before the other spider could recover and attack again. The resonating force of the special attack carved through the tough exterior, allowing the rending force detonation of the blade to be brought to bear. Ichor burst out as the carapace burst from the inside, splattering Kite with parts of the foul fluids as the monster died. Even though part of his mind reeled from the unpleasant experience, he managed to keep steady as the other spider lunged again. But with only one opponent to keep track of, Kite could switch tactics, allowing the staff to vanish only to have it appear again, this time in a grip better equipped to meet the leaping monster. His intent carried a thrust of the staff right into the monster¡¯s abdomen, crunching slightly while being shifted off its intended trajectory. As the spiders manifested in numbers, this left them inherently weaker for their rank than a lonesome monster, and Kite went on the offensive, steadily pursuing the scuttling spider and harassing it with ranged strikes as it tried to create distance to pounce at him once more. It did not take long to create another opening for a similar slash which had ended the first arachnid monster. ¡°Again, good. Knowing when to utilize your strength for single-handed strikes is key for you who can bring other weapons to bear.¡± Phiona commented as he joined her in the relative calm between the other two struggles, ¡°But you might still want to consider practicing precise strikes against joints against opponents which aren¡¯t too large, rather than body blows. We will practice more tomorrow, keeping that in mind.¡± ¡°Thank you, teacher.¡± Kite said, nodding with a level of respect as was customary to one¡¯s mentor. ¡°Should I help Peony now?¡± ¡°Hmm, yes. Her role is mostly one of controller, and as she has almost exclusively ranked up through cores, the practical experience is only as good as what she can actually learn from it. As she seems to have matters well in hand, you might as well go in and clear up. Remember targeting the joints.¡± ¡°Understood, teacher.¡± Kite said, nodding once more before striding off to help Peony and Glint finish off their rather bedraggled monsters. A few minutes later, Kite had just about recovered from the nausea caused by the ichor covering him going up in rainbow smoke, rejoining the other women. Peony was currently dividing up the looted coins and materials between them. While the two Gellers hadn¡¯t demanded a share, neither Peony or Kite wanted to exclude them. ¡°I believe that I have another one for you as well, Peony.¡± Kite said, activating his looting power which was now quite fully charged. As the item formed, Kite reflected on how many pieces of equipment that this power had generated already, and that the pace had seemed to increase since he had begun to more regularly take on opponents of higher rank. After the process was done, he handed Peony the shield which had manifested, seemingly made from the spider¡¯s carapace with adornments of semi-precious gems. The crafter hummed happily as she examined it, before nodding. ¡°Some more aspects of durability and hardness, along with some mana-storing capacity, probably due to the gems. This should become good material for some kind of supportive accessory.¡± She made another note in a book she carried before stowing the shield in a dimensional bag. ¡°Nona, are you sure that I couldn¡¯t-¡± Rachel began. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Hmpf. Still no fun.¡± Rachel said, pouting. The two had seen Kite¡¯s power in action a few times now, and Rachel still had trouble getting over the fact that Kite could essentially manifest both monsters and treasure on top of actually getting the experience and progress from fighting those monsters. He was quite sure that the constant jokes of her claiming his hand in marriage was a joke. Probably.
¡°Ah, this is what adventuring life should be about.¡± Rachel said happily, leaning back where she lounged atop her familiar. The huge snake looked quite content, having rolled itself up to form a small hill with the head resting on top while her summoner reclined along one of the lower ringlets. Kite couldn¡¯t help but agree. The four of them were currently enjoying a dinner of grilled meat they had bought in the last village they had visited, and had made their camp up on one of the relatively few cliff spires which dotted the land. As Kite had traveled southward, he had noted that the monoliths had become fewer and farther between. This particular one had a flat top and gave them a perfect view of the setting sun in the west, dusk already having claimed the faint strip of ocean barely visible to the east. ¡°I¡­ It¡¯s nice, yes.¡± Peony agreed where she sat close to the heating lamp. She had been rather nervous the first time they had made their camp at such a height, but had started to trust herself to not accidentally fall. Or at least her companions to come to her rescue if she did. As the sun went from half-visible to a mere thin line at the horizon, the group had moved on to pleasant topics and light conversations. ¡°-and so, I almost had to pin the young fool to a wall to make him face me and actually give me an answer, although it didn¡¯t feel like that risky a move since it was quite clear from almost everything but his words that he did indeed like me.¡± Peony finished. Both Kite and Rachel had hung onto her every word as she had been urged to tell the story of how her and Sun had gotten together over a decade ago as young teenagers. Even Phiona¡¯s neutral facade had been eroded down, although Kite thought that the smile on her lips was a bit complicated. ¡°Aaww, that¡¯s so romantic.¡± Rachel said, wiggling in place. ¡°I wish I could have a story like that!¡± ¡°Romantic?¡± Peony asked, a bit surprised. ¡°Most I tell mostly roll their eyes and say that it¡¯s a shame that I had to be so forward.¡± ¡°What? Nonsense! What is better than half-wrestling the person you want and telling them how you feel? All close, personal and direct.¡± the red-haired Geller said a bit dreamily. ¡°Have you had less fortune with said tactics then?¡± Kite asked, taking a sip from his cup of tea. ¡°Well, yes.¡± Rachel admitted, striking a theatrical pose of a lamenting maiden. ¡°Really? But how?¡± Peony asked. ¡°From how beautiful you are, I would have imagined you fending off hordes of suitors.¡± ¡°Trust me, Peony, a cloud of poison gas works better against such hordes of unwanted attention. I have a discerning eye, and will bide my time.¡± Rachel said, wagging a finger at the crafter. ¡°Besides, spending so much time next to Phiona and Cristoph did set quite the high bar.¡± Only belatedly did Rachel realize that her cousin had stiffened at her mentioning of said Cristoph, and Kite could feel Phiona¡¯s aura retract into a stiff shell. ¡°Oh, Nona, I¡¯m so sorry-¡± Rachel began, but Phiona waved her off. ¡°Do not worry, cousin. It is a thing of the past.¡± she said, although her having fully retreated into professional neutrality indicated that to be at least partially false. Awkward silence reigned, only the evening breeze being heard for a while, before Phiona stood. ¡°I believe that I will retire for some evening meditation. Rachel, you might as well tell them the rest. I am sure that they are curious.¡± ¡°Teacher, we don¡¯t have to-¡± Kite began, but was also cut off at Phiona shaking her head. ¡°It is what it is, and I believe that Rachel tells it better from her outside perspective. I wish you all a good night.¡± And with that, she walked off and into her tent, her aura all but vanishing behind the masking enchantment. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Two pairs of eyes turned to Rachel, who sighed. ¡°Sorry, that was my mistake. It just slipped out, and I must admit that part of me thought she would have moved further past this. We have been away for almost half a year already, but I suppose that no amount of physical distance can help you outrun the past.¡± ¡°Rachel, I stand by my words. We don¡¯t have to know.¡± Kite assured her, Peony nodding along. ¡°No, Nona said that it was alright. Part of it might be that it is probably common knowledge back home. And in part, I think she wants you to know, to prove to herself that she can bear others knowing of what she calls Phiona Geller¡¯s greatest failure.¡± Kite took in her words, then gave a nod. ¡°Then, please tell us what you feel is appropriate.¡± ¡°Well, it all began back home. As you know, me and Nona both hail from the Geller family. But as the family is so huge and scattered, telling you from where might be a better indicator. We both grew up around the family''s compound in Godenberg, in the southernmost parts of the Boreal league.¡± ¡°That is quite far away from here. More or less half a world.¡± Kite said, a bit in awe as he imagined the distance the two had traveled to get to Hua-Xi.¡± ¡°Yep, although we had enough funds to pay for some portals, so it wasn¡¯t quite the adventure you might think.¡± Rachel replied, looking a bit chagrined. ¡°Anyway, as we came of age and were forming our team, Nona had already met Cristoph. You should have seen them together, like out of a fairy tale. Him in his shining conjured armor being the anchor she revolved around in all her graceful skill. There were also me and Daniel, but he is of little consequence to this story. Our time as adventurers began as most well-trained and sponsored teams do; a lot of contracts with higher-ranked supervision. Godenberg might not have quite the magical density down on the continent, like the area around Vitesse, but it was still leagues above this place. We even had to flee from a gold-ranked manifestation once.¡± ¡°Gold rank? Manifesting just like that?¡± Kite asked, unable to help himself from interrupting.¡± ¡°Mhmm. But they take quite some time to materialize, and as our escort had a portal power we never even got to see it. But I guess that is a lot closer than most of you in these parts of the world will come to a gold rank monster.¡± ¡°Thank Fortune for that.¡± Peony said, shuddering. ¡°As we found our rhythm, our group set a goal. To work our way down the continent towards Vitesse, and trying to reach bronze-rank before we reached the famed City of Flowers.¡± ¡°Was there anything special that made you go there, of all places?¡± Kite asked. He had read a little about Vitesse, understanding it to be a famed and very beautiful city, but little more. ¡°Wha- I-¡± Rachel began, seeming dumbfounded at his question. ¡°It¡¯s Vitesse! One of the adventuring capitals of the world. With some of the most famed families, guilds and organizations making their home there. Why wouldn¡¯t we want to go to the land of possibilities?¡± Kite nodded along to her protest, trying to imagine the things she proceeded to describe. It all sounded quite wonderful, he had to admit, but also grand on a scale he had trouble imagining. Bastion felt huge to him, and he knew that it objectively wasn¡¯t a particularly huge city even in Hua-Xi. ¡°From your stories, I assume that you got there?¡± he ventured, Rachel nodding in confirmation. ¡°Yes, we did. Just after reaching bronze rank too. With our aims set on silver and becoming regarded as real adventurers, we thought that the city would be our ticket to such a life, especially since the Geller family has a strong presence there. In the beginning, things went according to plan. But¡­¡° She sighed, before continuing. ¡°Then things started going a bit wrong. First of all, we had trouble keeping up the pace, as there are simply so many teams of adventurers operating there. Even the Geller name didn¡¯t let us overcome it entirely. And around Vitesse, you really have to be careful when venturing out, keeping at least a silver-ranker with you at all times. We were used to this already, but the oversight was a lot more strict as the potential dangers increased. Things had been strained for a time, mostly Phiona constantly expressing her frustration with the pace. Me and Daniel weren¡¯t as affected, both being more laid back and he could spend a lot of time working on his music. And that was when Cristoph fell in love.¡± ¡°From your tone, I assume that it was his love for Phiona that was renewed.¡± Kite guessed. ¡°Indeed not.¡± Rachel said sourly. ¡°While Phiona¡¯s frustration had grown and she dove into training and family politics, he had started to be approached by other guilds. While Cristoph wasn¡¯t a Geller, he was associated with us and a talented defender. A prime target for those scouting talents to be. And unfortunately for us, mostly Phiona, his meetings with one of the members of the Destiny¡¯s Crown guild led to a lot more than just him accepting a membership. I don¡¯t think that it became anything more than just affection before he broke it off with us, but it did not leave Phiona any less devastated. To her it was not just a broken heart, but a failure. Failing to notice, and failing to not be good enough for him to rebuff anyone looking to lure him away.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ so sad.¡± Peony said, imagining something similar happening to her and Sun. ¡°As heartaches tend to be, yes.¡± Kite added, nodding in sympathy. ¡°Did she make any overtures to mend what had been broken?¡± ¡°No, at least I do not think so. Nona is strong, but also quite proud. To her, Cristoph had made his decision. So she spent a few months throwing herself even more into training and finding a replacement for our team, but we never found one that fit. Her general attitude at the time wasn¡¯t too pleasant either, so I can understand that many backed off even after being lured in by the opportunity of being part of a Geller-led team.¡± ¡°Was this what took you all the way over here?¡± Peony asked. ¡°It is quite far, after all.¡± ¡°I do not think so.¡± Kite said, adding his thoughts. ¡°So far, I have not heard you speak about your last team member, Daniel. Had he been with you, I am sure we would have met him already.¡± ¡°Yes. As I said, Daniel had other pursuits besides adventuring, and he became increasingly distant as Phiona became more harsh. Not enough to leave, but it was still noticeable. I at least had some time to talk with him before what came next. Because Nona eventually snapped. I think that the family tried arranging other matches for her, but she was not in a place to accept such attempts. If it wasn¡¯t for me being so close to her during our whole lives, I might have missed the signs that she was about to leave. But fortunately I made it just in time. You should have seen it; me running across the portal plaza and just making it into the same one as she had just passed through.¡± Rachel finished, smiling a bit wistfully. ¡°She must mean a lot to you, then, for you to just go like that.¡± Peony noted. ¡°She does.¡± Rachel agreed. ¡°Nona is basically a sister to me. A sister who was about to make a stupid decision. So I thought that she should at least have company during said decision. After a few portal hops and a lot of arguments later, we eventually ended up here of all places. In what most, no offense, would call a backwater part of the world. Where silver rankers are local heroes, people of power, and bronze-rankers like us can take on whatever we choose without supervision. Quite far away from Vitesse in almost every way.¡± ¡°Do you know how long you will stay?¡± Kite asked, before quickly adding; ¡°Not that I am complaining of your presence.¡± ¡°Well, at least for about another half a year, thanks to a certain someone.¡± Rachel answered while giving him a wink. ¡°And after that, I honestly don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t think Nona does either. But we don¡¯t have to, at the moment. There is plenty of work here to be done, and it gives her both time and space to find her balance. I think training you helps a bit too. Building something or someone up can be quite satisfying even if you yourself feel lost and without a stable foundation.¡± ¡°Then, thank you for telling us.¡± Kite said, inclining his head. ¡°I hope that teacher will find what she wants in time. I would not claim to know her very well, but even in her strictly professional dealings I believe that I see a kindness and rationality in her. Compared to the harshness you described, it feels like she has already taken quite a few steps further in returning to her path.¡± ¡°In that, I do agree. And should someone be listening in- ¡°Rachel said, voice slightly louder as she looked towards Phiona¡¯s tent, ¡°- then I hope that whoever they are might take that to heart.¡± There was no answer or other indication from the tent that her words had an effect, but Rachel still looked smug as she turned back to her companions. ¡°Well, now you know. As you may have deduced, it remains a somewhat sensitive topic, but I have little doubt that the two of you will handle it responsibly. And I do believe that it is time to retire for all of us. There is still plenty of work ahead of us tomorrow. I can¡¯t wait to hunt down those crown catchers. From what is described from the index, I would imagine that two of them manifesting at the same time is quite rare.¡± With that, Rachel too left for her tent as her familiar Missus shrank down before she dissolved and was absorbed into her summoner¡¯s body. Peony soon said her good nights as well, giving Glint a fond stroking along her fins before entering her tent. This left Kite and his carp looking out over the night sky, him being left in a thoughtful mood as he pondered the complications of relationships and their impact on the lives of not just the parties involved but most of those around them as well. Ripples creating ripples, sometimes even reaching across the world. Still, it wasn''t long until the lone light of the heating lamp was extinguished, leaving the clifftop lit only by the pale light of the moons.
¡°I am sorry, young master, but it would seem like this board has been cleared out as well.¡± an attendant guard explained, bowing low to his young charge. ¡°Another one? It would seem that someone else is clearing out all the notices in this area. While it is unfortunate, it at least means that more are doing their duty. Set our next portal destination southward instead, as the western regions seem to be well taken care of already.¡± said Relentless Storms hiding Beautiful Vistas, young master of the Relentless family. He spoke with a pleasant smile and easy confidence as he regarded the surrounding wilderness while resting a hand on one of the three heads of his cerberus familiar Wimmy. The head which was currently receiving scritches had its tongue lolling happily out of its mouth while the other two watched enviously. ¡°As you wish, young master.¡± the guard bowed his head before going off to make arrangements. Vista looked at his familiar a bit thoughtfully while changing the head he was currently giving attention to. ¡°Well, Wimmy, it is good to see that the outer reaches of our territory are getting their due attention.¡± He got a growling bark combined with a slight whine as a response. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry. I know that my father has been pushing us as of late. Even if I do not know his reasons behind it, I do know that there should be plenty of monsters for us to sweep through down south. And just you wait until the monster surge. They will tell of our rise for generations to come.¡±
¡°-and this should conclude our dividing up the contract rewards for our little outing.¡± Phiona Geller said to her companions as she had finished giving out the differently sized shares for the different contracts. Even though Peony¡¯s share was the smallest, as she was joining more like an auxiliary, the woman still looked quite pleased at the clinking pouch. Or maybe it was just relief and joy at having returned to Bastion intact. ¡°Then I propose a toast!¡± Rachel said, raising her glass of the local sap-wine. ¡°To adventuring, and seeing Kite being chased by monsters.¡± ¡°Mercy, mistress Geller, it was but one time!¡± Kite retorted, still lifting his glass with a smile. ¡°How were we to know that the wood elementals were four times the reported number?¡± ¡°Mistress? Are you calling me old now?!¡± ¡°Oh no, you misunderstand. It is merely a testament to your vast experience.¡± Peony grinned at the pair¡¯s banter and Phiona was quite obviously amused as well. ¡°If it¡¯s any consolation, Kite, we did get a lot of looted resources from them.¡± Peony said, pushing a stray strand of magenta hair from her face. ¡°And it was good practice in judgment, as running was the right call. It may not be general adventurer tactics that I am to train you in, but a good teacher won¡¯t let her field remain too narrow.¡± the blonde Geller added sagely. ¡°Teacher is ever a fountain of wisdom.¡± Kite responded, giving a mock bow. ¡°What? No ¡®mistress¡¯ to her? She¡¯s even a few months older than me!¡± Rachel protested, although quieting down a bit after receiving some displeased looks from the other patrons. The small group were seated in the dining area of Stormbringer¡¯s Perch, the inn in which Phiona and Rachel were staying, having celebrated their payout and enjoyed restaurant-class food after their time on the road. As the trip had gone according to Phiona¡¯s calculations, they had arrived back at the city on their fifth day. ¡°So, Kite, have you figured out what you¡¯ll have Peony make for you with the materials you¡¯ve made? I must say that I am very curious as to how it all works.¡± Rachel asked, leaning towards them over the table. ¡°We were going to go over it tomorrow, if any or both of you would like to join us.¡± Peony offered, having grown quite comfortable around the two Gellers by now. Rachel turned a pleading gaze to Phiona who chuckled and nodded. ¡°It would be interesting to see you work, Peony. Your way of crafting sounds rather different than most I have met or heard of.¡± ¡°Then you are both welcome to my home to see it.¡± Peony said, looking happy. ¡°And I will be bringing a surprise with me, to celebrate the start of our fruitful cooperation.¡± Kite added, giving Peony a conspiratorial wink. ¡°Wha- A surprise? What is it?¡± was the rather satisfying answer he got as his companion suddenly looked quite excited. ¡°As I said, it is a surprise. And will stay that way until tomorrow.¡± Kite said, standing firm against Peony¡¯s pleading expression. ¡°Fine then, keep your secrets.¡± She muttered in mock consternation before rising. ¡°Nevertheless, I must return home soon. I am sure that my family will have lots of questions regarding my trip, and it will be good to see them again.¡± After her departure, it wasn¡¯t long until the rest of them retired as well. One change was that, as of this evening, Kite stayed at the inn as well. Their payoff from the outing and contracts had given quite the infusion of resources and money, and treating himself to staying at an inn rather than the dormitory was an expense that was suddenly quite manageable. He did remain a bit frugal still, opting for a small room on one of the lowest floors rather than the suite like the two Gellers. That night, Kite fell asleep dreaming of camaraderie and enchantments, his mind abuzz with the impressions of the week and the ideas of tomorrow.
¡°So, they have returned? And turned in contracts?¡± Stoic Boar asked his retainer as she once more bowed before him in the late evening. He talked while getting dressed for a small soir¨¦e where he had been fortunate to be included in the entourage of their family¡¯s patrons. ¡°Yes, young master. While I did not approach, they seemed in good spirits. And the two Gellers remained in their company upon their return.¡± ¡°Hmm, I must admit that the Gellers were a surprise. Why would such a prestigious family have interests in such a small city as ours? Is it just a personal project for one of the two, or is there a greater opportunity to be had here? A portent of greater interests to come?¡± he mused out loud while adjusting the sleeves of his fine robes one last time. ¡°Fortune favors the bold, as they say. Please instruct our people to request a meeting with these lady Gellers. I might even get the chance to swoop in and reappropriate Peony¡¯s opportunity and gain valuable new contacts in one move. And at worst, our request is rebuffed which will leave us pursuing other avenues.¡± ¡°As you wish, young master. Would you like to send word to your father as well?¡± ¡°No, not for now. I will wait until I can lay proper results at his feet.¡± Boar said, turning to the door. ¡°You may leave for now. We will soon call upon you again.¡± he finished, dismissing the woman and striding towards the main hall where his escort waited, feeling rather satisfied with himself and his decisiveness. ¡°Soon, Peony, quite soon this whole drawn-out affair will finally be over.¡± he thought as he left for a grander setting. Stoic Boar was nothing if not persistent. 71. Bound in Iron ¡°- and while a few of the sect initiates weren¡¯t too happy with outcasts joining the contract, they were silenced after I had demonstrated my Sky-Cleaving Heavenly Divide. There were some more monster attacks, more frequent than expected, but me and Glitz together could handle ourselves. Those elementals were nothing before our path!¡± Bloom declared proudly, brandishing a meat bun like a blade raised in triumph. Kite and the former initiate were seated at the same restaurant where they had happened upon one another, having agreed to meet up again on this day. Bloom had just finished telling of his last contract, being part of the escort for a merchant caravan carrying valuable lumber. ¡°It sounds like you acquitted yourself well indeed.¡± Kite said, raising his own meat bun in a ¡®toast¡¯ before biting into it. ¡°I was even awarded a bonus from the society after the caravan leader¡¯s report. And it gave me another reason to go see Felicity.¡± Bloom said, looking pleased. ¡°I take it that things are going well between you, then?¡± ¡°I would have to agree, I suppose. It is strange to have something so important to look forward to when coming back from a contract. But it is¡­ quite nice.¡± the young man said, gradually becoming a bit more flustered at the subject. Kite was struck by the fact that Bloom was indeed younger than him, at least by a year or two, and that his life in the sect had led to quite a different set of experiences for him. Talking more casually about your feelings seemed to be a bit of a work in progress, but Kite supposed that he had been much the same not too long ago. ¡°Well, I am happy for you in that regard as well then. You¡¯ll catch up to me at bronze in no time.¡± Kite said. ¡°I- I will do my best.¡± Bloom said, regaining some of his confidence. ¡°Just you wait. I will catch up to you before long, and we can have a proper rematch of our first clash!¡± ¡°It is always good to test one¡¯s path against another''s, tempering both.¡± Kite agreed sagely. ¡°Just make sure to last more than three punches this time.¡± Bloom seemed a bit taken aback by the jibe at first, before seeing Kite¡¯s teasing smile. ¡°Such audacity from an outcast. But I suppose we are two of a kind these days.¡± he said with a rueful smile. ¡°If I may ask, what was life in the sect like? You didn¡¯t seem too happy following the former disciple Rise around.¡± Kite ventured, wording a question he had so far never got the opportunity to ask from an initiate. Bloom sighed. ¡°Complicated. What do you know of entering the sects?¡± ¡°Well, for one I have heard that most have some kind of trial. Ostensibly, anyone can enter, but in reality it is mostly those who already have the connections for it, like family or a mentor.¡± ¡°That is true. It is rare for them to accept those without at least all of their essences unless born within the sect. In my case, it was my family connections and the essences they had provided me that had me marked for entering.¡± ¡°And once you are in? What is life like? From what I have gathered, you receive training and resources in return for service?¡± ¡°In some ways, I would think that it is a lot like some of the guilds from other lands, but more encompassing as you live within the sect and that you have a stricter hierarchy. But yes, we are trained to be adventurers and take contracts in the sect¡¯s name. The sect gets a cut of the pay and we get housing, training and resources such as awakening stones and equipment which we may trade for our contribution to the sect. Usually, there is a point system.¡± ¡°But if I understand correctly, it was only after coming here that you finished your set of awakening stones? I would have thought the sect and your family could have managed that rather quickly.¡± ¡°And therein lies the complicated part.¡± Bloom said with some chagrin. ¡°Internal sect politics are a world of their own, often linked to the outside. As my family are allied with the Glory family, beneath them in the hierarchy, I was expected to have the same subservient role to their scions. In this case, Rise was a disciple, already having completed his set of powers. It is the norm for them to take initiates under their wing and provide them with stones earned by or given to them, acting like seniors to help shape their paths. But in Rise¡¯s case, these moments were few and far between. And it is looked down upon both by the sect and most prominent families for an initiate to earn too many stones from other sources, as it indicates a lack of dedication and loyalty.¡± ¡°So they were actively hampering your development?¡± Kite was a bit taken aback, as he had imagined that the sect would want as many powerful members as possible. ¡°Not ostensibly, and for many initiates the system works just fine. But in my case¡­¡± Bloom said, trailing off. ¡°As you may have noticed, Rise often had trouble thinking of others other than himself. And he often held back on giving out rewards, claiming to want to trade for the stones most fitting us. After a while, I just found myself a bit dispirited, especially after our encounter. An unknown outcast appearing from nowhere and defeating me¡­ In a way it became a wakeup call, albeit a painful one. Let us just say that my family was less than pleased and let that displeasure be known to me, although it lessened slightly after you defeated Rise so handedly.¡± Kite had nodded along to his story, those conflicts feeling so very distant in contrast with everything that came after. ¡°Then, when did you decide to leave?¡± ¡°After the investigation, when the sect closed for a while. They did not tell us initiates much, but the church of the Healer was involved in some kind of thorough examination of every member. Rumors were that there was something, some kind of malady infecting the mind, which had been spread among the members. As soon as I was thoroughly cleared, I had already made my decision, as I couldn¡¯t see myself serving under Rise anymore. In all honesty, you and your deeds showed me that there was something to be won by choosing the way of the outcast. And so far, I believe that I have made the right choice.¡± Bloom finished, looking content at his statement, although Kite got the feeling that it had taken some work and hardship to reach that point. ¡°From what you have told me, I think you have as well.¡± Kite said, raising his cup in a toast. ¡°To outcasts. And cute functionaries.¡± he said, adding the last as a playful afterthought. ¡°To outcasts. And wonderfully beautiful functionaries.¡± Bloom echoed, albeit with his own correction. ¡°I do believe that I have to be going though, as I have a meeting with a crafter regarding some equipment.¡± Kite said, rising. ¡°Oh, a commission? You must have saved up quite a bit of money for that.¡± Bloom noted, rising and joining him as they left the restaurant after paying. ¡°A bit, but this is a bit more complicated.¡± Kite said, before proceeding to explain his arrangement with Peony. ¡°Daybreak Peony. I have heard that name before¡­¡± Bloom mused where he walked beside Kite, their steps leading them back toward the adventure society campus. ¡°Isn¡¯t she the one they call the Scavenger?¡± ¡°The scavenger?¡± Kite asked, never having heard of it before. ¡°There are some rumors among the adventurers that she apparently has no skills of her own, only leaning on the works of others to make her creation. Most I¡¯ve talked to recommend the services of the Stoic family, praising their work and pricing.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Kite muttered, his expression darkening slightly. ¡°While we may not have time for the whole story now, I will fill you in the next time we meet. Let us just say that some rumors should be regarded with a healthy dose of skepticism.¡± ¡°I¡­ I will take that into consideration.¡± Bloom nodded, noticing the shift in Kite¡¯s mood. ¡°You were going to the trade pavilion? Then I believe we part ways here.¡± ¡°Yes. And thank you, Bloom, for the company. Should you wish to reach me, you can inquire at the Stormbringer¡¯s Perch. You did ask to trade pointers at some point in the future, as I recall.¡± ¡°Excellent. Thank you, Kite. May Warrior guide your strikes until we next meet.¡± ¡°And may Fortune show you favor.¡± Kite replied, waving as he went towards the trade hall. He had something to pick up, and then he would be on his way to Peony¡¯s residence. It was time to see his new business partner in action.
¡°You have a lovely home, Peony.¡± Phiona said as the group were seated in the crafter¡¯s home, each with a cup of steaming tea before them. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s so nice when you get to go somewhere where you can feel that someone is really living, not just having it as a means of projecting wealth and power.¡± Rachel added, seeming to enjoy the fine but well worn plush recliner she was currently seated in.. The pair of Gellers had accompanied Kite to Peony¡¯s home as agreed the day before. Their host¡¯s family had given pleasant greetings, but they had all quickly taken their business elsewhere to give the group some space, a bit intimidated by the sudden influx of adventurers. ¡°Thank you. My mother grew up here and has since added to the property. It is important to us.¡± Peony answered, looking fondly at the house around her. ¡°But I believe that we have some actual work to plan.¡± she said, turning back to them and leaning forward with an eager look on her face. ¡°I see that our time in the field hasn''t dampened your enthusiasm for your work.¡± Kite said, smiling. ¡°Oh no. It has been so long since I did proper work. I have all these ideas of what to make of the components we have gathered. If we can get some ideas of what you want, then I can use the rest for practice and selling off.¡± Peony answered. ¡°But how does your craft work?¡± Rachel asked. ¡°It all sounded pretty odd when you described it. No offense.¡± ¡°No worries. I did become a rather odd one.¡± Peony answered looking a bit abashed. ¡°I have the transfiguration confluence, and that is the one which gave me the foundation. I¡¯ll try and summarize it. My powers allow me to take items and their enchantments and fuse them into something new, working with the physical and magical components in what to keep, what to discard and what to fuse, with the end result being something that is in a way more than the sum of its parts, although not twice as powerful. I am still limited by the materials, but am fortunate that the power itself handles some of the details which means that I haven¡¯t so far needed to become a master in every related craft, but knowing the basics helps a lot. The most simple thing would be to keep the shape and some enchantments from one item while adding some from another. Say that I have a sword with an enchantment of magical sharpness and a whip with a lightning effect. I could remake those into a sword with all enchantments that were viable to its form. I mostly did this during iron rank, effectively creating higher rarity equipment.¡± ¡°Did? As in past tense?¡± Phiona asked ¡°Yes. As of bronze rank, I became able to get a little bit more abstract in which properties to mold and transfigure. Take the sword from the last example; should I try to combine it with a flame resistant shield, I could probably reshape the enchantments to something that makes it more effective against flame-based creatures or constructs, keeping the flame-repelling concept while adjusting it to the new item. And I could also transfer a bit of the shields inherent durability to the sword as well. Or remake the both of them into somethin else, like a larger chakram with said properties. The materials and my understanding of their concepts seems to be the guidelines, magic making the process and some combinations possible that would otherwise be quite hard to produce.¡± she said proudly, before wilting slightly. ¡°But not everyone views it that way, saying that it isn¡¯t true craft as I work with other items already made. ¡°Ah, the scavenger.¡± Kite said, making the connection, but wincing when he saw Peony stiffen at the moniker. ¡°Sorry, I just heard of it today.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± She sighed. ¡°In a way, they are right. I do have to work with such materials. But it doesn¡¯t just happen. The process takes hours, sometimes over a day if it is complex enough. And what I make from them have the potential to become something more than they were. What use are two swords never drawn when they could instead become an axe often wielded. And with some additional material, such as quintessence or certain monster parts, I can refine or skew some effects in desirable ways.¡± Rachel gave an angry snort. ¡°Then people who try to belittle you for this are stupid. This craft along with a looting power is awesome, especially Kite¡¯s weird one which only throws gear at him. I can totally see why you would partner up.¡± ¡°It does sound like material will limit a bit, but it also sounds like you will be able to take otherwise unused things and tailor them.¡± Phiona mused. ¡°Should you manage to reach at least silver rank, I am sure that my family would love to retain your services.¡± ¡°Now, don¡¯t you go poaching my business partner from me.¡± Kite laughed. ¡°Can you imagine the portal expenses I would have to pay just to have her work with all the material I produce? Assuming I can even find someone who offers such services around here.¡± Peony had become a bit flustered, albeit happy, at the praise. ¡°You are all very kind. But silver is quite a ways off, both in time and money. Our first order of business would be to become self-sufficient enough to get out of the Stoic family¡¯s grip. And get Sun his last essence and stones. I¡­ I don¡¯t want to face the years ahead only for him to grow old while I stay the same.¡± Kite put a supportive hand on her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Peony, We¡¯ll take our time and make something good together. If it all works out, I can even see myself returning as often as possible with new materials and for new commissions.¡± ¡°And I will work hard.¡± she nodded. ¡°And as for that, dear benefactor, what do you have in mind? With the exception of the practice gear, I want the first real project I undertake to be for you.¡± Kite leaned back in his seat, thinking. ¡°Well, I have given this some thought. I already have a stable core of my arsenal through my staff and blade, with the spear and fan supplementing in certain situations. Mistress Dew, one of my mentor¡¯s back in Gilded, gave me the advice to focus on more niche complements. Items to bring forth for a specific task.¡± ¡°If I may-¡± Phiona began, continuing as Kite nodded, ¡°- I would say that you need a mana sink. Preferably a few.¡± ¡°Mana sink?¡± Kite asked, unfamiliar with the terminology. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Something to spend a lot of mana on for a large effect.¡± Phiona clarified. ¡°As I have become a lot more familiar with your powers during our training, I have noticed that you very much fall into the category of an endurance fighter, better at controlling the tempo of a fight rather then finishing it quickly. At least if will be so now that you have risen above iron rank. While your barriers negate damage for you and your allies, you chip away at your opponent with reliable, rather low-cost attacks. With your vortex, I would imagine that you have rarely lacked for mana during most fights, especially at iron and bronze.¡± ¡°That is true. It has been a few times, but those have been quite rare. Even in the slightly larger scale battles of the war, there were enough targets to easily find a balance.¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°And your two finishers, your familiar and your¡­ let¡¯s call it augment for lack of a more specific term, don¡¯t cost you much as they need other resources to be employed.¡± ¡°Which means that I should have the mana to spare for more costly effects to employ in the right situation.¡± Kite said, catching on to what Phiona was on to. ¡°Yes, but not only, of course. Some more utility gear to either work to specialize or cover weaknesses is always needed. But you could definitely use some instantaneous power.¡± ¡°And you have to admit that there is a certain thrill to unleash a lot of violence at once.¡± Rachel added with a cheeky grin. ¡°While I wouldn¡¯t call that your strongest point, dear cousin, one has to admit that spewing a small waterfall of acid does strike a certain amount of respect in your enemies.¡± Phiona jibed, surprising the rest with the unexpected levity. ¡°Well, I have you know I deal plenty of damage-¡± Rachel began her retort, and both Kite and Peony smiled at the cousin¡¯s mock squabble. ¡°It does seem like we have a direction for your first creation.¡± he noted. ¡°Teacher is wise and very well trained. I trust her judgment in this.¡± ¡°Yes, so now there is the matter of specifics. I may have some concepts.¡± Peony mused, the pair quickly losing themselves into a discussion where they weighed the different alternatives, going over what materials they could use from the piles Kite had already provided. Phiona and Rachel soon joined in, the group losing themselves in the satisfying process of shaping the outline of an implement of destruction. About an hour later, Peony looked satisfied. ¡°I think we have it. Now to make some items for practice, buy some force quintessence and I think I will be good to go. All of you are free to swing by during the upcoming days if you want to see me at work.¡± ¡°Oh, that would be awesome!¡± Rachel exclaimed ¡°I would also like to see it.¡± Phiona added. ¡°Then it sounds like you will have some observers.¡± Kite said. ¡°I am already excited to see what will come of this.¡± ¡°And I may need to calm my nerves a bit.¡± Peony added, although Kite could feel that her aura was brimming with excitement. ¡°Then now the planning is done, would you like to see the surprise?¡± he asked his new business partner. Peony looked blankly at him for a short moment before the excited smile from yesterday returned. ¡°I completely forgot about it! What is it?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s gather around and I¡¯ll show you. Also, we should call upon your family again, as I think that they will want to be part of this as well.¡± A little while later, Peony had shepherded her family back into their common room. Her parents stood off to the side, polite but slightly tense from the Geller¡¯s presence, while Sun stood next to his wife, one arm around her waist. ¡°Well, Kite, don¡¯t keep us in suspense.¡± Rachel chided him from where she and Phiona sat in a couch. ¡°My auntie often told me that important things need to be given their proper amount of time.¡± Kite answered her with a wink. ¡°But you are right. As I told Peony, I have a surprise for you. A gift, to be precise. And should it ruffle your karmic sensibilities, please view it as an investment into our future collaboration.¡± As he finished, Kite reached into his dimensional satchel and plonked an item down on the table in front of Peony and Sun. It was a perfect cube seemingly made of unrefined iron ore, the material looking compressed without losing its crystalline structure. ¡°For you, Sun, should you accept it.¡± he stated, and he couldn¡¯t help but to inwardly enjoy the couple¡¯s stunned silence. They had indeed been surprised. ¡°Kite-¡± Peony said, stumbling on her words. ¡°That is-¡± ¡°Too much!¡± Sun exclaimed, although he wasn''t able to tear his eyes from the essence. ¡°Kite, how could we- We can¡¯t possibly- Just, how would we even pay you?¡± ¡°Master Sun, I think you may have forgotten the part where Kite called it a gift.¡± Phiona interjected. ¡°And while it is a quite valuable one, he still made that quite clear. I am sure he has his reasons.¡± ¡°Teacher, you make me sound almost a bit too devious with your choice of words.¡± Kite said, feigning a wounded expression before turning back to the couple. ¡°The truth of the matter is rather simple. When I was close to ascending to bronze-rank, my uncle and mentor told me that I now had the opportunity to reflect on what I wanted to do with my path to power. I think he also wanted me to think about what power really means to me, and in which way I will wield it to make my imprint on this world. And while I have only begun on my path, I have found that so far, I have at least one purpose clear to me. While others may be revealed in time, I already know that I want to use my power to make a difference to those close to me. I do not feel responsible for the whole world and all of its people. Not even all the people of these lands. But my friends. Companions. Collaborators. Mentors. Or just those whose path seems to resonate with mine. If I have the power to make a difference for them, I should be allowed to wield it, no? You, Sun, are just one essence away from something quite important to Peony. And while we haven¡¯t known each other for long, I hope that the partnership we have struck here will be one to last. So this is an investment in that hope, and I in turn hope that you will want to honor it.¡± His words had turned into a small speech, leaving the room in silence. Sun and Peony¡¯s parents almost had a slack-jawed expression, and Peony herself almost looked to be on the verge of tears. Phiona, on the other hand, just looked at him with a quirked eyebrow and an amused smile while Rachel¡¯s eyes sparkled with amazement. ¡°I¡­ may have gotten a bit carried away there.¡± Kite said, a bit abashedly. But still, he had meant it. And it felt good to say it. He knew he wasn¡¯t only altruistic; that the act of making such a difference made him feel good. Powerful, even. But from the ripples he felt in the auras of those present, he held to his statement. Using power like this¡­ He liked it. ¡°Then¡­¡± Peony said, voice a bit unsteady. ¡°Then I think that you should accept, husband.¡± ¡°In that, we are of one mind, wife.¡± he answered, looking to Kite. ¡°I¡­ Thank you.¡± The simple statement was rife with emotion. Kite understood it in part. While there was little doubt that they would be able to afford Sun¡¯s last essence in time, should they escape their current predicament, it would still have been a long time of saving. Peony¡¯s parents had saved most of their lives for her set. ¡°Use it well, if only to stay by your wife¡¯s side in longevity. I have some ideas for the future, but those are only ideas, not strings or conditions attached. But we can get to that later. Would you like to know which essence it is?¡± ¡°Iron essence.¡± Peony answered. ¡°I have it as well, after all.¡± ¡°And that was why I looked for it specifically. While useful, it is still one of the most common ones. But since some of your powers interact with iron or are empowered by it, I thought that it wouldn¡¯t hurt for Sun to have an additional source of it. But as it is a permanent choice without the possibility of regret, I still wish to emphasize that it is an offer, not a must. ¡°No, it is perfect.¡± Sun said, turning to Peony. ¡°Our love will now be bound in iron as well.¡± His words made Rachel squeal a bit as the couple embraced, living up to her proclaimed fondness for romance. Those gathered let them have a moment, before Kite spoke again. ¡°Would you like to do the ritual right away? I have the materials.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know that you were a ritualist?¡± Phiona asked him. ¡°Oh, I am nowhere close. But auntie Crow has taught me some of the basic ones, and the ritual of awakening is one that I know. I did it for most of my own awakening stones.¡± ¡°Then, yes, please.¡± Sun said before remembering something. ¡°But we should definitely go outside. And I should change clothes.¡± At his words, the essence users in the room all sighed in disappointment. ¡°What? You think I wouldn¡¯t remember what will happen? I¡¯ll have you know that I have been here for both of my wife¡¯s rank-ups.¡± He said, one eyebrow quirked. ¡°Please forgive us.¡± Kite chuckled. ¡°It is somewhat of a rite of passage, but you were indeed wise to our intentions. I will go and prepare outside. Come out when you are ready.¡±
A short while later, Kite was drawing out a ritual diagram on a stone patio in the family¡¯s garden. The Geller cousins were with him, while the family helped Sun prepare. ¡°The iron essence. Together with eye and monkey, it should probably become the transfiguration confluence, like Peony. But I would be very surprised if their powers became similar. With an animal essence in the mix, you will almost always get transformations relating to the animal in question.¡± Phiona said while watching Kite work. ¡°That is what the magic society index told me as well.¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°Fortunately it wasn''t too hard to trade for, as someone wanted a tree essence and an awakening stone I had stashed. I hope he will be happy with it.¡± ¡°Kite, what you gave him is the kind of boon that may change lives. He would be a fool not to.¡± his teacher noted. ¡°From what I gathered from your aura, you really meant what you said during your little speech. While giving essences to loved ones is a common practice, I get the feeling you have taken it just a little bit further here. Why not sell them instead? Adventurers, even those from prominent families, always tend to want for resources.¡± ¡°I did, at first, or traded. But during the war, I had some good reasons to think about things. About who distributes power in this world. And I realized that I might as well aim to be one of them, if only on the smallest of scales. If I can give power to those who resonate with me, maybe I can shift the world just a little bit more towards what I favor.¡± ¡°For someone who hails from a rural village in a rural part of the world, you do seem to have quite the ambition.¡± Phiona said, shaking her head. But Kite could see a smile playing over her lips, proving that she was not entirely opposed to the idea. ¡°Well, I think that it is very sweet. Why not give nice things to people you find nice?¡± Rachel chimed in. ¡°So you will also give away the next essence or awakening stone you find?¡± her cousin asked her teasing. ¡°And not sell it while working towards one of those vehicle homes?¡± ¡°I just might.¡± Rachel snorted, defiantly turning her nose up. ¡°Well, I do have the advantage of a familiar who can sometimes have them manifest.¡± Kite admitted, further comments interrupted by the arrival of Peony, Sun and Peony¡¯s parents. Dressed in only a loose pair of notably old and worn pants, Sun sat down in the middle of the circle, holding the cubical essence. This was not his first time performing this ritual, after all. ¡°Are you ready?¡± Kite asked him. ¡°Had someone said to me this morning that I would have my third and final essence before the day was out, I would have called them mad. As it just seems to be that kind of day, I feel that just going along with what must be the whims of the heavens seems wise.¡± The man answered with a smile. ¡°Thank you, Kite. Truly.¡± Kite responded with a smile of his own and a nod, then started the ritual. The essence melted away into liquid metal, quickly absorbed through Sun¡¯s skin, and was soon followed by the confluence essence forming. The transfiguration essence looked like a cube with everything but its outline and shape being in constant flux, flowing between colors, materials and other more esoteric properties. As it too was absorbed, Peony¡¯s husband left the life of a normal-ranker behind, gray light spilling out from him and lighting up the yard. Sun sat there, emanating exhilaration through his so far uncontrolled aura and breathing deeply as the throes of power flowed through him. And as his smile started straining and his aura fluctuating even wilder with discomfort, Kite and the Geller¡¯s left the yard to give the family some privacy as the less pleasant aspects of ranking up struck with full force. They took their time walking around the neighborhood for a little while, and returning to find Sun a changed man. In a quite literal sense. As they reentered the garden, they found Peony and her family gazing up in awe at Sun, who had grown about thirty centimeters taller, filled out with lean muscle and had golden brown fur growing over most of his body, its pattern seeming only to accentuate the human-monkey hybrid he had become. His tail was manifested too, in the process of snaking its way around Peony¡¯s waist to draw her into a hug. ¡°Welcome to the world of a full essence-user!¡± Kite called as they drew closer. ¡°I would assume that this is your transfiguration power at work?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t he wonderful?¡± Peony asked, beaming as she hugged him again. ¡°It feels rather strange, but in a distinctly good way.¡± Sun agreed. His face had somewhat changed as well, growing more elongated and fierce, and his hair had taken on the same golden brown hue. What surprised Kite the most was that he now also sported a pair of mighty sideburns as the fur grew down that part of his cheeks. ¡°And these as well.¡± the newly ascended iron-ranker demonstrated, holding up his arms where a pair of iron bracers were conjured. ¡°I don¡¯t even know what they do, but they just feel right.¡± ¡°That is quite normal. Take a while to meditate and look inwards. It should give you a good sense of what your new powers can do.¡± Phiona said. ¡°And congratulations. It is quite a momentous step in your life.¡± They remained in the garden for a while, watching as Sun explored some of his new capabilities with the enthusiasm of a puppy which just learned how to run. He even tried, and almost succeeded, to leap up and grasp a wooden beam jutting out from the house with his tail, remaining suspended for a short while before the momentum of his leap had him slide off. ¡°Still quite a ways to go.¡± He muttered as he rose, his smile undiminished. ¡°For those who seek it, the path to mastery remains eternal.¡± Phiona said sagely. ¡°But take care of your skills and they will take care of you and yours in turn.¡± ¡°And about that-¡± Kite said, seeing his chance to broach a subject he had been thinking of, ¡°- I would like to voice a suggestion.¡± ¡°It would be most rude of us not to listen to our benefactor¡¯s words.¡± Sun said as he shifted back to his normal form. ¡°What do you have in mind?¡± ¡°I would advise you to consider becoming an adventurer, an active one. Maybe even forestalling cores if possible.¡± Kite began, holding up a hand to forestall the objection written across Peony¡¯s face. ¡°It is merely an idea, but I am thinking about the long term. Because as you know, my stay here will not be forever. And while I hope to return often, it still leaves Peony without company that she knows she can trust. But if she had such company, especially close at hand, you could continue taking contracts and gathering materials. Not every adventurer needs to strive for the heavens, or rush towards them. My uncle is an example of that. He has chosen to remain in the Autumn lands, working mostly as a courier and taking his time. It took him just shy of twenty years to reach silver rank, but there is no village or community in those lands who doesn¡¯t know of him and his work. Our world is one of constant threat, and the adventure society needs those who will go for the simple monster cleanups and continue to do good work instead of leaving for greener pastures. Please just think about it, and discuss it. And either way, you should join us in training to get a better feel for your capabilities, whatever your choice may be.¡± Penny still looked as if she was to protest, but her husband put a gentle hand on her shoulder. ¡°We shall give it proper consideration, Kite.¡± he said, and Kite could see that he meant it. ¡°Then we shall leave you to it. And you, Peony, to your crafting. I am most eager to see how our little project will progress.¡± Kite said, bowing politely to his hosts. ¡°Thank you for hosting us. And may our collaboration continue to be fruitful.¡±
He and the Gellers left the family¡¯s home and the joyous people gathered within to return to their inn. The conversation was light and pleasant, with mostly Rachel and Kite doing the talking while Phiona seemed content to listen to their banter. And it was she who first noticed the people waiting for them just outside the inn, feeling the two bronze-rank auras questing outward and homing in on them as they came in range. A moment later, Kite and Rachel felt it too, seeing the small group gathered, a man in stylish robes being the apparent center of those gathered. His aura had the distinct tinge of monster cores, but the accompanying man¡¯s did not. Three normal-ranked retainers followed as well, clearly deferential to what Kite assumed was their young master. ¡°Do you think they mean us harm?¡± Kite asked softly, Phiona giving a slight shake of her head in response. ¡°Not unless they have a hidden silver-ranker waiting to ambush us. But I think that they at least mean complications, and that someone hasn¡¯t taken a hint. Do not worry, it shouldn¡¯t be anything we cannot handle.¡± As they drew closer, the well-groomed younger man took a step forward to greet them. ¡°Mistresses Geller! This humble supplicant wishes for but a moment of your time.¡± ¡°Then I must say that I was surprised by this visit, as we were quite clear in our refusal to the request of the retainer you sent this morning.¡± Phiona answered, Kite starting slightly in surprise as neither of the women had told him about such a visit. ¡°I would assume you to be Stoic Boar, young master of the Stoic family?¡± ¡°I am honored that such a prestigious scion knows of my name.¡± Stoic Boar genuflected. ¡°And as for your refusal, I must apologize as word had not reached me of such a response.¡± he lied, and rather obviously so, but kept his obsequious tone. ¡°I will, of course, leave should you wish, but I would dearly hope to at least get the chance to speak with you in person. My family would of course be honored to treat you to a meal while we spoke, the finest available at an establishment of your choice.¡± Phiona seemed to weigh his words for a while, regarding him before turning to Rachel who simply shrugged. Her gaze then sought out Kite¡¯s, him also nodding his assent at taking up the proposal should she wish. ¡°Then, as you already seem to be well aware where we are staying and have already gone through the trouble of coming here, we might as well dine here at our inn. Come.¡± she said, all noble poise as she led her companions towards the entrance. 72. Proper time ¡°You have my most overflowing gratitude, mistress Geller.¡± Stoic Boar said as he took a seat in the private dining room they had been led to by the serving staff, Phiona and Rachel sitting down opposite him across the table. Kite was about to sit down next to Rachel when he suddenly felt an aura attempt to spike his, the sudden spiritual hostility coming from the bronze-ranker accompanying Stoic Boar. But while Kite¡¯s aura was nothing out of a competent ordinary in regards to subtlety or suppression, he did have a startlingly good spiritual defense since his tempering in the jade-sky gate. This meant that the attack meant to startle and probably chastise Kite instead slid off, although with the subtlety of someone stumbling after missing a lunge. Both Gellers¡¯ eyes snapped to the man, who stiffened in embarrassment but decided to press on. ¡°My apologies for the disturbance, mistress Geller. I was merely attempting to have your retainer know his place, as he meant to sit down at your side. Do you want me to remo-¡± The man got no further, words catching in his throat as Phiona¡¯s aura lashed out with the spiritual equivalent of a leg sweep, shattering his defenses and keeping him down in a thorough suppression. ¡°Young master Stoic.¡± she said, gaze returning to the noble who had been a bit slow on the uptake with the spiritual clash around him. ¡°I find that your choice of retainer reflects poorly on you. This man is my student, and is free to seat himself wherever he would like while in my presence.¡± Stoic Boar licked his lips, a nervous tic, before smiling. ¡°A most unfortunate misunderstanding, mistress Geller. And my apologies to you, young man. I did not know that the mistress Geller had taken a student here among our locals. Please sit and eat with us. May I inquire your name?¡± The man finished, attempting to smooth over the earlier transgression. In this situation, Kite was glad that he had spent some time with Will, getting some informal training in the decorum of situations such as this. Grateful to not be in the lead, Kite glanced at Phiona who had not voiced any objections as she remained poised and elegant. ¡°Thank you, young master Stoic. I am called Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, referred to as Kite.¡± he said while sitting down. The noble quickly turned his attention back to Phiona and Rachel, but Kite did pick up a lingering interest from his aura as his attention seemingly wanted to shift back. ¡°While I am not the most well-versed in the customs here, I am a woman who prefers directness. Why have you insisted on this meeting, young master Stoic?¡± ¡°Ah, I see. A woman of my own heart.¡± Stoic Boar lied smoothly. ¡°Then I will indeed get to the point.¡± At this time, food had been served and the Stoic scion took a bite out of a fried fish with a herb-covered crust before continuing. ¡°I am merely here with an offer, and to present the services of my family. While we may have been beneath your notice so far, I assure you that we are the city¡¯s most prominent producers of equipment for adventurers, be it commissions or serial. It would be unfortunate should you come to judge our city from the wares of more¡­ eccentric providers.¡± ¡°Young master Stoic, are you accusing me of having poor judgment?¡± Phiona asked, not even bothering to hide the trap in her question. ¡°Why no, of course not, mistress Geller. I just felt an obligation to help you make informed choices. As you seem to be here without retainers, a woman of your standing can¡¯t be expected to investigate every service provider herself.¡± ¡°And what makes you think that I am even in the market for new equipment and in need of your services?¡± ¡°I- Well, you will have to excuse me, mistress Geller, but an illustrious figure such as you can¡¯t help but be noticed. And rumor had already spread that you had been seen visiting a local crafter of rather ill repute, of course unbeknownst to you. When I heard of it, I could not help but immediately seek you out. The crafter, Daybreak Peony, she has potential, but can not be expected to eke out even a sliver of that potential without some experienced guidance. My family has generously offered it to her, but alas she remains set in her way.¡± ¡°I see. Rumors?¡± ¡°Yes, mistress Geller.¡± ¡°Then you must have very talkative friends, young master Stoic, as I have only visited that particular crafter once, and that was this very day.¡± ¡°Why yes, mistress Geller, I-¡± ¡°From what I hear, I must extend my thanks to the young master for your concern, but can assure you that everything is as it should be. I have other business with Daybreak Peony.¡± ¡°I see. Business, you say? Has the Geller family taken an interest in her? Then could this not be a fated encounter, mistress Geller? If both of our families have taken note of Daybreak Peony¡¯s potential, then isn¡¯t this the very heavens showing us that further collaboration might be beneficial to us all? If your business-¡± ¡°Our business will remain our own, young master Stoic. We thank you for your offer, but I will decline.¡± ¡°Mistress Geller, I-¡± ¡°Firmly.¡± Stoic Boar¡¯s smile remained frozen in place. For the briefest second, one could almost see the gears of his mind working overdrive, eventually deciding to cut his losses. ¡°I see, mistress Geller. Now was indeed not an agreeable time for such talk. I will make sure to firmly reprimand my retainer for their tardiness in not promptly reporting your indisposition at this time.¡± He said, rising and bowing politely. ¡°We can hopefully broach this topic another time. I bid you all a pleasant day.¡± And with that, the noble and his entourage swiftly left, their food only half-eaten. In the silence that followed, Kite turned to Phiona. ¡°Once more you show your mastery, teacher. He truly found no way of getting through your defenses.¡± ¡°Yeah, Nona is great at acting as the ice princess.¡± Rachel said, leaning against her cousin. ¡°I can never get it to work, but give me a chance to play airheaded heiress and you will be in for a treat.¡± ¡°Still, he was nothing if not persistent. And my defense did not hold all the way, as you may have noted that he still threw out the hook of a potential future meeting. We can probably assume that he means to work us over time.¡± ¡°So, what will you do about it?¡± Kite asked. ¡°Unless something drastically changes, then nothing. Even a persistent man cannot empty the ocean with a pair of chopsticks.¡± Phiona answered, seeming confident in her ability to resist such a tactic of attrition ¡°But there is something that we should do.¡± Rachel added. ¡°Enjoy the free treats.¡± As if to make her point, she took another bite of food. ¡°Because this is soooo good.¡±
¡°Save me Kite. This investigation is soooooo boooooring~.¡± Wander said, from where she had almost melted onto the table in theatrical distress. ¡°Nice to see you too, Wander.¡± Kite said with a chuckle as he sat down, Braid also joining them. ¡°Is this what was so urgent?¡± Kite had been on his way back from the trade pavilion, having picked up some quintessence for Peony, when one of Wander¡¯s rats had happened upon him. Her squealing plea for help had led to her guiding him to the apartment at the Fourth step which she and Braid shared during their stay in the city, restlessness being revealed as the source of said distress. ¡°Yes~...¡± the woman moped, looking up after a few seconds with a disappointed look. ¡°There is a damsel in distress here. I do not feel that this is given proper attention~.¡± ¡°Some say that a bit of restlessness may help one find one¡¯s direction. Have you tried meditation?¡± Kite teased, earning himself a pout. ¡°Can you tell me anything about how the investigation is going?¡± ¡°Contrary to my companion¡¯s disposition, I would say that it goes well. We have several leads we are pursuing, but all will need proper time and care.¡± Braid said, giving Wander a chastising look. ¡°But said time and care mostly have me scurrying around the city, looking and listening at mostly irrelevant things. Kite, you don¡¯t understand how many naked people I¡¯ve seen as I¡¯ve snuck about. People are so naughty when they think that no one is watching~.¡± Wander complained. ¡°Is that what is causing your distress? Naked people?¡± ¡°No, it is that I have no time to go get some for myself, since I am always scurrying around this damp place and looking at people. And I can¡¯t just swarm in there and ask if there¡¯s room for one more, can I~?¡± Both Kite and Braid looked at her in a moment of stunned silence at her outburst, before both had to stifle laughter, a snort escaping Kite before he could help himself. This earned him a withering look from Wander. ¡°What¡¯s so funny? Just because you can gallivant around and do what, or who, you want doesn¡¯t mean that some of us diligent and hard-working adventurers can¡¯t long for that too~.¡± ¡°Sorry, sorry.¡± Kite said, holding his hands up in placation. ¡°It is quite alright to have wants and needs. But I must object to the notion of that being how my days are being spent?¡± ¡°They aren¡¯t? Then why are you always going about with beautiful women these days? And you were surely out on a date with that normal ranker last week.¡± Wander accused. ¡°Wha- How- you saw me and Brook?¡± Kite spluttered, blindsided by the notion that they would have had an audience. ¡°Well, as I said, I do nothing but scurry about this city. And your awkward sweetness was like a beacon on a misty morning. But come on, what are you, fifteen? You both sure were blushing like it~.¡± ¡°I, well, its a bit of a story¡­¡± ¡°Please! Anything to distract me~.¡± the woman pleaded, but Kite could also note a dangerous glint of curiosity in her eyes. And so, Kite spent a while with his two colleagues, relating the story of adolescent love and their unexpected reunion. ¡°- so we are just in the early stages of figuring it out. I¡¯m meeting her again tomorrow.¡± Kite finished. ¡°Aaaww, that¡¯s so sweet~.¡± Wander almost squealed, making Kite think that her and Rachel might get along splendidly. ¡°So the other one¡¯s you have been seen with are the Gellers and that crafter? And you are sure that there is nothing there? They are all quite pretty. That red-haired one? Just¡­ Yum~!¡± ¡°I am quite sure. You do know that it is possible for people to be around one another without lusting for each other, right?¡± Kite asked dryly, an eyebrow raised. ¡°Not from what I have seen around this city, let me tell you that~.¡± Wander retorted, and was about to continue when Braid broke in. He had returned to work a bit into Wander questioning Kite of his love life, but now slapped a paper down on the table. ¡°Sorry Wander, but it is time to get back to it. I may have found another nexus of threads here.¡± he said, pointing to the document and corresponding map of the city. ¡°What? But Braiiid~!¡± the woman protested, but still took the document and began scanning through it, several rats separating from her body to perch on her shoulders and read simultaneously. The process was startlingly quick, and Kite assumed that her myriad nature helped her process the information, and she soon handed back the papers. ¡°Heaven¡¯s be damned, I guess that you are right~.¡± she muttered. ¡°If this is what you think it is, we might call upon you soon Kite. So please stay around the city for a few days, okay?¡± Kite nodded. ¡°I will mostly be training with Teacher this week, so feel free to find me if the need arises.¡± ¡°And the date is tomorrow!¡± Wander added. ¡°Rest assured that I will be following your every step~.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t.¡± Kite pleaded. ¡°Oh sorry I didn¡¯t catch that got to run important adventurer business very urgent byeeeee~.¡± was all that could be heard from the woman, her separation into her swarm state causing the words to gradually transition to a squeak as the swarm of rats flowed out the doors and windows.
¡°Kite, is everything alright? I get the feeling that you are watching for something.¡± Brook asked, as they were walking side by side in one of the few public parks that sprawled along one of the boulevards. Space inside the city remained at a premium, which meant that it was not very sizable but at least well maintained, the statues common to the city even more prominently on display. ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t mean to be distracted. It¡¯s just something a colleague said to me, nothing of import.¡± he replied. ¡°But I must admit that I am rather good at keeping watch these days due to my perception power. Having a complete circular field of view does help.¡± ¡°What? How- how does that even work?¡± Brook asked, his statement apparently awakening the budding scholar in her. What followed was a series of different tests, with everything from Brook holding up varying amounts of fingers, positioning herself in different places and even throwing pieces of gravel at him to see if he could react. The almost childish testing was thoroughly enjoyable, Brook even giggling at times when she threw rocks at her childhood companion. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. But their fun did come to an end when the weather decided to act against them. It began as a light rain, but the winds soon picked up along with the increasing downpour. At first, Brooks'' umbrella had kept her dry enough but Kite noted that it would not remain so for long. ¡°Come, step close.¡± he said, reaching out to lay an arm around her shoulders and gently guide her up against his side. While the enchantments of Kite¡¯s hat were meant to shield one person from the elements, one could fit two people in there as long as they accepted the close proximity. Even as the winter squall had started in full force, there was a cylinder of calm where the pair now stood, Kite only belatedly realizing that he had acted without asking first. ¡°Sorry.¡± he said, looking down at his furiously blushing companion with some chagrin. ¡°I didn¡¯t even ask first. Are- is this acceptable?¡± ¡°I- It¡­¡± she began, but managed to collect herself. ¡°It is fine. Thank you, Kite. It was sudden but¡­ After all, we have been a lot closer than this in the past already.¡± Kite couldn¡¯t help but peek a bit into her aura, and seeing that her surface feelings matched her statement he withdrew before delving deeper. But it did not take supernatural senses to glean that she was probably as confused as he was. ¡°Still, it is quite a wonderful hat. And so pretty.¡± she said, looking up at the painted inside. ¡°It is indeed.¡± Kite agreed. ¡°It was a gift from uncle Walker before I left. That man has truly always taken care of me.¡± ¡°I remember being a bit scared of him at first, when I was still a child. But you are right, there was always a kindness in him. One that I think you helped to bring out.¡± As the rain showed no signs of letting up, they spent some time slowly walking about the park, now empty of people as most sane citizens had already fled to shelter as the rain almost fell sideways and the trees and bushes bent at an almost constant angle. While they talked, they took some time to look at the different statues and their maker. ¡°I like this one.¡± Kite said, looking at a rather abstract creation of reddish stone. ¡°It feels like a blade in its sheath, but kept ready to be drawn in the defense of others.¡± ¡°I¡­ I think it is one of the young master Relentless¡¯ works.¡± Brook said, leaning forward slightly to look at the plaque. ¡°I think I have heard of him. Do people talk about him a lot?¡± Kite asked, remembering the name from overheard conversations. ¡°Oh yes, he is quite famous here. One of those people most either love or want to be. Apparently he does a lot of work killing monsters in the region, more than anyone else. And he is nice to people too. They say that it is almost assured that he will be the one to represent the city in the upcoming Grand Proving.¡± ¡°Grand Proving? What is that?¡± Kite said. He may have heard the term before, but only in passing. ¡°Oh right, Gilded isn¡¯t populous enough to have representatives there.¡± Brook said, before explaining. ¡°The Grand Proving is one the biggest tournaments in the kingdom, and only a few chosen silver rankers from each city deemed prominent enough may enter. Apparently there are duels involved, but the most prestigious part is fighting against waves of monsters. It is held in the mirage arena of Heavenward, and the results of the chosen competitors can have real and lasting impacts on the whole city for decades to come.¡± ¡°And this young master is one of those who will be competing?¡± ¡°Probably, at least according to what people think. Bastion isn¡¯t prominent enough to send more than one competitor. The young master of the Relentless family is only bronze rank right now, but no one doubts that he will reached well into silver in the eight years remaining until the tournament.¡± ¡°Then I can see why he is so respected, if he is the hope of the city.¡± Kite noted. ¡°Indeed. But the history of the Grand Proving is even more interesting. Did you know that it was the Queen of Jade and Sky who made the decree of its creation?¡± Brook asked, proceeding to enthusiastically tell Kite of the history of this grand event, apparently laid down by the same diamond-ranker who had created the jade-sky gates and their trials, apparently very keen on having her people temper themselves. Having spent the afternoon in each other¡¯s company, they found themselves close to the city gates as it was time for Brook to return home. ¡°I should probably go now, before the rain returns.¡± she said, looking toward the road leading out of the city, which was fortunately tiled to save her from walking through the mud. ¡°But I also promised to invite you to come visit us next sixthday. My family has been clamoring to meet you again.¡± ¡°That sounds lovely. I will be there.¡± Kite said. ¡°Thank you, for the company today.¡± she said, and they were left standing a bit awkwardly in front of each other. Fortunately, both seemed to reach the same decision as they simultaneously leaned in for a quick embrace before Brook turned to go, waving back at him from the road. Kite looked after her, feeling quite happy with how the afternoon had progressed even though there were still jumbles of confused feelings left within. ¡°I guess figuring things out will indeed need its proper time.¡± he said to Glint who hovered next to him, before turning back towards the city.
¡°Soooo? How did it go? A woman needs details, Kite. Details!~¡± Wander squeaked from where one of her bodies sat perched on his shoulder, easily keeping her balance as he was fending off a trio of foes. ¡°Is this really the time?` Kite asked, using a conjured barrier to fend off the one of the two bronze-ranked opponents, a pair of women with a rather dangerous look, deflecting a swung axe with his staff and the lone iron-ranker¡¯s heavy mace with the sheath of his sword. A kick sent the axe-wielding bronze-ranker stumbling back while Kite locked the sheath in place and drew the curved blade. In the cramped warehouse where they were currently fighting, there wasn¡¯t enough distance to his target for Kite to really need to use his intent, but he still employed it as it meant that the slash would connect just a split moment earlier than expected, making it an excellent tool for feinting. However, in this particular strike even that feint was unnecessary as Kite was clearly more skilled and of higher rank than the iron-ranked lowlife who had made the questionable choice of joining in this particular attempted ambush. The rippling slash dug into the man¡¯s thigh, the rending force detonating an instant later and severing the leg in a spray of blood and torn muscle. Trusting that said iron-ranker would not get up from that, Kite could return his focus to the two women; the axe-wielder and her companion. As the other woman¡¯s head had transformed into that of a shark when combat began, it was not hard to guess at least one of her essences. Both looked to be foreigners, and from their core-laced vicious auras and brutal style of fighting, Kite suspected that these were people who had lived and operated on the rougher side of civilization. Around them, the big warehouse down at the First step was laden with crates and barrels stored in stacks or on shelves, although some parts had collapsed as another of the ambushers was using his essence powers to send wooden splinters into the swarm of rats flowing over and around him, while Braid took this opportunity to create ritual circles with his threads before channeling lightning through them to stun and incapacitate some of their weaker ambushers. This evening had not gone entirely as planned for the three adventurers. What led them there had been a series of leads indicating some kind of meeting in this warehouse between several mercantile parties. As it had been time sensitive once Braid had made the connection, the three had gone ahead to scout it out after sending word to the branch director. What had awaited them had not been a clandestine meeting but an ambush with four bronze-rankers and a handful more iron laying in wait, masked by crude but decently effective aura concealing formations. Wander¡¯s stealthiness and keen nose had warned them, and they had decided to see if they could flip the trap on their would-be ambushers and see what came falling out. ¡°A more pertinent question; did you catch the trail of the person who left as we did our little entrance?¡± Kite asked as he used another barrier to deflect a thrown hatchet while the shark-lady came charging towards him. Instead of meeting her head on, Kite decided to reshape the battlefield a little. His part of the fight was currently taking place between rows of huge, crate-laden shelves, leaving little room for dodging beyond smaller motions and backstep. That was why his opponent seemed quite surprised as Kite threw himself to the right as she came charging. At iron-rank, Kite had been very hard to pin down and restrain. Since its ascension to bronze, that ability had also made him a lot harder to contain. Even though his motion wasn¡¯t overly forceful, his momentum still carried him straight through the closest crate and the shelf it stood on, the normal rank material splintering into hails of fragments upon contact. Through the newly made hole in the ¡®wall¡¯ that was the shelf, he saw the shark-lady move past, unable to halt her charge. The ax-wielder was hot at her companion¡¯s heels, skidding to a halt and turning in through the hole in pursuit, just as Kite¡¯s impromptu plan had foreseen. In response, he chanted a short spell. ¡°Wall.¡± The corridor between the shelves where Kite had been just moments before was suddenly encased in a box of force, its walls following the shelves. This left the shark-woman trapped inside his barrier-cage, while the axe-wielder suddenly found herself with a wall against her back and huge crates close to either side. And in front, Kite had just conjured his spear, the weapon whistling softly as it moved through the air in a flurry of thrusts. While the flurry wasn¡¯t the most decisive of attacks, and each attack too light to inflict lethal damage, it was still one of the techniques that Will had drilled into Kite. ¡°Showing your foe a storm of strikes might leave them reeling and reacting, caught trying to defend against the winds rather than thinking clearly and seeing the folly of their actions.¡± His friend¡¯s words proved their truth in that moment, as the woman¡¯s lack of formal training became evident. She was pressed back against the force wall, frantically attempting to block Kite¡¯s rapid attacks, a task made rather awkward by the close confines. Kite got several decent jabs in before her mind seemed to bring her instincts into check, roaring as she swung her hatchet in powerful, wide arcs. Through his magical perception, Kite saw the special attack channeled through the weapon and how it easily tore through the crate to her right, and a quick flick of his weapon had the spear shaft connect with her weapon briefly. The sound of an ephemeral mirror cracking rang out, the attack dissipating as more mana was forcibly drained from her. Not prepared for the sudden cancellation of her special attack, her wild swing continued. But instead of tearing through the other box like a knife through tissue paper, the axe only crashed through the surface before losing its momentum and lodging its head inside. She made to pull her weapon free, but Kite let his spear vanish and instead brought out his staff, taking a step forward as he once more thrust towards her chest. The blunt force of the powerful weapon sent her staggering backwards, draining more mana through his special attack and making her loose the grip on her weapon as she was once more driven back against the barrier wall behind her, the prolonged contact meaning that even more mana was rapidly being drained from her as the pace only increased. As she now stood without a weapon, the following relentless assault Kite delivered would have done mistress Dew proud. Without her axe she seemed robbed of many of her offensive options, and the conjured walls and barriers of coral didn¡¯t hinder Kite for long. He changed between spear and staff, constantly jabbing and battering his foe until she finally collapsed, bleeding profusely from many wounds but mostly being almost drained of mana as the ramping drain from contact with the barrier and the flurries of mana-draining special attacks took their toll. Kite held back any killing blows, as prisoners and answers were a most important commodity for his colleagues, and instead turned to the shark-headed woman still stuck in between his barriers. He had been a bit surprised that she had not broken out earlier, but had caught a glimpse of her struggles which made him say a silent prayer of thanks to Fortune. As it turned out, almost all of the woman¡¯s offensive options seemed to stem from her powerful bite attacks, having attempted a few mean-looking special attacks earlier. And as it also turned out, it was quite hard for jaws to find any purchase on a flat wall of force. This had left her pummeling away with her own strength and the occasional bashing swipe of a conjured shark¡¯s tail, a far less effective path to freedom. Employing his evolved essence gift to send a stream of mana to the barrier she was pounding away at, he was rewarded with a frustrated roar as the cracks she had been able to inflict started vanishing. Seeing as he had the woman surprisingly well contained, Kite turned back to Wander¡¯s body still perched on his shoulder. ¡°How is it looking for you two?¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s fine~.¡± she squeaked. ¡°I am draining quite a lot of my target¡¯s blood at the moment, so his struggles will soon cease. And Braid has just finished off his one bronze-ranker and has the three irons all tangled up. He should be here any second now~.¡± Kite nodded but couldn¡¯t suppress a little shiver at Wander¡¯s casual description of draining blood from her opponent, imagining being swarmed over by blood-sucking magical rats. He now knew that she indeed had the blood, rat and myriad essences for the swarm confluence, her draining attacks helping replenish lost rats from her swarm form. Meanwhile, the trapped woman had backed off from the force wall, pacing back and forth a bit before walking up to stand before Kite, the almost translucent barrier not doing much to obscure her toothy shark¡¯s grin. ¡°Hey, pretty boy. You better let me out of here. I¡¯ve got friends. Nasty friends. Friends who will come looking should I disappear.¡± Kite regarded her for a bit while idly using one foot to push the downed axe wielder back into contact with the mana draining force wall as the woman had stirred slightly. ¡°I see. Then may I inquire where said friends are at the moment?¡± ¡°Oh, they usually haven¡¯t got time for small fry like you, but mess with me and they will make time.¡± ¡°Ah, I see.¡± he nodded, keeping his tone pleasant. ¡°You will have to forgive me, but I will have to take that risk. Nothing personal.¡± ¡°Listen you-¡± she began, but seemed to reign herself in. ¡°But wouldn¡¯t such a pretty boy like you be open to cutting a deal instead? What do you want? Coin? Drugs? Restricted stuff? Or maybe something more¡­ physical?¡± Seeing a woman with a shark¡¯s head trying to strike a sensual pose was not what Kite had expected to see that day. ¡°Thank you for the offer, but my stance remains firm. But I can give you a counteroffer.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°Let us collar you and come nice and quietly, and I will make sure that you are not partially devoured by a swarm of blood drinking rats.¡± ¡°Wha- what kind of-¡± she began, but froze as her dead-looking shark¡¯s eyes seemed to take in her surroundings. Wander had apparently finished her first opponent, and had moved in for some intimidatory support. All around the force-caged corridor were rats. They had spread out over the shelves, crates and barrels and was looking down at the woman with an unnerving intensity. Kite wondered if it was just a trick of the light, or if Wander could actually have her eyes glow red. A few minutes later, the shark woman, now having turned back to normal, was led out along with the barely conscious axe-wielder, one of the other bronze-rankers and about half of the iron-rankers. All were bound together by Braid¡¯s threads, the blue glow faintly illuminating the thugs in various states of bedragglement and injury. ¡°Then we just have to wait for reinforcements to better contain these ones when we move from the city.¡± Braid said, turning to his companions. ¡°I believe that Kite and I should suffice for the task, Wander, as I believe that you may have other things to keep you occupied.¡± ¡°Mhmm~.¡± she squeaked happily in assent. ¡°Take care of the bad guys for me~.¡± The rest of her bodies then scurried off into the night. A rather boring wait followed, Kite and Braid idly talking while their prisoners remained seated against the warehouse wall. One of the bronze-rankers once tried ripping through the threads to escape, but got a hasty demonstration of Braid¡¯s powers as said threads could become very sharp should the man wish for them to. The constant hustling of the First step could be heard from between the buildings surrounding them, the harbor never resting, but the owner of the warehouse which had been their target was not affluent enough to afford waterfront property. About half an hour later, a cadre of adventurers arrived, led by Azure Devil. ¡°Well, it seems like I missed all of the fun and excitement.¡± the elf bemoaned, idly scratching the scars on his shaved head. ¡°And here I thought that you liked me, Braid.¡± ¡°Sorry, Azure. It was time sensitive, and turned out to be a trap. But that in itself is a valuable piece of information, although one best left for a location with more privacy.¡± Braid answered. ¡°Still, it¡¯s rare to see so many prisoners as combat easily gets out of hand. Is this your doing as well, Braid?¡± ¡°Only in part. Kite¡¯s talents are rather versatile in that regard as well. Between the two of us, we could keep enough of them alive for questioning.¡± ¡°Huh, I see.¡± Azure said, turning to Kite. ¡°So you¡¯re the reason that these scum are so compliant? Mana drain?¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± Kite said, gesturing with his head towards the twin vortices that he still kept active, applying a constant mana drain to the bound bandits which left them all groggy and disoriented, although he had to stop at times to avoid them falling completely unconscious. ¡°Then I imagine that you will be quite sought after by the adventure society, especially if you reach silver. They are always on the lookout for those adept at bringing rogue elements in for questioning. And the society is quite generous towards those who keep its interests in mind.¡± the elf said with a grin. ¡°Thank you, senior, I will keep that in mind.¡± Kite said with a polite bow. ¡°Only looking after my juniors. Us outcasts got to show some solidarity.¡± Azure replied magnanimously. ¡°But let¡¯s bring these ones in. I¡¯m sure that the director will be most pleased.¡± ¡°Then you can take your leave if you¡¯d like, Kite. I imagine that you cannot just forego sleep entirely, given your training schedule. We will contact you again as soon as we know more.¡± Braid said, Kite wincing slightly as he was reminded of the rather strenuous morning which awaited him. ¡°Well, they say that the path towards the heavens is forged through adversity. I will just have to pray for that to be true.¡± 73. A contract ¡°Kite, please come in. I¡¯m just finishing up here.¡± Peony called, as Kite entered her workshop along with Sun. Compared to most people working with creating magical items, it was a surprisingly simple room with a word desk mostly empty along with shelves and racks containing the different pieces of magical gear Kite¡¯s and Peony¡¯s looting powers had provided along with neatly sorted piles of other materials with different kinds of quintessence gleaming in labeled boxes. Peony herself was at work at her desk, although it differed quite a lot from the crafting which Kite had seen his aunties perform so many times. Crow had been using tools to inscribe formation plates meant to be linked together or fitted into place while Dove had her own brand of internal alchemy. Peony¡¯s work looked even more distinctly magical. Two shimmering, glowing masses were floating in front of her, one looking distinctly like the outline of a sword Kite recognized while the other was more an amorphous mass. As he looked, Peony carefully gestured towards the more shapeless mass, glowing threads of runes emerging and being gently guided into the sword over about ten minutes. Kite barely dared to breathe as she performed the delicate work, looking for all the world like she was handling the finest of spiderwebs where a single stray shake of the hand could have it all collapse. Seeming satisfied, Peony took a breath of her own then clapped her hands together. The glow vanished, leaving the blade and a pile of metal and wood chips floating down to rest on the desk below. ¡°Is that the sword with the enchantments of wind and swiftness that my power produced? He asked, peering down at the weapon. ¡°Yes, I used that as the baseline for this creation, aiming at an augmentation rather than a blend. The blade is light and very swift from the enchantments, so I thought that melding the venomous enchantments from the dagger we found would be a good match. If you want to stack poisons, rate of attacks should help.¡± Kite nodded along with her explanation. ¡°But was it green before?¡± he asked, looking down at the thin blade which now had a distinctive green tint and even some grooves like the veins of a piece of wood. ¡°No, because I managed to bring another aspect from the dagger along as well. Although it was very taxing, I managed to transfer its plant aspect. For those with such powers, this blade should now interact with some plant and wood-based powers as if it was made of that material. While its just guesswork, I think that someone who could, say, reshape their wooden spear or staff should be able to do the same with this blade now even though it is made of metal.¡± Kite looked down at the blade with new respect. ¡°I now see what you mean when you told us that bronze rank allowed you to work with more esoteric aspects.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it rather marvelous?¡± Peony said, straightening as she puffed out her chest with pride. ¡°And know you have caught a glimpse of how I work. That one took around six hours to make, although what I made for you took over two days.¡± ¡°The week since our return sure has gone by quickly.¡± Kite said. ¡°For some, at least.¡± Sun complained as he went over to embrace his wife. ¡°Peony has been cooped up here almost every waking hour. People will soon start assuming that I am a bachelor.¡± ¡°But husband, you see me every morning during practice.¡± she teased, eliciting a wince from Sun. ¡°I swear, those two Gellers are demons from the tales of old.¡± he muttered, although Kite knew that he worked himself hard. ¡°The things I do to help my wife achieve her goals. They might make an adventurer of me yet.¡± ¡°And you will be the most handsome one of them all. But you know that my heart will bleed every time you get hurt, so you will have to do your best to avoid that.¡± Peony said. ¡°Keep my handsome monkey warrior intact until I can get my hands on him.¡± she finished, playfully flicking her husband¡¯s nose. ¡°Wife! We have company!¡± Sun exclaimed, blushing noticeably. ¡°Meh, he¡¯s basically family now.¡± Peony said teasing, but allowed her husband some dignity as she let go of her embrace. ¡°So, Kite, I assume that you want to see them? I finished them last night.¡± ¡°Rather late last night.¡± Sun grumbled, still blushing. ¡°You sure didn¡¯t complain afterwards.¡± ¡°Wife!¡± Peony just stuck her tongue out at her husband before leaving the room to the adjacent storage area. Sun just shook his head, but the smile was plastered to his face. ¡°While she is quite the handful, I am ever so happy to see her lighten up again. Ever since she could start working again, it has been as if the blocked drain of her creativity has been cleansed, bringing the bounty and joy of creation to the rest of her being.¡± ¡°While it sounds like you have gotten a quite¡­ different¡­ perspective of her enthusiasm, I can see what you mean.¡± Kite said, unable to help himself to tease Sun a bit too. ¡°Heavens, not you too¡­¡± Sun groaned, and was about to say something else when Peony returned, carrying a pair of bracers. ¡°I apologize that there is no fancy container, but I thought that you would probably prioritize getting them quicker rather than any sh packaging.¡± she said, handing each of them to Kite. ¡°I present to you, the Twofold Toll of the Bells.¡± The pair of bracers were matched in shape, carrying a simplistic and linear design, but clearly differed in material. One of them was white, its surface having a blurred pattern that somehow looked like Kite imagined that a deep sound felt. The other was instead made from an almost clear crystal, instead giving the impression of clean and directed power that Kite¡¯s subconscious associated with master Force, Dragonfly¡¯s mentor.
WWJS: [Item] Twofold Toll of the Bells Bracers Bronze rank - legendary [Effect] The wielder may start channeling mana into the bracers and release the effect by touching the bracers together. The different levels of effect varies from high to extreme mana, with the highest level providing an exponential increase. Failing to release the effect while at the highest level will cause the mana to dissipate and be lost. When released, the bracers release twin bursts of damaging force in quick successtion. The first burst deals resonating force damage and weakens the defenses and resistances of the target for a short duration. The second burst deals damage through kinetic force with a potent knockback effect. The bursts of force have short range and a single target. Cooldown: 1 hour
¡°That sonic hammer and telekinetic gauntlet worked as a baseline like we hoped, and enough echo quintessene and potent quintessence added helped me shape the connection and really amplify the effect. Due to your resistance to being knocked back, I could really go all out with the kinetic force part.¡± Peony explained, looking quite satisfied at Kite¡¯s apparent awe as he fitted the bracers onto his wrists and felt the power contained in them. ¡°But be careful with the timing. If you are two slow with releasing the charge, it will go to waste, and the materials will need time to recover between uses. But just you wait; once I am silver rank, I can do even more spectacular things.¡± she assured him. ¡°From what I can sense from these ones, I believe that my foes will find it spectacular enough.¡± Kite said. ¡°Thank you, Peony. Anyone who calls your work anything but masterful is a fool screaming at heavens he knows nothing about.¡± ¡°Oh we have always known that my wife had quite the talent.¡± Sun said, sharing her pride. ¡°There was never really any question of who we should have given that first set of essences.¡± ¡°Oh stop it you two.¡± Peony said, blushing. ¡°Wife, I do believe that this is what they call sweet revenge.¡± Sun jibed, earning himself a flat stare. ¡°While I want to try these ones out, I believe that it would be most foolish to do it inside your home. But teacher has suggested another trip out for contracts, but only three days this time. Might we lure the esoteric master craftswoman out with us? And maybe her husband as well?¡± Kite asked, looking at the pair. Peony looked pained at the thought of leaving her workshop, but still nodded. ¡°We will always need more resources and coin for materials.¡± ¡°And we should see if we can¡¯t manage to clean up some iron-ranked monsters as well for the materials. I do believe that your husband will need equipment if he shall try his hand at the adventurer¡¯s life.¡± Kite added, Sun looking a bit worried. ¡°While I appreciate your guidance, I am not sure that I am in any shape to fight a monster.¡± he said, a bit warily. ¡°Do not worry, I think that a little more than a few days of training will be required before teacher throws you at a monster.¡± Kite said placatingly. ¡°But seeing the reality from the back of my familiar should at least give you a sense of what the adventurer¡¯s life can mean. Sun looked a bit unsure, but after a look at his wife, he squared his shoulders. ¡°Then I will be in your care.¡±
Braid woke with a start as he felt something tickle his nose, sitting bolt upright which in turn flung the rat in a squeaking arc across the room. ¡°Heavens, Braid, it¡¯s only me~!¡± Another of the rats said where it stood on the small trunk next to his bed. The rest of Wanders bodies were swarming over the table, collaboratively working on filling paper after paper with text. While it was always fascinating to watch her collective self at work, it did not entirely alleviate Braid¡¯s sour mood of being woken up in that particular fashion. ¡°Wander! You do know that it is possible to announce yourself. What if I had been undressed?¡± he grumbled while rising. ¡°Didn¡¯t you listen to what I told Kite? I¡¯ve seen hundreds, nay, thousands of naked people during the weeks we have been here. Adding you wouldn¡¯t even shift your beloved statistics in any conceivable way~!¡± Braid sighed. ¡°But you¡­ you know how I feel about that.¡± he said, a bit subdued. The rat he was talking to seemed to shrink back a bit at his reaction, ears drooping in shame. ¡°Yes, you are right. Sorry Braid~.¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright Wander, but thank you.¡± Braid said, adjusting his cloth mask which had twisted a bit askew while he slept. ¡°I see that you are writing. Does that mean that you found something worthwhile?¡± The rat perked up again. ¡°Oh yes! Oh yes yes yes yes yes~! Worthwhile enough that even I knew it to be so straight away. Take a look at this~!¡± she said, a few rats working together to present him with the freshly penned stack of papers. Braid sat down and started looking through it, eyes widening in excitement beneath the mask with each page he turned. ¡°Why, Wander, this¡­ this is it! Not just traces, but a solid lead. While it''s not enough to be damning, we should be able to act on this. We need to get this to director Dobrazza straight away!¡± ¡°On it! But promise me that we will get breakfast on the way there! I¡¯m starving hundreds of time simultaneously.¡± Wander squeaked, her swarm flowing up to join him. ¡°Oh, no worries my friend! This- For this, I will get you a whole wheel of cheese!¡± ¡°Braid, you know that¡¯s a hurtful stereotype~!¡±
Kite looked at the advancing wood elemental. At iron rank, they tended to be about two thirds the size of a person, quick and nimble as they lashed out with sharp branches or thorny vines. The bronze-ranked specimens instead tended to be rather large, often twice the height of a person with sturdy limbs and rough bark protecting the elemental from attack. While vaguely humanoid, their arm-like limbs tended to look more like the branches of a tree, often growing out of the trunk more randomly. The one that was currently lumbering towards Kite had no discernible face, but five arms which it waved menacingly. ¡°We¡¯ll be here, but it will probably not be needed.¡± Phiona said from where the rest of his gathered companions stood, auras retracted and Sun wearing a simple paper charm which did the same for his uncontrolled one. ¡°It shall be interesting to see what your new tool will do to an undamaged one.¡± ¡°Then Fortune and Warrior watch over me.¡± Kite called to them as he started his advance as well. He had faced elementals such as this one many times before, and true to form it initiated hostilities by attempting to snare Kite in roots which burst from the soil beneath him. Kite ignored them, trusting in his resilience to such effects of the same rank as the roots failed to find purchase on him. Even as they flailed around him, he had instead started channeling mana into the pair of bracers. When he had first tried them out, he had almost been startled by how fast they drank in his mana, quickly swallowing as much as his most cost-intense spells before it quickly eclipsed them. The charging would continue over ten seconds, with the final two seconds of its duration being the most critical threshold he would most often want to aim for. He could feel them starting to hum with power, his magical perception revealing an intensifying glow from the bands. It was half full as he was finally within range of the elemental, blocking two gnarled limbs on barrier and staff while the bracers continued charging, then swiftly beating back the second set of arms as his senses started screaming that the artifacts had reached their peak. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. As he was already up and close, Kite didn¡¯t hesitate. The bracers came into contact, and what was gathered within showed its potential to the world. First came the deep, bone-shaking tremor as the first pulse was unleashed. The powerful resonating force only registered as a shimmer in the air before half of the elemental¡¯s torso and one set of branch-arms cracked, splinters bursting like shrapnel as its form was rent, structural integrity severely weakened as deep cracks had spread all over the affected area. Then came the second pulse of kinetic force, without sound but with an almost immediate effect as the close to invisible pulse connected with the same area already weakened by the first. The poor elemental reacted as if hit by a landslide localized only over part of its body. The parts already cracked and weakened broke into splinters in an instant, shredding half the creature¡¯s body and sending the intact part stumbling and falling backward. Had Kite not been resistant to effects which tried to forcefully move him, he too would have been sent flying. Instead, deep cracks in the packed earth spread from his feet as the force was dispersed. Kite was a bit awestruck as he looked at the creature which was shambling back to its feet, a task only made harder by missing about half of its torso. It was not dead, the wooden body being resilient and lacking vitals, but severely injured. The rest of the fight was but a formality, the elemental falling to Kite steadily disassembling it with attacks covered in the dark of the void. ¡°That. Was. Awesome!¡± Rachel cheered as she ran ahead of the rest to inspect the aftermath of the blast. ¡°Terrifying is the word I¡¯d use.¡± Sun murmured to his wife, walking in the wake of the red-haired Geller. ¡°It does seem to perform as advertised. But you will need to find a balance, student. This is a powerful tool and you should treat it with respect, preferably as an ace up your sleeve. Pun intended.¡± Phiona said, showing a faint smile of amusement at the others¡¯ reaction to her surprise joke. ¡°In the end, it is not one of your abilities and will not on its own contribute to your growth. But it should let you survive, or end fights which truly need to be ended swiftly.¡± Kite nodded along with her words, understanding her reasoning. He had already been warned that the easy start of the early bronze rank would soon slow down to a crawl, the pace a lot more modest than the end of iron rank. To progress to silver, he would need to push his abilities a lot more over the years to come. ¡°Thank you for your wisdom, teacher.¡± he said, bowing slightly. Both he and Phiona then turned as Peony let out a whoop of triumph. ¡°Sun! Look!¡± she said, running to her husband as the elemental dissolved into rainbow smoke behind her. In her hands, she cupped an awakening stone which had vague shapes of different trees at its center. ¡°A most fortunate start to this outing.¡± Kite noted. ¡°One could almost call it an omen.¡± ¡°Can he use it right away?¡± Peony asked, turning a pleading expression to Kite who in turn looked to the Gellers. ¡°Had he been an active fighter I would have counseled against it, as trying out an untested power when out in the field is often fraught with peril.¡± Phiona said. ¡°But as he is only observing, I don¡¯t see why not. I assume that it is a stone of trees. If this is the area you see yourself operating in, it should be useful. It might also give powers of resilience or even self-healing.¡± Sun, still a bit stunned by the development, soon found himself seated in another ritual circle, Peony handing him the stone. ¡°I made this for you!¡± she said with a proud smile, giving him a quick kiss before exiting the circle as carefully as she had entered it. ¡°And now it will forever be part of me.¡± he answered, holding it up as Kite began the ritual. A little while later, both the stone and the circle were gone, Sun rising to his feet with a thoughtful expression. ¡°So, what did you get?¡± Rachel asked, looking at him as if she could see the new power if she just peered closely enough. ¡°I think¡­¡± Sun began, still seeming to try and get a sense of the new part of him. ¡°I think it bonded to my eye essence. If I focus, I should be able to-¡± he began, before suddenly wobbling in place. ¡°Heavens, that will take some getting used to.¡± ¡°What was it? Are you alright?¡± Peony asked. ¡°I am, do not worry. It was just disorienting. I think this will let me project my vision through nearby trees- no, not just trees. Bushes and roots too. But not grass or moss.¡± ¡°Not what I expected, but supremely useful for scouting.¡± Phiona noted. ¡°Practice it as much as you can while we are out here.¡± ¡°And my uncle has a similar power, and he often called it the power that saved his life the most during his career.¡± Kite added. ¡°You¡¯re welcome, husband.¡± came a comment from Peony, giving Sun a meaningful look as she packed away the rest of the materials.
¡°Master Relentless, it is a pleasure to see you.¡± branch director Dobrazza greeted the stern, handsome man as he entered her office, flanked by a pair of guards and trailed by a trio of retainers. The current head of the Relentless family was a core-using silver ranker, but from his tightly controlled and nuanced aura it was apparent that he was not one to shirk his training. ¡°Director Dobrazza.¡± he greeted in turn. ¡°I must admit that your invitation came at a bit of an inconvenient time, but the urgency and discretion of your message had me believe it to be important. And from those gathered here, I will assume that it is not merely meant as a reason to sit down for tea and conversation.¡± he finished, looking around at the gathered people. Azure, Braid and Wander all sat off to the side, with the masked man sitting straight and slightly nervous while his two companions were lounging a lot more comfortably. Dobrazza¡¯s deputy director was also present, named Argento Timero. Like the director, he was also a smolder, but stood out a bit from the rest of his people as he was tall and thin-limbed unlike his generally rather stocky species. ¡°You are indeed right, master Relentless. But tea will still be served, should you wish to partake. It is a rather spicy blend brought from my homeland.¡± Dobrazza said, gesturing to the prepared seating arrangements. Contrary to Braid and Wander¡¯s earlier encounters with the woman, she showed none of the sultry familiarity in this formal setting. ¡°Then I will of course partake while you explain the purpose of this meeting.¡± the nobleman said, sitting down along with his retainers while the two guards remained standing. ¡°Certainly.¡± Dobrazza said, sitting down while her deputy director filled their cups, a soft fiery glow starting to emanate from the cups. ¡°You will have to forgive us if we have ventured too deep into your family''s businesses, but the city lady asked me to convey that she has personally sanctioned the contract which we are working on.¡± ¡°Has she now?¡± master Relentless asked, an eyebrow raised and disapproval clear in his voice. ¡°It sounds like I will need to have words with her about the matter then.¡± ¡°But first, some context. Are you familiar with the recent troubles up north, near Gilded?¡± ¡°I am, if only on the surface level. Some unmentionables making trouble while trying to resurrect a fallen sect.¡± ¡°Those are the outlines, yes, but deeper investigations have shown that the incident might be part of a wider spread influence from the troublemakers behind it all. When we got the reports, we too began investigating traces of illicit activities here; blood cultists, followers of the dark gods, instigators of trouble and the like.¡± ¡°Yes, I did hear about the arrest of mistress Virtue. While she was no personal friend, I must say that it is still a bit unworthy for one of her station to remain under arrest for so long. Know that I would see it as a personal favor if the matter could be settled in short order.¡± master Relentless said, waving his hand at the matter as if it was already a foregone conclusion. A perceptive observer could note that Dobrazza stiffened slightly at his words, and that her glowing eyes got a slightly more dangerous look about them. ¡°While I understand master Relentless¡¯ concern, the adventure society will still not take a matter such as this lightly no matter who stands under suspicion. Are you perhaps familiar with the sacrifice confluence? ¡° As the noble¡¯s eyes thinned, everyone present knew that he had seen and acknowledged the trap that he had stepped into. ¡°I must admit that the specifics elude me.¡± ¡°Understandable. A man of your station must already have duties unto eternity.¡± Dobrazza said, giving him some face and saving her scored point for later use. ¡°But I can assure you that of the restricted essences, the sacrifice confluence is one of the most diligently pursued by all who stand for the good of society, be it adventurers or clergy. This is because, unlike some of the other restricted combinations, the sacrifice confluence always finds power from the suffering of others. In the end, the risk of the innocent and powerless starting to disappear around such individuals are deemed so high that there are so far only two options for those found possessing its vile powers. Skeletal suppression, or execution. As that is the severity of the situation, you will have to forgive me for not being able to extend any favors in the matter. It will be up to the city lady and her court to determine the punishment¡±. During her response, Dobrazza¡¯s glowing eyes had not left the noble¡¯s for even a split second, and while her aura was not attempting to clamp down on master Relentless, everyone present had felt its gradual expansion. ¡°Then she will at least be judged by her peers.¡± he stated, pushing the matter aside after his choice of words made his opinion of the adventure society clear. ¡°But we digress, as I believe you were working up to how this should be of any regard to me and my family.¡± ¡°We did indeed digress. Only the heavens know why.¡± Dobrazza stated with obvious sarcasm before letting the matter slide. ¡°But yes, in the aftermath of the incident at the Virtue compound, we uncovered a lot of additional information which led to further investigations. Investigations which all pointed toward your family.¡± ¡°Director, are you insinuating that my family would have anything to do with this?¡± master Relentless asked, voice heavy with frost and disdain. ¡°No.¡± was Dobrazza¡¯s simple answer. ¡°No?¡± the nobleman asked, his composure shaken slightly by the turn. ¡°No.¡± Dobrazza confirmed. ¡°Quite the opposite, actually. We found that there were a lot of plots and threads in motion which were all aimed at undercutting your family¡¯s businesses and influence. All subtle and, while dancing on the edge, still remained within the bounds of the law. But not long ago, one particular of our operatives, They Who Wander, overheard conversations which brought a new perspective on the matter. From what we were able to gather without our agent compromising herself, there are two points of information which we felt the need to inform you of.¡± Master Relentless gave a snort of frustration at the silence which followed. ¡°Well, director, do not keep me waiting. If there is a threat to my family, time is of the essence.¡± Director Dobrazza had been watching him as if looking for something, but apparently she had not found what she had hoped as she sighed and gave a slightly disappointed shake of her head. ¡°Very well. The first piece of information is that there seems to be special attention directed at your son, young master Vista, and that said attention wishes for him to fail on the path you have set him upon. The second is that they made multiple references to having someone inside your staff of family retainers, someone sharing their ambitions in regards to the young master¡¯s success. We do not know who, and our agent had to pull out as staying longer to listen would have risked exposure.¡± At her words, master Relentless had fallen silent, listening intently. When Dobrazza finished, he remained silent for a while longer, gaze distant as he was evidently lost in thought. ¡°I assume that you have something more than words to back up this particular interpretation?¡± he eventually said, locking gazes with the director once more. ¡°We have the transcripts and a copy for your perusal, although the documents must not leave this room.¡± Dobrazza answered, waving at her deputy director who handed a folder to the nobleman. Master Relentless took his time reading it through, although said time was quite short as his silver rank as his cognitive processing speed was much improved. When he closed the folder, his rather stiff exterior had relaxed slightly, and he looked more thoughtful than the earlier inconvenienced expression. ¡°Assuming this is correct, and from some details presented here I have little doubt that it is, my family find itself in the awkward position of owing your adventure society a debt, director Dobrazza. Vista¡¯s progress must not be put in jeopardy, as must our business interests be protected.¡± he said, looking concerned. ¡°We must conduct a thorough vetting of all our staff, but as the utmost discretion is required, this will take time. Weeks, maybe months. It must be initiated at once.¡± he said, rising from his chair. ¡°As we have the stability of Bastion and its people¡¯s interests at heart, it was only right of us to share this so that we risk lesser turmoil in the time to come. While it is still expected to be at least a year off, the monster surge could hit us anytime. If that happens, we want Bastion at its best and its essence users, commoners and nobles alike, to be ready to come to its defense.¡± Dobrazza replied, standing as well. ¡°I wish you luck in your internal endeavors.¡± The nobleman seemed to have been lost in thought again, only nodding at her as he turned to leave. Just as he was about to reach the doors he suddenly stopped, before turning back to Dobrazza and the gathered adventurers. ¡°Director, I believe that I might have a contract for your organization.¡±
¡°Husband, please give this matter a rest.¡± Peony repeated pleadingly as the group passed through the main gates of Bastion, once more mingling with the crowds of the city after their three days out in the wilds. ¡°But love- It¡¯s- He- Karma.¡± Sun spluttered, continuing his objections. Peony stopped and whirled at her husband, dragging him off to the side of the street and cupping his face between her hands. ¡°Love, Kite was very kind to give you the awakening stone that his familiar manifested. And all of us agreed that the awakening stone of wind would probably suit your path which, from the result, was a sentiment which Fortune seemed to agree with. And to thank him properly, I will continue to work hard on each and every one of his commissions from now until forever. And you can thank him too, with words and by honoring that gift. Am I making myself clear, my lovely fool of a husband?¡± she finished, giving Sun a look that, while kind, brooked no arguments. Sun sighed, leaning his forehead against Peony¡¯s. ¡°You¡­ Yes, wife, you are right. And thank you again, Kite. That dashing power will be a godsend should I need to reach Peony¡¯s side.¡± he said, the last part a bit louder to reach the others who had given the couple some space while watching with amused smiles. ¡°You are welcome Sun.¡± Kite replied, keeping it simple and earnest so as to not fluster Sun further. ¡°And should you doubt more, I¡¯m sure Kite can repeat his little speech.¡± Rachel added, directing her cheeky grin towards Kite. ¡°Well, I meant it.¡± he said, a bit defensively. ¡°And it was very endearing and honest.¡± the red-haired Geller nodded. ¡°If you all are quite done, I believe that we have a couple of contracts to turn in.¡± Phiona added, her professional facade still a bit compromised by the amusement which played over her features. ¡°And then, celebratory dinner!¡± Rachel exclaimed, Glint joining in her enthusiasm by conjuring a shimmering arc of water above the two. Directing their steps towards the adventure society campus, Kite fell into step beside Phiona. ¡°Teacher, I would like to thank you.¡± ¡°What for?¡± ¡°For this.¡± Kite said, nodding forwards where the others were walking and chatting amicably, Sun having followed the path of his wife and grown more comfortable around the two Gellers during their time out on contracts. ¡°The contract between us was only for training, nothing more. You could have left it at daily sparring, and none would have held it against you. Instead, you allowed me to not only bring others to the physical training but also to take them with us out on contracts. I truly appreciate it, and would understand should you wish for additional compensation for the extra work.¡± Phiona regarded him for a while, then shook her head. ¡°No, that will not be needed, at least not anything more than the share Peony already gives us. I must admit that I was hesitant at first to even take on a student. Becoming more self-sufficient was the goal of coming here, after all. But I will admit that I was a bit lost, even though Rachel tried her best to help me. And I still am, but training you and now them-¡± she gestured to the married couple, ¡°- it helps me to at least feel a bit more grounded. Adventuring is something I know, that I was raised to do. So while the horizon is still shrouded in fog, I at least feel more secure in where I am.¡± ¡°A most poetic way of putting it, teacher. Are you sure that you aren¡¯t going native?¡± Kite asked with pretend concern. ¡°Student, it¡¯s not like your culture invented metaphors.¡± she huffed, but Kite was pleased to see her smiling a bit more. ¡°Still, know that I am grateful, and should you ever need something from me I hope you know that I will do my best to help.¡± he said earnestly. She gave him another long look. ¡°I will. But please refrain from going on about karmic imbalances. Sun is already covering that quite thoroughly.¡± The rest of the trip was spent in pleasant conversation, the group quickly finding their way to the jobs hall. They had just turned in their contracts, all except Sun signing off on them when the functionary behind the desk seemed to notice something. The runic woman looked at them, then glanced down at another note on her desk, then back at Kite. ¡°Are you Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune?¡± At his nod of confirmation, she continued. ¡°I have been asked to relay that branch director Dobrazza has requested your presence at her office tomorrow morning, along with Phiona and Rachel Geller. Should I send word that you will be attending?¡± All of them looked a bit surprised to varying degrees, and Kite looked to the two Gellers. ¡°We might as well see what she wants. It¡¯s not every day that the local director asks for a meeting.¡± Rachel said, Phiona nodding her assent. ¡°Then yes, please convey our attendance to the director.¡± Kite said as he turned back to the functionary. ¡°Excellent. Be here at nine o¡¯ clock tomorrow morning. I trust that you will show the director the courtesy and respect her station deserves.¡± 74. Promise ¡°Adventurer Kite, ladies Geller. Welcome!¡± branch director Carmella Dobrazza exclaimed as the trio entered her office, a functionary closing the doors behind them. ¡°It is good to finally meet our two famous visitors and the young man who has come so highly recommended from Jarvan up in Gilded.¡± Even though Kite had heard of the director¡¯s mannerisms from Braid and Wander, it was still a bit intimidating to meet her glowing eyes and rather intense aura; like a fire that was inviting you in to partake of its warmth but with the hint of getting burnt should you misstep. As his two companions stiffened slightly as well, he was relieved to see that it was not only him who was affected by it. Otherwise, the director had the muscular and rather stocky build of her people, with the onyx skin and flaming features. Her silver rank made her look quite striking, her body exuding power. ¡°Branch director Dobrazza, it is an honor to meet you.¡± he said, bowing formally, the Gellers echoing his sentiment. ¡°Oh please, just director or director Dobrazza will do. And none of the bowing. I want to see the faces of my beautiful and competent little bronze-rankers. Do not think me unaware that you have all begun your stay here as hard workers. The outer regions have nothing but gratitude to offer you.¡± ¡°Thank you, director.¡± Phiona answered as they were led to sit in chairs arranged in front of Dobrazza¡¯s desk. ¡°I must admit that I was surprised to hear of the Sky Spark taking on administrative duties, and in a posting such as this.¡± ¡°I am flattered that you have heard of me, lady Geller. From what I have gathered, you hail from an entirely different continent than little old me.¡± the director said, looking both pleased and intrigued. ¡°We did what research we could before coming here, director. And you might be pleased to know that your name is known to some even as far away as Vitesse.¡± ¡°That does please me, if you¡¯ll excuse the vanity of your elders.¡± Dobrazza said. ¡°But to answer your question, some of us feel the need for some quiet time every once in a while. Managing a branch sounded like fun, at least as long as it wasn¡¯t in the most metropolitan parts of the world. Hua Xi remains an unruly beast for the society to try and tame, and I must say that I find that ever more stimulating.¡± ¡°Is that why you called upon us, then? To help with some unruly elements? Because I agree that those are always the most fun.¡± Rachel asked. ¡°In a way, lady Geller, in a way. But this one¡¯s unruliness is of a different kind, where both prestige, personal powers and a delicate touch might be needed in equal measure.¡± ¡°So it¡¯s political.¡± Phiona said, her tone making it an obvious statement rather than a question. ¡°It is.¡± Dobrazza confirmed. ¡°We have been offered a contract with rather strict requirements. A contract I would like to offer you three. Lady Phiona, you already have three stars and as such you would be in command, but both young Kite and lady Rachel are important pieces as well.¡± ¡°Then what is it about?¡± Rachel asked, leaning forward. ¡°I take it that I have caught your interest then? Good.¡± Dobrazza smiled. ¡°There is a wide investigation ongoing in the city, initiated after the little strife up north uncovered a surprisingly wide spread of the less desirable power players in the region. And that investigation has turned up some interesting leads. Most are being pursued by others, such as Kite¡¯s acquaintances from up north, but there is one where I will need you three. Are you, by any chance, familiar with the name Relentless Storms Hiding Beautiful Vistas? The young master of the Relentless family?¡± ¡°The sculptor?¡± Kite asked, not being able to help himself. Dobrazza laughed in response, her mirth like that of happily dancing flames. ¡°He is indeed, but that is only a small part of his renown. Mostly he is regarded as the hope of Bastion in the upcoming Grand Proving, should he manage to reach silver rank before then. He has already earned himself a moniker, the Whirlwind warrior, although I do not know if it pertains the most to his fighting style or him rising through the ranks like a hurricane.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard of this Grand Proving.¡± Phiona said. ¡°He has to reach silver before then to be considered a candidate?¡± ¡°Yes, and preferably also ¡®the wall¡¯, thoroughly consolidating his skills. ¡° Dobrazza said, referring to the early middle stages of silver rank where progress drastically slowed to a crawl. ¡°And that is, what, eight years left? Should be little problem as long as he remains active.¡± Phiona said. ¡°Yes, but there is also the prestige of talent to consider. There are a few in the city who would very much like to be chosen as said contender, all from prestigious families. Young master Relentless has a comfortable lead at the moment, and is working hard to continually push himself. And from what we have uncovered during our investigations, there are signs that some truly want our young master to stumble on his path, even infiltrating the family¡¯s retainers.¡± ¡°Director, I would be very surprised if it was an investigation contract that you are about to offer us.¡± Phiona said. ¡°While I would not call either of us unperceptive, we simply lack the more advanced skill sets and powers for that.¡± ¡°Correct again, lady Geller.¡± Dobrazza said, with a smile. ¡°What I¡¯m offering you, is to make up the entourage of the young master for a while during his outings from the city, accompanying him on his hunts and guarding him from any surprises while he continues with his rise. As the household retainers are now under scrutiny, the Relentless family wished for competent bronze rankers to fill in during this most sensitive time.¡± ¡°But, why not just have a silver ranker go with him? Surely, such a prestigious family has some?¡± Rachel asked, confused. ¡°And here is where the politics and cultural idiosynchrasies come into play. For one thing, it is a matter of prestige. Should one of the few silver-rankers in the family suddenly be absent from the political stage only to be found guarding the young master, the Relentless family would lose face as they would show themselves threatened and that their young master cannot fend for himself.¡± ¡°Which is just stupid.¡± Phiona pointed out. ¡°Pride does not make the best ground for judgment.¡± Kite agreed. ¡°Unfortunately it is quite prevalent in many of the hierarchies here. But from what you have told me of your home, there are not just a few who might rival us.¡± he finished, a bit pointedly ¡°Well, cousin, I think he got us there.¡± Rachel replied, patting Phiona¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I can see why Jarvan liked you, young man. A competent local but aware of the culture in which he operates.¡± the director praised, her more intense attention having Kite¡¯s hairs stand on end. ¡°And whatever we may think about it, it is the game the family must play, and therefore we shall adapt the best we can. This is where you come in. Normally, forming an entourage for such a locally famous young prodigy would instigate a lot of political maneuvering, as many would clamor for such a position. But the Geller name carries a heavy weight even in these lands, and none should be able to properly complain about the family choosing to employ you during a part of your stay in the city. It is even possible that they may win prestige in the process, being able to gain even more concessions from the parties that might form the young master¡¯s actual entourage in the future.¡± This explanation had Phiona nodding thoughtfully, while Rachel still looked dissatisfied. ¡°I still don¡¯t understand why you locals refuse forming actual, proper teams. These ¡®entourages¡¯ just sound like teams with extra steps and uneven internal structure.¡± she complained, the director giving her an empathetic smile. ¡°It is indeed one of the most troublesome local tendencies, and I personally believe that their individualistic zeal is one of the reasons that Hua Xi remains a rather small kingdom on the international scene. No offense meant to you, young Kite.¡± ¡°None taken.¡± Kite said with a sigh. ¡°After our training under Mirabel Concente, I had a group of companions I worked closely with during the war, and our experience working together was one of the reasons that we all came out with our lives.¡± ¡°While I do believe that many of those affluent enough to form an entourage just do it as a way to preserve face while training them as an actual team, the sad reality is that most remains what they proclaim to be; a group following some prodigy around and only stepping in or intervening should the situation need it while letting the ¡®leader¡¯ work themselves properly. A waste of what could be good adventurers.¡± Dobrazza lamented. ¡°And you want us to assume such a passive role?¡± Phiona asked. ¡°Not necessarily, although I do not know the young master''s predilections. Even if that is the case, I assure you that the reward offered should be enough to cover the sting of a few lost opportunities for growth.¡± the director said, unfurling a scroll detailing the offered compensation for them to peruse. Reading the contents left even the two Gellers with raised eyebrows. ¡°Heavens.¡± Kite breathed. ¡°You said it.¡± Rachel agreed. ¡°That amount of coins and a commissioned item for silver rank? If that is what¡¯s being offered, I have no trouble following some noble around for a while.¡± ¡°The reward would both be for the work and for your professional discretion on the matter.¡± Dobrazza pointed out. ¡°But yes, it does indicate the importance of this young master to the Relentless family. And I believe that a pair of Gellers along with one of their personal students will please the nobles in turn.¡± ¡°And what if we fail?¡± Phiona asked, looking at the director. ¡°I would much prefer if you did not, but as long as no foul play from your part is involved, the adventure society ensures that we will attempt to shield you from any repercussions, although it might require you to transfer to another city.¡± Phiona looked thoughtful before turning to Kite. ¡°This might impact our training schedule a bit at times. As you are the beneficiary of our contract, you should have first say.¡± Kite leaned back in his chair before pondering the matter. But in the end, the decision came rather easy. ¡°Teacher, you have already gone above and beyond the contract. And with what is being offered, I believe that we would all stand to benefit from this.¡± Dobrazza looked very pleased at Kite¡¯s words, turning to the Gellers expectantly. ¡°Then I believe we shall accept the contract.¡± Phiona said after finding confirmation in Rachel¡¯s eager nod. ¡°Most excellent.¡± the director said, her satisfaction plain in both her expression and aura. ¡°Then we will make the necessary arrangements and finalize this deal. The young master¡¯s next outing is scheduled in one week. Make your own preparations until the time comes to meet your charge.¡±
¡°Esteemed father, please reconsider. I am in no more need of an entourage now than I have been before, even though you have always insisted on it.¡± Vista, young master of the Relentless family, said to his father. He stood before the family elders, his father at their head, in a smaller and secure meeting hall only used for internal matters. Vista had few pleasant memories from this hall as he had so far only been there to receive rebuke or instruction. ¡°Son, do you presume to know better than the elders of this family?¡± his father asked sternly, aura weighing heavily on Vista¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I only ask that you let me use this chance to prove myself further. Surely my growth-¡± ¡°Your growth might be faster, yes, but a flower which grows too tall too quickly risks being snapped by the winds, its foundation too weak and the resources spent cultivating it a waste.¡± master Relentless interrupted. ¡°We will brook no argument in this, son. You will comport yourself worthy of your station in your dealings with these adventurers, as two of them are from the Geller family. I believe that you understand what even a faint tie to such a name could mean.¡± The mentioning of the famous adventuring family known all over the world had Vista swallowing his next argument. While he still chafed at what would no doubt still be baggage on his climb towards the peak, he did understand the implication in his father¡¯s words. There was more than one game being played here. ¡°Then I will conform to the wishes of the elders.¡± ¡°Good. Live by the family creed and show them the worth of the next chosen for the Grand Proving.¡± His father said, dismissing his son with a gesture before gathering with the other elders once more. With that, Vista left the room where he was joined by his familiar who had been forced to wait outside. Whimmy was now back in the smaller form he had sported at iron rank, or he would cause too much trouble when traversing the lavish halls of the Relentless family compound. His current size of a very large dog let his bonded master rest his hand on the dark fur of the cerberus as they walked, Vista lost in thought even as he gave the customary nod of acknowledgement to the different family members he passed. ¡°So, we have a week until our next outing with our new¡­ company¡­¡± Vista muttered when the pair was alone in a corridor. ¡°What do you want to do to pass the time? Except when training, doing our social duties, seeing one of the teachers or having one of those lovely matchmaking meetings?¡± Two of Whimmy¡¯s three heads got a thoughtful look while the other gave a low whine. ¡°Yes, my friends. I know. There isn¡¯t really much time left to spend after all that. But now¡­ now I feel like doing some sculpting-¡± This statement got the other two heads joining into the low whining, looking pleadingly up at Vista. ¡°- and I will make sure that the household staff bring you all a snack.¡± the young noble finished, chuckling as the whining sadness from just before was suddenly forgotten, and he was now all but pulled towards his quarters.
¡°Glint, is it unreasonable of me to be nervous? While we haven¡¯t met in a few years, I have still met Brooks'' family countless times when growing up.¡± Kite mused where he sat on his familiar¡¯s back as she was floating down the road from Bastion¡¯s main gate and up one of the branching roads leading out towards the rather expansive farmlands beyond. While the fields lay dormant, he could imagine how rice would grow on the terraced parts while wheat and other crops would spread out like gold at all this flat expanse of land. In the dense forests of his home, clearing space for large scale farmland like this had not been feasible, instead leading to smaller patches supporting less sizable and more numerous villages spread out along the northern part of the Autumn lands. The accompanying lumber industry had tended to make sure that supplies came regularly enough, and while most villages wouldn¡¯t be seen as prosperous, they had at least become sustainable in the rural area. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Floating below him, Glint just gave him a slight wiggle of her body as a response, accompanied by a sense of comfort through their bond. ¡°Thank you, it is good to know that you¡¯ll be with me. I¡¯d ask Sage, but I feel that sympathy isn¡¯t its strong suite. And I don¡¯t think that there is enough time either, as I think we have arrived.¡± Kite had followed a simple map drawn by Brook and recognized her family¡¯s symbol upon the low wooden gate which blocked the road ahead, Glint simply floating over it as she continued up the road towards the small compound of buildings up ahead. From afar, Kite thought that he could pick out at least two decently sized houses for living along with several sheds, barns and what he assumed was a simple dormitory for additional farmhands called in during harvest. As he drew closer, he started picking out the auras of the inhabitants, Brook carrying the magic of her essence making her easy to pick out while the rest were normal-ranked. Just before he retracted his aura senses in order to not pry too closely on the emotions of his hosts, he did sense one normal-ranked aura tense up in shock and a bit of stunned fear. Following the sense, Kite realized that one of the auras had come from outside on the yard where a young man of about eighteen years stood next to a chopping block and a pile of wood. He had the muscular frame of someone who was working the more intense physical labor, and Kite realized that he recognized the brown hair and freckled face, even though said face was gaping in open shock as Glint came floating into the yard between the houses. ¡°Leaf?¡± he asked, nimbly jumping off his familiar¡¯s back and landing on the ground before his childhood friend. While Kite had mostly played with Brook who had been the same age, the younger Leaf had been an almost constant company during their childhood years before he and Brook outgrew the games favored by the children of the village. ¡°K-k-Kite?¡± the teenager asked, sounding exactly as dumbfounded as he looked. ¡°You- you have a fish. A giant, flying fish.¡± ¡°Well, she isn¡¯t technically flying, but rather floating on conjured water. But I guess there is little practical difference.¡± Kite said as the giant carp shrank down to her original size. ¡°Leaf, this is Glint. My familiar.¡± ¡°And now it is a small fish.¡± Leaf said, voice forlorn as if he hadn¡¯t heard Kite. Kite was about to say something more when Brook opened the door to the house she shared with her family, all of the group standing in the yard turning to her. ¡°Kite, welcome!¡± She called, seeming even more relaxed in her home environment. ¡°And welcome to you too, Glint.¡± she continued as the little carp happily floated up to her, making a couple of spinning laps around her. ¡°The fish knows sis.¡± Leaf stated, voice still sounding a bit lost. ¡°Please come in, Kite. You came just in time for food.¡± Brook called, before turning and going back inside. Giving an empathetic look to Leaf, Kite waved to him again and went to follow Brook, the poor teenager still frozen in incomprehension. Entering the house was like partially returning home to Starberry Peak. While the furniture was different, somehow the smells were the same as in the memories which now welled up from the depths of his subconscious. How many times had he and Brook played in an environment like this, whether they had been making toys from spare pieces of wood or just sat near the windows to watch the rain. The wooden house was centered around a large common area and kitchen, with several doors leading away to the rooms belonging to the family. It was rustic, but homey, with little obvious luxuries beyond the well treated and lacquered woods used in the construction. Brook¡¯s father, Solid Pine, had been a woodworker, and it was obvious that he still plied his trade to this day. Kite saw him standing next to his daughter with his usual calm demeanor as he seemed delighted to meet Glint, then turning to the newcomer. ¡°Ah, little Kite. The years seem to have treated you quite well.¡± he said, coming over to clasp Kite¡¯s hand. While a few years older and a little more worn, Solid Pine still looked hale and healthy, his hands as calloused as Kite remembered them. ¡°Master Pine, it is good to see you again.¡± Kite responded, head swimming with a mix of nostalgia and a bit of confusion as to how to address the man. ¡°Master, is it? What happened to the ¡®uncle Pine¡¯ I heard so many times over the years?¡± Pine said with a chuckle. ¡°Please, Kite, let there be no formality between us on this most fortunate of reunions. And just a piece of advice; if you start calling my wife mistress Willow, she might yet give you a whooping with the ladle.¡± he finished with a wink. ¡°Then thank you for the hospitality, uncle Pine. And the sage advice.¡± Kite said with a laugh before he turned to the door. The other two looked questioningly at him before they heard the sounds of footsteps on the porch outside. A moment later, Wistful Willow entered, her gaze honing in on Kite right away. ¡°You are definitely becoming more like your aunties.¡± Pine chuckled as his wife made her way towards them. ¡°They always knew when people were arriving too.¡± ¡°Little Kite!¡± Willow exclaimed as she reached them. ¡°How you have grown! Let me take a look at you. Oh my, he has certainly turned into a fine young man, hasn¡¯t he, Brook?¡± ¡°Mother.¡± Brook sighed in exasperation, but her protests fell on deaf ears. ¡°Auntie Willow, it is lovely to meet you again.¡± Kite greeted. Willow also looked about the same as he remembered, although there was a hint of more gray in her brown hair and crow¡¯s feet had started showing around her eyes. ¡°Come, sit.¡± she urged him. ¡°The food is soon ready, and I just fetched some preserves from the storage. You simply must tell us of the time since we last saw you. Brook has been notoriously tight-lipped about it.¡± What followed was over an hour of warm and hearty soup eaten while Kite recounted the last few years for his hosts, Willow bombarding him with questions along the way to Brook¡¯s chagrin. Leaf had eventually joined them as well, and had gradually shaken off his stupor as he listened attentively to Kite¡¯s shortened and a bit selective retelling. He did not feel that they needed to hear the details around the jade-sky gate or in-depth descriptions of the war, instead sprinkling in a bit more updates about their former home village and the people there. ¡°- and speaking of auntie Dove, I have in fact brought a gift for you as thanks for having me.¡± Kite said, producing a small wooden chest from one of his dimensional bags. He opened it to show numerous small paper envelopes, each containing an iron rank pill and neatly labeled. ¡°Since reaching bronze-rank, these are now of little use to me, but might instead assist you with the perils of everyday life. I am sure that she would be glad for you to have them.¡± Willow immediately started making happy exclamations of gratitude as she started going over the contents while Pine just looked at Kite and gave him a single, silent nod of solemn gratitude. Kite smiled and nodded back, enjoying the familiar atmosphere and throwback to simpler times. All the while, Brook had seemed to enjoy herself but he still couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was bothering her. Kite resolved to ask if the opportunity presented itself later, and was pleasantly surprised when Leaf asked a question of his own. ¡°Then, Kite, you know magic now. Anything you can show us? Sis only has the one trick with paper, and it¡¯s pretty lame.¡± he said, looking hopeful. Kite looked at Brook, whose eyes had thinned as she bristled at her brother¡¯s words. But when she noticed him looking, she sighed and nodded, her gaze seeming to convey the message: ¡°Better humor him.¡± ¡°I think I have one spell which should be reasonable to demonstrate.¡± Kite said, smiling. ¡°As long as uncle and auntie approves, of course.¡± ¡°Oh, please do!¡± Willow exclaimed, looking as eager as her son. ¡°Very well.¡± Kite said, before giving a quick chant. ¡°Wall.¡± Around them, walls of force appeared in different configurations. He made some regular walls, some more artistic arrangements of squares and a short stairway leading up to one of the beams which held up the ceiling. As Brook¡¯s family started tentatively exploring and interacting with the magical phenomena, Kite realized how different their lives had been, especially during the last few years. While he was sure that they had seen plenty of everyday magic or other magic from afar, the family probably did not keep the company to get many opportunities of viewing it up close. While they prodded the magical constructs, Kite also gave a brief explanation of how he might employ it during contracts. ¡°- and what might be one of the most important uses, I can shield others with them to allow them to escape danger or keep them safe while I dispatch or divert the threats.¡± he finished, letting the spell dissipate. ¡°My, how chivalrous. We always knew you had a protective streak in you, little Kite, even before you saved Leaf from the frenzied ferret.¡± Willow praised. ¡°It calms a mother¡¯s heart to know that you have reappeared in Brook¡¯s life. The big city can be dangerous, but with someone like you beside her, she can walk with her head held high.¡± ¡°Mother, you are once more being presumptuous.¡± Brook hissed. ¡°But love, I only wish for you to be safe, as I am sure that Kite does too.¡± Willow protested. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, dear Kite?¡± Looking surprisingly similar to the aforementioned frenzied ferret, Brook seemed about to retort when her father stepped in, seeming to be an old hand at diffusing such situations. ¡°Brook, dear, why don¡¯t you show Kite around the farm a bit while I help your mother clean up here?¡± he said, turning to his wife. ¡°Here, dearest, allow me.¡± Solid Pine said, before he started grabbing plates and stacking them in Willow¡¯s hands, sometimes rattling them a bit to drown out any protest from her. Seeing his opportunity, Kite pounced on the opening. ¡°Yes, Brook, I would love to see the rest of your new home. As long as the great sage might acquiesce to such a simple request?¡± Brook looked at him and then back to her parents before taking a deep breath. ¡°Yes, Kite, I will indeed. Let me show you our grand estate.¡±
¡°Well, your family seems to be doing well. Both of your parents are like I remember them.¡± Kite eventually said, breaking the silence which had reigned so far during their walk. The afternoon sky was overcast, but streams of sunlight broke through the cloud cover to leave the sky covered in stripes of light. ¡°Especially my mother.¡± Brook muttered sourly. ¡°From what I remember, you were as annoyed by it back then as you are now.¡± Kite said with a chuckle. Willow had always been rather vocal in her approval of their past relationship, often giving clear indications that she foresaw a bright future for the two of them together. While Kite had often taken it in stride, it had left Brook feeling pressured, and the pattern still held true to this day. ¡°I¡­¡± she began, tentatively. ¡°I don¡¯t want her to be the one to decide what I- we want. But as you could obviously see, she is still pushing for it. I know she just wants me being provided for, but I am doing that myself already. I have even considered renting a room in the city, but then I think about saving up for other things and end up discarding the thought.¡± Kite nodded at her words. ¡°Then, want to make a promise?¡± ¡°A promise?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s promise one another that we try and decide for ourselves. To give things the time they deserve and get to know each other¡¯s lives a bit more. From what I have seen so far, I like the way you have grown, Brook. You have come far in facing the world and even doing it on your own at times. I would like to see more of the passion you show, and would like to join you in the library too if you don¡¯t mind. Because living out a bit more of what I know is inside that mind of yours seems to be doing you a lot of good.¡± he said, gently poking her head. ¡°That¡­ that is a promise I would feel good about giving. And you may show me more of your world of adventure. At least, more than just your wonderful familiar.¡± she finished with a giggle as she peeked down into Glint¡¯s bottle where the carp was dazedly resting after feasting on as many treats as she could get her fins on during dinner. ¡°It¡¯s a promise then.¡± he said, Brook nodding in turn as they once more lapsed into silence where they stood looking out over an empty field and rays of sunlight playing over the horizon. Then, tentatively, Brook took a step closer to Kite¡¯s side and carefully leaned into him. He stood still before shifting ever so slightly to lean a little into her as well, silently communicating his approval. And for the rest of their time together at the edge of that empty field, the silence remained a comfortable one.
¡°-and that concludes the week¡¯s developments.¡± one of Stoic Boar¡¯s more senior retainers, a normal-ranked older man, reported. Having served his father before him, the man had been an excellent advisor who had been tasked with supporting the young master once he started to assume more responsibilities in the family affairs. The report had Stoic Boar lean his chin on one hand, a slight concerned frown creasing his brow as he looked thoughtfully out the window. ¡°It would seem as the push is continuing and now spilling over unto our interests even more. Earlier it was mostly the Relentless family being targeted, but if this trend continues¡­¡± he trailed off, looking to his retainer for confirmation. ¡°It should indeed impact us a bit, although our patrons are already taking precautions which should extend to us as well.¡± the old man confirmed. ¡°With the pace they are ramping up the pressure, it should at least soon become more evident what the end goal is. Such a united front from the unaffiliated merchants is unprecedented as far as I know. At least this gives more credibility to our efforts in bringing as many free contractors as possible into our fold, lest they become part of the opposition.¡± the young master reflected with a nod. ¡°Then does the young master want to change the approach in regard to the two outlanders and their venture?¡± Boar thought for a while, before shaking his head. ¡°No. We keep playing the long game with our esteemed ladies Geller. As usual, business is a world of dichotomies; working both faster than you think possible and slower than you¡¯d like. But I believe that we should continue our current approach for now. Or do you have any objections?¡± ¡°No, young master. It shall remain according to your wishes.¡± his retainer answered, leaving soon after when Boar dismissed him.
¡°Teacher- it feels - like- you are- going at this- a little- bit- ooof-¡± Kite said, his sentence clipped due to constantly fending off staff strikes from Phiona. True to form, her staff seemed to have a life of its own, remaining both her offense, defense and even parts of her mobility as she did not relent in her assault. Kite knew that she could have overwhelmed him through skill, should she have chosen to do so, but instead she kept him balancing on a knife¡¯s edge. ¡°Well, student, as you seem to have been working so diligently it felt only right to escalate things a bit. If we are to protect this young master to the best of our abilities, we will all have to be at our best.¡± Phiona said, voice steady and without strain. She kept Kite on the edge until he was just about ready to flag before suddenly disengaging. ¡°And you have made progress with your footwork. Did you notice how your adjustments helped you keep your balance even as I pressured you? But still, your counter offensives will need work as you still rely a lot on your dispelling counterattack. While that is good, you need more tools in your arsenal and the skill to actually intercept those attacks you deem important enough.¡± she finished, voice full of her usual lecturing. ¡°Thank you, teacher, both for the praise and your advice.¡± Kite said as they left the practice yard and went over to look at where Rachel had begun to run Sun through some basic combat drills. ¡°Good, again! Use your bracers more, they¡¯re not just there to be pretty!¡± she was shouting at him as she attacked entirely unarmed and obviously holding back. Her beleaguered pupil did his best, and had made some marked improvement over just the few days he had been participating, but Kite could see that he had a long way to go. That in itself was understandable. Kite had started practicing at a young age with uncle Walker and some of the guests visiting his aunties for business, and he knew that to be nowhere near the level of training that the two Gellers must have endured. Once Sun was all but an exhausted puddle on the ground did Rachel stop and helped the poor iron-ranker stagger to his feet. ¡°You¡¯re improving, Sun. Just a few more weeks of this and we can move on to weapons training.¡± the red-haired Geller cheered. ¡°Tha- thank you.¡± was all that the man managed between wheezing breaths. ¡°Have you given any more thought as to which kind of weaponry you want to train with?¡± Kite asked Sun as the group started making their way back across the campus grounds. ¡°No, but you are not the only one wondering. Peony has barely left her workshop since we came back, and once she does she does little else but ask me about it.¡± ¡°Oh no, you have a partner who wants to make you awesome gear by magically fusing enchanted artifacts together. You sure live a hard life, Patient Sun.¡± Rachel said with obvious sarcasm, earning her a flat stare. ¡°Well, you at least have a few weeks to decide. And it¡¯s good that you focus on one thing, as I am unsure of how many ¡®dabblers¡¯ like me teacher would tolerate.¡± Kite said with a grin. ¡°At least our first thought of giving you a shield proved to be unnecessary. It would be better to focus on leveraging those bracers as a main way of defense.¡± Phiona pointed out, the other two adventurers nodding in turn. Sun¡¯s only power from his iron essence was a pair of conjured iron bracers which covered his whole forearms. They were surprisingly sturdy, even able to negate almost all physical attacks of the same rank should he manage to interpose them in time. ¡°If you don¡¯t have any special preferences when the day is drawing near, we can always go to the auctions and see if there is a fitting weapon-related awakening stone there for a decent price. Letting Fortune decide might not be the worst idea.¡± Kite consoled the exhausted iron ranker. ¡°Well, I will go back home and check on Peony¡¯s progress. She seemed to be really getting into something yesterday, so we can hopefully see some results soon.¡± Sun said. ¡°Do you know how long your next outing will be? The one with the secretive circumstances?¡± ¡°A week, from what we have been told.¡± Phiona said. ¡°While we would love to bring you and Peony with us, it is best that you not get involved in this one.¡± ¡°Oh, I think we will manage. With all the materials we have gathered, Peony can be hard at work for at least a few weeks. But return soon, you hear, so that I can find a reason to drag her out of her workshop.¡± Sun said, waving goodbye shortly thereafter as the trio of bronze-rankers turned off towards their inn. ¡°So, what do you think that the young master will be like?¡± Rachel asked as they walked. ¡°Proud, and probably tough to manage.¡± was Phiona¡¯s immediate response, eliciting a grin from Rachel. ¡°Nona, you know what happened the last time you assumed stuff like that.¡± ¡°From what I have heard, he is very popular and loved by many in the city.¡± Kite added. ¡°The face people show outward is but one of many they may wear.¡± Phiona replied. ¡°But I suppose that tomorrow will dispel at least some of the mysteries of this young master Relentless. May this contract prove to be possible to complete.¡± 75. Challenge ¡°I must admit that this was not what I expected.¡± Kite said softly to his two companions, their bronze-rank hearing allowing them to barely make out his words over the murmur and noise which crowds always seemed to carry with them, even when the gathered people in question tried to keep their conversations low and private. The trio was currently standing on a small plaza located on the grounds of the Relentless family compound, which in and of itself took up most of a city block. The impressive architecture showed off the owners¡¯ wealth, with the tiered buildings and connecting walkways being richly decorated in both color and material. While that in itself had been expected, Kite had not expected the gathered people. The plaza and balconies and walkways around were surprisingly crowded, the people grouped up and often having low conversations. Many wore the finery with the red and black colors of the relentless family, but there were also many other political players represented, all focus remaining on the three adventurers. He tried not to shift nervously under the attention, using a bit of the meditative techniques he had been taught to calm himself. The two Gellers, on the other hand, seemed largely unaffected as they stood relaxed and waiting. ¡°While a bit more populous than I thought it would be, I am not surprised.¡± came Phiona¡¯s response. ¡°In politics, putting up a show is important even if many of those present know what lies beneath the mask. They are trying to show us off, me and Rachel in particular, to further tighten the weave of the story that has been spun.¡± ¡°Well, the two of you do look the part.¡± Kite responded, indicating the immaculate appearance of the two. While the two Gellers would always turn heads, they seemed to have put quite a lot more effort into looking every bit like the world-class adventurers that the Geller family was famous for producing. Some details were purely esthetics, such as the thoroughly styled hair, but the most attention had been given to their gear. Every piece of armor had been thoroughly checked and polished, and great care had been given to which gear that was put on display. They had also taken mercy on Kite and helped him with his own choices in order to look the part, Rachel even dragging him off to the trade hall for a last minute purchase of an enchanted cape to wear over his armor, the silk enchanted to assist in aura retraction and to dampen sound when mana was channeled through it. But according to her, it had mostly been to channel that fine line of stylish and practical which were a hallmark for competent adventurers. While Kite had his doubts about the importance of style, he was at least thankful for her assistance as he was now put under more scrutiny than ever before in his life. Rachel was about to say something, but fell silent as a pair of doors were slid open to reveal a small entourage. Household guards took the lead, escorting a pair of men who were obviously related. The older had the stern look of a noble upholding the pride of his house in public, only enhanced by his silver rank. And the younger¡­ ¡°Oh my.¡± Rachel breathed, and Kite had to agree with her. The young man they assumed to be their charge was stunning, even to Kite¡¯s otherwise heterosexual sensibilities. His features were a mix of fine and angular, the ensemble of traits walking the finest of edges between handsome and beautiful, retaining an impressive balance. Like his father, young master Relentless had the slightly slanted eyes common to some of the older human noble families of Hua-Xi, a trait often lauded for its beauty and cultural heritage, and Kite noted that his eyes seemed very perceptive as they took in the crowd even while seeming otherwise relaxed. He was clad in black armor decorated with red tassels and a cloak in the same red color was draped over one shoulder. Overall, he looked every bit the young master of one of the oldest and most venerable families in the city, but the three-headed dog at his side did break the visual convention slightly as one of the heads seemed unable to contain its curiosity, long tongue lolling out in a doggy grin. The procession stopped before the trio, Phiona up front flanked by Kite on her left and Rachel to her right as the master of the Relentless family stepped forward, silencing the crowd with a burst of projected aura. ¡°I, Relentless Stride of Ambition, am here to formally and in front of witnesses allow my son, the pride of our family and the hope of Bastion, to be in your care. We are honored that members of the venerable Geller family would support him in his growth for a time, and hope that this might leave a lasting tie of friendship between our families. May his path be tempered along yours, ladies Geller.¡± the head of the Relentless family said, his voice carrying across the yard, finishing with a shallow bow echoed by the young master at his side. ¡°And we are in turn honored to become his entourage for a time, and will bring the might of our training and heritage to bear on anything that would strive to impede him.¡± Phiona answered, her voice steady as she returned the bow. With that, master Relentless took a step back while his son moved to stand with his new, if temporary, companions. ¡°Go, son, and grow to claim your destiny as our champion.¡± Nodding to his father, the young master gestured to his familiar, the three-headed dog swiftly growing much larger as its back now reached up to its master¡¯s shoulders. He nimbly leapt up onto it, ruffling one set of ears before looking to his companions. They quickly followed suit, Kite sitting up on Glint¡¯s back while the Gellers both rode on Missus, and started following their charge towards the gates of the family compound and onto the streets of Bastion. It was only then that Kite realized that the normally quite crowded streets outside had become even more so, his aura senses just taking in the spiritual wall of gathered people. It was almost impossible to differentiate anything in the crowd, and Kite resigned himself to keeping his aura close to himself as they came into view of those gathered. The young master¡¯s popularity had apparently not been exaggerated, as the cheer that rose from the crowd upon seeing him exit through the gates was loud enough that Kite wanted to shrink back from it. While those gathered were mostly of the younger generations, people from all walks of life seemed to have gathered to show their support and adoration. ¡°It seems like our young charge is one of those people that others either want to be or be with.¡± Kite mused, drawing the conclusion from some of the outright hostile jealous glances directed at both the Gellers and himself. He resigned himself to an attempt at a neutral, professional look as they passed through the crowd, some even throwing colorful petals from dried flowers in front of the cerberus. While it felt like an eternity, they cleared the gathered people rather quickly, increasing their speed and soon leaving the city behind as well, turning south toward the string of contracts that had been claimed for the young master to pursue. And Kite said a prayer to Fortune, hoping that this would all work out in the end.
Later that evening, the group had camped for the night, gathered around the heating lamp and eating their meal in silence. The day had not left much time for conversation as they had kept a fast pace in order to reach their hunting grounds in time, and this left the atmosphere rather awkward. But two of those present remained unaffected by said tension. Glint and the cerberus, apparently named Whimmy, had instantly taken a liking to each other and were currently joyously gallivanting around the camp in some kind of game with rules only known to them. As they ate, Kite noted that of them all it seemed to be the young master who was most at ease with the silence, sitting lost in thoughts as he looked at the playing familiars. Phiona finished her meal, and after putting away the bowl and utensils, she turned to the young noble. ¡°Young master Relentless, I believe that it is time to strategize for the upcoming contracts.¡± It took a second before her words seemed to register with the man, but he eventually looked at her. ¡°Mistress Geller?¡± ¡°As I said, we might want to make a strategy for tomorrow. The contracts that are listed-¡± ¡°Oh, you need not worry. I will handle them, as I have done before.¡± the young noble said with an easy nod. ¡°It¡¯s probably best if you just view this as an easy contract. Follow me around for a bit, then collect your reward in the end.¡± From his aura, Kite didn¡¯t feel any of the usual bravado that might have accompanied those words, just a casual confidence. And he also realized that the aura wasn¡¯t as tightly controlled as he thought it would be on someone as lauded as the young master. While it was vague, it was as if the young man¡¯s aura had yet to ¡®settle¡¯. ¡°Young master Relentless-¡± Phiona began, but he held up a hand in response. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be my entourage, so call me Vista. Some informality between us with proper standing should only be expected if we are to keep up appearances. And my family name makes me sound a bit too much like my father.¡± ¡°Then, Vista, I would still say that some kind of outline would be proper, in case of the unexpected.¡± Phiona insisted. Vista sighed, giving a resigned shake of his head. ¡°Then I have a proposal. Let me handle the first contract tomorrow the way I usually do. If something goes wrong or you remain unsure if I can handle myself, we will make plans to your heart¡¯s content. Is that agreeable to you?¡± Phiona regarded the man for a bit, then gave a resigned sigh of her own. ¡°I am not sure if my opinion even matters to you, but fine. We will do it your way and work something out from there. And you should address us by our given names as well. As you said; for appearances.¡± ¡°Then it is settled. Phiona. Rachel. I wish you both a pleasant night.¡± he finished, rising up and leaving, not having spared Kite as much as a glance the whole time. As the tent flap closed on the young master¡¯s lavish pavilion, Rachel sighed and grumbled softly. ¡°What in the world was that? He didn¡¯t even seem to acknowledge Kite¡¯s existence.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not from one of the famous families or powerful enough to be considered important to him, so I think that he just classified me as a hanger on to you. From what my friend Will taught me, it is quite common for people like him to socially categorize their surroundings and act according to that.¡± Kite said, making a placating gesture. While a bit annoying, part of him was glad not to be the center of attention. ¡°It¡¯s still not very nice. And he had such potential¡­¡± Rachel grouched, looking over at the tent. ¡°I mean, did you see him?¡± ¡°We all saw, cousin.¡± Phiona sighed. ¡°And in this, you at least have to give me the honor of saying ¡®I told you so.¡¯ ¡°
¡°Well, teacher, I think that some other parts of the tales of our young master were true as well.¡± Kite noted as a scene of carnage played out before them. Their first contract and the very one which Vista had chosen for his demonstration, had been to find and clear out a pack of grassland lopers. The bronze-ranked simians were squat with powerful builds, loping around on all fours like a gorilla. But unlike the animal, these had greenish fur and a long tail topped with a scythelike blade which they deftly used to slash at their enemies. They often manifested in packs of at least ten, and were surprisingly coordinated for monsters of their rank. This pack numbered fifteen, another precursor sign to the monster surge, and Kite had wondered why the noble scion had chosen this particular contract as a demonstration. As he saw Vista moving around in the throng of enemies with Whimmy at his side, understanding had started to dawn on him. The young master fought with conjured blades whose form seemed to flow like mercury, but mostly favoring a pair of falchions. And from the way he wielded them, Kite could see that Vista was one of the most skilled individuals he had so far observed with his chosen weapon. The words ¡®one with the blade¡¯ had been told in many stories, but this was the first time Kite saw something that was beginning to draw close to the concept. And on top of his proficiency, Vista demonstrated parts of a versatile power set that seemed well suited for the task of wading into throngs of monsters. Most of his strikes released a whirlwind of cutting wind from his targets, shredding them and nearby monsters with light damage. The attack was consistent and reliable, but most impressive was its synergy with another aspect which Kite could observe through his magical perception. Like his erstwhile companion Dragonfly, the young master seemed to accumulate a boon as he hit an opponent which gave a ever so slight increase to his speed, power and recovery. With the whirlwind special attack and the cluster of monsters who did their best to rush, flank and outmaneuver him, Vista¡¯s general attributes were steadily climbing upward. Three of the lopers, communicating with shrieks and tail-gestures, suddenly broke the rhythm, simultaneously charging in to bodily bring the young master to the ground while three others send their long tails in to jab and swipe in an attempt to bring him off balance. Instead of standing his ground, Vista nimbly leapt backwards and up, his now enhanced power easily letting him land up on Whimmy¡¯s back. Throughout the clash, the familiar had constantly guarded the rear, using his bulk and surprisingly resilient fur along with three snapping heads and gouts of breathed flames to keep the rest of the pack at bay. As soon as Vista touched down on his familiar¡¯s back, he threw a blade out to either side, the swords piercing flesh before seemingly starting to move of their own accord as the noble directed them with small motions of his hands. Both blades circled the pair once, then twice and thrice, speeding up to form a circle of cutting mercurial metal. Not wanting to remain in the hazard, the grassland lopers backed off slightly, and Vista took the opportunity of the now looser formation. Whimmy charged forward, master on his back and blades still circling, as he plowed through two of the monsters to reach the edge of the formation and escape the complete encirclement. From there, Vista leapt down as the monsters rushed them again and the carnage began anew. One by one, the monsters fell by slashes of blade and wind and eventually, there was but a single straggler left. It howled and fought with an almost berserk frenzy, but its prey had already been too strong even when the monster had been fighting alongside its whole pack. Now, all ramped up with magical enhancement, what might have been a ferocious beast was just a dreg to clean up. Two blades shot forward, cutting into the monster''s knees, halting its charge and left it tumbling to the ground. Vista leapt over it, casually holding out a hand and activating what Kite supposed was a personal storage power. Where there had been but empty air now suddenly held a sculpted statue, base pointed down. It looked to be floating for just a split second before the pull of the earth took its inevitable hold, the last of the grassland lopers becoming but a messy foundation for a lone statue on an otherwise nondescript grass plain. Dismissing his blades, Vista leaned against the statue while giving Phiona a meaningful look. ¡°Did¡­ did he just strike a pose?¡± Kite asked his two companions. ¡°He had to have planned that.¡± Rachel responded. Phiona just sighed, then gave the young noble a nod before turning to her companions. ¡°I believe that we might just have to prepare ourselves for a bit of observing in the days to come. We can use the time to practice aura training and observation skills. I do have one further topic to broach with our young master, but now is not the right time.¡± Kite thought that he may have imagined it, but his teacher might have glanced at him during her final statement. He did not know what it meant, but found himself wishing that Braid and Wander¡¯s investigations would be done sooner rather than later.
¡°So, my dear talents, what have you got for me? Did the Relentless family¡¯s little departure stunt bring anything interesting?¡± Branch director Carmella Dobrazza asked the three bronze-rankers arrayed in front of her. ¡°It did, director. Almost too much, in fact.¡± Braid said, managing a folder of documents. ¡°This is all raw information yet to be processed, but it seems like a lot was set into motion when Kite and the others had that little ceremony. The problem is that most of it is probably completely unrelated to our main line of inquiry, being just your ordinary politicking and trying to seize opportunities. Just the screening will have us working for weeks.¡± ¡°Sooo many naked people¡­ ~¡± Wander whined where she sat slumped in her chair. ¡°Director, we¡¯ve sent out all the investigative resources we have and should make headway.¡± Azure added, scratching idly at the twin scars over his bald head. ¡°But I agree with them; this will take time and legwork.¡± Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°I see.¡± the director said, leaning back in her chair. ¡°Fortunately, the plot in question should be an ongoing one, as I believe that those we seek may have played a long game already. I will divert what resources I can and request support from other branches if possible, but this will have to be in a trickle so as to not alert them too much of our activities. You have done well indeed, my pretty little bronze-rankers. Report back to me with any other significant progress, but otherwise continue according to your judgment.¡± ¡°Yes, director.¡± Azure said, nodding to the other two bronze-rankers. ¡°We¡¯d best get to it.¡± ¡°And I¡¯ll start entreating the church of Knowledge for what aid I can. As usual, they won¡¯t just give us answers but sometimes even their vague hints may be worth more than dozens of interrogations.¡± director Dobrazza finished, looking out over the city. ¡°We¡¯ll see if we can¡¯t find that which is moving beneath the surface.¡±
At the same time, elsewhere in the city, a lavish parlor held another gathering, protected behind magical arrays and no formal invitation ever having gone out. Those present all knew each other as well as the unspoken hierarchy among them, which was ever twisting and rearranging through the maneuvering of the outside world. A long table had delicacies laid out for consumption as well as documents and notes neatly kept. ¡°- the third point of order; recent developments in regards to project Mar.¡± a human man read from a document, sitting close to the end of the table next to a woman who was obviously presiding over the current gathering. ¡°If I may?¡± a leonid man asked, and started reading from a document at a nod from the chairwoman. ¡°Initial assessments of the recent shift in personnel around our person of interest has been deemed little cause for concern, at least to the initial stages which are to be employed over the coming weeks. Should the project succeed, the presence of prestigious witnesses might even aid our cause.¡± ¡°You have objections?¡± the chairwoman asked another at the table, and the elven woman in question spoke. ¡°I still propose that we employ more decisive measures now that the target has less people around him.¡± ¡°Make note of the objection and that it is denied.¡± the chairwoman told the man at her side, who made notes in a book whose cover showed a plethora of locks and magical symbols. ¡°As to why, the original reason remains. If this project is to succeed, we need to show the heavens that our climb is built on strength, not through overcompensation. Need I remind you that the results will be measured in the perceived failure, not in actual harm to the target?¡± The elven woman did not look pleased, but remained silent. However, the chairwoman predicted that she would be seated at least one step further away from the end of the table during their next gathering. ¡°I propose that we move on with our current plans, and reconvene in two weeks time for another progress report. ¡°The chairwoman continued. ¡± Any objections?¡± As no voice rose in protest, she nodded. ¡°Then this meeting is adjourned. May our foundation be built over the relics of the past.¡± ¡°May our foundation be built over the relics of the past.¡± those gathered intoned as one.
¡°We draw near to the city gates. I trust that this little outing has convinced you of my words, Phiona?¡± Vista asked from where he sat atop Whimmy. The last few days had indeed been quite relaxing if not outright boring for the trio accompanying the young master, as they had followed him around and watched him shred different types of monsters from the contracts. A heavily armored mountain lurker had posed the most challenge, the stone-clad troll manifesting alone without weaker monsters around. As such, it had been more of an uphill battle for Vista to get going, but his skill with the blade and special attacks had eventually seen him through in good health. ¡°I do not doubt your monster-slaying prowess, Vista. What I doubt is the wisdom in relying on it alone.¡± Phiona answered, and not for the first time during their trip when the two had gone through a similar argument. ¡°Then would you please finally enlighten me with the point you have been hinting at these past few days?¡± Vista asked. His tone had remained polite through all of their exchanges, but this last day he had begun to show at least a little hint of frustration. It was still a lot less than Kite had expected, but perhaps the young masters and mistresses around Gilded were a poor measuring stick. ¡°Now that we are here, I do believe I will.¡± Phiona said, looking at the city. ¡°I have studied your style, your path as you like to call it, and I do believe that I have one more thing I would like to see disproven. If you can prove me wrong, I will drop the matter during the rest of our stay together.¡± ¡°Finally.¡± Vista said, a bit of a gleam in his eyes. ¡°What challenge would you pose to me?¡± During most of the contracts, the young master had seemed almost bored in his state of neutral focus, with a few exceptions like the mountain lurker when he had been forced to push himself. Kite thought that he saw the same spark now, and couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Vista had wanted to provoke Phiona a bit further to elicit just such a response. ¡°The challenge is simple. I believe that Kite can defeat you in one duel in the practice arena of the society campus. Prove me wrong.¡± Phiona said. ¡°What?¡± Kite said, turning to her a bit alarmed. ¡°Is that it?¡± Vista asked, the spark fading. ¡°Not to cast aspersions on your skill as a trainer, Phiona, but I have seen you spar in the mornings. Your student is skilled, there is no doubt, but we both know the result of such a spar.¡± ¡°Then prove me wrong.¡± Phiona repeated, turning to Kite. ¡°As long as Kite is willing to humor his teacher, of course.¡± From the gleam in her eyes as he met them, Kite realized that Phiona truly had a purpose with this. He could refuse and he knew she wouldn¡¯t push. But his curiosity had been piqued. ¡°If the young master is willing, I would gladly receive pointers from him.¡± Kite answered, keeping to the courtly manners Will had taught him and noted that Phiona seemed pleased with the response. Vista regarded them both for a while, then shrugged. ¡°If that is it, then I will acquiesce. But we shall requisition one of the private training halls. It would not do well for me to be seen participating in such a spar.¡± he finished, turning back to the city in the distance. Sitting next to her cousin on Missus¡¯ back, Rachel leaned in to whisper to Phiona. ¡°Cousin, are you sure about this? You¡¯ve seen his skills.¡± ¡°I have seen them, and I am.¡± Phiona replied, giving a nod of thanks to Kite who looked at them curiously. ¡°More sure than I¡¯ve been of most things as of late.¡±
Vista regarded the young man in front of him. He had, of course, noted his appearance before during their outing together, but as he was the student of Phiona Geller and not there of his own merit, Vista had mostly put him out of his mind. From what little he had gathered, the student was regarded as competent, especially as he hailed from the Autumn lands up north without any special familial ties or backing. And having seen him do some light sparring in the field with Phiona and Rachel, Vista did agree that this Kite was indeed good. Probably better than most adventurers of his rank and experience in the city. But he also knew that Kite was definitely not his equal. This was more of a statement of facts to Vista rather than born out of pride. It was simply the way it was, and he held no grudge against the man for not having the same backgrounds or advantages that Vista had known. Still, the fact that Phiona had issued this challenge, her student politely agreeing still gnawed at him. Because from the little Vista had seen of her, mostly through their verbal sparring and her bearing, she was good. Very good. Enough so that Vista ached to face her in this enclosed training arena rather than her student. He smelled a challenge there, one that he would hope to pursue in the future. ¡°Does the young master have any preferences in regards to the conditions of this bout?¡± his opponent suddenly asked, snapping Vista out of his reverie. ¡°Should we measure ourselves properly, I would propose that we fight with familiars either subsumed or at the sidelines, but no holds barred other than that, with the usual care taken to lethal strikes.¡± Vista said, gesturing to Whimmy who loped off to join Phiona and Rachel at the sidelines, two heads looking reproachfully at their master while the third just looked elated as it saw Kite release Glint to join them. ¡°Then this bout will proceed. Kite, I recommend that you use everything at your disposal.¡± Phiona said. ¡°Everything, teacher?¡± he asked, searching her eyes. ¡°Everything. I trust your judgment.¡± she responded, her student nodding and turning back to vista. ¡°I am Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, and thank you for the assistance in tempering my path.¡± he said, bowing formally to Vista. ¡°And I, Relentless Storms hiding Beautiful Vistas, echo the sentiment.¡± Vista said, returning the same bow. ¡°I will at least try and make it a learning experience. As Phiona agreed to train him, he must have potential, and I am curious as to what abilities and powers he possesses to catch the eye of such an illustrious name.¡± Vista thought, conjuring his pair of blades and readying himself. His opponent did the same, taking up a relaxed combat stance, his aura solid like that of a redoubt. ¡°Begin.¡± Phiona said, and Vista shot forward, blades closing in from either side as he went for the initiative. Even as he moved, a pair of vortices appeared in the air above his foe, and Vista felt them greedily starting to absorb his mana. A nuisance now, but with the rate they worked it would definitely become a problem for most foes. But with Vista¡¯s powers, he just had to keep landing hits to start replenishing or consume a boon which continuously stacked up while out of combat in order to regain part of his reserves, so it should be manageable. In response to the dual attack, his opponent produced a staff of some odd-looking metal with two chiming rings at its top, interposing the weapon to catch one of the blades while a small barrier the size of a dinner plate appeared after a murmured word to catch the other. Vista¡¯s excellent visual processing speed allowed him to note the development, redirecting focus from his left blade to his right which was about to hit the barrier, letting his off-hand be deflected by the staff as he instead channeled his echoing special attack into his right, two ethereal echoes with disruptive force damage following the initial strike. The barrier held up better than he would have expected, absorbing two of the hits and cracking with the third. But in the split second of time between his blade contacting the other man¡¯s staff until this moment, something had gone wrong. Even as his blade bit through the barrier, it dissolved, forcibly dispelled as even more mana was ripped from Vista¡¯s reserves. And unfortunately for him, both of Vista¡¯s blades were in essence one and the same, manifested by the same power from his sword essence which had been awakened by an awakening stone of mercury. Compensating for the lost balance was no issue, as he quickly shifted his balance to take a step back, but more troublesome was that he could not immediately conjure a new set of blades, the power unavailable to him for about a dozen heartbeats. He had sets of spare blades in his storage space, but would need a bit of distance to retrieve them. Vista¡¯s current predicament was even more immediate however, as the end of the staff was already snapping up towards him in a counterattack, one that his magical perception saw had even more mana-draining effects. ¡°How troublesome.¡± was the thought that crossed his mind as he put some additional force into the backstep for it to carry him out of reach of the blow. But even as the strike hit only air, his instincts still warned of danger, and Vista had just enough time to shift his body when a ripple in the air carried the impact across the distance, only his quick reflexes changing its target from his chin to his shoulder. The impact jolted him as more mana was drawn for him and afflictions further reducing his mana recovery and damage resistance was left in place, then repeated as the blow seemed to echo again albeit with less physical force. Rolling with the blow as best he could, Vista continued backing off, now wise to one of his opponent¡¯s tricks as more projected attacks came from Kite alternating between his staff and a sword. Dodging a vicious slash from the drawn blade, Vista finally found his opportunity to disengage, making a powerful leap backwards, reconjuring his blades as he had one more tactic he wanted to employ before falling back on his backup swords. While he was in the air he noticed that his foe had leapt as well, although not nearly as far as Vista¡¯s own slow fall power allowed him to glide. His foot had barely touched the ground before he was turning, elemental energy covering his blades before he launched them toward Kite as flaming arcs, quickly followed by a torrent of similar projectiles. But as he landed, he also noticed that something was different, quickly realizing the source. While they both had been airborne, Vista¡¯s foe seemed to have employed another spell which caused horizontal panes of force to cover almost the entirety of the training arena¡¯s floor. Even though his footing was solid, he could feel yet another source of mana drain from the contact, and even more worryingly this one increased its ravenous pace the longer Vista remained in contact. Consuming one of his saved charges of mana restoration, the fight suddenly intensified for the young master as he now had to split his attention between attacking his foe, trying to break through the barrier on the floor and dodging projected attacks as Kite seemed content in keeping the slight distance. After a few seconds of frantic multitasking, Vista realized that he would have to give up one of his objectives as the barriers on the floor seemed to be continuously reinforced by his opponent, the trickle of mana visible to his enhanced perception. ¡°At this rate, he will win the war of attrition. I will simply have to leave the confines of the earth behind.¡± Vista thought, his jaw slightly clenched in focus even though he could also feel a slight grin tug at the corner of his lips. His attributes had been able to ramp up somewhat through their exchanges, and with two more charges of his pent up reserves left he felt that a more aggressive stance was needed. ¡°But first, a sacrifice for this maneuver to work.¡± With a quick sidestep, Vista covered both weapons in crackling lightning before he sent them both flying at his foe in a staggered salvo, two blades arcing towards Kite. Even as his foe deflected one with that dispelling power of his, both blades disappeared once more along with the designated sacrifice of mana. But Vista had already sprung into action, running toward Kite and leaping again. ¡°Descending Kingfisher stance¡± Vista dove at his foe, solid blades now in hand as the conjured ones would just become a liability in the close combat which followed. He struck twice, this time twisting around the intercepting staff to score a grazing hit at his opponent¡¯s side, the other blade caught by a barrier. While this in turn cost him a little more mana, Vista did not pause, leaping again and using his slow fall power and the slight gliding ability it provided to initiate a furious assault where he dove at his opponent time and time again, barely touching the ground before stepping off. While he had to admit that Kite put up a decent defense, Vista had now begun to properly pressure his opponent and regain a bit of the rhythm he was used to, even though many blocks and deflections from his opponent cost him a bit more mana. And as Kite had started accumulating several shallow wounds, Vista was only growing just a little bit stronger and faster for every hit scored. Seeming to realize this as well, Kite also changed tactics slightly, suddenly accepting a strike at his vambrace instead of deflecting, an activated damage reduction mitigating some of the bite from the strike as he made a two handed counter swing with his staff. Vista managed to get one blade up in time, but as he was currently mid-leap, the strike sent him flying off, skipping once on the floor before springing up to brace against the wall and readying himself to restore some more mana and leap back into the fray. He had just sprung off as he heard the chant. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power.¡± The rippling wave was too wide to dodge, and as it flowed over Vista he inwardly winced as his ramping boon and remaining boon of reserves winked out, as well as his slow fall power which forced him back to the ground. Fortunately, the latter could immediately reignite and Vista leapt back towards Kite even though he mourned the accumulated gains and reserves of mana. Vista was a very efficient fighter, but the accumulated mana drain had truly begun taking its toll on his reserves. Still, with the way things had been going, he knew that he was on the right track. Still in the Kingfisher¡¯s stance, the young master redoubled his efforts and even started accepting some minor blows in order to deal worse back as his mana levels were a lot more concerning than his physical health at the moment. Already having deduced that singular powerful attacks only risked being a liability, Vista went with speed and aggression. And it continued paying dividends, until something else changed. The pair of bracers on his foes'' wrists had begun to accumulate mana, and not a little from the looks of it. Mentally preparing to react, Vista kept up his assault. And just a few heartbeat¡¯s later, the bracers having stopped accumulating mana, his foe chanted again. ¡°Wall.¡± Even as the barriers on the floor disappeared, the young master realized that they had reappeared. Around him, like a box. With the only opening out toward his foe. As he was still airborne, Vista could only prepare his defenses as his opponent''s bracers touched, a look of focused determination on the commoner¡¯s face. Then a deep gong echoed, followed by the silent *thwomp* of discharged force. Vista vaguely felt an impact and then two more as the world became a vague and distant place.
For a moment after discharging the Twofold Toll of the Bells, Kite had a twinge of panic. It had required a lot of focus to make sure that he did not channel the power straight into Vista¡¯s torso or head, instead clipping his right leg and hip. The twin bursts had still sent the young master crashing through the back force wall of the box-like cage Kite had formed in the last second, before carrying him further down the arena for a single violent bounce off the floor before landing in a heap at the edge of the room. He let out a sigh of relief as he saw Vista move weakly, stunned but very much alive although the way the impacted leg was sprawled indicated that it was a blast from which he would not just walk away under most circumstances. The bracelet which came with the practice arena was already unleashing the potent stored healing magic, but Rachel still felt that it was only proper to assist in this as well as she chanted a spell. ¡°One head severed, twice regrown.¡± Greenish vapor suddenly flowed from within Vista, his leg quickly righting himself and his eyes flew open as all present could feel his unstable aura regain its former strength in just a few seconds. Kite knew that spell, being one from Rachel¡¯s hydra confluence, and knew it to be potent indeed. It acted much in the same way as his immortality power, slightly weaker but able to be used on others. Sharing the 24 hour gap between uses made it one of the red-haired Geller¡¯s restorative trump cards, restoring huge amounts of health, stamina and mana, and since bronze rank it also increased the target¡¯s power and speed for a while afterwards. As such, Vista was very much awake as the others reached him, Whimmy poking at him with two heads while the last gave Kite a wary look. ¡°I believe that I was proven right.¡± Phiona stated, but without malice or scorn. ¡°I¡­¡± Vista began, shaking his head a bit to clear away the last of the daze, before looking first at her then at Kite. ¡°Had we fought again, I would win.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Kite agreed, and meant it. Had Vista been prepared and known of Kite¡¯s abilities in advance, things would probably have gone very differently. ¡°Yes. Probably.¡± Phiona agreed. ¡°Probably?¡± Vista asked. ¡°Yes. Probably.¡± Phiona stated again, nonplussed. ¡°But my point with this challenge was not to prove who of you is the most skilled warrior. It was to remind you that sometimes you only need to fail once, make one misstep or one faulty assessment, and it might have been over. No one here doubts your skills, Vista. They are most impressive, and people are right to laud your self-sufficiency. But not every battle is about who can go on the longest or reach the highest peak of the moment. The one who wins isn¡¯t necessarily even the greater or most skilled fighter. Skills will take you far, make no mistake, but these situations are the ones where you at least should have someone truly watching your back and helping you pull through or pull out.¡± ¡°Had he not used that item-¡± ¡°But he did, because I asked him to. Because as I said, sometimes there only needs to be one factor like that. An item. A power. Even a person just willing to go farther than you thought. And I would ask you to ponder this as we go forward. In the end, you will decide how we do things. But I wanted you to at least experience where my argument stems from.¡± Phiona finished. Vista looked at her for a long moment, then rose. ¡°I believe that we are done here for the day. Whimmy and I must return home. We will meet you on the next scheduled outing.¡± He spoke politely but neutrally, then walked off and exited the training hall. ¡°Thank you for assisting in tempering my path.¡± Kite murmured in the silence that followed. 76. Folly ¡°-and this here is actually a surprisingly interesting historical account of the reign of Soaring Soul, the Queen of Jade and Sky. She was-¡± Brook began, but paused and looked at Kite. ¡°I¡­ You¡¯ve actually seen her mystical palace in the clouds. I can¡¯t believe I even said that. Would something like this even interest you?¡± The pair was seated in the library of the local magic society branch, Brook having spent the last hour showing Kite interesting books and scrolls, talking more animatedly than he had ever seen her during the long time they had known one another. And he had to give her that she was good at sparking one¡¯s interest, as long as she managed to forget about the anxiety she normally felt around people and being the focus of one¡¯s attention. ¡°Do not fear, great sage. This humble one enjoys the wisdom you give him, succor to a fool fumbling in the dark.¡± Kite replied, earning him a flat look. ¡°Kite, be serious!¡± ¡°Sorry, sorry¡± he said, hands raised placatingly. ¡°But it is true, I do find it interesting. And you even make things interesting that I initially thought I¡¯d find tedious.¡± She scanned him for a while, but seeing only sincerity she brightened. ¡°Th-thank you Kite, I-¡± she began, but then seemed to notice something behind him. ¡°Kite, what is your familiar doing?¡± While Kite had seen Sage hovering above a book, it was only when he actually started focusing that he noticed a slight difference. The symbol-being was basically vibrating in place, entirely fixed on the book below. ¡°Sage, what are you doing?¡± Kite asked, wandering over alongside Brook and peering down at the page. It was a book of calligraphy, each page depicting a single character made with beautiful brush strokes, with varying styles on each page. ¡°Fascinating Fascinating Fascinating¡± That concept was all that the familiar seemed to emote, transfixed by the lines. ¡°It seems to really enjoy calligraphy.¡± Kite noted, amused. ¡°I supposed we haven¡¯t had the chance to visit many art galleries before.¡± Brook leaned over and slowly turned the page, the freshly revealed images showing a new set. Sage stiffened at this, taking in the new pages before slowly turning to Brook. ¡°Multitudes?¡± ¡°I think it is asking if there is more.¡± Kite noted, and Brook nodded. ¡°Yes, there are plenty. Here, let me help you.¡± Over the next hour, Brook patiently showed an increasingly ecstatic Sage every page in that book and even went to find two more. Eventually, its enthusiasm started reaching heights that Kite didn¡¯t think was possible as it almost seemed to want to absorb the pages, its incorporeal body starting to sink into the pages. Finally, Kite decided that there had been enough fun for the day. ¡°Alright Sage, Brook needs to get back to work. Maybe say thank you as she has spent so much time showing you these nice paintings?¡± The familiar eventually looked up from the book, and toward Brook. ¡°Perfection! Wisdom! Generosity!¡± The concepts were emoted quite thoroughly, eliciting a giggle from Brook. ¡°You are very welcome, Sage. I will show you more next time.¡± ¡°Jubilation!¡± Then, the familiar froze, turned toward Kite and then back to Brook. Shortly thereafter, Kite felt a familiar tug in his aura, his eyes going wide. ¡°Here?¡± he asked, turning to Sage who bobbed in the air before flying off. ¡°I hope this doesn¡¯t make a mess.¡± Kite muttered as he followed, Brook close on his heels. A bit further down into the archives, behind a pair of ancient shelves, Sage stopped and indicated a spot at the end of the corridor which formed a nook completely surrounded by shelves and dusty scrolls. ¡°Brook?¡± ¡°Yes, Kite?¡± ¡°How much trouble would we be in if a monster manifested in here?¡± Brook looked at him shocked. ¡°I- I don¡¯t know how to answer that.¡± ¡°Then join me in a prayer to Fortune?¡± he asked lightly, as a swirl of rainbow light began manifesting in the nook, moving the air enough to cause dust and a few loose pages to start fluttering about the magical vortex. Kite relaxed as he saw that there was indeed no monster manifesting inside, but probably an awakening stone. He had dared to use the power as monsters manifesting inside cities and other habitats was very rare. But not unheard of. He had been ready to deploy a force cage around the thing and himself, protecting both Brook and the valuable scrolls around them. Having hidden behind him, Brook peeked forward as Kite bent down and picked up the freshly manifested stone, a clear sphere with motes of dust drifting around inside it. Sage looked at Kite, then the stone, then finally at Brook. ¡°Affection¡± ¡°I think Sage wants to give this to you as a gift.¡± Kite said, nodding and proffering the stone to Brook. She looked at it, stuttering. ¡°Bu- but Kite, this-¡± ¡°-is Sage¡¯s way of saying thank you. Something it has never done before, at least not from what I could tell. But I do think that the karmic debt acquired would require you to show it a lot more calligraphy. Maybe even show it an art gallery? I¡¯d have to come with it too, of course, Sage being my familiar and all.¡± he finished with a wink. She looked at him again, then smiled shyly and bowed to Sage. ¡°Thank you, Sage. I will gladly show you more.¡± ¡°Imminently?¡± ¡°In the future.¡± Kite corrected. ¡°Because I believe that we have a ritual of awakening to perform. How convenient that we are already at the magic society.¡± An hour later Kite said farewell to an ecstatic Brook, already in the process of trying out her newly awakened power. As the stone had been an awakening stone of dust, it had awakened an ability related to that and the paper essence. The result had been that Brook was now able to animate dust and paper scraps into magical constructs which she could then command. So far, it had mostly been smaller and relatively simple shapes like butterflies and, flatteringly enough, small kites, but he assumed that they would grow in both size, complexity and power as the ability ranked up. The constructs had quickly proved very adept at helping her clean and gather more of said materials, and as he left she had been experimenting with different shapes that were able to help her carry and sort books. ¡°Powers do indeed seem to reflect those that awaken them.¡± Kite mused as he exited the magic society campus, and turned towards the city gates. It had been nice having almost a week with more training and hunting along with the Gellers, Peony and Sun as well as having the time to see Brook, but duty now called again. It was time for another outing with the young master, and Kite was a bit trepidatious to see what would come of it from when they last parted ways.
¡°Phiona. Rachel. Kite. Good to see you.¡± Vista greeted the three politely as he met them near the city gates, already sitting atop his familiar. Fortunately, only their first outing was planned to be a public ceremony, but it was hard to miss many in the surrounding crowds gawking at Vista. All three of the new arrivals greeted him in turn, Phiona seeming unphased while Rachel and Kite glanced at each other. ¡°Did he just greet you too?¡± she mouthed at him where they rode behind the young master. ¡°I think so.¡± Kite replied, looking a bit stunned while Phiona just gave them each a glance conveying the clear meaning that she had been expecting such an outcome. Other than the greeting, the first leg of their journey remained the same; efficient travel to the regions south of Bastion. But Vista remained a bit more social, turning to Kite every now and then during conversations even though they were still rather sparse. The second change revealed itself the next morning as they were about to set out. ¡°Phiona, as per our agreement I believe that you wanted to form some kind of general plan for unforeseen moments?¡± Vista asked the blonde Geller as they stowed the last of their supplies. ¡°Indeed. Here is my suggestion.¡± Phiona said, before continuing to relay a broad plan where the three were to remain a bit closer to the young master, although usually not participating in direct combat unless needed. While Rachel would continue to act as zoning support, Phiona was the one who would move in the quickest while Kite would act as defensive support and interference until they could group up. Vista came with some suggestions and adjustments, but overall acted like his earlier objections had never taken place. Kite found the whole situation a little odd, but as the trend continued over the days they spent together, he gradually came to relax a little in the new dynamic of the group. One of the last evenings while on their way back towards Bastion, Kite decided to test the new waters a bit more. ¡°Vista, may I ask you something?¡± ¡°Yes, Kite?¡± The noble said, looking up from his cup of tea. Kite had yet to see any resentment in him, and didn¡¯t see or feel anything of the sort this time either. ¡°It¡¯s about your familiar. How come that you named him Whimmy?¡± This was something that Kite had been wondering about for a while, as it stood out from the naming conventions of Hua-Xi, especially where it was common knowledge that the higher one¡¯s standing was, the more grand names they usually had or received. Vista looked a bit surprised at the question. ¡°I usually get more questions about where I performed the ritual calling him, or maybe ¡®them¡¯ might be a more accurate term. But as to your question, their true name is Stalwart Guardian of the Meek. Whimmy is actually the collective nickname, as their individual heads are named Wart, Ian and Meek, stemming from parts of the whole. But those are also the names from a story from abroad I often requested read to me as a child; a trio of leonids that were constantly up to mischief but had an unbreakable bond of friendship between them and a human friend. There are few except maybe my caretakers who might get the reference, and I found it a good omen that I could find a proper name for them whose meaning both reference with a higher calling while also allowing me that little personal indulgence. Although am still unsure if my father has accepted the name, as he was most insistent that it should be something more forceful or powerful.¡± The three heads had each peaked up at the mention of their individual names, looking expectantly at their master from across the camp. ¡°I will be the first to admit that it is a bit childish, but Whimmy has lived up to their namesakes and even surpassed them. I could not have asked for a more loyal friend.¡± ¡°Glint seems to have taken a liking to them too.¡± Kite noted, the pair of familiars having spent plenty of time playing together during their trip. ¡°Then if you don¡¯t mind me asking, what kind of creature is Glint? I will admit to not having heard of her like before.¡± ¡°I recently learned that her species is called ¡®celestial carp¡¯-¡± Kite began, relaying what he and Brook had learned during their first unexpected reunion in the archive of the magic society. Both Rachel and Phiona started listening a bit more attentively during his story, nodding along as Kite told them what he knew. All three of them were both rich enough and close enough to Kite in their own ways for him to freely share, as he seriously doubted that any of them would covet his familiar. ¡°Fascinating.¡± Vista mused as Kite finished. ¡°While I am no expert, anything who was named as something celestial and having kept the term in its name for so long is surely an omen of great destiny. I am glad to have met what might be a heavenly creature in the making.¡± the noble finished, bowing towards Glint. While the carp didn¡¯t understand the details, it sure did not stop her from preening at the attention all evening long.
¡°I must say, your little stunt at the end of the last outing did pay off, Nona. There is no way I would have expected him to bend even the slightest.¡± she said, plopping down on one of the sofas of the suite of rooms shared by the two Gellers. ¡°Still, just guarding him for this trip as well was just as boring as the first one. I¡¯ve never seen a bronze-ranker sweep through groups of monsters so quickly. Once he gets going, they just go ¡®poof¡¯!¡± she finished, making an exploding gesture with her hands. Phiona didn¡¯t answer right away, busy reading a note attached to a parcel which had been waiting for them at the reception upon their return. ¡°It seems that Stoic Boar still will not make a dignified retreat in this matter.¡± she sighed, gesturing to the neat package. ¡°You might as well go ahead, cousin, as I believe that it is a gift to your liking.¡± Rachel eagerly leaned forward, opening the package to reveal a generous basket of candied nuts and crispy pastries which she immediately started devouring. ¡°And as for your appreciation of my judgment, I will admit that no such move would ever be a guaranteed success. But from what I noted of our young master, he is neither a fool nor is his pride as brittle as some of his peers. He gave me every impression that he is someone who will respect strength, be it of body or mind, over blood. And I believe that all of us stood to benefit from what transpired.¡± This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. ¡°I must admit that I was quite nervous to employ the bracers, teacher.¡± Kite said, remembering his tension at getting his aim right. ¡°As long as it wasn¡¯t point-blank to his head, the practice arena would have been able to save his life.¡± Phiona said assuredly. ¡°We are not iron-rankers anymore, Kite. While the true leap in general durability comes at silver rank, bronze still means that you have started to leave some mortal vulnerabilities behind. Our young master can withstand more than you think. But nonetheless, it was an interesting bout. I am even inclined to see if he would ¡®trade pointers¡¯ with me, as you locals like to call it.¡± ¡°And it should at least lighten the mood in camp a bit. If he¡¯d gone on for too long with barely acknowledging Kite¡¯s existence, I might have throttled him myself. And believe me, the snake essence really helps in that regard.¡± Rachel said with a cheerful wink to Kite, words partly garbled by the treats. Kite smiled at her, albeit violent, vow of solidarity and raised his cup of tea in a toast. ¡°To guarding young masters.¡± ¡°And to Kite beating them up!¡± Rachel cheered.
The second outing with Vista marked the start of a kind of rhythm to Kite¡¯s stay in Bastion. Most mornings he would start out with physical training and sparring along with Phiona and Rachel, both Sun and Peony joining in unless otherwise occupied. The group would often venture out for a few days, clearing contracts and gathering materials to actually get in some hunting of their own. Around every other week they joined Vista in another outing, further pressuring the pace as they found a dynamic which might not exactly be called relaxed but at least professional and courteous. While this left Kite without too much spare time, he still managed to see Brook at least once a week and met up with Bloom when their schedules happened to match. Kite had even stumbled upon the young man leaning over the counter and talking with a giggling woman he assumed was the Felicity that had been mentioned so many times already. Four weeks went by this way, but the intense yet rewarding rhythm was broken when it was time for Sun to face his first couple of monsters. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe that you talked me into letting him dabble like this.¡± Phiona muttered, still a bit peeved at the awakening stones that had been chosen in the end. ¡°Oh hush, Nona. For the price, they were a good fit and you know it.¡± Rachel jibed her where they stood among the trees alongside Kite and a nervous Peony, observing as Sun prepared for his first hunt. He had already shapeshifted to his simian form, standing tall and clad in matte and dark metal armor which Peony had made for him. Kite had to admit that the man looked surprisingly imposing when clad for war, although seeing the regal monkey-warrior fidgeting slightly did tarnish the image somewhat. Opening his eyes after casting his senses through the nearby plants, Sun looked at his companions, gave them a nervous smile and then moved off in search of the targets he had located. Sun¡¯s first hunt was to be a trio of snufflesnouts, a relatively weak iron-ranked boar-like monster which was common all over the central and southern parts of Hua-Xi. The beast had no eyes, but its oversized snout and excellent hearing let the three monsters observe their surroundings at all times, brown fur speckles with green providing decent natural camouflage. But to one with the eye essence, it was nowhere near enough. Spotting them between the trees, Sun slowed down and took a breath before he summoned his bow. It seemed to grow out from his iron bracers before bending and producing a string, all of it made from dark iron. But unlike what one might think, the power in question had been awakened from his transfiguration confluence as the weapon could take on aspects depending on the material at hand when conjuring it. There had been some debate as to which weapon Sun should focus on, but in the end Rachel had been the one to point out that the bow should be a rather obvious choice for one with the eye essence as well. And as they had found a decently priced awakening stone of the bow along with two awakening stones of the claw, Sun¡¯s combat style had started to take shape. Breathing one final time, Sun drew the bow and paid a little additional mana to manifest an arrow. Then he let loose, the arrow zipping between tree and bush to strike one of the snufflesnouts in the flank. Three angry squeals rang out through the woods, the sharp noses of the monsters immediately allowing them to discern the direction. The sound of a dozen charging trotters rumbling towards him, Sun drew another arrow and fired again at the same target before leaping straight up just as the trio of monsters were about to reach his position. A long prehensile tail reached up to grab a branch, Sun stopping just for a moment to fire again before he reached out with one of his ¡®feet¡¯, looking much like a hand with opposable thumbs, to grab another branch and moving off into the foliage while peppering his frustrated targets with arrows. While the snufflesnouts were descend runners, they were most decidedly not good climbers. The first fell shortly after their first attempt at engaging their target, and the second not too long after as a lucky arrow managed to pierce its skull. Deciding upon a change of tactic, Sun fired two more arrows into the third monster before dismissing his bow and dropping down towards the beast as wickedly sharp claws of iron grew from both hands and feet, their lengths more like knives rather than the rippers seen on predators. His bottom pair of conjured claws plunged through the fur of the monsters, lodging into place as he bent down to push the talons on his hands into the beast as well. The snufflesnout squealed in pain, but managed to surprise Sun as it suddenly rolled over, the monkey warrior not disengaging quickly enough. As soon as he went under, Peony was about to run to his aid but was stopped by Phiona putting a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Do not worry. A little adversity the first time is good, and he is not truly in danger yet.¡± Proving her words true, Sun managed a rather undignified escape from the predicament, flashing away from a goring tusk with a dashing power. He did not move far, instead leaping back at the beast and unleashed his only special attack so far. Awakened from the monkey essence and awakening stone of the claw, the attack was in fact a leaping flurry of rakes and slashes which employed both hands and feet. It was primal yet effective, soon turning the monster''s face into a gory mess as it died. Sun looked both proud and exhausted after the fight, trembling slightly from the fear-thrill rush of combat as an essence user, attempting to straighten his posture slightly when the others approached, Peony in the lead. She cared little for the blood and grime as she hugged him. ¡°Congratulations, you have survived your first fight with a monster.¡± Kite said happily, clapping him on the shoulder. ¡°Indeed.¡± Phiona agreed before going straight into lecture mode. ¡°Would you mind sharing the reason for engaging the last one in close combat while you could just as well have kept the vantage of the trees? ¡°I¡­¡± Sun began, looking a bit abashed. ¡°It felt a bit too easy just using the bow.¡± Phiona kept her gaze locked on him, remaining silent. ¡°And I wanted to try out my new power.¡± Sun finished, looking even more sheepish. ¡°Pushing yourself is all well and good once you have progressed a lot further. But for now, I do believe that it is best for you to use whatever advantage you have, whenever you can. Iron rank is where you build your foundation, but also when you are by far the most vulnerable.¡± Phiona said, now passing the line of lecturing and well into the realm of admonishing. ¡°Besides, you will get plenty of use for those powers soon enough.¡± Rachel cheered. ¡°We have three more contracts for you to go through, after all.¡±
¡°Is¡­ Is that a seed?¡± Kite asked, looking at the rather odd creation that Peony was showing him. It did indeed look like a seed with a dark brown surface smooth enough to have a slight shine to it. If said seed was about as long as Kite¡¯s forearm and had the the rough shape of a simple dagger, not unlike what one might make out of stone. ¡°Yes. Or¡­ Maybe?¡± Peony said, looking down at the item. ¡°I made an attempt with two items which I initially thought wouldn¡¯t mesh too well, as a way to push myself and see what I could make of it. And the result was¡­ A bit odd. But I think that I might be useful for you in the right situaion.¡± Kite picked it up and allowed his senses to linger over the item, slowly getting an understanding of the properties kept inside what he learned was indeed both a seed and a dagger. ¡°I agree.¡± he said as he looked back to Peony. ¡°Thank you, I hope to make good use of it.¡±
¡°How on earth did one of the villagers even get here to spot the monster?¡± Rachel grumbled, sitting on Missus¡¯ back as the familiar was navigating the very rough terrain of the narrow and overgrown mountain pass where the group currently found themselves. ¡°And if it was only a single bronze-rank monster, would it even be worth all this hassle?¡± ¡°I assure you, a spore gazer is worth the effort.¡± Vista called back from where he and Whimmy had taken the lead, his mercurial blade having formed a single heavy falcata which he controlled to chop through the vegetation ahead of them which was too thick for even their bronze-rank physiques to easily push through. ¡°They stand at the very peak of the rank, and will allow me to properly push myself. As you know, it is a rare treat. We are lucky to even have found the contract before anyone else, as the gazers tend to find places with higher, if localized, concentrations of ambient mana. This usually means that quintessence, awakening stones or even essences may have already manifested there as well.¡± At that, Rachel perked up a bit.¡±Ah, so both good practice and tend to be found near treasures? Consider my statements retracted.¡± ¡°Just remember to be vigilant for the eye beams. While I will endeavor to keep its attention, it is common for the gazer to have grown more mushroom bodies with secondary eyes around its habitat. Try to keep an eye out, as they say.¡± ¡°Was- was that an ocular pun?¡± Kite asked, receiving only feigned ignorance in response from the young master, who stopped a short while later. ¡°We are through.¡± Vista called back as he sat down from Whimmy¡¯s back, reconfiguring his swords back to the dual falchions which he preferred. ¡°And from the change in terrain, I believe that we have found our mark.¡± Ahead of them, the narrow mountain ravine widened considerably, the thick growths of bushes and vegetation stopping so suddenly that it looked as if they had been carefully pruned. Instead, the small hidden valley which lay beyond was dotted with sparser growth more alien in nature. Huge mushrooms dotted the valley with other types of fungi creeping across the floor and stone walls. Their pale trama was dotted in places with reddish bulbs, and the deep purple caps were surprisingly menacing in their immobility. It felt like entering the den of a predator, the group stopping as one. ¡°This is more widespread than I imagined.¡± Vista murmured to his entourage, Kite nodding in assent. ¡°And weren¡¯t the caps supposed to be more blue? But the red growths sound like the description. Those were the ones it used to camouflage the eyes?¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± Vista replied, looking to Kite and the Gellers. ¡°But as you say, both scope and coloration are off. The last spore gazer I fought did not have such a domain.¡± ¡°It would not be the first time that the contract information has proved unreliable. Shall we retreat and report?¡± Phiona asked, looking much like she would prefer to do just that. Vista thought for a moment then shook his head. ¡°We should at least scout it out, and retreat if necessary. I still feel like there should be an opportunity for me here. Whimmy, follow me closely. While we advance, I would appreciate it if either one of you could look in the magic society¡¯s index and see if you can find out more.¡± Phiona looked torn, but eventually nodded. ¡°Cousin, if you please? Should something happen, Kite and I are the rapid response after all.¡± ¡°I do believe that I shall manage, Phiona.¡± Vista said, his voice remaining polite but somehow conveying an eye roll without the motion. With that, he smoothly crept in between the fungal growths, Whimmy at his heels with their three heads alert. Kite felt tense as he watched Vista approach, mind on edge. There was a sense of wrongness to this place, beyond what he had expected. He couldn¡¯t help but shift slightly where he stood, as if remaining in contact with the ground for too long exposed him to danger. Having his encompassing field of view did help alleviate some tension, but it was deeper than that. Only belatedly would Kite realize that the sensation was not physical at all, but the ever so subtle intrusion on his aura by something more powerful than him. Suddenly, and without warning, some of the mushroom growth shifted, earth and stone groaning. From their caps shot thin, almost translucent strands, each fungus having myriads of the filaments erupting from it. They struck everyone in the group, sliding through cloth and armor with an icy sensation before seemingly lodging themselves, one Kite recognized as the touch of something ethereal. At the same time, three other worrying developments took place. The first was that a central mass of fungi exploded into motion, thick and very corporeal tentacles of pale trama exploding from the cluster to shoot towards Vista at great speed. The second was that each of the thin, incorporeal threads started draining the life force from everything they were lodged in, visible as faint motes of red light leaving the body and being transferred along the strand. And the third, compounding all the rest, was the fact that the thing unveiled a silver rank aura which had lain hiding and waiting before, too subtle for either adventurer to notice. This meant that the speed of the tentacles was way beyond what anyone would have expected, even Vista¡¯s skill not able to compensate for the sudden assault. Only Whimmy reacted quickly enough to make a difference, proving that three heads were indeed superior to one. The cerberus managed to shove Vista aside just in time for him to avoid being snatched by the sudden, grasping growth, but even the faithful guardian was not quick enough to avoid the fate themselves. Three loud yelps of pain echoed across the valley as a few of the tentacles bit into flesh, burrowing through the bronze-ranked resistance with a lot more ease than anyone would find comfortable. The rest of the grasping limbs wrapped around one neck, leg and torso of the familiar before quickly dragging the thrashing cerberus up against the central mound, Whimmy biting and breathing flames in an attempt to free itself. ¡°Whimmy!¡± Vista shouted, swiping at the thin threads lodged in him once, his blade ineffectually passing through. A second swing, followed by a sword-echo of disrupting force, proved much more effective as it severed most of the incorporeal strands as Vista ran towards his caught familiar. The rest of the group sprang into motion as well, Phiona stumbling once as her short-range teleport failed to activate. ¡°My body is compromised. No teleporting.¡± she called tersely as she ran, the rest of the group following suit as they used disruptive force attacks of their own to clear as many of the life-draining threads as possible. ¡°This is so violating.¡± Rachel called with a shudder, her hand and lower arm turning into a glowing green serpent which elongated to thrash about and destroy the threads, while Kite tried a spell chant. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power.¡± His pulse had been aimed in a general direction where none of his companions currently was, and he was elated to see that all of the thin threads in the area dissolved as the rippling wave passed through. ¡°Teacher, I can dispel them. We have a way to clear them, even if it will cost you our boons.¡± he called, the group almost at Vista¡¯s side. ¡°Keep it in reserve.¡± Phiona called back, vaulting over another tentacle which had sprouted from a nearby fungus to target her before shouting towards the young master. ¡°Vista, we need to retreat.¡± ¡°I will not abandon Whimmy!¡± the young man called back, already in motion as he had started dodging and cleaving through more of the sprouting fungal tendrils. Kite could see his enhancing boons starting to ramp up, although the pace remained slow. Phiona looked as if she was about to call something else, when Kite broke in. ¡°Teacher, Whimmy is a bound familiar. I would not leave either, unless there was no other recourse.¡± Phiona groaned in frustration. ¡°This is why one of my uncles always complained that familiars are more trouble than they¡¯re worth. Fine, aim for extraction. Then we leave. Fortune favors us, as it is the weaker end of silver.¡± she continued, proving her point by smashing another tendril into pulp. ¡°It at least gives us a chance of survival. You know what to do. Go.¡± With that, she bounded off in a burst of speed, delivering a vaulting strike with her staff which blew chunks out from a nearby growth of fungus. Meanwhile, Rachel¡¯s hydra heads had started belching clouds of acidic poison gas over the more peripheral growths, working at keeping the mass of tentacles down while one of the serpentine heads simultaneously spit globs of healing ichor towards Whimmy. Part of Kite¡¯s mind wanted to seize up from the weighty silver rank aura, but hours of training session with mistress Dew had him remain functional as he conjured a barrier to deflect another tentacle which attempted to bury into the struggling cerberus. The monster may be silver rank but each individual tentacle was not overly strong and Kite felt determination well up inside him as he murmured a prayer. ¡°Warrior, witness this endeavor. And Fortune, please bless us enough to have potential folly proven to be courage.¡±
¡°Wife, there is someone here to see you.¡± Sun said, knocking at the door to Peony¡¯s workshop. ¡°Is it Kite? Have they returned?¡± Peony asked, suspending her current project as she rose from her work desk, realizing that she did not recognize the iron-ranked aura outside. ¡°No, love.¡± Sun confirmed. ¡°But she has been very polite in her requests to speak with us, so I thought that we should give her a bit of our time.¡± ¡°Of course, of course.¡± Peony said, but couldn¡¯t help to look longingly back toward her half-finished project waiting for her, both pieces of gear still half-dissolved. But she straightened a bit when she saw the immaculately dressed woman, wearing crisp and stylish lavender robes. She somehow managed to convey being a retainer as well as business and authority at the same time, rising from her seat and bowing politely to Peony as she entered. ¡°Greetings, mistress crafter. My name is Pale Silvered Mirror, but please call me Mirror. I represent some interested parties who have been following your recent ventures with great interest.¡± she said, her tone measured and her aura neatly controlled even though it had the distinct feeling of monster cores. Her words did make Peony¡¯s insides clench slightly, but she returned the polite bow. ¡°Greetings, Mirror. As you know, I am Daybreak Peony. And while you have shown us nothing but courtesy so far, I will have to make myself absolutely clear; neither me nor my family have any interest in becoming part of anything ¡®greater¡¯.¡± While she did her best to remain neutral, her annoyance in regards to the matter bled through her attempted veneer of civility. But to Peony¡¯s surprise, Mirror only smiled at her words. ¡°That is most satisfying to hear, mistress crafter, as it means that I did not come here in vain. Might we sit down so that I may convey my message? I assure you, that it is one you will be most keen to receive.¡± 77. Tyranny The tyranny of rank remained a concept of which almost every adventurer in the world was painfully reminded during multitudes of time in their career. In many ways, the phenomena was one of the foundational aspects of global power hierarchies and the way they in turn shaped every society in the world. And for Kite and his companions, the impact remained dreadfully present. Kite did not know the name of the fungal monster that they now fought, but the impact of its higher rank remained a presence almost in and of itself. The multitudes of trama tentacles which still ensnared the thrashing Whimmy only shifted and buckled slightly at the cerberus¡¯ efforts, and while both Vista and Phiona could cut and smash their way through the fungal matter, the impact they made were significantly lower than what Kite had otherwise witnessed from the competent pair. Adding insult to injury, the silver-ranked recovery attribute of the monster along with its health draining tendrils made sure that more tentacles grew quickly from the clusters of mushrooms around them, working frustratingly swiftly to undo the progress the adventurers made. Whimmy again had the worst of it, as the familiar was now pressed up against the main mass of fungi, where multitudes of mycelial growths had started working their way through their skin to enact an even more potent health draining effect. ¡°Whimmy, I¡¯m coming!¡± Vista shouted again, where he was furiously trying to hack through the tentacles keeping his companion in their grip while also avoiding suffering the same fate, leaving him barely keeping a balanced stance as the thrashing limbs of the silver rank monster were moving too fast to let him properly find his focus. ¡°Vista! We need to form up. Take it on together!¡± Phiona called, almost having worked her way to the young master¡¯s side along with Kite and Rachel, but Vista seemed almost oblivious to her calls at that moment. ¡°Teacher, go. I will try to intercept what I can and wear down its advantages.¡± Kite called to her, throwing out a barrier to protect Rachel¡¯s back from a strike while simultaneously drawing his saber to slice through another appendage lashing toward him. The resulting burst of rending force covered him in slivers of fungal matter, but he had little time to reflect upon it further. ¡°Can you hold it off?¡± Phiona asked, not looking at him as she used both ends of her staff to simultaneously ward off a pair of tentacles, smashing their ends into pulp only for them to start regrowing again. ¡°Heavens no. But I should be able to slow it down somewhat. I will have to.¡± Kite said, apparently conveying his resolute ambitions through his words as his teacher nodded to him. ¡°Then I will make a push. Cousin, a ride?¡± ¡°Missus, you heard her!¡± Rachel called, the snake familiar manifesting from her and quickly growing to her much larger size. At first, Kite thought that her size would prove to be a disadvantage, but as Phiona leapt up onto Missus¡¯ back as the snake charged off, he was properly shown the resilience of the armored hood of the aegis cobra. Neither flailing limbs or the ephemeral threads seemed to be able to pierce it, only batter at the gleaming natural armor as Missus managed to push and wiggle herself the final stretch to the central cluster of fungi where Vista fought. Leaping off the giant snake, Phiona spun her staff which left afterimages in its wake, like echoes of the staff which had not yet caught up to the blurring reality. Her feet barely touching the ground, she swung her weapon, the images doing the same and leaving the impression of a flower unfurling its petals. A flower most destructive. Fungal matter splattered like soft shrapnel as tentacles and other trama were destroyed in the potent attack, creating a brief bubble of relative calm around Vista and assisted in chewing through some of Whimmy¡¯s restraints. ¡°Vista!¡± Phiona shouted again, her proximity and the sudden, if temporary, ease in pressure allowing him to get through. ¡°We can¡¯t divide our efforts between freeing Whimmy and killing this thing. Either we run or we attempt to take it down. Spending too much time at these regrowing things will just leave us emptying a river with a ladle.¡± ¡°But they¡¯re suffering!¡± Vista retorted, apparently keenly feeling the familiar¡¯s pain. ¡°Then we¡¯d best take out the thing that is causing it!¡± Phiona called back while whipping her staff around to smash a freshly regrown tendril. ¡°What if they-¡± ¡°Vista. Rachel will handle it.¡± ¡°But-¡± ¡°Handle. It.¡± Phiona half-growled as a tentacle glanced off her before she became a blur, avoiding the rest of the strike. ¡°And Kite will have our backs. But you have to do your part, and soon.¡± Vista glanced at his familiar again, before squaring his shoulders and nodding. ¡°Now do what you do best and shred this thing!¡± Phiona called, darting off to avoid another couple of tendrils, smashing a chunk out of a bigger growth in the process. After taking one hesitant step away from his familiar, and then another, something seemed to return to the young noble. A quick leap had him gliding through the air, twin blades whirling to shred intercepting tentacles and whipping growths before he landed a bit further away facing the main cluster of fungal matter. One slash of his blades had a whirlwind of shredding air churn through the huge mushrooms, chipping away at their exteriors. Then his second blade hit, repeating the ripping gales. The storm that was Vista was finally building properly again, working towards a vortex of perfection.
The chains of Vista¡¯s hesitation breaking was clearly felt in his aura, and Kite knew that he too had to redouble his efforts from now on. While tendrils were coming in from most directions, it was clear that the monster recognized Vista and Phiona as the greatest threats, their direct and violent approaches triggering the primal response of more violence from the creature. And Kite silently vowed that the thing would come to regret its choice. But the struggle would be one uphill under constant duress. Kite felt like he barely had the time to do more than react to the flailing appendages, their speed and strength sending chills down his spine. He just managed to deflect a pair of strikes, but was too slow to completely dodge another which clipped his side and sent him staggering just a little bit as most of the force was absorbed or led down into the ground. Using the stored momentum to leap closer to Phiona and Vista, Kite also chanted a quick spell. ¡°Wall¡± Cages of force walls went up around the clusters of mushrooms from where some of the tendrils sprouted. Most were not completely encompassing as he could not have the walls appear in occupied areas, but it was still enough to force the tentacles to start bunching up or finding ways around the hindrances. And it gave Kite time to start finding a new rhythm, sprung from an old one. Planting his feet in a balanced, steady stance, Kite took a moment to relax his mind and find the crisp, chill focus that mistress Dew had drilled into him through their hours of training together. The clarity that came with her meditations had helped him bring forth the relentless offensive that she practices, but this time it would not be employed for ceaseless advance but vigilant reactions. A tendril snaked around a force wall to strike at him, but was deflected upon a conjured barrier. Another struck at Rachel¡¯s back, similarly thwarted. A third had just smashed its way through a force wall when it was rent by a slash carried the distance on the wings of Kite¡¯s intent. As the pace of the combat around him started climbing again, so did Kite try to match it. An interfering ward, a projected strike with his staff against fungal growths, a warning called out, an incoming attack snaking through his defenses and him countering through the pain, two more wards in quick succession. The pace was straining from the very start, the silver-ranked monster¡¯s pure attributes giving it such a head start, but Kite still endeavored to use it to grow, to temper himself and to make a difference. His efforts were by no means perfect. Intercepting wards came up a little bit too late, or a projected strike was mistimed and only rending empty air. But a lot of them did connect and did protect. And through them, the effects of his attacks started to add up. The blocking of healing from his evolved void strike. The stacking afflictions from his mana drain which continually hampered mana recovery and lowered damage resistance. And most of all, his evolved racial gift ever so slowly but definitely noticeably wearing away the effects of the monster¡¯s superior rank. Kite felt like he was touching upon something, a vision of what he might grow to be. He was everywhere, not in body but in action, his every move having a clearer vision and intent than the one before. And beside him, Vista, Phiona and Rachel all fought as hard. Phiona¡¯s staff was a constant blur, often flashing briefly with power before delivering decisive, precise strikes. It was as if she aspired to become the epitome of control, her weapon a mere part of the will she wanted to impose on the world. Rachel instead fought with a primal ferocity, being but one of many heads of the hydra that was her being. Adicid smoke and bile flew everywhere as well as globs of healing ichor. The strikes she could not dodge, she took as best as she was able, showing off the indomitable regeneration of the hydra. And Vista was closing in on the stormwind Kite had seen him become a few times during their outing, twin blades but a blur as their increased speed and power helped him further shred every piece of fungal matter within range. He ducked, sliced, dodged and whirled around the incoming attacks, like a force of nature in full sprint yet still retaining enough balance. But through all of this, Whimmy only continued to weaken. The fungal monster''s life drain continued ceaselessly, ravishing the caught familiar even as the three heads breathed fire upon it and thrashed about in defiance. Even with the adventurers finding a semblance of control in the chaos, it was obvious that the massive vitality of a silver-ranked being would last a lot longer than the bronze-ranked cerberus. ¡°They¡¯re flagging! We are not fast enough!¡± Vista called, fear coloring his voice even as his blades continued their deadly dance. ¡°Rachel will handle it.¡± Was Phiona¡¯s terse response, focus on the onslaught around them. ¡°But-¡± Phiona¡¯s next response was just a shove through her aura, enough to make her point without sending the young master off balance. ¡°Please¡­¡± was Vista¡¯s response, barely heard by bronze-rank perception over the din of combat. ¡°Just a little bit more- Thanks Kite!¡± Rachel said through gritted teeth as she wrestled with a tentacle only for it to be half-severed and forced to retract by a projected slash. ¡°Now!¡± she then stated, more to herself than the rest. ¡°One head severed, twice regrown!¡± Her chant rang out clear over the small battlefield in the mountain valley, followed by a howl as green vapors flowed from the mouth and nostrils of all three heads of the cerberus. From the brink of death, the familiar¡¯s aura was now brimming with life and potential, and they redoubled their struggle to break free as Rachel¡¯s spell all but restored it to its original condition. ¡°The power of a counter-execute.¡± Kite thought, his further reflections interrupted by what Rachel said next. ¡°But you all have to pick up the pace. I¡¯m running lower than I¡¯d like here.¡± Rachel called, dodging another strike. ¡°Sage, please help the fair lady!¡± Kite called, continuing his work. He too was flagging in stamina and mana, the constant stream of attacks and spells beyond any that he had endured before. But he, at least, had a solution to that. Sage, floating just behind Kite¡¯s back as usual, reconfigured to a pattern that Kite seldom had seen it use, its depths flashing once and then again as it emptied its stored charges. Two blue streams of mana found the red-haired Geller, who whooped in surprise and elation. ¡°Scratch what I just said. I can still join in the fun!¡± she called. ¡°Sage, you are the best-¡± Her call was interrupted as one of Kite¡¯s attempts at intercepting a tendril failed, one of the limbs slamming into her back and sending her tumbling. ¡°Rachel!¡± Kite called, his focus from earlier crumbling. One charged jump, courtesy of all the intercepted strikes and the glancing blows that had hit him so far, took him to her side as several more tentacles were slamming down on her and wrapping around her. Even as he leapt for one, sword already being drawn, Kite saw that two more of the limbs were aiming for him. One he would easily catch on his barrier, but he resolutely decided to accept the other while instead focusing on helping the struggling Geller to get free. His slash cut into one of the offending limbs, rending force blowing away an impressive chunk of the fungal material before the unblocked strike impacted him. As he had not yet finished his leap, there was no ground which could absorb the force of the blow. Kite saw stars as he tumbled across the ground, trying to regain his footing while coughing as a consequence of the air being driven from his lungs, and he didn¡¯t even have time to further assess Rachel¡¯s condition as more tendrils swept in towards him. Immediately pushed to the defensive while fighting through the pain and daze from the impact, Kite ignored the tentacles attempting to grab him, trusting in his special ability to keep the monster¡¯s restraining attempts at bay, instead focusing on the sweeping strikes and lashes. Unfortunately, the fungal being was not entirely mindless, and a few failed attempts later the grappling tendrils started attacking more conventionally as well. It was all Kite could do to hold on, barrier and staff working frantically even as glancing blows rained down on him, with a few solid hits threatening to send him reeling. While the monster¡¯s rank advantage was all but gone and its strength was barely above bronze rank, the hits were numerous and vicious. Kite felt a rib crack and another solid hit sent a jolting pain up his left wrist as his bones cracked slightly. The world was getting a bit blurry at the edges as Kite frantically fought to regain his focus from before, but his beleaguered position left him unable to find the state of mind. Finally, a tendril snaked around the barrier he conjured just a bit too late, impacting his head and sending him tumbling to the ground. Blinking through the blood running down his face, Kite saw several tendrils raise high around him before beginning their descent. A descent suddenly stopped. ¡°Hatch, cluster of constriction!¡± A whole brood of snakes suddenly appeared around Kite, bursting from the ground to wrap around the tentacles or bite into them with venomous fangs. Tendrils wrapped around tendrils caused the threatening limbs to instead just writhe in place as the battle of constrictive power took place. A moment later, Rachel ran by and reached down to grab Kite by his collar and rather roughly drag him out from the clustered tentacles, a feat easily manageable by her high bronze-ranked strength. ¡°Let¡¯s not forget who is the experienced one here, young man.¡± she admonished him with a wink before shoving a healing pill into his mouth. ¡°Those sure are easier to give to someone else. Force-feeding someone a potion as a lot more messy.¡± she quipped as she turned around once more to intercept an incoming strike with a hand turned into the head of a vicious fanged serpent. As the healing pill took effect, Kite managed to clear his head and resume his defensive measures, fighting a lot closer to Rachel. However, he did not have the time to completely regain his focus or stride as Phiona called to them. ¡°Be vigilant! Something is changing!¡± she called. Through his expanded vision Kite saw another worrying development that he had missed during his more misadventurous part of the fight so far. In the center of the main cluster of fungi, one of the purple caps of the mushrooms had started to grow, distorting into almost ballooning proportions as a faint glow could be seen inside. And through his magical perception, Kite noted that this glow spelled trouble. A lot of it. ¡°Teacher! It will detonate in some fashion!¡± ¡°That much felt rather obvious! How long?¡± Phiona called back, dodging beneath another series of attacks. ¡°Unsure. Maybe thirty seconds. You all need to gather on me!¡± Kite shouted back, nudging Rachel to join him in making his way towards the others. ¡°We can¡¯t just leave Whimmy!¡± Vista called, fighting furiously, but even his accumulated great speed and power could not simply free the familiar. ¡°Vista, we-¡± Kite began, but was interrupted. ¡°We cannot.¡± The young master stated. Kite met his gaze for but a brief moment, but it was unneeded. Vista¡¯s aura made his stance on the matter very clear. Gritting his teeth, seeing the relatively short distance to the main cluster but also the myriad tentacles which would force them to fight for every meter of that distance. Squaring his shoulders resolutely, he instead looked to Rachel. ¡°We will jump on three.¡± She gave him a searching look, then nodded. ¡°One.¡± Kite swung to slice the tip of a tentacle with his blade as his war fan appeared in his other one. ¡°Two.¡± Rachel¡¯s hydra heads spewed a gout of acid at another pair of incoming swipes. ¡°Three!¡± Finishing his count, Kite felt a lot of his remaining mana leave him as he activated the fan¡¯s most potent power, a whirling vortex appearing around him. He felt the wind surging through his body, giving speed beyond what he had known. But as he needed to close the distance to Whimmy faster than the tendrils could intercept, he activated the speed enchantment of his boots as well. One running step took him to Rachel, locking one arm around her waist as he took another step along with her before pushing off, using the gathered momentum of several strikes and the compounded speed enchantments in the hopes that it would allow them to arrive in time. The accumulated force and speed meant that the pair cleared the ground with a roar churning air, winds whipping at everything in their vicinity. While he was weighed down by the additional passenger, the enchantments of the war fan were sturdy enough to hold, carrying them in a glide at breakneck speeds that Kite would not have dared attempting at iron rank. And probably should not attempt at bronze either. Tentacles whipped at them as they sailed over the small forest of grasping limbs, but Fortune had acknowledged Kite¡¯s endeavor this time as well. The pair landed next to Vista and Phiona in a stumbling and rather ungraceful impact, jolting their bones but leaving them relatively unharmed. By this time, the purple growth had started distending to a worrying degree. While Whimmy was not trapped right next to the growth, it was still looming over them just a few meters away. ¡°Get behind me and ready your defenses!¡± Kite called frantically, Phiona responding right away. But Vista still hesitated. ¡°Will you-¡± ¡°Yes. Now go!¡± Kite bellowed. His reserves were not in the greatest of shapes, the intense fighting having drained quite a lot from him with him constantly throwing out barriers and intercepting strikes. What Kite had planned would be risky, but it had to be done in just the right order to leave him with a chance to further contribute to this battle. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Vista had barely passed him when started his spell chant. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± The wave of dispelling force washed over the cluster and the growing calamity that was the purple pod. Kite¡¯s heart sang as he saw the dispelling force causing the glow to weaken, unable to completely dispel the higher-ranked growing magic but having an effect. Not pausing to revel in the development, he followed it up with a dispelling strike with his staff, carried the distance through his intent. The echoed dispelling effect further caused the glow to weaken slightly, but the impact also seemed to be the spark the creature needed to choose to detonate what it had accumulated. As he saw the flash of igniting mana, Kite¡¯s eyes widened as he frantically chanted the last parts of his plan. ¡°Void! Wall!¡± The vision of an unfurling explosion of roiling purple spores was abruptly cut off by a disc of pure darkness appearing in front of them, followed by a cage of force around the four adventurers and the restrained Whimmy. Unfortunately, the familiar¡¯s close proximity of the fungal growths meant that a few tendrils was included in the force cage as well, but Kite was only able to give them a cursory smidgeon of attention as the strain on his void gate suddenly increased manifold by the silver-ranked detonation. His immortality power activated, a fierce glow emanating from within Kite as his reserves was rapidly filled anew only to start draining quickly as he channeled mana into keeping his most potent defensive measure intact. The bronze-rank upgrade meant that the gate even drew in a lot of the detonation, leaving very little to flow around the intervening disc of darkness. The handful of seconds felt like a marathon to Kite, him finally having to let go of his void gate when down to about a third of his mana again, not daring to risk collapse from mana-exhaustion. A wave of purple spores washed over the force cage, detonating in bursts of energies which would attempt to drain the life of anything living it came into contact with. The panes of force cracked and started becoming more opaque, the pressure mounting until it suddenly stopped completely. Kite staggered but couldn¡¯t help but grin through his exhausted state and worn meridians. It had worked. A moment later he was splattered by fungal matter as Phiona smashed a tendril close to him, giving him an intense look with not a small amount of approval. ¡°Well done, student! The rest of us shall have to make a push too!¡± she called, turning to the others. ¡°Its rank-advantage is all but gone. It is time to unleash what you have.¡± ¡°Teacher, me first! I still have something to contribute!¡± Kite called, unsteadily ducking beneath a wide swing of a fungal tendril and coming up swinging his staff. The ornate head with the two chiming rings glowed fiercely with the mana-stealing power that was the most used arrow in his metaphorical quiver. Then the glow intensified again as he poured his own stored empowering charges into the attack. Letting his walls of force dissipate, the following swing carried the strike into a cluster of fungi, blue cracks exploding from the point of impact to envelop the all nearby mushrooms and even spreading out along the tentacles as a significantly larger chunk of mana was drained, leaving behind even more of the twin afflictions than usual. Then the echo struck, with less damage but the rest of the effect mirrored to take effect once more. Having done what he could for the moment to lower the monster¡¯s resistances as far as possible, Kite fell back into his defensive stance once more, the after-effects of the bronze-ranked immortality power working to further restore his flagging mana and stamina as he called: ¡°After you, fair lady!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Rachel cheered, taking a wide stance. ¡°I did promise you a waterfall earlier after all!¡± ¡°Wellspring of primal life and acidic decay, unleash your flood upon these lands!¡± All five of the hydra heads which grew from Rachel¡¯s back suddenly started emitting a bright green glow before taking aim at a particularly large cluster of mushrooms well away from their position. Then, as one, they all opened their jaws, and what came flowing did indeed live up to Kite¡¯s expectations. A torrent of sizzling green acid at least a meter in width was projected, arcing only slightly before splashing out over the fungi, the mere impact of the launched fluids breaking some of the fungal matter before the potent acid started to take effect. Strama and mycelium blackened and folded in upon itself where the acid devoured it, purple mushroom caps collapsing down into the small pond which quickly formed at the target location. The monster seemed to recognize the sudden threat and had just started redirecting more of its effort towards the acid-spewing Geller when her cousin reminded it why it had deemed her the bigger threat in the first place. Kite could see a lot of mana being channeled through Phiona¡¯s body and staff, before she became but a line in the air, zigzagging several meters in all directions and leaving a frozen afterimage in the air on each point where her trajectory changed. As she emerged from the special attack into a diving, spinning strike, all of her afterimages unleashed a similar attack from their location, resulting in an unfurling wave of precise, controlled violence as a lot of the main cluster of fungi was utterly destroyed. As Kite¡¯s evolved racial gift had worked through the increased resistances of the silver-ranker, both of the Geller¡¯s unleashed power had devastating effect, further added to by the reduction of damage resistance which Kite had steadily been building up on their foe. This left Vista to be the last one to capitalize, none of the others stopping their assault even after wreaking such spectacular havoc. The young master instead chose a different approach, but from the effects Kite could gleam with his magical perception, it was no less potent. ¡°No matter the cause, victory belongs to the last one standing. Begin the warrior¡¯s marathon.¡± Vista exploded with power as his mercurial swords transformed from the twin falchions to one of the biggest blades Kite had ever laid eyes on. It was as long as Vista himself and almost as wide, curving slightly and glowing with the same power that the young master himself wielded. And Vista made wielding it look easy, as his strength, speed and endurance seemed to have reached even further heights than before, the young noble becoming a whirling storm of violence. Where his strikes had earlier only shredded the surface layers of the monster, he could now cleave through them wholesale, employing a stance with spinning and whirling strikes to make constant use of his greatsword¡¯s weight and momentum while easily managing its mass with his improved attributes. And with all of these factors combined, Vista could finally get to freeing Whimmy. The young master sent his sword flying out in a wide spinning arc, cleaving through a fungal stalk before severing half of the life-draining tendrils keeping his familiar in check. A fierce bronze glow had started to emanate from Vista¡¯s body even as he ran in the sword¡¯s wake, a series of gestures had the blade swing back around and sever most of the the final restraints, Whimmy themselves biting through the last and finally freeing themselves. The cerberus looked exhausted, but still fell into its usual place at its master¡¯s back, breathing flames and warding off the tentacles still remaining after the onslaught unleashed by the group. All the spectacular skills unleashed had given Kite enough charges to pull off yet another empowered attack, yet another reason for him to go first in their final push. This time it was a void-trailing strike from his sword which became a wide arc of nothingness as he projected it against some remaining fungal bodies. Having weathered the accumulated detonation and with Vista utilizing what Kite assumed was some spectacular kind of berserking power to the fullest while the rest of those gathered continued to keep up the pressure, it proved to be only a matter of time before one of the top most intense fights in Kite¡¯s adventuring career came to a close. A final series of acid projectiles from Rachel sent a shudder through the valley, the monster¡¯s aura deflating like a water skin which had sprung a leak. Just a few moments and a few of the fungi¡¯s twitching last attempt at strikes later, it was over. As he had many times before, Kite stood fascinated with the eerie silence just after a battle had reached its conclusion. Where there had been the din of combat was now only the rustling of the breeze in the surrounding foliage of the small valley along with the sizzling sound of acid eating through whatever materials it could before expiring. Then came a loud whine as three throats emitted the pitiful sound, Whimmy throwing itself down to get between Vista and the ground as the young noble collapsed. Kite could feel his shuddering aura, the instability not because of injury but by being utterly and thoroughly spent. ¡°There, there, I am fine. It was you three who had me worried, you troublemakers.¡± Vista said tiredly as he weakly petted the closest heads, the rest looking too ashamed to remember to be jealous of the attention. Kite himself felt the paradoxical state of being exhausted yet surprisingly energized at the same time, which was usually the case when restoring his reserves with magic. While it would help him greatly, it was not a true substitute for proper rest. His companions looked the same, but Rachel still had a fierce grin on her face. ¡°Nona! We did it! We did it!¡± she cheered, even jumping and pumping her fists up into the air. ¡°We did indeed, cousin.¡± Phiona agreed, a tired smile gracing the rest with its presence before she turned to their semi-incapacitated companion. ¡°Vista, what is your condition?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± he began, pausing to clear his head with a shake. ¡°I will be fine, but am severely weakened for the next three days. I would not want to face even iron-ranked monsters at the moment.¡± ¡°That was indeed quite the berserking power. It is no surprise that it carried such a prize. But it also saw us through in time to pull your familiar through this ordeal alive.¡± Phiona noted. ¡°It did indeed.¡± Vista said, looking down at Whimmy. ¡°Th- thank you. All of you. The karmic balance between all of us is now out of balance, moving into the reaches where I am unsure of how I would even begin to go about severing it.¡± ¡°That¡­ that means that he feels that he owes us a lot, right?¡± Rachel asked Kite. ¡°Yes. We often speak of karma in these lands, but it is often of the greatest import to the greatest people with the grandest fates.¡± Kite explained, having learned more of it from Will during their time together. ¡°It is not just Vista himself who carries such a debt, but his whole family.¡± ¡°Although in this case, it will mostly be me.¡± Vista interjected. ¡°Father would¡­ disapprove, to say the least, of my actions here today. He would simply have me bond with another familiar. But to me, that remains unacceptable.¡± Kite understood his sentiment, the thought of Glint perishing even having caused him to rarely employ her in dangerous situations while still at iron rank. ¡°We will have to speak more of this once we have made camp in a more secure location.¡± Phiona noted. ¡°Search the area, then we move out. From this little experience, I would say that our outing has been cut short as Vista needs rest and recovery.¡±
¡°I still almost can¡¯t believe that your familiar can just manifest things like that.¡± Rachel said, looking a bit jealously at the cube in Kite¡¯s hand. It looked like a piece cut out from the side of the very fungus monster they had just faced, its sides slightly textured like the thready trama which made up the main mass of most fungoid specimens. There was no doubt about which type of essence it was. ¡°You did not sound too disappointed when picking up the awakening stone.¡± Kite retorted. ¡°I thought that fair ladies were supposed to be tactful and gracious.¡± ¡°But we also like our treasures quite a lot.¡± Rachel said, turning her nose up at him. ¡°You know that Sage mostly manifests more monsters.¡± Kite pointed out. ¡°A good thing we were ready to retreat if the need had arisen.¡± ¡°Besides, cousin, with the reward from this contract, you shouldn¡¯t begrudge Kite another piece for his little project.¡± Phiona added as she came to sit down with the other two after double-checking the concealing formations around their camp. ¡°Is Vista asleep?¡± Kite asked her, pouring a cup of tea for his teacher. ¡°I believe so, and Whimmy seems rather out of it as well. We should consider spending a day here to let them properly recuperate. That berserking power combined with what I assumed to be a racial gift evolution will have taken their toll on him.¡± Phiona said, taking the offered cup. ¡°Still Nona, can you believe that we took down a silver-ranked one? It¡¯s no wonder that one of Vista¡¯s gifts would evolve.¡± Rachel said, almost spilling her tea as she leaned forwards excitedly. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe that we actually stayed and fought it, although it triggering a gift evolution does not surprise me as much.¡± Phiona said. ¡°Had it not been in the lower reaches of silver, I would have had us out of there with or without our young master¡± ¡°But adventuring means taking a chance every now and then. And from the glow during your meditations earlier, I do believe that you too made some progress, cousin.¡± Rachel said, looking at her cousin with wagging eyebrows. Phiona sighed, but gave a wan smile. ¡°In that, you are right. It felt good to take such a step forward again. Feeling my powers advance almost felt nostalgic.¡± ¡°I believe that the battle taught us all much, teacher.¡± Kite agreed. ¡°But I have something that I¡¯d like to get your input on.¡± At Phiona¡¯s questioning nod, he told her about the feeling he had experienced during the fight. Of glimpsing something partially uncovered within himself, something not yet entirely within reach yet something he knew awaited him at the horizon of his path. After listening attentively, Phiona nodded. ¡°It sounds like you are coming closer to grasping what your powers, or as you call it; your path, is building towards. It is good that you have already started touching upon it. Back home, and in most high-magic zones in the world, they usually say that silver rank is when you have become a true adventurer. That everything before is just time spent growing into that adventurer. Why do you think that is?¡± Kite thought on her question for a while, still having trouble imagining societies where silver-rankers were the norm instead of lauded persons of interest and power. ¡°Is it because most manifestations are so dangerous that it is only at silver and beyond that you can be trusted to handle yourself?¡± he eventually asked, still feeling that the truth was an incomplete one. ¡°Partially, yes, but there is more. At least according to my aunt. It is at silver rank that most regard their set of powers as ¡®finished¡¯, in the sense that it is at that rank that your magic starts compensating for its own shortcomings to form a more solid whole. When you have used them for years and become one with them. That is when they say that you can find your role as an adventurer, and that the path onward to gold and even diamond ranks are when you make that foundation grow into something more.¡± Phiona said, speaking animatedly. ¡°So my path now isn¡¯t as complete as I would think it to be?¡± Kite asked, processing her words. ¡°Yes and no. In a way, it has been since you absorbed your final awakening stone. But it is like being done planting your seeds and already celebrating your fully-grown garden. You have an inkling about the potential end-result, but a lot more work is needed to get it there.¡± his teacher finished, Kite nodding in understanding. ¡°And your aunt taught you about these things?¡± Kite asked, once more reminded of his rather lacking education. ¡°That and much more even though it was still much that she held from me. Not out of spite, but out of necessity. I do believe her that there are things we should not know too much about when we have just begun growing a garden of our own. They will be revealed in time.¡± ¡°Even though all the smug mysteriousness of our older relatives becomes absolutely insufferable after a time.¡± Rachel added, making a sour face. ¡°So, what I felt was a hint of what my path might become?¡± Kite asked. ¡°It is possible, yes, although things can change. But from what you described, it makes sense. If you ponder your set of powers, you possess a lot more defensive and attrition-related options with a few special attacks and finishers to keep up the pressure or control the tempo. With your perception power and those projected attacks, I would assume you to be the defensive lynchpin of any group you find yourself in, being able to effectively be where you need to, when you need to.¡± Phiona lectured, a tone Kite had become quite familiar with during their time together. ¡°But still, you are an odd kind of defender, Kite.¡± Rachel added. ¡°Most wouldn¡¯t do too well in duels and might be circumvented by smart opponents such as essence users. But if anything, that is where you prove even more effective. Are you absolutely sure that you won¡¯t come with us and join our team when we leave?¡± It was a sentiment she had repeated often. At first, Kite had thought it a mere joke, but Rachel had remained persistent. And to his surprise, Phiona nodded along this time. ¡°Should you wish to, I would second Rachel¡¯s invitation.¡± she said. ¡°Teacher, I-¡± Kite said, humbled by what such an invitation meant. Still, it was no easy thing to consider, even though he enjoyed the company of the two Gellers. ¡°Just think on it.¡± Phiona interrupted him, seeing his pained expression. ¡°We still have many months together. But before we too find our rest, there is one more topic I¡¯d like to broach.¡± Her somber tone had Kite guessing at his teacher¡¯s intended subject. ¡°This contract?¡± he asked. ¡°Indeed. As you said, cousin, how did someone from the nearby village even get to this remote location to witness the monster? While it did bear some resemblance to the spore gazer, every road there looked untouched, and the lone essence-user of the village did not seem to possess neither plant nor flying powers.¡± ¡°You think that it was foul play?¡± Rachel asked. ¡°That someone misled us?¡± ¡°It would be almost impossible for us to say, but it might be something worth considering.¡± Kite said, thinking it over. ¡°And definitely something we should inform Braid and the other investigators about. We knew that there might be people after Vista. Having him lose or even die due to contract-related misinformation would be a tragic but all too common tale.¡± His words left Phiona nodding and Rachel looking thoughtful. ¡°So that means that we might stumble into more situations like this?¡± the red-haired Geller asked, a bit too cheerfully. ¡°Cousin, that is not what you should take away from this.¡± Phiona sighed, turning to Kite. ¡°But I too believe that your words hold merit. We should make preparations for more nasty surprises in the future.¡± It did not take long for them to agree upon a course of action, after which they all decided to find their rest. Kite was the only one remaining, the group deciding to have someone on watch through the night just in case. Settling in against a low stone to give himself as wide a field of view as possible, Kite¡¯s thought went to Phiona¡¯s words of his path, and the offer that the two Gellers had extended. It was a lot to digest, although his more introspective side was left rather satiated by the mental processing. But a while later, he decided to put the matter aside for now. Such significant thought deserved their due consideration after all, not just some post-battle reflections. And there was one more thing craving his attention; his looting power had become fully charged after the ordeal, the silver-ranked monster apparently providing plenty of energy for the ability. Kite gave his mental assent, and the usual swirl of rainbow energy started manifesting. When it was finally done, Kite¡¯s only murmured response was a simple ¡°Huh¡­¡±
¡°Young master, you called for me?¡± the woman asked, bowing deep to Stoic Boar. ¡°Indeed I did.¡± young master Stoic confirmed, acknowledging her with a smile. It was always satisfying to use the same retainers for as long as possible, and this bronze-ranked woman had so far delivered when he set a task before her. ¡°It is regarding my little project in regards to the ladies Geller.¡± ¡°Has there been any progress?¡± his retainer asked, looking up. ¡°Unfortunately not, and therefore I find myself calling on you again. One of my other retainers have been managing the process so far, picking out the right gifts and offers for them. Even though his tastes are exquisite, the two outlanders have proved quite unshakable even as other matters are increasing the pressure upon us.¡± he sighed, thinking of the expenses that were slowly but surely piling up. While it was nothing significant yet, it might soon start entering the territory where his elders might actually notice and start asking questions. ¡°Therefore, I have called on you for a change of pace.¡± young master Stoic continued. ¡°One of the Gellers has a student, the young man I had you following earlier. While I originally thought him to be the instigator and responsible party to the deal with Daybreak Peony, I am glad that we dug deeper and uncovered the Gellers¡¯ interests in this business. As both of the ladies have been rather resistant to our offers, I thought that going through him might be a better avenue of approach, to gain us a better position in the long term.¡± ¡°Then what would you have me do, young master?¡± his retainer asked. ¡°Find out more about him and find a fulcrum. Something that matters to him and something we can use to further our cause.¡± Stoic Boar said pleasantly. ¡°As he is a commoner, he should not have the training to realize the games we play, and a lot more chinks in his armor.¡± The woman nodded knowingly. ¡°Then I will do so, young master, and send word when I have something concrete to provide you.¡± ¡°Excellent!¡± Stoic Boar said, clapping his hands together once. ¡°Now I must move on to other arrangements. You can leave.¡± As the woman bowed again and left, Boar turned to look out the window of his study. The sun was shining, and while true spring was yet a while away it was a hint that warmer and more plentiful times were on the horizon. He felt good about taking his time to approach the student of Phiona Geller, as the young man should be a weaker link who might be leveraged to influence his teacher. And commoners always had so many more things they needed, be it money, resources or connections. Either for themselves or others. Boar aimed to find out what might make him more amenable to the beneficial offer his family wanted to extend to the Gellers, using that as a fulcrum for his further dealings with the two ladies. Sighing contentedly, he turned to other matters, but not before saying a short prayer to Merchant, hoping for the diety¡¯s blessings during the upcoming days.
Gentle Hint of Rain hummed to herself as she walked the streets of Bastion, a bit of excitement in her step. Working for the Stoics had always paid her well, and this one should be no different. She thought that she had understood the hint in the young master¡¯s eyes as he had emphasized the word fulcrum; a term often used in less than savory circles in regards to leverage for blackmail. ¡°He wants a show of force then? To put some respect in this young outcast before the real negotiations can begin.¡± she thought to herself. ¡°I better start finding his weakest links then, and see just how much such leverage can force him to bend.¡± It was nothing personal and she even sympathized a bit with him, one outcast to another. But business was business, so she would do the best she could. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll even earn a bonus this time too?¡± she thought happily, dreaming of maybe finally getting just enough to afford the first essence for her little brother. 78. You will not let them ¡°I still think that it looks a little creepy.¡± Rachel complained once more, looking suspiciously at Kite¡¯s new piece of gear from where she walked by his side down the streets of Bastion. ¡°So you would reject it should I decide to gift it to you instead?¡± Kite asked, a bit amused. ¡°Well, it would be bad tact to refuse a gift. Even if it is a rather creepy mushroom cloak.¡± Rachel said, eyeing what Kite¡¯s looting power had produced after their battle. The item in question was a cloak with a rich purple color on the outside and a pale white on the inside. But even at a glance, it was obvious that the garment was not made from cloth, and should one look closer one could see fungal-looking fibers on its insides.
WWJS: [Item] Mycelial Shroud of the Collective Cloak Bronze rank - Epic [Effect] Upon the wearer¡¯s command, the cloak will attempt to absorb afflictions from the wearer, cleansing them in the process. Afflictions from effects of higher-rank might not be affected. Cannot absorb elemental afflictions, such as burning. The cloak will then shed most of its mass, separating and using the consumed afflictions to evolve into a bronze-ranked fungal growth, living on and attempting to drain the life of nearby opponents through ethereal tethers. These tethers are vulnerable to disrupting force damage and other effects which may affect incorporeal matter. Size and health of fungal growth will increase with the number of afflictions absorbed. Cooldown: 12 hours [Effect] Potent self-repair
¡°Cousin, we should both be more envious than horrified by the item. Such a self-cleanse from an item is quite potent, even though the means are a bit¡­ unconventional.¡± Phiona observed. Vista had left the trio to return home after their report to the adventure society, but had helped give his report of the unexpected encounter. After spending three days in a weakened state during their return trip, the young master was now back to his former self, even if the encounter with the silver-ranked mushroom monster had left him in a pensive mood. Upon giving their report, the group had learned that the monster was called a Devourer Collective, a most troublesome if limited monster which used drained life force to spread over a larger and larger area, growing in both power and cunning. Should the entity feel threatened, it would also use the gathered life force in a detonation of spores dealing heavy necrotic damage to all non-plant life forms nearby. The only forgiving trait was its relative immobility and being rather weak for its rank in the beginning of its life-span, meaning that one of them manifesting far off in the wilderness would at least not threaten to storm into a village several kilometers away when it eventually went berserk. ¡°Hopefully, the director will take our suspicions under serious consideration.¡± Phiona continued, changing the topic to the reports they had turned in and their accompanying request to be debriefed by director Dobrazza personally. ¡°She should want to know this. I am sure she will find merit in what we bring.¡± Kite assured his teacher, but his further train of thoughts was halted as the group had started drawing closer to what looked to be a rather angry crowd ahead gathered around one of the smaller estates of the local influential families. While there wasn¡¯t any shouting, the grumbling and annoyed shuffling of many of the participants was obvious even from a distance. None gave the trio or other passers by much attention, instead focusing on the compound protected by a tall fence of iron bars atop a low stone wall. As Kite and the Gellers were passing by, the murmuring of the crowd grew more intense as a finely dressed woman exited a nearby building, flanked by two armed guards. She strode up to stand at the other side of the wrought iron gate, looking at the gathered people through the face with an upturned nose as she started speaking. At the distance and with the murmuring crowds and onlookers, Kite¡¯s bronze-rank hearing could only make out small pieces of her words. ¡°Go away¡­ Family¡¯s investments are none of your conce¡­ our livelihoods are not our responsi¡­ disperse at once!¡± The meaning was clear enough, both to Kite and the gathered crowds. The angered murmurs rose even more, growing to shouts of protests as the woman gathered her fine robes to leave after finishing. A scattered few even threw rocks after her, which proved to be more than her guards were willing to tolerate. One guard conjured rotating blades appeared to shield his charge while the other turned and launched what looked like a bird made from crackling lightning at one of the stone-throwers, detonating with a bang of discharged static to hit both the target and several of those nearby. This broke the crowd''s collective morale, people scattering with more shouts varying from anger to fear as stunned and injured people were dragged away by their companions. ¡°What was that about?¡± Rachel asked aloud as they had passed and the little incident seemed to be over. ¡°I am unsure.¡± Phiona responded, looking to Kite who shook his head. ¡°I have yet to see such signs of unrest here before during our stay.¡± ¡°Brook told me that she had heard people muttering more lately, generally more displeased with one affluent family or another.¡± Kite said. ¡°But she only thought it to be just that; the usual malcontent. Maybe we should ask Peony and Sun if they know more, although I doubt it will affect us too much.¡±
Sleeping in a proper bed that night and eating skillfully prepared food did wonders for the slight feeling of exhaustion that had stayed with Kite since their unexpected encounter with the silver-ranked monster. He had said many a prayer to Fortune, thankful that the monster in question had been at the very bottom end of the rank and early in its cycle of life. ¡°Have you had the chance to further reflect on the battle, student?¡± Phiona asked him as they finished their breakfast, planning to go and visit Peony after finishing up. ¡°Proper meditation and reflection sometimes comes to us only when we truly feel that we are back and safe.¡± Nodding at her question, Kite answered. ¡°I have, teacher. Both upon the battle itself and what it showed me. Of what might be my future. It feels like I still have a lot to learn.¡± ¡°You do. But so do we.¡± Phiona acknowledged. ¡°What are your conclusions then?¡± ¡°That I will need to practice pacing myself and remaining vigilant and focused even when things take a turn. Assessing more properly before acting, such as when I attempted to help Rachel only to be put in an even worse situation in turn.¡± ¡°Well I think it was very sweet that you wanted to help, but I could handle it. But we have not fought together for that long, so it¡¯s not that weird that you can¡¯t trust in our abilities as fully as if we¡¯d trained together for years.¡± Rachel said, leaning back and biting into her last dumpling. Phiona had in turn nodded along with Kite¡¯s own assessment. ¡°My cousin is right-¡± ¡°-as usual.¡± Rachel interjected. ¡°My cousin is right-¡± Phiona began anew, leveling a flat stare at her grinning cousin. ¡°- on both accounts. Even though you are but early in the rank, you handled yourself better than I would have expected from one with your experience. What you did very right was to try and lean into your strengths and your abilities rather than try to match those like me and Vista. And as you saw, the right abilities at the right time can make a true difference, even when they come from the least experienced of those present. Vista¡¯s familiar might not have survived if it wasn¡¯t for you.¡± ¡°Thank you teacher.¡± Kite said after a moment of silence, fighting through a slight twinge of embarrassment that still arose when receiving praise, instead allowing his back to straighten a bit. Because Kite did know that, while it had been a struggle, he had made a difference. One that none of the other present would have been able to do. Phiona nodded in acknowledgement to him, before what Kite had come to recognize as her ¡®teacher¡¯s mask¡¯ came over her once more. ¡°That said, this is an excellent opportunity for us to go through different scenarios and how to evaluate when to engage and when to retreat. Other silver-ranked monsters might have torn one of us apart before we could have saved Whimmy and-¡± she began, the lecture once more in full swing. It continued as they finished their meal and during their walk towards the residence of Peony and her family, only ending once seated inside. Upon arriving, they had also witnessed a development that had put a smile on Kite¡¯s face. A young woman had just exited the house, her aura showing her to be of early bronze rank, and she was carrying one of the wooden boxes in which Kite knew that Peony stored her best work. There had been an exultant smile on the young woman¡¯s face as she had only had eyes for her purchase, and Kite was happy to know that his crafter friend seemed to once more have begun receiving customers. ¡°Things seem to have continued to pick up.¡± he noted as the group sat down with Peony, her husband Sun away on other matters of business at the moment. ¡°They have indeed.¡± Peony responded, looking quite pleased. ¡°While most still stay away, there have been a few here and there who have come looking for my work recently. And another visitor of which I don¡¯t quite know what to make.¡± she finished, a troubled look creasing her brow as she finished. ¡°Oh?¡± Kite asked, prompting her to continue. ¡°Just after you left a few days ago, a woman came calling on us. At first I thought her to be just another one sent by the Stoics or someone like them, but from what she said, it was just the opposite. The ¡®interested parties¡¯ she claimed to be representing actually wanted to congratulate us in our efforts to stay independent of those like the Stoics and their patrons, even promising to send customers our way when possible. Also, she gave us this.¡± Peony finished, producing a small box and showing its contents to the others. Inside was an awakening stone, its insides seeming to be made of muscle fibers which twitched and flexed ever once in a while. ¡°An awakening stone of might.¡± Phiona noted. ¡°I have used one myself. Like their corresponding essence, they are always sought after.¡± ¡°One would imagine that there might be strings attached to such a gift.¡± Kite noted. ¡°Did your visitor imply anything more on the matter?¡± ¡°No.¡± Peony said, shaking her head. ¡°In fact, she was very adamant about this being given as a token of their appreciation with no other obligations on our part. But she did imply that continuing as we were might continue to be beneficial to us in the future. But we wanted to consult you on the matter before using it, as we thought that you might have more experience with these kinds of situations.¡± she finished, the last part clearly directed at Phiona and Rachel. ¡°Well, Nona was always the best at this, but from what you¡¯ve told us I believe that you should use it.¡± Rachel said, surprising Kite. ¡°Should they not be more wary?¡± he asked. ¡°No, I agree with Rachel.¡± Phiona said, continuing. ¡°From what you have told us, Peony, the stone in itself does not matter. What matters is what the visit and it being given implies. That you have been noticed and that they approve. But mostly that whoever has sent this is affluent enough to send such a gift without any other purpose than to show that they can. And that they know that your husband is in need of it. It is even quite fitting for his power set, meaning that they also have at least an inkling of what he can do.¡± ¡°They have been spying on us?¡± Peony asked, looking worried. ¡°Probably not directly. But we haven¡¯t exactly been circumspect with our training and endeavors, so gathering that information probably did not take too much effort on their part.¡± Phiona said, continuing as she saw the lingering look of doubt on the crafter¡¯s face. ¡°In the end, the choice is yours. Selling it should earn you a tidy sum. But it is my firm belief that the stone has already filled its purpose, and that we should instead turn our attention to what seems to be moving around us.¡± ¡°Yes, we saw something on the way here. An angry crowd gathered outside one of the estates, where the guards eventually had to drive them off with magic. Do you know anything about it, Peony?¡± Kite asked. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°Sun told me about some rumors going around that the Valor family are about to sell off some of their maritime businesses to other interested parties, but without the clauses of contract which would let the workers of said businesses keep their current wages. As many families seem to be on the verge of harder economic times, there has been a lot of grumbling. But I had not heard of such gatherings up until a couple of weeks ago.¡± ¡°That someone would also approach you as they did might mean that things are moving in some of the political stratas.¡± Phiona mused. ¡°But if it is centered around commercial business, then it should at least not affect us too much. Which is fortunate, as we have our own current task that is already rife with politics of its own.¡± ¡°But you seem to be doing well so far.¡± Peony noted. ¡°How is the famous young master?¡± ¡°It was a little rough at the start, but it''s moving along.¡± Rachel answered. ¡°While we shouldn¡¯t talk too much about the details, politics and all, let me just say that it sure does not hurt to look at that man for days on end.¡± she said with a dreamy look. ¡°And besides, since Kite beat him in a sparring match, he has been almost companionable.¡± ¡°Oh I believe that most of Bastion¡¯s young adults agree with you.¡± Peony giggled, before processing the last part of Rachel¡¯s statement. ¡°Wait, Kite did what?¡± ¡°Rachel, I definitely believe that particular detail is not one that should be spread, as most would not understand the circumstances.¡± Kite urged, a pained expression on his face. ¡°Oh, right. Sorry, Peony. You didn¡¯t hear that!¡± Rachel at least had the decency to look chagrined. ¡°From your association with what is probably the most well known young master of this city, I will happily feign ignorance. There is enough politics around this workshop already.¡± the crafter muttered with a pout. ¡°And to get my mind of that which I definitely did not hear¡­ Kite, I would really like to take a better look at that cloak!¡± The rest of their stay was spent with more updates on Peony¡¯s different projects while she scrutinized and analyzed his newest acquisition, one other being for Kite although it was yet to be properly started as some orders of quintessence were running late. The group took their leave after making plans for their next outing, as there were some social functions which meant that their next outing with Vista wasn¡¯t scheduled until one and a half weeks. Even so, Kite had little doubt that the time would prove to be quite busy.
¡°No. I am not letting you manifest again.¡± Kite said out loud, voice quite stern. ¡°If you can¡¯t behave, then we can¡¯t take you to galleries anymore.¡± Walking beside him, Brook had to work hard to keep from giggling, little snorts still escaping. ¡°You have to forgive such a purveyor of the arts, Kite. The staff just couldn¡¯t understand its enthusiasm.¡± she commented. ¡°I thought that the poor attendant would cough blood and die when it started flowing into the pieces on display.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t remind me.¡± Kite groaned. ¡°Had they actually been disturbed or tarnished, things would have gotten very expensive.¡± ¡°Still, it was a nice gallery. The brush strokes were sublime.¡± Brook said, gaze forlorn in memory where she walked at his side, a cloak helping to ward off the evening chill. Kite had offered to share the environmental protections of his hat again, but she had politely declined for the sake of propriety. While a bit disappointed, Kite did realize that it might be for the best, given Wander¡¯s apparent tendencies to snoop on him. ¡°You hinted at a request earlier? Just before Sage started its antics.¡± Kite asked her after stopping at a street vendor to purchase sweet dough balls threaded on strings, creating a kind of edible bracelet. Brook seemed to gather her resolve a bit before looking at him. ¡°Yes. May¡­ May I accompany you out on a contract? Like we discussed before? You have been visiting the library and the stacks so many times now, but I¡¯ve yet to see your world other than through the lens of your stories.¡± ¡°If you are sure? I would be glad to have you along, but I must admit that I am a little bit surprised. You have many strengths, most fair sage, but I would not have thought you comfortable in witnessing monster hunting.¡± ¡°I- honestly the thought scares me. But monsters are a reality for everyone. Even Leaf sees them now and then as he¡¯s out with the loggers. And I want to at least catch a glimpse of your world.¡± she said, fidgeting a bit with the hem of her robes. ¡°Then I would be most honored by your company, fair sage.¡± Kite said, stopping for a deep, theatrical bow. ¡°Kite, people can see us!¡± Brook hissed, all but dragging him along as her face turned crimson, Kite smiling as he let himself be steered, once more beholding the more decisive side she had cultivated during their years apart.
¡°Ah, if it isn¡¯t our young master.¡± the elven woman greeted Vista as he and his retainers drew close during their customary round of mingling. ¡°I hear that you are still hard at work for the sake of this city.¡± she said, painted fan artfully displayed to cover part of her face. ¡°Mistress Wither. A pleasure.¡± Vista greeted politely, keeping his calm even as her silver-ranked, core-laced aura pushed slightly against his while still keeping within the bounds of civility. ¡°And congratulations on your family¡¯s recent acquisitions.¡± ¡°Why thank you, young master. It is an honor that a mere commoner family like mine can make a great and venerable one like yours take note.¡± the mistress of the Wither family responded, dark ringlets of hair barely disturbed by the motion. ¡°Just being invited here¡­ It feels like a momentous step.¡± Vista couldn¡¯t help but note the predatory look in her eyes at her last words, a look she shared with most of the other guests at his family¡¯s latest soir¨¦e. ¡°Thinking that your wordplay and machinations is what counts in this world¡­¡± he thought to himself, careful to let none of the derision be seen. ¡°Would you please regale me with a story from your latest outing? It must have been very exciting to have the famous Gellers at your side. But I must admit that I was surprised that you even needed such help. My little Crescent still refuses every attempt of her poor mother to form an entourage for her.¡± she said, the transparency of her meaning not lost to Vista. Vista was just about to reply when another familiar aura settled over their conversation, his father suddenly at this side. ¡°Our young master here was quite resistant to the suggestion as well, mistress Withers. Fortunately, he had the sense to listen to the wisdom of his elders, a trait seldom cultivated in those so young.¡± ¡°Ah, master Relentless. A splendid little soir¨¦e you have. My family is very honored for the invitation, as are we thankful for the latest series of acquisitions that you so gracefully allowed us to procure. Let none say that the Relentless family hoards all the opportunities for themselves.¡± the elven woman said, fanning herself as she leveled a slightly triumphant stare at Vista''s father. From what interplay of their auras Vista could detect, they were like two prowling monsters, circling one another. His father had not been pleased with the recent developments in regards to the family¡¯s holdings, as the Withers had apparently been able to capitalize on their recent setbacks. Vista zoned out slightly as his father and mistress Withers continued their conversation, barbs continually prodding the other beneath thin veils of politeness. As the lady eventually took her leave, he was left standing there with his father rigid in well-contained fury. ¡°Those jumped up commoners think that they are gaining on us, thinking themselves close to the heavens already. But they will soon enough realize that what they thought were the peak was but a mere illusion as a relentless avalanche will grind them down.¡± master Relentless growled silently to not give away his words to the silver-rankers in attendance. ¡°But son, let there be no doubt. Neither Crescent of Withering Day nor any of her ilk shall be allowed to threaten your position. You will not let them.¡± ¡°Yes, father.¡± Vista answered, his voice obediently neutral.
¡°You did well, student. I have seen much improvement in the weeks since we first met.¡± Phiona praised, Kite trying to look attentive and not rub too much at his smarting hands and forearms while his natural recovery was hard at work with the bruises after their recent spar. ¡°Thank you teacher. I still have much to learn, but your words provide resolve.¡± he said politely. ¡°Nona, I think you are too sparing with your praise. Kite, you have come a lot further than I thought you would.¡± Rachel called unashamed from the sidelines. ¡°You''re even faster than Cristoph at picking up moves.¡± Kite noticed Phiona tense at the mention of her former love, but she did not retreat fully as she had in the beginning during their outing with Peony. In the end, the blonde Geller sighed. ¡°You are right, cousin. He is quicker to learn than most, even Cristoph. Which is saying something, as it was a constant point of bragging for him during training.¡± ¡°Yeah, he was insufferable those times.¡± Rachel said with a suffering expression. ¡°Good guy otherwise, but sometimes you would just want to spew acid all over him just to erase that smirk.¡± ¡°Note to self; no smirking.¡± Kite said, earning himself a laugh from Rachel and even the pleasure of seeing Phiona chuckle. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry there, Kite. So far, you are almost too humble and earnest. I have to admit that it is pretty cute, but you have earned quite a bit of bragging rights so far too.¡± Rachel said with a playful wink. ¡°Not everyone helps in taking down a silver-ranked monster while still in early bronze rank.¡± ¡°And I will still beat it out of you if I see it becoming a habit.¡± Phiona said sternly. ¡°While circumstance saw us through, there is no knowing what might happen the next time. We will need to show proper care once out on the next contract.¡± ¡°Do not worry, teacher, I will ever strive to keep your wisdom in the forefront of my mind.¡± Kite said, hands raised placatingly. ¡°Speaking of contracts, wasn¡¯t it today that you would bring your date out on one?¡± Rachel said, emphasizing the word with a gleam in her eyes. ¡°It is.¡± Kite admitted, a bit warily. While he did not keep seeing Brook a secret, he was still a little flustered when Rachel and Wander took such an interest in their progress, or lack thereof. ¡°Haven¡¯t you made a move yet? It¡¯s been weeks. And you already have the ¡®long-lost lovers now reunited-card¡¯ played. There should not be anything left but to close out that contract. Thoroughly.¡± she pressed, her tone as playful as ever when the subject was brought up. ¡°It- it¡¯s still complicated. We are taking things very slow.¡± Kite said, a bit defensive. ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t see the fair lady ¡®closing out¡¯ that many contracts either.¡± he jibed. ¡°I- how- the indignity!¡± Rachel spluttered. ¡°I¡¯ll have you know that my taste is most discerning. And don¡¯t you dare take his side in this, Nona!¡± ¡°Oh, I would not dare, cousin.¡± Phiona said, not attempting to hide her gleeful smile in the slightest. ¡°But this should be a lesson to you as well. My student may be very polite, but he¡¯ll show his claws when he needs to. Did you have a contract in mind, Kite? For which to bring this ¡®lost love¡¯ of yours?¡± she asked, leaving Rachel to grumble beside them. ¡°I found one not too far away, along the beach. As the weather seems to be with us, it should make the whole thing a bit more pleasant.¡± Kite explained. ¡°And as for the monster, it is a lesser Shen which has been reported by nearby fishermen.¡± ¡°A clamdragon? That should make for a good demonstration. Limited movement, limited range and enough durability to properly show off the danger of monsters. Just warn her of the illusions beforehand.¡± Phiona said approvingly. ¡°And you are sure that you don¡¯t want us to come with you and keep watch?¡± Rachel asked. ¡°We could make a more thorough sweep of it? Show her the adventuring life for real?¡± ¡°I believe that we should be just fine, but thank you for the offer. I do not believe that Brook is quite as enthusiastic about the thought of days out in the wilderness hunting monsters as you are.¡± Kite said with a laugh. ¡°And besides, we have our outing planned soon enough.¡± Rachel was about to complain a bit more when Phiona put a firm hand on her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t be greedy, cousin. Let Kite go about his business and work things out. I, for one, respect their chosen approach. Besides, this leaves you ample time to go about- what did you call it? - closing out some contracts of your own.¡± It was a shame that there was no artist nearby to immortalize Rachel¡¯s look of utter betrayal.
As the giant, green-blue clam opened again, a trio of small dragon heads with scales the color of the ocean once more shot out towards Kite, fangs bared and aiming for different limbs. Not taking any chances, Kite conjured his barrier to intercept one of the incoming heads while his blade appeared in his hand as he performed a two-handed smooth swing which would hopefully slice through the other two. To his chagrin, the dispelling force thrumming along the edge had the first head disappear upon contact while the sword moved harmlessly through the other one, proving the third to be the true body of the monster as it¡¯s snout collided with his barrier before retracting, half a dozens mustache tendrils wiggling angrily. While he was not fast enough to strike the head with his staff before it retracted back into the shell, Kite at least got his consolation prize as the chiming head of his most favored weapon impacted with the shell soon after it had closed, crushing force and spatial tears further gouging the two meter wide clam. Its surface was already marred by several such exchanges, and Kite started harassing it further with his whistling spear as he waited for the head to appear again, hoping that it would strike before its power of illusion became available once more. Even as he thought, he constantly kept watch over Brook through his wide field of view. She stood dozens of meters away, viewing his struggle through a farsight crystal with Glint at her side. While too far away for him to make out detailed facial features, he noted that her posture remained as tense as it had been throughout the engagement so far. ¡°It is understandable though.¡± he thought while continuing his barrage of spear jabs, the resonating force of the weapons helping to further perforate the monster¡¯s shell. ¡°Had not Walker guided me through it, I too would probably have found the violence terrifying. I am glad that she has been spared something like the war and the fallen sect.¡± His train of thought was interrupted as the clamdragon once more made a move, shooting several tendrils of scalding water at him to occupy his barrier while once more snaking out its head, the single true one this time, to go in low across the ground and aim for one of Kite¡¯s shins. Unfortunately for the beast, one of the greatest strengths of Kite¡¯s personal barrier was that it left his hands free, the multitasking of keeping it active while focusing on his attacks long since drilled into him by master Stone and further tempered by experience and his bronze-rank spirit attribute. Instead of meeting Kite¡¯s lower leg, the darting head was interrupted by a downward slash carrying the rending void and implosion of mana. The monster barely had time to turn the strike into a glancing one, the detonating blade still taking one of its eyes and tearing off much of the scaled hide of the same side before it managed to retract back to safety. Even as it moved back, Sage had floated out from behind Kite to fire a white beam of resonating force straight into the opened gap in the resilient shell, the second beam scoring the blue-green exterior further as the monster finally managed to retract its head once more with a shriek. ¡°Good timing, Sage.¡± Kite praised as he once more prepared to harass the beast as before, only for his plans to scatter like the seeds of a dandelion before the storm. Because in his expanded field of view, he saw a trio of figures suddenly emerge from between the trees just a bit further inland from the long white swathe of beach which they had traveled along to find Kite¡¯s current quarry. Even from a distance, Kite could see that they were armed and armored, three bronze-ranked auras projected with rather poor control. And the trio were heading straight toward Brook. 79. Path of Power and Violence J¨¹rgen knelt mostly concealed behind the trunk of a tree, having a good view over the stretch of beach where the local lad fought something that looked like a giant clam, between one and three serpentine head flicking out at times to bite at him while it sometimes tried other mirages such as obscuring mist. ¡°Is that the lass who Rain wants to have her little chat with?¡± he asked Rana who sat perched above him in the tree, the spider legs growing from her back easily keeping her suspended between the thinner branches. ¡°Yeah, although it feels a bit overkill sending us all for a girl with just the one essence, even if her precious little boy there is a bronze-ranker. You think that it¡¯s part of the show of force that she mentioned? To show that her precious patrons mean business?¡± she replied with a shrug. ¡°We still get our pay. As such, we should not complain if the task is too easy.¡± Little Moon commented where he hovered just behind J¨¹rgen. ¡°But you know your roles. I will grab her. Rana, make sure that she¡¯s properly restrained as we take her back. J¨¹rgen, make sure that he doesn¡¯t get too enthusiastic in following us.¡± ¡°Moon, just because you¡¯re ex-adventurer doesn¡¯t mean that you get to order the rest of us around.¡± J¨¹rgen growled, turning to look at the only local in their little trio. ¡°You¡¯re just as desperate for the coins as the rest of us.¡± ¡°If the two of you were capable of the intricate process of basic strategy, I would be most happy to stand back.¡± came Little Moon¡¯s response. ¡°But you outlander simpletons would have gotten yourself killed long ago if not for me.¡± J¨¹rgen felt his rage bubbling up again. ¡°I¡¯ve had it with your-¡± he began, but feeling Rana¡¯s aura press against his helped to quell the rising emotion. ¡°Don¡¯t let him get to you. You know he¡¯s still just got his knickers in a bunch because he was named ¡®Little Moon¡¯.¡± Rana countered. ¡°You barbarians would not understand the sublime meaning behind names if it slapped you in the face.¡± Moon hissed. ¡°But I did not expect anything less. I still propose said plan. It is the only vaguely intelligent one.¡± J¨¹rgen was about to protest out of pure contrarianism, but Rana once more stepped in. ¡°Fine, little moon boy, but go ahead or our little suitor here will soon have finished with the monster. What even was that beam? Looked potent.¡± ¡°Then it is good that he has wasted it on the monster.¡± Little Moon said, winds gathering around him. ¡°But yes, we shall go. Heavens witness my path.¡± he finished before suddenly accelerating in a burst of speed, a trail of torn leaves and sand whipping in his wake as he flew off towards their target. ¡°I hope he falls and breaks something. His neck, preferably.¡± J¨¹rgen grumbled, but still started loping off after him, his powerful frame making his strides eat up the distance as rocky protrusions sporting colorful coral started growing from his back and shoulders. Rana only laughed as she joined him, spider legs carrying her nimbly over the sand leaving her body hanging between them. ¡°I would love to see his face as he realizes how much he has fucked up in bringing his little girlfriend out here. Rain almost threw a fit on how good the opportunity it presented.¡± he thought idly, and was just considering where to conjure his coral wall when Moon was closing in on the girl. She had turned around at the sensation of their auras; a pretty little thing. Looked like the bookish type too. ¡°Young miss, we will have to insi-¡± Moon started calling loudly as he was closing the last distance, the girl just starting to step away with wide, frightened eyes. But the words were abruptly cut short as the wind magician suddenly collided head first with a cage of force which appeared from nowhere to completely enclose the girl, the brutal collision even causing cracks to spread from on the magical barrier. ¡°Aw shi-¡± J¨¹rgen shouted, before quickly casting the spell he¡¯d been pondering. ¡°Break upon the reefs!¡± A rocky wall covered in the same kind of colorful coral as his body rose from the ground between the approaching group and the bronze-ranker, stretching across most of the width of the beach and cutting off line of sight to the potential danger of the adventurer. But neither he nor Rana had time to get much closer as a small gleaming fish had wriggled free from the girl¡¯s arms to face them from behind the barrier. Huge globs of water suddenly manifested, catching both J¨¹rgen and Rana in one each, their feet leaving the sand as they were forcefully suspended. While his coral essence had already provided an essence gift to breathe underwater, J¨¹rgen saw Rana panic as her arachnid legs were flailing wildly within her sphere, gasping for air. Activating one of his essence powers, he conjured a pair of heavy, barnacle-covered chains which wound up his arms. One of them was sent towards the coral wall to anchor itself around the protrusions while the other managed to fight through the water of both watery spheres to wind itself around Rana¡¯s waist. J¨¹rgen heaved with all of his strength, the water pulling at his every motion, but managed to drag himself hand over hand to escape the entrapping liquid. He had just planted his feet next to a thoroughly stunned Little Moon and began trying to drag Rana out of her restraints when he felt the aura closing in, shoving theirs aside like an impenetrable bulwark which was somehow about to move on them. ¡°Moon, move-¡± The shout had just escaped his lips when part of the raised wall of coral exploded inward toward them. For a moment, his connection to the power had given J¨¹rgen the impression of an object impacting the wall before somehow proving to be unstoppable; as if the motion would not be denied. And as the adventurer came into view through the breach, a colorful fan in hand and carried by swirling stormwinds, all present could see the steel in his gaze. ¡°Now letsh- letsh not-¡± Little Moon began, just having stumbled to his feet when the young man swung his arm as a staff appeared from nowhere mid-swing while still a few meters away from the trio. A split second later, Moon doubled over and was thrown off his feet to tumble further away on the sand, blood trailing as some dark ripples had done quite a number on his torso. While the man¡¯s bronze-rank physique should be able to recover, he would have to be especially resilient to just rise from that in an instant. ¡°Bloody storage powers.¡± J¨¹rgen thought as he finally managed to pull a sputtering and coughing Rana free from the water before he spoke to the young man. ¡°Hey kid, it¡¯s nothing personal. We¡¯re just here since somebody wants a little chat with your girl over there. They have sworn that it will be nice and polite, and then you¡¯ll have her back. Don¡¯t make us rough you up in front of her, okay? Take it from an old hand.¡± J¨¹rgen tried sounding as amicable as possible, happy to take a few seconds for one of his defensive boons to gather as he remained stationary. All the while, both him and Rana had tried leveling their auras at the young adventurer, but had made no headway against the solid spiritual wall. ¡°At least he hasn¡¯t pushed back either. Must be all he can do to hang on.¡± J¨¹rgen thought as the lad spoke. ¡°Consider your invitation declined. Leave now, and you will do so unharmed.¡± The young man¡¯s words were surprisingly soft to carry such steel, the sentiment reflected in his eyes. ¡°Lad, I¡¯m trying to be reasonable here. Just-¡± J¨¹rgen began, but was interrupted. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power.¡± The spell chant was quick and clipped, nothing in the young man¡¯s aura hinting at his intent. And the rippling wave was faster, flowing over both J¨¹rgen and Rana, both swearing as three of their gathered boons and active abilities were washed away like scribbles in the sand before the tide. J¨¹rgen had been in enough brawls to at least not be caught entirely on the back foot, charging in with arms wide in an attempt to grapple as both his coral cover and chains had been dispelled for the moment. It was always so satisfying to watch these little pretty boys and their fancy tricks fall to pieces beneath a good old clinch. At his side, Rana was still sputtering but already weaving and preparing to launch one of her webs, the shining threads dripping poison. Before he could close the distance, lacking charging powers, the painted fan was suddenly back in the man¡¯s hand, sweeping out toward them and unleashing a potent gust. J¨¹rgen¡¯s mass and momentum, coral already regrowing across him, meant that he was merely halted by the winds, but Rana¡¯s frail frame was not so lucky as she was sent tumbling back across the sands with a frustrated screech. His momentum lost, J¨¹rgen instead opted to reconjure his chains, swinging the thick and heavy links down in a dual overhead strike to crush or at least force the man to dodge. However, his foe did neither, instead flicking the light fan up to meet the descending chains even as a curved saber with an elaborate handguard appeared in his other hand, sheath staying floating in the air. J¨¹rgen was struck by two sensations simultaneously as his chains just broke apart upon contact with the fan, dragging even more mana with them. At the same time, his instincts screamed of impending danger even though a few meters still separated them. As said instincts had let him come as far as he had, J¨¹rgen took a half-step back threw up an arm now partially covered in coral, a faint ripple soon slicing through the air and into the interposed appendage. A slash like a dark rift carved through the layer of coral and drew blood beneath, J¨¹rgen barely having time to register the pain before it rose in intensity as a decent chunk of his lower arm blew up, the detonation of force originating from within the wound itself. Normally, he would have trusted the powers of his flesh essence to take care of such an injury, but something was wrong with the wound, as if there was a void left within which greedily drank in the life force his body tried to channel towards the injury. Not an insatiable one, but more than a mere nuisance. ¡°Fuck!¡± J¨¹rgen shouted, swinging his other arm and launching a cluster of coral shrapnel at the adventurer whose feet remained firmly planted in front of the force cage and already in the process of making another swing with his staff. He could barely make out a mumbled ¡°Ward¡± as a semi translucent barrier appeared to protect his torso and head, coral projectiles glancing the armor of the younger man¡¯s legs as another one of those weird ranged striked impacted J¨¹rgen. The blunt force was surprisingly potent, causing him to grit his teeth in further frustration as his renewed layer of coral and then defensive boon winked out, even becoming unavailable for a while. And through all of this, J¨¹rgen had lost a surprising amount of mana. One might even call it a cause for concern. Realizing that this exchange could not continue as it was, he took as step backward as if preparing a measured retreat in the hope of keeping the adventurer¡¯s attention on him as Rana, finally back in the fray after taking her sweet time, finally made her move. As usual, their rough strategy was for J¨¹rgen to go in and make a mess while giving better than he was getting while Rana set her prey up for defeat. While this particular exchange had not gone as well as he¡¯d hoped, this was usually when things went bad for their opponents. Jumping in from the side, propelled by her spider¡¯s legs, she launched a sticky unfurling web toward their foe, the weave quickly growing to the size which would require a proper movement skill to dodge. Something the man was either unwilling or unable to do. Once more, his response was counterattacking rather than dodging, the dangerous curved sword appearing again. ¡°Careful, that one is-!¡± J¨¹rgen¡¯s warning came too late, Rana shrieking in pain as a mean wound was torn in her left thigh, chunks of muscle and blood bursting from the limb. But at the same time, her web struck her target. And mostly slid off. A few quick motions had it drooping off the young man, and even while the coating of poison seemed to affect him, the restraining effect did not. ¡°Rana, don¡¯t!¡± he called, knowing what might come next. ¡°The fucker is gonna pay!¡± she snarled, before chanting: ¡°Climactic fury of the tempest; grand bolt!¡± ¡°You always do this.¡± J¨¹rgen helplessly thought. ¡°If you can¡¯t catch them, you grow too impatient.¡± He could only watch as her most potent spell, costing a lot of mana and being what she usually reserved for when their foe was all restrained and nicely stationary, caused the ambient mana to churn as a tingling sensation spread over J¨¹rgen¡¯s body, as he was already moving in to follow up on her rather bold response. The bolt of lightning erupting from a sphere which had been growing between her hands was always impressive, wide as a hand and devastatingly potent. A moment later, when the thunder registered to his ears, it had already struck. Rana was currently flying backwards, scorched and sizzling as the young adventurer snapped his fan shut. Only belatedly did the events catch up with J¨¹rgen, the adventurer¡¯s fan just reflecting the potent lightning right back at Rana, the woman taken completely by surprise. Just afterwards, a blue beam erupted from the man¡¯s back, coming from a collection of floating symbols previously unseen from where J¨¹rgen had stood. But the beam was not aimed at him, and neither at the singed woman who had just come to a violent stop against J¨¹rgen¡¯s wall of corals. Following the trajectory of the attack, J¨¹rgen saw Little Moon wobbling unsteadily, barely able to retain control of his flight as he was speeding away for all that he was worth over the speeding sands, the beam apparently having clipped him. ¡°Traitor scum!¡± he called angrily at the fleeing man, but did not stop his momentum. Because he was just about to finally reach the brat. Taking a projected sword slice to his side, grimacing through the pain but not letting the wound slow him down, J¨¹rgen aimed to tackle the man straight into the force wall behind him. As a last ditch effort, the man brought out a spear which he set against the charging attack, but another hail of coral shrapnel from up close forced the adventurer to ditch the weapon in favor of a barrier. Then they collided, and J¨¹rgen found his mind questioning the rules of the world as the smaller and lighter man was not driven back. There was definitely an impact as their bodies crashed together, sand thrown away from the man¡¯s feet in a small shockwave, but the adventurer stood firm as he surprisingly deftly guided part of J¨¹rgen¡¯s momentum to pass him by. This meant that it was instead J¨¹rgen who found himself colliding with the wall, although not particularly violently. And he had still managed to grip the man¡¯s arm, initiating the grapple while the annoying feeling of draining mana intensified when his body became pressed against the barrier. Even as his coral armor once more fell away to a dispelling force as the younger man shoved a knee up into the side of his thigh, J¨¹rgen still pressed through, grabbing the man in a bear hug as he started activating another one of his powers. This caused even more coral to start sprouting from his body, but unlikethe variety of colors of the first, these growths were all blood red and wickedly sharp. ¡°See *grunt* boy? You should have listened.¡± J¨¹rgen grinned down at the smaller man as he focused on keeping his grip on the young man even as purchase seemed a lot harder to find than usual. All the while, the green armor was groaning and scraping against the pressure of growing coral. J¨¹rgen did also pick up a faint humming, looking down to see the adventurer looking straight up at him. ¡°As- should- you.¡± the adventurer grunted. A moment later, something seemed to harden in his eyes. And a pair of bracers clicked together.
Kite breathed heavily as the man fell limp, then slid off him. The process was made rather painful as the conjured coral took a short moment to begin dissolving, meaning that he felt the sharp growths slide out of the few places where they had managed to penetrate his armor. The corpse, now missing its head and part of the collarbones, left as a wide smear of blood, flesh and brain matter on the force wall behind which quickly started running down the barrier to gather in gory puddles beneath and revealing Brook¡¯s terrified gaze through the barrier. She had fallen down and pressed herself to the opposite wall in an attempt to clamber as far away from the struggle as possible, body and aura shaking violently. ¡°Please stay where you are. I will make sure that there is nothing else around.¡± he told her, trying to envelop her in his aura like Serene had practiced with him. It seemed to have some effect, as Brook collected herself enough to nod. ¡°Good. Glint, thank you for protecting her. Please stay with her a bit longer.¡± Rising while keeping part of his attention at the swiftly retreating trail of sand that was the man with the air powers, Kite surveyed the carnage. It had gone so quickly. One moment, he had just been about to finish off the monster, and the next the trio of essence users had come charging out. ¡°Thank you Guardian, for the power to protect her even from afar.¡± he thought in silent prayer. The big outlander that had grappled him, at least what remained of the man, lay in a heap where he had fallen. Had he been silver rank, he might have recovered from such a wound with the right essences. But his bronze rank had not been enough to take the maximum charge from the Twofold Toll of Bells straight in his face, Kite expending quite a bit of mana to charge the bracers and keeping the force wall behind intact. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. But the woman with the webs and the lightning was still alive, but knocked out cold from the massive bolt of lightning that Kite had deflected. ¡°Useful tool indeed.¡± he thought as he went over, producing a suppression collar which he clipped around her neck. ¡°Wha- what are you doing?¡± Brook called to him as he dragged the woman¡¯s limp body closer. ¡°She¡¯s still alive, so we will bring her in for questions. Someone sent them to take you away, and I mean to find out who. The collar will keep her manageable.¡± ¡°Are- aren¡¯t those illegal?¡± she asked him, looking at the plain metal band. ¡°No, just restricted. And the director of Gilded¡¯s branch apparently thought me dependable enough to use them responsibly.¡± Kite said, remembering Jarvan just waving him off when he tried returning the item after the war. ¡°I have a feeling you¡¯ll be using plenty of those in the future, so better keep it on hand.¡± the blonde man had said with his usual easygoing grin before moving on to other matters. By now, the wall of coral had started dissolving, revealing the empty beach except for the carcass of the clamdragon. It had been by Fortune¡¯s providence that Kite could use one of his empowered attacks to finish it off as he started running toward Brook. Having it join in and complicate such a battle further had not been a pleasant thought. Having finished a sweep of the surroundings, he returned to Brook who was still seated behind the barriers. ¡°It should be safe to return now. I will release the barrier and then we will ride on Glint. Is that alright with the lady sage?¡± ¡°I-¡± Brook stammered before jumping slightly when the walls dissolved. ¡°Yes. Please. But what about her?¡± she asked, pointing at the unconscious woman. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have a way to bring her as well.¡± Kite said with a crooked smile, not quite reaching his eyes as he still felt the fear rolling off Brook. It subsided a little bit over time as she sat in front of him on Glint¡¯s back, the sun peeking forth from behind the cloud covering to cast a pleasant light over an otherwise silent journey. It was in that fashion they made their way back to the city, Glint keeping a measured pace as she floated not too far from the sandy ground, the unconscious woman leaving a furrow from where she was being dragged behind the familiar by a rope around her ankles.
¡°Out! Out, you worthless waste of skin!¡± Rain shouted after the already fleeing form of Little Moon, as she started pacing back and forth in the alley even before the man had rounded the corner. ¡°Curses. The heavens rain curses upon me.¡± she groaned, punching a nearby wall and leaving cracks in the wood panel. ¡°How can I- How could they even-¡± she stuttered, but halted her thoughts as an angry shout from within the house reached her ears, the angry owner on his way to storm out and see what the ruckus was about. Rain swiftly blurred and disappeared, as if having dissolved into falling raindrops, her concealing powers giving her the sense of security she had grown to love about them. Moving unseen of the normal-ranked man who stormed into the alley a few seconds later, seeing his confused glares and angry mutterings as he stormed back inside. It all returned just a little feeling of control to her. Rain turned and jumped up on a nearby wooden wall then up to the rooftops, her steps light enough for her to step on water without disturbing the surface. ¡°I need to tell the young master. This can be salvaged. He will surely know how. The other two should at least have perished, and they had nothing on them to indicate their allegiance. A setback. Just a setback.¡± she murmured to herself, making her way down towards the lower steps. Stoic Boar would soon get a report which would put a damper on his day.
¡°See, I told you that you should have brought us along.¡± Rachel exclaimed where they sat in the common room of the Gellers¡¯ suite. ¡°Then they would probably have withdrawn. We might have sensed them anyway, but I think little would have come of it.¡± Phiona said. ¡°Now, with one of them turned into the adventure society for questioning, it should not be long before we know all worth knowing from her. Using the right alchemy on a bronze-ranker won¡¯t even be that expensive. The question is, student, what would you aim to do with the information, should you learn of who hired them?¡± Leaning his head back over the backrest of the couch, Kite sighed as his head swam with thought. ¡°I-¡± he began, but faltered again. ¡°I need to think.¡± he eventually said, Phiona nodding at him as the two Gellers fell silent. ¡°At least have a pastry while you¡¯re thinking. The jam inside was so good!¡± Rachel said, throwing the sweet little tart to him. Even Kite¡¯s jumbled mind had to agree with her; it was good. And his senses distracting him did help a little. Having finished most of it, feeding the rest to an overjoyed Glint, Kite sat up and looked to Phiona. ¡°I need to know who it is first. If they¡¯re too affluent, I will need to be careful. Maybe get help from Wander and Braid in investigating why this all came to pass.¡± ¡°And if they¡¯re not? Not influential enough to prove a threat to you?¡± Phiona pressed. ¡°To us!¡± Rachel added. ¡°Don¡¯t think I won¡¯t help you if you want to melt some doors, Kite. Ruining a date like that¡­ Just who do they think they are?¡± she grumbled. Sending her a grateful smile, he nodded. ¡°I might consider it, but the wisest thing would probably remain the same. Investigate and learn. And take precautions. Brook is at the magic society campus now, where she should be safe enough for the moment. But if they are after her, I need to make sure that no trouble finds her in the long run.¡± Phiona looked at him for a little longer before nodding. ¡°Good, you remain sensible. We should go up to the campus this afternoon. From what you describe, a core-using non-adventurer shouldn¡¯t hold up too long under proper questions.¡± ¡°We?¡± Kite asked ¡°Of course. As Rachel said, if more decisive action is needed, I will accompany you as well. Sometimes her acid is a bit too slow at breaking down said doors.¡±
¡°Come in.¡± came the soft call from behind the simple door. Kite entered to find Brook sitting in a worn armchair, a book in hand. The rest of the chamber held only a bed and a desk with an accompanying wooden chair, one of the inner courtyards of the magic society campus visible through the small window. Closing the door behind him, Kite was left standing a bit awkwardly near the entrance, neither saying anything. ¡°Cozy.¡± was the only word his mind found, the mental floundering finding refuge in simple observations. ¡°It¡¯s worn but¡­ I like it.¡± Brook answered, giving him a wan smile. ¡°And cheap, for when I need to stay in the city for a few days. Please, have a seat.¡± She gestured at the other chair, Kite taking up the offer and sitting down in front of her. ¡°I-¡± ¡°How-¡± Both having spoken at the same time, she gestured for him to continue. ¡°How¡­ How are you?¡± It was a simple question, but Kite found that he did not want to complicate it more than that. Her aura was a lot calmer than before, but even if he had possessed Serene¡¯s sharp aura senses, he still would not have wanted to bring them to bear on her. He wanted to hear her words. ¡°It feels a bit surreal at the moment. I know that you fight monsters for a living. That it is normal to you. And from afar, it was even a bit exciting. But then- then they-¡± her words caught, but taking a deep breath, she managed to regain her composure. ¡°I had barely time to notice them when your barriers came up. And the rest is still a blur. You all move so quickly. A flash of lightning. And the blood. It¡¯s like I don¡¯t want to think about it. Kite, I- I was so afraid.¡± she shivered, falling silent. So far, he had only nodded along with her, speaking up once she fell silent. ¡°Yes, it¡­ It can be a lot. Especially when its people. There are a lot of things that I saw during the war that would have terrified me when I was younger. A lot of them did in the present as well. But having fought so many monsters and people, it helped me find something within myself. I don¡¯t know exactly what to call it; a- a perspective, or a state of mind. It is like absolute focus, leaving certain impressions to be processed later. Meditation helps with that, and I can guide you through some later if you want. But Brook, I am sorry. That you got to see a lot more than planned during the outing. And that your association with me seems to have brought trouble to you. So much for people not caring about outcasts.¡± he finished with a rueful shake of his head. ¡°I think I saw what you are describing. It wasn¡¯t obvious from afar. But up close¡­ It was as if that kind calm in your eyes had gone away. Replaced by something hard and unyielding. I understand that it was- no is- needed. But seeing you like that¡­ It just does not mesh with the Kite from my memories. Even if you are obviously still kind and caring.¡± she finished, smiling a bit more warmly. ¡°It is ever the dichotomy of the adventuring life. So much excitement mixed in with such abject brutality.¡± ¡°Do you ever regret it? Joining the adventure society? Killing like that?¡± Her question was one that Kite had reflected upon from time to time, the answer coming easy. ¡°In the end? No. While there are certainly things I regret; choices and outcomes, attempting to forge my path has shown me a lot. Both of the world and of myself. And what I can become. I¡¯ll admit that it is quite the heady feeling; to imagine how far I can push myself and what difference I can make in the moment I choose to make the attempt.¡± After regarding him for a while, Brook shook her head with a sigh, a slight smile still present. ¡°Still the same earnest boy I fancied so much. I hope that your path of power and violence won¡¯t erase him somewhere along the way.¡± ¡°People keep telling me that. I hope so too.¡± Kite replied, before lapsing into silence. While it still felt a bit fragile, some of the awkwardness had at least been dispersed. ¡°Still, I believe that this particular matter will soon be laid to rest.¡± He eventually said. ¡°The adventure society was rather swift in extracting some information from our one captive, and from what she told them of the one that escaped, he is very unlikely to cause trouble in the future, probably having left the city already.¡± ¡°So you know who was behind them? And what they wanted?¡± Brook asked, sitting up straighter. ¡°Yes. A young master of a local crafting family under the patronage of one of the more affluent ones. He has been rather persistent in courting the Gellers in the hopes of doing business, but to think he would stoop to such tactics¡­¡± Kite shook his head. ¡°Phiona sent him a message inviting him for a meeting as soon as we got the information. I will go join them now, but I¡¯ll return as soon as I have more news.¡± ¡°I- It.¡± Brook floundered a bit, but eventually nodded. ¡°Thank you, Kite. I will remain here or down in the stacks. And thank you for taking the time to come here now as well.¡± ¡°Always, fair sage.¡± Kite said with a smile, waving goodbye as he closed the door behind him. A peek at her aura revealed slightly less turmoil, but also other currents he did not look at further. It was something she had to work on resolving, even if he would help in any way he could.
Stoic Boar did not deem this day as good. Rather disastrous, even. It had started well enough, with an inspection of the latest creations of the family¡¯s blacksmiths, where Boar had been able to take his time speaking with the different crafters, doling out praise and encouragement where he could. But arriving back at his study, quite a bit later than planned, the young master had been greeted by two things; a shame-faced retainer and a most succinct invitation from mistress Phiona Geller. Rain remained very silent as she walked at his side and slightly behind him in the gloom of early evening, along with another of his family guards. Boar did not expect to be in danger, but it never hurt to be cautious when dealing with adventurers. ¡°As I said before-¡± Boar said as they were drawing close to the Stormbringer¡¯s Perch, ¡°- the goal here is to minimize any potential damage. Anything that can be done to keep retribution from our heads and the Geller family at least not hostile to us is worth sacrificing almost anything for.¡± he finished, his leveled gaze conveying to Rain that ¡®almost anything¡¯ might just as well include her. Entering the establishment, the group were quickly led to the same private dining room where their previous meeting had taken place, Boar making sure to let the owner know that he would foot the bill for any food and refreshments. A change from last time was the seating arrangements; the young man and student of mistress Geller now sitting in the middle of the two ladies. ¡°Ah, mistress Gellers. Adventurer Kite. I came as soon as I received your invitation, elated that we could sort out this matter as soon as possible.¡± Boar said, sitting down. ¡°Young master Stoic.¡± Phiona Geller greeted him, showing only the same cold facade as during their previous meeting. ¡°As Kite is the aggrieved party here, it is he who will be conducting this little discussion. But I will make one thing very clear; my student here has my full support. Our full support. Keep that in consideration.¡± Boar¡¯s mouth went a bit dry at her words, causing him to lick his lips before answering. ¡°Certainly, mistress Geller. It will remain etched into my mind.¡± he said, before turning to Kite. ¡°Adventurer Kite-¡± ¡°Just Kite will do, for sake of expediency.¡± Kite said, face neutral and aura inscrutable, Boar not daring to try and dive deeper at the risk of offending the three. While it gave this Kite great face that he was allowed to conduct this meeting, Boar still had little doubts as to where the true power in the room lay. ¡°Most gracious of you, Kite. On behalf of my family, allow me to extend the deepest and most pained apologies for the happenings today. I assure you that the regretful event was a result of a most grievous misunderstanding between me and my retainer.¡± ¡°Please, explain.¡± Kite said, gaze never leaving Boar. ¡°I merely wanted to discern if we could be of assistance to you, in the hopes of facilitating a better overall relationship, but my choice of words unfortunately seems to have been too vague and full of nuance to my retainer here. As she is of quite common stock, I hope that you won¡¯t fault her too much for it.¡± This caused Kite to glance at Rain, who sat at Boar¡¯s side with eyes downcast. He scrutinized the woman for a while, before turning back to Boar. ¡°Tell me, young master Stoic; what do you know of my background?¡± ¡°N- not much. I had hoped to find out more soon, leaving my retainer here to sort out the details. It would-¡± ¡°Then I will share one piece of information with you.¡± Kite interrupted. ¡°I was raised in a village in the northern Autumn lands. A few dozen families. And while I know that part of my upbringing was very privileged under those circumstances, I would ask you; of which stock am I?¡± Swearing inwardly, Boar chastised himself. ¡°He is an outcast after all. You should have realized that going with separating yourself from Rain would be a mistake.¡± he thought, keeping his smiling facade. ¡°Ah, I see now that I misspoke. Still, the misunderstanding remains, as my retainer here assumed that I wanted a more forceful solution, one I assure you was never my intention.¡± ¡°Yet because of it, one man is dead and a woman sits imprisoned. And my companion remains deeply shaken by the event. You will have to excuse me, young master, for considering that the results outweigh whatever intent you might have had.¡± Boar expected a press of aura to accompany the words, but the young man kept his solid and controlled even as there was an obvious undercurrent of anger to his word. ¡°Rana lives?¡± Rain suddenly asked, looking up at Kite. Boar was about to silence her, but held his words as Kite acknowledged her words with a nod. ¡°She does. Fortune showed her favor in that it was me that you sent her against. There are many whose paths or temperaments would not be as inclined towards mercy. But her fate will be determined by the city authorities.¡± Rain nodded, a complex expression on her face before once more averting her eyes. Boar was not sure, but he got the feeling that Kite had approved of something in her mannerisms as the young adventurer once more looked at him. ¡°A friend once taught me that the master is in the end responsible for the actions of their retainers, as they are the ones who have chosen them and whose words they are carrying out. Tell me, Stoic Boar, do you intend to offer recompense for the slight against my companion and me?¡± ¡°Ah, naturally. It would not do to see the honor of the Stoics in question.¡± Boar tried assuring him, ignoring the raised eyebrows of the red-haired mistress Geller- Rachel, was her name -as he pushed on. ¡°I sincerely hope that we shall be able to come to some kind of agreement. It would be most unfortunate should this affect our potential future dealings. But I must plead with you to show mercy towards my poor retainer. Should you wish to have me hand her over, I will, but she has served me well before and should not suffer overly for something that, as you say, is my responsibility. What would best allow us to smooth out this wrinkle on our karma? Funds? Or maybe equipment? Our smiths and artisans are second to none? Or maybe employment for you or your companion?¡± Kite stared at him in silence, before smiling slightly for the first time during their meeting. ¡°In that, young master Stoic, I already have a proposal.¡±
¡°That was exhausting.¡± Kite sighed as he plopped down in one of the couches. They were back in the Gellers¡¯ suite once more, Rachel still carting the last batch of snacks she had been able to procure on the young master¡¯s expense. ¡°You performed your part admirably, student.¡± Phiona noted. ¡°We might still make a stern negotiator of you.¡± ¡°Only because of your instruction, teacher.¡± Kite said from where he lay, trying to bow from his prone position, not even his bronze-rank physique allowing the motion to be called anything close to graceful. ¡°Thank you, Phiona. Truly. You have taught me so much more than I could ever demand or expect from our contract.¡± The blonde Geller just rolled her eyes at his words while Rachel giggled. ¡°Yeah, Nona, it was a good idea to use his aura to mask his emotions. You might not be the best at spiritual assault, Kite, but your aura defense is still crazy strong.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± Phiona agreed. ¡°But are you sure about your recompense, Kite? I do believe that the young master was quite relieved as he left.¡± ¡°Then that is all good. From my earlier experience, your opponent leaving with a sense of possibility will at least give a chance of future benefits. One leaving bitter leaves little room for anything but retribution.¡± Kite said, trying to sound as sagely as possible. ¡°Another of your famous auntie Crow¡¯s proverbs?¡± Rachel asked as she sat down opposite him. ¡°You do not trust me to come up with my own wisdom?¡± he asked her, an eyebrow raised. ¡°Then look into my soul and glean the truth.¡± The final retort only earned him a pout and a thrown piece of candied ginger deftly caught by Glint who darted out from her bottle at the opportunity. ¡°Still, it was pretty nicely done to leverage the hint of our family leaving the matter to rest, should he agree, especially after Nona¡¯s little introduction. But you chose nothing for yourself? Only the favor owed?¡± Kite sat up, reaching for another treat. ¡°As for the others¡­ It just felt right to directly compensate those who had actually been harmed, in interest or spirit, by his actions. As my auntie often says; a favor owed carries almost infinite potential.¡± 80. In your care ¡°You- you did what?¡± Peony asked Kite from across the table, mouth agape. ¡°I asked for the Stoics to leave you be, now and forever unless you actively seek them out. He even sent me the proper document proclaiming their support for your business¡¯ independence.¡± Kite said, nodding at the scroll which Sun was currently reading. Peony¡¯s husband had bulked out somewhat since he had begun training along with them. Coupled with the small excursions the pair did on their own to complete some nearby iron-ranked contract, he got a lot more exercise into his daily routine than before. ¡°Love, this¡­ this is genuine.¡± Sun said, voice low in disbelief. ¡°Kite, but- why-¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired of asking that by now, Sun?¡± Kite asked, unable to hold back an amused smile. ¡°Have I not already told you; I like you two, and I could. It felt good to finally lift that yoke. Besides, if you must have some ulterior motive to blame, remember that it still remains in my more mundane interests.¡± ¡°Well, love, by now we are all but honor bound to name our first born after him.¡± Peony said with a smirk, breaking into a laugh at her husband''s aghast expression. ¡°But¡­ thank you, Kite. Again. You sure live up to your name, bringing fortune and all.¡± she finished, expression more serious. ¡°I have it on good authority that fortune does the most good when spread around.¡± Kite said with a smile before changing the subject. ¡°But tell me, how goes business?¡± ¡°It has picked up a bit more as the rumors of my wife¡¯s skills are starting to wear down the smear campaign of the Stoics. Now that you have all but removed the source of that inconvenience, I dare say that the future is looking even brighter.¡± Sun exclaimed, raising his teacup which then proceeded to crack between his fingers. ¡°Curses! That¡¯s the second one this week.¡± he complained, conjured tail grabbing a handkerchief in an attempt to wipe up the spilled brew while he gathered the shards of cracked porcelain. ¡°I take it that you chose to use the awakening stone in the end?¡± Kite asked as he observed the accident. ¡°We did.¡± Peony confirmed. ¡°In the end, we couldn¡¯t find more reasons to outweigh the ones Phiona posed to us.¡± ¡°I¡¯m still a bit concerned about what will come of it¡­ But when I see my arrows punching a good distance into tree trunks, I must admit that it does alleviate some of the worry.¡± Sun admitted. After a bit of more small talk, Kite updating the pair on recent events, he made to leave. ¡°I look forward to your next piece, Peony. Hopefully I can see it once we return from our next outing.¡± ¡°Another one with the young master?¡± Peony asked, Kite nodding in response. ¡°Indeed. But I aim to meet up with Brook before leaving too, so I must be off. Please take care. May the heavens bless both your paths.¡±
¡°Anyone against said proposition?¡± the chairwoman asked. Only silence reigned for a few seconds as she nodded. ¡°Then we can move on to the next point of order; project Mar. Would you be so kind?¡± The leonid man being addressed nodded, speaking up a moment later. ¡°The initial stage of the project is assumed to be a failure. While we knew that this was a risk, it is still regrettable not to have had direct observers to use in evaluation. As far as our sources have been able to tell us, neither our person of interest, his familiar or entourage suffered any lingering consequences. What little we do know have been taken into account for the next step of the plan, where we also have means of observation and reporting-¡± he said, pausing as another aura in the room flared in order to request permission to speak. ¡°More objections?¡± the chairwoman asked the elven woman, a tone of amusement clear in her voice. ¡°I still want to vouch for more direct action to be taken. The initial results should be a clear indication to the merit, or lack thereof, in the approach of project Mar.¡± ¡°What action would you suggest?¡± the chairwoman asked. ¡°To not rely solely on allies with their own agendas in the next step, but send our own measures as well to guarantee success. I will personally volunteer to-¡± ¡°Objection denied.¡± the chairwoman interrupted her. ¡°We have not yet come far enough into the project to take such measures, as the risks of exposure would be too great. One must be extra careful in the final steps of a project, and rushing would only risk peril.¡± The objecting woman looked as if she was about to say something more, but sat down even as har posture projected her displeasure. ¡°As I was saying-¡± the leonid said, picking up where he left off, ¡°- due to our allies, we will have a bit more in the way of reports. They have been forewarned of what we believe should be the person of interest¡¯s expected route, their representative seeming pleased with the options laid out for them in terms of possible points of ambush.¡± ¡°Excellent.¡± said the chairwoman. ¡°Make sure to send a gesture of appreciation to our contacts with the Red Table.¡±
¡°So it¡¯s over? There won¡¯t be more trouble?¡± Brook asked again, already having visibly relaxed in her chair at the magic society library. ¡°Indeed. I believe that the Stoics have every intention of not getting on the Gellers¡¯ bad side. And through that, I made sure to negotiate for something good as compensation to you.¡± Kite replied. ¡°You did? But¡­ why? What is it?¡± ¡°You were the intended target after all, even if it was an attempt to get to me. And you were the one who suffered. What I did, while a bit messy and painful, is still what I knew I would be doing that day. And what I have been doing since I signed up with the adventure society. You, on the other hand, did not join me in order to be even close to a fight like that. And therefore, I made sure you got something out of it. It¡¯s something nice, but I can¡¯t tell you what yet.¡± he finished with a wink. She gave him a long look, then sighed. ¡°It¡¯s not fair to drop such a hint when you are going away on one of your contracts again. But still, thank you for telling me. It will be good to go home again. Although I am not sure how much to tell mother and father about this¡­¡± she murmured, the last part more to herself than Kite. ¡°Any last words of wisdom or encouragement then? To ensure that this vagabond returns promptly and unharmed?¡± ¡°From what this sage has observed, you seem to be able to handle yourself, even when the unexpected happens.¡± she said, trying to convey the very image of wisdom before her voice softened. ¡°But still, be careful, and please return.¡± ¡°I will ever strive not to disappoint you.¡± Kite said with a smile, hesitating a bit in the silence that followed. ¡°May Fortune favor you until I return.¡± ¡°May Warrior guide your hand. And Knowledge make sure that you don¡¯t do anything stupid.¡±
The rays of the sun had begun to carry a certain amount of warmth, even enough to ward off some of the chill in the constant breeze welling in from the ocean. Kite, Vista and the Geller cousins were once more making their way through the city streets, on their way to yet another outing where the young master was to push himself. ¡°Do you think we will enter the astral space as well? Kite asked Phiona, who shrugged. ¡°It is quite possible. The contract did mention a bonus for making sure that it was cleared out as well.¡± ¡°Still a bit weird that these lands have enough of them that one can just remain there as is.¡± Rachel commented. ¡°Back home, all I have come across are already claimed.¡± ¡°Astral spaces and the more temporary ones are more common closer to the heartlands. And believe me, all of those actually carrying potential have long since been claimed.¡± Vista provided from where he walked in front of them. ¡°This one is not too big and having even lower levels of ambient mana than the outside means that there really isn¡¯t much to claim. The most valuable local aperture lies beneath the water in a bay south of the city, and it is apparently the inner domain of the Wavebreaker sect, their compound claiming the area even since before the settling of Bastion.¡± ¡°But you have already been to an astral space, right Kite?¡± Rachel asked. ¡°Indeed. But I dare say that the experience was a bit out of the ordinary. From what I gather, the jade-sky gates only target the temporary proto-spaces, stabilizing and remolding them for its purpose. It would be novel to step into a natural and stable one.¡± Kite said. ¡°Well, do not get your hopes up too much. I have been to this one before, and while it is a bit different from the surroundings, it is in practicality no different from any other stretch of nature around here.¡± Vista said, and was about to say more when someone called out to him. ¡°Why, if it isn¡¯t young master Vista! And his entourage!¡± A young elven woman around Vista¡¯s age was walking up to them, looking as she was just arriving back from a trip. The group of weary-looking retainers following in her wake cemented that theory, along with the exquisitely crafted dark armor she was wearing. ¡°Young mistress Crescent.¡± Vista greeted back as she walked up to him. ¡°I hope that the heavens have smiled on your endeavors.¡± ¡°Oh, they have. Our little outing was most productive.¡± Crescent answered, a toss of her head causing a few black ringlets of hair to bounce. ¡°You might even have to watch out so that I don¡¯t overtake you soon. Sharing the glory with an entourage does tend to slow one''s pace after all." The words were ostensibly a bit of playful rivalry, but it did not take a master of observation to glean the meaning beneath. Around them, people had stopped to look at the encounter and whispered amongst themselves, bronze-rank hearing picking out some of the conversations. ¡°The young mistress of the Withers family.¡± ¡°Such a familiar tone with young master Relentless. Bold.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard that her family has been making strides lately.¡± ¡°I swear it on the heavens, no one could overtake our young master Relentless.¡± While Vista and his group usually garnered a bit of attention when leaving or returning, this meeting and the young mistress¡¯ calling out promised that rumors of the meeting would travel fast. ¡°And I do not believe that I have been given the chance to introduce myself to the ladies Geller.¡± Crescent continued, bowing to the two while ignoring Kite much the same way as Vista had done during their first outings. ¡°I am Crescent of Withering Day, honored to meet members of such an illustrious and renowned family.¡± ¡°Greetings, young mistress. I am Phiona Geller, and this is my cousin Rachel.¡± Phiona answered politely. ¡°A pair of adventurers with such pedigree arriving in our little part of the world. One does wonder what plans you have for us. I assure you that the Withers family welcomes any initiatives from the Geller family. In fact, we have a little soir¨¦e planned during the next week. I would be overjoyed if you would show us the honor of attending, as there is surely much we could gain from one another.¡± You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Kite noticed Vista¡¯s aura stiffen slightly at the brazen approach, but the young noble remained silent. Rachel, however, did not. ¡°Unfortunately, I believe that this little outing will take quite some time.¡± she said, walking up to stand closer to the young master. A lot closer than either in the group had witnessed before. From the young master¡¯s slightly rigid posture, the act took him by surprise as well. ¡°And Vista has promised us a dinner of delectable treats afterwards. One I -we- wouldn¡¯t miss for the world.¡± ¡°Ehr- Yes, yes indeed.¡± Vista managed. ¡°As you hear, we must soon be off. But I wish the young mistress good hunting in the future.¡± he continued more smoothly, a polite smile on his face. ¡°Between us defenders of the region, I must give the young mistress a friendly recommendation; traveling with an entourage is a lot better in many ways. For expediency¡¯s sake, of course. Rachel, Phiona, Kite, it is time to mount up.¡± With that, he bowed politely before leaping onto Whimmy¡¯s back, the others quickly producing their familiars as well before mounting up, leaving the young mistress Withers standing there with a confused but also calculating look in her eyes. ¡°Rachel, I do believe that you might have started a bit of a scandal through your actions.¡± Vista said once they had traveled a good distance from the city gates. ¡°Your actions alone will probably give birth to rumors which might never truly die out.¡± Contrary to his words, he did not look entirely displeased. ¡°But I couldn¡¯t help note your own little contribution.¡± Phiona noted from where she rode on Missus behind her cousin. ¡°Naming us with such familiarity in public¡­ It will surely have her speculating, and the rest of the interested parties as well.¡± ¡°And besides, so what if they make wrongful assumptions about us? The Relentless and Geller names spoken in the same sentences will surely not be a stain on your reputation.¡± Rachel added cheerfully. ¡°I am more concerned that my father will take it seriously and start pressuring me to court you for real.¡± Vista said, looking at her. ¡°As should he. I am quite a catch, after all.¡± the red-haired Geller said with a dramatic toss of her hair.
¡°Master, Bloodstalker says that he can smell them on the wind. Four bronze-rankers, as promised¡± Crimson said from where she was looking down at the bottle carrying the blood link of the scout. The iron-ranker¡¯s pinched face was lit by the reddish glow from beneath as she looked to her mentor. ¡°Then our so-called allies in the city were true to their word. The blood of these ones should be potent, and a useful asset to us in addition to the prize we were promised for success.¡± Bearer of Sanguine Promise said, looking to his disciple. ¡°Activate the concealment formations and bring forth the prepared components for the ¡®Scalding Cascade¡¯. We must make sure that they have entered the aperture cave before revealing our presence.¡± ¡°And their doom.¡± Crimson said, nodding along. ¡°I will carry out your orders, master.¡± she called, leaving the concealed tent. Promise looked after her, sighing slightly. ¡°She is eager at least.¡± he muttered to his familiar, a shiny black beetle with serrated legs perched on his shoulder. ¡°But surely, my superiors fear my rise as they continue to provide me with this particular type of fervor in my students. If only not half of them would choose a name with Crimson in it. But it doesn''t matter, because as soon as I ascend to silver rank, they will belatedly realize the mistake they made. As will this little group of adventurers.¡±
Kite was walking behind Vista and Phiona as they were climbing the small rise leading up to the base of one of the cliff spires in the area, listening to the pair discussing different ways to engage the last contract which Vista had cleared out. ¡°-as I said, a more defensive approach might actually have led to a more swift conclusion. You know that the Gravel Knights tend to engage in smaller groups unless you go deep into their claimed territory.¡± Phiona was saying, Vista shaking his head. ¡°The more of them there are, the quicker I will reach my peak. Besides, the early phase of the fight is where I find the most challenge if I dive in, as it forces me to focus on my swordplay and other powers rather than relying on advantages from the boons.¡± the young master answered. ¡°Yet Whimmy still had to pull you out twice.¡± ¡°That is what they¡¯re here for. And they¡¯re the best boys!¡± Vista said, adding the latter at a trio of snorts from his side where the familiar was loping along their master. Even though the words were argumentative, Kite smiled at seeing that the two actually seemed to enjoy themselves and their verbal sparring. At his side, Rachel shook her head. ¡°And here they say that I would be the one to cause a scandal. Just look at them, getting all friendly.¡± she whispered conspiratorially to Kite. Kite took another, longer look at the pair walking in front. ¡°You think that they¡¯re¡­?¡± ¡°Nah, not that way. But I do think that Nona has taken a liking to him as an adventurer, at least in part. She values competence a lot, and while our young master here has another take on it than she has been taught, he still shows the right intentions. And doesn¡¯t go all thorny when criticized. Aaaand she has really good hearing.¡± she finished, winking at Phiona who had partially turned her head to level a withering glare at her cousin. Arriving at the base of the cliff, the group found a sizable cave opening with obvious signs of stone shaping in the rather smooth tunnel leading inwards. About fifteen meters in was the aperture. Kite¡¯s only encounter with the opening to an astral space had been the one long since capped by the jade-sky gate. The vaguely circular hole in the world in front of him was quite different, being a disc of pale purple light casting a faint glow onto the tunnel walls. ¡°As expected, it looks unchanged since my last visit.¡± Vista said, stopping with the rest just before the tunnel opening. ¡°You did say that you have been here before. What is in there?¡± Kite asked, looking at the aperture. ¡°It is a domain of some kind of desert, although not overly big. Purple cliffs are very prominent, but neither the stone or sand have any special properties beyond their odd coloration, at least not worth exploiting. In there, they seem to dampen aura senses, but the effect is lost upon extraction. And the ambient mana is not strong enough to regularly produce quintessence and the like to warrant proper settling or exploitation.¡± Vista explained, as they began their descent downwards. ¡°And the monsters?¡± Phiona asked, ¡°Mostly iron, with a few bronze here and there. Not overly different from the lands around, a little bit weaker even, but they do provide a nice variety to what normally manifests in these lands. It should-¡± ¡°Void!¡± Vista¡¯s word were interrupted by Kite suddenly shouting the spell chant, black gate appearing in the tunnel behind them. ¡°Kite, what-¡± Rachel¡¯s words were interrupted by a roaring noise as something impacted the other side of the gate, only a red glow and an overwhelmingly cloying, coppery scent escaping past the barrier. ¡°The aperture! Go!¡± Was all Kite managed to shout, staggering backwards as mana was rushing out of him in an attempt to keep the protective void between them and the snaking, roiling torrent of red liquid his expanded field of view had shown him. The crimson mass had risen in an arc from somewhere further away from the tunnel, only to arc down and begin its descent straight towards their location. Fortunately, his group was seasoned enough not to further question the situation, taking off at a run towards the glowing opening. Kite was the last, his concentration causing him to have trouble keeping pace until Glint emerged from her bottle. She swept him up with a cushion of conjured water before speeding off after the rest of the group. But the carp had barely managed to get going before Kite had to release the spell, mana nearly empty but not daring to use his immortality just yet in case he would be forced to endure the torrent of what looked to be boiling blood which broke through the remnants of the void gate a moment later. Vista and Whimmy had already passed through the aperture, the two Gellers stopping just before it to see Glint racing against the incoming attack. And losing. ¡°Damn it all! Missus, please go!¡° Rachel called, the aegis cobra manifesting and slithering up the tunnel as her master¡¯s murmured ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± was drowned out by the roar of too much scalding, magical fluid forcing itself into a too narrow tunnel. Missus only gave out a mighty hissing call, ducking beneath Glint and raising her hooded head in defiance. A glow seemed to emanate from between her scales and from luminous lines appearing on the serpent¡¯s flared hood. Then the incoming torrent hit her, and seemingly stopped. For a split second it was as if the veritable sanguine waterfall remained frozen before the familiar, held in check by her body and the magical barrier she had conjured. But then, Missus¡¯ body shifted backwards slightly, cracks spreading over her scaled body. And but a heartbeat later, the flood washed over her, Kite losing sight of the grand serpent as the seconds gained was just enough for Glint to carry him through the aperture. And suddenly, Kite and the group found themselves somewhere else entirely.
¡°A most masterful plot, great mentor!¡± Crimson cried with glee from where she stood beside Promise. ¡°The might of the Red Table will be on everyone¡¯s lips from now on. They will fear us. We-¡± The iron-ranker was interrupted by a pulse of aura from her master, who shook his head. ¡°Student, let this be a lesson. Always check for results before claiming victory. Always. Don¡¯t even entertain the thought before you have verified it. Adventurers have their ways, and if you assume too much, it will be their glory being praised for having killed you.¡± Crimson fell into chastised silence as Bearer of Sanguine Promise started forwards, up towards the cave, gesturing to his followers and henchmen to move ahead according to their agreed upon plan. They left the concealing formations of the camp and advanced in a loose formation, and Bloodstalker was already waiting at the mouth of the cave, the elf remaining immaculately dressed and groomed as usual. ¡°Results?¡± Promise asked his most trusted scout as they drew closed. ¡°I can only smell the blood of the Scalding Cascade. Nothing else mixed in.¡± ¡°So, the hunt continues.¡± Promise said, having half-expected the outcome. Few things in this life were so easy. They knew little of the young master that their allies in the city wanted gone, only that he was to die if it was possible to arrange it in such a way that there remained a body to be found and leads pointing towards a plausible scenario. Otherwise, they were to slay his whole entourage and leave him crippled but able to perform a ¡®miraculous escape¡¯. ¡°Politics.¡± Promise groaned slightly. ¡°Such schemes are a poor substitute to real power.¡± He then turned to his gathered followers, raising his voice. ¡°We proceed with the plans. Bring the sacrifices, but take care with the lordling. I will stay with the ritualists to lock the aperture and set up the circles. Remember, do not under any circumstances try to summon hordes. Our information was very clear that numbers will only hurt us in the long run. For the cause and the Red Table!¡±
Popping a mana-restoring pill into his mouth, Kite took in his surroundings. ¡°Vista did not lie when he said that the place had a distinct coloration.¡± he thought to himself, surveying the landscape. The group had come to a stop behind a large, slightly shimmering dune of purple sand. Or at least something akin to sand. The tiny grains had given off a slight tingling rustle as the group slid down the dune, although the more or less constant wind had erased any sign of their passing as it made the top of the dune visibly shift like the whole dune was in motion. A very slow motion, but motion nonetheless. Complementing the purple sands were chaotic cliff formations, growing almost like deformed, gnarly trees from the landscape. They were purple as well, although much darker in coloration as they formed a veritable stone forest. No sun was visible, the light seemingly coming in from everywhere at once. ¡°At least the temperature is surprisingly pleasant. Even though it is quite clear that this is not a normal part of the world.¡± Kite thought as he turned to Rachel. ¡°I- I¡¯m sorry about Missus. And thank you. She saved us from quite an unpleasant experience.¡± Rachel only nodded, sniffing slightly. ¡°She¡¯s summoned, so she¡¯ll be back. But it still¡­ It still feels so wrong just to send her off like that.¡± ¡°And it was good that you conserved your spells, cousin, as we are sure to need them.¡± Phiona said to them, sliding down the dune from where she had been looking out over the aperture. ¡°People are coming through. Too far away to make out specifics, but I saw them starting to set up ritual sites. We need to disappear amongst the terrain.¡± ¡°Or we engage them now, when they are still setting up.¡± Vista said, breaking into the conversation. ¡°Whoever they are, they will pay for this. What manner of dishonorable curs are we dealing with?¡± ¡°Ones that might have killed some of us had it not been for Kite.¡± Phiona retorted. ¡°They quite obviously knew where we were, even having prepared a potent trap. Charging at them blindly would be tantamount to suicide.¡± ¡°But this space is not big enough to hide forever.¡± Vista interjected. ¡°Two dozen kilometers across at most. They will find us, and when they do, the rest will come anyway. I still think-¡± ¡°Phiona is right.¡± Kite interjected, almost a bit surprised himself at his words. He usually left handling Vista to the more experienced Geller, only partaking in some simple sparring and conversations in camp. ¡°The terrain at least gives us a chance. My uncle Walker made quite sure I took that to heart.¡± Kite could almost remember the scout¡¯s words. ¡°Remember, little Kite, that when you are outnumbered, every tree, every boulder and every bush are your allies.¡± He continued. ¡°Besides, are you not the one who is here to push yourself? Have you not realized by now that not every battle is a matter of momentum? Would it not help your path even more to be forced to fight in new ways? Consider new options? Then, unless you have been lying to us all and yourself all this time, this should be what you want.¡± he finished. There had been no shouting or raised voices, but even Kite himself did not doubt that his resolve had shown itself through his words. All three of his companions looked at him, Rachel raising both eyebrows while Phiona shot him an approving smile. Vista, the young master Relentless, wore an unreadable expression, but Kite could sense something taking shape in his aura. Then he too smiled, his gaze a mirror of Kite¡¯s own. ¡°Well, Kite, I will admit that this was not where I thought such words would come from. Dangerous words, questioning my honor like that. But also words of wisdom.¡± He turned to Phiona. ¡°Lead the way, Phiona. I will remain in your care. In the care of all of you, in fact.¡± 81. Opportunity Bearer of Sanguine Promise looked out over the strange landscape of the astral space, the purple ambient light mixing with the red, flickering glow of the ritual circle in front of him. Finishing his chant, the glow of the circle intensified before another creature manifested, ten spindly insectoid legs carrying a rather small body sporting a long, flexible proboscis. The summoned creature joined the three others waiting for it, the skittering quartet then leaving to search the dunes and alien environment. ¡°This place is rather troublesome, as it seems to swallow both physical and spiritual traces.¡± Bloodstalker said, the elf¡¯s voice coming from the ground near where Promise stood. A small red tendril, like an extracted vein still coursing with lifeblood, peeked out of the sand while managing to give the impression of a meaningful look. ¡°Then I believe that you have a challenge in this hunt.¡± Promise noted, gesturing to the other two summoning circles. ¡°While our resources aren¡¯t endless, we should still be able to produce enough fodder to flush them out. If you can find them, the rest of us will move in. Do not, I repeat, do not strike at them alone. Even if you think one of them isolated and vulnerable.¡± He could feel the scout¡¯s displeasure, and even a bit of defiance in the silence which followed. ¡°I will be off again. See to it that our superiors are thoroughly informed of my contributions.¡± Without waiting for a reply, the vein retreated back into the ground, soon disappearing from Promise¡¯s senses. ¡°They¡¯re either fanatically stupid or fiercely competitive.¡± Promise grumbled softly. ¡°Why can¡¯t some of the competent assets ever be sent to our cell? Some ex-adventurers? I¡¯d even settle for some noble in exile.¡± Still, he had a good feeling about this hunt. Their initial scouting had been brief, but hadn¡¯t revealed too many complicating factors except the environment¡¯s tendencies to erase tracks and dampen the range of aura senses. With the amount of bronze-rank summons they had prepared for, it should only be a matter of time, especially with the little surprises he had insisted on leaving in case of this very scenario. Noticing the confidence of his own thoughts, Promise turned back to the summoning circle. ¡°Maybe just one more pack, even if it is from my own reserves. Just in case.¡±
¡°This place is eerie. As if it smothers my aura senses.¡± Rachel whispered as she walked beside Kite, who could only nod along with her words. It was as if someone had thrown a threadbare blanket over his spiritual senses; you could see through it if you focused, but both range and nuances were still hampered. Ahead of them, Phiona stood with her back pressed to one of the strange cliffs, keeping watch of a group of three lumbering beasts which were navigating the terrain not too far away. Looking like flayed, bulky simians, the creatures peered around with their two sets of bulbous eyes. Fortunately, they were far enough away to not spot them with sweeping observations alone, and Phiona soon turned back and waved to the rest to follow. In the distance, there was an area where the cliffs stood even taller and more packed together, and it was that landmark which was the group¡¯s current destination. Following Rachel around the curve of the cliff, Kite suddenly froze as his magical perception showed him something. Something that would be trouble. Phiona had just reached another nearby cliff in order to scout further ahead when a carved magical symbol suddenly lit up above her on the cliff face, Kite¡¯s shout of warning not reaching her in time. In but a moment, the small magical circle¡¯s light went from faint to blinding, before suddenly detonating outwards in a pulse of what Kite assumed to be disrupting force damage as it left the cliff itself almost entirely unscathed. Phiona¡¯s swift essence did give her ample tools to lessen the impact of even such a surprise, as she rolled away from the blast with only minor damage. But that was not where the true danger lay, as the glow of the circle soon transformed into a small but radiant pillar of red light which shot up into the air. While it started to fade noticeably after a few seconds, it was still quite enough to give away their location, quickly proven true as the trio of monsters which had just passed them by gave off yipping growls and howls as they changed course and started charging towards their location. ¡°Curses! Strike quickly. We can¡¯t have them on our trail if we are to lose any pursuit!¡± Phiona called, already in motion and conjured staff appearing in her hands. ¡°Whimmy, go!¡± Vista called, mounting the cerberus as it started loping off after the blonde Geller, Glint quickly enlarging to allow Kite and Rachel to do the same. Ahead of them, Phiona¡¯s staff elongated as she used it to vault upwards before the weapon quickly bent to change her direction and launch her straight at the creature in the lead. One of the ends of the staff impacted with its head, squashing one bulbous eye and sending it staggering backwards. Kite knew the effects from that stunning special attack from experience, and as she had done many times during their sparring Phiona followed it with a flurry of staff strikes, each blow fast enough to make it look like multiple copies of the weapon was bearing down on the beast. One of the other monsters was loping up to flank her, growths of clotted blood already starting to grow over its body for a yet unseen purpose, but was interrupted by the charge of Whimmy, who used their mass to bear the creature to the ground. The cerberus ignored the superficial wounds caused by the claws of the flailing monster, instead pinning it beneath their front paws and using all three of their heads to spew flames straight into the monster¡¯s face. The prone beast shrieked under the flames before Whimmy, with Vista still mounted, was suddenly thrown off their pinned prey when the forming blood clots detonated with a series of loud discharges that sent the remnants of the growths exploding outwards like rust-red shrapnel. Noting that the young master and his familiar was more inconvenienced than actually in peril, Kite left Rachel on Glint¡¯s back as he sprang off her and towards the one of the creatures. While still in the air, he sent a dispelling wave washing over the beast, dissolving the growing clots of conjured blood. Even as he brought forth his spear, the head whistling with his momentum, Kite also noted that his dispelling waves caused a slight distortion of the monster, indicating its summoned nature but also that there was a proper ritual involved in causing it to manifest. Just like during the war, this protected the creature from being dispelled out of hand, and it did not take much of a leap of imagination to see that these monsters probably had the same allegiance as the red horde which had been brought forth during the final push. But Kite¡¯s wave did at least seem to bring a bit of discomfort to the being, causing it to halt slightly and Kite¡¯s spear to find its mark. The whistling head was vibrating noticeable, easily piercing the tough, hardened skin of the beast before rippling spatial tears burst from the tip. Growling in pain as its left shoulder was shredded, Kite brought forth his personal barrier to deflect the other claw which was swiping at him. The creature kept its gaze on Kite as he landed in front of it, too late noticing a dark series of symbols having detached from behind his back to remain floating in the air. Sage drove that mistake home with twin beams of resonating force sent straight into the creature''s face, one after another, being fully charged since even before arriving at the aperture due to the days spent following Vista hunting monsters. While injured, the bronze-rank physique proved enough to keep the beast standing, and it started to exchange blows with Kite, most either deflected off barriers or interposed weapons while the rest was at least reduced to mere glancing hits. A slash from Kite¡¯s drawn blade exploded part of the monster¡¯s thigh, and he used the pause in its attacks to begin charging his bracers. It cost a lot of mana, but Kite understood the need for expediency. The flayed monster had just regained its balance enough to pick up a loose boulder to fling towards Kite, the purple rock barely having left its clawed hands when the bracers touched. The twin tolls of destructive power were unleashed, the first pulse of resonating force sending cracks throughout the boulder and beast alike. Then the blast of kinetic force crushed the stone into shrapnel, driving the shards into the monster''s face, arms and torso before the nigh-invisible pulse tore into the beast as well. Parts of its face and torso crumpled in on themselves, and the monster was sent tumbling away a few meters over the sands. Sensing that its aura was unstable but not still, Kite knew that the pulse had not been enough to close out the fight so quickly. Instead, he called out to Rachel. ¡°Fair lady, a cloud please?¡± ¡°Well, since you asked so nicely!¡± the Geller called back, one of her hydra heads already spewing out a torrent of acidic vapor which settled over the injured beast that was attempting to regain its feet. ¡°Wall.¡± A moment after Kite¡¯s short chant, walls of force appeared to form a cage around the monster, Kite using all of its available length to form what layers he could, leaving the heavily wounded monster stuck with the vile vapors. Trusting the combination of powers to finish the job, he instead turned on the closest other enemy, already looking quite the worse for wear under Phiona¡¯s barrage of strikes and precisely delivered special attacks. ¡°Teacher, I¡¯ll be your shield. Go!¡± he called, bringing out his blade to deliver a slash through his intent which intercepted one clawed hand, the rending force sundering a lot of the bone and tissue. A conjured barrier intercepted a second attack, leaving Phiona free to go even more on the offensive. Between the two adventurers, Kite providing defensive support and inflicting some damage and his teacher¡¯s staff utterly brutalizing the monster¡¯s body. Shortly after his entering the fray, a void-empowered swing of Kite¡¯s staff breaking one of the monster¡¯s knees allowed Phiona to thrust upwards, her own staff glowing slightly as it impacted the jaw of the toppling beast. The focused force of her special attack caused her weapon to pierce up and into the creature¡¯s skull, its aura winking out as what might have been an agonized stumble turned into a limp fall. As there was no time to celebrate, the pair instead turned to the third enemy only to see Vista tear through its neck with a whirling series of slashes from his twin falchions, the creature¡¯s flesh already sloughing off in places where Rachel¡¯s acid was eating into its body. The one Kite had initially fought was still fighting to get through the barriers, albeit weakly as most of its limbs had already partially dissolved, the spectacle gruesome enough that neither of the adventurers wanted to dwell on it. ¡°We need to leave. Mount up. We will risk a dash, then Kite will take the lead. You¡¯re the only one with magical perception of us, and might be able to spot further traps.¡± Phiona called to them, the group quickly followed. While they have yet to see any pursuers, other howls and roars echoed from among the rock formations. Rachel once more sitting up behind him, Kite guided Glint to follow in Whimmy¡¯s wake, keeping a tense watch in every direction as they chose a winding path between the strange rock formation. ¡°While the wind and sand is annoying, I can¡¯t help but appreciate the assistance in removing our traces.¡± Rachel said from behind him, looking over her shoulders at the quickly vanishing traces of Whimmy¡¯s passage. No other pillars of light went off during the initial leg of their rushed journey, the only other living things they encountered being a small group of iron-ranked elementals, vaguely humanoid and formed from the colorful sand beneath. The monsters were promptly ignored by the group as they sped by, Phiona calling for a halt once they were out of sight. ¡°Kite, please take the lead. If my theory holds water, you will have a better chance at spotting those traps at a distance.¡± she said, looking over them all. ¡°So far, we have done well. Our goal should be to reach that large central formation. It should be more defensible if we are found.¡± Kite followed her gaze to the largest visible landmark, seeming to be a more dense cluster of higher cliffs and rocks, probably forming a plethora of crevasses and ravines to navigate. ¡°Will that not be the obvious choice?¡± he asked here, his response being a sigh and a nod. ¡°It might be, but sometimes the obvious choice is still the best one regardless. With the traps out here, we risk discovery regardless.¡± ¡°Teacher remains wise.¡± Kite said, nodding when a thought struck him as he thought of the detonating symbol. ¡°What is it?¡± Rachel asked, having picked up on his thoughts. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. ¡°I¡­¡± Kite began, hesitating a bit before steeling his resolve and pushed forward. ¡°If we are fortunate, I may have a way to circumvent the traps. It is risky, but I believe that it is worth trying.¡± ¡°If we alert them, let them come.¡± Vista said, a mix of eagerness and stoicism in his stance. ¡°What the young master probably means to say-¡± Phiona added, giving the swordsman a pointed look, ¡°-is that it is worth a try. Lead on, and warn us if you find an opportunity.¡±
¡°Nothing yet?¡± Bearer of Sanguine Promise asked Bloodstalker, the scout once more having returned to him. Hours after arriving, the group had started making camp close to the aperture, although the progress was slow as the relatively loose ground made for poor foundations for tent pins. ¡°No. I went to the site of the triggered trap formation as soon as I could, but only got a noseful of rainbow smoke for my trouble. And they had the sense to make a swift retreat. I combed the area for a while, before returning.¡± Bloodstalker said, looking with obvious envy at Promise¡¯s enchanted pavilion, untouched by the purple dust which covered most of the tents and people around. ¡°It has been hours. They should soon trigger another trap, or they have chosen to go to ground. But in this landscape, that should let us find them eventually. I will make sure to form sweeper teams. As our scout, I will expect you to range the furthest.¡± ¡°And while I do that, will our glorious leader remain here?¡± the elf asked sourly. ¡°I am the chief ritualist here, after all.¡± Promise said with a feigned humble smile. ¡°Yes, master, you are indeed the fulcrum of our operations. Your greatness will surely bring the sacrifices to us most swiftly!¡± Crimson said obsequiously from nearby. Promise groaned inwardly. The gazes of the gods weren¡¯t able to reach them inside the astral space, but it still felt like her words would bring down Fortune¡¯s mischievous side upon them. ¡°Maybe summon another pack of skitterfiends. Two at the most. Just to be sure.¡± he thought to himself, looking out over the alien landscape once more.
¡°Teacher, I see another.¡± Kite called, the rest of the group halting as he approached the stone cliff and the trap formation he could just make out at an angle from his position. Moving about to get a better angle, Kite stayed as far away as he could while still allowing his bronze-rank perception to clearly make out the rather simple set of circles and runes. Simple for a formation, at least. As it looked identical to the rest, he did not hesitate, jabbing forward as his spear appeared in his hands, point shimmering with dispelling energies. A moment later, a ripple through the air impacted a specific rune near where several circular shapes intersected, the dispelling pulse making the whole thing dim before powering up again with the exception of the struck rune. He held his breath for a moment, then exhaled as nothing happened. ¡°That¡¯s the sixth one. Your method seems reliable¡± Rachel said as the rest walked up. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that you could just disable parts of them like that.¡± ¡°You usually need special tools or powers. In my case, it¡¯s apparently like brute-forcing something with great care. At least according to Braid.¡± Kite said, smiling at his companions. ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense.¡± Rachel said, brows furrowed. ¡°It is indeed a contradiction, but such were his words. And he is quite skilled with formations, arrays and rituals alike.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll have to introduce me to him when we go back, then. I owe him a drink for teaching you this!¡± Rachel cheered, Phiona nodding along. ¡°Indeed. I know little of formations, but what I have picked up is that forcing it dormant to remove a small key piece then having it power up again without registering the change does feel like cheating. But I don¡¯t mind when I am the beneficiary of said cheating.¡± ¡°It should only work on the most simple ones, at least without guidance.¡± Kite said. ¡°But I also have the good word of several young masters, mistresses, sect initiates and disciples that I am apparently cheating quite often.¡± ¡°Oh, Kite, you are doing so much more.¡± Vista added, grinning fiercely. ¡°You are giving us a battleground. Remove enough of these and we should be able to start hunting the hunters without having them all bearing down on us. Just like the Ghost Brotherhood in the stories.¡± ¡°While I will have to agree with Vista, we still need to take down several more before we can consider ourselves somewhat safe. And we need a safe space, or at least as safe as can be found here, where we can fall back and rest.¡± Phiona said. ¡°Then let¡¯s get to it. And see if we can¡¯t kill some monsters while we¡¯re at it. Our young master here might dissolve into rainbow smoke if he goes another hour without.¡± Rachel added.
One of the monsters¡¯ proboscis turned to Kite again while it was rapidly skittering about, sending its thin, crimson tongue shooting towards him. As proved by a hole in his armor, the thing was both wickedly sharp and blindingly fast for its bronze rank, the first of the attacks having bitten into Kite before he even managed to bring up his barrier. But now a little while into the altercation, Kite thought that he was finding the creature''s rhythm. Skittering on ten legs at what seemed a constant and rapid pace, it would still always change direction just before attacking again. ¡°Ward!¡± The darting red tongue impacted against his ward and started to retract, but Kite was already swinging in a counterattack of his own. His staff, head swirling with spatial tears, swung through the air as its blow was projected towards the agile monster. The scores and cracks in the stone around them was proof of the trial and error that had been part of Kite attempting to hit the rapid foe with his projected strike, a process which now paid off. Distance made void, the strike crunched into the creature''s side as two of its spindly legs broke and the carapace of its small torso was cracked and started leaking a black ichor. The echo of the attack came a moment later, further hampering and hobbling the foe. ¡°Glint would have been excellent against these.¡± Kite thought idly, longing for his familiar¡¯s restraining globes of water against the relatively light monsters. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope that something comes from Rachel¡¯s and Glint¡¯s little project.¡± His wide range perception and aura senses told him that he had so far been struggling the most with the quick opponents. Both Vista and Phiona possessed the swift essence, their essences matching in all but their weapon of choice. And having both bearers of the master confluence fighting in tandem like that made Kite feel fortunate that they were his companions rather than foes. Blades and staff seemed like an extension of their wielder¡¯s souls as they whirled about, keeping track with their monstrous foes. Where Vista was the whirlwind, shredding through his vicinity like a relentless gale, Phiona was the lightning strike, unleashing sudden violence with precision in the blink of an eye. There were currently five of the monsters left, although hopefully their efforts would soon cull their numbers. His left thigh aching with the injury and bleeding profusely, Kite still kept his stance firm. As another of the monsters were skittering his way to strike in tandem with his wounded foe, Kite took another breath and tried to grasp the elusive focus he had experienced before. ¡°My path will not be shifted by the world-¡± He planted his feet, stance ready. Mind relaxed yet somehow still coiled to react. ¡°- but learn from it.¡± Both monsters darted closer, razor tongues shooting for his vitals. ¡°Ward! Wall!¡± One of the piercing limbs impacted a barrier almost exactly at the same time as the other was severed by the swing of a curved saber. Both creatures attempted to scramble back, but found themselves caged in by walls of force which had appeared around both them and Kite. Legs scrambling for purchase on the barriers, the injured one suddenly twitched and spasmed as a white beam carved a smooth, round hole through its torso. Sage¡¯s other charge was spent on a burst of healing for Kite to help stem the bleeding and start closing the wound in his leg. The monster now having a lot less room to maneuver, Kite remained calm and tried to stay within the weird balance of the calm which he had managed to find once more. Even as it dove for him, he calmly acted on multiple fronts once more, staff appearing to swat the beast aside even as he conjured another barrier to ward off an attack against Whimmy¡¯s flank. Another strike against the monster caught with him in the confines of his force cage sent it half-broken to the ground, Kite immediately releasing the walls shortly thereafter to send another projected slash to intercept another tongue lashing for the familiar. While resilient, the Cerberus was the least agile of those fighting the pack and so far where Kite¡¯s barriers had made the most difference. ¡°This is taking too long. We need to finish up and retreat. Unless Rachel¡¯s idea has worked out that is.¡± Phiona called as she disappeared, appearing a second later as multiple spindly legs cracked in her wake. Remaining in his fragile state of calm, Kite made a thrust with his spear towards the maimed monster left in his teacher¡¯s wake, a void empowered strike ending its thrashing where it lay a couple of meters away, Phiona moving on to help Vista clean up the few remaining foes. The battle took place in the shadow of one of the larger cliffs, part of the formation they had seen from afar earlier in the day. Even as the remaining two monsters were dispatched, Kite found enough of his mental capacity remaining to take in the alien corridors formed by the purple stones, the weird ambient light playing tricks with his mind. Part of his instincts told him to avoid the treacherous place with its ravines and weird geography, but there was still something calling to his senses there. Barely noticeable, but having grown just a little bit stronger as they had drawn closer. As the last of the skittering bloodsuckers fell, Vista slicing it into multiple neat pieces, the young master turned to the others. ¡°Surely we can allow more of them to find us? I have caught my stride rather well by now.¡± he said, Kite¡¯s magical perception picking up the steady, powerful glow of his boons having been allowed to properly build up. ¡°We have been at this for hours. The frequency of the packs have increased, and I would assume that is not by chance.¡± Phiona said, giving him a meaningful look. ¡°You may be the whirlwind, Vista, but no storm lasts forever.¡± ¡°Then I will be the first.¡± the young noble said, holding Phiona¡¯s gaze for a moment before relaxing his stance. ¡°At least one day, so I swear. But for now, I will have to admit that you are right. Let us return and see what Rachel and the carp has been able to accomplish in our absence.¡±
¡°As it turns out, my acid can indeed be used in digging. Am I not the epitome of utility?¡± Rachel called proudly from where she stood on the bottom of the small lake, the rather murky purple-tinged dark waters being held at bay from her in a cylinder, courtesy of the glimmering carp floating along with her. ¡°So there was something down there?¡± Kite asked, hope in his voice. ¡°It was indeed.¡± Came the triumphant reply. ¡°I don¡¯t know how far it goes, but there is definitely a tunnel continuing down.¡± ¡°Then we should move at once. Even if it proves to be a dead end, Glint can help us resurface should we need it.¡± Phiona said, wading out into the water before waiting for a reply from the others. ¡°Come here you lot. It¡¯s time to adapt your size to the task at hand.¡± Vista said to his familiar as he dismounted, receiving a slobbering lick from one of the three large tongues before Whimmy shrank down to their more modest form, quickly splashing out into the water after Phiona. Kite took another look around the surrounding ravines, the howling wind being the only thing greeting him, before he too joined the others. There, at the bottom and to the side of the lake, was a smooth tunnel leading down into the stone at an angle. ¡°You did an excellent job in sensing this, little beauty.¡± Kite praised the preening carp. They had almost passed the lake entirely when first arriving at the area, but Glint had been quite insistent that she had sensed something. That something had been a series of rather wide cracks leading into the ground, and after some initial scouting where Kite shared the carp¡¯s senses they had determined that there was probably some kind of natural tunnel below. ¡°It took the better part of two hours digging this out, so let us hope that it¡¯s worth it.¡± Rachel said. ¡°Who would like to do the honors?¡± she finished, gesturing towards the hole. All of them would have to crawl on all fours, but Kite had thought that it at least grew wider further inside. ¡°I suppose it will be the junior¡¯s duty, as such unpleasantness often is.¡± Kite eventually said with a sigh, getting down and crawling inside after producing a glow stone to light his way. A few meters of smooth tunnel soon gave way to more natural surroundings, the rough purple rock surrounding him on all sides. There were some forks and twists, most leading to obvious dead ends or passages too thin to pass through, but one in particular looked promising as it began an upwards slant. Continuing along it for another minute, Kite could turn back and once more emerge with a smile on his face. ¡°There is a cave, and what I believe to be more tunnels. It should even be above the water level inside, if I am not mistaken.¡± ¡°Then we should have our hideout, at least for now. Lead the way, student, and may we finally get a moment to rest.¡± Phiona said, smiling. Not long after, the murky waters of the small lake had stilled, leaving no trace of the adventurers¡¯ passing down beneath its depths.
Bloodstalker would have hummed in thought, had he been able to in his assumed form of creeping red tendrils. Seeing the adventurers so cleverly disappear beneath the lake had given him an appreciation for their resourcefulness. ¡°It¡¯s almost a shame that they will have to become mere blood sacrifices. Having people like them serving beneath me would guarantee the rise which I have been denied for so long.¡± he thought to himself. Bloodstalker knew that Promise would want to know of this as soon as possible. But if they really thought they had found tunnels down there, the cramped and dark environment being perfect for a creeping form to isolate and maybe even eliminate strong opponents one after the other¡­ Bloodstalker¡¯s form couldn¡¯t chuckle either, but it would not have been hard to imagine it as the web of vein-like tendrils started off towards the lake as well, entering the murky depths. There was an opportunity here, after all. 82. Madness too dangerous to handle ¡°How are you, little puddle?¡± Brook started, not having heard her mother approach as she had been lost in thoughts where she had sat on the edge of the veranda of her family¡¯s house. Accepting a cup of steaming tea, she moved over slightly to allow Willow to sit down next to her, a shawl draped over her shoulder to ward off the evening chill. ¡°He truly gave you a wonderful gift.¡± Willow continued as Brook sipped her tea in silence, nodding toward the small creature of swirling dust in the shape of a tortoise which was busy zooming around the veranda faster than any belonging to that species had any right to. ¡°The house has never been so clean, and they can even help out with other tasks too. Oh, the wonders of having a magical daughter.¡± she finished with a smile, but stopping at the look on Brook¡¯s face. ¡°Your heart still hasn''t found its bearings, love?¡± Brook looked up at her mother, then sighed. ¡°Unfortunately not. Although I am surprised that you would ask that, rather than trying the persuasive approach.¡± ¡°Well now, young lady,¡± Willow ¡®tssked¡¯, ¡°I¡¯ll have you know that being married to your father all these years has been a constant lesson in learning when to stop pushing. And you are very alike in some ways, although I could not stop myself from at least trying. Kite remains a fine young man.¡± ¡°He does¡­¡± Brook sighed. ¡°And that¡¯s the problem. He is wonderful, kind, caring and genuinely interested in what I like and my thoughts. My heart should have settled long ago. It¡¯s all there. And part of me definitely wants to.¡± ¡°Oh, that I can understand. That magic has made him quite a looker.¡± Willow agreed sagely. ¡°Mother!¡± ¡°What? I have eyes, daughter.¡± Brook was silent for a while, before grumbling: ¡°Well, you¡¯re not wrong¡­¡± ¡°I rarely am.¡± Willow agreed, only to gently ruffle her daughter¡¯s hair at the disbelieving snort which escaped Brook at her statement. ¡°But in all seriousness, daughter. Being with an adventurer will assure that you never go hungry. The money they earn from those contracts change lives. Just the stone alone that you got-¡± ¡°I know.¡± Brook snapped, then quickly reeled her emotions back again. ¡°I- I know, mother. Sorry.¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright, love. It is the role of a parent.¡± Willow said, laying a hand on her back. ¡°But that is also part of the problem. The contracts. What he does¡­¡± ¡°Saves lives? Helps people?¡± ¡°Yes. But he kills people as well. And even worse, risks being killed himself.¡± At this, Willow remained silent, only nodding along with Brook¡¯s words until she had finished. ¡°Ah. That is the part that is troubling you? The worry? The fear?¡± ¡°In part, at least.¡± ¡°Now that, young lady, is something your mother does know. Your father out in the woods along the others, monsters manifesting left and right. And now Leaf has joined as well. Those two might yet be the death of me, or at least the source of my gray hairs.¡± ¡°And the danger is only part of it. What I¡¯ve seen, mother¡­ It is Kite, yet it is not. As if the kindness and gentleness is retracted, leaving only resolve and momentum. It makes my heart flutter, and I know not if it is of want¡­ Or in fear.¡± To her credit, Willow continued to mostly listen, sipping her own tea as Brook told her again of her outing along Kite. But this time, she told all of it. Of the fear and violence. Of Kite¡¯s skill and dedication to keeping her safe. And of the blood, and the corpse left behind. In response, Willow¡¯s hand on her back reached out and draped itself around her shoulders instead, holding her daughter close as she told her tale. ¡°It sounds like his life is more than just distant from yours, love. It is almost as if-¡± ¡°-we live in distant worlds, only partially intersecting.¡± Brook finished. ¡°Then I think that your decision remains, love, but I think that you will also soon know the answer. You might already. Such a partner can bring love and excitement, wealth and opportunity. But also fear, violence and danger. Should you want to share such a life, you could be his haven; the place of calm in the madness of the world. Where he returns to, when the blood is washed away and the contract finished. But love, I would never want you to choose such a life if it would mean that you would constantly live in more fear than your heart can bear. Because in the end, your life is your own, no matter if you share it with another. Maybe you can think about what you would like to be for him, which role you would want to have in his life. A role where you can be at peace. And then see if your heart agrees?¡± Brook nodded along, remaining silent until a few minutes had passed after her mother had stopped talking. ¡°Thank you, mother. When did you suddenly become so wise?¡± she finished, a slight teasing smile directed at the older woman. ¡°Oh you little-¡± Willow grumbled. ¡°I¡¯ll have you know that I have always been quite wise, thank you. It was just your teenage mind that was unable to see it.¡± ¡°Then maybe I too have become wiser, at least enough to see it. Maybe even another step closer to taking up the sage¡¯s mantle.¡± Brook said, leaning into her mother. ¡°But thank you. I believe that things are clearing up a bit. Hopefully. I will have to talk with Kite when he gets back.¡± ¡°Any time, little puddle. Any time.¡± Willow said, squeezing her daughter a bit tighter.. ¡°How long will he be gone?¡± ¡°A few more days.¡± Brook said, looking out into the evening gloom. ¡°Hopefully, he¡¯s staying safe, and not up to any madness too dangerous to handle.¡±
¡°I must admit that this particular outing proceeded a bit differently than expected.¡± Kite noted where he sat leaning against a stalagmite thick enough to easily be mistaken for a part of the cavern wall. The group had pushed deeper along the tunnel beneath the lake, only to discover that it was only one corridor of a surprisingly extensive complex, with both cavernous spaces and other tunnels spreading out through what they assumed was the interior of the greater cluster of cliffs seen above, as well as beneath it. While the air was stale, it was manageable for the four bronze-rankers, and while there was a definite need for scouting out the caves, rest and recovery had been their first priority after their day of constant alertness and their fair share of fighting. ¡°I believe that we can all agree to that sentiment.¡± Phiona said where she was currently setting up the heating lamp. A warm glow spread from the device a little while later, and she took her place in the uneven circle who were seated in the surprisingly large cave they had found themselves in with several other tunnels leading away into the gloom below. Small trickles of water ran through parts of it, but they had found a slightly raised plateau which would easily house the group and their tents should they decide to camp there. ¡°But at least it became more of an adventure rather than just following Vista around all day. No offense.¡± Rachel added, looking toward the young master. ¡°This endeavor did indeed take quite the turn.¡± Vista agreed. ¡°To think that someone would make such an attack against us. And to what end?¡± he said, Kite and the two Gellers exchanging meaningful glances. ¡°You know something?¡± he asked as he picked up on it, the question laced with accusation. ¡°No. But we did have a suspicion, one that is further given credibility with today¡¯s developments.¡± Phiona answered. ¡°While we have no evidence at the moment, we believe that the incident with the Devourer Collective might not have been an accident.¡± ¡°The silver-ranked monster?¡± Vista asked, Whimmy whimpering softly at the mention. ¡°The path was not cleared and it was quite far from the nearest settlement. How would villagers or other locals have noticed it, especially with enough detail to lead us to believe that it was a different kind of fungal monster?¡± Phiona said. ¡°Mistakes in contract information-¡± ¡°-happens all the time, yeah.¡± Rachel completed, interrupting Vista. ¡°That¡¯s why we only reported our suspicions. You were still recovering from the ordeal after having used your berserking power, and we thought it best to not say anything and risk giving our suspicions away. In hindsight, it was stupid. Sorry, Vista.¡± The young master had fallen silent at her words, and remained so for a little while longer as well, gaze unfocused as he thought. ¡°The infiltrators in the family. The tensions. The ¡®accident¡¯ with the Devourer Collective. And now this? You think someone might be targeting me.¡± The last part was a statement, not a question. ¡°That would be my suspicion, yes.¡± Phiona nodded. ¡°And something as overt as this all but proves it. While anyone might happen upon bandits or other rogue elements, they were prepared. The attack at the beginning and their swift response afterwards all but prove it.¡± ¡°I have not known you long, Vista, but I have known of you. Few new arrivals won¡¯t hear of the Whirlwind Warrior, the hope of Bastion. I would imagine that your family has a lot of enemies and rivals.¡± Kite said, contributing to the conversation while idly throwing snacks to Glint. ¡°Yes, plenty. But this¡­ this flies in the face of convention. There are schemes and plots, feuds and squabbles.¡± Vista said. ¡°Had they succeeded just now, had I just disappeared¡­ Even if it couldn¡¯t be connected to a specific group or rival, my family would not rest. They would turn the city upside down to restore their honor and have retribution. It would be chaos.¡± ¡°There are many who don''t care much if the world around them falls into chaos, as long as they stand to benefit. Some even thrive the most under such circumstances.¡± Kite said dourly, thinking back to the war against the fallen sect. ¡°As for the reason, there are too many variables to consider, and none of them can be verified from here.¡± Phiona said, looking around the cavern. ¡°But in sending these people after us, they did provide us with one excellent opportunity to find out.¡± ¡°The people!¡± Kite exclaimed, catching on. ¡°Indeed, student. While they pose a great risk, capturing one or two of them might bring us the answers we seek. At least if we can survive, escape and bring them to the adventure society.¡± Phiona said. ¡°And fortunately for us, we got one of the best guys in the region for taking down other essence users while keeping them alive.¡± Rachel cheered, winking at Kite. ¡°While I am always happy to hear of your confidence in my abilities, I believe that we are still a far cry from just grabbing one or two of them and escaping.¡± Kite noted. ¡°After all, there is the small detail of us being outnumbered and hunted.¡± ¡°As for that, student of mine, the answer is all around us.¡± Phiona said, smiling. ¡°If these caves are as extensive as they appear to be and, more importantly, unknown to our enemies, it gives us quite the opportunity. We can strike at them before vanishing, hidden by the strange nature of this astral space.¡± ¡°Nona, do you mean-¡± ¡°-that yes, we can fight them. If we are precise and careful. If Kite can continue to disable the alarms, and with a healer like you present, we could even start hunting them. A prospect that I believe our young master here can get behind.¡± ¡°Now that-¡± Vista said, leaning forward accompanied by a disgruntled ¡®whoof¡¯ as the act meant he stopped scratching Whimmy¡¯s side. ¡°- is indeed something I can get behind. Oh stop it you.¡± The last comment was directed at the familiar where two heads were looking pleadingly at their master while the third seemed distracted, busily sniffing the air. ¡°After resting, we¡¯ll start mapping out the tunnels and caves here. Then we can-¡± Phiona began, falling into a discussion of plans and contingencies, Vista eagerly nodding along. Kite couldn¡¯t help smiling at Rachel¡¯s knowing wink sent his way, as he settled in to listen. The risk was great and the number of opponents even more so. But they had a chance. And even though Fortune¡¯s gaze could not reach him in this place, Kite was still willing to take that chance.
Resting and keeping guard down in the cave for a few hours had been a tense affair, as the enclosed space both gave the solid feeling of shelter and the gnawing uncertainty of the unknown. Kite had awoken to see Vista standing nearby, hand against the wall coming away slightly shimmering as he retracted it when Kite had walked over to join the young noble. While they had glow stones, extinguishing them had revealed there to be an ever so faint purple light emanated from the walls. For a normal ranker, it would probably have been so weak as to basically be darkness, but Kite¡¯s bronze-rank perception had allowed him to distinguish silhouettes and motion to some degree. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°It¡¯s hard to believe that this was down here. I was always told that the astral space was just the barren, odd land up above. I didn¡¯t even question it. Or check.¡± Vista said, looking at Kite who had also reached out his hand to see the glittering residue cling to it. ¡°In a way, it is quite fortunate that you did not. Then, this place wasn¡¯t known to the public, and neither to our foes. Hopefully.¡± Kite answered. ¡°How far do you think they go?¡± Vista asked, looking towards one of the tunnels. ¡°As soon as the Gellers are ready, we should find out. Splitting up should let us at least get a feeling for the layout rather quickly.¡± Kite said, observing Phiona and Rachel make their final preparation through his expanded vision while Whimmy¡¯s three heads stoically kept watch. The cousins walked up to join them as well just a few minutes later. ¡°So, are you ready to explore some caves? Feels like proper adventurer work.¡± Rachel said cheerfully. ¡°While I would prefer wading through hordes of enemies, I have to admit a certain feeling of excitement.¡± Vista said. ¡°And since Whimmy will be kind enough to keep watch at the camp, we should be able to spread out. I am most eager to get on to the hunting part of the plan.¡± ¡°Then you should give extra care to map things out.¡± Phiona said pointedly. ¡°You remember the plan and method? Take extra care to report any cracks or other openings connecting to the outside, and mark your path, should the rest of us need to come find you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s good that you came prepared, Nona.¡± Rachel said, playing with the piece of fluorescent chalk. ¡°You truly are a credit to our family name.¡± ¡°Teacher, before we go. I¡­ I think I feel something. From below.¡± Kite said. ¡°I was not sure at first, but coming closer¡­ It is definitely something with which Sage could interact, but something is off. It is as if the source of gathered ambient mana is so vast that my own contributions feel like a drop in the river.¡± ¡°From where?¡± Phiona asked. ¡°Somewhere beneath us. That way.¡± Kite said, pointing. ¡°Understood. If anyone finds anything odd, mark it. But move on. We can investigate more thoroughly later. Any questions?¡± Phiona asked, each present giving a shake of their head in a way of reply. ¡°Then you know what to do. Let¡¯s go.¡±
Bloodstalker was quite happy with today¡¯s development. Even though the initial wait had been rather tedious, his form clinging to the roof beyond the cave in which the adventurers had decided to make their camp. ¡°If only that three-headed mutt and its heaven-cursed noses hadn¡¯t kept me from getting close.¡± he grumbled inwardly, but at least he had heard enough. It would be a pleasure to hunt them down as they were foolish enough to split up, thinking themselves safe. ¡°And I will begin with that delicious little healer.¡± Bloodstalker idly remembers his time at iron rank, where having his aura retracted and staying still for hours had been a pain and a chore. Now, having chosen his new name, he had transcended such base frustrations. He and his path were the same, the Bloodstalker. He was the unseen hunter, and when he struck, no one but his prey would know that he was even there. Creeping around the outside of the purple cave and staying as far as possible from the watchful familiar, Bloodstalker¡¯s pride in his powers of stealth only grew. No scents or sounds escaped him, as the slithering mass of tendrils moved along the cavern roof, hidden by the darkness. Where an initiate may have rushed, he took his time even as he saw the red-haired young woman move off into one of the tunnels. There would be ample time to catch up, and when she had been dealt with, it would only be a matter of time before he could take down the rest. And should they just huddle up in fear next to one another, Bloodstalker could just go back and report it in. The thought of being the one to bring about triumph in this endeavor was quite pleasing. Finally reaching the tunnel where the healer had gone off, he was just about to slither in along the roof when one of the familiar¡¯s canine heads started sniffing the air again. Bloodstalker froze, keeping perfectly still and focusing on the retraction of his aura. A moment later, another head looked his way as well for a few long seconds. The hidden scout was just about to bolt for it when the second head nipped the ears of the first one in annoyance, a slight squabble breaking out among them. While his form did not need to breathe, Bloodstalker still felt like exhaling as he took the opportunity to slither inside. Even below ground, the astral space was messing with his senses, but he still caught glimpses of his prey¡¯s passing through his life sense. And a few minutes of careful creeping later, the red-haired woman finally came into view. She had stopped in a corridor in the natural cave, looking interestedly at a patch of more intensely glowing pigments on the wall while scribbling down a rough map on a piece or parchment. ¡°They are wise to at least provide their healer with some armor.¡± Bloodstalker thought. ¡°But it will not be enough to save her. A shame that I couldn¡¯t witness her path properly on the outside, but it cannot be helped. It is time to properly introduce myself.¡± Creeping closer to the woman along the ceiling like a crimson web of veins growing along the stone surface, Bloodstalker cast a spell. ¡°Actions unheard, deeds unseen.¡± Dark red smoke, suffocating both sound, light and aura, sprung into being at both ends of the corridor, billowing into existence on either side of the woman who stiffened and started looking around with wide eyes. ¡°W-what! Who¡¯s there! Show yourself!¡± she called while holding her glow stone higher, the very image of the frightened healer caught alone. ¡°Oh, little weakling. I am afraid that you have strayed too far this time. Your healing means nothing when your life¡¯s blood is flowing from your veins, as if wanting to escape. A path such as yours makes for such a delectable target.¡± Bloodstalker almost purred, his voice whispering from all around the tunnel. ¡°No. No!¡± the woman said, looking around as if to flee, but her hunter came prepared. ¡°Thorns of the crimson roses.¡± Vicious thickets of scraggly, thorn-covered branches burst from the ground in front of the concealing clouds, the red-tipped thorns almost glowing in the darkness against the black plants. ¡°Escape is not an option, pretty one. But do not fear; I promise that I will savor every bite of your flesh. It looks most supple and delectable.¡± ¡°Wha- you- you¡¯re going to eat me?¡± she whimpered. ¡°The Red Table.¡± The last words came out as a whisper of realization. As she stared off into space, Bloodstalker had let part of his tendrils start snaking down behind her, readying themselves to strike and burrow into her flesh. ¡°Indeed, little healer. Your company brought the ire of our allies, and now you suffer for it. But fear not, I will- agh!¡± His reaching veins had just been about to reach the pale flesh of her delicate neck when she suddenly whirled around, her hands transforming into the heads of snakes with vibrant, glowing scales as they both clamped down around Bloodstalkers form. He immediately started draining her life through the contact, but she seemed to care little as she spoke, all semblance of the fear from before gone and replaced by an almost eager curiosity. ¡°You know, cannibals are almost as low as one can get on the scale of nasty things to become.¡± she said, the green glow emanating from her eyes clearly visible in the purple and red gloom. ¡°But there is one thing I have been wondering about your kind, flesh-gorger.¡± Bloodstalker did not respond, frantically whipping his tendrils around to find purchase and escape. He had misjudged her, but this did not need to be the end. If he could just- ¡°Does your flesh melt like everyone else''s?¡± As she spoke, five green serpentine heads grew from her back. Then they opened as one.
Kite had just been exiting what he thought was his nineteenth dead end, and was just adding the last one to his simple map when he heard a call echo through the cave. ¡°To the exit! He¡¯s getting away!¡± The voice was clearly Rachel¡¯s, frustration clear in her tone. Shoving thoughts such as ¡®what¡¯ and ¡®who¡¯ aside, Kite turned and ran back toward the cave where they had made their camp as it was, so far, the only one they knew of which led to an exit. Even though Kite had probably made the least progress in his mapping due to the many dead ends and was there in but a dozen seconds, Phiona was still faster. He emerged to see her spring off Whimmy¡¯s back and swipe her staff through what looked like a roiling mass of thin, red tendrils which were flailing wildly as it crept along the roof of the cave at great speed. Great swathes of it was still covered in remnants of Rachel¡¯s green acid, and as Phiona hit it with her staff the being, whatever it was, seemed to just release part of the crimson mass which sloughed off as the rest continued it¡¯s mad, wiggling dash towards the exit tunnel. It did not take a leap of imagination to link it to the general theme of monsters and the attack which had threatened them at the entry tunnel, and Kite redoubled his efforts to close the distance as it disappeared into the only way out towards freedom. His fan unfolding with a snap, Kite sent a huge amount of mana into it as he felt the stale air pick up around him. A split second later, his body felt light and strong, carried by in pursuit by the vortex of magical wind which was the war fan¡¯s most potent enchantment. Leaping past Phiona and Whimmy, Kite sprinted down the tunnel as his great speed and gliding allowed him to almost ignore turns and other breaks in the tunnel by small leaps or even running along the curving walls. He quickly reached the escaping mass of tendrils, some kind of blob of roiling blood launched his way as soon as he appeared, only to scatter before a swing of his staff. The next moment, he reached it and in but another one he had overtaken it. ¡°There!¡± he thought, seeing that there were no other offshoots of the tunnel where they currently were, the chase having taken them almost to where the tunnel started curving downwards and into the water. But it would not go on any further. ¡°Wall!¡± Walls of force blocked the exit, sealing tight against the walls, ceiling and floor of the stone tunnel, the same holding true for the other wall appearing from where they had come. Up close, Kite could finally get a proper read of the bronze-rank aura of an essence user, wildly fluctuating although it was unclear if it was due to fear or pain. ¡°I do not believe it to be polite to leave without a proper introduction.¡± Kite said, curved blade appearing in his hand as his twin mana-draining vortices were greedily drinking in the foe¡¯s magical reserves. His only response was the tendrils launching themselves at him as a hail of crimson spikes shot from its mass. Unfortunately for it, Kite had already swung his blade through the air in front of him, a barrier appearing to absorb the launched thorns as the projected slash tore through its form along with the spatial tears emanating from the ripple in reality carrying Kite¡¯s intent. From the extensive corrosive damage, Kite could only assume that Rachel had given the person quite the rough treatment, and the rending damage of the enchanted sword added to the carnage in a spectacular way as the detonating force sent pieces of the wiggling mass splattering over the walls and over Kite¡¯s barriers. ¡°Your blood is not yours to keep, but mine on which to feast!¡± The spell chant came from all of the mass at once, sounding a bit ragged as Kite felt his life force being drained as red light was forcibly drawn from his body. While these kinds of effects usually ended up providing the caster with said life force, most of the red energy was swallowed by the remnant flickers of void left behind by Kite¡¯s special attack. Kite did not wait around for it to cast more spells, his staff appearing in his hands to swing at the person, this time with his dispelling attack. More of the fleshy mass was crushed as a restorative boon winked out along with an effect which would assist in stealth. He was just about to ready his third swing when something seemed to snap in the magical structure of the thing, the transformative effect coming to a close. The corpse of an elf clad in finely tailored clothes thudded into the cave floor with a thick, wet splosh, bottom half of his body missing. Looking down at the intruder and what he assumed to be part of the ambushing force, Kite sighed. ¡°Drowning someone in acid makes it rather hard for me to actually take someone alive, Rachel.¡± he murmured, letting his barriers disperse and Phiona to enter. She had appeared in the tunnel a few seconds ago and witnessed the struggle, or rather the last desperate attempts, of the intruder¡¯s attempt to escape. His teacher gave him a grim nod as she prodded the corpse with her staff. ¡°Well done. Can you set up a few alarm formations here? They might at least give us a chance at a warning, should this one be but a forerunner. And while they can¡¯t hear us, say a few prayers to the gods as well that more of them are not on the way.¡± ¡°Of course, teacher. I don¡¯t have any more than the basic ones from camp, but we better prepare what we can.¡± Kite agreed, letting Phiona drag the body off as he went to work.
Bearer of Sanguine Promise had to admit that it was a monumental task to keep a level head when the only news he would receive was nothing. None of the patrols returning had found more than traces of their quarry¡¯s passing in that they witnessed some plumes of rainbow smoke. This had initially led them to the central thicket of rock formations, but so far none of the sweeps had provided anything else than heaven-cursed dust. ¡°Do not fret, master, your might and genius will see us through.¡± Crimson tried to assure him, the iron-ranked apprentice sensing his foul mood. ¡°Student. What did I tell you about such words? They only bring misfortune to us!¡± The last part was half shouted, the younger woman flinching back slightly. Feeling a bit frustrated, Promise once more looked toward the sealed aperture. ¡°If only we had brought more resources for summoning.¡± he muttered, once more considering sending a runner to the city for provisions. But as with the summons, they would not have the materials needed to close it again once opened. He would have to trust that the goodly amount of summoned monsters already roaming the astral space would be enough, together with their forces. And Bloodstalker was out there too. Had been for rather long now. They should have enough. They should. When thinking, his eyes once more fell upon Crimson, who remained close even after his outburst. ¡°It¡¯s a shame that she¡¯s just an iron-ranker.¡± he thought. ¡°Had she been bronze, she could have at least been out there with the rest. Now, she¡¯s barely enough to be called an assistant, and would probably be of more use as a-¡± Promise¡¯s mind and body froze at the thought, remaining still for a little while before turning to his student with a pleasant smile. ¡°Tell me, student. Are you devoted enough to the Red Table to want to truly make a difference?¡±
¡°This way, I think.¡± Kite said to Phiona as they walked through the dark tunnels lit by their held glow stones. He was pointing to another tunnel, winding downward. There was evidence of water once having flowed here, but it seems to have been quite a long time ago as only flowing lines of erosion were left as a testament to what once had been. ¡°And it is your familiar, Sage, which can sense it?¡± she asked. ¡°Then it is a manifestation?¡± ¡°Yes. But it still feels¡­ off. Different.¡± ¡°Then we will have to at least seek out the location.¡± Phiona said, nodding. After the incident with the now dead intruder, the group had spent the better part of a day vigilant and watching. As the hours had crept by and no more scouts or other signs that the enemy force had found their location, they had decided to continue their search. But this time in pairs. At the bottom of the downward tunnel, Kite had to use his staff and shredding spatial tears to widen a passage enough for them to slip through. The tight confines and alien environment made the experience even more unsettling, but Kite steeled his resolve as the feeling he got from Sage was growing steadily as the two adventurers shuffled sideways through the narrow confines. Finally, they found a reprieve from the claustrophobic experience. The crack they had been passing through widened suddenly, their glow stones barely able to reach the far end of the large, irregular cave that opened up. A small stream of water was gently running down one wall, pooling in a small pond before trickling off further down into the darkness. In most ways, it was like any other part of the cave, save for two things: First, the ambient magic was notably more rich in this chamber. Kite and Phiona had noticed the gradual increase during the final stretch in their descent, but entering the cave had been like stepping into another world, the air feeling somehow stale and rich with potential at the same time. And the second part, maybe even related to the first, was what stood close to the center of the cave. ¡°What- what is that?¡± Kite said, words echoing out into the empty space. 83. And with its passing came trouble Kite took a deep breath as he looked up at the central rock formation in the cavern deep beneath the sands of the astral space, the mana-laden air feeling weird and potent. A pillar of the purple rock dominated the cavern, seeming as if a stalagmite and stalactite had reached towards one another, bridging the gap only to find something in between them. Roughly three meters above the ground, there was something lodged between the stone protrusions. Shaped almost like a teardrop, it rested at an angle with the largest parts being roughly two meters across and kept firmly in place by the surrounding stone pillar. The dark object looked almost as if it was sculpted from obsidian with its glossy surface. But contrary to the volcanic glass, the curves were smooth and lacked any jagged edge. It emitted no aura, but as Kite and Phiona walked closer they could faintly feel as if the ambient magic was swirling around it. Into it. ¡°What is this?¡± Kite repeated, more to voice his confusion than actually getting an answer. But he did know one thing; this was the object which Sage had picked up on. To his magical senses, it felt like something incomplete, but still on the brink of becoming more. But contrary to the scale of the ordinary manifestations he had triggered, this was a different prospect entirely. ¡°I¡­ do not know.¡± Phiona said, voice conveying a bit of the awe Kite felt. ¡°But it feels substantial. Look!¡± she said, pointing at the closest part where gleaming black met purple stone. Leaning in, Kite could see what she was indicating; there were small cracks and fissures in the stone around it, seeming to emerge from the object. From their depths, the ambient purple light shone just a little brighter. ¡°Roots.¡± Kite said under his breath. ¡°It looks almost like it¡¯s sprouting.¡± ¡°If that is the case, it seems to have quite the way to go.¡± Phiona said, nodding. ¡°You mean to say that this is a seed?¡± ¡°Oh I would not claim to know anything of the sort. But it just looked so similar. While growing up, auntie Dove often showed me how seeds grew and matured. I always loved to see her spells from the plant essence and how the little kernels started sprouting the smallest of roots and the twin leaves which were often the first to appear. This just reminded me of that.¡± Kite said, reminiscing. ¡°I can see the resemblance.¡± Phiona said, looking over the thing once more. ¡°And you said that Sage sensed it as well? Can you trigger something?¡± ¡°Yes and¡­ I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t think so, at least not yet. It feels like watching something close to completion, but ¡®close¡¯ is only used relatively in this case.¡± ¡°Then try it. It is often worth trusting the instincts of our powers. Speaking of aunts, mine often said that the soul knows more than our minds can comprehend, but that our instincts are what manages to break through.¡± Kite looked up at the object again, dipping into a more meditative mindset to better feel the sensations Sage was giving him from where it was subsumed. ¡°I believe that you are right. Then may the heaven¡¯s witness me.¡± Giving the mental push usually needed, Kite felt Sage¡¯s power connect. This was usually enough, but nothing happened. Eventually, Kite started to feel a tug on his own mana as well. Assenting, his own spiritual reserves started flowing towards the thing as well. It was a steady flow, gentle and constant, and Kite chose to press on even though there was no response from the object. He kept it up, but eventually let the connection go when he neared the end of his mana reserves. ¡°There is indeed something here. Something vast. I¡¯ve never needed to supplement much to Sage before, but now I emptied almost all of my mana into it, and it felt like trying to fill a well with a thimble.¡± ¡°Quite interesting, but unfortunately that means it won¡¯t be of much use to us at the moment and our current predicament.¡± Phiona said. ¡°But it does remind one that there are constant wonders to be found in our world. Come, I believe it¡¯s time we returned. You should maybe try returning when you¡¯re gold rank. It might have matured enough at some point in the future.¡± Kite nodded, but couldn¡¯t help lingering slightly to gaze at the seed, now feeling with some certainty that it was indeed what the object was. And during those fleeting seconds, an idea was born.
¡°-so if we can create just one other hidden opening here, we should be able to really be a pain in their proverbial behinds and still have a line of retreat should they manage to locate us.¡± Rachel finished, pointing at a spot on the rough map they had managed to piece together through their efforts over the past hours. ¡°Then we should be able to begin, no?¡± Vista asked. ¡°Make some forays, disable some of the alarm traps and make ourselves some hunting grounds?¡± ¡°We should.¡± Phiona said, nodding. Kite thought that even the normally controlled Geller was looking a bit eager at the prospect of getting out of the caves. ¡°But I have one more point of concern.¡± she continued. ¡°And that is if, or rather when, our foes might consider retreat. Assuming we succeed, that is. I for one would not relish the thought of being sealed inside this space until someone comes looking for us, should our enemies be able to close the aperture behind them.¡± ¡°Or return with reinforcements.¡± Kite said, nodding along. ¡°Do you mean for us to strike at them directly then, Nona?¡± Rachel asked, but Phiona shook her head. ¡°No, but we will need to scout a bit to get an idea of the forces arrayed against us. Kite, Vista, you will probably be of great help in this regard with your bonded familiars. Should they begin to lose their nerve after we have begun our counter-offensive, we will be sure to be there and capitalize on it.¡± The steel in Phiona¡¯s eyes and the faint smile on her lips had Kite shudder slightly, the expression somehow a lot more menacing than Rachel¡¯s and Vista¡¯s eager focus. ¡°Then we should plan thoroughly and fight fluidly.¡± Kite said, looking at the map before locking gazes with each of them. ¡° Vista, your skill with the blade is beyond anything I have witnessed, and your momentum seems boundless. Rachel, you deal death and life in equal measure in a way that makes the heavens tremble. And teacher, your calm, knowledge and precision has seen us through before, and I have no doubts that it will again. As the junior to all of you, I want to say thank you. It will be an honor to fight alongside all of you.¡± A silence followed his words, the other three seemingly not knowing exactly how to respond. But eventually, Vista spoke. ¡°None of us expected things to play out like this. And I believe that now is indeed the time to let our paths run alongside one another for a time. To survival, and through the storm of enemies that will break upon our prowess and fall before our skill. The honor is mine.¡± Phiona smiled and shook her head. ¡°Coming here was supposed to get me away from the past and find my own way forward. And now that I happen to find myself stuck in an astral space with what we assume to be blood cultists and monsters out for our flesh and blood, I must say that my expectations fell short of reality. In this, I echo the sentiment; the honor is mine.¡± ¡°Kite¡­ Didn¡¯t you forget something?¡± Rachel said, looking at him expectantly while Phiona only rolled her eyes. Looking at her for a short moment, it dawned on him. ¡°Rachel, you are also the fairest of ladies with the elegance and grace of the dancing mists of dawn.¡± Kite said with all the theatrical sincerity he could muster. ¡°Yes! That¡¯s more like it! Now let¡¯s go melt some cultists!¡± Rachel cheered. And as such, they went to work.
Big Wood was walking alongside one of his fellow cultists, doing his best to keep his attention on his surroundings through the hours of wandering the alien landscape and herding the trio of Ravager Apes assigned to them as reinforcements. ¡°They said that bronze rank would be such a leap in power, but I¡¯m just not feeling it.¡± he thought sourly, looking at their surroundings. Still, Wood did his best to stay vigilant, promising himself not to be next in line to suffer Crimson¡¯s fate. Not that he wouldn¡¯t have minded being the one holding the dagger, as she had been a cursed nuisance and sycophant, lording over her betters just because she was the disciple of Bearer of Sanguine Promise. But being the fuel for such a ritual¡­ Some thoughts still made Wood shudder. ¡°But I was still stuck with the weird guy. At this rate, it will be forever before I can prove myself enough to get named.¡± he thought to himself, looking at the other bronze-ranker walking beside him, seeming as if in deep meditation with a slight smile on his face. Wood¡¯s thoughts were interrupted as something changed on the horizon. A glowing red pillar suddenly burst upwards, a beacon showing that there was prey to be found. Unfortunately, Wood immediately noticed that the signal was originating quite far away. By the time they got there, it would all be over, probably not even scraps left to taste. Sighing, he turned to his companion. ¡°I guess we should still get over there, or else it might mean trouble for us.¡± ¡°And leave little me all alone? I thought you locals were supposed to be gentlemen.¡± a voice suddenly called from behind them. Wood turned and saw a red-haired woman had leapt up on one of the rocky outcroppings. From her armor and aura, there was little doubt as to her identity. ¡°Kill her!¡± he shouted, the rest of their little pack already having turned at her words and sensing her projected aura even over the disturbance. ¡°Projected?¡± Wood¡¯s mind managed to push the words to the forefront of his mind even as his nails grew into long and thin sanguine claws. ¡°But that means that she wants us to notice. And the beacon far away¡­ It¡¯s a trap!¡± The final thought escaped his lips in a cry, but it was already too late. Four other silhouettes had already appeared from behind boulders; a swiftly moving blonde woman with a staff, a beautiful young man wielding a pair of whirling blades and another young man running at them unarmed and wearing a cloak which looked weirdly alive. And finally, a three-headed canine creature which swiftly grew in size to charge Wood¡¯s group. ¡°Heavens curse my luck!¡± Wood snarled, readying himself for blood to be spilled. And he would fight his damnedest to make sure that as little of it as possible was his.
Kite was the last to enter the fray, allowing Phiona and Vista to take the lead as he made a more measured advance. He knew his role and would do his best to perform it, already conjuring a barrier to ward off one of three clawed arms which bore down on Vista. Phiona was giving one of the flayed, red simian monsters a fierce strike over its face when something surprising happened. Kite had assumed the two essence users, a pair of bronze rankers, to let their summoned beasts take the brunt of the initial fighting. One of them had indeed done so, red claws drawing sigils in the air to conjure streams of sizzling blood as the man exchanged projectiles with Rachel. But the other man did not live up to Kite¡¯s expectations. He had worn a pleasant smile throughout the start of the exchange, and still did even as he suddenly dashed to tackle the monster Phiona was fighting out of the way, taking its place in front of the blonde Geller. ¡°Ah, another master! The heavens truly blessed me! I, Gravedigger of the last Song, will be your opponent this day! Rest easy in that your flesh will become nourishment for-¡± Phiona did not leave him time to continue any monologuing, a swift thrust of her staff forcing the man backwards as his own weapon appeared in his hand. At that moment, Kite was glad for his expanded vision, as he might otherwise have been left staring in disbelief, unable to take his eyes off the man¡¯s weapon of choice. What collided with Phiona¡¯s staff just a moment later was a shovel. A conjured shovel, gleaming silver head and a long handle of black wood. It did his teacher credit that she did not pause at this development, instead deftly dodging a counterattack. Through his magical perception, Kite could see what looked like a potent stunning special attack wreathing the shovelhead, proving true as the trajectory had it blast through part of a nearby purple rock. ¡°Such a blow might even threaten to knock one such as us unconscious.¡± Kite thought before the battle forced the sliver of his attention away from the duel which was now ensuing. Adjusting according to their plans, Kite left his teacher to handle the essence user and instead moved in to engage one of the monsters. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Up close, remaining in his bubble of calm attention became a lot harder, but Kite continuously strained his mental capacities to remain in that head space as he exchanged blows with the gore-dripping beast. But unlike last time he had faced this kind of monster, expediency was not the utmost priority. Instead Kite continuously and resolutely started a steady attrition, deflecting and blocking blows as his powers worked on dispelling the exploding clots of blood which had started to grow over the monster¡¯s fleshy body. And step by step, he managed his goal; herding it closer to where Vista and Whimmy were engaging a pair of similar monsters. As he deemed their positioning to be correct, Kite called; ¡°Vista, cage!¡± ¡°Splendid!¡± Came the return call, the noble showing a steady glow of power to Kite¡¯s magical perception. A glow which would hopefully soon become a bonfire. ¡°Wall!¡± Kite¡¯s spell was released, conjuring a series of force walls around the monsters, like a wide box with one site open toward Vista and his familiar. The Cerberus and Vista both responded immediately, both of them unleashing breaths of dark flames onto the now boxed in monsters. Apparently, Vista had become able to use Whimmy¡¯s breath attack as well when their familiar bond ability advanced into bronze rank, and using them in tandem like this became very effective when the flames had nowhere to go but to envelop their foes. The screeching monsters were flailing and staggering under the pain of the searing flames, giving Kite enough time to round the force cage and join his companion and the familiar. ¡°I¡¯m ready! You may go whenever.¡± Kite said as Vista finished his fiery breath attack. ¡°Excellent! Ascension of the rising sun! Witness me!¡± the other young man called excitedly, charging into the box through the remnants of fading fire. ¡°That name is still stupid!¡± Rachel called from nearby, currently engaged in some kind of brawl with the other essence users, regenerating through his awkward claw swipes as her arms had turned into serpents wrapping around her foe¡¯s body while the hydra heads on her back where gleefully spewing acidic smoke over the restrained man. ¡°You outlanders just don¡¯t have the refined taste required to appreciate proper naming!¡± Kite called back, a little defensively. He had been quite happy with the name that he and Vista had come up with for the maneuver. But he had to drop the matter, as Vista¡¯s twin swords had already begun their deadly dance. In such tight quarters, every strike unleashed the shredding whirlwinds to much greater effect, but the scion lacked much room for maneuvering. Taking on three opponents in those confines would probably threaten even someone of his skill. But this time, Vista had Kite on his side. ¡°Ward!¡± A barrier appeared to defect a claw aimed at Vista¡¯s back while a projected staff-strike forced another monster to flinch backwards. Kite could see Vista holding back his own responses, still working with trusting that Kite would have his back, but as the seconds flew by, the tendencies gradually lessened and Vista¡¯s ramping boons were growing at a rapid pace. Early on, the strain of working both barriers and intercepting attacks were threatening to overwhelm Kite¡¯s beleaguered mind. But as Vista grew faster and more powerful, and he got more used to the pace and rhythm of the impromptu cage fight, Kite once more started treading on something close to the path he had felt back when the silver-ranked monster had ambushed the group. With the other two essence users being handled by the Gellers, Kite could continue to lean into the experience, the dichotomy of a calm mind rapidly executing spells and attacks starting to feel more and more familiar. ¡°The sun has risen!¡± Vista eventually called, and Kite saw that he was indeed now aglow with the power of his ramping attributes. ¡°Then go and brighten the world in your splendor!¡± Kite called in return, feeling Rachel¡¯s aura cringe at their antics. After a final flurry of blade strikes, Vista kicked off one of the monsters, nimbly weaving through the now rather slow attacks of the severely wounded beasts. Landing outside, he shot off towards the shovel-wielding essence user still engaging Phiona with, Kite had to admit, surprising skill. This left Kite with three quite injured monsters surrounded by his force walls, and he did not hesitate as he leapt forward to swing his staff, its chiming head impacting the outside of the force walls. The sound of a deep gong rang out, before the box of force exploded inwards, waves of resonating force converging on the three bloodied beasts before they could attempt to charge out from the confines. Flesh ruptured and bones cracked under the reverberations, one of the monsters falling dead while the others still clung to life. They both detonated what clotted blood they had left, the shrapnel forcing Kite to duck behind his personal barrier even as he simultaneously retrieved his blade from his void sheath. ¡°Dragonfly always loved this one.¡± he thought to himself as he drew the sword to slice, using his accumulated power to further empower the spatial tear which trailed the curved edge of the sword. Part of the way through the swing, the dark tears in space lengthened to surround the blade and extend outwards, Kite¡¯s slash now extending several meters in front of him as he sliced through both of the remaining monsters. A moment later, the enchantments of the sword took effect, the bodies of the bloodied simians rupturing in places from the rending damage as they both fell dead. ¡°It might have been a bit overkill.¡± Kite thought to himself at the carnage. ¡°But one has to remember to utilize all powers at one¡¯s disposal.¡± His thoughts went to Brook, who would probably be horrified at the gore-splattered battlefield. ¡°I should probably refrain from repeating that particular show of adventuring life in her presence if possible.¡± His calm inner monologue was made possible by the fact that the fight was over. The two cultists had been pressed enough already, and the addition of a powered-up blademaster had quickly turned the tables. Or rather sliced the tables into pieces. ¡°Nona, what was up with that guy? A shovel? Really?¡± Rachel said incredulously as she looked down at the fallen man. Phiona shrugged. ¡°I must admit that I have never faced someone wielding that particular implement before, but a conjured magical one proved quite potent. And he probably had the master confluence as well, so who was I to underestimate him? Besides, he was rather skilled.¡± ¡°It was probably best that I didn¡¯t face him. I¡¯d probably have been brained while rolling on the ground with laughter.¡± Rachel said with a shake of her head before levering a stare at Kite and Vista. ¡°And you guys! Naming your techniques was so cringeworthy that I almost lost concentration entirely.¡± ¡°We stand by our cultural heritage.¡± Kite said, haughtily raising his chin a bit. ¡°Indeed.¡± Vista added without missing a beat. ¡°Still, the tactic seemed to work rather well, albeit a bit overkill when only two enemies remained. But I would consider it a proof of concept in the right scenario.¡± Phiona said. ¡°But we should hide the bodies and get going. This is but the first strike today, remember?¡± As they were moving off from the site of the battle, Kite stopped every now and then and closed his eyes, seeing the purple landscape blur by through another set of eyes. He felt Glint¡¯s excitement, and no pain or distress. ¡°Good job with the distraction, shiny one.¡± he thought, sending the sense of praise through their familiar bond. ¡°Think you can do it again?¡±
¡°-and you will need to concentrate the patrols even further. We cannot sustain this pace if the losses keep mounting up, and you remain unable to locate them in what is essentially a flat landscape.¡± Bearer of Sanguine Promise told his reporting subordinate, the woman barely containing her aura as she had clearly had enough of both him and this astral space. The small part of him that remained calm and reasonable agreed with her; three days of false alarms and patrols going missing without ever managing to corner their prey had been constantly grating on his and all of their nerves, especially as the task became ever harder as their numbers dwindled. Even when they had started laying traps and not reacting to the triggered alarms, the blasted adventurers had changed up their tactics and instead ambushed the token force that actually investigated the triggered formations. There were so many plans Promise wanted to enact, systematic rationality denied him by their lack of resources. ¡°At least what remained of Crimson perked me up. The taste was better than expected from an iron-ranker¡±, he thought, dismissing the frustrated woman for her to start enacting the new patrol schedule. The thoughts of his former disciple had him look to the ritual circle and the opaque barrier covering it. ¡°Maybe I was too hasty?¡± Promise thought to himself. ¡°I might not even need to employ it. Explaining it to her uncle might be-¡± His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden eruption of a red beacon from the trap formations. Startlingly close by too, just beyond the nearest big dune. ¡°Are they mocking me?¡± Promise thought angrily. ¡°As if we woul-¡± The second interruptions came when he saw a discharged spell from one of his own people arc up into the air, the icicles detonating like deadly fireworks in the air. ¡°They are here? Truly?¡± Promise asked aloud, although not to anyone in particular. One of the two guards he had left in the camp came running up to him. ¡°Master, we need to go and assist-¡± he began, but Promise cut him off with a curt gesture. ¡°We need to retreat. Gather the necessities and prepare.¡± ¡°But master, they look to be right there! We need-¡± ¡°Who of us stands closest to the Red Table?¡± Promise snapped, his gaze boring into the other bronze-ranker. ¡°You, master.¡± the man half-growled, his anger clear but his hands remaining still. ¡°Then do as I say. Gather the supplies. And prepare our retreat.¡± Promise¡¯s voice was once more level, but carried a chill. ¡°Or you will be the next one to become fuel for our cause.¡± With that, Promise himself turned and stormed towards his tent which stood close to the ritual circle and its opaque dome. ¡°They know something.¡± He thought to himself, mind racing. ¡°They have a plan. Otherwise, they would not be so reckless. I need to cut my losses and go. We-¡± Something at the edge of Promise¡¯s perception caught his eyes; movement flickering over another nearby dune, a bit removed from where there were still signs of battle. He sighed in resignation as he looked up from where he was storing key possessions in a dimensional pouch, seeing the vortex of wind accelerating towards their camp accompanied by another humanoid silhouette riding what looked like a big fish floating over the purple dunes. ¡°Those who say that the gaze of the heavens cannot reach us in an astral space¡­ Naive fools, the lot of them.¡± Promise hissed, walking up to the opaque barrier. ¡°Well, Crimson, it is time to do some actual work for your master for once.¡±
¡°Three of them, one just vanished into the barrier.¡± Phiona called to Kite where she crouched on Glint¡¯s back, staff already conjured and held behind her. ¡°I would assume that hoping for him to just hide in there is asking too much of the heavens?¡± Kite responded, gliding over the ground through the power of his war fan. ¡°Isn¡¯t it your people who always praise the heavens for giving you challenges in order to grow?¡± his teacher asked, her arched eyebrows clear in the tone of her voice. Kite chuckled, even in the face of the danger they were diving towards. ¡°Then in true Hua-Xi spirit; may this opportunity properly temper our paths!¡± ¡°This time, student, I can get behind the sentiment. Good luck!¡± Phiona called as they grew close to the gathered tents covered in purple dust to the extent that their original colors were barely visible. Two of their foes had already walked up to the edge of the camp, readying themselves for battle. Kite started picking up the trace of their bronze-rank auras, as well as glimpses of the magic that the pair was wreathing themselves in. The man had already begun some kind of transformation, his neck elongating and red scales growing over his body. He retained his humanoid body, but his head distended into an eyeless face which was mostly just a big maw surrounded by squirming tentacles. His companion had a different approach, fire starting to emanate from her form, although the flame behaved oddly, almost looking as if they were dripping onto the purple sand beneath. Their auras were probably the best controlled of those foes Kite had yet encountered among this attacking force, but that was a relatively low bar. The opaque barrier and what was hidden inside was what made him the most cautious in this situation. ¡°I will go as soon as I am in range, for the one with the maw.¡± Phiona said, rising slightly on Glint¡¯s back. Before Kite could answer her, she leapt off the familiar only to jab her staff down into the sand at a just the right angle for her momentum to be carried forward, the weapon flexing on its own volition to launch her with even greater momentum. As his teacher shot off like an arrow towards the male cultist, Kite turned to Glint. ¡°You know what to do, little beauty. Stay safe.¡± The glittering carp twirled once in the air before turning and zooming off towards the other dune of purple sand, bolts of magic still frequently shooting up from behind it. As the magic of his fan was starting to fade, Kite kept it in hand in order to wring the last burst of speed out from the item. With a jerk, he touched ground already at a full sprint as Phiona clashed staff first with the transformed monstrous cultist. While the woman might have wanted to help her comrade, she ignored his conflict with the blonde Geller and instead kept her full attention on Kite. Flames rising from her shoulders, Kite could hear her spell chant even as her aura clashed into his. ¡°Attention of the weeping sun!¡± About a second later, the casting of the spell slightly delayed thanks to Kite¡¯s aura, a fiery orb shot up into the sky before it quickly started spraying a cascade of small, flaming motes down over the area in front of her, proving the spell to live up to the words in its chant. Even as he continued running, Kite answered with a spell of his own. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± His dispelling wave expanded upward from him, burning rain winking out before the small sun did so as well. Having only around five meters left before he was within striking range, Kite readied himself as he saw the frustrated hardening of her eyes. ¡°May the flames set your blood aboil.¡± This time, a thin beam of fire shot out straight at Kite, carrying what he assumed to be some kind of burning blood affliction. Unfortunately for her, Kite had hoped for this outcome, his fan already flickering with silver light even as his other hand reached back to draw his sword from the void. The thin ray struck the painted lake on the war fan like the first rays of dawn reflected in its serene waters, seemingly held in stasis for but a split moment until the reflection was suddenly and violently completed. The woman hissed as her own attack struck her shoulder, just barely managing to fly backward on a jet of fire in time to dodge the projected slash which was Kite¡¯s follow up. ¡°I will enjoy taking the first bite from you.¡± she hissed, launching a bolt of fire at Kite before following up with something greater. ¡°Projection of the heart-flame!¡± A conical swathe of flames tinged with red life force washed toward Kite, the slight delay of the casting once more giving him some more time to react as the fire bolt was deflected on a personal barrier. Trusting his powers by now, Kite swung upward with his staff, its chiming passage parting the wave of fire like a gust of wind scattering falling leaves, draining the cultist¡¯s mana twice over as the spell collapsed. He was just about to advance further, when a pulse could be felt from within the opaque barrier further inside the camp. Then, said barrier dissolved, and with its passing came trouble. 84. I suppose we will find out Bearer of Sanguine Promise made a quick double checking of the ritual circles that his powers were shaping from the pools of blood upon the ritual surface, a simple enchantment on the stone slab having kept the vital fluids fresh throughout their stay in the astral space. Promise could use his own lifeblood too in a pinch, but sacrificing his own vitality when he had other materials so readily available just felt¡­ unnecessary. ¡°Heaven-cursed adventurers and their movement powers.¡± he muttered, turning to the twitching form beside him. What remained of Crimson couldn¡¯t respond, and Promise found that as an improvement to the unbidden sycophancy of her previous form. ¡°At least you might give me the edge needed. If I can just incapacitate them for long enough¡­¡± His thoughts went to the nearby aperture. The ritual to unseal it wasn¡¯t too long, but having bronze-rankers fighting nearby would wreck the balance of the weak ambient mana, as well as himself being left vulnerable. ¡°The heavens should at least favor the prepared. May my skills prove sufficient.¡± Promise said, continuing his muttering as he finally deemed everything to be ready. Outside, the sounds of essence users dueling had started reaching him through the barriers, the spell chants and battle cries muffled through the barrier. ¡°Well, dear student, I believe it is time you went out and introduced yourself. Do not worry though. Your master will take care of you.¡± The tall, thin being next to him only continued her slight twitching in response, but when Promise dropped the barrier formation, the sallow head turned instantly to the people clashing between the tents outside, half of the camp already wrecked or set on fire by their conflict. The being that was once called Crimson then dashed off, long spindly legs eating up the distance quickly. Promise instead turned his focus to activating the other rituals he had already prepared, sanguine circles coming to life along with another barrier of force, this one mostly transparent. ¡°I will not be brought down so easily, this I promise.¡± he muttered, the accumulated frustrations of his situation and the last few days finally allowed to fully break through, the spell chant which followed coming out as a bellow. ¡°Champions of viscera, show me their lifeblood!¡±
As the barrier in the camp broke, two things happened: First, and perhaps most immediately pressing, was the three meter tall humanoid which came charging out of the barrier, emitting a primal but potent bronze-ranked aura. It was thin to the point of looking frail, every part of its bright crimson skin distended and twitching. But while it might look frail, it was fast, fast enough that its limbs moved like whips, blurring as it sprinted towards the clashing essence users. Second, a loud spell chant sent a wave of magic washing over the fight, a red glow starting to emanate from the two cultists and monsters alike as all of them seemed to become more powerful, blood dripping from their eyes and mouths. Kite could glimpse a robed figure standing where the opaque barrier had once been, magical perception revealing him to be the source of the boons. But Kite was forced to focus more on the present as the slender beast was upon him, leaping over the bronze-ranked cultist in front of him to thrust downward toward him with a thin arm. ¡°Ward!¡± His personal barrier appeared, deflecting the blow, but the thing had already begun an arcing kick which was sweeping in from the side. Interrupting his counterattack to instead block with his staff, the sand beneath Kite was sent scattering outward as the force of the blow was absorbed and dispersed. Then another attack struck him, the monster''s other hand striking his armored shoulder turned into a glancing blow upon his green jade pauldron. ¡°It is fast. Too fast.¡± Kite thought, letting the monster drive him backwards with its flurry of attacks. ¡°I need to cancel its boons.¡± An opportunity for just that came a few seconds later, as the monster turned into a frenzied drop kick. The telegraphed move left Kite just enough time to prepare, his staff lashing out in response even as a small, concentrated barrier appeared above to deflect the vicious attack. As his staff impacted the thin body, Kite¡¯s dispelling attack washed through its form, the empowering boon flickering. But not winking out. And the following echo proved equally unable to force it to gutter out. ¡°Is it resisting my dispel?¡± Kite thought, the small amount of transcendent damage dealt instead being but a small consolation. ¡°How-¡± The thought had just begun to form when his mind caught on to the answer. The ritual circle. Their blood cult opponents had obviously had the means to make their summons resistant to being dispelled. It was quite reasonable that they might have similar means for other forms of magic. A bolt of fire interrupted further thoughts as the cultist had finally found an angle of attack, harassing Kite with bolts of flames even as the monster continued bearing down on him. Its frenzied speed kept Kite on the defensive, and its seeming lack of other magical tricks might have been a boon to some, but to Kite it was actually a disadvantage. Further worsening the situation, the person inside the barrier cast another spell, bleeding wounds starting to appear on Kite¡¯s body, copper taste filling his mouth. Blocking a whip-like leg on another barrier, Kite struck the disc of force with his staff before it broke, a wave of resonating force slightly staggering the beast as he called out to Phiona. ¡°Teacher, the heavens might have seen fit to push us a bit too much!¡± ¡°I am aware.¡± Phiona called back, nimbly sidestepping a snapping maw which had struck as the cultists throat rapidly elongated, only for the distended neck to be snapped to one side by her neat counterattack. ¡°That thing is a bad match for you. Wall, duo, then switch.¡± ¡°Understood! Just one moment¡­¡± Kite responded, activating the enchantments of his boots to increase his speed before taking an unexpectedly quick step backward. The monster had been swinging both arms down towards him, only to miss and receive a projected strike from Kite¡¯s face to its face in response. The dispelling force once more caused its empowering boon to flicker, but this time the echo managed to complete the task. Satisfied at leaving his opponent weakened, Kite grit his teeth through the pain of a fire bolt striking his armor and burning his body beneath as he chanted: ¡°Wall!¡± The customary walls of force appeared, forming cages around the spindly monster and the transformed cultist, Kite using all of the spell¡¯s available area of barriers to layer them as well as he was able. The flame wielder did not sit idle, sending more bolts of flame his way including another of the small suns which would rain fire down on the battlefield. Or she at least attempted the latter. ¡°Attention of the weepi-¡± At the end of the spell chant, she was rather suddenly and forcibly interrupted as Phiona appeared next to her in a blur of motion, leaving her now trapped original target behind to strike at the woman. Kite recognized her stunning special attack as well as the loud crack of a broken jaw, his own attack at the woman slightly delayed as he simply could not move as fast as his teacher. Even his empowered jump, made available by the absorbed force from the slender monster¡¯s onslaught, was still too slow to get a strike in before Phiona followed up with a flurry of staff strikes before once more flickering away when a circular burst of dripping flames burst from the cultist. Meanwhile, both of the now trapped enemies were furiously fighting their way out of their confines. The monster¡¯s lack of special attacks and empowering boon made its progress the slowest, but that was not saying much as its frantic pace of attacks still cracked the panes of force at a concerning speed. The male cultist had instead stopped and opened his distended jaw, tentacles fluttering about as what looked like a small singularity had appeared in his maw, exerting a powerful pull at his surroundings. From the crackling barriers, Kite suspected that the pull inflicted at least some disruptive force damage at rapid intervals, the pace making it clear who would first break out of the cage. The flame wielder in turn conjured a cylindrical pillar of flame around her, probably to deter further attacks while waiting for her allies to re-engage, and both Kite and Phiona could feel more of the bleeding affliction being layered upon them. While the pillar of flame looked ferocious, Kite did not hesitate as he once more unleashed his dispelling wave over the flaming cultist, the barrier flickering out in addition to one of the empowering boons cast by their leader. Phiona was back upon her just a moment later, a thrust of her staff audibly snapping the woman¡¯s collarbone and sending her tumbling backwards. But it was then that they were brutally reminded that it was their enemies who had a supportive essence user on their side. ¡°Resurgence of vitality!¡± A red light broke out from the cultist woman, her aura flooded with power as she seemed to be inundated in potent healing. She sent a spray of flame toward the two adventurers, Kite dispersing it once more while Phiona leapt over it, staff already twirling. Unfortunately, a crackling sound of a barrier breaking spelled doom for the adventurer¡¯s hope of finishing off the woman before her allies were back in the fray. Kite had to halt his advance as his expanded field of vision showed the limber monster break through its barrier just a short breath after the male cultist, moving towards them in a blur and leaping towards Phiona as she in turn had leapt for the female cultist. ¡°Ward!¡± Kite¡¯s barrier appeared between the monster and his teacher, the beast still plowing her through the air before she disappeared in a blur of speed to reappear on the ground, facing off against the monster even as the two cultists faced off against Kite. ¡°Fortune wasn¡¯t with us, teacher, but thank you nonetheless!¡± Kite called, moving in amongst the burning rubble of the tents to engage the male cultist and put him in the woman¡¯s line of fire. ¡°Can you handle them?¡± she managed to call, having initiated a brawl with the monster, both combatants moving at a blistering speed. ¡°Pray to the gods that I may.¡± Kite called back while whipping up his own staff to intercept clawed swipes from the cultist, followed by another attempt at using the singularity to draw Kite in. A projected slash of his blade carrying his dispelling force put a stop to the power, Kite showing a strained smile even through the numbness of the bleeding and pain from the hits he had suffered. But to keep him and Phiona going for as long as needed, he decided to use what means he had to alleviate the pressure on them. One charge from Sage cleansed the bleeding affliction from Phiona where she was dueling the slender monster, but for himself, Kite had a different solution. ¡°Time to put this thing to proper work again.¡± he thought, sidestepping a firebolt to once more put the transformed cultist between himself and the flame wielder, hoping to continue to deny her the use of her area attacks. As he sidestepped, he made to look as if he swept away his cloak, the length of not-fabric falling off and being thrown off to the side and hopefully out of sight for a little while. And with it went all his bleeding, warmth returning to his limbs as the affliction was cleansed. For the next few seconds, Kite remained in a defensive stance, counter-attacking against either cultist through strikes carried by his intent only when opportunity prevented itself. Another set of empowering boons landed on them, but Kite was fortunate enough to remove them from the woman just after with an errant strike, getting a satisfyingly frustrated snarl in response. ¡°I will enjoy devouring your sizzling flesh!¡± she called at Kite, launching another set of firebolts when she managed to find an angle. The latter was made as difficult as possible by Kite¡¯s footwork and the other cultist still engaging him in melee. Even so, Kite was pressed hard, consuming one of Sage¡¯s charges for healing on himself. He was biding his time, aiming to see if he couldn¡¯t turn the tables as soon as his distraction became active. Fortunately, the opportunity came not long after as a plethora of ethereal tendrils suddenly shot from the nearby cloud of smoke to plunge themselves into the two cultists and the monster to drain their life force. The source of said tendrils was what one might recognize once being Kite¡¯s cloak, now having seemingly taken root and grown to a cluster of large fungi. Nourished by the cleansed afflictions, the cloak awakened into a ravenous, if short, lifespan where it attempted to further drain all enemies in the area. The damage was not very big, but Kite hoped that few enemies would just ignore the constant tapping into their vitality. The monster fighting Phiona did not seem to care, but both cultists immediately started trying to rid themselves of the translucent thread. Which was in turn the moment Kite had been waiting for. Staff appearing mid-swing, Kite activated his void strike, further empowering it with the remnants of magic and mana his power had so far ripped from his foes during this altercation. What resulted was a wide swing extending over a large area, dark spatial tears extending from his staff in ominous silence. Both cultists staggered under the sudden swing and its echo, and while the damage was part of his plan, Kite was even more hopeful that the affliction left behind would make an even greater difference. This got proven just a short moment afterwards, as the spell chant rang out again from the shielded caster further removed from the violence. ¡°Resurgence of vitality!¡± This time, it was the male cultist that was targeted by the benevolent energies, but the lingering void afflictions seemed to eat a satisfying amount of the restorative power. But even satisfactory as it may have been, some of the healing still managed to get past, making Kite worry if his own dwindling reserves would keep him going all the way. Unless he was ready to commit his immortality in this stage of the fight, he needed to think of another way to persevere. It was at this time when Phiona misjudged one of the monstrous thing¡¯s moves, using a power to dodge a clawed hand only to be hit by the sweeping kick delivered just afterwards. The monster¡¯s shin connected with her midriff with a force that could be seen even from across the camp, the blonde Geller being flung aside and bouncing once on the purple sand before rolling to her feet, albeit somewhat unsteadily. The female cultist saw her chance, and sent a ray of dripping flames straight towards where Phiona was rising from her roll even as the slender monster made to continue its barrage. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Kite did not call out; there was no time. Instead, he just activated the speed-increasing enchantments of his shoes, accepting a raking hit from a clawed swipe as he used an empowered leap to take him closer to Phiona as a barrier appeared to intercept the ray of flames sent her way. The male cultist attempted to use his singularity once again, apparently wanting to keep Kite in his proximity, but the young adventurer¡¯s resistance to being forcefully moved by others held firm. Landing near his teacher, Kite immediately warded off another set of fiery projectiles before staggering slightly when he mistimed an attempted block against the swiping red claws of the monster. The duo of adventurers was now at least standing close together, but Kite had to admit that the prospects were gradually looking dimmer by the moment. Without the leader supporting their foes, he would have had every confidence in their success. But with the stream of healing and other boons as well as the offensive afflictions, all from a source they had trouble even getting near, meant that not even Kite thriving in extended combat brought them an obvious way to turn the fight around. The male cultist soon advanced on them as well, having taken his time to destroy the sudden cluster of vampiric fungi which had been formed from Kite¡¯s cloak, and even as Sage sent his only current charge into Phiona in the form of healing as he once more conjured his walls of force. But this time, it was a defensive measure, wrapping the pair of adventurers in three layers of protective barriers. ¡°We might have overestimated ourselves here.¡± Phiona said, accepting a mana-restoring pill from Kite as he downed one himself. ¡°I had hoped that we might have been sufficient to distract them for long enough, but I believe that we may have run out of time.¡± Her words were accompanied by the cracking of the layers of barrier as the monster was furiously laying into it, the other cultists hanging back and downing pills of their own. Something was shouted from their leader, but it was too muffled by distance and the barrier for Kite to pick it out. But his senses did pick out something else. Something that caused a tired smile to break through the strained expression on his face. ¡°No, teacher. I think we held on just long enough.¡± Kite said, his expanded field of vision picking up a small silhouette of something passing over the top of a nearby dune of purple sand, glowing like a beacon to his magical senses.
¡°Resurgence of vitality!¡± Bearer of Sanguine promise looked as his restorative spell once more restored his underlings, even though parts of it were hampered by whatever dark attacks one of the adventurers employed. ¡°Still, things are looking optimistic.¡± he allowed himself to think. ¡°Proper preparation is key, after all, something these adventurers seem to have forgotten.¡± The ritual circles around Promise still held fast, boosting the output of his spells. While the barrier made him unable to deploy some of his powers, he had no trouble continuing the slow and steady approach. And when the Crimson-thing managed to get a proper blow in on the female adventurer, who looked to be the most skilled of the pair, Promise couldn¡¯t help the elation bubbling up inside him. As the adventurers had to huddle up and hide behind their barrier, he finally allowed himself to think the thought. They had won. Maybe not the war, as their target was still missing, but this battle. From here, they could reassess and retreat or make new plans. And just looking at the pair; the proud, powerful adventurers now put on the back foot, Promise couldn¡¯t help feeling his mouth watering slightly, imagining how they would taste. Maybe he could treat himself to some gloating. Just this once. ¡°Have you realized it now? The futility in fighting against your betters? We are the ones who will claim the lifeblood of all the unworthy of this world! At least be grateful that you may become nourishment for our rise!¡± He did not know if the adventurers could hear him, but Promise had to admit that it was pretty satisfying, and added a certain poetry to the situation. ¡°Just wait until the rest of my superiors will hear of what I have accomplished. They will have no choice but to-¡± he thought, the Crimson-thing already broken through the second layer of shielding around the two. But that was when he too noticed the shape gliding over the sands at great speed towards their camp. ¡°Is that- is that a fish?¡± he thought, before his heart sank when he picked out the two people riding what was indeed a giant, glittering fish. ¡°Two more. That makes their numbers even to ours. But they are weakened, while we only grow stronger. This should not-¡± Then one of the shapes mounted atop the carp shot from its back even while still having a dozen meters left before reaching the edge of the camp. Promise even had a bit of trouble following the movement, until the Crimson-thing was suddenly thrown backwards, and what was now revealed to be a young man matching the very description of their target quickly followed in pursuit of the tumbling monster. His every moment exuded power, speed and precision, twin blades whirling with a literal tempest as he began laying into the monstrous result of Promise¡¯s ritual, having cost him the lion¡¯s share of his personal resources to bring about. And from the clashing that followed, the Crimson-thing was at a distinct disadvantage. ¡°No!¡± Promise cried, frustration welling up as the other adventurer riding the fish disembarked as well, albeit less forcefully, serpentine heads appearing from her back to start bombarding Promise¡¯s two followers with blobs of acid. ¡°No, no, no! I knew it! I knew it was stupid. The gods are surely watching. We have been lied to. Curse you, Fortune!¡± he growled between the chants of his renewed spellcasting. There was nothing else to do now but create a distraction, and make his final attempt at escape. But he would at least make sure to bleed them as much as he could from the safety of his barrier. Lower their chances of being able to catch up to him. ¡°Bearer of Sanguine Promise will not die here!¡±
Vista¡¯s arrival was like the clap of thunder heralding that a storm would begin anew. Through the cracked barrier, both Kite and Phiona saw that he had indeed managed to achieve what they had set out to do. ¡°Hey Nona! Kite! Looks like we arrived just in time.¡± Rachel called from outside as she ducked behind the force cage to get cover from a few firebolts. ¡°And it looks like you succeeded.¡± Phiona noted, seeming a bit more restored now after the short downtime. ¡°Was there any trouble?¡± ¡°If you call a small horde of monsters and cultists bearing down on your location trouble. I would say that it was a bit of a strain to keep our young master here alive for long enough to get going. Burned through all my big spells. But when he gets going-¡± she paused to admire the young noble as he fought like a hurricane all on his own, ¡°- he really gets going. There were some left, but Whimmy is covering our retreat and they didn¡¯t seem all too keen on following. But what is up with these people? And the shouting guy up there in the barrier?¡± ¡°Explain later. Kite, drop the barrier on my signal. Rachel, you and me will help Vista deal with these three. Kite, you go up there and see if you can break it down or at least stop him from supporting them.¡± ¡°Yes, teacher.¡± Kite said, nodding. He was weary, but still had enough reserves to see this through. He hoped, saying a silent prayer to Fortune even though the god could not hear him. ¡°Then go!¡± Phiona called, becoming a blur as she passed through the barrier while barely giving it time to dissolve. And from the looks of her zigzagging around the battlefield while leaving afterimages ready to strike, Kite knew that his teacher had chosen to bring out everything. ¡°Fortune bless you, Rachel!¡± he called, getting a wild smile in return from the red-haired Geller before he set off towards the raised barrier at a run. Kite weaved through the burning remnants of tents and took a short detour as to not get in the way of Vista thoroughly beating down the slender, red monster. And shortly thereafter, he arrived at his destination. The man inside looked a bit frazzled, but to his credit he remained calm and focused more on the battle outside rather than at Kite¡¯s close proximity. Without much pause, Kite reached into his void sheath and brought out something that he had so far not been able to employ in a real battle. ¡°Let us see if you work like during our testing.¡± he murmured, taking out the dagger which looked like it was made from a single, solid seed. It had no handguard, looking more like a primitive knife carved from a single piece of stone. Kite infused it with mana and he could feel it come to life in his hand, before he stabbed it into the crimson barrier. Normally, attacks failing to penetrate a barrier would most often skid off or be repelled. But in this case, the dagger¡¯s tip actually managed to penetrate just slightly into the barrier¡¯s surface before stopping. And staying there. A heartbeat later, the transformation began. Roots began growing from the tip, burrowing out through the barrier itself. The handle sprouted, becoming a bud before quickly blooming out into a vibrant blue flower. From its stem grew wide leaves and thinner tendrils which expanded outwards to bury themselves in other parts of the barriers, causing new roots to spread. And as the flower grew, the barrier started cracking.
WWJS: [Item] Boundary-devouring Lotus Dagger Bronze-rank - Rare [Effect] Pay a cost of moderate mana to activate. While activated, contact with magical barriers will cause this weapon to transform into an expanding growth of plants, inflicting continual disruptive force damage to the barrier while fueling further growth. This will continue for a long duration, or until the plant is satiated or destroyed. Should the barrier be deactivated, the plant will use its limited mobility to seek out other sources of sustenance. Has no effect on other targets than magical barriers consisting predominantly of mana, and will not affect conjured walls of solid materials such as stone or earth.
As Kite saw the odd item chewing through the barrier at a visible rate while using it as sustenance to spread further, he sent a thought of thanks to Peony for gifting it to him. They had both agreed that it was a weird item, but one that might come in handy. Magical shields and barriers were rather common after all, and not all were vulnerable to Kite¡¯s dispelling powers, barriers springing from rituals or formations foremost amongst the resilient category. And the blue lotuses now covering the crimson shield were also quite striking. Apparently, his opponent did not quite share his sentiment. ¡°Curse you!¡± was the only snarled insult the man took his time to deliver, before making a curt gesture. The barrier started dissolving as if it was crimson ice melting down into blood, but the man was already chanting another spell. ¡°Torrent of boiling life!¡± Even as Kite readied his own attack, the man had just enough time to finish his spell chant. A cascade of boiling blood exploded from him, the torrent steaming and bubbling as it was heralded by intense heat. Abandoning his attack, Kite instead countered with a spell of his own. ¡°Wall!¡± A pair of force walls appeared like the bow of a ship to split the torrent. But this time, Kite was not satisfied with simply remaining on the defensive. In addition to the two walls, a series of smaller horizontal panes of force had formed a stair in front of him. Even as the blood sloshed at the outsides, Kite was running up and over his own barrier, leaping down towards a surprised cultist. Even while in the midst of his jump, Kite swung his sword trailing the dark of the void, projecting an attack just as the man snarled his next spell. ¡°Become the bloodwind!¡± The slash, carried by Kite¡¯s intent, cut into the man¡¯s side and detonated, his pained scream cut out by his whole body dissolving into a bright red mist, quickly gathering itself and floating off with great speed. Kite swung again with his staff, projecting an attack with dispelling force, but unfortunately the elusive mist proved harder to predict than he had anticipated as it was speeding off. And if Kite was not mistaken, it was toward the aperture. With no time to gather his allies, still in the midst of a battle they looked to be thoroughly winning, Kite ran after the retreating mist, sending a mental call to Glint. The seconds he spent running felt like a frustrating eternity, seeing the crimson fog that was the cultist getting further away. But a well-known presence soon arrived at this side, swerving up just as Kite crossed the peak of a purple dune, allowing him to kick off the top of the hill of sand to land on Glint¡¯s back. ¡°Thanks, little beauty! Now, after him!¡± Zooming over the rather short stretch of ground remaining, Kite vowed to not let the man escape. If the ritual circle was any indication the man would be their way out through the closed aperture. And Kite had way too many hopes and plans on the outside to be stranded here.
Bearer of Sanguine Promise reformed next to the closed aperture. He was frustrated, no, furious, but let that spur actions rather than delay them. ¡°Curse the gods, curse me and curse those blasted adventurers!¡± he snarled as he sacrificed some of his health to conjure blood for the ritual circle. Fortunately, it was a simple one, at least compared to many of the rituals of conjuration and enhancement he was so familiar with. The red circles were forming in their specified locations, overlapping with the already existing rituals which kept the aperture close and under lock. Said locks needed to be removed, and- Too late, he sensed the heaven-cursed boy drawing close. Turning around to cast a spell, Promise was instead struck by a crushing force in his midriff, mana and his breath exploding from him. ¡°He still has meters left. How-¡± Then, like a specter of past pain returning to haunt him, it was as if the blow had landed again. Each strike stole some of his Promise¡¯s precious mana, as well as the continual drain which was leveled against him but a moment later. He was forced to scramble out of the way as the young adventurer leapt off the oversized fish, landing where Promise had stood in a small geyser of purple sand. ¡°I feel it only polite to offer you a chance to come peacefully. You aren¡¯t stupid, at least not from what I have seen. Surely, you can see that this ended the moment that my friends arrived.¡± The young man said, the steel in his eyes not wavering but Promise got the feeling that he at least meant the words. Straightening, Promise smiled ruefully. ¡°I know what happens to those like me who your little ¡®civilized¡¯ adventure society gets their hands on. As alluring as the offer may be, it is little different in the end. I will not go down easy enough to let you take me alive.¡± Part of Promise wanted to take him up on the offer, but he was nothing if not a realist, the latest act of slight haughty self-satisfaction notwithstanding. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know about that.¡± the young man said, smiling. It was a kind smile, even if it had some hard edges, and genuine enough to cause Promise¡¯s blood to run a bit colder. ¡°People tell me that I am surprisingly good at it. I suppose we will find out.¡±
Kite looked down at the unconscious cultist he was dragging along the sand, suppression collar in place. His assumption that the man could not have too much of his mana reserves remaining had proven correct. Kite also felt a bit worn out on most accounts, but with his immortality power still available, he had felt confident in taking on the man. He had to admit that the look on the cultist leader¡¯s face as he fell unconscious against the conjured barrier wall Kite had been pressing him against had been rather satisfying. The hand-to-hand skills uncle Walker had taught him had definitely been enough to subdue the ritualist, continuous contact with Kite¡¯s barrier and some punches carrying his mana-draining special attack emptying the last of his foe¡¯s reserves in short order. ¡°But this was against an unskilled opponent. I suppose that is but another one on the long lists of fighting skills which I will have to strive to master. Maybe the Gellers know of a good teacher?¡± Kite thought as he crested the closest sand dune once more and saw what remained of the cultist camp. His companions had thoroughly wrecked it, especially Vista¡¯s signature wind special attack. And from the look of the three sitting down and resting, Whimmy having rejoined them, they had come out of the struggle as the victors. Kite let the wave of relief he had been holding in finally wash over him, smiling as he rejoined the others. ¡°I see that your hunt was successful.¡± Vista said, nodding at the unconscious man. ¡°Which is great! Because we kind of broke ours¡­¡± Rachel added sheepishly, looking at the pair of slain cultists a bit further away. ¡°But at least the rest should be wary of coming back anytime soon. I think Vista put the fear of the gods back into them.¡± ¡°As it should be.¡± the young master said, smiling viciously. ¡°Circumstances aside, I must admit that this little misadventure proved to push me more than ever before. I can¡¯t wait to meditate and consolidate!¡± ¡°And I, for one, can hardly wait to get out of here.¡± Rachel said, looking around. ¡°My hair is gonna be purple forever after all this dust.¡± ¡°Assuming that we can coerce our captive here to unlock the aperture.¡± Phiona noted. ¡°In that, I have hope, teacher.¡± Kite said, prodding the man lightly with his foot. ¡°He had the time to lay down the ritual circle, so I could maybe have a chance at completing it. But foremost, he actually seemed surprisingly reasonable.¡± ¡°Then I will trust in your judgment, student.¡± Phiona said. ¡°Because I also share my cousin¡¯s sentiment; I can hardly wait for us to finally take our leave.¡± 85. The Sage and the Vagabond ¡°I must admit that finding myself enjoying the winter rains is a bit of a novel experience.¡± Vista said, looking up at the gray clouds and standing still as the light, cold spray from above covered him. Beneath him, the soft green of the grass and underbrush were taking on a slight purple coloration as the accumulated dust of the astral space was being washed from the adventurers and their captive. ¡°Yeah, it feels niiiice¡­¡± Rachel agreed, before looking to the dour cultist they kept in tow. ¡°I do think that it was well done of you to grab this guy, Kite, but I still feel a bit bad at leaving a few of them behind to escape.¡± she continued, referring to some of the scattered forces still left behind in the astral space. While Vista and her had been thorough with those they could reach, their priority had been to come to the assistance of Kite and Phiona once the young master had properly hit his stride. ¡°It is regrettable, but we can¡¯t risk lingering in case our enemies would have fled and locked the aperture behind them. Or summoned reinforcements.¡± Phiona said. ¡°Much the same as when we decided upon our plan and splitting our forces; Sometimes necessity needs to be the deciding factor before thoroughness. ¡°I for one never complained about the plan. It fit my path splendidly well, as we had to keep any reinforcements properly occupied to avoid them flooding the camp and making our eventual escape that much harder.¡± Vista said, shrugging without much care. ¡°An easy sentiment to have when you already know you survived. Have you already forgotten that I brought you back from the brink of death at least twice? Keeping you alive sure is stressful. Should you seek marriage, I strongly recommend a potent healer.¡± Rachel jibed. ¡°I thought a rumor was already spreading that you and I are about to marry.¡± Vista shot back. ¡°Oh we don¡¯t know that yet, it was just you speculating.¡± The red-haired Geller retorted with a roll of her eyes before, pausing and giving him a theatrically thorough inspection. ¡°And besides, I could definitely imagine worse.¡± she finished, voice full of overplayed appreciation. This was apparently a bit beyond what the young noble had been expecting, as he stammered slightly, even blushing a little, all of it to Rachel¡¯s great delight. Both Kite and Phiona shared the sentiment and the elation which gave rise to this conversation, only their captive¡¯s mood remaining sour. ¡°I only agreed to get us out of there, not to put up with your childish antics.¡± he muttered, loudly enough for all to hear. ¡°Oh I believe you forget the part where you would also cooperate with the adventure society, being most accommodating.¡± Phiona said, turning to the man. ¡°Do not pretend like dying inside that astral space was in your interests as well. With our reports of your cooperation in the end, I believe that you have a chance of at least keeping your life. A slim one, but a chance nonetheless.¡± She only got a defiant look in way of response before the man averted his eyes. Kite could empathize a bit with the man, as it had basically been a choice between two unpleasant outcomes, but his sympathies ended at the theoretical. From what little he knew of the path this man followed, similar if not the same to the blood cultists of the war, the man would have to make a good case indeed for execution not to become his fate. As he had probably killed and, to Kite¡¯s revulsion, eaten people, mercy was not a feeling that came as readily as it might have in other cases. Still, Kite was thankful that the man had at least been cooperative enough to get them out of there, after a bit of coercion. He had initially tried to broker for his freedom, but seeing it was an unacceptable route for the adventurers had curtailed his ambition. But Kite had to admit that the man was a skilled ritualist, and had tried memorizing as much as he could from seeing the man complete the ritual to unseal the aperture, noting to himself to have Braid teach it to him if the masked man possessed the knowledge. While their prisoner was a useful potential source of information, his presence did complicate things. With the loss of Missus and Rachel not having brought the materials to resummon the snake familiar, they were one person too many as neither Whimmy nor Glint could carry a third rider. ¡°-and that is why the only reasonable solution is for me to stay behind.¡± Phiona continually argued. ¡°There aren¡¯t many of them left, and I might even be able to follow one or two of them when they exit.¡± ¡°And I still think it sounds stupid, Nona!¡± Rachel retorted. ¡°What if they suddenly get reinforcements? What if a silver-ranker shows up? Or someone else from the bastards who sent these ones after us in the first place?¡± ¡°That is incredibly unlikely. And besides, with your mounted speed, you¡¯ll be back in the city in but two days if you ride hard and take minimal stops to sleep. With an incident such as this, the society will probably even portal an investigation team here.¡± Rachel seemed to be ready to protest again, when Vista broke in. ¡°I do not like it either, Rachel, but Phiona is right. And I promise to leverage everything I can to make aid come to her swifter than the first ray of dawn crests the horizon.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry Rachel, but I believe that teacher is right. And of us all, she is the swiftest and most able to make her escape should trouble find her. If our enemies are foolish enough to try and catch the sun in order to prevent the passing of dusk, then all the better.¡± The red-haired Geller looked at them both with thinned eyes. ¡°Damn you pretty men and your poetics¡­¡± she muttered, before turning to her cousin. ¡°Fine! But you better be careful, Phiona Alfrieda Agnes Geller, or I¡¯ll get on the nearest waterlink for your parents to come and get you out of whatever trouble you may be in.¡± ¡°In that case, I better be very cautious indeed, cousin.¡± Phiona smiled, not phased by the outburst. ¡°Having my parents come here would defeat a lot of the purpose of me running off, now wouldn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Then I believe it is settled.¡± Kite said. ¡°But I echo her sentiment, teacher. Please be careful.¡± ¡°I will, Kite. Trust me in this.¡± Phiona said, looking at the predawn sky. ¡°Then you should get going after we shuffle some supplies around. The sooner you leave, the sooner we can have this particular trip over and done with.¡± As they began taking stock of their inventory, transferring the most concealable tent and other necessary supplies to Phiona for her stay, Kite took Vista aside for a private conversation, Whimmy and Glint providing some distractory noise by playing around to keep their conversation away from bronze-rank hearing. ¡°What is it, Kite?¡± Vista asked, clearly curious. The two were definitely more relaxed around one another after working closely together for a while now, the stay in the astral space further spurring that process, but Kite taking such an initiative with the young master was still rare. ¡°I have a request to ask of you, a boon.¡± Kite said. ¡°Oh?¡± Vista asked with an arched eyebrow. ¡°I have been thinking about this astral space, and my mind still lingers on what we found in its depths. And I would ask that you not reveal or share anything about that once we return.¡± Vista looked at him, now more thoughtful. ¡°You mean the thing that you thought to be a seed?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°You want it for yourself?¡± ¡°Well, maybe? I am unsure if it is even something someone can claim. But Sage could interact with it, and it felt vast. It would take years, maybe even decades, for something to happen. And I would like the possibility to bring about that change without outside interference.¡± ¡°The astral space and surrounding lands is generally considered useless, but such a curiosity in its depths¡­ That might change things.¡± Vista said, voice serious. ¡°And you are asking me to leave it to you, rather than claim it for my family?¡± ¡°I am.¡± Kite said resolutely. Looking at him for a while longer, Vista smiled. ¡°Then, if you don¡¯t mind, I will even strive to trump your request. I will keep silent about it and, should you wish for it, I will even assist you in acquiring the land around the astral space if you would ever find yourself with the means to procure it from the city. In return, I want to at least be invited to be here if you succeed. And the karma between us will be considered severed.¡± Kite looked at the noble, a relieved smile on his face. ¡°Vista, that sounds like more than any debt between us would warrant.¡± ¡°You were crucial to saving Whimmy. And it¡¯s not like my family could do too much with the information other than use it as leverage for some affluent magic society member. I will admit that I would rather see this through with you than bring my family something that is, in the end, just one piece of information to bargain with among multitudes.¡± ¡°Then I, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, thank you and accept your most satisfactory offer.¡± Kite said, bowing slightly. ¡°And I, Relentless Storms hiding Beautiful Vistas, echo the sentiment. It will be quite interesting to see what comes of it.¡± ¡°If anything at all.¡± Kite said, shrugging. ¡°Hopefully, Fortune will remain favorable to my endeavors.¡± ¡°And just imagine if it brings about some great beast for us to fight.¡± Vista said, a bit too eagerly. Kite laughed. ¡°Then that will be something for you to look forward to. As I said, it will be a process over years.¡± ¡°That may be, but in this I will practice the art of patience Phiona is always pestering me about.¡± Vista said, shrugging. ¡°But now I believe it is time for us to be off. Because I also look forward to coming back home.¡±
¡°Now that is a story beyond what I expected, even from this little conspiracy you have found yourself in, young master Relentless.¡± Carmella Dobrazza, branch director of the Bastion adventure society said, leaning forwards with obvious interest. ¡°And to think that you even managed to wrangle one of the assailants all the way back here with surprising discretion¡­¡± she paused, giving them a meaningful smile. ¡°I like it. Most definitely.¡± ¡°The idea of waiting until dark and entering as anonymous as possible was Kite¡¯s idea.¡± Vista said, nodding to where Kite sat at his side in the director¡¯s office. ¡°While we are no stealth-specialists, it should at least delay the news of our return.¡± ¡°A delay we will do our best to capitalize on.¡± Dobrazza said. ¡°I believe that this little incident, while unfortunate, has the possibility to bring many things to light. Or at least narrow our search significantly. Especially as it proves that someone is after you, young master, and on a more substantial scale than expected. Braid and the other investigators might even kiss you out of sheer appreciation, although with all that cloth I would imagine it to be a rather lackluster experience.¡± she finished with a disappointed sigh. ¡°But you will send help to Nona- my cousin? Soon?¡± Rachel asked in the silence that followed. ¡°Of course! My dear deputy is already arranging things as we speak. In but a few hours, the area around the astral space will see quite the upswing in activity.¡± Rachel looked relieved at the director¡¯s response, leaning back in her chair once more. ¡°Then what do you wish for us to do now, director?¡± Kite asked. ¡°We wouldn¡¯t want to compromise the advantage that you might yet seize in the search for answers.¡± ¡°Such an intelligent and far-sighted young man.¡± Dobrazza almost purred, delight playing in her glowing eyes. ¡°It would indeed be best if you could remain here at the society campus for at least a day, since I doubt that we could curtail the information even for that long. As our guests of course. But I have not the authority to keep you, but I will stress that I will view your cooperation most favorably.¡± Both Kite and Rachel looked to Vista, who they both expected to be the most opposed to such a proposition. But the noble just shrugged. ¡°I believe that returning home, even if I had the means to do so covertly, would only risk the information spreading. The hints of informants and conspirators within the family, staff and retainers were the very beginning of this whole contract, was it not?¡± ¡°A youth showing some foresight and a sensible young master in my office at the same time.¡± Dobrazza said, laughing as Rachel started at her use of the word ¡®sensible¡¯. ¡°I will indeed claim to live in interesting times! But thank you. The adventure society will of course let you recover in comfort, as I assume that the journey back was quite the forced march. Please rest easy, knowing that you have done something quite remarkable here, and that should hopefully make a substantial difference for us in the days to come.¡±
When staying at the adventure society before during his career, Kite had used the communal accommodations available; basically a dormitory of bunk beds able to house dozens of adventurers, but only filled to capacity during monster surges. It turned out that staying as invited guests was a different kind of experience. Bastion¡¯s campus apparently had a few suites for visiting people of importance. While the standard was not equal to that of the city lord¡¯s palace back in Gilded or the Relentless family¡¯s main estates, it was still clearly above the decently priced inn where Kite and the Gellers were staying. Having been served food and been allowed to rest for a few hours, Kite was awoken from his nap on one of the soft couches by Rachel crying out. ¡°Nona!¡± The door had not yet opened, but as he awoke, Kite could feel the familiar aura getting closer to the door. His teacher had apparently felt her cousin¡¯s approach, deftly receiving the charging hug from the other Geller barely a second after opening the door. Vista had also started awake from where he lay sleeping against Whimmy¡¯s side on a plush bed in one of the adjacent rooms, coming out to join the reunion. ¡°Welcome back, teacher. I see that things progressed as well as we could have hoped for.¡± Kite said, walking over to the embracing pair. ¡°It did. Fortunately, the wait was mostly uneventful. A small group of the other cultists excited the astral space about a day after you had left. I followed them until they chose to scatter, noting their directions but otherwise returned to watching the aperture cave until the reinforcements from the adventure society arrived. It did not feel like the wisest move to initiate more lengthy tracking operations, as it is far from my specialty.¡± Phiona explained, eventually untangling herself from her cousin to join them at the seating area. ¡°Any news here? Or from the trip back?¡± ¡°It was exhausting, but uneventful.¡± Kite said. ¡°Our captive was rather silent but only made a few token attempts at escape. It felt more like his pride demanded it rather than him actually expecting success. The adventure society has him in custody now, although we have heard little else so far. But I imagine that the investigators will be very interested in what he has to say and what trails might be revealed as a result.¡± ¡°Then I believe some waiting might be in order, even preferred. If you haven¡¯t you all should really take time to meditate properly now that you aren¡¯t rushing between battles or back to the city.¡± Phiona said, looking at them all. ¡°It is rare with this kind of target-rich environment outside the surges, so we should all hopefully see some progress.¡± And with that, she found a comfortable spot on one of the couches and assumed a meditative position. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. As he sat down, following his teacher¡¯s advice along with the rest, Kite had to admit that he had indeed missed falling deep into meditation. There had been some time in the caves of the astral space between their little strikes, but it hadn¡¯t been easy to allow his mind to relax enough to really delve into the depths of all the impressions and experiences that he had been through recently. And as expected, there was indeed progress. Bronze-light welled out of him, as well as the others, bathing the room in flickering shadows from the multiple sources of light. But one light broke the pattern, its bronze light having distinctive brighter spots of shining silver. ¡°Congratulations, Nona! Your second power to reach silver!¡± Rachel exclaimed happily. ¡°Which one was it?¡± ¡°Bends of the river.¡± Phiona said. Kite didn¡¯t think that he had ever seen her truly beaming as she did at that moment. ¡°Not surprising. You use that all the time.¡± Rachel commented. ¡°Which one is that?¡± Vista asked, curious. ¡°The one where her staff goes all¡­¡± Rachel explained, omitting the last word to instead make wiggling motions with her arms and fingers. ¡°Congratulations, teacher.¡± Kite said, echoing Rachel¡¯s smile. ¡°Having a power reach silver¡­ It does seem quite far off.¡± While he had felt continual progress, it was continually slowing down. Kite had been warned that this would be the case, but that didn¡¯t entirely remove the frustration. ¡°Patience, dear student. I have no doubt that your path will take you to silver and beyond.¡± Phiona said with her teacher¡¯s voice. ¡°And I believe that there has been enough celebrating. We should get back to it. Our actions here might cause quite the ripple in this little mystery, and we better be as ready as possible, should we prove to be caught up in it even more.¡±
Mistress Withers was walking at a brisk pace through her family¡¯s compound in the city, her taking little care with her silver-rank speed as her passing caught rich drapes to flutter and a pair of expensive paper fans adorning one wall to be torn from their fittings. ¡°Have One-winged Heron attend to me immediately.¡± was all she snapped to one of the family¡¯s manservants who had to dive out of the way of her advance, the doors to her study slamming shut shortly thereafter. Withers threw the scroll she had been carrying down on the table before she raised one hand, crackling with lightning, and was just about to discharge the destructive magic when she stopped herself at the sight of her favorite painting which would have been the casualty of such an act, along with the wall behind it. ¡°Damn that brat. And damn the chairwoman. I told them. I told them all along.¡± she muttered as she began pacing. She could even remember the glint in the chairwoman¡¯s eyes at the last meeting, filled with that frustrating superiority, as if daring Wither to do something other than her wishes. And still, her informant had just brought her words; Vista had reappeared back in the city earlier that day, apparently through more covert means, as had his entourage. ¡°I¡¯ll show her results. Actual results.¡± was all she had time to promise herself as an aura announced itself outside the doors. A pulse of Wither¡¯s own aura invited her retainer to enter, the human woman gliding in before swiftly closing the doors after her. Her steps were soft and her bronze-rank aura tightly controlled, not showing the traces of cores like mistress Wither¡¯s own. ¡°Mistress called.¡± her retainer said, bowing. As always, One-winged Heron wore the veil assigned to her and her companions, her face obscured yet her aura familiar. ¡°Retainer, there have been some unfortunate and unpleasant developments which I wish to correct. As such, I have deemed it to be the time to properly unsheathe the blade that you and your brothers have been forged into.¡± ¡°Mistress? Who will be the target?¡± the woman asked, eyes remaining locked on the floor, but Wither could still sense her eagerness shuddering through her aura. ¡°There has been a rather troublesome young man who has been one of the impediments to our interests for a while. Should he rise to be the city¡¯s chosen for the grand proving, this will only further cement the old blood¡¯s authority in future decades. As my colleagues'' so-called measured approach has failed, it is now time for more decisive action. In just over a week there will be a celebration at the Relentless¡¯ household in honor of the birthday of the mistress of the house. You will infiltrate the house before then and set up the death of young master Relentless. I will give you the passphrases to what remains of our people on the insides. Make your deed send a message as well as ensure either extraction or annihilation for yourselves. As you have the means for both, I will assume that your success is already assured. Or am I mistaken?¡± ¡°Of course not, mistress. As your blades, we will carry out our purpose or succumb to glorious annihilation in the attempt.¡± the bowing woman said, her excitement only growing. ¡°Excellent. You have your orders. Carry them out.¡± mistress Withers finished, dismissing the retainer with but a gesture. The birthday celebration was well before the next board meeting, giving her ample time to make further preparations after the young master was finally dead. And through the little collaboration with some of her contracts, all reports indicated Heron and her fellows to have become the perfect deniable assets in both success and failure. ¡°Our rise will indeed be on top of the relics of the past.¡± she thought, having calmed down as she looked out over Bastion, giving the scroll with the party invitation a glance. ¡°And mine will be the fastest rise of them all.¡±
¡°K-Kite! You are back!¡± Brook exclaimed, starting slightly as she had looked up the piles of scrolls she had been cleaning and categorizing, a small trail of dust constructs shaped like ants helping her carry the different volumes to their designated places. ¡°Greetings, fair Sage.¡± Kite said, looking at the small spectacle of conjured helpers. ¡°I see that you have continued to practice.¡± ¡°Oh, yes. They are very helpful.¡± Brook said, looking at the small constructs. ¡°Thank you. It was a most marvelous gift.¡± Kite thought she seemed a bit subdued during the last statement, but refrained from looking further into her aura. ¡°Thank Sage. It was most adamant about the gift. I have had to purchase a calligraphy book for it to enjoy while waiting, else it grows a bit restless.¡± Brook couldn¡¯t help but smile at remembering the familiar¡¯s antics, even if her gaze drifted off into the distance as she seemed to be thinking of something. ¡°Do you need to return to work? I can always come back la-¡± Kite began, but she quickly interrupted him. ¡°No!¡± she burst out, before blushing and shrinking down a bit. ¡°But maybe we can go somewhere else? A walk?¡± ¡°Then lead on, fair Sage.¡± Kite said, falling into step beside her. The trip out from the magic society campus was spent with Kite giving a very cryptic explanation of their trip, the common areas being crowded as usual. ¡°-so while I have been back for two days, there were certain things that needed clearing up. With the adventure society, that is. So I came here to see you as soon as I was able.¡± he finished, the rather vague explanation feeling quite unsatisfactory. Brook didn¡¯t seem to mind, gaze once more lost in the distance as she listened, nodding along to his words. ¡°At least I am glad you are back safely. You implied trouble, but as all three of you are here I assume it went well?¡± she eventually asked, smiling down at Glint who had come out of her bottle to receive some affection. ¡°We are, but I will admit that some parts were certainly¡­ challenging. And that these surroundings are a much welcome change of surroundings.¡± Kite finished, gesturing over the small park they had found themselves in. Located not far from the magic society, its location up at the First step provided it with plenty of scenic spots looking out over the city and harbor, now gleaming in the afternoon sun. As the silence stretched on, Kite once more resisted the urge to take a peek at the aura of his companion, instead turning to her where she stood near the railing, close to the drop down to the Second step. ¡°Brook? Is something the matter?¡± he ventured, choosing to put words to what he was picking up. The silence stretched on, before she sighed and nodded. ¡°It is. Or- I don¡¯t know. Is it really a matter. Every time I try, I find it hard to speak of, words failing me.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Kite said, trying to read her troubled expression. ¡°Then is it alright if I ask you questions instead?¡± He asked, choosing to go the route that he had often chosen when they were younger and she had trouble expressing herself. As she nodded, still not meeting his eyes, he continued. ¡°Has someone hurt you? Or threatened you?¡± Brook shook her head in response. ¡°I see. I, for one, am glad to hear that.¡± he said, continuing. ¡°Then has something else happened? To you or your family?¡± ¡°No. They are fine. We are fine.¡± ¡°Then are you well? Physically?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Then is it me? Or something I have done?¡± ¡°I- No- or-¡± she began, flustered before turning to him. ¡°Don¡¯t you already know? Can¡¯t essence users read the auras of others?¡± Kite was a bit taken aback by the tone of her voice. It wasn¡¯t accusatory as he might have expected, but rather a bit pleading. ¡°Well, it takes practice and isn¡¯t akin to mind reading, but I can usually catch a general mood. And if I look further I can often glean more, especially from someone unprotected like you. But I rarely do, as it is quite rude to intrude like that.¡± Brook nodded along, took a breath to visibly steel herself and spoke: ¡°Then please, look at mine. And tell me what you see.¡± ¡°Are- are you sure?¡± ¡°I am.¡± she said, voice faltering slightly. But even in her surface aura, he could see a bit of determination. Kite looked at his childhood friend and former lover, their present bond still in turmoil. Then he nodded. ¡°Then I will. But tell me if you would like me to stop. You won¡¯t feel anything per se, but it might still make you feel vulnerable if I start sharing what I see.¡± As she only gave him an urging nod in response, Kite took a breath and then stopped restraining his aura, instead reaching out to start gently sifting through Brooks'' weak and uncontrolled one. It had been a long time since he practiced this, but Serene had been an excellent teacher. ¡°You seem to be nervous. A tiny bit afraid even, but I don¡¯t think it is of me. But there is turbulence¡­ There, a current of fear again. Did you just think about something in particular? Oh, sorry, moving on¡­ But it would help if you reflected some more on what you wanted to tell me, or for me to see. Good, I can see that you are calming down. Now, I will go a bit deeper. There is a bit of happiness and joy, I think. And a fair bit of attraction. Oh, sorry, but you don¡¯t have to blush. It is only natural. I have a friend, Serene, who I have told you about? She is terrifyingly perceptive of these things, and according to her, such passing feelings are very common no matter your intentions. But something else resides here along with it¡­¡± Focusing, Kite closed his eyes to give his spiritual senses his full attention. ¡°I think¡­ it is hard to interpret. But I think it is resolution and¡­¡± he trailed off, opening his eyes to look at Brook. ¡°Regret.¡± he finished, having felt the two concepts thoroughly intertwined. Accompanied by fear and a bit of lust, but these had been peripheral and surface level. ¡°I see.¡± he said with a sigh. By now, big tears had welled up in Brook¡¯s eyes and had begun trailing down her freckled cheeks. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry, Kite¡­¡± she managed to choke out between sobs. Kite nodded to a nearby bench, guiding her over as they sat down next to one another. ¡°It would seem that you have made up your mind.¡± he said gently. ¡°But why didn¡¯t you just tell me?¡± She sniffed a few times, barely able to look at him. ¡°You- you know how I get. With these things. And it wasn¡¯t easy. To find out. In another life, or if I had just been stronger, or braver¡­ Things might have been different.¡± ¡°But the way things are, and the life I live¡­¡± ¡°Kite, I just can¡¯t see myself being together with someone who is so often away, and almost always in danger. I don¡¯t think I could have that role in your life, and I would not want to put myself in it either. But you are such a wonderful person, in so many ways the boy I fell in love with. And it hurts that I can¡¯t just embrace that.¡± The words had come tumbling out, as they were prone to do with just the right amount of guidance and space. Kite sighed again, looking out over the city, the afternoon sun peeking through the cloud cover to cast the water in the harbor aglow. Spring was on its way, even as something else had just shed its last leaf. Silence reigned for a while, before he turned back to her. ¡°Thank you, Brook. For at least showing me when words failed. I¡­ I don¡¯t really know what I feel. Both before and after, there is still turmoil. Which in itself should have told me enough, I think. If we had not figured things out by now, if I didn¡¯t feel more clearly even after our time spent together¡­ I think I understand you, Brook. And what you feel. Even if it hurts a bit to admit. It¡­¡± he sighed. ¡°It would seem like the sage and the vagabond were not meant to have such roles in this story.¡± ¡°Which makes the tale a sad one.¡± Brook said, sniffing. ¡°And what happened to the warrior-sage that you always called yourself?¡± ¡°Well, you are clearly the sage here. As for me, I sure am a warrior, but I must admit that I have not kept up my studies as well as auntie Crow would have wished. And I think that there will be quite a lot of traveling ahead of me on this path of mine. So vagabond feels fitting. ¡± ¡°It does have a certain poetic flair. The tale of the sage and the vagabond.¡± Brook said, a sad smile showing on her tear-streaked face. ¡°And while it took a sad turn, it was at least our choice this time.¡± ¡°It was¡­¡± Brook said, looking out over the city. ¡°I wonder if our teenage selves didn¡¯t have it easier, having the choice made for them.¡± ¡°So far, growing up seems to indeed complicate things.¡± Kite agreed, sitting in silence at her side and taking in the view. A few minutes later, he turned back to her again. ¡°But, how do you want to do things from here? Because I will admit that I have really enjoyed your company. Hearing of your work, talking, reminiscing¡­ It has been nice.¡± ¡°It has. That was part of what made it so hard to realize my feelings on the matter.¡± Brook said. ¡°But I agree. Does- does that mean that you will come back? And visit me at work? Or go out to eat? Or visit the family again?¡± Kite looked at her for a while, finding that the answer came easy. ¡°If the fair sage would have me, then I would indeed want to be graced with her presence again.¡± ¡°Kite, be serious.¡± she chided, eyes thinning further as he chuckled at her response. ¡°Sorry, sorry.¡± he said, making a placating gesture. ¡°Yes, Brook. I would really like that. If you truly do not mind. And as long as you relay our talk here to your mother to prevent any¡­ misunderstandings.¡± he finished, emphasizing the last word with a wink. ¡°She already knows. Was actually surprisingly helpful in talking about it.¡± Brook said. Kite could not help himself to take another look into her aura. Not to pry too much, but to reassure himself that this was something that she actually wanted. Finding no obvious doubts or falsehood, he once more retracted his aura senses. ¡°Well, then I hope that they will welcome me back once more.¡± Kite said, both of them rising to their feet. There was an awkward pause, none of them really knowing what to do. ¡°I¡­ I suppose I will see you later then, Kite.¡± Brook said, breaking the silence. ¡°That you will. And you know where to find me.¡± he said. ¡°See you soon, Still Brook in Blooming.¡±
¡°Kite? What are you doing up here~?¡± Kite started slightly as a squeaking voice surprised him. He turned from where he had been sitting staring out over the ocean from the rooftop veranda of their inn. It was little more than a platform with a railing and a bench, the tall building providing a great view over the harbor and the sunset. ¡°Oh, Wander.¡± he said, wiping away a stray tear. ¡°I did not hear you. But I assume that is the point of that form. How goes the search?¡± ¡°Well, thanks to a certain someone getting into trouble, Braid and Azure are working me absolutely ragged~.¡± the brown rat said, making her way up onto his lap before plopping down on its rear to look up at him, whiskers wiggling. ¡°But we have several juicy leads, so I guess I should not complain. But what about you? Did the date not go well~?¡± ¡°I thought you looked in on all of our meetings so far?¡± Kite asked her, with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Well, no. I stopped after you asked me to. But I saw the two of you from afar just a few hours ago, and being a paragon of respect for the integrity of others, I made sure to keep my distance~.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Kite responded, an eyebrow raised. ¡°And as for now, tears are usually bit of an hint to the result. No need to spy to figure that out. Did she break your heart? Want me to bite her? I am very good at biting just the right amount to get the point across~.¡± Kite chuckled at her words. ¡°No, that will not be necessary. Things have ended, but I am not sure that there even were too many things there which could end. More like threads from the past left hanging, now resolved.¡± ¡°Then why the tears? That sounds like wayyyy more mature an ending than I have ever been involved in~.¡± ¡°Maybe because of the biting?¡± Kite asked, receiving only a withering glare in response. He was quite impressed that the little rat had managed it. ¡°But as to your question¡­ I was just sitting here and trying to figure that out. I think I am in mourning, but not of us right here and now. But I mourn what was forced to end back when we were younger. And what could have been now, had our paths been different. It feels¡­ right to give those threads of fate these feelings. Deserving.¡± Wander looked up at him for a long moment. ¡°Kite~?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Are you sure you are not some ancient, earnest sage just playing pretend as a bronze ranker~?¡± ¡°Oh, I am quite sure.¡± ¡°Because that does not sound like how most in their early twenties would have dealt with emotions like these. Especially not any of my former¡­ entanglements.¡± ¡°Then maybe you should get to know wiser people?¡± Kite retorted, earning a squeaking giggle from the rat. ¡°I suppose that is so~.¡± she said, seeming wistful for a while before looking back up at him. ¡°But, for what it¡¯s worth-¡± she began, the rat waddling up to his stomach and hugging it with tiny arms. ¡°- I¡¯m sorry, Kite. For how things ended~.¡± Kite looked down at her, and couldn¡¯t help but smile at the sight, even as some new tears blurred the image and the sunset in the distance. ¡°Thank you, Wander. I am too.¡± 86. Welcome to the world of magic ¡°Nona?¡± ¡°Cousin?¡± ¡°Have you thought more on what to do when your contract with Kite is over? You¡¯re somewhere around the halfway mark now, right?¡± Phiona sat up straighter in the couch, lowering the book she had been reading, the dusk outside not an impediment to her peak bronze rank perception. ¡°Eighty-nine days left, to be precise. And as to your question, yes I think so.¡± ¡°And?¡± Rachel prompted, rolling over on her own couch where she lay sprawled, tilting her head to look at her cousin. ¡°And I think it is time we moved on after this.¡± ¡°Really? You¡¯re ready?¡± the other Geller exclaimed, rising abruptly. ¡°I am not sure if readiness is an objective state or just a resolution to face whatever comes next at the best of one¡¯s ability.¡± Phiona said with a wry smile. ¡°But yes, I believe I am. When we have said our farewells and tied up what ends we can, we should find a good place to face the monster surge. Somewhere we won¡¯t be hidden away in bunkers or fortresses, but actually get to contribute.¡± ¡°Well, this place does fit that bill.¡± Rachel ventured, getting a surprised look from Phiona. ¡°I thought you wanted to leave as soon as possible?¡± ¡°I do, but still, wouldn¡¯t it be grand to go out with a final show of force here? Among the exotic foods, and dashing young masters and mistresses fighting to show the world their ¡®climb towards the heavens¡¯?¡± Phiona gave her cousin a long look, before her gaze flattened. ¡°You just want to watch Vista fight some more.¡± she said, accusatory. ¡°I thought that you had gotten plenty of that already. I sure have, and the contract isn¡¯t even done.¡± ¡°But Nona, have you really looked? When he¡¯s all powered up, all power and speed. And that butt-¡± ¡°Cousin, I believe that any butt, no matter how fine you find it, should be the reason for our choice of stay for the surge. And besides, do you even think he¡¯ll leave anything for you?¡± she finished, the last statement made with a more teasing tone. ¡°Fine¡­¡± Rachel grumbled. ¡°But I wonder if I can make him carve a statue of himself for me to bring home? Like, a real life-like one. Call it a measuring stick for others in the future?¡± ¡°Back to the actual point of this conversation-¡± Phiona said meaningfully, ¡°- I think we should look to head home. See if we can¡¯t find a suitable smaller city and go from there?¡± Her words brought Rachel back from her obvious daydreaming, and the red-haired Geller looked to Phiona. ¡°Home. It was quite a long time ago. But I do miss the mountains outside the Godenberg compound. And your aunt might be there for the surge.¡± ¡°I thought so too. It might do us - me - some good to see her again. Having been here, shouldering our own responsibilities, choosing our missions and teaching Kite. It has been good. Very good. And I think that things have settled a bit more in the turmoil that has been my mind for the last year.¡± Phiona looked wistfully out the window, over tiled roofs and the bay of the harbor. ¡°I think so too Nona.¡± Rachel said, rising to sit next to her cousin. ¡°And if the opinion of your best and favorite cousin matters, I think that you have done very well for yourself too.¡± As she spoke, she reached out an arm to hug her cousin, leaning against her side. ¡°Time will tell. But I hope so.¡± Phiona agreed. ¡°But there are still a few months left, so we can¡¯t go all soft until then. And I know how you are with goodbyes. Let us make sure to make the best we can of the time that remains.¡±
¡°Kite?¡± Brook said, almost dropping the book she was carrying as he rounded one of the bookshelves down in the stacks. To her, he had suddenly appeared while he had sensed her familiar aura from further away. Kite chided himself for not calling out earlier, instead having just pulsed his aura as a way of announcing his presence. ¡°Apparently, I have spent too much time with only essence users as company.¡± he thought before returning his full attention to Brook. ¡°Fair sage, it has been a few days since I saw you last, so I thought that I would once more seek your august presence.¡± he said, with their usual jargon before his voice softened. ¡°Or would you rather I keep my distance for a while?¡± ¡°Oh, no- I mean, sorry! You are most welcome. I was just surprised, that¡¯s all.¡± she said, making room at the desk next to her and fetching another chair. Kite tried to scrutinize her a bit to see if his presence caused discomfort, but beyond a slight awkwardness he didn¡¯t sense anything out of the ordinary. But out of respect for Brook, he limited his aura senses to the cursory sweep which was well within the boundaries of politeness. ¡°How have you been then? And how is the family? ¡°We are fine, overall. Leaf is picking up more shifts with the woodcutters. Apparently you have gone and inspired him to work to afford essences of his own. I¡¯ve tried telling that a woodcutter¡¯s salary won¡¯t cover that even when he still lives at home, but-¡± ¡°-but hard work and the right outlook can make any task seem doable.¡± Kite filled in, finishing the quote often told by Brook¡¯s father. ¡°They are sound words of advice.¡± ¡°Just don¡¯t let father hear you say that.¡± she sighed. ¡°There will be no end to the proverbs otherwise.¡± Their conversation kept going like that for a while, Kite telling her a bit about his days of training with the Gellers and the contracts they had undertaken together during the five days since they had openly appeared back in the city. To Kite, the days had been surprisingly normal even though he saw even less of Braid and Wander than usual. From the few scattered conversations he had managed with them, things were apparently picking up quite a lot in the investigation. In turn, Brook told him a bit of her work and training, and Kite found that they quickly returned to the relaxed dynamic they had often found in one another''s company before their last meeting and subsequent end to any potential courting between them. And that made the decision to move forward with his plan an easy one. ¡°Brook, did I ever tell you what the recompense for the little incident at the beach would be?¡± he asked her during a lapse in their conversation. ¡°No, only that you had made a deal for it to be something nice.¡± she answered, curiosity and suspicion coloring her expression. ¡°You were quite vague and teasing about it too.¡± ¡°Well, I hope that the result will make up for my lack of character and decorum then.¡± Kite said with a laugh, as he produced a cube from his dimensional pouch and put it on the table in front of her. Like all essences, it was a perfect cube with each side being fifteen centimeters. It looked to be made of an opaque white stone with symbols and markings scribbled all over, not entirely unlike those making up the ¡®body¡¯ of Sage. ¡°A knowledge essence felt fitting for the sage.¡± he said, not being able to help a smile creeping over his face at her speechlessness. ¡°I believe I mentioned that the Stoics really did not want to end up on the Gellers¡¯ bad side.¡± ¡°And- but-¡± Brook said, looking at him, then back at the cube. ¡°But you- I mean I- got that much?¡± ¡°As I said; the Gellers can be a scary bunch. You should join me and meet them some day.¡± he said, before wincing at his choice of words. ¡°I suppose that particular phrasing did not sell the experience very well.¡± Brook just looked at him, and he could see a question brewing. An important one. So he gave her some time to find her words. ¡°So, you¡¯re still giving me this? Even if we aren¡¯t- even if we won¡¯t-¡± ¡°Brook, I would have given it to you no matter the outcome. It is your gift, after all. But I wanted to wait until we had figured things out, so as to not let any thoughts of debt or karma influence the decision. And now we have, so I felt that it was overdue.¡± Kite explained. ¡°And Fortune has apparently seen fit to bless you a bit further, as the knowledge essence was actually just a happy addition. I had planned to give you this all along, once I got to know you again.¡± he finished, plonking down yet another cube to rest beside the first. The second one was transparent like the sky, reliefs of different avians showing in its depths no matter which angle one viewed it from. ¡°A bird essence. While not entirely in theme with the others you have, you used to love birds when you were little. And as you are imagining an academic career, just being an essence user should help you a lot too. But I understand if you¡¯d rather sell it and save up for a rune or balance essence, which-¡± His words were interrupted by Brook leaning over and hugging him, their sitting positions meaning that her head rested against his collarbone. ¡°Thank you, Kite.¡± she said, words slightly muffled. ¡°You don¡¯t know-¡± ¡°Oh, I think I do.¡± he said, gently prying her away so that he could look her in the eyes. ¡°Remember how I got mine? Partially from some kind of happenstance and partially from caring people. And they changed my life. So I¡¯ve found that it is really satisfying to be able to do the same for other people that I value. And I do value you, Brook. Not just for what we used to be, but for who you are now. And I have truly enjoyed our time together since our paths happened to cross again, and I will pray to Fortune that they will continue to do so in the years to come.¡± He gestured to the two cubes at the table. ¡°And besides, as long as you work to afford the monster cores, we can both grow really old too.¡± His words seemed to finally be too much for Brook, who broke down giggling. She continued for a good, long while, having to bend over the table at times to support herself. When it finally subsided, she wiped the tears from her eyes and looked at Kite again. ¡°They say that your first love will change your life forever. Kite, we¡¯re not even lovers anymore. We haven¡¯t been in years. And yet you can¡¯t seem to help yourself and just come here and change my life again.¡± ¡°Shall I take that as the fair sage accepting the vain vagabond¡¯s gift?¡± Kite asked. ¡°That would be a quite correct assumption, you wandering brute.¡± Brook shot back. ¡°Then if the lady don¡¯t mind, I believe that you have a pair of life-changing rituals to get to. If you can find the time to get off work, that is.¡± In regards to the latter part, Kite needn¡¯t have worried. The head librarian was apparently quite fond of Brook, and all but threw her from the library when she told him the reason for her requesting a few hours off. ¡°Go, young one, go, before Fortune shows her more fickle side. This will be quite excellent for your career. Oh, to have a knowledge essence of one¡¯s own.¡± the elderly bronze-ranker said wistfully as they made their farewells to find a ritual chamber. ¡°Do I need to buy the materials? I have some funds available. ¡± Brook asked as they walked, but Kite just shook his head. ¡°Now, it would not do for me to offer the fair sage such a gift without thinking ahead.¡± he said, patting his dimensional pouch. ¡°But you might want to bring some spare clothes. I have a little crystal wash left, but there is usually no saving them.¡± And so, they once more found themselves in one of the ritual chambers at the magic society campus, the windowless stone room feeling tranquil and calm to Kite¡¯s magical senses. He took his time drawing out the ritual, the process carrying the comfort brought by experience. ¡°May I get to perform this ritual many times in the years to come.¡± Kite thought to himself as Brook took her place in the center. ¡°And you are sure that you are fine with these ones? They should become the mystic confluence, which-¡± This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°- will adapt to my other powers and the stones used more than a predetermined theme as would have been the case with other confluences.¡± Brook finished, giving him a meaningful look of sagacious superiority. ¡°And as to your question; yes. I do not want to wait. This is already more than I could have dreamt of today, and one should not spur the gifts of Fortune, lest she show her fickle side.¡± ¡°The words of a sage indeed.¡± Kite said, handing her the knowledge essence. ¡°Then we shall begin.¡± The light of the ritual circle played on the gray stone walls of the chamber as the cube dissolved into what seemed to be a swarm of symbols, buzzing around Brook¡¯s head in a circle before turning inwards and disappearing into her head. Light shone from her, and she shuddered. As she looked around. ¡°Everything is so bright, and detailed.¡± Brook said, looking both energized and a bit woozy. ¡°Try closing your eyes. It will help while it passes, and might help you sense what power might have awakened within you. Although I believe that I already know part of it.¡± Kite said, feeling Brook¡¯s aura somehow grow more full and defined. It was not iron rank, at least not yet, but Kite would be surprised if her first power awakened wasn¡¯t an aura power. ¡°It is- something. Something intangible which surrounds me. I do not think I can do much with it actively.¡± she murmured where she sat. ¡°Then that confirms it; an aura power. And from what I can feel, I think it increases the spirit attribute of those near you. Just a little bit, but it is definitely helpful.¡± Kite said, his own magical senses helping him notice the change in his own attributes. ¡°As spirit governs cognitive processing and perception, I believe that you may have quite the career ahead of you, should you wish for it. Who would turn down someone whose mere presence makes other around them think clearer?¡± ¡°The magic society is full of talented people, Kite. But thank you, I appreciate the encouragement.¡± Brook said from where she sat, looking at the world once more with new eyes. ¡°Then we only have the last one left.¡± Kite said, handing her the bird essence. ¡°You know what to do with the confluence?¡± he asked, receiving a nod in response. ¡°Then, Still Brook in Blooming, welcome to the world of magic.¡± Kite said, starting up the next ritual.
¡°Good. Now try and reach out like that again. As if you are taking a breath, letting your lungs expand.¡± Brook tried following Kite¡¯s instruction again, still not used to the odd sensation of her aura. Her aura. From her studies, she knew that she had always had one. But suddenly seeing and sensing it was as if a new world had opened up. From where he sat across from her, guiding her through a basic aura-control exercise, she could feel Kite¡¯s aura as well. Even though she could not see it, his aura still carried a certain presence; a solidity she had not known that she had associated with him but which felt completely natural to associate with her childhood friend and once lover. ¡°Just like that, well done.¡± Kite said as she once more managed to expand her aura. ¡°No, project it. It¡¯s called projection.¡± Brook told herself in her mind, continuing to follow Kite¡¯s instructions even as her mind wandered slightly, sometimes causing her concentration to lapse. Her other two new powers beckoned her, as if they wanted to be explored. While Brook had heard that ascending a rank came with a certain unpleasantness, having her whole body revolt at the same time had certainly been an experience. But what had come of it was beyond doubts worth it. Upon absorbing her bird essence, Brook had awakened a summoned familiar power, much to her delight. They had yet to go and see if they could find the required materials in the trade pavilion, having prioritized some basic instruction in aura control. Kite had even promised to sponsor her first ritual. She had tried to protest, but he had gently reminded her that friends should be allowed to help one another out, that the iron-ranked materials were not that great an expense to him and that he was very curious as to what would come of the ritual. ¡°Besides, the sooner you can get to know one another, the better. Now you¡¯ll always have company.¡± he had said with a smile, looking towards Sage and Glint who had floated off to inspect an urn on a pedestal lining the corridor they had been walking through. From her mystic confluence, Brook had awakened what Kite called a special ability. The power in question allowed her to take extra time when casting a spell, in turn lowering its mana cost and any ongoing mana costs for the eventual duration. This would mesh well with her essence gifts, having awakened along with her essences being absorbed. To Brook¡¯s relief, most of them had been quite non-violent. She had been blessed with the ability to use skill books from her knowledge essence and a greater tendency to awaken spells and rituals from her mystic confluence. Only the one from her bird essence had been a bit worrisome, increasing the attributes of any avian creature summoned through her powers and rituals. The final surprise had come when Kite had also produced an awakening stone of ink. ¡°Honestly, most adventurers would dismiss this one, but for an academic such as you I believe it should come in handy.¡± he had said, guiding her through yet another ritual which ended up giving her a ritual which could be used to copy text and other transcribed information, only needing preparation, time and her mana to function. ¡°Take another breath and center yourself again.¡± came Kite¡¯s instruction, snapping Brook back to the present. Looking at Kite, he was giving her a knowing smile. ¡°It is quite a lot to take in, isn¡¯t it? A world you barely dared to hope you would enter, and suddenly you are there.¡± Head swimming with abilities and new impressions, Brook could only nod. ¡°Then why don¡¯t we stop for today? Maybe going home and sharing the news with your family would be a good way to center yourself? Then we can handle the familiar ritual tomorrow, before I leave on a contract with the Gellers.¡± They stopped at an intersection, Brook looking up toward the city gate along the wide main avenues before turning back to Kite. There were a lot of emotions roiling around within her, although fortunately not as unpleasant or confusing as they had been during the last months. Swallowing a lump in her throat, Brook resolved to put at least some of them into words. ¡°Th-thank you Kite. You didn¡¯t have to do this. Many would probably understand if you hadn¡¯t. But the fact remains, that you changed my life today. Thank you feels so paltry, as if the words aren¡¯t enough. But I don¡¯t know how to further convey how grateful I am.¡± She felt flustered as she spoke there among all the people going about their business on the crowded streets. The crowds now had nuances she had never felt before, her new senses even allowing her to pick out another essence-user somewhere in the distance. ¡°Well, fortunately you now have another medium of expression.¡± Kite said, gently nudging her aura with his. ¡°I can feel it, Brook. And thank you for being you. Please put them to good use in following your path.¡± Then they went their separate ways after making plans for the following day, the farewell in many ways as ordinary as so many others they had shared, even though the day itself had been one of the most extraordinary Brook had ever lived through. Kite looked after his childhood friend and once lover, not trying to keep the wide smile in check. ¡°Helping those one cares about sure is a heady feeling indeed.¡± he said with a slight shake of his head as he turned and walked back towards his inn. ¡°I better watch out so that it doesn¡¯t start going to my head.¡±
A cloud of golden motes enveloped the whole arena, shimmering with a light of their own as they dulled the senses, leaving Kite feeling as if he was in another world. The effect still being at iron rank took the edge from the impression a bit, but Kite could still appreciate the confusion it could sow amongst one''s enemies. Shapes had already started forming, vague outlines moving among the motes of dust as they started surrounding Kite. ¡°As you can see, senior, this Brilliant Bloom has learned quite a lot from our last spar. You will have to watch your back, else you will find me there catching up to you.¡± a voice called, muffled by the enveloping cloud. ¡°Then you will have to show me a bit more than words.¡± Kite retorted with a smile, assuming a ready stance. At his words, the shapes dove towards him, each manifesting a bright sword of light, its sharp outlines a contrast to the wielders¡¯ indistinctness. Kite blocked the first with his staff, the second with a barrier and the third with a palm, dispelling force dispersing the sword. The illusions themselves he just let pass, his magical perception helping him distinguish which part of the illusions were made tangible in which moment. So far, only the blades and sometimes the hands of the silhouettes had been able to impact him, and Kite took advantage of that as he stayed on the defensive. One of his dispelling waves would have been able to reset the ¡®stage¡¯, but that was not the purpose of this spar. Instead, Kite fought on, pressing the illusions where he could and starting to project attacks of his own at certain points in the cloud at times when he deemed the pressure to be lacking. Eventually, these attacks became too much for the former young master, Brilliant Bloom instead choosing an all out offense once Kite had just used his dispelling counter against a half-real illusion. To his credit, there was no shouted attack or that many hints that the massive pillar of light was about to descend on Kite before the shroud of gleaming motes suddenly parted to reveal the attack. Unfortunately for the young man, Kite¡¯s magical perception had forewarned him of what was about to happen. While his dispelling counter was unavailable, Kite instead just used the gathered force from some of the parried strikes saved up to instead make a quick leap to the side, before he shot forward to the now revealed iron-ranker. As the spectacular special attack struck only the ground, the bout was over as Kite¡¯s hand had stopped just before Bloom¡¯s forehead, index finger lightly touching the spot between his eyes. ¡°I must say that your training and patience clearly show.¡± Kite said. ¡°Baiting out my counter before striking was an excellent move, and you are managing the illusions splendidly. Had you used that technique when we first met, I believe that things may have gone differently.¡± ¡°Well, my foolishness then was not only limited to matters of battle.¡± Bloom said with a conflicted expression as his gleaming butterfly familiar came to once more rest on his head. ¡°And besides, Glitz here helps a lot in managing the illusions.¡± ¡°Trust me, it will get a lot better at bronze rank.¡± Kite said encouragingly. ¡°I couldn¡¯t use my expanded vision properly until my spirit attribute ascended. Your style should carry you far now that you soar free. The phantasmagoria confluence is something to behold.¡± Kite had been genuinely impressed once introduced to the full array of Bloom¡¯s powers through their occasional sparring, having only seen bits and pieces during their admittedly short earlier encounters. Fighting in the obscuring cloud of light and dust, the young man created semi-real illusions which could swing conjured swords of light or otherwise become more solid as he wished them to. ¡°But one pointer I would like to give is to consider switching it up here and there to keep your opponents guessing-¡± Kite began as the pair walked back to their little audience. Felicity, the cute receptionist and nowadays Bloom¡¯s partner sat chatting with Brook, both of the young women taking turns to admire the beautiful heron which stood beside Brook on its long legs, a few elemental runes scattered in pretty patterns along its more prominent feathers. Kite had been quite amused when Brook¡¯s familiar turned out to be a rune heron, thinking back to his own conflicts with the monster-varieties in the wild. But he had to admit that the dignified avian fit her, somehow exuding wisdom and knowledge, even though its iron-ranked vessel was far smaller than the bronze-ranked specimens Kite had fought. As they made to go their different ways after some more chatting, Bloom once more bowed to Kite. ¡°Thank you, senior, for trading pointers with me again. And as I said, watch your back! Bronze rank draws near, and then we shall test one another¡¯s strength again!¡± Even though the words were defiant, they remained good-natured, having Kite smile as he turned back towards his inn and another shorter outing with the Gellers. ¡°It is nice to see living proof that people are capable of changing.¡±
As Kite entered the new suite of rooms which Braid and Wander had moved to during their stay in Bastion, Kite could understand why the change had been needed. Documents lay absolutely everywhere, some in the shape of loose sheets of paper while others were thick ledgers or neat scrolls. The amount he saw here would have covered more than all available surfaces of their previous lodgings, beds included. In the midst of it all, studying a map of the city while glowing threads were moving papers, sometimes affixing them to the wall through the magical thread making a neat little stitch, Braid was fully engrossed in his work. Kite did suspect that at least a sliver of his mind remained available to the general public though, as one of the threads had also opened the door to admit him before he had even had the time to knock. Potent defensive formations, probably a small array, came to life again as the door closed behind Kite. ¡°I see that you are busier than ever.¡± Kite noted, meandering about a little before choosing to remain standing as there were simply nowhere available. ¡°Should I come back later?¡± ¡°Heavens no, Kite!¡± Braid said, turning to him. ¡°I mean, I haven¡¯t even been able to properly thank you! Due to your stumbling around in local politics, we have so many threads to follow which looks very promising. Wander is even out at the moment investigating the most prioritized one.¡± ¡°I am glad that the events surrounding me have been able to bring fortune to others at least.¡± Kite said, his smile slightly strained as he remembered both the surprise silver-ranked monster and his time in the astral space. ¡°And that astral space was fascinating. I only spent the shortest of time there myself, but I read the reports. Is it true that you found an essence affected by the environment?¡± ¡°I did.¡± Kite said, producing a cube seemingly made of vibrant purple sand and showing it to the masked man. ¡°But the initial assessment by the magic society is that the cosmetic changes are highly unlikely to affect the recipient in any way. Which is a shame, as it might have sold for quite the tidy sum if that had been the case.¡± ¡°Oh, it might still. Some view these kinds of odd essences as collectibles. So should you sell it, I recommend that you hold off on that until you can reach an auction in one of the magical metropolises of the world where its odd quality will be properly appreciated.¡± Braid said as he inspected the essence. ¡°And the color is quite nice. I will make you a proper matching pillow for it to rest on for you, once all of this is done.¡± he said, gesturing at the plethora of documents scattered around the room. ¡°Speaking of the investigation, do you think that you will need me some more in the future? With Vista busy today and during the upcoming week due to his mother¡¯s birthday celebration, I believe that my plans are flexible.¡± It had been quite a while since Kite got to participate in the less delicate field work of the investigation, and he thought that it would be a nice change of pace. Braid was just about to answer when a squeaking voice interrupted them. ¡°Kite! Great! I heard the last part. Flexible! Even better! You both need to come with me NOW!¡± the small brown rat which had tumbled in through a diminutive hatch above the rafters shouted at them as she fell and collided with a table, eliciting a soft *thump* as the rat was completely unharmed. ¡°Wander?¡± What is the matter? Was there a lead?¡± Braid asked excitedly. ¡°Talk while you walk. Or run! Both of you! To the Relentless family¡¯s compound.¡± ¡°But Wander, what-¡± ¡°They are going to try to kill him, Braid. The young master! Vista! Well, try more directly at least. Vista might be in terrible danger, and you need to get there now!¡± 87. Winking out The extensive compound of the Relentless family was absolutely abuzz with activity, covered in beautiful paper decorations and the first flowers of spring. The latter had been spread with such abundance that there was no doubt that users of the plant essence had been retained to bring forth the floral bounty ahead of nature¡¯s schedule. Protecting it all was an environmental barrier, only in use for special days such as this to keep the frequent squalls of rain away from the people of importance gathered at the complex of manors, all there to pay their respects to the mistress of the Relentless family. Or at least ostensibly it was so. The game of politics being played were the usual, making it important to at least be seen at such an event no matter what one actually thought of their hosts. Among those already inside, finery and auras were on full display as the mighty of the city mingled and schemed, a line of those not as high in the social hierarchy still present outside as each group got their invitation checked. And further inside the complex, far away from the main festivities, a pair of house servants passed each other in the hall, giving a subtle nod to one another as they ostensibly exchanged trays of food and refreshments. There was a constant bustle among the staff, with those in charge constantly barraged with requests and questions. Overall, the chaos lent itself well to a cadre of ¡®guests¡¯ who were not on any list of invitees. One of the house servants turned a corner, their manner in unison with the rest of the quite stressed staff. But the woman¡¯s steps did not turn for the main gathering, but rather the opposite. Navigating basically empty corridors in one of the guest wings, she stopped in front of an open set of sliding doors showing a pleasant garden. The woman did not exit, instead stopping close to the threshold and speaking softly. ¡°Everything is in place. The formations should hold for at least a few minutes under stress. It was all that could be prepared with a decent chance of remaining undiscovered.¡± ¡°A few minutes will be plenty.¡± a female voice replied, drifting in from the garden while the speaker remained unseen. ¡°You have done well. Prepare to make your escape after the target has been brought here. For those of you that succeed, power awaits you.¡± ¡°Understood. May our foundation be built over the relics of the past.¡± the ¡®servant¡¯ intoned before leaving once more. One-winged Heron smiled where she stood, unseen to all but the most powerful of observers. It had been a bit of a challenge in slipping by the outer defenses of the compound, but what remained of their allies on the inside had provided enough information to make it possible. ¡°It speaks well of them that they obey without question, even if the orders aren¡¯t from those they think. Those who make it will be worth recruiting to the mistress¡¯ banner. Having participated, they will have little choice, should they value their lives.¡± Heron thought to herself. All should be in place; her brethren hidden in the garden. Their aura masks should help them remain undetected for long enough. ¡°And the final touch-¡± With a thought and a ripple of mana, Heron¡¯s features shifted, instead showing the face of a young mistress of the Horizon family. The family in question was quite successful, having made a path for themselves in the foreign trade long before they were given their name by the past city lord. Successful enough to be invited, but not enough to be overly noticed, Heron had chosen her guise well. Another layer of illusions transformed her sleek armor into fine dress robes, complete with a silk shawl enchanted to float on its own, the accessory being all the rage in Bastion¡¯s higher society these days Even as she readied herself, she could feel a part of her spirit calling for her to just destroy this place; to unleash the power gifted to her just to revel in the act during her final moment of existence. But Heron held it in check, having been trained to do so for years. Destruction¡¯s gift was, in the end, but a safeguard, but the whispers of the god¡¯s mere echo was still potent indeed. Positioning herself to play her part, Heron sat down to wait.
¡°Have you sent a message to the branch director?¡± Braid called to Wander where the three of them sat upon Glint as she floated along the busy streets of Bastion. ¡°I did what I could, but you know I can¡¯t spread out far enough over the city to both come and get you and go all the way to the First Step. And you were the closest~!¡± Wander said from his shoulder. ¡°And besides, do you know how lucky I was to even overhear this? It was from one of the silver-ranked ladies heading to the party on one of the palanquins. I just barely managed to stay hidden as I rode along. Didn¡¯t see her through the covering, but I did catch a whiff of her smell. Braid, I could have been caught~!¡± ¡°Then we just have to hope that we can arrive in time to do something about it.¡± Braid retorted. ¡°But Wander, why were you on the palanquin to begin with?¡± Kite asked, waving apologetically as Glint had to weave a bit too close to a pair of pedestrians. Only silence was his reply, both men turning to look at the rat whose whiskers were twitching a bit awkwardly. ¡°Wander.¡± Braid said, as if he knew what was to come. ¡°Well, there was this most wonderful smell coming from it. Some kind of fried pastries I have never tried. Soooo I thought that they wouldn¡¯t miss a little nibble~...¡± Braid just sighed while Kite shook his head, smiling. ¡°Then we should thank Fortune for your lack of self-control.¡± ¡°But also start praying for guidance on how we are supposed to get in there to help.¡± Braid said, ducking beneath the branch of a tree. ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll get too far if we make a scene at the gates, and it will give away to any observers that we are onto their plan. If there will even be an attempt.¡± ¡°Braid, I know what I heard. That tone of hers, all gloating. It sent my whiskers shivering~.¡± Wander protested. ¡°It is indeed worth it to at least make sure that Vista is safe.¡± Kite said in agreement. ¡°He is very competent, but still not infallible.¡± ¡°But, striking against him in his own family compound¡­ Few would call it a wise move.¡± ¡°Unless it succeeds. Then it might be considered bold.¡± Kite finished, voice grim. ¡°We are drawing close. Let us dismount and make a plan. The less attention we draw when getting in the better.¡± A little while later, the three were standing in an alleyway near the Relentless family compound, looking out over the line of guests still waiting to enter. ¡°I can¡¯t see them properly from over here, but the defensive array is nothing to scoff at.¡± Braid said, a few runes on his cloth mask glowing with channeled mana as he observed the wall around the compound. ¡°Nothing I couldn¡¯t get through, of course. But I¡¯d need at least half an hour, double that if we are to minimize risk of detection.¡± ¡°Braid, I don¡¯t think we have that much time~.¡± Wander whispered. ¡°Well, how do you know that?¡± ¡°Just call it womanly intuition. The lady I overheard sounded like she was already sure of her success, as if news would reach her any moment.¡± ¡°And you got all that from her tone?¡± Braid asked incredulously. ¡°I still think we should consider a measured approach. Maybe-¡± ¡°Wait!¡± Kite said, as he had spotted something. Something, or rather someone. ¡°I believe that I have an idea. Braid, can you make us some finery? It only needs to be something that won¡¯t get us kicked out immediately.¡± The cloth-wrapped man looked at Kite in silence for a second, before Kite could see the hint of a grin beneath the mask. ¡°Non-enchanted clothing? Oh Kite, my sweet boy¡­ I believe that I have our needs quite covered.¡±
So far, Stoic Boar felt that this day was looking to be quite splendid as he was engrossed in pleasant conversation with the young lady next to him. Lustrous Pearl lived up to her name very well, her white dress robes and mother-of-pearl accessories beautifully contrasting her blue hair, celestine beauty only hidden behind the fan she artfully waved in front of her face. The pair was standing with their entourages in line, waiting for their turn to be allowed into the compound of the Relentless family. While part of him chafed at waiting, Boar knew his place; both his own and the Lustrous family were only retainers to true power in the end, but her having accepted his invitation was a great prize in its own right. ¡°If Fortune favor me, maybe she would be amenable to join me for the soir¨¦e in two weeks as well?¡± he thought while hypnotized by those blue eyes. ¡°-but I will share with you, young master Stoic, that I have heard the most scandalous rumor as of late.¡± the young woman confided, leaning just a bit closer while her retainer holding the parasol above her swerved to keep her out of the sun. ¡°Oh, please do tell, my dear!¡± Boar said, leaning in almost conspiratorially, earning himself a demure giggle. ¡°Well, while it isn¡¯t confirmed, rumor has it that the young master Relentless might not be unengaged for too long.¡± ¡°No? Really? Would the Whirlwind Warrior really be tied down?¡± Boar asked, intrigued. ¡°Oh I don¡¯t think many would have been able to, but from what I have heard, it might be a name and woman mighty enough to perform such a feat. They say that it is one of the Gellers!¡± At this, Stoic Boar froze. Mistaking his reaction as feigned shock, young mistress Lustrous continued. ¡°I know! An outlander, but such a prominent one. Apparently, she is as fair as they come, with bright red hair. They say that she is a mighty adventurer too. But how would such a woman be a proper wife to one if his station? Truly I-¡± Boar barely noticed her pause before her gaze had left his, looking at something behind him. ¡°Young master Stoic? Do you know these people?¡± Turning around, Stoic Boar froze yet again, his heart clenching slightly this time. Crossing the street, a pair of men were making no attempt to hide their approaching the group. One was dressed in cloth from head to toe, fine purple silk robes accentuated by a cloth mask with intricate, mysterious embroideries in gold. Boar did not know the man, but he did very much recognize the other man; a few years younger than himself, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune was dressed a lot more richly than the last time Boar had met him. Now he wore a set of deep blue loose, flowing robes almost like those a sage might wear, golden tassels prominently on display. While the young man looked a bit out of place in a garment one would often associate with someone much older, there was no denying the quality of the cloth or tailoring. Some threads even seemed to glow. ¡°Ah, young master Stoic! I am most terribly sorry for our tardiness. The tailor truly dragged his feet until the final moment, but now we are finally here to join you. Your invitation to add us to your retinue was a most gracious and generous one. Truly, you are a man of honor, giving us such face.¡± Boar was so taken aback by the sudden approach that he barely reacted at first, but when he got a look from his guard asking for his response, Boar just shook his head ever so slightly before turning to the approaching pair. ¡°Ah, but of course, of course. You already give me such face in allowing one of my lowly station to escort you to the event, disciple. It is not every day the lowly Stoic Boar may be in the company of someone who is both a personal disciple of Phiona Geller as well as in the entourage of young master Relentless himself.¡± Boar said, walking forward as if to give a more familiar greeting to the young man. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Boar hissed once he was close enough while performing a proper courteous bow. His whisper was at a volume that the bronze-rankers of his group would not be able to listen in. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Kite gave him a meaningful look before returning the bow, attempting to mimic the strength of voice used by the young master. ¡°I¡¯ve found a way for our karma to be severed, young master Stoic. Bring us with you inside. It is of utmost importance.¡± ¡°You are calling in the favor already? Like this?¡± ¡°I am.¡± Kite said, their eyes meeting. In the young man¡¯s eyes, Stoic Boar saw resolute determination, his aura matching the expression. It did not take more than a split second for Boar to reach a decision. ¡°Then I am forced to acquiesce. But please, do not make me complicit in whatever you have planned.¡± ¡°Excellent!¡± Kite said, louder as he straightened from his bow with a smile. ¡°You truly are the paragon of virtue. We shall be in your care.¡±
Vista sighed inwardly once again as he was walking through the corridors of his compound, soon to reach the small garden in one of the guest wings. A certain perfumed note had politely but rather fervently asked him to meet there, wanting to discuss something of the utmost importance. And as this was not the first time this happened, not even the first time this particular garden was chosen as a location for said ¡®discussion¡¯, Vista had left the main celebration immediately, finding it best to get out of the way as soon as possible. Even Whimmy had been left behind, happily using its flames to grill slabs of meat before devouring them with surprising care and restraint. In previous such encounters, the familiar¡¯s presence had only given the would-be courter another way to keep Vista talking. ¡°I had hoped that the rumors regarding Rachel would have helped in this regard, but alas¡­¡± he thought with a sigh. Contrary to his hopes, the rumors had only led to more invitations to private meetings and discussions in more ¡®intimate¡¯ settings, many apparently taking the rumored entanglement as proof that Vista was now openly accepting courtship. ¡°Still, I need to keep the family¡¯s interests at heart. And let whoever it is down gently.¡± he thought to himself as he turned a corner and spotted the lone young woman sitting demurely at a bench in the garden. Inwardly cursing the heavens for his bad luck, Vista put on his polite smile and entered the garden. ¡°Young mistress Horizon. A pleasure to have you attend us this day in the end. I thought that you were indisposed for today¡¯s celebration.¡± With the close ties between their families, Vista knew that he had to handle this one with care. ¡°Ah, young master Relentless.¡± she said, rising as her robes and fair hair fell into place almost as if the motion had been practiced, while the parts of her silken shawl that was not covering her arms floated up behind her as a colorful halo. ¡°I am ever so pleased that you would join me here.¡± Her manner was every bit as bashful as Vista expected, having met the young woman often during his life. ¡°If it would not be too forward of me, I would be happy for you to address me as Aurora. Like you did when we were children.¡± ¡°Well then, Aurora-¡± Vista said, not wanting to be too rude in his rebuffing of her attempt to add more familiarity to their conversation. ¡°- know that I am pleased to meet you, but have to return very soon as I still have my duties.¡± ¡°Oh, but won¡¯t you at least stay for a short while¡­ Vista?¡± She asked, tentatively trying out the name to gauge his reaction. As he showed no displeasure, she pressed on. ¡°Thanks to your family¡¯s generosity in deploying the barrier, the weather is too pleasant not to enjoy for just a little while, is it not?¡± Aurora asked, once more sitting down at the stone bench while leaving just enough space for him to sit down beside her with a bare modicum of propriety. The indication of what she hoped for was quite clear, Vista chose to remain standing in front of the woman once he walked over to her. ¡°As I said, Aurora, I will soon be required to return. May I ask, what did you wish to discuss with me?¡± His tone was still pleasant and cordial, as he prayed that she would take the unspoken hint. She sighed in theatrical disappointment. ¡°Aw, no mercy toward this young mistress? Then I suppose we shall have to conduct our business as things stand.¡± Something in her words caused Vista¡¯s mind to snap to alertness, but by then his aura senses had already been shut out from penetrating the walls surrounding the gardens. And three other figures were already moving in for the kill.
¡°I can¡¯t believe that actually worked~.¡± Wander whispered from beneath Kite¡¯s robes, a small head peeking up from his collar. ¡°We have only Fortune to thank that the young master happened to owe me a favor.¡± Kite replied under his breath. Him and Braid had joined the rear of the group, trying not to draw further notice from the rest of the line who had curiously looked on at their approach and exchange. ¡°And you too, Kite, for actually having him owe you said favor. Look, it seems to be working~.¡± Ahead of them, the young master and his lady companion were presenting their invitation, the guards looking over their group. Kite could see them ask a few questions, casting a meaningful look at him and Braid, but another few words and a bow from Stoic Boar seemed to ease whatever suspicion they might have been under. Shortly thereafter, they were allowed into the compound. Kite had seen the courtyard before, during their first send off as Vista¡¯s entourage, but today it was even more embellished. ¡°The amount of paper here could empty a library.¡± He murmured as he looked around. ¡°And the flowers alone¡­ What would such a thing cost?¡± ¡°Meh, it¡¯s nothing compared to what these old families earn. But from our investigations, there have been clear signs of them being on the back foot for a while now~.¡± Wander whispered, but fell silent as Stoic Boar turned to them. ¡°My esteemed guest, if you¡¯ll excuse me, we have to go around and make greetings. But I hope to reconvene with you as soon as possible.¡± Boar said, bowing before turning to leave as swiftly as decorum would allow for, all but dragging his companion with him while she still cast curious glances at the two. Kite had been amused to see how the young master had fought a cunning and intense social battle to regain her attention after he and Braid had joined their little group. ¡°May Fortune favor your endeavors of the heart.¡± he thought with a slight smile before turning to Braid, nodding toward a more secluded space among some plants where a pair of sculpted stone benches allowed the guests to sit down. ¡°What is the plan?¡± Kite asked, looking around the crowds. ¡°This place is huge, and there must be hundreds of guests here.¡± ¡°Wander, you should go and see if you can approach the master of the house or someone else of sufficient power. They need to be informed about what is going on as soon as possible without drawing too much attention, at least not during your approach. As for me and Kite, we will need to find the young master and warn him. But as to how we find him-¡± ¡°By scent!¡± Kite exclaimed, interrupting Braid. ¡°That could be worthwhile, but Wander would need something of his to-¡± ¡°No, Braid.¡± Kite said, pointing over the courtyard. In the shade of a silk tent, a cerberus Kite was quite familiar with by now lay daintily munching on grilled meats. ¡°We have someone intimately familiar with Vista here already. Both in scent and bond. Let us go.¡± ¡°Then go! Quick! I¡¯ll see if I can¡¯t find someone important to bother~!¡± Wander said, rats starting to flow out from beneath the hem of Kite¡¯s voluminous robes before scuttling away beneath the cover of the plethora of decorative plants. Kite began crossing the courtyard, Braid in tow, their pace and urgency causing many sour or distasteful looks to be directed against them, even the occasional aura spike being directed their way. Ignoring it all, the pair soon found themselves standing before the cerberus, two heads looking up to regard their approach while the last happily munched away at whatever meat was left on the three huge platters in front of them. ¡°Whimmy, we think Vista might be in danger. Could you please guide us to him?¡± Kite asked, kneeling down in front of the familiar as they were currently in their smaller form. One of the heads turned to regard him with a concerned whine while the other cast a suspicious stare towards Braid. ¡°He is another one of my friends, and he wants to help. Another friend is here as well.¡± Kite said, showing the one rat of Wander¡¯s swarm which was still with him. ¡°But Whimmy, please. We do not think that there is much time left.¡± The two active heads regarded them for a few more seconds, then gave a small *bork* of assent. Rising, the third head still trying to gobble up what it could, the familiar started making its way past the main living complex, noses constantly sniffing the air. Kite and Braid followed in their wake, ignoring even more curious or annoyed stares. At first, the cerberus mostly seemed to move in a general direction, probably following their familiar bond, but soon all three heads seemed to become much more direct in which path they chose. They followed Whimmy through side paths and around buildings, once even passing through an outside gallery of impressive stone sculptures, the din of the party gradually fading behind them. Soon, there were barely any people around, as far as Kite could detect with his aura senses. And after what felt like an hour of tense searching, Kite finally sensed a familiar aura from an enclosed garden just ahead of them. ¡°I can sense him. He¡¯s with someone-¡± Kite began, before everything within that garden was suddenly and abruptly cut off from his spiritual senses. A chill ran through Kite, mind snapping to alertness. With no time left for more words, he activated the speed-increasing power of his boots to dash the final few meters to the door leading into the now blank space in his aura senses. ¡°Wall!¡± The words were out of Kite¡¯s mouth before he had even had time to properly register the scene in front of him. Vista stood in the garden, with a young woman seated in front of him on a stone bench. Just as Kite crossed the corner and gained line of sight to his companion, another three figures had already begun their strike. All three were veiled, clad in gray clothing the color of ash. And all three of their attacks were glowing with power to Kite, enough to make the air and mana ripple with the force of their passing. A split second later, Kite¡¯s force walls appeared like a cage around Vista, who had just began to move himself. The first of the assailants, hand outstretched with two fingers glowing with contained force, had his attack absorbed by the barrier, but not before cracks spread all over the cage due to the high-powered special attack. The second, a woman with a spear, broke through the weakened cage, spear point partially deflected just in time by a curved falchion which had suddenly appeared in Vista¡¯s hand. Wicked attack turned from potentially lethal to merely injuring, the spear blasted through Vista¡¯s side, the young master allowing the force to throw him out of the way of the third attack as the descending meteor hammer cracked the stone tiles where he had stood just a moment before. Then, the seated woman made her move as well. The stone bench beneath her cracked as she pushed off, a pair of shimmering steel wings appearing on her back before scything towards Vista in a whirl of cutting death. ¡°Ward!¡± Kite had barely had the time to take another step into the garden as his second spell took effect, a small barrier about twenty centimeters across appearing. One of the wings cutting through the air was stopped by the conjured disc, the other already intercepted by a pair of crossed falchions. Vista, ever cognizant of his own motions, had already started his slight leap as the attack was about to connect, once more allowing himself to be pushed back by the strike, his slow-fall and gliding power assisting to carry him a few extra steps to land closer to Kite. With Kite¡¯s third step into the garden, the glowing threads keeping his robes together retracted, the voluminous garments falling away from him to reveal the armor beneath, only the pauldrons having been left behind to keep the disguise more plausible. Braid and Whimmy had both just reached the doorway behind, a trio of howls echoing across the enclosed space. To their credit, neither of the assassins called out or stopped their assault at the unexpected interventions. Both of the women, razor wings and glowing spear leading, were already upon Vista again. The man with the meteor hammer had just begun another swing when five glowing threads shot across the distance, wrapping around his arms and tangling up his chained weapon. A moment later, arcing lightning traveled along the glowing strings, causing a grunt of pain and muscles contracting as Braid literally wove his rituals. The unarmed martial artist was also trying to flank the beleaguered young master, but was rapidly forced to rethink his actions as a huge cerberus barreled into him, trio of heads snapping and attempting to rip him limb from limb. While the familiar¡¯s first instinct had been to rush straight towards his master, Kite couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit proud of the trust Whimmy showed him in that moment. Because Kite was almost at Vista¡¯s side already. ¡°Wings!¡± Kite called out. ¡°Understood!¡± Came Vista¡¯s terse answer as he shifted, blades twirling to maneuver the winged woman closer toward Kite. A projected attack forced her to retract her appendages of feathered death and instead utilize them in defense, Kite¡¯s projected spear strike only causing dents in the metal wings. As he began his second strike, Kite couldn¡¯t help but inwardly cheer as she seemed content to let her wings deflect that one as well. But unlike the first, the wings would not survive the second. Kite was greeted with a hiss of frustration as his dispelling force forced the wings out of existence, even though the momentum of his attack had been spent in the process. Without hesitation, he let the spear disappear, blocking a cluster of steel feathers thrown his way with a conjured barrier even while he began his next swing. The head of his staff gave off a sonorous chime as it appeared, his foe jumping backwards to avoid the strike only to be hit by the projected impact, mana draining once then twice as the echo hit her along with the physical impact. Pushing his initiative, Kite swung again with the staff before switching to his spear and blade in the exchanges which followed. While the woman was certainly skilled, fighting with discipline and a distinct lack of fear, she had a tough time adjusting to the lack of her conjured wings and Kite continuously shifting up his style as he mixed regular and projected attacks in feints and traps, often using his intent to strike even if he was up close to make the timing of the attack hard to predict. This was the result of many hours of drills and spars with Phiona, the Geller having recognized the potential in his evolved racial gift as much as mistress Dew had. Meanwhile, Vista had somewhat recovered as he wove his mesh of blades, one of his abilities being magical charges of recovery which slowly accumulated when outside of combat. While he lacked the clustered enemies to properly start stacking up his enhancing boons, the young master made up for his disadvantage through superior skill and flawless footwork, seamlessly weaving his gliding power to adjust the length of his steps, slides and small leaps to keep the point of the spear away from further drawing his blood for now. Just half a minute into the conflict, Kite could already notice the increasing franticness of their opponents. Everyone here knew that in the assassins¡¯ initial attempt failing, this venture had been put under the relentless pressure of passing time; each passing second bringing the potential assistance for Vista and his companions that much closer. The man fighting Braid was the first of the assailants who decided that this was enough. Even with his weapon and body entangled in the weaver¡¯s threads, Kite could note a kind of frenzied rigidity in his bronze-ranked aura, the hint of a zealot. And after failing yet another attempt to break free and strike at Vista, the man chose another course of action. Through his magical perception, Kite saw something ignite within the man. He had seen it several times; as if a charge was gathered, fed with the person¡¯s own life force to increase the power of an attack. But this time, it was more. A lot more. Taken by surprise, Kite could only watch as the man suddenly lit up with power, discarding his weapons as his now glowing form shed Braid¡¯s threads, the glowing constructs disintegrating before his passing. The man took one step, then a second and then his final one, throwing a punch towards Kite¡¯s ally even as his form started to erupt. A discharge of glowing destructive force followed, blasting outwards in all directions but mostly focused against the weaver. Kite could only see traces of something forming in front of Braid before the powerful blast washed over him and catapulted his now limp form through one of the windows lining the surrounding walls. His aura completely winking out. 88. Sometimes you have to do things yourself Heron¡¯s mind was split; one part falling back on her training in the situation which had been so abruptly changed from their plans, while the other was seething with frustration at the young man who had come storming in during the last possible moment, his mix of mana draining and dispelling effects grating on her nerves as he constantly broke her rhythm. To make matters worse, he had brought allies. Heron had barely been left with a moment to spare to properly take in the battlefield, but she had seen Spike tangling with some kind of glowing threads while Sclera was exchanging blows with their target¡¯s familiar. The three-headed mutt was bleeding from several injuries, but paid them little heed as the trio of heads gave as good as they got through fang and flame. Heron tried one of her flickering special attacks, wings appearing once more as a barely visible blur, already closing in on the young adventurer as they appeared. But once more, he seemed to be ready, having saved that damnable dispelling defense once more. Heron was glad that the impulse to scream out her frustrations had been beaten out of her early in her training, as she did not care to debase herself so due to mere emotion. But said detachment did not entirely shield her heart from the pang of loss as Spike, apparently finding his situation untenable, decided to activate Destruction¡¯s Gift. It was something which Heron was intimately familiar with; the same awakening stone being part of her soul since iron rank. She did not know how her mistress had gotten them, or what she had paid in return, but carrying such a stone and being willing to use its power had been something that had been part of the deal from the beginning. The mistress did not uplift the four of them to become liabilities, and Destruction¡¯s Gift was the perfect solution. As it was a divine awakening stone, they had all known what would come of it. The god had made sure of that. Heron and her three fellow ¡®weapons¡¯, as the mistress called them, all had the same power; a special ability to sacrifice health to further boost the powers of attacks. But this one had no limiter, no protections in place. Instead, it was very possible to use it all at once; to go out in a blaze of glory where the user destroyed themselves to ensure the destruction of their target. Mutual annihilation, if used correctly. And the whispers of Destruction which had been with her ever since absorbing the stone had constantly urged them to use it. Heron thought she could almost hear the god¡¯s pleased rumbling in the detonation as Spike was no more. ¡°As a proper weapon should.¡± she intoned silently, even as part of her heart ached. But then, reality pressed in on her once more as her foe projected another one of those unseen attacks towards her. Heron had started to get a better sense for them, but sometimes the annoying bastard used them from such a distance that noticing the flicker barely mattered. Warding off further attacks with more razor feathers, Heron persevered. The fight was now down to three on each side, and Sclera should be able to persevere against the familiar. In the end, it was only a glorified monster. As if to punctuate her thoughts, the creature gave off a pitiful pained whine as another of Sclera¡¯s piercing finger strikes landed. However, Heron¡¯s mirth was short lived. Just after delivering the blow, her fellow weapon of the mistress was suddenly caught up in a materializing bubble of water as a small fish suddenly made its presence known, floating out from a bottle on the adventurer¡¯s belt and darting off to the cerberus¡¯ aid. From the bronze-rank aura, and a surprisingly potent one at that, the little carp was more than just a shimmering accessory. And another moment later, a ray of white force was unleashed as yet another familiar made its presence known, this one a floating set of symbols. The beam struck Sclera while she was stuck in the conjured water, eliciting a stream of smaller bubbles as she cried out in pain from the hole punched in her shoulder. The familiar then immediately fired another beam, forcing the captured woman to become a blur, water scattering everywhere as her most potent defensive option was used up. And against mere familiars too. With the assistance, Heron¡¯s companion found herself on the defensive, and from the frustrated grunts emitted by the spear-wielding Huntress, she was not faring much better. Even as Heron went through more exchanges with the adventurer, she started the process of acceptance; that they would not win as things stood. Not without using their gifts, as they had sworn to do. That was why Heron felt pride mixed into the emotions welling up as she recognized the glow of Destruction¡¯s gift starting to emit from Sclera. The martial-artist had become more beleaguered with every moment since the pesky fish had arrived, constantly trying to snare her with entangling water while the cerberus tore into her with abandon. ¡°Take them with you, sister.¡± Heron thought. ¡°Show them the truth of Destruction.¡± But to Heron¡¯s surprise, the young man in front of her did not stand idly by or try to escape. Just after delivering a strike which dispelled one of her boons, he too seemed to notice what was about to happen. With a burst of speed, he suddenly turned and leapt towards Sclera, even as the woman¡¯s glow started to intensify where she stood immobilized, one arm stuck in a different pair of the cerberus¡¯ jaws. Heron even managed to land a glancing strike against the adventurer¡¯s back before he left, but was content to watch the ensuing carnage from afar. A moment later, the adventurer landed just as Sclera looked to pass into Destruction¡¯s embrace. But instead of striking, he slammed his forearms together, his bracers suddenly emitting a deep resonant sound. Sclera¡¯s form received the brunt of what impact the attack had, armor partially disintegrating beneath the resonating force. And then, just before glorious detonation, a second pulse hit her. The familiar, having suddenly released its vice-like jaws just a moment before, seemed to look quite pleased as Sclera¡¯s body was suddenly and violently thrown away, leaving a glowing trail in the air as she flew across the courtyard, impacting a wall with a crunching noise. Then, she detonated, blowing a hole in the stone wall and scorching both the garden and interior of the nearby house alike. ¡°Curse you. Destruction will have his due.¡± Heron hissed, not managing to stop the outburst out of pure frustration. Her fellow weapon, her sister in all but blood, had just been denied her end having a purpose. But this would not stand. ¡°Pinions of shadow, hold them fast!¡± While the spell¡¯s completion felt like it was dragging on longer than it should have, completed it was. Dark feathers rained down all around Heron, covering the courtyard. They did not seek out her opponents, their incorporeal form passing harmlessly through flesh, but instead found their true targets; shadows. Each shadowy feather pierced into her enemies¡¯ shadows, pinning them to the ground as if they were a physical thing. And their owners were equally affected. Suddenly restrained, all of her foes had to struggle even further to simply move, the young adventurer once more proving a frustrating exception as he seemed to shrug off the restraining effect, turning towards her. ¡°But you will not be able to intervene this time.¡± Heron thought. Her spell was not an all-encompassing paralysis by any means, but for Heron¡¯s plan, it would do. ¡°Huntress!¡± she called, the spear wielder seeming to understand. Once more, Heron felt proud over her fellow weapon¡¯s instant show of dedication, lighting up from within. The young master, their target, stood stuck in front of her, blades whirling to destroy the restraining feathers while the other young man began running towards his immobilized ally. But Heron would not let him. With a dash and flap of reconjured wings, she leveled a vicious attack against him. While the response was predictable, his staff appearing to once more dispel her wings, Heron thought it a worthwhile sacrifice as it also forced the man to stop in his tracks. ¡°Now watch Destruction claim him!¡± Heron called to him, seeing his chagrin as he counterattacked. From their earlier exchanges, the man had not shown any teleportation powers or other readily available means of expedited motion, and Heron felt confident in at least keeping him engaged for the final heartbeats. And the young adventurer did open his mouth to speak. But not in the way of a reply. ¡°Void!¡± Abandoning caution, Heron whipped her head around to look behind her. She had felt the amount of mana leaving him, proving the short incantation to herald a much more powerful spell. Huntress had just started her final step, hand descending towards the stuck young master, as something appeared between them; a dark gate, like a hole in reality with seemingly infinite depths. Huntress¡¯ hand struck it, the woman unable to stop the motion. There was a brief moment of impact, the bronze-ranker''s hand being torn asunder before she too detonated. The burst of power, roiling with potential, scorched everything around her except for what was in front of her, where the dark rift instead greedily swallowed it all. The void seemed infinite, but Destruction¡¯s power would not be denied. Half a heartbeat later, the edges of the dark aperture were becoming unstable, and as the beat in question finished, the gate disappeared. But what remained of the momentous burst of power was little more than a scorching wind, obviously painful and damaging as it washed over the young master, but nowhere near lethal. That was when Heron accepted that they had lost. Until that dark gate appeared, she had at least held hope of her and her fellow weapons of the mistress succeeding in their task. Maybe even at one of them escaping. But apparently, that was not to be. The young master, ignoring the pain of the blast¡¯s remnants, was soon done with freeing himself from Heron¡¯s shadow feathers. Heron tried getting closer, but the supreme annoyance of an adventurer would not let her, weapons appearing out of nowhere to strike at her with precision and keep her in place. And Heron¡¯s mana was down to dangerously low levels, all her powers used adding to the drain already inflicted upon her by her foe. ¡°You may think that you have won, but know that our cause is inevitable. The old blood will crumble.¡± Heron gave herself the words as a bit of a gift, to at least leave a promise behind as she felt her vitality starting to accumulate within herself, a faint glow starting to rise from within. She had little hope that the adventurer would recognize the gravity of her words, but at least they and their methods of extractions would not make her spill her mistress¡¯ secrets. She felt the pain mounting, the growl of Destruction rising to a roar in her ears, rising to something nearing a crescendo. Then the young man¡¯s palm struck her chest. And the roar in her ears simply winked out. ¡°Wha-¡±
As the rising destructive glow of the woman was dispersed, Kite couldn¡¯t help but let out a breath he had forgotten that he was holding. It had worked. His magical perception had only picked out the glow as an essence power, but he had been unsure if his disrupting strike would be able to cancel it. Neither of the earlier ones had presented an opportunity to test it, the first one occurring as the dispelling special attack had just been used, and thus unavailable. He still thanked Fortune that the only partially charged bracers had been enough to knock the martial artist away before detonating. And as for the one coming for Vista, he might have been able to pull it off with a projected attack, but did not dare to chance it, instead going for the reliable dark gate. But now, it had worked, the winged woman in front of him just standing there looking at him, stupefied. Kite didn¡¯t know why she was so surprised, having seen the special attack before, but did not question it. Instead, he capitalized on her inertia with another attack. The chiming head of his staff impacting her side, further draining her mana, seemed to snap her back to reality. But from the frantic darting of her eyes, not all of her discipline seemed to have returned along with her wits. Another blast of razor feathers had Kite conjure his personal barrier again, but this time the woman did not follow it up again. Instead, she turned to flee. Wings once more appeared on her back and she attempted to leap from the ground and take flight, only to be caught in a restraining bubble of water. And Kite chose to add yet another layer of hindrances. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¡°Wall¡± Before the last of the would-be assassins could break out of the restraints, the cage of force walls appeared to box her in with Kite as her only companion. And he still did not remain idle. Instead, he once more charged at her, thrusting out the head of his staff, the weapon shimmering with the crackling blue of his empowered mana-draining special attack. The winged woman attempted to interpose her wings, but the globe of water made the motion too slow. Kite¡¯s staff struck her stomach, blue cracks creeping deep into her form even as the impact launched her out of the bubble. She impacted the closest force-wall, and from her jerky movements Kite knew that her mana-reserves were all but empty. Even as he started to pick out movement in his expanded vision, feeling powerful auras breaking through whatever had been shielding the walled garden and enveloping the space, Kite let his momentum carry him into his foe, pinning her against the wall now eagerly helping with the mana drain. Her eyes were unfocused, barely holding onto consciousness as she seemed to stare over his shoulder. ¡°My mistress- will never be- be touched by the likes of- of you. She will already be g-gone. You may as well¡­ as well be chasing the setting sun.¡± she whispered, slurred words carrying just a hint of defiance. Then, she fell limp. Her words meant little to Kite, only hinting at hidden truths. But they did give him an idea. Kite released her to slump down to the ground as he let his barrier disperse, turning to face the new arrivals. Members of the Relentless family had swarmed into the garden while still clad in their finery worn to the festivities, already forming a defensive perimeter around Vista as one of them with healing powers had started to send bolts of green light into the young noble. Others were standing arrayed around Kite, weapons and powers at the ready. At their head stood Vista¡¯s father, the current head of the Relentless family. ¡°Stand down and submit.¡± master Relentless commanded tersely, his silver-ranked aura already bearing down on Kite. Had he been alone, Kite would probably have been able to hold out for quite a while, but with the rest of the gathered guards and family joining in, Kite found his aura swiftly suppressed. ¡°Now, is that how the Relentless family treat those who come to their aid?¡± another voice called, a slight commotion at the edge of the garden soon leading to a sliver of flames snaking its way to stop beside Kite, quickly coalescing into the form of branch director Dobrazza. The smolder woman was clad in a fine dress of a foreign make, a lot more revealing than Hua-Xi fashion. Kite had to admit that it did an impressive job in highlighting the director¡¯s powerful physique as she now stood beside him, an eyebrow raised as she stared down the tense master of the house. Her aura seemed to have little difficulty pushing back alongside Kite, once more creating equilibrium. There were other observers as well remaining at a distance, Kite recognizing some of the other silver-rankers present at the festivities. While they were probably not invited to witness these proceedings, there were few present with the power to stop them in any meaningful way without causing quite the commotion. ¡°Director, you overstep-¡± master Relentless began, eyes staring death at the smolder, but Dobrazza casually interrupted him. ¡°I have every right to intercede when one of those in my employ is being mistreated. You know very well what Kite and the others did here. Save your posturing for when it will actually gain you anything but contempt and shame.¡± All hints of playfulness were once more gone from Dobrazza¡¯s voice. There was something dangerous hiding in her aura, giving the feeling that she would gladly take on all of those present here today. Master Relentless stood glaring at her for a few more tense seconds before he made a curt gesture. Those gathered around Kite and the director relaxed slightly, but remained where they stood. ¡°I know the society¡¯s so-called rules in these matters, although why the city lady accepts them as law is beyond me. For the sake of future cooperation between us, I will expect the wretch-¡± he said, nodding at the unconscious assassin, ¡°-to be delivered to us once you are done with your questioning.¡± ¡°And for the sake of said cooperation, I will expect something; at least a modicum of courtesy before considering such ¡®requests¡¯.¡± Dobrazza shot back, turning to Kite. ¡°Adventurer Kite, please gather the prisoner and follow me.¡± ¡°But director, Braid-¡± ¡°Is being taken care of. Alive, if barely.¡± the smolder replied. ¡°We will bring him with us as well.¡± Then ignoring the bristling head of the Relentless family, the branch director started making her way towards the same exit as she came from. Kite did not know what else to do turning to gather the unconscious assassin, but got unexpected help in that regard as a very familiar swarm of rats made their way over to the prone woman. With a concerted effort, the rats started wiggling in beneath the woman, soon carrying her limp form on their collective backs. ¡°Thank you, Wander,¡± Kite said, turning to follow the branch director after giving a courteous bow to master Relentless, the man barely sparing him a glance. But on the way out, Kite found Vista¡¯s eyes, gesturing slightly with his head that he wanted a word. The young master managed to extricate himself from his fussing retainers, approaching Kite as he was leaving. ¡°Kite, I-¡± he began, but Kite held up a hand to forestall him. ¡°May we talk in private? Tomorrow, when things have calmed down?¡± Kite murmured softly. ¡°I learned something from the last one of them. Something that you will need to know.¡± Vista regarded him for a short few seconds, then nodded. ¡°Of course. Heavens keep you until then.¡± Soon after, he was once more surrounded by the family¡¯s staff, and Kite left the garden-turned-battleground to catch up to the director. ¡°You were lucky I was here, Kite. I do not think that you would have been in any danger, but it definitely spared you some unpleasantness and me some prolonged political posturing. It is always nice to get such things over and done with.¡± Dobrazza said, looking at him over her shoulder. ¡°Meh! It was they who were lucky that we were even present, catching wind of this attempt in the nick of time~.¡± Wander complained. ¡°Oh, they are indeed. And the adventure society will not let the Relentless family forget it any time soon.¡± Dobrazza agreed with a chuckle. ¡°I am most pleased with your intervention, but also equally curious how this came to be. But later, once we are somewhere more private.¡± ¡°I agree, director. I too have something we need to discuss. Something very important.¡± Kite said, once more keeping his voice as low as possible. ¡°Oh? This should be interesting, then.¡± branch director Dobrazza answered, eyes twinkling. ¡°Most interesting indeed.¡±
Withering Lilac¡¯s Resurgence, mistress of the Withers family, arrived at the scene in the garden close on the heels of the master of the house along with most other curious silver-rankers. It had been satisfying to feel master Relentless lose control of his aura at the gathering, having received what was no doubt rather dramatic news. Him storming off immediately had only added to her mirth, but the scene at which she arrived quickly slaked any such positive feelings. Seeing the destroyed garden and damaged buildings, it was immediately clear to mistress Withers that her weapons had failed. The obvious signs of detonations in the shape of small craters was an undeniable sign that three of them had to make use of Destruction¡¯s gift, yet the young master still lived. And the struggling shapes within the cage of barriers were most concerning as well.. ¡°Why hasn¡¯t Heron used her gift?¡± Wither¡¯s thoughts were accompanied by venomous derision. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare prove yourself a liability.¡± But it did seem to turn out that way. Mistress Wither could only watch as what looked to be a mana-draining attack brought low her lone surviving weapon, very much alive. It even looked as if she said something before falling unconscious, but not even Wither¡¯s silver-ranked hearing could pick out the words through the surrounding noise and the obscuring barrier. Mistress Wither payed this little heed at that moment though, as her mind was working overdrive while leaving only part of her to impose a strict control of her aura. Because Heron being captured meant that her gamble had not just failed, but spectacularly so. ¡°I need to start withdrawing my assets and consolidating what I can. At least the investigation should take time, which should allow for a clean withdrawal. I wouldn¡¯t even be the only one on the board not acting openly. The damage there might be able to be at least mitigated.¡± Silver rank had brought a great increase in cognitive speed, plans being made and picking out contingencies to activate with great speed. But it all came to an abrupt halt as Wither¡¯s hearing picked up softly spoken words. ¡°May we talk in private? Tomorrow, when things have calmed down? I learned something from the last one of them. Something that you will need to know.¡± The young adventurer- one of the members of Vista¡¯s entourage, Wither realized- had leaned in and spoken the words to the young master. Wither doubted that few but the silver-rankers would have been able to pick it up, the young man apparently underestimating the hearing of his betters. But the words themselves also had mistress Wither¡¯s memory rewinds, once more seeing Heron¡¯s lips move before she fell unconscious. Outwardly, mistress Wither remained detached and aloof, watching the aftermath of the fight as something more akin to an idle curiosity. But inwardly, her mental processes had all gotten another focus; to find out what the adventurer knew. And to eliminate him before he could spread it further. They -no, she- had to act fast. ¡°Apparently, sometimes you have to do things yourself if you want to get something done in this world.¡± Withering Lilac¡¯s Resurgence thought, looking at the retreating backs of the local branch director and the young man. ¡°Fortunately, I have just the right thing in mind. Expense be damned.¡± Making the connection to who he was, she had also remembered his name. ¡°Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. How sad that you won¡¯t live up to your name for much longer.¡±
¡°I still cannot believe you would do such a reckless move.¡± Phiona chided Kite, irritably pacing back and forth in the common area of the Gellers¡¯ suite. ¡°Do you know what a target this might put on you? The dangers-¡± ¡°I am sorry, teacher, but I saw a chance and I took it. Nothing may come of it, but if it does, it might be the adventure society¡¯s best chance at revealing more of those behind the attack. And besides, the branch director approved. She is retrieving the stone as we speak.¡± Kite protested. Dusk was gradually transitioning to evening outside their window, and Kite, Braid and Wander¡¯s intervention at the Relentless manor was hours behind them. It had felt rather strange to return to something so normal as his room after suddenly having found himself enveloped in the complications of assassination attempts and politics just earlier that very day. ¡°Nona, relax. He even made sure that we could join in and watch his back. Maybe even cash in some nice rewards should something actually happen.¡± Rachel called from where she was still relaxing on one of the couches, her reaction quite different from Phiona¡¯s as Kite had told the Gellers about his impromptu plan. ¡°Rachel, you should know the dangers as well as I do. The kind of resources even middling factions can bring to bear is often too much for a single individual to handle-¡± ¡°But now it isn¡¯t a single individual, Nona. We¡¯ll be here too. And as Kite said, the branch director is already mobilizing. As soon as the delivery comes, he can start traipsing around town, looking all alone and vulnerable. And then we and the teams from the society nab whatever comes out to grab him.¡± ¡°If something even comes of it. I¡¯ll-¡± Both Gellers looked at Kite who had suddenly frozen, looking a bit disoriented. ¡°Kite? What is the-¡± Rachel had barely uttered the words as the young man¡¯s eyes widened again, looking up at them. ¡°It¡¯s-¡± Then, with a rush of air and a ripple of mana, Kite was just gone. In his place, another silhouette hung suspended in the air for but a heartbeat before crashing down on the floor of the Geller¡¯s room along with a very distressed Glint who suddenly found herself resting on empty air rather than inside her bottle. Both of the women had instantly readied themselves, staff and hydra heads further frightening the very much normal-ranked man who looked up at the fierce women shivering with fear as he clutched a bag of cabbages to his chest as if his life depended on it. Both Gellers looked at the man in stunned confusion, before turning as one to look out their window, just in time to see a robed and veiled silhouette standing on the roof of another tall building a few city blocks away. The person in question had just reached out and touched a hand to the disoriented and very familiar bronze ranker which suddenly stood next to it, and with another flash and a clap like thunder, the pair was then gone. The only trace of their passing was slightly charred roof tiles and the glittering residue of some kind of object disintegrating, catching the light of the setting sun. The Geller cousins both turned to run for the door with all the speed they could muster, glimmering carp zooming along in their wake, leaving the very confused man still laying on the floor of their suite. That¡¯s why neither heard his confused murmuring. ¡°Where am I? What happened? What did she mean with ¡®Exchange your fates¡¯? And why did she say it twice?¡± 89. Derision and predictability ¡°Thank you, dear!¡± branch director Carmella Dobrazza said with a wink to the young functionary, the poor normal-ranked woman unable to help her blush at the smolder¡¯s intense presence. ¡°Carmella, you still got it,¡± she thought, a pleased smile playing over her lips as the flustered functionary bowed and almost stumbled over herself when leaving the director¡¯s office. Director Dobrazza took the delivered small box in hand, checked her different dimensional pouches then made to leave herself. ¡°Not every day that the old branch director finds a reason to come out and shake the ash from her shoulders.¡± Her idle smile soon faded, however, as she felt a pair of bronze-ranked auras close in on her office at a sprint, both projecting clear urgency. Dobrazza beat them to it, throwing open the double doors to reveal Azure Devil, her most trusted agent, Phiona Geller in tow. Both of them carried the swift essence, their speed at that moment almost rivaling Dobrazza¡¯s own. ¡°Director! He¡¯s gone! They took him!¡± Phiona all but shouted, the normally composed woman projecting a hitherto unmatched level of intensity. ¡°I took her straight to you, director,¡± Azure said. ¡°We were in the middle of preparing the operation when she all but flew past us.¡± ¡°They struck already? Who? How?¡± Dobrazza asked, all business as she looked at Phiona. ¡°Unknown. Translocation and then some kind of forced teleportation.¡± ¡°Hxtratta!¡± Dobrazza swore, the force of the word doing a very good job in getting the meaning of the expletive across. ¡°When?¡± ¡°Around three minutes ago and counting. I went all out.¡± Even while Phiona answered, Dobrazza was already in motion. She ripped the wooden box asunder to reveal a tracking stone, its white little dot now pointing west and indicating that the badge it was connected to was quite a distance away. The director looked to Azure. ¡°Continue the preparations and stand ready. I¡¯ll use a beacon when I find the location.¡± ¡°Take me with you!¡± Phiona said, determination in her eyes as she looked at the director. ¡°Can you fly?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then I am sorry, but you will drag me down. Stay with Azure. And be ready.¡± With her final words, Dobrazza disappeared, teleporting away. In the blink of an eye, Dobrazza found herself high in the skies west of Bastion. The clouds overhead were lead-gray and roiling, ready to unleash what would probably be one of the last spring storms before the weather would soften during the transition to summer. A flaming vortex appeared around her lower body, keeping her aloft as she scanned the landscape spreading out beneath her, the forests, hills and ever-present stone spires of northern Hua-Xi darkened by the encroaching evening. But even had she not carried Kite¡¯s tracking stone, Dobrazza would have had little trouble in finding him from her vantage. Off in the distance further west, the evening gloom was periodically lit up as bolts of lightning were unleashed in between a pair of nondescript cliffs. Like a falling red star, Dobrazza became a streak of motion against the evening sky as she set off at full speed towards what seemed to be a clash dying down, each flicker of lightning coming further and further between. And then, none at all.
Mistress Wither sent the young man flying with a casual toss as soon as they came out of the teleportation. Around them in the evening gloom were the trees and cliffs of the wilderness. Had she had more time to prepare, Wither would have liked to arrange for some proper containment and staff to help make this process less of a nuisance. But with all available retainers and servants working on discreetly funneling away what resources could be saved after the debacle at the Relentless compound, that was simply not an option. Wither had chosen expediency, and a lone bronze-ranker was well within what she could handle. To his credit, the young man instantly rolled to his feet and assumed a ready stance. It was a bit of a nuisance that he had been wearing his armor, the jade-colored mail clinking with his motions, and even more of a stain of shame on her pride that she had to attempt her transposition spell twice before it worked, costing her the use of her magical tattoo. And Wither was ready to take all that frustration out on him, as soon as she got what she needed. ¡°Well, boy, this would be the part where you start re-evaluating your life choices. Had you not decided to intervene, none of this would be happening.¡± Mistress Wither kept her voice steady, almost compassionate as she regarded him, but also conjured a straight sword which emerged from nothing accompanied by crackling lightning. ¡°I hope you can see the predicament that you are in, but me and my associates are nothing if not reasonable. If you tell me what my retainer told you before she passed out and who you have shared this information with, we can come to an arrangement of some sort where you at least leave with your life.¡± As Wither spoke, she had her aura grind down upon his, but frowned beneath her veils as his aura gave off a firm resistance, as if the water she had expected to plunge her hand into turned out to be ice. He looked at her, assessing, mistrust clear in both eyes and spirit. ¡°You will have to forgive me if I am not very inclined to trust in a moment such as this. How did you even bring me here? One needs to assent to teleportation.¡± At his words, Wither only chuckled. ¡°Most rules in this world can be broken by those with knowledge and means. Be assured, I will add the expense to the tally you have already cost me through your actions.¡± ¡°Actions only taken to safeguard the life of my companion.¡± ¡°A most noble sentiment, if misguided. Do you even know what the young master Relentless is to this city? To its people?¡± ¡°Most of the people seem to adore him.¡± ¡°As the misguided sheep they are, not even aware of what the young master truly is; a decorative brooch on the chains weighing them down, all shiny and distracting.¡± ¡°Distracting them from what?¡± the young man asked her, mind clearly trying to figure out the meaning of her words. ¡°From their oppressors, of course. The old blood and money keeping this city beneath their thumb. As they have for years. But not for long. Young master Relentless was but one piece of the game. As am I. And you telling me what you know may at least keep me on the board and you alive.¡± At that moment, mistress Wither was even more pleased with her choice of venue for this little questioning. Being able to take her time was most gratifying. The young man gave her a skeptical look. ¡°Given your choice of method, I must admit to having serious doubts as to your actual intentions for the city and its people. When the mighty clash, they always get trampled.¡± ¡°True change is born from bloodshed, not flowery words. We just chose a method that would at least be slow and gentle. For most at least. The same cannot be said for your fate if you do not share what my retainer told you.¡± ¡°Most would agree with you, unknown mistress, but as many would call it just another step on a path of blood and retribution, chaos being the lone concept left in its wake.¡± he retorted. ¡°Nonsense. Through our resources and connections with the populace and the markets, it would barely be noticed. It-¡± Wither began, stopping once more as a pulse of frustration rippled through her otherwise controlled aura. ¡°You think yourself witty enough to keep talking, without answering my question? Think again, or suffer the consequences.¡± ¡°I am but a lowly bronze-ranker, mistress. What would I be if not at your mercy?¡± the man asked, all faux-innocence. In response, mistress Wither lifted her sword, its crackling length pointing towards the young man. ¡°I will only ask you once more. What did my retainer say?¡± ¡°Ah, it seems that the mistress'' patience is running thin. Do accept my apologies,¡± the young man said, even having the gall to give her a short bow. ¡°But alas, it was only incoherent babbling from a woman on the brink of unconsciousness.¡± Wither could feel the obvious falsehood in both his words and aura. A bolt of lightning burst from her sword, blowing a nearby tree to incandescent pieces as the young man flinched at the sudden discharge. ¡°Do not make me repeat myself,¡± she said, voice crackling with the hint of thunder. Apparently recognizing that he had reached the end of his path, the young man once more fell into his ready stance, the obvious lie in his expression falling away. ¡°I do not believe that you would have let me live either way, mistress. And I must admit to be equally adamant in my choice not to tell you. But know this; I have told someone. And it will spell your end.¡± His words, combined with an almost sickeningly resolute gaze finally cracked mistress Wither¡¯s patience. ¡°You will soon reconsider,¡± was all she said as her blade flashed once more and another bolt of lightning flew straight at him. ¡°Ward!¡± A quick chant from the young man brought a small barrier into existence, the bolt of lightning crashing into it. Mistress Wither was surprised by its durability, but her lightning also carried the power of disruptive force. A mere instant after connecting, the bolt of lightning broke through the shield, although only a remnant of crackling fury actually made it through to its target. Even through what must have been agony, the adventurer named Kite had already sprung into action. ¡°Wall!¡± Layers of force walls suddenly sprang into existence around mistress Wither, even as a fan of all things appeared in his hand. As she made a few slashes of her crackling blade to rid herself of the nuisance, winds quickly gathered around the young man before a vortex carried him off into the forest at great speed. Carving through the last of the barriers mere seconds later, Wither took off after him, crackling sword at her side. ¡°Pathetic! You will pay a thousandfold for what you have cost me before I am done with you!¡± she called, teeth gritted. The hunt was on.
Even as he had felt that first bout of disorientation back in the Geller¡¯s suite, Kite had known that he was in trouble. This feeling had only grown quite steadily as he had found himself isolated with the woman; a silver-ranker clad in pale robes and several layers of veils hiding her features. While her aura had the distinct feel of monster cores, there was no denying the raw power that came with silver rank. Kite had witnessed it many times during his time spent with mistress Dew, master Stone and eventually also uncle Walker. So even while he had been rather satisfied with keeping her talking for a while before gradually angering her, it still did little to alleviate his predicament. As if to drive home that very point, another bolt of lightning came zigzagging towards him only to reduce another tree to smoldering ash and kindling. ¡°My speed will not hold for long, and neither will my barriers,¡± he thought, mind working overdrive to count his options. ¡°At least Glint was not brought along, and will be safe should I fall here- Ward!¡± A clap of thunder had brought the pursuing woman much closer, appearing at his side as another thrust with her sword sent a bolt of lightning towards him, finding an unobstructed path between the trunks and foliage of the surrounding forest. His barrier materialized just in time, only for the same result as last time. ¡°Even perfectly timed, her bolts will still break through. Range must favor her.¡± Kite thought as he grit his teeth through the pain of the attack''s remnants which washed through him. ¡°I must risk it.¡± Gliding on the last dregs of power left in his war fan, Kite wove around a cluster of trees, only to perform a sudden reversal. His opponent compensated as well, breaking her stride and leaping backwards to maintain the distance as she felt his shift of direction through his aura. But that leap was just what Kite had been hoping for. ¡°Wall!¡± The woman¡¯s momentum was abruptly stopped by the cage of force she once more found herself in. ¡°Tempest unleashed!¡± This time, lightning erupted from all over her body, the barriers surrounding her shattering in less than a second. But through the disintegrating remnants of his spell, Kite¡¯s first projected attack crossed the distance and impacted the silver-ranker. The staff strike carried both the rending void and mana drain, but the effect was, as expected, dampened by the rank disparity. It did cause her to rock back once more though, the distraction providing just enough time for Kite to close the distance while fighting through yet another bolt of lightning. His own blade was already descending toward her, briefly meeting the crackling sword before the conjured weapon was forcefully dispersed. Even as Kite thanked Fortune for his racial gift which made his dispels ignore rank disparity, the tyranny of rank reared its ugly head. What little damage his slash did to her paled in comparison to the stunning force of her palm lashing out to impact his chest. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Kite found himself flying backwards and rolling once, her silver-rank speed having made the blow just a little bit too fast for him to even get a barrier up. Even so, he swung again while regaining his feet, only for her to dodge the projected attack this time around. She did seem a bit frustrated at not being able to conjure her sword right away, but it was poor consolation. ¡°So, close combat will carry its risk as well.¡± Kite thought, feeling his body trying to mend the cracks in his rib cage after the solid hit. Still, he advanced once more, projecting a pair of attacks as his foe was gathering another bolt of lightning. She ducked out of the way of one attack, but chose to suffer the other in favor of completing her own spell, trusting in her resistance to leave the wound more manageable. True to form, what physical attacks Kite had landed were already fast closing, if not already gone, courtesy of her silver-rank healing. Blowing through one more barrier, Kite was once more upon her, staff, sword and spear weaving a staggered series of attacks as he tried using his projected attacks to pressure her to the fullest. Because, while it was already obvious that dealing enough physical damage to her would be quite beyond him, Kite hoped that he had one condition remaining which would allow him to maybe, just maybe, get out of this situation alive. Time. But the very concept of time was already under great strain, his opponent¡¯s greater attributes really showing their worth and why fighting an essence user was a different prospect than fighting a monster. Even as Kite tried his utmost to keep her pressured, each hit draining more of her mana, each affliction breaking through further hampering her recovery and each blow lessening the gap between them just a little bit more, it felt like trying to shore up a dam on the cusp of breaking, new leaks continuing to spring around him even as he struggled. He had already used the first of Sage¡¯s charges of recovery, and then had to use another in short order as she used a quick succession of a crackling strikes from a newly conjured sword followed by a swift kick to send Kite flying through the trunk of a small tree, the lightning-covered weapon having broken through his barrier to make way for her chin to connect with his midriff. ¡°And now-¡± Kite barely had time to think as he rolled even before the following bolt of lightning was unleashed, eliminating another unfortunate piece of shrubbery. ¡°Then-¡± He raised his staff to parry her blade as she had once more used the crackling step of thunder to close the distance, conjured weapon once more disappearing due to his counter. ¡°And-¡± A fist connected with a hastily conjured barrier, cracks spreading over its surface. But the timing and lack of special attack had allowed his barrier to hold. Without hesitation, Kite struck the disc of force, the woman staggering back slightly as the resonating force hit her full on in the face. ¡°Just accept your fate.¡± she snarled, shooting another bolt of lightning at Kite, as she was prone to do when he had frustrated her. This had been what had allowed Kite to have even the slightest chance at holding on for as long as he had; predictability. He had not faced too many core-users in his short career, and definitely none as high as silver rank. But what he had seen so far had been the very image of what his mentors had described; great power but lack of fluidity and adaptability. The woman he was facing had so far mostly relied on her offensive lightning powers as means of attack, rarely displaying much more from her other essences. And while it was clear that she had some basic combat training, it was not anything comprehensive. Had Kite been at the peak of bronze rank, he was almost sure that he could fight her off. Probably even win. But he was not at the peak of bronze rank. Not even halfway. And the tyranny of rank remained; even if he could predict a blow, some still caught him as their sheer speed or power was more than his own reflexes could handle. Demonstrating just that, another swift kick glanced off his shoulder, bruising him through his armor. But as the follow-up lightning came at him, Kite was at least able to make a move of his own. War fan appearing in his hand, the painted mirror shone, mana leaving him and pain surging through his arms as the lightning was mostly reflected back, once more straight back in her face. The blast sent her reeling as her veils disintegrated, and Kite was for the first time able to meet his opponent¡¯s eyes. She was an elf, pale skin beautifully contrasting black hair, all of her features carrying the perfection of silver rank. Even her hateful glare or some of her hair charred away by the lightning did little to diminish her presence. And Kite found himself recognizing her. ¡°So you were at the party!¡± he exclaimed, recognizing one of the silver-ranked guests who had been observing them as he had left alongside the branch director. ¡°And you have a daughter. Crescent,¡± he finished, the resemblance uncanny to the young mistress they had met at the city gates. ¡°You dare use her name with such familiarity?¡± the woman seethed, once more going on the offensive. A few more exchanges followed, more than a few bruising and injuring blows managing to find their way through Kite¡¯s defenses, before he found the time to reply. ¡°Then you must be mistress Wither herself. And that sentiment of yours is quite a lot like the so-called ¡®old blood¡¯ you spoke off with such derision.¡± Kite noted through gritted teeth as another torrent of lightning partially found their mark, causing his vision to blur. He did counter, sword appearing in his hand to slash at her. But apparently, his perceived insolence had caused quite the grievance. Instead of stepping back, mistress Wither caught his blade in one hand, ignoring the rending force partially mangling the limb as she used her other hand to send more lightning his way. Even as Kite brought forth another barrier to block it, he realized too late that she was not yet done. ¡°Tempest unleashed!¡± Once more, lightning erupted from all over her body. No defenses left at his disposal, Kite¡¯s body was overwhelmed with the torrent of twitching, burning pain that followed. He vaguely felt his body flying through the air and the subsequent landing, both his eyes already having been destroyed in the outburst. He lay on his back, only faintly able to hear the words his opponent called to him. ¡°You should already know that power is the final measure of all people. We already match those old remnants in personal power, and will soon overtake them resource-wise as well. You could even have benefited, had you not chosen to interfere. At least note that your death should help me salvage some standing with the rest of the board, that cursed chairwoman be damned. An outsider like her should know her place.¡± Kite had not heard Wither come closer as she spoke, but that might just be his failing hearing playing tricks on him. ¡°So, farewell little interloper. I rarely get my hands dirty up close like this, but know that I will enjoy it. Parry this, peasant!¡± It was not his physical senses, but his spiritual, which allowed Kite to sense her sudden motion as mistress Wither¡¯s aura closed in, apparently having chosen to leap toward him. It was time to bring out the contingencies. ¡°Void!¡± His voice was but a croak of charred lips, but fortunately, proper articulation was not needed for the spell to take effect, especially not after months of intense practice. The second power activated was not a spell, needing no chant, only the mental assent. A wave of intense, reinvigorating energy flowed throughout Kite¡¯s body. As his vision returned but a second later, he saw only darkness, which was understandable as Kite had summoned his gate above his own prone form at a slight angle in an attempt to protect himself from what was to come. Even as his immortality power swiftly restored his body, he sensed his foe impacting the dark gate above before being forcefully rebuffed, followed by a shriek of pain. Rolling out from beneath his dark gate, Kite got to his feet just as the mistress arrested her own roll, coming up on her knees with one hand on the ground, the other mostly missing from the destructive, involuntary contact with Kite¡¯s most powerful barrier. As she looked up towards Kite to lever another hateful stare against him, Wither was met by a projected attack striking her in the face, the impact of Kite¡¯s staff carried the distance once more by his intent. And it also carried the power of a boosted mana-draining attack, the echo from the staff adding insult to injury as the drain was repeated yet again. ¡°Fortune truly is fickle,¡± she hissed as she rose to her feet. ¡°Peasants like you should have no right to powers such as immortality. My daughter surely wasn¡¯t blessed with it, all attempts be damned.¡± ¡°Or maybe the god simply did not feel you deserving of such a boon? The divine does have a sense of karmic justice at times.¡± Kite answered, even as he projected two more attacks her way, forcing her to dodge. The mistress¡¯ demeanor had started to leave a slight hope budding in his chest, a hope beyond hope that the mana-drain was actually starting to get to her. She had thrown no lightning at him, and even dodged his attack rather than parried. ¡°Perhaps enough of my afflictions have gotten through?¡± he thought, not letting up. ¡°Such may be the case. Or maybe we are just being tested,¡± Wither said, ducking out of the way of yet another attack. ¡°After all, the gods do tend to favor those who come prepared.¡± After sending a lone bolt of lightning Kite¡¯s way, forcing him to defend himself, her lone good hand went down into the pouch at her side. Before Kite¡¯s heart even had the time to drop, she swallowed two pills in one swift motion. While he had little time to study the pills themselves, at least the first of them became quite obvious as Kite could see a cleansing wave ripple through the woman¡¯s body, erasing the magical afflictions he had so painstakingly worked to build in her body which both lowered her resistances and mana recovery. The second weren¡¯t as obvious, but Kite dared hazard a guess at it being a mana-restoring one. ¡°You truly are an annoyance,¡± mistress Wither said, seeming content to let the pills do their work as she continued to just dodge out of the way of Kite¡¯s attacks. ¡°Those little tricks of yours sure were subtle. I guess I¡¯ll have to finish this in a more messy manner.¡± As if punctuating her words, there was a clap of thunder as she suddenly appeared in front of Kite, her one good hand connecting with his barrier, then a fierce kick was blocked by his staff. And finally, a knee hit Kite in his stomach, sending him staggering backward. ¡°Wall!¡± Another force cage appeared around the mistress as Kite took the time to regain his breath. At first, she just hammered it with her unarmed strikes, but as Kite took the time to continuously channel mana into it, her progress was slow. A snarl of frustration and a burst of lightning later, she was once more free. What followed became less a controlled duel and more a brawl, lightning occasionally lighting up the dark, sundered woods around them, each flash of light coming further and farther between. As Kite slashed at her with his blade, shredding her robes and spilling blood, her hands and feet hammered and battered him, only his superior technique and barriers along with the, by now, eroded rank disparity keeping him from being broken by his foes innate strength. His combat staff met mistress Wither¡¯s onslaught of strikes, doing his best to once more start draining her mana and keep himself alive, while she simply did her utmost to pummel Kite to a pulp, all semblance of grace and lofty lightning caster gone as the mistress dared not use more spells, conserving her mana and remaining in the fight as her raw power turned out to be more effective than her magic. Kite did not know how long this went on; what felt like hours was at most a minute or two, but eventually he felt his body truly start flagging once more, stamina spent and vitality declining. Only his pool of mana felt reasonably filled, his vortex constantly drinking in mistress Wither¡¯s magical energy and hampering her greater regeneration. And his dwindling body eventually failed him. A solid punch finally drove Kite to the ground, a furious elven woman following. She straddled him like a tavern brawler, black hair a wild mess and the formerly fine robes now in bloody tatters, and started punching down towards Kite. His thoughts were racing faster than ever before, conjuring his barrier to ward off what blows could be deflected while mitigating the damage when possible. ¡°If I would have just had a little more strength.¡± he thought, white light flashing before his eyes from a glancing blow to his head. ¡°To be able to take just a little bit more punishment.¡± Another flash. ¡°To drain just a little more from her.¡± His whole head shook as he heard the crunching of his nose breaking. ¡°To be just a little bit more of what I can become.¡± Through bleary eyes, Kite noted that the flashing seemed to be surprisingly constant now, only part of his mind actually registering the bright bronze glow that had started to emanate from his body. But this did not stop mistress Wither, the harsh light from beneath casting grim shadows over her face, her form contrasting against the dark sky above. Her remaining hand had once more been lifted, and Kite could feel the intent to deliver the next blow, maybe even the final blow, ripple through her aura. Then, mistress Wither¡¯s raised hand disappeared. A bright, white-hot ray had almost burned itself onto Kite¡¯s retina, shearing off the silver-ranker¡¯s limb with a surgeon¡¯s precision faster than his mind could process. As the severed appendage fell down beside him, the woman straddling Kite barely had time to turn her head before she was sent flying, the impact enough to send Kite rolling across the forest floor as well. His vision re-focused just in time to see the branch director, form aglow with inner power, come to a stop close to the prone form of the other silver-ranker. Mistress Wither barely had time to twitch before four sparks lit up far above them in the night sky, each projecting its own thin beam down and swiftly severing each of the elven woman¡¯s limbs close to her body, searing through flesh and bone with terrifying ease. The mistress howled in agony, lightning erupting from her form. Dobrazza just let the attack wash over her, a flaming barrier keeping the wild sparks at bay as she turned her head to look at Kite. ¡°Adventurer, mind providing me with one of those mana-draining barriers that your file mentions?¡± she asked, tone casual as if she was just asking Kite to hand her a pen. ¡°I- uh¡­ Wall,¡± Kite managed in a nasal slur, a lone pane of force appearing next to the branch director. Dobrazza casually bent down and picked up what remained of mistress Wither, gripping the remnants of the woman¡¯s robes as she pushed the silver-ranker against the mana-draining barrier. Mistress Wither struggled a little at first, but between her already mostly spent reserves, Kite¡¯s vortex and the ramping drawing from prolonged contact with the barrier, she soon fell limp, unconscious as her last dregs of mana were consumed. Only then did Dobrazza flash over to Kite, bending down to tip a potion into his mouth. Kite spluttered a bit as he attempted to imbibe the liquid, a silly part of his mind still feeling that he preferred pills, but managed to get it down. And it was apparently something quite potent too, if the recovering flame it ignited in his body was any indication. ¡°Director. I¡­ I believe that the plan went a bit awry.¡± Kite noted, still half in a daze from his exertions. ¡°You know the saying, adventurer. No plan survives the battlefield. But I will admit that this one took quite the turn.¡± Dobrazza admitted with a wry grin. ¡°Had it not been for your gift evolution acting like a beacon, I might have been just a second or two too late. It lit her up quite splendidly.¡± ¡°Gift..?¡± Kite murmured, confused at first. But then he felt it. And remembered the light.
WWJS: Human racial ability Special attack affinity has evolved into Cleave the Spirit Cleave the Spirit - Special attacks have increased effect, with an additional boost to mana-draining effects. When making a special attack, you may choose for any or all damage types to deal damage to an opponent¡¯s mana instead of health. Attacks made this way will not leave marks or wounds on the physical body, unless they also deal other, non-converted types of damage. Other effects of the attack still apply as normal, and any secondary effects (such as an affliction dealing damage) will not have its damag converted. While this is a mana-draining effect, you do not gain mana drained this way.
As he searched inwardly, feeling out his new and evolved ability, Kite couldn¡¯t help but smile at the irony of it. ¡°Not to be ungrateful-¡± he thought, directed against no deity in particular, ¡°- but I could have used such an evolution just a little bit earlier during this most eventful evening. No god saw fit to answer, which might have been the best in the end. While he had lain there in introspection, Dobrazza had looked around for a decently flat space before bringing out a small orb. It emitted no glow, but Kite could see her infuse mana into it, after which it did emit¡­ something. Mere seconds later, a portal appeared next to Dobrazza, a shimmering vertical sheet of water as if a localized waterfall had appeared. And first to step through was a severe-looking Phiona, Rachel close on her heels. Both were ready for combat, but quickly lowered their guards at a gesture from Dobrazza. ¡°Kite!¡± Rachel called out, seeing his prone form as the two Gellers started running for him. Leaning his head back against the soft ground, Kite still couldn¡¯t stop smiling in disbelief. It seems that he would survive this evening, after all. 90. In your wake As Kite sat in the plush chair of the branch director¡¯s office, vaguely aware of her intense conversations with her deputy director while other operatives such as Azure, Braid and Wander had already long been sent out to pursue different leads, he could not help but feel as if his mind was still back out in the forests west of Bastion, the pain of each blow still fresh in his memory. His health, stamina and spirit had all been restored, Rachel¡¯s most potent recovery spell more than a match for Kite¡¯s own immortality power. But he knew that it would take a little while for his mind to catch up, his fingers making the occasional twitching response to a sudden movement or raised voice. ¡°-and you, adventurer Kite, should rest now. On most other days, a debrief such as this would have waited until you had proper time to rest and meditate. But as you might have surmised, time is indeed of the essence.¡± Dobrazza said as her deputy director also rushed off to carry out some task. ¡°Do you think something at least came of this? Was it worth it?¡± Kite asked her as his mind returned to the present. ¡°Oh, I do believe that it will, my wonderful little bronze-ranker,¡± Dobrazza smiled in response. ¡°Just mistress Wither¡¯s actions alone speaks volumes and gives us many, many leads to follow. And the other little juicy bits of information; of the so-called board and this cause she spoke of. Those will most assuredly pay dividends this very night. But your role in this is not to be glossed over, even as the victim in question. So if I may ask, Kite, would you have done the same if you knew this outcome? Of what it would demand of you? Our original plan of you being simple bait with backup nearby did somewhat devolve, after all. This was not what you signed up for.¡± Kite was a bit surprised at her question, and took a moment to think it over. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, director, but I can¡¯t give you a true answer. The injured part of me just wants to shy away from such thoughts, but rest and recovery should be enough to calm it. And the idealizing part of me would have wanted to assure you that I would of course go through any pain again if it meant progress. But I must admit that I don¡¯t find too much of a point in either answer. I genuinely thought this course of action was the best, and did what I could with the circumstances. And I do not think this will keep me from suggesting similar plans in the future.¡± The director gave him a long look before chuckling. ¡°If only all of the locals showed such wisdom and reason, my job would be a lot eas-¡± ¡°But director, I am a local. Raised by locals and taught by locals. Mostly.¡± Kite interrupted, glancing at Phiona and Rachel at his addition. ¡°I know that our culture has its distinct flaws and there are some quite unreasonable people out there. But I have also met many who are worthy of both respect and admiration. And as I am sure that you have met or heard of some as well, I would humbly ask you to remember them when you refer to us ¡®locals¡¯.¡± At his words, the silence which followed was more stunned than expectant, but Dobrazza was once more the one who broke it first. ¡°Bold of you, bronze-ranker. But I will admit that it was a comment most deserved. I apologize for the discourtesy,¡± she said, giving him a polite nod. Kite felt a bit relieved that her tone also seemed quite genuine while still not losing all joviality. ¡°Also, if you allow me to rephrase, your answer to my original question was one I¡¯d wish adventurers all over the world would consider. Life is unpredictable, and ours more than most. But you trusted yourself and your training, and held out all by yourself against a silver-ranker long enough for help to arrive. While there are of course some who would be able to replicate the feat, I would still not expect such an answer from most of them. That is why I, as of now, promote you to a three-star adventurer, a promotion that will be enacted once you have properly recovered. I believe that you have the mindset and judgment to handle people, powerful people, and that you will be a true asset to the adventure society in the future. While people like Braid and Wander might be at the forefront of our investigations and information gathering, we need people like you to act, even in situations that remain complex and difficult to evaluate.¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Kite said, stunned. ¡°-promise not to go off fighting more silver-rankers alone if at all possible. Is what you should say.¡± Rachel added to the stunned silence, eliciting a snort from the director. ¡°I would indeed prefer to avoid it.¡± Kite said, chuckling. ¡°And thank you, director. Your trust is humbling. And thank you. For arriving when you did.¡± ¡°Fortune apparently had a hand in this, Kite. For me to actually be carrying your tracking stone just as the news reached me¡­ That has to be divine intervention if anything.¡± Dobrazza said with a smile. ¡°As for the rescue¡­ You had done a surprising number on the ¡®vaunted mistress¡¯. But it was nice to be able to lend a hand in cleaning up there at the end, and make sure that her loss was as complete as possible. So, you are most welcome, fellow adventurer. But now, please go and rest. You are among friends and teachers, and I am sure there will be some fallout to handle after this is settled, but I wouldn¡¯t worry overly much. The adventure society will handle most of it, and I will make sure that you are shielded from it in every way possible. Ladies Geller, would it be too much of me to ask that you make sure that our young Kite here gets his rest? Use the same suite here at the society as last time.¡± Dobrazza finished, rising from her desk. ¡°Because I too have matters which I must attend to.¡± ¡°You can count on us, director.¡± Phiona said with a respectful nod as she, Kite and Rachel also stood, leaving Dobrazza¡¯s office. ¡°Well, Kite, I believe that you have a story to tell us.¡± Rachel said as they walked, looking eagerly at him. ¡°A story which can wait until he has recovered, cousin.¡± Phiona added, placing a firm hand on the red-haired Geller¡¯s shoulder. ¡°And I am quite sure that Glint might consider drowning you if you bother Kite too much about it.¡± The last sentence was made while looking pointedly at the little carp who had not left Kite¡¯s immediate side since their reunion when he had been portaled back from the wilderness just over two hours ago. That was why Kite soon found himself back in the same room at the adventure society which he had stayed in when the group had returned alongside Vista after their little misadventure in the astral space. A proper meditation session alongside the Gellers had helped settle the claps of thunder and flashes of lightning which had lingered just at the edge of his perception, the sensations now only distant echoes. As he was about to go to sleep, Kite happened to look at himself in one of the mirrors of the comfortable bedroom. He looked much the same as he had every evening since ascending to bronze rank, with two exceptions. The first was his eyes. On the surface, they were unchanged, his normal blue with the light brown flecks near the pupil to give the hint of gold to them. But they did give off a different feeling. More solid than before. And the second one was something he had been forced to make a double take on. The potent restorative magic of himself and Rachel had repaired everything the way it was, with the exception of a small scar along his right cheekbone. The small nick was barely noticeable, but to Kite, it stood out surprisingly much. ¡°Life tends to find its way to leave marks on us. Just strive to make sure that those marks come from something that you can stand tall for having endured.¡± It was uncle Walker¡¯s words which echoed throughout Kite¡¯s mind as he reached up and felt the small blemish. For a while, he just stood there, looking at himself. Then, a small smile crept onto his features, as he murmured: ¡°Oh uncle, do I have a story for you.¡±
¡°Kite, you should have seen it! It seems like it is this whole conspiracy going on here. People trying to flee left and right, some shady group leading it all. And we¡¯ve just cracked the surface!¡± Braid exclaimed animatedly. ¡°Oh?¡± Kite asked, curious. He sat with Braid and Wander in the suite at the adventure society, getting updated on their progress and that of the investigation. ¡°Then you seem to have had a busy couple of days.¡± ¡°Oh, Kite. They¡¯re running me ragged~,¡± Wander complained, looking at him with a pitiful expression. She was in her human shape, and due to how long ago it had been since Kite had seen her natural guise, it did hint that the swarm-shifter had put in quite a lot of work into this project. ¡°And you are a most inspiring example for us all,¡± Kite consoled, patting her on the shoulder. ¡°But what was this about some group leading this all? The mistress hinted at something like it. If you can tell me anything, that is.¡± ¡°The branch director has approved of us telling you. With the chaos behind the scenes, there is not much more you could do to make things worse even if you should decide to share. Which I know you will not.¡± Braid said, continuing. ¡°We have still only been able to identify part of said group, but so far it seems like the wealthy of the area who did not belong to the prominent older families decided to band together for a kind of economical coup. In light of this, we can see traces of it going on for years; a subtle and coordinated effort which gradually eroded some of the ¡®old money¡¯ and set them up for future dominance. While we have only seen hints of it, we think that the group was having similar project in most parts of the civilian sectors too, trying to defame the known families and erode their popular support.¡± ¡°Was the strike against Vista part of that?¡± Kite asked, trying to keep up with the scale and scope of the plot Braid was hinting at. ¡°Probably, and the mistress of the Wither family was but one of many players here. As you can imagine, this is causing quite some chaos in Bastion¡¯s economical landscape as the old families are now more aware and actively make moves to counteract and counterattack. This will probably be felt for years to come and the consequences noticed for generations.¡± Imagining it made Kite feel quite small, as he realized what a small thread he had been in the tapestry of intrigue apparently woven around the city, a tapestry which would continue to be woven decades beyond him leaving. And Bastion was but a small city on a national level. ¡°I must admit that I am rather glad to not be in your role here.¡± Kite said, chuckling. ¡°How long will you be staying?¡± ¡°Oh, at least until the surge. I am quite pleased.¡± Braid said, leaning back while Wander sighed. ¡°And it will probably be so boring~,¡± she whined. ¡°Then why not leave and do something else?¡± Kite asked, curious. ¡°Well, contracts. Besides, Braid needs someone to keep him more grounded. And what better way to ground someone than to bury them beneath a mountain of rats~?¡± she said, smiling mischievously. ¡°And you certainly didn¡¯t complain about the pay,¡± Braid added meaningfully. ¡°A girl, which also happens to be a swarm of rats, happens to have her expenses,¡± Wander retorted. ¡°And besides, I get to spy on a lot of naked people.¡± ¡°I thought that you were fed up with naked people?¡± Kite asked her. ¡°Kite, with naked people, there is a certain balance. Too many, and things just get bland. But too few, and you start to feel that you are not really spying in the right places, as you have clearly not found the most intimate settings where people speak their minds,~¡± Wander explained sagely. ¡°I¡­ see.¡± Kite said, amused. ¡°But what about you, Kite? How long will you stay? I heard that the Relentless family will hold a small banquet for you.¡± Braid asked. ¡°Apparently so. How convenient that my fellow investigators were somehow omitted from the ¡®official¡¯ story.¡± Kite noted, giving them both a long look. ¡°We have no idea whatever you are talking about.¡± Braid said, innocently. ¡°You did that completely on your own.¡± ¡°Yes, all by your lonesome. Very brave and decisive of you. Such a promising young adventurer,~¡± Wander chimed in. ¡°Well, at least I could rope in Phiona and Rachel to accompany me.¡± Kite answered, shaking his head at the pair¡¯s blatant lies. ¡°As for your question, I still have about two-and-a-half months left with Phiona. So I¡¯ll probably focus on training and contracts, hopefully with less surprises. And spend some time with Brook, maybe Bloom as well. And work more with Peony. Some of the more peaceful parts of the stay I envisioned for myself. Before I got entangled with Vista.¡± ¡°Then we should see each other more and celebrate before you leave~!¡± Wander exclaimed. ¡°You really helped us out here, Kite. You should get kidnapped by persons of interest more often.¡± ¡°Always happy to please.¡± Kite said, his smile genuine, the echoes of pain and fear having subsided markedly during the days of rest, recovery and pleasant company. ¡°And you should also think some more on what boon you will ask of the Relentless family,¡± Braid added. ¡°As the gazes of the city are now even further upon them, they will probably strive their utmost to make sure to sever the karma between you. The rather public soir¨¦e is a clear indication that they mean to capitalize on this even long after you have left.¡± ¡°Once more, thank you for the advice. You have both been invaluable as both company and colleagues, and I would be honored if you¡¯d accept me considering you my friends.¡± Kite said, both of the other bronze-rankers freezing slightly at his words. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ¡°See. I told you he was all earnestness~,¡± Wander eventually said with a look at the slightly flustered Braid. ¡°But thank you, Kite. Of course you are my friend. And having me as a friend is great! I can show you where the best naked people can be found~,¡± the small woman exclaimed cheekily. ¡°And I echo the sentiment. Minus the naked people, that is.¡± Braid said with a shudder. Kite could only laugh at their antics, envisioning the pair still working together as semi-ancient gold-rankers. ¡°With Braid¡¯s threads, both physical and intellectual, and Wander¡¯s¡­ multifariousness¡­ Just how long can their reach become?¡± he idly wondered before continuing, aloud this time. ¡°But in regards to the boon, you need not worry. I already have an inkling as to how to leave the karma between me and the Relentless family nice and severed.¡±
The gathered crowd¡¯s reaction to a cerberus and a floating carp frolicking and playing around in a corner of the courtyard was mixed, but Kite couldn¡¯t help but chuckle internally as the different shades of smiles still seemed to outnumber the frowns and looks of disapproval. While the feast in his honor for his intervention and role in assisting Vista was nowhere as grand or as spectacular as the birthday celebration had been for the mistress of the house, it was still quite over the top for Kite¡¯s taste, where he sat between Rachel and Vista in a place of honor. Phiona sat next to her cousin, skillfully showing off her training in high-society small talk. Both Gellers had come looking their best, with Phiona going for an adaptation of the proper Hua-Xi fashion with silk robes and voluminous sleeves while Rachel instead went with a dress from her homeland, showing quite a lot more skin than the rest of those gathered. Only branch director Dobrazza outmatched her in that regard. ¡°I mean¡­ Kites? Really?¡± he asked Vista at his side, looking toward what had turned out to be a distinct theme in the decor of the evening. Colorful kites bobbed in the wind, their strings anchored to rooftops, balconies and even statues. ¡°I for one thought it quite fitting. Your name does make for easy association. And besides, kites are a good omen. Of things to come and the wind carrying us onward,¡± Vista answered, taking a sip of his wine. ¡°Those aunties you mentioned had to be quite aware of that when naming you. And I think it is a sentiment that will be needed in the days to come.¡± ¡°Do you think your father and the family will accept Kite¡¯s requested boon?¡± Rachel asked, joining the conversation. ¡°I do. They will probably grumble a bit, but I must admit that our young friend here has a way with words,¡± Vista said, looking at Kite. ¡°If you phrase it like you did when explaining it to me, things should go smoothly enough.¡± ¡°Let us hope so. I would not want to leave too much lingering resentment. Better to have my path as free from such entanglements as possible going forward.¡± Kite said in agreement. ¡°But as one of my aunties used to say; no path is without collisions and entanglements. Sever and resolve those you deem unfitting or hampering, while keeping the rest as close as possible. Thus may you both grow stronger for it.¡± ¡°A wise woman, and a lesson I should strive to learn as well,¡± Vista said with a nod, before turning to Rachel. ¡°On another note, it would seem from my father¡¯s rather dejected look that you did indeed reject his offer?¡± ¡°Oh? Then you are good at reading him. To me, he was all polite and understanding.¡± Rachel said, blanching slightly. ¡°But yeah, I tried to let him down gently. Don¡¯t get me wrong, Vista, you are quite a catch. But even though I am not looking to settle down here at the moment, I will at least pop back once in a while and take a good look at you. Who knows, silver-ranked you might be too irresistible,¡± she finished with a wink. ¡°Eh- well, it is quite flattering that you think- ehm- highly of me,¡± Vista spluttered, blushing slightly as his composure cracked for but a moment. However, he was saved from further jibing as one of the house staff approached, bowing to Kite. ¡°Adventurer, the master of the house would like a word with you before the announcement.¡± ¡°Then I will not make him wait.¡± Kite responded, having been forewarned that this request would most likely come. It would not do for him to make his request too publicly at first, after all. Better to agree beforehand and show a front of united camaraderie outwardly. He rose to follow the servant to a small gazebo a bit removed from the festivities. Master Relentless already sat there on a beautifully sculpted stone bench, further refreshments laying presented on the nearby table. As Kite arrived, bowing with respect, a few house servants closed the mostly transparent silk drapes around them, cutting off the noise of the crowd efficiently enough that Kite did not need his magical perception to hint at their enchantments. This left their conversation open for all to see, but it would be quite hard to listen in or read their lips. ¡°Master Relentless.¡± Kite said, bowing once more before sitting down. ¡°Adventurer.¡± the master of the house replied, giving him more of a nod than a bow, as was expected from the disparity of their stations. Had Kite been a silver ranker, things would have been a bit different even if he was not from the influential families. Personal power was the ultimate measure of a person, in the end. ¡°While our last meeting was a bit tense, I hope that you may forgive the slight. As you understand, the circumstances were quite upsetting.¡± the master continued. Neither his expression or aura left any hints of any true regretful feelings on the matter, but reading the aura of a silver-ranked used to politics was also quite beyond Kite. But he had to admit himself a bit proud that his own aura did not buckle too much under the light pressure from the man before him. With concerted effort, master Relentless would have been able to wear him down in rather short order, but Kite still felt a bit satisfied at the effort which it would require. ¡°Of course, master. Such a disturbance and threat to one¡¯s family makes the reaction quite understandable.¡± Kite responded. While they both knew the exchange for what it was, he had no intention of annoying the master this early in their conversation. ¡°Very reasonable of you. But the fact remains that your intervention did play a crucial role in keeping any losses or injury to a minimum, and as the Relentless family remains ever grateful for coming to our aid in such a moment of need, we seek to compensate you. To properly show our appreciation, and to ensure that karma is severed. We will of course forget any grievances for the property damage caused in the struggles.¡± ¡°Very generous, master.¡± Kite intoned, stifling an exasperated sigh. ¡°In regards to compensation, we have taken the liberty to prepare a few suggestions-¡± master Relentless began, but stopping as Kite raised a hand to cut him off as politely as possible. ¡°As I do not want to waste too much of the master¡¯s time-¡± Kite began placatingly at the man¡¯s annoyed look, ¡°- I already have a suggestion of my own. One that your son believed that you would be amenable to.¡± ¡°Then speak it, and we will see the measure of my son¡¯s judgment.¡± master Relentless said. Kite even thought he could detect a gleam of interest in the facade of the silver-ranker. ¡°Thank you. I will begin with some context,¡± Kite began. ¡°During my stay, I noted some of the rising tensions in the city even before I was informed of, and later surprisingly involved in, the movements in the economical landscape. People were dissatisfied, sometimes in outright protests. It seems like this made it easy for those behind the attempt at Vista¡¯s life to work their cause, building power and resources to strike even at a family of your station.¡± ¡°But even had they succeeded here, it would have been but a minor blow. Our foundations are beyond what they could have shaken.¡± master Relentless protested. ¡°However it might be, they still thought it within their reach. And could you say the same for all the other influential families?¡± Kite asked, continuing as he got no response. ¡°What I am saying is that the dissatisfaction led to your opposition being able to erode at least your image, with Vista being one of the few factors yet untarnished. And attempts were certainly made, with consequences felt by me personally¡± ¡°Ah, yes, I heard of your little adventure. It was quite pleasing to hear that mistress Wither was thwarted by someone of such a low station,¡± master Relentless chuckled. ¡°But I assume that you have a point with your little exposition?¡± ¡°I do,¡± Kite said. ¡°From what my friends in the investigative parts of the adventure society hints at, chaos reigns in certain sectors of Bastion. And as I have a vested interest in some locals, one of many small businesses in the crafting sector, I would aim to ameliorate that. Thus, my request is for you to protect them.¡± ¡°Just protect a single business?¡± master Relentless asked, an eyebrow raised. ¡°Surely, that is not enough to-¡± ¡°Not just one business, master. As many as you can.¡± ¡°Young man, now you are preposterous at the other end of the spectrum. Even a family of our standing cannot be the patron of everyone. The other families or even the city lady would not allow such a monopoly.¡± ¡°But master, you misunderstand me,¡± Kite said, working up to the main pitch. ¡°You would not be their patron, with them tied to your ship, but rather just a benevolent force of the heavens, ensuring that they may prosper and grow without being involuntarily caught up in one of the families, or such a scheme which your opposition used to unite against you. Offer them a haven where to grow on their own accord, like a grand tree providing shelter to the flowers beneath without sapping their growth. Make sure that they are treated well. Give them your honest business. Protect them from unjust coercion. Do this, and I am sure that the next force trying to turn people¡¯s opinions against you will find themselves just shouting into the void, not even an echo returning. Not being their patron might give you less immediate gains, but what are those to a family of your standing? Especially compared to what you may reap in the future when your whole family, not just your son, is viewed as the true cornerstone of Bastion.¡± Kite finished his prepared words, almost out of breath. He had worked for quite some time along with Braid and the Gellers to formulate a plan of how to make his vague idea into some kind of reality, where Peony and Sun would not need to fear the mighty grinding them to pieces in what was surely to become a small internal trade war within the walls of Bastion as the scheming of the families and merchants on the rise went from subtle to overt. Now all that remained was to see if master Relentless could see what Kite hoped for him to, and have the foresight to value it. Vista¡¯s father remained silent for quite some time, his scrutinizing glare regarding Kite, who in turn did his best to remain serene in the intense silence. ¡°What you are asking for is no small thing, adventurer. To change our way of influencing the city. Of being a protector rather than a patron and hope to profit in the long run¡­¡± as master Relentless spoke he had turned to pan his gaze over the gathered festivities outside, as if taking in all of them; his family, allies, people of power and probably even his foes. Once more meeting Kite¡¯s gaze, he then asked a question that Kite had been expecting: ¡°What do you get out of this? What is your angle? And know that any attempt at lying will be quite transparent to me. Your aura may be firm, but it is still quite open to me. Through no fault of your own, but rather your rank, if that¡¯s any consolation.¡± ¡°As I said, I have friends among those I hope to seek to shield from what is to come. Genuinely skilled ones too. Those like them deserve to grow.¡± Kite began, before adding. ¡°And I might also be a heavy investor in that particular friend¡¯s business.¡± As his last words left his mouth, Kite could almost see the noble visibly release some slight tension, probably born of suspicion. ¡°Ah, I see. A forward thinker then? Looking to your investments in the long run rather than short term gains? And the blanket solution of us attempting to shield all we can won¡¯t draw undue attention to one particular business.¡± Master Relentless was silent for a while, occasionally glancing at Kite before nodding. ¡°Then, if this is truly what you wish, then I believe that we will be able to come to an arrangement. I will present it to the rest of the elders, but I foresee no problems in that regard. But I will already say this; those moving against us or who are directly party to such aggression will receive no reprieve.¡± As he finished, the master of the house rose to his feet, Kite doing the same, both men bowing in the customary way when finishing a deal. ¡°I must also thank my son. Not to cast aspersions on your negotiations skills, but his counsel may have led you a bit astray.¡± master Relentless said, a smug smile flashing before once more covered by his stern facade. ¡°If that is so, I will simply have to grow wiser until the next time such an obstacle blocks my path.¡± Kite said, bowing politely before exiting the small gazebo and heading back to Vista and the Gellers. He managed to keep his face impassive until he sat down, all three of his companions looking at him. ¡°Well?¡± Rachel finally asked, looking expectantly at Kite. A small smile crept across Kite¡¯s features. ¡°In the end, I believe that it was your advice, Vista, which eventually won him over. Even if it is a bit sad to have the truth of the world confirmed, only a fool remains completely blind to it.¡± ¡°Those like my father understand greed and schemes, Kite. By giving him something which he understood, he was able to look past his doubts. I for one find the gesture most admirable, and will do what I can to support the initiative in the years to come.¡± Vista said, looking out over the gathered crowds. ¡°But I will admit that events such as this make me long for the roads and the contracts. Even though it will be most comfortable to start to use portals again.¡± ¡°I too approve, Kite, but you already know that.¡± Phiona said with a nod. ¡°Once more, I thank you teacher for your guidance in making my vague idea even remotely possible. The two of you and Braid have been absolutely instrumental.¡± Kite said, once more eternally grateful for the competent people around him. About an hour later, the proclamation was made. In public, master Relentless lauded Kite¡¯s intervention in helping Vista face off against the assassins, depicting him as more of a supporting character in the intervention, before also giving credit to his foresightedness and humility in the boon he had asked. ¡°-and as such, I am proud to proclaim that the Relentless family will be the grand tree rising above those in need, where the small might seek shelter in the storms to come. We will neither constrict them nor hinder their growth, but see that their paths may compete on their own merit during their climb towards the heavens.¡±
In a richly decorated parlor, a man and a woman sat in silence across from one another, a table carrying a teapot and two cups between them. The woman had fair hair with a light shade of peach in the blonde locks, dressed as richly as any city lord or lady from the northern regions in robes of the finest silk. In contrast, the man had scales the color of night, his draconian features still conveying a distinct air of power and superiority; he was a person in utter control of his surroundings. ¡°So, honorable ¡®chairwoman¡¯, it seems like your assignment was quite successful.¡± he noted, the ironic humor at the mentioned title clear. ¡°Indeed. I have already received the gratitude of our lord, which leaves your niceties rather superfluous.¡± she replied, retaining her cool demeanor. ¡°Oh, is that so? How kind of our lord to extend such a courtesy.¡± the draconian man said, taking a sip of tea. ¡°From what I gathered in your reports, the end did come a little more abruptly than planned.¡± His words were obviously teasing, causing the woman to close her fan with a snap. ¡°Then had you read properly, you would know that Wither¡¯s actions were well within expectations. What was not was that one bronze-ranker getting away, but such is the fickleness of the world. The internal trade war seems to already be ramping up quite smoothly, according to my sources.¡± ¡°Ah, but not all of the city, no? The Relentless family made a rather unexpected move there at the end. Or rather, it would seem like the little bronze-ranker did nudge the scales there a bit as well.¡± ¡°Their interference will hamper progress, but the assignment has still been deemed a success. Lord Discord¡¯s power will be rich and ready for reaping in this area, paying dividends for years if not decades to come,¡± the woman finished, taking another sip of her own tea, every small motion conveying her annoyance. ¡°Alas, you are right. But I can¡¯t help but noting an interesting little tidbit.¡± The woman only looked impassively at the man, not lowering herself to asking. With another chuckle, he continued. ¡°Apparently, the little bronze-ranker was active up in Gilded as well, where another of our sisters was working her assignments. He was only iron rank at the time, but apparently managed to lean on the scales more than anyone would have expected.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± the woman asked, now showing genuine interest. ¡°Does he belong to one of our lord¡¯s adversaries? Unity?¡± ¡°No, unfortunately not. Which means that direct action in response to him will have too many risks. He is but a bronze ranker, but eliminating him directly might allow our opposition to move more directly against one of our pieces that does matter.¡± ¡°The ways of the gods are unfortunately a bit inconvenient at times.¡± the woman agreed, before a thoughtful look came over her. ¡°But there might be something that we can do. As I remember, there were still some unactivated assets left up near Gilded. It shouldn¡¯t be too hard to pull some strings and let them loose. Hopefully, our fellow priestess¡¯ remnants might do some additional good in that regard.¡± ¡°You know, that is a splendid idea. If the council approves, I see it as a move worth making.¡± the draconian man said, rising. ¡°But alas, I must now take my leave. Will you be returning to the capitol?¡± ¡°Perhaps. Where my path takes me is between me and my god.¡± the woman answered primly, remaining seated. ¡°Of course,¡± the draconian said, bowing almost mockingly. ¡°Then I bid you farewell. Wherever you may tread, may the flowers of Discord bloom in your wake.¡± 91. The lives that you have changed ¡°So, how does it feel to now be properly on the path to bronze-rank?¡± Kite asked Brook as the light of the ritual of awakening died down, her final awakening stone having been dissolved and absorbed. ¡°Unreal,¡± Brook admitted while brushing back a stray auburn lock of hair that had escaped in the slight magical turbulence of the ritual. ¡°To have all my powers awakened now, but a scant two months after getting my essences¡­ Kite, I expected this to take years. How am I ever supposed to balance out this karma between us?¡± Her last words were an often repeated statement, which Kite only answered with a meaningful look. ¡°Sorry¡­¡± she sighed. ¡°Friends let their paths intertwine, supporting each others¡¯ growth. I know¡­ But, do you even know what it feels like?¡± ¡°Actually, that I do. I feel it all the time. To my aunties. Uncle Walker. Master Stone and mistress Dew. To Phiona and Rachel. Heavens, even branch director Jarvan. And Dobrazza. Gratitude is rather heavy at times, but also a worthwhile burden, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± Kite asked her with a wink. ¡°And besides, the powers you awakened did come with some economical consequences, no?¡± The final part of his statement was directed at the other two creatures who had both approached Brook¡¯s side once more after bearing witness to the proceedings. The first was Scripture, her rune heron familiar awakened from absorbing her bird essence. Its shimmering blue feathers and pretty magical runes lent itself well to the proud bearing of the avian as it walked over on long legs. The second, named Nudge, took a few flying laps around the room, joyfully playing tag with Glint before settling on Brook¡¯s shoulder. It was another bird, a small finch whose feathers seemed to be made of semi-translucent matter over its stark white skin. The species was called a kinetic finch, and was yet another summoned familiar which had been awakened from her mystic essence through an awakening stone of the bird, which Kite had made a rather favorable trade for at the local trade pavilion. ¡°Oh, I would call them a worthwhile investment.¡± Brook said happily even as she snatched back one of her belt pouches which had started being telekinetically levitated upward by Nudge, eager to find the seeds inside. ¡°I would too, but if I get kicked out of one more art gallery due to Sage being unable to show proper manners, I might have to put off buying that next calligraphy book someone seemed to enjoy so much.¡± Kite said, emphasizing the final part of the statement as he talked out into the empty air, getting only a defiant shudder in response from within his aura where the familiar was subsumed. Overall, Brook¡¯s power set had come out very much to her liking, almost every ability being less combat-oriented and more utilitarian. Among other things, she could now swiftly copy text from books, both pace and number of copies steadily increasing with rank, as well as sort knowledge in a kind of mental storage and project it as glowing text in the air with another power to help make connections and cross-references. With other utility powers increasing duration and lowering mana costs as well as summoning dust constructs for different tasks, Kite could see that her future within the world of knowledge that was the library looked quite bright indeed. He knew for a fact that several local researchers were all vying for her attention and assistance in their respective projects. Helping Brook acquire the awakening stones needed had been quite enjoyable too. Most were relatively cheap stones, as many not favored by adventurers were bound to be, and Kite could supply her with quite a few by trading some manifested by Sage for others more fitting for Brook¡¯s work. He had also helped her buy a few herself with saved funds, and one additional awakening stone of ink was gifted to her by her mentor, the head librarian quite overjoyed with her development. ¡°But I digress-¡± Kite said, walking beside her throughout the halls of the magic society. ¡°- and believe that we should return to the fact that you, Still Brook in Blooming, might well replace the whole library in but a rank or two. Just imagine it, the fair sage walking around, books and scrolls raining down out of thin air to bless the masses with knowledge.¡± Brook giggled at his antics, as she had begun to do once more during the close to three months since they had determined that their relationship going forward would remain one of friendship. ¡°And where will the vagabond be then, when these wonders occur? Out on your adventures?¡± ¡°Well, the adventures will yet have to wait a few more days I am afraid,¡± Kite replied. ¡°Phiona and Rachel will depart in three days, so we will make sure that they get a proper farewell.¡± ¡°It¡¯s sad that they have to leave. But I¡¯m glad I could meet them, even if they were a bit scary at first.¡± Brook said. Her meeting with the Gellers had progressed just fine from Kite¡¯s point of view, but Brook still remained quite insecure around new people. But he was happy to see that she seemed to have struck up a fast friendship with Felicity, and Brilliant Bloom by association. ¡°It is indeed sad, but I believe that it will be good for them. Especially Phiona, who has certain things to face back home. But teacher is strong, so I remain ever confident both in her success and us meeting again in the future, heavens be willing.¡± As Kite finished, the pair had reached one of the main doors and exited onto the campus grounds. Outside, spring was now in full swing while hinting at soon transitioning to summer. Trees, bushes and flowers were blooming everywhere, often around and complementary to the many statues of Bastion. Looking out over the skyline from their vantage up on the First Step, Kite once more shook his head as he was reminded of the new addition to the city¡¯s skyline. ¡°I still refuse to believe that Vista had nothing to do with this.¡± he muttered, Brook giggling in response. ¡°I, for one, like them. And you have to admit that ¡®Kite¡¯s refuge¡¯ has a nice ring to it.¡± Across the city, a surprising number of kites were swaying and bobbing along with the constant breeze from the ocean. While they varied a bit in shape and size, they were all blue and if one looked closer, one would see the crest of the Relentless family painted somewhere on their surface. All businesses taken under the wing of the Relentless family were given one to display as a symbol of their protection, and their number had only grown during the last half of Kite¡¯s stay in Bastion. ¡°I believe that all those left outside of such protection might disagree,¡± Kite said. ¡°But you are right. It feels good that they listened, and that my boon seems to have made a difference to some at least. Peony and Sun especially. It¡¯s just¡­ the kites¡­ Isn¡¯t it a bit too ¡®on the nose¡¯?¡± ¡°The vagabond will just have to accept that trying to leave a mark on his surroundings might actually just do that. Acceptance is a trait most favored by the heavens.¡± Brook said sagely, before a slight frown colored her features. ¡°But you didn¡¯t say how long you will stay, Kite.¡± ¡°That depends on where the contracts take me, but the fair sage need not fret. Glint and I are becoming more proficient with traveling long distances at speed, so I would expect a vagabond and his fish to drop in every now and then. Bastion also has more lucrative contracts for me as a bronze-ranker, but I will return to Gilded for the monster surge. They need all adventurers they can get with those distances and sparse villages.¡± At his words, Brook sighed and shook her head. ¡°I still have a hard time envisioning your life, Kite, but I am glad that you and your companions work hard to keep the rest of us safe. Thank you.¡± ¡°And thank you for helping us preserve the knowledge and nourish what we protect in turn,¡± Kite replied, reaching out to give her a sideways hug. Letting go, he continued. ¡°And do remember to practice your combat spells the way Rachel taught you. You might still be called in as reserve during the surge, after all,¡± he finishes, chuckling at Brook¡¯s disgruntled expression. She did have a few offensive spells, such as directing a swarm of razor papers to shred potential foes as well as both of her familiars. ¡°Speaking of knowledge, is there any progress in your research into what kind of being Sage is?¡± Kite then asked, changing the subject. ¡°Not so far, but the head librarian has assisted me in requesting copies of a few promising volumes from the capitol. But it is hard to assess when they will arrive, if at all. We aren¡¯t the most prestigious branch, after all.¡± ¡°Do not worry. I am just grateful that you keep looking,¡± Kite said, rising from where he had been leaning against the low wall at the brim of the First Step. ¡°But now, fair sage, I will have to take my leave. Teacher will not let me slack off in these last days of training. So I will see you at the farewell-party tomorrow.¡±
A pair of staves clashed violently, one of steel-capped wood and the other of an almost otherworldly metal, rings at the top chiming only gently at the violent collision. One clash turned into a steady stream, both combatants using every part of their weapons to block, attack, feint and shove. As usual, Kite was being pressed quite thoroughly, Phiona fighting with her usual relentless precision, but even he was not modest enough to look past the fact that he had improved greatly during his time in Bastion. While he knew that his teacher was holding back, her speed attribute having crossed the boundary to silver rank, Kite still felt surges of elation as he was able to spot the holes she left in her defenses and the opportunities, however small, that were presented. Even if Phiona would still deflect or evade all of his attempts to capitalize on them, he could see her approving smile every time. An especially intense barrage left Kite winded and even more on the defensive, but unlike previous times, he did remain in the fight. Just as he was about to look for an opportunity to turn the tides, Phiona disengaged, her full speed on display as she took a quick jump backwards. ¡°Well, student, it would seem that you have surpassed my expectations in the end.¡± the blonde Geller said with a nod of approval. ¡°Oh, Nona, we all knew that, given your rather low expectations from the start!¡± Rachel called from where she was lounging at the side of the training area, a heap of exhaustion named Sun laying close by, panting hard. Phiona was in the process of delivering a withering glare to her cousin when Kite¡¯s words interrupted her. ¡°Thank you, teacher. With your insights, wisdom and skill, the heavens suddenly feel close enough to touch.¡± he said, giving her a formal bow. ¡°See, at least Kite still remembers things such as proper decorum for the proper time.¡± Phiona noted to her cousin, before returning the bow. ¡°Are the three of you ready for tomorrow¡¯s celebration then?¡± Kite asked. Both Gellers nodded at his question, while Sun only managed to groan something vaguely affirmative. ¡°Count on me to never miss a party! Especially one where I¡¯m the one being honored!¡± Rachel exclaimed, making a toast with an imaginary cup. ¡°It will indeed be quite nice with a proper send-off. Our stay here has been significant and meaningful enough.¡± Phiona agreed, before turning to Kite again. ¡°But we are still some ways away from such celebration, student. Once more, this time with powers, but staff only.¡± ¡°Yes, teacher!¡±
The common room of the Stormbringer¡¯s Perch was bustling with activity, colorful paper lanterns pushing back the evening gloom while the air was filled with enticing smells and the din of people conversing and drinking in merriment. Part of the space was partitioned off with some sliding walls for privacy, and it was here that the farewell party for the two Gellers had been in full swing for most of the evening already. The company wasn¡¯t overly large, with the two Gellers, Kite, Peony, Sun and Brook being the ones who had arrived right away, but Vista had also joined them not soon after in the company of a bodyguard. The silver-ranked outlander had mostly stood in stoic silence and sent stern glares towards the rest of those gathered, her leonid fur a deep golden color. Her frown had only deepened further when Braid and Wander had joined them a while later, especially at Wander¡¯s tendencies to spread out over the whole room and join multiple conversations simultaneously while also snacking on everything within reach. The stern silver-ranker aside, it was a nice and casual affair, and Kite had found himself thoroughly relaxing in the pleasant company. ¡°Once more, I thank you for the invitation,¡± Vista said as he took a seat next to Kite in a small group of couches made in a foreign style. The others were currently gathered next to the sliding doors revealing the inn¡¯s garden, where Whimmy and Missus were currently in the midst of a good-natured wrestling match. ¡°Vista, our contract may have ended, but you are still one of us, as long as you don¡¯t mind the association. I would be happy to consider you a friend.¡± Kite replied honestly. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. The young master froze up only momentarily, before chuckling. ¡°My apologies, being around mostly the high society tends to leave me stunned by actual earnestness. Thank you, Kite. I must admit that I did not expect it even in the least, but being around you three has taught me a lot. I would be happy to count you as a friend.¡± ¡°Well, the teaching opportunity has been mutual too, although I am unsure if my body has yet to properly recover after our latest bout in the practice hall,¡± Kite said with a slight wince. ¡°While I am proud of my first win, you truly haven¡¯t allowed me another one since.¡± ¡°The Whirlwind Warrior must uphold his reputation, no?¡± Vista replied with a proud smile. ¡°But your growth in technique has been most impressive, especially with the staff, for reasons I assume to be obvious. Find yourself some more masters and then you might start providing me with a proper challenge once more.¡± ¡°Oh, the young master is too kind,¡± Kite shot back with a smile. ¡°But Phiona has counseled the same. I count myself fortunate to have met so many good teachers already, but there will hopefully be many more along my path. And I must admit that the reward and bonus from your family upon the completion of the entourage-contract will carry me quite the distance in that regard, at least resource-wise.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that me stressing the unexpected dangers and need to keep you happy and quiet about the details was taken seriously by the family elders,¡± Vista said. ¡°Have you decided upon which item you would like to commission yet?¡± ¡°No, I will wait until silver rank is closer, as there is no telling where I will be then, assuming I survive. After all, I still have a token for the jade-sky gate.¡± ¡°So you have said. When do you aim to take on the challenge?¡± ¡°Oh, I am in no rush. Sometime in the future, after the monster surge at least. I need to be as prepared as I can be. The trials are said to adapt a bit to the level of the wielder, but that doesn¡¯t mean that more time to grow in skill and procure the right equipment won¡¯t be a boon,¡± Kite said. ¡°Well, I believe that the heavens have given you a path frustrating enough that few will be able to stand against you,¡± Vista said, lifting his cup in a toast and taking a sip. ¡°That new racial gift evolution of yours is wicked; suddenly my mana is even more of a trap, and I actually have powers to recover it. I can¡¯t imagine the collective frustration you would bring to the essence-users of the world. If there was a god for the concept, you would surely be their chosen. Heavens, if that is what you get for fighting a silver-ranker to almost a standstill, I might start looking around for bigger prey.¡± As Vista finished the sentence, both of the young men suddenly shivered as an aura more powerful than theirs washed over them, the objection quite obvious. ¡°My apologies, Kinthara! I will of course refrain from such behavior!¡± Vista called, nodding apologetically to the bodyguard who was giving her charge a displeased look. ¡°I thought that you would chafe a bit more at your family finally taking the step to have a silver-ranker escort you,¡± Kite noted, giving his own respectful bow towards the leonid. ¡°Well, during our time together, we happened upon enough unexpected hardship for even my cursed pride to face reality,¡± the young master sighed. ¡°With the trade war gradually intensifying, my family decided that the risk was simply too great and that we would lose little face as a consequence. And besides, Kinthara has been a wonder of stoic professionalism and competence. Did you know that her hearing is beyond this world,¡± he finished, his smile theatrically strained. ¡°I for one am glad that you may keep your momentum going, Vista,¡± Kite said. ¡°You are an impressive warrior, and I hope to hear more legends of you in the future. And speaking of great warriors, I believe it to be time.¡± Rising, Kite refilled his cup and walked close to the group¡¯s table. A small flare of his aura had all of his companions look towards him questioningly. ¡°I would like to thank you all for coming here tonight,¡± he began, speaking up to be heard over the slight susurrus of voices spilling in from the main area of the common room. ¡°Because I believe that gratitude is the least I can offer to my teacher for the last half a year, as well as to her boon companion and cousin. None would have held it against you if you had just followed the contract, provided me with some lessons and then gone your merry way. But instead, the two of you did not just teach me technique and form, doling out knowledge of moves and counters and considering your task finished. Instead, you taught me what it means to be an adventurer of a higher standard, how to lean into my strengths and shore up my weaknesses. To use every advantage, and act with decisive precision. Without the two of you, and what you taught me, I would in all probability be dead now; not having returned from when the mistress of the Wither family spirited me away. And you did not just teach me, but others as well. Others I had no right to bring into this, but you welcomed it nonetheless. We all owe you, Phiona and Rachel Geller, if not through karma then at least through gratitude. And I want you to be aware of the lives that you have changed here, through your path and presence both.¡± As he finished, Kite raised his cup. ¡°May your paths take you to the heavens, and beyond.¡± Immediately afterwards, more cups joined his, the same sentiment echoed by all those gathered. The swarm that was Wander chimed in as well, their squeaking agreement with the Hua-Xi proverb giving it a certain quality which Kite had never before experienced. Through it all, Phiona had kept up her confident facade while Rachel had looked as if she truly did not know what to do with herself, blustery confidence completely disarmed by earnest words. A sentiment she let be known as the pair approached Kite soon after. ¡°Kite, that is the second earnest speech I have heard you deliver while I have known you. Is this going to become a habit?¡± the red-haired Geller complained while unable to hide the lingering blush. ¡°They do say that you only become more of yourself when ranking up, cousin,¡± Phiona noted, still unphased. ¡°And I for one will not complain. Thank you, student, both for the words and the sentiment behind them.¡± ¡°Well, people have told me all my life that I seem to be earnest to a fault. So I believe that I just have to accept my role in the grand play that is life,¡± Kite said with a smile, but it faltered slightly as he continued. ¡°When will the portal-courier arrive?¡± ¡°At noon tomorrow.¡± Phiona said, Kite getting the feeling that she echoed his sad feelings on the matter. ¡°Then we have a few hops ahead of us before we are home.¡± ¡°Home, huh?¡± Rachel asked with a forlorn look. ¡°To imagine that we will be home in just a day or two, depending on if the schedules hold. It is almost on the opposite side of the world, yet has been so close this whole time. But hey, at least the family was happy to chip in for the fees. It would have been quite the dampener on the departure if most of our liquid assets would be used just to take us home.¡± ¡°Most might be a stretch, cousin,¡± Phiona noted. ¡°Well, Nona, you¡¯re not the one having quite the expensive savings project,¡± Rachel retorted before sticking her tongue out at her smirking cousin. ¡°Any regrets then?¡± Kite asked them. ¡°Something yet unfinished?¡± ¡°I for one believe that this trip has already given me much more than I¡¯d expected. My only regret is that I couldn¡¯t be there for you when that noble whisked you away,¡± Phiona said, the reminder putting a bit of a dampener on the mood between the three. ¡°Teacher, I-¡± ¡°I know,¡± she sighed, interrupting him. ¡°I¡¯m still just frustrated. Those consumables to forcefully teleport others should be outlawed, or at least restricted.¡± ¡°At least they are damn expensive,¡± Rachel chimed in. ¡°And Kite just shoved that expense right in their faces.¡± At her words, both Kite and Phiona couldn¡¯t help but smile. Throughout their time together, Rachel had always been able to lighten the mood, but Kite thought to have gleaned quite a bit more intent in her seemingly spontaneous comments or outbursts. ¡°What about you, Rachel? Any regrets?¡± Kite asked her. ¡°Nah, not any big ones. Maybe not taking the time to fool around some, but as we have previously stated, I will need to keep my image as a fair and pure lady intact.¡± ¡°The kind of fair lady who is openly appreciating one of her companion¡¯s rear assets?¡± Kite asked meaningfully. ¡°It is not her fault that a lady has eyes.¡± Rachel said with an indignant huff. ¡°But as I have said, who knows what the future holds. I will at least have to return and see how that particular sculpture is turning out.¡± Across the room, oblivious to the conversation taking place between the three, Vista got the sudden impulse to sit down.
Hours flowing away like the waves receding, the night came and went. And before truly having realized it, Kite stood before the two Gellers once more, but this time with the light of a late spring day bathing their surroundings. They were gathered in a square at the adventure society campus, Bastion not being nearly populous enough for a dedicated portal square. A silver-ranked elven man stood patiently waiting a bit further off to give the trio some space. While the rest had said their farewells the night before, Kite still felt it important to see them off properly. As did Glint, already in the process of receiving enough pets and caresses to last until the next time they met. While Kite was optimistic that he would cross paths again with the Gellers in the future, he also knew that it was likely years until then. ¡°So, as of this day, it would seem that I am no longer your teacher, Kite.¡± Phiona noted. ¡°Should I ever train someone again, they will have a high bar to measure themselves against.¡± ¡°Teach- I mean, you are too kind. Phiona.¡± Kite said, attempting the adjustment of their new relative status. ¡°Oh, you should take it to heart, Kite. Nona is quite frank in her evaluations,¡± Rachel added, seeming to be in high spirits. ¡°And I agree. For a small country bumpkin, you sure know how to surprise.¡± ¡°And for a fair, noble lady, you definitely know how to melt people.¡± Kite retorted with a smile. ¡°Aaaaw, that¡¯s so sweet!¡± Rachel exclaimed happily. ¡°And you are sure that you won¡¯t come with us? Join our team? Because you are criminally underrated in this land of pride and sects.¡± ¡°While I will admit the offer to be genuinely tempting, I will have to stand by my decision,¡± Kite said with a rueful shake of his head. ¡°There are too many things I have yet to see in my own homeland. And too many people dear to me to go at the moment. Besides, while I have met my share of pride and prejudice, I have also seen a lot more. I hope to bring more good tidings and opportunities to people like Peony, Sun and Brook too. There is even a project I hope to strike up with my uncle when returning to Gilded.¡± Rachel looked as if she was about to protest, but the silver-ranker waiting for them cleared his throat politely. ¡°My ladies, the portal has gone off cooldown. Whenever you are ready.¡± ¡°I guess it is time then,¡± Rachel said before giving Kite a warm hug. ¡°Good luck, Kite.¡± ¡°The same to you, Rachel,¡± he said, before being surprised by Phiona also closing the distance for a quick embrace. ¡°As you say in these lands; may your path take you to the heavens and beyond. I will go back and see what they have in store for me as well,¡± the blonde Geller said, once more having dropped her stern facade for a bit. ¡°With your skill and precision in all that you do, I believe that the skies are already well within your grasp, Phiona. Take care.¡± Kite said, before stepping back. He waved at the pair as the elf conjured a portal of whirling sands, feeling their now familiar auras disappear one by one. Kite remained there at the plaza for a little longer, processing and in part embracing the feeling of loss that always accompanied such a farewell. Then, with a final sigh, he turned to Glint. ¡°I will miss them too,¡± he said, putting the feeling he got through their familiar bond into words. ¡°We better cherish the memories together, and talk about the two of them as often as we can.¡± The carp made an annoyed little loop, causing Kite to chuckle. ¡°Do not worry, little beauty, you are able to communicate your emotions quite clearly.¡± As they talked, the pair of them had started making their way back down towards the lower steps. Even though the Gellers had now taken their leave, there were still quite a lot of people to see. And so many things yet to do.
Stoic Boar was having a rather stressful day. Unfortunately, this was quite in line with how his days had been for the last three months since the day of mistress Relentless¡¯ birthday celebration. Since then, most of his projects had to be put on hold, as it was all hands on deck in the upcoming mercantile turmoil. ¡°And to top it all off, that cursed adventurer came along and left such a mark on the city too,¡± Boar grumbled inwardly, glancing up at one of the many kites flapping in the wind along some of the houses and establishments of the city. Still, it was hard to carry much real resentment on the matter. As a consequence of the Relentless family¡¯s sudden action to protect independent actors, the Stoic family¡¯s patron house had taken steps to further tie their retainers closer to their families, and the young master¡¯s dreams of a good marriage proposal did not seem as much a mere idle fantasy as they might have before. The mental image of Lustrous Pearl proved to be distracting enough that Boar did not see who was approaching his group until the young man in question called out. ¡°Ah, young master Stoic. Greetings.¡± Coming to his senses, Boar almost choked as the gods apparently saw fit to properly test him. The young adventurer in question, known as Kite, was politely tipping a wide traveler''s hat in greeting to him. ¡°Ah, adventurer Kite.¡± Boar said, a bit hesitant. ¡°Is there something I may assist you with?¡± While the young man was not overly famous, there were people in certain circles who definitely had taken note of him. As such, Boar went with more deference than the young man¡¯s station would usually have entailed. ¡°Oh no. It is the first time we have met since the celebration where you so kindly helped me and my companions inside. I wanted to thank you, as well as clear the air between us. You came through in your promise to my friend, as well as with the favor I asked of you. Know that I consider the karma between us properly severed.¡± The young man spoke in a pleasant tone, enough so that Boar could not help but gently probe his aura for potential falsehoods. ¡°I-¡± Stoic Boar began, a bit taken aback. ¡°Thank you for the confirmation. It is always good to leave karma cleanly severed in matters of business. And the Stoic family will make good on their word.¡± ¡°That is indeed so,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°As I have said my peace, I will leave you to your no doubt important business. May your path take you to the heavens and beyond, young master. And may neither of us ever do anything else to once more unbalance the karma between us.¡± With that, the adventurer once more bowed before resuming his walk, the colorful fish familiar following in his wake. Boar stood there on the street for a while, lost in thoughts before one of his guards gently cleared his throat. ¡°Young master, shall we continue?¡± ¡°Ehm- Ah, yes. Yes indeed.¡± As Stoic Boar continued along the streets of Bastion to yet another meeting with some of the family crafters, he had to admit to himself that his day felt a little less stressful. Steps lightened by karmic debt severed, the young master of the Stoic family vowed to make the most of the trying days which lay before him. And to never underestimate young outcasts ever again. 92. Winds of Fortune, indeed… ¡°He has made good progress.¡± Kite noted to Peony where the two of them stood watching Sun finish off the small group of iron-ranked wood elementals. Two had already been destroyed, powerful arrows from a dark iron bow all but blowing them to splinters, while the two that was left was currently being ripped apart by the monkey warrior as Sun acrobatically dodged and weaved, striking out with clawed hands or, more often, feet while shooting the occasional point-blank arrow into the limber monsters. Just a few seconds later, Peony¡¯s husband closed out the small skirmish by reaching out with a hand toward one of the monsters and his long, flexible tail towards the other, a hard yank with his now mighty strength sending the pair of elementals tumbling into one another. A mere moment after the collision, Sun had already leapt upwards and back, launching a single arrow while airborne. Through his magical perception, Kite could see the larger amount of mana infused into the shot, which detonated into a growing ball of iron spikes, impaling the tangled monsters and ending them. ¡°He truly has,¡± Peony agreed, having the same admiring look as she always had when she watched her husband. ¡°Seeing his progress makes part of me regret using cores. But on the other hand, when would I have time to actually craft something?¡± ¡°Oh, do not sell yourself short, dear business partner. I have seen your improvements as well, even after the Gellers departure,¡± Kite noted, nudging Peony with his elbow. ¡°People choose different paths, creating a diverse world. And your craft has truly grown in leaps and bounds.¡± ¡°I must admit that it still feels a bit unreal to have been able to expand the business so. And even to actually be able to start paying out your share,¡± Peony said, brushing a magenta strand of hair back in place. ¡°Which Kite knows that I will continue insisting on to the day I die,¡± Sun called as he returned to the pair. ¡°They are yours for the looting, love,¡± he said to Peony, nodding towards the monster corpses before giving her a quick peck on the cheek as the crafter moved off. ¡°Well, I am happy both for your success and the funds,¡± Kite said to the man, who still wore his transfigured form, iron bracers and all. As his abilities were ranking up, Sun¡¯s combat form was only becoming more ferocious, the lean monkey warrior showing both grace and strength. ¡°The road to the heavens is long. And costly.¡± ¡°Even more so if you continue to insist on giving out treasures rather than selling them,¡± Sun noted, before quickly adding; ¡°Not that I am in any way ungrateful.¡± ¡°Ah, the ever-lasting battle between the want of the heart and the stark reality of the coin purse,¡± Kite said ruefully. ¡°Yet seeing you makes me quite happy with the investments so far. And speaking of treasure, Sage is signaling a potential manifestation nearby. Maybe we will be lucky.¡± It was a rather short walk over to the otherwise nondescript location among the forests outside of Bastion, where Kite gave his mental assent for Sage to initiate the transfer of mana. But as the rainbow vortex started manifesting, it quickly became clear that it was something far larger than quintessence, awakening stone or essence. ¡°It seems that we were indeed lucky, as Sun will get another opportunity to practice.¡± Kite noted, backing off as the monsters started taking shape. Some kind of arachnids, from the look of it. ¡°Winds of Fortune, indeed¡­¡± was all they heard Sun mutter, as he went to work once more.
¡°Another cheer for Bastion¡¯s newly minted bronze-ranker!¡± Kite exclaimed, the other two women around the table joining him as they toasted to Brilliant Bloom. The former young master tried to look stoic, but a small blush had started creeping onto his cheeks nonetheless, only intensifying when Felicity snuggled up close to him, a little bit into her cups already. Brilliant Bloom was a year younger than Kite, and while he had absorbed his essences a little bit earlier, sect politics and his decision to set out on his own had meant that Kite had him beat to bronze-rank by quite the margin. Still, the former young master seemed to try and channel that into more of a good-natured competitive spirit, naming himself Kite¡¯s self-declared rival. As such, Kite found it only fitting to arrange a little celebration for the young man¡¯s achievement. Brook, due to her friendship with both Kite and Felicity, had been invited as well, and the four young adults sat on a pair of blankets in one of Bastion¡¯s public parks, enjoying drinks and refreshments as they had listened to Bloom regale him with the tales of his latest contracts. ¡°Well, it was but a small matter,¡± the flustered Bloom said, trying to wave the matter away. ¡°But this does mean that you will indeed have to watch your back, Kite, as I am closing the distance every day!¡± ¡°Then it is fortunate that I have eyes in the back of my head, at least figuratively,¡± Kite retorted in good-naturedly. ¡°What will the prodigious Brilliant Bloom do now that he has ascended so far into the world?¡± ¡°Why, work towards silver rank of course. The heavens are still far away, after all. Or has the illustrious company that you have been keeping these last few months made you blind to their heights?¡± As if to make his point, Bloom gestured to the skies with his cup. ¡°Oh, I assure that my time spent with the Gellers have only made me realize even more as to how far I have yet to go,¡± Kite lamented theatrically. ¡°But still, while the way is long, it is quite alright to enjoy the trip, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± he finished, nodding towards Felicity, who giggled. At his words, the young man harrumphed, but he still hugged the young woman closer to his side. ¡°I suppose our choice of company may indeed let us reach greater heights, and fight through more than we thought possible, if only to see them again.¡± ¡°Aaaaaawww, Bloom.¡± Felicity squealed, happily placing a wet kiss on his cheek, causing the young man to blush again. Bloom loudly cleared his throat, changing the subject while battling his embarrassed expression. ¡°But as to your question, more contracts. By the time my pace starts to slow down here, Felicity¡¯s contract with the local branch should be done. Then we can go wherever we want. While there is a bit of a competition for contracts, I believe that a patient approach will still see me through.¡± ¡°And now that you are bronze rank, it means that we can have proper, no-holds-barred sparring sessions.¡± Kite also commented a bit off-handedly, causing the young man to swallow a bit nervously. ¡°Well- Of course- but you see¡­ Ah, yes, equipment. I need to properly equip myself for bronze rank first. And while I have some funds, pieces worthy of consideration cost their fair share,¡± Bloom said, a bit too quickly. His words made something click in Kite¡¯s head, and he remained silent, regarding the young man with a thoughtful expression. ¡°W-what?¡± Bloom eventually asked. Nodding to himself as if reaching a conclusion, Kite spoke. ¡°Well, as you seem to be in need of both equipment and work, your senior brother here might have an idea to help out his junior. There is a family of crafters I would like to introduce you to.¡±
As his mana pool had mostly emptied, Kite sighed and opened his eyes. The huge seed in front of him looked the same as before, only Sage¡¯s vague sense indicating that any change had been made at all, if only the most miniscule. ¡°It seems like this will be a project most long term.¡± Kite said, speaking aloud even though neither Sage or Glint could directly reply. ¡°Insufficient Disappointment¡± Kite only gave a flat look to the manifested shapes of changing symbols and their rather unhelpful message, before shaking his head with a smile. ¡°I do not know what will come of this, but I must admit that my curiosity is only rising.¡± A while later, Kite made his way out of the submerged tunnels, Glint carrying him quickly through the empty astral space as the purple landscape zoomed by below. The constant wind and shifting sands meant that the traces of the ambush and battles within had been swiftly hidden away, the astral space remaining as alien as when Kite had first entered along with Vista and the Gellers. Outside the aperture, he quickly found his way to where Peony and Sun waited, the pair having made their camp close by while they waited. ¡°So, no more progress?¡± Peony asked as Kite drew close. ¡°As minimal as ever,¡± Kite said with a shrug. ¡°Once more, thank you for humoring me and choosing this route with the contracts.¡± ¡°I must admit that we are all curious to see what will come of it,¡± Sun said, just having finished putting up the pair¡¯s tent, complete with the soundproofing enchantments which Kite had gifted them after the pair had, on one occasion, forgot that he as a bronze-ranker had quite good hearing. ¡°As am I. It still feels¡­ significant, in some weird way,¡± Kite noted. ¡°But still, we are quite a ways off both in regards to whatever is being completed and me actually being able to make a bid for the land of the area. Vista has promised to help, but I would be most surprised if it did not also require a hefty amount of coins.¡± ¡°At least you already have our contribution in that regard, being the business partner to Bastion¡¯s most up and coming artificer.¡± Peony added, settling down beside her husband next to the heating lamp. ¡°Which means that you¡¯ll have to come by every once in a while to collect your share.¡± ¡°Oh, you need not money to entice me to visit. Had we not been friends, I would still have been drawn in just for your craftsmanship,¡± Kite said honestly. ¡°But as things are¡­ You can trust me to darken your doorstep as often as possible. A frequency which will only increase as we grow in power. I can imagine that Glint will be quite swift at silver rank.¡± ¡°We will hold you to that, then,¡± Peony said, with a smile. ¡°And we will miss you, too. Do you know what kind of contract the branch director of Gilded had in mind for you?¡± ¡°No, his message was rather vague. But knowing him, I am confident it will either be something very interesting, or just an excuse to get me back so that he can try and get me to sell him a couple more essences,¡± Kite said with a laugh.
The day Kite made to leave Bastion and return to Gilded was the first day where the hints of summer were truly felt in the air, the winds which came in from the ocean hinting at a bit of warmth. Drizzling rain and overcast skies were replaced with fluffy white clouds dotting the blue expanse of the sky, the sun on full, radiant display. Up at the adventure society campus, its rays still reached into the office of the branch director, where Kite was currently seated, he and Dobrazza being the only ones in the room. ¡°Well, Jarvan did not overstate your resourcefulness when he sent you his recommendation. And now he is suddenly yanking you back. No tact, that one,¡± the branch director said with a dramatic pout. ¡°And there is so much to do here now too. At least Braid and Wander are staying for a while longer.¡± ¡°From what they have told me, the whole affair between the great families and other economic powerhouses of the city, I am afraid my particular talents would be of little help,¡± Kite said with a smile. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t sell yourself short, my pretty little bronze-ranker. Don¡¯t think me unaware of all those little pretty things flapping around above the rooftops. You seem to have a habit of making ripples, if only indirectly. Still, I am not one to complain. I even heard one of the priests of Merchant praising the initiative as preserving a bit of the market in these turbulent times.¡± ¡°One is only wise to try and keep the gods happy with one¡¯s actions. At least the gods who have a chance to approve, as I believe that Undeath might not be as happy with me. Or Pain, for that matter.¡± Kite noted. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°True, true. And they say that the best adventurers shouldn¡¯t be too afraid to make a bit of a splash, but I must say that as branch director, I find myself quite partial to your more subtle way of handling things.¡± ¡°I aim to please.¡± Kite replied, with a theatrical bow. ¡°But I also remain truly grateful for the opportunities here, branch director, and I am sure to return as often as possible.¡± ¡°Now that does please me as well,¡± Dobrazza purred. ¡°But speaking of pleasing, I trust that the compensation for your little entanglement with mistress Wither was satisfactory?¡± ¡°Oh, most satisfactory indeed,¡± Kite quickly agreed, the truth of the matter showing in his aura. As his little misadventure had been properly sorted out, Kite had received quite the generous compensation from the adventure society for being instrumental, if only a bit accidentally, in blowing open an investigation which had taken up a lot of their resources for a long time. Together with the reward from the entourage-contract, Kite now had way more money than he would have imagined himself to ever possess at his current rank. But as he had plans for said funds, most would remain in secure storage with the adventure society. ¡°Excellent. Then I can only wish you good luck, and hope that you will still think fondly enough of our little city in the future to return,¡± Dobrazza said, ending their little impromptu meeting. ¡°Let us just say that not every little bronze-ranker receives such personal attention from the local branch directors,¡± she finished with a wink. ¡°The same to you, director,¡± Kite said, rising to leave. ¡°And thank you again. I hope that our paths will cross again in the future.¡± As the door clicked shut behind the departing Kite, Dobrazza once more sat down, giving the closed doors a thoughtful smile. ¡°Well, Jarvan, it seems like you have an eye for talent. Let us see if the continental council thinks the same, should he manage to reach silver rank.¡±
When Kite exited the adventure society administration building, Brook was still waiting along with Glint, still in the process of thoroughly saying farewell to the little fish, who was in turn ecstatic of all the attention showered upon her. ¡°Thank you for waiting. I am sorry for the delay,¡± he said as he approached, trying to etch the image of his friend and familiar happily frolicking in the sunlight into his memory. At his words, he could feel Brook¡¯s aura surge in a bit of elation at his arrival before turning a bit downcast. It was a lot more stable than back when she had just awakened the aura power, proof of her practicing the basic meditations he had taught her, but still projected quite a lot of her emotions on its surface. ¡°It is no trouble.¡± Brook said as the trio started to make their way toward the city gate, walking along the avenue of the First Step. ¡°But I must admit that my heart urges my steps to slow down even as we speak.¡± ¡°I know the feeling,¡± Kite said, looking up at the early summer sky. ¡°Even though I will see you again in the future, my heart never seems to master the art of farewells.¡± ¡°At least we can do it properly this time. Meeting you here has made the past seem both rather close and infinitely far away. But I like the feeling that a piece of my childhood can appear at any moment,¡± Brook said pensively. ¡°The sage has grown ever wiser.¡± Kite noted, with a smile. ¡°And I would say that you will not want for company in my absence- sorry, our absence,¡± he quickly corrected himself after Glint, taking offense at not being included, had squirted a thin ray of conjured water at him. ¡°I suppose not,¡± Brook said, looking up at Nudge, the familiar sitting perched in her auburn locks as if it intended to make a nest there. Scripture was flying high above them, blue feathers shimmering in the sunlight. ¡°But still, an important person¡¯s absence will not so easily be filled by others, no matter how dear they may be.¡± At her words, Kite stopped and looked at her. ¡°Thank you, Brook. That means a lot. And I share the sentiment.¡± Silence reigned between them for a short while, but not as awkward as it might have been back then, just after their unexpected reunion. ¡°I¡­ I have a gift for you. Or meant to, but it is not done yet. So I guess that you will have to make sure to return and receive it soon,¡± Brook said with a small smile, before she started rummaging through the satchel at her side. ¡°Oh, and I have something for Sage as well.¡± At her words, Kite manifested the familiar, who was bobbing expectantly as Brook produced a book. She opened it and showed the beautiful calligraphy within, slowly turning pages just the way Sage liked it while the mass of floating symbols seemed to almost absently drift closer as if it looked to simply merge with the book. ¡°Jubilation Gratitude Gratitude Gratitude Gratitude-¡± Both Kite and Brook couldn¡¯t help but laugh a bit as the familiar continued emoting its joy, Brook having to go through almost half the book before Kite, deciding that to be enough for now, took the gift and closed it gently. ¡°I would say thank you on its behalf, but I believe that Sage made itself quite clear.¡± he said with a smile, turning to the familiar. ¡°I promise that you can look at it more when we make camp tonight.¡± Sage remained still for a while, and Kite could almost see its symbols about to coalesce into some concept of defiance when the familiar seemed to regain control, only bobbing slightly up and down before returning to Kite¡¯s aura. ¡°Huh, progress,¡± Kite thought, before turning back to Brook. ¡°It looks like this is farewell then, Still Brook in Blooming. Or at least for now. This humble vagabond will soon come traipsing into your life once more, so I swear.¡± ¡°Then I will hold you to that, dear vagabond,¡± Brook said, with a smile. ¡°Return and show me what you have learned, and I will aim to do the same. Take care, Kite.¡± The two exchanged a short embrace before going their separate ways, both waving to one another until Brook finally turned a corner, disappearing from view. Turning, Kite called to the other person who was now approaching; ¡°Thank you for your patience.¡± ¡°Oh, it is no trouble,¡± Vista answered, closing the remaining distance. Kite had felt him announce himself with his aura earlier, but the young master had kept a respectful distance during Kite¡¯s and Brook¡¯s farewells. Vista was accompanied by a small group of family retainers, as well as his solemn leonid bodyguard, Kinthara, who only nodded curtly to Kite. He felt like it was a small show of respect that she stayed behind with the retainers, either trusting Kite enough with her charge or her own ability to intercede before any potential danger could befall her master. ¡°Probably the latter,¡± Kite thought as he spoke. ¡°Are you going out or returning?¡± ¡°Returning. With Crescent gone, there is one less adventurer around to really cull those contracts. The Whirlwind Warrior will prove that he can easily pick up the slack.¡± ¡°Oh, I have no doubt,¡± Kite said. ¡°From what I heard, most all of the Wither family¡¯s assets had been extracted, only the mistress herself being captured after the little¡­ escapade¡­¡± ¡°Indeed. While it would be fitting for all of them to be properly investigated, I find myself hoping that Crescent was not involved in all of the schemes going on. While we had our differences, she did good adventuring work for the people of Bastion,¡± Vista said. ¡°And you will be sorely missed too, even if you and the Gellers swiped some opportunities from me.¡± The final statement was said in obvious good nature. ¡°Well, with all your growth, I am not worried that your pace will be hampered. And thank you, Vista. I have learned a lot from our time together.¡± ¡°As have I. While Phiona¡¯s teachings might have been the most obvious, I will admit that it was surprisingly helpful to gain perspective from you and Rachel as well. And your path did give me some valuable pointers too,¡± Vista finished, the last part a bit louder, which set the small crowds who had noticed their exchange bustling with murmured conversation. ¡°Was that really necessary?¡± Kite asked with a slight suffering look. ¡°Oh, I believe that the instigator of ¡®Kite¡¯s refuge¡¯ deserves some more acknowledgement. And in that regard, I also have something for you,¡± Vista said, handing a box over to Kite. ¡°Call it a ¡®settlement¡¯ from my family. When given some time and seeing some preliminary results from your initiative, the elders seem to be a bit concerned that you haven¡¯t been compensated enough, and that such a lapse might reflect poorly on any potential relationship they might hope to have with you in the future. Summarized, I think they see a bit of potential in you, and want to stay on your good side. And I helped in picking out what it would be,¡± the young master explained at Kite¡¯s questioning look. Opening the box, Kite at first had a bit of trouble in identifying the object, but with some explanation from Vista, it finally clicked. What had at first just looked like a series of fine, rose-gold chains actually turned out to be a small harness, sized rather closely to a certain fish of his acquaintance. But with the beautiful craftsmanship, it looked more like some kind of decoration rather than its surprisingly utilitarian use. ¡°I thought that your familiar deserved some more embellishment and, due to foreseeing you traveling around a lot more together, I thought that something similar to what Whimmy is wearing might be the most fitting. Although I had the craftsman go with something different in regards to shape, as a collar like Whimmy¡¯s would have just looked a bit odd,¡± Vista clarified, idly scratching one of the three heads. ¡°Vista, thank you,¡± Kite said, clearly seeing the thought put into the item¡¯s design. ¡°You sure have a grasp on what Glint would like.¡± His carp apparently agreed, as she was already tracing glimmering circles around the pair. ¡°Who does not like beautiful things?¡± Vista asked with a satisfied look. ¡°In addition to the usual size-changing and self-repair, its enchantments mostly aim to facilitate long-distance travel with gradually increasing speed for the familiar who wears it. It also grants increased recovery, and a small reserve of health which is released as an emergency. All to ease your travels and make you, as Glint¡¯s master, able to worry a bit less in dangerous situations. If it was possible, I would have had Whimmy wearing three of them, but alas I am left to fret.¡± ¡°Then please convey my gratitude to your family. The thoughtful gesture will not be forgotten.¡± Kite said, bowing gratefully before helping Glint into her new adornment. The rose-gold color went splendidly with her shimmering scales, the fine links draping down from her back and around some of her fins. ¡°Oh, I will make sure,¡± Vista promised. ¡°Take care, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. May we meet again soon, and compare the strength of our paths.¡± ¡°That is a promise, Relentless Storms hiding Beautiful Vistas,¡± Kite said with earnestness. Taking one last look around the view of Bastion while trying to ignore the gawking crowds, Kite then turned to Glint. ¡°What do you say, little beauty? Shall we make our departure?¡± he asked. In response, the small carp grew, resplendent scales catching the sunlight as her larger and more elongated form showed her off in full splendor, veil-like shimmering fins gently swaying in the air. As promised, the harness adjusted in size, growing to fit Glint¡¯s body as she readied herself for travel. Leaping onto her back, Kite bowed once more to Vista. ¡°Until next time, my friend.¡± ¡°May your path take you to the heavens, and beyond,¡± the young master answered, giving a polite nod as Kite turned, water already cascading forth beneath Glint as the familiar started to accelerate, leaving a fine trail like mist in her wake. As she picked up speed, rising slowly to cruise just above the treetops, Kite could already appreciate the speed enchantment of the harness, the world opening up just a little bit more. But for now, Kite was returning to his roots, as Gilded once more beckoned.
Men and women groaned, strung up along thin chains all over the inside of a dilapidated building in the slum of Convergence, rotten wood laying splintered all over the room of what had once been an old brothel. Outside there was only silence and the darkened city, whatever people that might have been nearby knowing better than to try and get a glimpse of what was happening. ¡°I will ask you again; are you absolutely sure that some returned northward?¡± Dancer on the Broken River asked one of the women before her, the woman¡¯s sultry hunger from before replaced with her barely keeping from shivering in fear. ¡°Some of these pleasure-scum even proclaim to like pain, until they are shown even a fragment of its true nature. Pathetic,¡± she thought, as she waited for her most recent captive to speak. ¡°I- I am sure. They said that they wanted to rebuild. But from their looks, I think they knew something. Maybe some stash hidden away?¡± the bronze-ranker managed to wheeze, even as the ministrations of lord Pain was flowing through her. As it was in line with her previous answers, as well as other snippets that River had been able to gather, she deemed it to be good enough. ¡°Then that will have to be acceptable,¡± River said, voice flat as she activated her finisher without even a moment of forewarning. Barbs sprang out all along the chains, the pain barely having time to register before all of the links covering the room like some chaotic spiderweb suddenly contracted and started rushing back towards River to be reabsorbed. Some had time to scream, but most did not, the only sound emitted being the thunks and thuds of body parts hitting the floor. Sensing no incoming reinforcement in the immediate vicinity through her aura senses, River took a few moments to gather up what belongings that was practical to carry, mainly a bundle of dimensional pouches. Resources were sparse, after all, especially to those not working under the wing of the adventure society. Then, she returned out into the night, her speed allowing her to nimbly run up the wall and start making her way across a few rooftops, her almost translucent white hair the only part of her which reflected the light of the moon. In the distance, River thought that she felt eyes upon her from a lone silhouette almost completely unnoticeable where it stood on the tip of a high spire. While its eyes carried a hint of power and warning, River felt little concern; she had already paid her dues to The Lover and made this strike sanctioned by the regent of Convergence¡¯s underworld. The tithe had even been but a small one, as the group following the path of pleasure had apparently skirted the silver-ranker¡¯s patience already. ¡°So, back north once more,¡± River thought to herself. ¡°I wonder if I will find it the same? At least it will not find me having stagnated.¡± After all, she needed power. While what she had gathered so far was merely scraps of the truth behind the attempted return of the Unbreakable Chains sect, those scraps indicated someone or something very powerful. ¡°But when I finally catch up to her, she will lament the day when she decided to make me one of her playthings.¡± Memories revisited every day once more played over her mind, flashes of that shadowy silhouette being there. Until the moment of their need, when she was not. And that distinct feeling River had got that the sect leader had been smiling. If she had to hunt down her former so-called allies to get closer to her goal, to some kind of answer as to what truly happened those many months ago, Dancer on the Broken River would definitely not be one to lose any sleep over it. 93. Favors owed ¡°He should be arriving soon, shouldn¡¯t he, Rupert?¡± ¡°That might be so, Jarvan. But do you not think that there are others here in the city which might warrant a higher spot in the visitation order?¡± Deputy director Rupert Versis asked his friend and superior, the blonde human man restlessly tapping his fingers at his desk. ¡°Who might be more important than his branch director? His most vaunted superior?¡± Jarvan retorted. ¡°The report from the gate clearly stated that an adventurer riding a gigantic, floating fish had arrived and was standing in line..¡± ¡°For one, he is quite good friends with the son of the city lord. And the young priestess who is rumored to have quite the chance of becoming a high priestess of Song at a younger age than ever recorded before? Not to mention the student of both local unaligned silver ranke-¡± ¡°Fine! Fine! Your point has most eloquently come across, my friend, if also a bit hurtful,¡± Jarvan grumbled. ¡°It is not like you do not have other work to occupy your time. The Descending Star sect has once more requested a meeting with you. I am unsure if they know of Kite¡¯s return, but from their more extensive presence in the city as of late, part of their rather aggressive recruitment, I would be surprised if they did not.¡± ¡°The surge should hit within a year, Rupert. The sects always go on recruiting sprees before that.¡± ¡°It might be so, but given the young adventurer¡¯s history with them, I would still-¡± ¡°Ah, yes. His history. Rupert, we have just let him enter the city unescorted. For his safety, I should go out there personally and find him, to make sure-¡± ¡°Do not fret, Jarvan. I took the liberty to send word to Kite¡¯s allies and confidantes when we got word. He should already be in good hands.¡± Jarvan LanCaire stopped, and slowly turned to look at his friend. In a feat of magnificent acting, the leonid kept his straight face perfectly throughout the conversation, even under the intense scrutiny it was now being subjected to. ¡°Fine¡­¡± Jarvan once more grumbled. ¡°But know this, my friend. I am onto you, and your schemes.¡± Having delivered the last as a theatrical hiss, eyes thinning, Gilded¡¯s branch director once more plopped down in his chair to look over the request from the sect, but one of many, many documents already cluttering his desk. ¡°And hopefully, one of our little wayward adventurers will soon grace us with his presence. What is taking so long?¡±
Standing in line to enter Gilded, Kite was currently suffering a weird sense of deja vu. Much like in his early comings and goings to the city, there was quite a line waiting to enter, but the fair summer weather and golden foliage rustling all around them at least made the waiting pleasant. The sect disciple, clad in dark blue robes with silver trimming currently and raising her voice at him, did mar the situation a bit. ¡°-got nothing to say for yourself, outcast? Lost all your words along with your honor? But, silly me, if you had possessed such in the beginning you would have known your place!¡± ¡°What is it with confrontations outside this particular gate?¡± Kite thought to himself, as he looked flatly at the bronze-ranker in front of him; a woman around his own age with golden hair and small, silver stars tattooed along her cheekbones. She was flanked by a small group of four iron-rankers with matching uniforms, all doing their best to look stoic and grim, but it was only the bronze-ranker who carried herself like someone to take note of. ¡°Disciple, I am yet unsure as to where your anger stems from,¡± Kite said, standing firm. He kept his tone neutral but polite, mostly eager to finally get on with entering the city. ¡°As your initial contact and offer to try out for joining your sect was most polite, I see no reason for such aggression.¡± ¡°That was until you besmirched the honor of our sect, outcast trash!¡± she retorted. ¡°Stating that I find little point in joining a sect at all would hardly be an insult to your sect in particular. In fact, escalating things like this is more a stain on your representation of your sect than any words that we have exchanged thus far.¡± At his words, she stiffened. Kite had hoped that a bit of shame might make her see reason, but soon saw the folly of his own reasoning. ¡°My annoyance might have leaked through just a bit too much,¡± he thought with an inward sigh, as the woman¡¯s face was reddening as her aura swelled outwards, causing the other people in the line to shy back. ¡°You dare?¡± she hissed, straightening and raising her voice. ¡°Such a base accusation cannot be allowed to stand! I, Shrike of Vast Skies, shall-¡± ¡°Kite! My friend! You have finally returned!¡± A familiar voice broke through the murmuring crowds, and Kite could not help but smile as he recognized it. Not long after, the crowds parted for a young elven man, his blonde hair gathered in a braid at his back. He was dressed in fine clothes of silk, decorated to clearly indicate his martial inclination as the clothes very much looked like something a martial artist might wear complementary to their armor. And for any local, seeing the insignia of city lord Indomitable was all one would need to identify his allegiance. ¡°Will! Good to see you!¡± Kite exclaimed, stepping up to greet his friend while the rest of those gathered either made polite bows or remained frozen in place, a bit dumbstruck. As he drew near, Kite gave a quick bow to his friend before the pair clasped each other¡¯s forearms in a more familiar gesture. ¡°I heard that you were arriving today, and deputy director Versis personally notified me of your imminent arrival. I would imagine that the branch director eagerly awaits your return, but I couldn¡¯t help but grasp the privilege of being the first to greet you!¡± As Will spoke, he did so loudly while completely ignoring the sect disciple and her followers. The iron-rankers had lost their earlier confidence, looking more uncertain by the moment. The disciple, on the other hand, wore a more complicated expression, as she seemed to remember something. ¡°Kite? As in-¡± ¡°Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, yes. My dear friend and boon companion.¡± Will confirmed ¡°Then, young master, I regret to inform you that this trash has been deceiving you all along, as he is nothing but a cheat and a murderer!¡± the disciple said, bolder than Kite would have expected. ¡°He killed one of our initiates in the aftermath of the war, grievously wounding several more. The sect leadership may have wanted to hide what happened, probably due to dishonorable pressure from the outside, but we members know.¡± Kite had felt her aura press against his during this whole exchange, his solid defense easily warding her off, but her final diatribe came with an increased pressure as it almost felt as if she was about to lose control of her spiritual pressure. Her words caused even more murmurs to spread through the crowd, and from what Kite could pick out of the susurrus, it was not a new rumor for most present. ¡°But Kite? Tell me, is this true? Hearing her words¡­ They fill my heart with regret,¡± Will said, looking aghast. ¡°It is, young master. And he-¡± the disciple began, apparently being the only one who had so far not picked up on the obvious theatrical exaggeration in Will¡¯s tone. ¡°Was it truly only one that was killed? I have seen the recording; the sheer level of dishonorable conduct on display makes me stand in awe of your mercy, Kite,¡± Will began, eyes turning to bore into the disciple, his mask of high nobility on full display. ¡°My only regret is that I was not there by your side, killing all those that dared ambush my friend out of petty wounded pride.¡± The pressure on Kite¡¯s aura lessened quite abruptly, the disciple suddenly needing her full attention to ward off Will¡¯s spiritual projection crushing down upon her. Before she could retort, the son of Gilded¡¯s city lord continued. ¡°You come here to spread lies, disciple, and I will not let it stand. I, Triumph of Indomitable Will, challenge you to a clash of paths. Is your path strong enough to back up your words, or will you continue to dishonor all that the Descending Star sect has stood for in the past?¡± The disciple stood frozen, all eyes upon her, warring feelings of fear, shame and anger on full display in her aura. As the latter finally won out, Kite couldn¡¯t help but frown from a certain familiar feeling in her projection, causing memories to stir. But further reflection was interrupted by the disciple¡¯s answer. ¡°You- you think that your family holds the actual power here? We all know who the real power of the region is. Fine, I, Shrike of Vast Skies, accept your challenge on behalf of the Descending Star sect. When I win, you will publicly admit to the sect¡¯s superiority and honor, as well as swear to not interfere with any of our member¡¯s business again.¡± Will only snorted derision in response. ¡°Such a soft prize, disciple. Not confident in your victory? But fine, I will match you. When I stand victorious, you will admit to the falsehoods that you have been spreading, and never speak out against either Kite or my family again. Now, to find an officiator¡­¡± Will said, looking out over the crowds. As there were no immediately available candidates, his gaze eventually stopped on one of the iron-rankers standing behind the disciple. ¡°As I suspect my opponent would object too vehemently against one of my retainers, so you, initiate, will have to do.¡± The young man looked a bit taken aback, but a glance at the disciple leading them eventually had him nodding. ¡°Excellent,¡± Will said, gesturing to a nearby open field. ¡°Let us get this over with.¡±
¡°Grim, it feels like there is something that I should know.¡± Kite murmured to the elven manservant as they stood watching the dueling pair square off. Ever by his master¡¯s side, Grim trailed behind Will, unnoticed by most as the young master had made quite the entrance. Grim Snowfall politely cleared his throat, the young officiator in the distance reading the terms for the upcoming clash. ¡°One could say that the political situation has turned rather¡­ precarious in your absence. The Descending Star sect has been pushing rather hard on many fronts, and has gathered a surprising amount of political support since the end of the war. The city lord is doing an admirable job in counteracting this, but tensions are still quite high. However, we shall have to continue this discussion at a later time,¡± Grim finished, as Will had just conjured his spear and assumed a ready stance. His opponent, disciple Shrike, did the same. Her hands and bare feet all transfigured into something more similar to a bird of prey as shimmering feathers of brown and gold grew from her skin, leaving most of her face bare as they mostly appeared to accentuate her features and hair. A pair of wings sprouting from her back completed the transformation, as the officiator called out: ¡°Begin!¡± Will had seemed utterly confident in his victory during the verbal exchange, and even before they began, Kite felt quite assured of his friend prevailing. His six months spent training under the Gellers and alongside Vista had paid their dividends not only in his own skills improving, but apparently also in his eye for assessing other fighters. Will''s stance and aura seemed to unite into a solid, dangerous impression, his spirit perfectly portraying his readiness to pierce through his enemies like his weapon of choice. While the disciple put up a competent stance, proving adept with her powers and transfigured body as she took to the air, it was in the end only that; mediocre. Will, on the other hand, proved himself to have worked hard in Kite¡¯s absence. While the skills employed were the same, conjured spears, javelins and pikes all appearing to strike at his foe like before, Kite could see that Will¡¯s intent and style had sharpened even further. That was why Kite was not surprised as his friend also took to the air, carried upwards on wings of spears which were then launched at his opponent as he reached the apex of his assisted leap. Sporting some kind of slow-fall ability, probably from an item, the elven scion then began to dance in the air along with his foe who tried to close the distance to him time and time again. With every step, another spear appeared beneath his foot, allowing him to push off once more before shooting off against the feathered disciple. From what she was able to display, disciple Shrike seemed to want to employ mobility and aerial charging attacks to rend her opponent with her claws. But if there was something one was advised not to do, it was charging into a wall of spears. And with Will, specimens of that particular weapon just kept coming. Forced to use her prepared special attacks to strike and sunder the conjured weapons launched against her instead of her foe, the young woman tried changing up her tactics, instead warding off the projectiles with shockwaves of air caused by buffets of her wings while she started using her impressive mobility to find other angles of attack. A minute of aerial acrobatics ticked by, then two as the bout continued. Disciple Shrike looked more and more harried as she was occasionally hit by a few projectiles without even getting close to Will, what few ranged attacks she had being either dodged or deflected. Kite did note that Will was not looking to push to melee either, which was usually his strongest suit, but from his friend¡¯s steady aura, he looked to have a plan. A plan that eventually came to end the clash. Finally having enough of the battle of attrition, disciple Shrike made a more decisive move. Dashing in towards Will, she weaved through the incoming projectiles, accepting a few glancing hits to come even closer to her foe. As a wall of pikes appeared to bar her path, she chose to deploy the burst of wind normally saved as a defensive measure to instead scatter it, leaving an open path to Will. With a battle cry, she activated some kind of charging attack which almost instantly had her accelerate to blinding speeds. Apparently anticipating this, Will had already allowed himself to drop, falling a few meters downward. Not letting up, Kite could see another power activate to let the disciple instantly change direction, now charging straight down after the falling elf. Even from afar, Kite could see Will¡¯s smirk as he chanted a spell. ¡°Face the defiant Phalanx.¡± Pikes rose from the ground, spaced out just enough so that Will passed between them, a hair¡¯s width from their edges caressing his fine attire. The disciple would not be as lucky. She quickly realized the trap, wings flaring wide as conjured winds caught her just before she impaled herself on the sharp bristle of spears pointed up towards her. This left her dead in the air for a precious moment, a prime target for the actual coup de grace Will had been setting up all this time. ¡°Lancer¡¯s judgment delivered!¡± Even during their first practice bout together after first meeting at iron rank, Kite had noted that Will¡¯s spells and attacks constantly left spears lying about the battlefield. Their presence mainly served to increase his speed and spirit attributes, but it would also let him set up one of his finishers. And since ascending to bronze-rank, the spears left behind would both last longer and, most pertinent to the current fight, also remain floating in the air. At their master¡¯s words, the small debris cloud of spears floating in the air all turned inward at once, launching towards their lone target as the pikes from below shot upwards, all of their tips glowing with the holy light from Will¡¯s pure essence. Kite could even see space itself being caught up by the special attack, attempting to hinder any attempt at teleporting out from the judgment of the one striving to be known as the Saint of Spears. Disciple Shrike could only resort to more desperate measures, her wings glowing as they wrapped around her like a defensive cocoon the moment before the jaws of Will¡¯s attacks closed around her. A moment later, the young elf touched down lightly on the ground, his foe impacting a moment later with much less grace and much more blood splattering the ground around her. Kite could still detect an aura from her, but it was very unstable, only her bronze-rank allowing her a chance at survival. For a few heartbeats, there was only the wind rustling as Will stood looking at his downed foe, hands clasped behind his back. He then turned to the officiator, an eyebrow raised. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Eh- the- the victory goes to Triumph of Indomitable Will,¡± the iron-ranker said, voice a bit hollow. ¡°Excellent.¡± Will said, bowing to the downed disciple. ¡°Thank you for helping me temper my path.¡± And with those words, he turned and walked off, Kite and Grim both joining him in his wake. In his expanded vision, Kite saw the initiates of the sect rushing in to assist their companion, the glares sent at the departing group a mix of hateful and fearful. Will at the lead, the group passed through the city gates without further incident, the part of Kite¡¯s mind not distracted by memories awoken from the situation appreciating the familiar smells and sights. At the surface, Gilded at least looked like it had when he left just over half a year ago, the golden trees gently rustling in the summer breeze. ¡°Would you mind telling me what all that was about?¡± Kite eventually said, walking up to match his companion¡¯s pace. ¡°Only part of it was due to you and your actions, my friend. The rest, as usual, was politics. Even if said intrigue has started becoming quite a lot more direct in the last few months. And I must admit that it felt rather satisfying to get to fight in a clash once in a while. Saint of Spears can¡¯t let you monopolize all the duels, now can I?¡± Will asked with a satisfied smirk. ¡°But please, let us continue this discussion somewhere more comfortable. And private.¡± And with those words, Will led them onwards, feelings of familiarity left warring inside Kite, their foes the realization that things had definitely changed during his absence.
¡°Kite!¡± The exclamation came as soon as Kite, Will and Grim had entered the adventure society administration building, a green-haired elven functionary quickly depositing a stack of scrolls into the arms of a beleaguered colleague as she rushed to greet the new arrivals. ¡°Adelaide, you are looking well!¡± Kite said with a smile, giving her a friendly bow in greeting. ¡°As well as can be here lately,¡± Adelaide said, looking a bit frazzled as she fell into step along the trio. ¡°What has Will told you?¡± ¡°That it is a conversation best held in a more private setting,¡± Will filled in. ¡°But our walk through the city was otherwise an excellent time to catch up on more mundane matters. Did you know that Kite is now a partial business-owner?¡± ¡°Wha- what? Kite, you''re not leaving the adventuring life, are you? Think of all the contracts -¡± Adelaide began, looking pleadingly at him. ¡°Rest easy, dear functionary. I have no such plans. In fact, quite the opposite as I will be in need of more funds in the years to come,¡± Kite said, trying to reassure her. ¡°Oh!¡± Adelaide said, visibly relaxing. ¡°Good. Young master, please do not needlessly scare us poor commoners like that.¡± The final statement was directed at Will, surprising Kite a bit with its informal jesting. From Will¡¯s good-natured laugh in response, it was not too hard to infer that the two had a bit more casual working relationship these days. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t look so surprised, my friend!¡± Will said, clapping a hand on Kite¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Some of us had to step up in your absence while you were away meeting prestigious teachers and dueling silver-rankers.¡± ¡°You did what?!¡± Adelaide all but shouted, making Kite glad that the group was currently moving through the inner corridors of the building as opposed to somewhere more public. ¡°I must remind you that it was you and your family who even made such a meeting happen,¡± Kite retorted. ¡°For which I must once again thank you. I learned more from Phiona than I ever dreamt of, and am honored that both her and her cousin consider me a friend.¡± ¡°A pair of Gellers as friends, eh? It would seem that you are moving up in the world, my dear commoner!¡± Will said teasingly. ¡°Or at least by association.¡± ¡°Kite, did you fight a silver-ranker?¡± Adelaide once more asked, apparently not feeling that the two were focusing on the right topic of this particular conversation. Taking mercy on her, Kite answered. ¡°I¡­ did-¡± ¡°But why-¡± ¡°Let me just clarify that it was not by any choice of mine. At least not under the given circumstances.¡± ¡°When would there ever be circumstances warranting that?!¡± ¡°It¡­ is a bit of a long story. Which I assume that the branch director might want to hear as well. From what Will told me, he was quite insistent on making time for a meeting. Or is it just because he needs to buy some more essences?¡± Kite asked with a smirk. ¡°I assure you that our honorable branch director would never have such base motivations for a meeting,¡± Adelaide said with a straight face, fooling no one. The gaudy double doors leading into Jarvan¡¯s office were closed when they arrived, but Kite did not feel overly hurried. Even though he had only been away for just over half a year, he reflected a bit over the satisfying feeling of returning to something familiar as the group sat down to wait outside, as he had already done quite a few times before during his career. As they waited, Will and Adelaide started teasing more details from his time in Bastion out of Kite. While he didn¡¯t go into too many details of the investigation and contract, leaving that for the meeting with director Jarvan. Fortunately, this did not leave him wanting for stories of his other encounters in the port city; from his time spent training with the Gellers to him helping Peony and Sun. Even his chance encounter with Brook came up, the story of them finding a new balance in relation to one another really affecting one of Kite¡¯s listeners; Will. ¡°It¡¯s- It¡¯s so tragic, yet beautiful,¡± the young elf said, having sat engrossed in the story, almost sniveling a bit at the end. ¡°To reunite with a lost love, only to have to find bittersweet acceptance in that life and the fates have truly forced your paths apart, to never again converge as intimately as they once were, yet still finding unified resolution in those cherished memories as you build your future on the back of friendship.¡± Stunned silence followed, before Kite spoke. ¡°That, my friend, was quite beautifully summarized,¡± he said, genuinely impressed by his friend''s spontaneous poetics, while both he and Will pretended not to take note of Adelaide desperately holding in a snort and Grim¡¯s rather amused smile. ¡°You may be a commoner, Kite, but I will grant that you have a good taste in the eloquent part of existence,¡± Will said magnanimously, before turning to the other two. ¡°Something that others of your ilk seem to lack the decorum to properly appreciate.¡± ¡°You will have to forgive me, young master,¡± Grim said, hints of amusement still playing over his features. ¡°After all, it was your governess who was charged with your literary education.¡± What debate that might have followed was interrupted as the pair of double doors to the director¡¯s office swung open, a group wearing the colors of the Descending Star sect exiting in a silent, dignified procession. Two of them projected silver-ranked auras, prominently on display, while the rest were bronze rank. And Kite realized that he recognized one of those in the lead. Apparently, grand elder Meridian recognized Kite as well, only briefly meeting his gaze with a decidedly indifferent expression as she walked past along the rest of her group. ¡°Young master Indomitable. Adventurer Kite. The director will see you now,¡± came the familiar voice of deputy director Rupert from where he stood holding the door. Once more being led into the familiar office with the plethora of curios still on full display, the group was seated in the usual group of couches as branch director Jarvan joined them, the lack of joyous exclamations of greetings a good hint at his current mood. ¡°Kite. Young master. Grim. It is good to see you. You may stay too, Adelaide,¡± Jarvan said wearily, his last comment directed at the functionary that remained hovering near the doors. ¡°While it is good to see you again, you will have to excuse my mood. Certain meetings are a lot more draining than others. And I¡¯m a silver-ranker; I shouldn¡¯t even be able to get tired from things like this,¡± he grumbled, pouring himself a drink. ¡°Thank you, director. It is good to be back, even though waiting in line at the gate gave a surprising feeling of deja vu,¡± Kite said, accepting an offered glass from Rupert. ¡°Oh? Was there trouble?¡± ¡°More a nuisance,¡± Will answered, taking a sip from his own glass. ¡°Just as I arrived, a group from the Descending Star sect was accosting Kite. From the conversation I overheard, they were unaware of who he was, but seemed to take quite the offense at him turning down what I assume was an offer of recruitment. I took the chance to step in and fought one of the disciples in a clash, figuring that it was better that me and my family were seen as responsible for the slight, already being in opposition to the sect.¡± ¡°So that was more politics?¡± Kite asked, Will¡¯s words making some things fall into place. ¡°I thought it was a bit odd for you to intervene with such decisiveness.¡± ¡°Oh, do not misunderstand, Kite. I always enjoy an opportunity for tempering myself,¡± Will said with a fierce smile. ¡°Normally, I would have refrained from intervening unless you wished me to, seeing as you have been more than competent in the dueling ways. But as the political tensions are what they are, I did not want the sect to focus more on you as an individual. However justified you would have been in crushing that disciple¡¯s path beneath the might of your own.¡± ¡°There seems to have been quite the development here,¡± Kite noted. ¡°Would it be too bold to ask for some clarification?¡± he asked, turning to the two directors. ¡°All in due time, Kite, all in due time,¡± Jarvan replied. ¡°First, I would like to hear a report of the investigations in Bastion from you. Director Dobrazza has been kind in sending me a summary, but hearing it from you might give additional insights. As long as the young master doesn''t mind being his family¡¯s representative here?¡± ¡°Of course not. My curiosity is both personal and professional,¡± Will answered, looking to Kite. Taking it as his que to begin, Kite started telling the gathered group about his time in Bastion, focusing on the troubles in the city, his contract with Vista and the associated incident, eventually ending with his altercation with the mistress of the Wither family and what she had told him. ¡°So, our theories were proven true, at least partially,¡± Rupert mused, looking at Jarvan. ¡°There were obviously elements using restricted essences and unsavory means of power, and the Red Table was obviously involved there too. But what is their connection to the group behind the more economical unrest? Were they only mercenaries?¡± ¡°It seems that Dobrazza will have her hands full. We will probably get more detail once Braid and Wander return, but that is no reason not to start sending the information to the continental council. Even if we have to be very subtle about it,¡± Jarvan said in reply. ¡°There is a connection here. I can feel it.¡± ¡°Speaking of connections, director,¡± Kite ventured. ¡°When squaring off against the disciple outside the gate, I felt something. It might just have been my imagination, but she felt a bit unstable. Much like the former disciple Rise did. The one who initiated the little incident outside the jade-sky gate.¡± Kite had expected the news to elicit some kind of surprised response, but Jarvan and Rupert only gave each other a long look. ¡°As your local branch director, I will have to firmly ask you not to spread that sentiment around,¡± Jarvan eventually said, giving Kite a grave look. ¡°But-¡± Kite began, but was interrupted by a raised hand. ¡°We appreciate you telling us. But trust me when I say that the political state in that regard is a bit¡­ volatile¡­ at the moment. And that the church of the Healer is doing their best to investigate the issue.¡± ¡°He is right, Kite,¡± Will added. ¡°From what little my father has told me, we would best heed his words.¡± As he spoke, his eyes conveyed a clear ¡®we will talk about this later¡¯, and Kite reluctantly nodded. ¡°You understand? Good,¡± Jarvan said, his good-natured smile returning. ¡°Because, there is something else I would like to discuss with you. The both of you, in fact.¡± ¡°Your letter did say that you had an offer,¡± Kite said, producing the document. ¡°But I must admit that part of me still half-believes that it is just a ruse to get me back here and sell you more essences and stones,¡± he finished with a smirk. ¡°Kite, you wound me! Is there truly no trust to be had from my subordinates these days?¡± Jarvan asked, mock hurt in his voice. ¡°But seriously, what have you picked up? Half a year is plenty of time, right? I surely wouldn¡¯t mind-¡± ¡°Jarvan.¡± Rupert said with a grumbling sigh. ¡°Fine¡­¡± The director muttered. ¡°But yes, I have an offer for you and the young master. Rupert, do you mind sharing the details?¡± At his words, the deputy director produced a map of the local area which he rolled onto the table, putting down several markers on the southern and western parts of the Autumn lands. ¡°We have indications that remnants of the forces of the fallen sect might have started acting up again, as bandit activity has been escalating lately. We are, as of yet, unsure if it is remnants that have gone to ground after the expedition or some who have returned more recently. But with the surge on its way, we want to minimize the risk as much as possible. As such, we are creating a small task force to investigate potential threats, with the hopes of both stabilizing the region and, if Fortune favors us, get more leads on the activities of other sect cells and actors following the same dark paths.¡± ¡°And we want you, Kite, to lead one of the teams, with your main goal being capture. We want as many of these bastards alive as possible, to see what we can wring out of them. As team leader, you will have the operational authority while out in the field and may make decisions in regards to team composition as well,¡± Jarvan said. ¡°You want me to lead it?¡± Kite asked, surprised. ¡°Who would be in the team?¡± ¡°As you might have guessed, we were going to extend the offer to the young master here,¡± the director said, nodding at will. ¡°While less directly suited for nonlethal takedowns, we have no illusions that it will always be possible, and a striker such as you, young master, would be an excellent addition. We would also suggest priestess Serene, if she is willing, as her support and aura senses would be of great use to you.¡± ¡°Is it possible to include uncle Walker as well?¡± Kite asked. ¡°Unfortunately not,¡± Rupert answered with a shake of his mane. ¡°Brave Walker of Paths is already hard at work delivering supplies to the fortress cities in preparation for the surge and culling wayward manifestations, the latter only having increased. The precursor signs are growing ever more frequent.¡± ¡°And so far, we have no indication that silver-ranked support would be necessary,¡± Jarvan added. ¡°This would be a chance for you to take charge of your own operation with little oversight once out in the field. It is something we trust that you are ready for, and Dobrazza¡¯s report only strengthened that assessment. But, we would like to offer a veteran to join the team as well. I believe that you all know, or at least know of, Whisper.¡± ¡°The instructor?¡± Kite asked, remembering his own examination to join the adventure society. Thinking for a while, he nodded. ¡°His experience, stealth-capabilities and control would surely be an asset.¡± ¡°Indeed. Just the kind of thinking we were looking for,¡± Jarvan said with a grin. ¡°So, you¡¯ll take the contract?¡± From the director¡¯s confidence, Kite assumed that his answer must already have been obvious on his features, aura, or both. ¡°Yes, assuming that you are fine with it, Will,¡± Kite said. ¡°And as long as we can agree upon the details. I have a bit of a project in mind which will require some funds, after all.¡± ¡°What, going out to hunt evil-doers with my friend taking the lead? Taking charge of our own destiny and forging our path ahead? What is not to like?¡± Will asked with a casual smile. ¡°No problems in being led by a commoner then?¡± Kite asked, a bit teasing. ¡°At least not this particular commoner. You have your moments.¡± Will shot back, the two sharing a grin. ¡°I had a feeling that you¡¯d be up for it, my young three-star,¡± Jarvan said, leaning back. ¡°And I thought that it would be a shame not to put you to use immediately. Dobrazza did tell me about how you brought in quite a few people during your time in Bastion; even that assassin with some kind of power gifted by Destruction. Those usually never come quietly. Or intact.¡± ¡°Well, I happen to have it on good authority that my path seems well suited for it,¡± Kite said, a bit abashedly. ¡°From multiple sources, one of them even being a most dejected blood cultist.¡± ¡°Then let us go into the details-¡± Jarvan began, producing the drafts for the contracts. With the exception that Kite actually found himself haggling up the reward a bit for successful captures, surprising both himself and the rest present, the process went quite smoothly. The base structure for what was to come was that the adventure society would supply Kite and his team with leads, followed by them traveling to said location and investigating while clearing out what contracts and monsters they could on the way. Simple in the broader terms, but Kite had an inkling that the specifics would become a lot more complicated and challenging before all was said and done. With other essence users as their targets, things always got more complicated. ¡°Good thing that my path is well suited to alleviate said complications,¡± Kite thought as he signed the contract with his adventure society badge. ¡°Well, you do indeed seem to be a bit more motivated by funds these days,¡± Jarvan noted as he rolled up his copy of the scroll. ¡°Then I don¡¯t suppose that you would want some more? Maybe through selling certain manifestations of magic to your friendly, neighborhood branch director?¡± Rupert looked as if he was about to interject again, but this time, Kite was faster. ¡°Well, the director remains most perceptive. I might indeed be amenable to part with another trio of essences as per our agreed rates-¡± ¡°Splendid!¡± director Jarvan exclaimed, all but flying out of his chair, only to halt as Kite raised his hand. ¡°-but I will also want to make use of one of said favors that my most friendly and benevolent branch director happens to have extended to this humble bronze-ranker,¡± Kite said, turning to Will. ¡°One where you and your family might be of help as well, Will, if you find yourself amenable to my suggestion.¡± ¡°While I can promise nothing from my family as a whole, you at least have my attention,¡± Will said, leaning forward with interest. ¡°Mine as well,¡± Jarvan said as he nodded a bit warily. ¡°But even though I may stretch the rules a bit-¡± ¡°Jarvan.¡± Rupert said, warningly. ¡°But even though I may not stretch the rules, at least know that I will do what is in my power to help. Within reason,¡± the director said, course-correcting swiftly. All present listened attentively as Kite presented the idea he had been pondering for a time. ¡°-so, while I have some of the most crucial resources available myself, I will still need help with the logistics. And your two institutions might make the initial phase of such a venture flow infinitely more smoothly,¡± Kite finished, his explanation having left Will with a thoughtful look while Jarvan only grinned. ¡°Young man, if this is what you do with favors owed, remember me to extend some to you more often,¡± the branch director said, looking to his deputy, who nodded in turn. ¡°I find it quite probably that you will have our full support in this endeavor.¡± ¡°As do I, although it would have to wait until after the monster surge,¡± Will ventured. ¡°But leave it to me to bring it up with my father, Kite.¡± ¡°If nothing else, young master, I do believe that your lord father will be quite elated with you taking an interest in such a project,¡± Grim noted. ¡°Then I hope that the future brings us fruitful cooperation,¡± Kite replied with a smile. ¡°Then it only remains to see if uncle Walker would find himself amenable to taking on a couple of new students.¡± 94. Of strife and complication both ¡°Well, my friend, given Kite¡¯s little observation, I thought I should ask for an update. Any words from the work in pressuring the Descending Star sect?¡± Jarvan and Rupert both stood close to one of the big windows looking out over Gilded¡¯s golden foliage, the rest just having left as Jarvan had instructed Adelaide to be the group¡¯s liaison for the contract and help them get started. ¡°At least the degree of hostility has not worsened so far. It was the right move from the city lord to have us and himself step back and let the church handle it. With the way things were going before¡­¡± Rupert finished, trailing off meaningfully. ¡°Thank you, Rupert. The church will indeed do good work. I am just afraid that it will prove to be too slow. More precursor signs of the surge are showing every week now. I would give it a few months at most, not the year that the original prognosis had proclaimed,¡± Jarvan said, looking grim. ¡°If the sect won¡¯t agree to have their members examined like the Victorious Sunset sect, only to act up too much during the surge, we will have little choice but to take more decisive action. But during the surge, every adventurer not out fighting monsters means more suffering to the people we are supposed to protect.¡± ¡°At least Walker is out there, preparing the countryside. And Force should return soon as well.¡± Rupert noted. ¡°That is indeed something to be thanking Fortune for,¡± Jarvan agreed. ¡°Having more silver-rankers than the last surge will definitely be a boon. I¡¯m just afraid that we might find ourselves needing them more than ever before.¡± ¡°Take heart, my friend,¡± Rupert said. ¡°At least there have been quite a few stars of hope among the younger generation as well as of late. Hopefully, we will see them step up even further to rise to the challenge.¡± As the leonid finished, he nodded down towards the courtyard of the adventure society campus, where a young human man and a local elf scion walked side by side, chatting amicably.
As usual, the temple of Song echoed with the harmony of its perpetual choir, the clergy coming and going during every hour of the day. While it would not have been possible for a small chapel in some far-out village, Gilded had at least enough essence-users to make it possible through their superhuman stamina and less need of sleep. As Kite entered the main hall, its wood and stone shaped to provide the best acoustics, he knew that Serene noticed his presence immediately. Probably had the moment he set foot in the temple. His friend was one of the dozen currently participating in Song¡¯s worship and the only one whose mouth remained closed. Even so, she was definitely the one contributing the most; clear notes seeming to manifest from the air itself all around the room to beautifully intertwine with the melody. ¡°And she has truly gotten more proficient in splitting her voice as well,¡± Kite thought to himself, noting how Serene carried both droning notes for the others to lean on as well as accentuating the melodies with a descant. Waiting for her to finish proved to be as enjoyable a wait as one could experience, and eventually Kite could hear Serene slowly extricate herself from the weave of music before flowing across the floor to join up with him. Literally flowing, in her case, her feet not touching the ground as she floated just a few centimeters over the ground. ¡°A beautiful homage to your goddess, Serene. You truly are on a path of transcending what it means to sing,¡± Kite said, giving his friend a quick hug in greeting. ¡°I am unsure if that is flattery or heresy, Kite,¡± Serene chided him with a smile, her voice still manifesting like wisps of wind and the chime of bells. ¡°But thank you. And it seems like I am not the only one who has changed a bit,¡± she said, a note of concern as she reached out and gently touched the small scar on his cheek. ¡°You noticed it so fast? I didn¡¯t think it was that obvious,¡± Kite asked, a bit self-aware. ¡°It is a lot more prominent in your aura, my friend. It is a bit firmer now, even more unyielding than before. But I am more concerned about you and what caused it. As you may know, when beings like us get scars, it is from something rather drastic.¡± ¡°As that is quite the long story, would the priestess mind joining me for lunch? I would also like to hear what you have been up to during the past months,¡± Kite said, motioning for the temple doors. ¡°The priestess would not mind at all. Please, lead the way.¡± About an hour later, Kite just having finished his second bowl of noodles, the telling of said story came to its conclusion. ¡°-so both Braid and Wander still remain in Bastion, as far as I know, trying to uncover everything in the wake of mistress Wither¡¯s actions.¡± It had felt good telling Serene all of it, despite the ache of desperation some of the memories still stirred up within him. Apparently sensing the slight discomfort, Kite felt Serene¡¯s aura gently wrap around his in a show of comfort and support. ¡°Then it seems that all of us who care for you must say a few more prayers to Fortune in thanks,¡± Serene noted. ¡°Not many other bronze-rankers of your level would have been able to survive for even those scant minutes unless they had an impressive amount of mobility or their own options of teleportation.¡± ¡°If she had just decided to forgo her powers and been willing to take some hits earlier to just bludgeon me like she did at the end, I am unsure if I would have been able to hold on for long enough,¡± Kite admitted. ¡°It does drive home the lesson of making your powers a part of you rather than a crutch to lean on. But what about you, Serene? I can feel that you have grown too, and you have gotten a lot more proficient with your aura. Even floating about with your wind-manipulation is impressive. You were still in the early stages of practice with the evolved power when I left,¡± he finished, taking a sip of the tea which he had ordered along with the food. ¡°Nothing as spectacular, I assure you,¡± Serene answered. ¡°Most of my time has either been spent out on contract along with Will and Grim, or under the tutelage of my elders in the temple. The church even brought in a silver-ranker from abroad to mentor me for a month. While he was rather strict, I did learn a lot.¡± ¡°Well, it shows,¡± Kite said encouragingly. ¡°And speaking of contracts, have you received the offer from the director?¡± ¡°Yes, just this morning.¡± ¡°Heh, the director must have been quite sure of us all accepting then,¡± Kite said with a smile. ¡°I was still in line at the city gates this morning.¡± ¡°He may be a boisterous man, but I believe that he has a better eye for people than he lets on,¡± Serene agreed. ¡°And I will, of course, join you. Hunting down what remains of those people is a task too important to not participate. But how do you feel about it? The contract did specify that you would be offered the position of leading the team?¡± ¡°Honestly, it was both flattering, and a bit terrifying,¡± Kite admitted. ¡°While part of me still feels like I am just a green iron-ranker, the last year has really driven home the point that this is no longer the case. And that if I want to have a hand in shaping events, I will also need to take charge a bit more. But I will admit that it is comforting to have Whisper joining as well. One should still heed the voice of experience.¡± ¡°Will not Grim join as well?¡± ¡°No, not this time. Apparently, the city lord cannot spare him at the moment. Since his portal power reached silver-rank, he is usually quite hard at work in preparing for the surge and assisting in logistics.¡± ¡°Well, it will be a comfort to have you with us as well. And hopefully Dragonfly too, once she returns?¡± ¡°Oh, I would not dare try stopping her from joining,¡± Kite said with a laugh. ¡°That might have been the reason for them explicitly stating that I would have some say in team composition.¡± ¡°I believe that you are right,¡± Serene said, giggling. ¡°But I miss our fellow force of nature. Hopefully she will return soon.¡± ¡°A sentiment I can echo,¡± Kite agreed, lifting his cup. ¡°A toast, then. To new adventures together.¡± ¡°And to pleasant reunions,¡± Serene added, clinking her cup to his.
¡°Sect leader, the representatives from the church of the Healer once more request a meeting,¡± grand elder Meridian said, bowing as she delivered the news. ¡°Again? Send them away. They should know by now that our great institution will not submit ourselves to any examinations of theirs. Stooping to the same level as the Victorious Sunset sect? Preposterous.¡± The angry harangue was accentuated by the cracking of stone as the heavy axehead sundered the reinforced stone training dummy, a trail of glowing stars following in its wake almost like a banner. Comet Banishing Clouds, leader of the Descending Star sect, turned to his grand elder with an annoyed expression. The sect leader was a runic like the grand elder, and one could easily see the familial resemblance between them, sky-blue symbols covering their skin and bald heads. But where Meridian wore a respectfully blank expression, Comet¡¯s snarl only deepened. ¡°You still think that we should let them in, cousin?¡± he asked, voice lowering threateningly. ¡°My thoughts have already been discarded by you, sect leader. There is no reason for me to give voice to them again.¡± Comet gave her a long look, then nodded. ¡°Good. I still had my doubts, cousin, thinking that traitorous intent might have wound its way into your heart. You may go now, and tell the church representatives that they are not any more welcome now than they were before, unless they come with the intent of assisting us in preparations for the surge or provide their services to our members, as is their place.¡± ¡°Understood, sect leader,¡± the grand elder said, bowing once more before leaving the sect leader''s private exercise hall. She made sure to have left the building, exiting onto the grounds of the sect compound. Located in a huge crater, its origins dating back to the cataclysmic holy wars, Meridian tried to let the sight of lush gardens and buildings lining the slopes of her home calm her. But her heart remained troubled; as troubled as it had been since the first time her cousin had rejected the examinations of Healer¡¯s church. And with this last meeting, something else had been born as well; Anger.
¡°Come on, master Force! We will be late if we don¡¯t leave soon!¡± Dragonfly pleaded with her master, already having packed to leave the small apartment the two had been sharing during their stay in Convergence. ¡°Patience, dear student,¡± Force of Raging Torrent said calmly, finishing the moves of her morning meditation with slow deliberation. ¡°I assure you that the monster surge is not going anywhere.¡± ¡°But what if we¡¯re too late? What if we get caught up in it and are forced to remain here? Or somewhere along the way?¡± Bowing out into the empty air, Force finally opened her eyes to look at her student with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Is that really what worries you the most? Or is it something else?¡± she asked knowingly. Dragonfly froze, then sighed, resigned. As usual, her master tended to see straight through her. ¡°I- I want to show them all my progress. And the results of what you have taught me. And the gift evolution. And¡­¡± she said, trailing off before finishing with a smaller voice. ¡°I don¡¯t want them to forget about me, going out on their own contracts and just moving on.¡± ¡°This again?¡± Force asked, her smile patient. Walking up to her student, Force brushed a stray curl of pink hair, tucking it behind Dragonfly¡¯s ear as she had done so many times while the child of the past had grown into the young woman of the present. And as it had always done, the bouncy curl sprung right back to where it had been, ever defiant. ¡°Dragonfly, as essence-users, our lives are long. As are our memories. You still think about these things like a normal-ranker and a teenager. And you are neither anymore,¡± she chided gently. ¡°But you also haven¡¯t experienced it by yourself yet; that the mark you leave with people will remain strong. Stronger than you could ever imagine. If they think about you even a fraction of the time you have thought about them, I believe that they will remember you forever. But you are right in one thing; that it is time to venture north again. I am also sure that there will be plenty of contracts to distract you along the way, young one. Diligence is the way to the heavens, after all.¡± While her words had seemed to bring some cheer back to Dragonfly, her last statement had her return to a state where she mostly grumbled defiantly. Force couldn¡¯t help but smile, feeling the shift in her student¡¯s aura; the obvious worry and longing had been replaced by a bit of consternation, but even more, a sense of purpose seemed to have ignited. ¡°The road towards the heavens may be a lonely one,¡± Force thought with a sly smile. ¡°But if someone will bludgeon it into submission enough to bring others along, it will be you, Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s Reflection.¡±
¡°Whisper of the Brush. Your reputation precedes you, but I believe that this is the first time we have had the pleasure of properly meeting,¡± Will said, giving a polite bow to his fellow bronze-ranker. ¡°Triumph of Indomitable Will,¡± the older man greeted in turn. ¡°As we are all equal part of this team, please call me Whisper.¡± The man who had once handled Kite¡¯s and Dragonfly¡¯s induction into the adventure society looked the same as Kite remembered; from his white hair, contrasting his otherwise middle-aged appearance, to his tall and thin frame. While he still wore robes, Kite also noted that the garments were complemented with some pieces of armor, as well as belts and bandoliers holding rows of small bottles. The group that intended to team up for the contract had just met up at one of the smaller, more discrete inner courtyards of the Gilded adventure society campus, Grim being a temporary addition as they were soon about to depart. It had only been two days since Kite returned to Gilded, but with both uncle Walker and mistress Dew absent, being busy with their own contracts and preparations for the monster surge, he had seen little point in delaying departure as intel had already arrived. There were several areas of interest to the west and south of Gilded which had seen increased activity of threats, with indication that it was not only monsters causing trouble. As the rest of the team had been amicable to departing sooner rather than later, getting ready had been a swift proposition. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°I believe that our team leader will have to work on his habit of still referring to me as ¡®instructor¡¯ as well, in spite of it being flattering to still be remembered as a figure of authority,¡± Whisper added, a good-natured twinkle in his eyes. ¡°This young one shall do his best,¡± Kite replied. ¡°Still, I remain grateful for your advice from yesterday''s meeting.¡± ¡°Listening to the voice of experience is all well and good, young Kite. Now take those words and use your own judgment as you make them your own,¡± Whisper counseled, before straightening a bit, assuming a more formal posture. ¡°So, team leader, what is our planned route?¡± Kite looked to his two friends, nodding to them each before he led them all to a nearby table, a map of the area already laid out in preparation. ¡°From the information we have received, there are two areas of the most interest,¡± He began, indicating two circles on the map, each highlighting an area southwest of the city. Kite pointed to one of them as he continued. ¡°Around these three villages, there have been reports of monsters behaving oddly, even moving in mixed packs. While the sightings are few, it is still enough to warrant an investigation as we recognize it as a tactic used by our foes during the expedition. And we do not want to leave it unchecked, as such a force hidden during the surge will have plenty of materials to add to their ¡®flocks¡¯.¡± ¡°Either way, slaying the monsters will be good for the people. With the upcoming surge, keeping potential evacuation routes clear is of the utmost importance,¡± Will noted, receiving nods from the rest. ¡°That is true,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°But we will still strike out at the other area first, as there has been a reported increase in people going missing, but without the corresponding monster attacks. As I believe that you have all encountered the followers of the so-called ¡®path of pleasure¡¯, I will assume that you understand why investigating these disappearances is of higher priority.¡± His statements only received grim nods in response, especially from Whisper. Kite knew that he, along with uncle Walker, had been part of the teams entering the mostly empty hidden compound of the fallen sect. From Walker¡¯s subdued words, only hinting at some of what he had witnessed there, Kite had understood that the victims of the corrupt path had endured things that many would choose death instead of being subjected to. ¡°While we are a new grouping, me, Serene and Will have worked together before. Would you please give us an overview of your capabilities, Whisper?¡± ¡°It would be my pleasure,¡± the older man said, turning to the rest. ¡°While I mostly spend my days as a functionary and overseeing new inductions, I have also been part of the deputy director¡¯s strike team since its inception. My essences are ink, paper and rune, resulting in the talisman confluence, with powers mostly centered around control and stealth. While I can work on the fly, I will be the most efficient if I have been able to prepare talismans and the battlefield beforehand. From what your dossiers and Kite here have told me, I believe that my role will be to facilitate potential infiltrations as well as contain parts of enemy forces while you deal with the piecemeal that remains.¡± ¡°It is quite understandable why you have been given the role of instructor,¡± Will noted in response to Whisper''s succinct analysis. ¡°Know that you will fight beside the one who will one day be known as the next Saint of Spears. I am honored to battle the forces of darkness and depravity at your side.¡± ¡°The honor is mutual, young master,¡± Whisper chuckled. ¡°As your legend grows, I look forward to regaling my kin with how I once fought at your side.¡± His words left Grim having to stifle a look of chagrin at his encouragement of Will¡¯s ambition. ¡°While I am sure that we will find our stride, I will still advocate that we heed another of our instructor¡¯s words and be diligent in our discussions after potential encounters,¡± Kite said, once more claiming the other¡¯s attention. ¡°Instructor Concente set a precedent that I believe will help us as much now as during the expedition. As you are all ready; Grim, if you please?¡± ¡°Certainly, team leader.¡± The formal elf said with a nod, the familiar glass archway of his portal appearing, filled with shimmering light. ¡°And please convey our thanks to the city lord for sparing you to send us off,¡± Kite added. Will and Whisper both went through the portal, followed by Serene. Kite also approached the gate, but stopped at the last moment, turning to Grim. ¡°How did I do?¡± ¡°Most professionally handled, young Kite,¡± Grim answered formally. ¡°With some more experience, you have the makings of a fine commander. And please, take care of the young master in my absence.¡± The last statement was added a bit less formally, a sign that Grim also felt a bit anxious to have Will go off into potential danger without his lifetime companion at his side. ¡°You are ever too kind, Grim. And I will always strive to protect my friends,¡± Kite said earnestly. ¡°Take care, Grim.¡± And with those words left as farewell, Kite entered the portal.
¡°Lord Indomitable. High priest Bringer.¡± Jarvan greeted as he was led into the office of Gilded¡¯s city lord. The regal elf was accompanied by another silver-ranker clad in the robes of Healer¡¯s clergy, albeit with a lot more buttons and tassels than Jarvan was used to before coming to Hua-Xi. The local high-priest, Bringer of the Tranquil, was a human with sharp features making him look rather strict, the trait only amplified by his rank. His aura had the distinct feel of a lifetime core-user, but nonetheless felt soothing and rejuvenating. ¡°Director, I am grateful that you could join us on such short notice,¡± high priest Bringer said, his smooth, calm voice contrasting his exterior. ¡°Given who asked, it immediately received the highest priority. I take it that you have received some kind of response from the sect?¡± ¡°Yes, but unfortunately it remains the same,¡± the priest said with a sad shake of his head. ¡°But I still remain hopeful that we can make them see sense. Should we consider an alternate solution of approaching individual members?¡± ¡°I would counsel against it. From the local political pressure being enacted on behalf of the sect, not going through what is regarded as the legitimate authority will only further undermine our own credibility,¡± city lord Indomitable said where he sat behind his grand desk. ¡°From the way I see it, we will soon have to decide if we are to take more decisive action against the sect. Should the troubles remain when the surge hits, things will be a mess. I am sure that the continental council would-¡± Jarvan began, but was interrupted by the city lord raising his hand. ¡°While I would personally welcome it, I would not be so sure if the council would wish to act. At least not openly. While Gilded is quite far removed from the capital, what little news I receive there indicates that the council forcefully stepping in might only aggravate the tensions already in play.¡± ¡°Well, we can¡¯t just do nothing,¡± Jarvan retorted. ¡°We can consider another overture. Maybe to the grand elders, rather than the sect leader directly?¡± high priest Bringer asked. ¡°They might be convinced to have the sect leader see sense.¡± ¡°As we should at least have a few months left before the surge, that would indeed seem like the best option,¡± lord Indomitable agreed. ¡°In my experience, these things require their proper time.¡± ¡°Time we, as I pointed out, may not have,¡± Jarvan said pointedly. But as the other two present seemed more unified in their intent to try another diplomatic angle, he still felt some need to give what advice he could. ¡°But if this is the way you decide, then you should at least try grand elder Meridian first. She has proven decently reasonable in our dealings so far, especially after the whole debacle after the war which was recorded.¡± ¡°Thank you, director. We shall heed your advice in our future dealings.¡± the high priest said, nodding gratefully. ¡°But we will still make contingencies in case of trouble,¡± Jarvan added, with a raised finger. ¡°Let none here say that the adventure society was not willing to take action for the good of the people of the Autumn lands.¡± ¡°Rest assured that your honor remains intact, director-¡± lord Indomitable began, but Jarvan interrupted him. ¡°Please excuse me, my lord, when I say that I don¡¯t give a heidel¡¯s ass about my honor. We are here to keep the city and the region as safe as can be from what is basically a cataclysm. Sure, it is a regular one, but the death toll is always great. The dead do not care for honor either way, and neither shall I. But as it is not my decision in the end, so I can only counsel. And prepare. So with that, I bid you both farewell.¡± Jarvan¡¯s tone was straight and clipped as he spoke, rising from his chair and leaving the room and the two other silver rankers behind. Because what he said was true; there were preparations to be made.
¡°Whisper, please finish these ones.¡± Kite called, turning to make an empowered leap towards the fresh group of carrion slugs which had entered the vicinity of the battle currently being waged in the forests south of Gilded. Contrary to their name, the wriggling monsters were surprisingly fast, their bronze-ranked bodies undulating in strange ways to propel them forwards in leaps and bounds. Each of the squealing monsters was around half a meter thick and had between two and five gelatinous antennae extending from what Kite assumed was their heads, each dripping with necrotic acid to dissolve their favorite food; corpses. Spawning in swarms and individually weak for their rank, the relentless swarms did not hesitate to create the corpses which they wanted to dine upon. And this particular swarm was quite numerous. Will was currently dancing in between four of the creatures, his spears weaving a piercing cage of death as he created new weapons for the leaping creatures to impale themselves upon while stepping through the air on what would become a steady stream of javelins penetrating gelatinous flesh. Kite had engaged four of his own, working on weakening and injuring them through the sweeping attacks of Void-Sunders-Firmament, the void-aspected special attack proving quite effective as it created a hindrance for the slug-monster¡¯s other advantage; the impressive regenerative properties of their gelatinous bodies. With another group of six arriving in response to their squealing kin, he had Whisper take over to engage them himself, a series of wards appearing in his wake to encapsulate the beleaguered slugs in a cubical barrier before starting to fire rays of light at the restrained monsters. ¡°Why are there so many of these things here of all places?¡± Will called, finishing one of his foes with a spear thrust glowing with holy light. ¡°The middle of nowhere isn¡¯t their usual hunting ground.¡± ¡°The monster surge tends to bring things out of the ordinary,¡± Whisper noted. ¡°Monsters further away from their habitats are but one of the precursor signs.¡± ¡°We can investigate after we have handled these ones. Serene, do you feel any more incoming?¡± Kite did not have to turn to the priestess, who remained hard to detect as her aura kept urging everyone¡¯s senses to slide off her even as she sang songs of renewal and wove winds to control the battle. ¡°I sense one other large group is incoming from the west, but we have at least a minute until they arrive.¡± Serene¡¯s wispy voice seemed to manifest right next to her companions even while she continued to cast her spells. ¡°Understood. Then we will have to rely on your expertise here as well, Whisper. Please buy us some more time,¡± Kite called, having waded in amongst the group of six monstrous slugs. Drawing Carmine Sunrise, Kite slashed through a pair of the gelatinous monsters, the sword¡¯s rending detonation of force having proven itself against the soft bodies. His barrier and weapon flickered around him, deflecting strikes from acid-covered antennae, but the number was quite diminished thanks to Glint. The carp floated up among the branches of nearby trees, her restraining globes of water keeping three of the monster occupied. In response to Kite¡¯s command, Whisper threw out another two dozen talismans, the paper slips swiftly flowing off in the direction indicated by Serene. From earlier engagements, Kite knew that the incoming group of slugs would receive an explosive welcome. The fight continued, kept under tight control for the next half minute as Will picked off his monsters one by one while Kite weakened and downed his own in clusters of two and three, not being shy in employing the disruptive force beams of Sage. As they fought, the flashes and explosions of discharging talismans started an increasingly frequent accompaniment to Serene¡¯s ethereal song. Just as Will had joined Kite in killing the final three of his own foes, Serene¡¯s voice reached them again. ¡°Be ready, they come!¡± ¡°Go, Kite!¡± Will¡¯s words were casual as he delivered death to his foes with almost casual ease, his speed significantly increased by all the conjured weapons littering the battlefield. Disengaging from the beleaguered monsters, Kite saw the injured remnants of another group of ten slugs start coming into view. Their flesh was still sizzling from the magical detonations, their vitality frantically trying to regenerate the missing chunks of their bodies. His sword once more appeared, hovering in its sheath as it started flickering with the dark spatial tears of Void-Sunders-Firmament, the localized voids only spreading further as Kite infused it with Potential of Stolen Power. As he drew the sword for a low, horizontal slash, he simultaneously chanted a quick spell. ¡°Wall!¡± The horizontal panes of force from Leyline Warding appeared above the creatures, as close as Kite could make it. This limited the monstrous slugs¡¯ mobility, some crashing into the sudden ceiling mid-leap as the extended void blade swept through all of them, rending detonations following after a slight delay. Some creatures fell immediately, and the few that remained were injured enough after Whisper''s talisman traps and Kite¡¯s empowered attack to make killing them more a question of cleaning up. Taking a time to look appreciatively at this sword and accompanying sheath, Kite thought; ¡°I wonder if Peony can somehow upgrade it to silver rank in the future?¡± The explosive rending damage and singular boosted strike made a great addition to his arsenal, and he still felt a thrill every time he managed to utilize the durable, spatially-locked sheath to unexpected effect. Snapping out of his thoughts, he turned to the others. ¡°Good job. Now let us see what we find in there that has so many of these things drawn here. And hope that these particular monsters were just a quirk of the surge instead of what their presence might normally imply.¡± Among a nearby cluster of rocks, the group had found a stone-shaped tunnel leading downwards along with the initial group of carrion slugs. If the smoothness of the walls hadn¡¯t given away the tunnel¡¯s origin, the even stone steps leading downwards would have driven home the point. The sloped tunnel was not too deep, but Kite felt a sense of trepidation as the group descended. Serene seemed to be even further affected, even pausing halfway down the stairs. ¡°I feel them down there. Normal rankers. But their auras are faint. And broken,¡± the priestess all but whispered. ¡°But those are the only ones. If there are more people down there, they are well hidden.¡± ¡°Then we need to increase our pace,¡± Kite said, turning to the priestess. ¡°Serene, please monitor the normals as best as you can and tell us if you feel that their condition deteriorates.¡± Entering through a simple stone door, like a disc meant to be rolled aside, the group found a stone cellar similarly excavated through the use of magic. It was simple but rather spacious, glow stones set into temporary scones carved into the wall. But the rest of the room¡¯s details were quickly forgotten, focus immediately drawn to the rotting corpses. The stench was repugnant, but not to the level where Kite would have assumed them to have been left dead for more than a few days. His expanded field of vision showed six of them, what Kite assumed to be essence users all seeming to have suffered a quite painful death, still evident in the rictus of their bodies. ¡°Gods, what happened here?¡± Will asked, looking around. But Serene immediately focused on something else. ¡°There, behind the stone slab.¡± Her words had barely manifested as she sent a sonic blast tearing into a stone wall looking a bit off from the surroundings. Cracks immediately formed in the stone, and Serene looked to be on the verge of launching another when Whisper lay a hand on her arm. ¡°Careful. Too much force might launch splinters and risk injuring those inside, if they are normal rankers as seems to be the case. Let me.¡± Now knowing where to look, Kite could feel them too; normal-ranked auras, unsteady and weak. They had stirred a bit at the impact of Serene¡¯s sonic blast, but not too much. Whisper walked up to the wall and affixed two paper slips to it, each covered in magical runes and sigils. ¡°Disintegration talismans,¡± the older man said by way of explanation. ¡°Much better for stealthier entry. And in this case, less likely to cause collateral damage.¡± Both talismans lit up, and a moment later a shuddering pulse surged through the stone slab, visible to Kite¡¯s magical perception. And after yet another moment, the part of the wall crumbled into gravel all at once. A gust from Serene cleared out the small cloud of dust, revealing what the group had both feared and hoped; men and women, most of them probably rather young, were huddled up in a small room without windows. All of them were naked and emaciated, and Kite realized that they were probably severely dehydrated as well, if his dating of the corpses outside were even marginally correct. What followed next was a flurry of activity as the group had to both extract and assist the poor captives one at a time as well as keep a pair of them from making a panicked shamble, insensate in their fear. Kite even had to go so far as to drain their mana, leaving them both unconscious but also protected from themselves. Standing outside, Serene channeling her song of healing which both served to rejuvenate and distract the now watered and fed prisoners, Kite went to stand at Whisper¡¯s side, looking down into the tunnel and the corpses remaining below. ¡°This is indeed proof that elements of the fallen sect have returned,¡± the older man stated grimly. ¡°Indeed. And these poor people paid the price to fuel their corrupt paths. While you told me and Dragonfly about it during our induction, seeing it during the war and then again during this day¡­¡± Kite replied, trailing off. ¡°There are many paths to the heavens. Most are littered with defeated foes and often a fair share of blood. But this¡­ this always remains a concept hard to stomach.¡± ¡°And not only are they here-¡± Kite noted, ¡°-but apparently we are not the only ones hunting them. What do you think killed them?¡± ¡°Hard to tell, but it must have been something or someone competent. There are quite a few monsters who fit the bill, but to kill so many of them without leaving any more traces? Or even trying to get to the prisoners?¡± Whisper shook his head. ¡°We need to report this, but also keep investigating. Your first skirmish leading us was well executed, Kite. Now comes the part where complications arise, as is almost always bound to be the case. But you lead us onward, and we will follow. And get to the bottom of this.¡± Kite nodded at his words, both grateful and troubled. Because he had the sense that the future would indeed prove to be one of strife and complication both. 95. Everything Dancer on the Broken River, disciple of Pain, stood perfectly still among the trees of the forest, enveloped by the dark of night as she quested out with her aura senses. The forests around her, a bigger patch of wilderness among the villages dotting the area, had several groups of monsters prowling about. Most were iron-ranked with a few bronze ones leading them. And all of their auras carried a tinge quite familiar to River; the touch of lord Pain. That sensation was even clearer as she also sensed the three bronze-rankers and four iron-rankers all residing in the concealed camp where the growths and foliage of the forests were the thickest. Making a decision, River opened her eyes once more, her all-round vision revealing only the dark shapes of the trees around her, and she started making her way toward the camp. As she got closer, eventually making out the faintest of glows from a covered heating lamp, she could also start to pick out murmured conversations. ¡°-managed to snag another leaf lurker to the packs today,¡± a male voice proudly professed. ¡°So?¡± another one interjected. ¡°The surge should hit soon enough. Then we will not want for materials, and one more bronze-ranker will not make too much of a difference.¡± ¡°You are just jealous of my progress,¡± the first one grumbled, but both that conversation and the rest of the quiet whispering among the camp ceased as River decided that she had heard enough, unfolding her aura a bit as she entered the camp and making sure to emphasize the touch of lord Pain on her spirit. All of the gathered essence-users reacted instantly, many diving for weapons or readying powers where they sat. Laying eyes on them, River got confirmation that this was indeed a gaggle of beastmasters from her father¡¯s disciple¡¯s little project, albeit looking a lot rougher after what River assumed was an extended stay out in the wilderness. A mere moment after entering, all present were ready to defend themselves, but none struck as all seemed to recognize River either by sight or by aura. Her hair was much reminiscent of that of her late father¡¯s after all, and grand elder White had not been a person safe to forget. ¡°It¡¯s you!¡± one of those present said, slowly rising to her feet. It was one of the bronze-rankers, and from the slight recoil River picked up from the auras of those around her, she was the leader of this little group; a human woman with rather soft features but the hard eyes of an alpha predator. ¡°Good, you still recognize your superiors,¡± River stated, trying her best to channel the cold indifference of her father as she let her aura press against all those present, its strength overbearing against all of her own rank she had met so far. The iron-rankers shook or winced, while the bronze-rankers kept their bodies in better check beneath the slightly agonizing spiritual touch. ¡°I require a report from you all, as an investigation is undergoing. It pertains to the sect leader and-¡± ¡°Hey now-¡± the beastmaster leader said, a rather hostile burst of her aura interrupting River. ¡°I don¡¯t know who you think you are these days, but the old order has been sundered. Much like your father¡¯s protection. So I don¡¯t think that you are the one asking questions here, little young mistress.¡± The final title was almost spat in derision, as the woman continued her spiritual hostility. ¡°But if you can learn to act like a good little girl, then I believe that there might be a place for you in this little pack of ours. We aim to reap some good gains during the surge.¡± While River remained silent during her little monologue, the woman even walking a step closer to her, it was not cowering that had her hold her tongue, but a bit of disbelief. A moment later, the woman¡¯s strained smile of confidence shattered as River hit her aura, the spiritual defenses shattering like a glass pane struck with an ice pick. The iron-rankers present all flinched back at the sudden spike, but the two other bronze-rankers found their bearings more quickly and joined their leader in trying to bear down on River in turn. But their attempts were nothing. They were but uplifted bandits, taught a few tricks to enable them to better serve. And River was the daughter of Unmaker of the White Seal, the fine scars covering both her body and soul a testament to his skills and favor shown by lord Pain. ¡°I believe that what remains of our proud sect has indeed fallen beyond repair, if an imbecile such as you think to act out against me. Truly, some are blind even to the heavens above them,¡± River said, still ruthlessly suppressing the now shivering woman as she fended off the other two assailants. ¡°It seems that a lesson of our lord¡¯s teaching will be in order for a sliver of propriety to be restored.¡± ¡°Y-you think you can just come in here and take us on like that? Walk all over us?¡± the leading woman all but snarled, although the intimidation factor was diminished a bit by the slight wobble of her voice. ¡°Because if you mess with one of us, you mess with the whole pack!¡± During her final outburst, River could sense the woman burning a big chunk of mana, in addition to flaring her aura enough to momentarily have a sliver of it break through River¡¯s suppression. Her companions seemed to do the same, and their spiritual outburst was soon followed by howls, hisses and other angry monster calls echoing out from the forests surrounding the hidden encampment. Reaching out with her aura senses to get a sense of what was incoming, River was interrupted after but a second as she caught something both very troubling but also quite beneficial in the short term. ¡°Oh, I believe that most of your beasts will be a bit occupied. But do not fret; I assure you that you will have your hands full.¡± Her words were punctuated by thin chains erupting from her back, as Dancer on the Broken River burst into motion.
¡°Note that the monsters seem especially placid,¡± Whisper said to Kite, his voice true to his name even though Serene was currently making sure that the group made no noise as they crept through the dark forests. Following the discovery at the last location, the group had taken an additional day to make sure that all of the captives were been stable and taken care of in the local chapel of the healer in the biggest village of the region, more akin to a town, which much like Starberry peak owed its relative prosperity to a rather rare type of moss growing in the area. With no captives to take care of from the first area, Kite had then proposed for the group to head directly to the second area of interest, clearing out what monster contracts they could find on the way while not being overly delayed. This had led to them currently scouting out a more heavily forested area in the early hours of the night under the cover of both Whisper¡¯s shroud, courtesy of his ink essence, and Serene keeping them from being overheard. ¡°Yes. And the mixed packs are here as well,¡± Kite noted, gesturing to a group of moss prowlers resting close to a lumbering leaf lurker, the troll-like creature looking more like a pile of leaves and branches as it too rested. The monsters had so far not taken any note of their presences, being mostly iron rank, which had Kite lead the group further into the forest in hope of finding what they assumed would be the beasts¡¯ controllers. However, a mere minute later, the serenity of the dark woods all changed at once, silence abruptly broken as a surge of several auras seemed to bloom out from somewhere ahead of the group, followed by all the beasts stirring to something more akin to wakefulness with angry howls and cries. ¡°Have they sensed us?¡± Will asked, a spear already appearing in his hands. Kite turned to Serene, his friend looking consternated and unsure. ¡°Their auras are too wild. I cannot catch any glimpses of their intent.¡± ¡°Well, team leader, retreat, remain or engage?¡± Whisper asked calmly, looking at Kite. Considering for a second, Kite assumed a ready stance of his own. ¡°Engage. Most of the monsters are iron rank, and we need to at least try and catch some of our targets.¡± As he spoke, he started forwards at a quick walk turning into a run as the concealing shroud gradually faded like shades of ink in water suddenly washed away by the current. ¡°Serene, keep a hurricane in reserve to aid if we need to disengage.¡± As the group came into focus, most of the monsters present also sensed them a lot more clearly. A hodgepodge mix of the most common iron-ranked monsters of the area swarmed toward them, even though those the furthest away seemed to be able to ignore the group¡¯s presence, instead continuing their run towards what Kite assumed to be their enemies. A moss prowler leapt toward Kite, only to abruptly change course with a crunching noise as Kite¡¯s projected staff strike caused its feline features to crumple inwards. Will was similarly on the offensive, volleys of javelins thinning out the smaller iron-ranked monsters along with the sharp paper slips Whisper started sending out to cut through the lower-ranked creatures with terrifying ease. While groups of iron-ranked monsters could be a threat to them individually, said individuals working as a group was a different matter. Only when the first two bronze-ranked monsters reached them, a leaf lurker and some kind of quadrupedal flightless avian with a short, stubby neck and an impressively vicious fanged beak. Kite did not recognize the second monster, but the arrival of the pair did mean that their advance had to slow down as Kite and Will each engaged one of the beasts while Whisper and Glint kept those of lower rank at bay. The lumbering lurker was Will¡¯s preferred foe, its slow-but-strong approach fitting the elf scion perfectly as it allowed him to dominate the early battle through his skill and speed, only ramping up to further heights as the battle progressed. This left the pair not even needing to communicate, their many battles together having Kite immediately going for the avian monster as it charged toward them. Through his magical perception, Kite could see a magical effect building on the monster as its speed increased to what looked to be some kind of climax. Assuming a ready stance with his sword, Kite let one heartbeat pass, then two, before he drew. This meant that his Disrupting strike hit just as the creature exploded forwards in a sudden burst of speed. The slash and subsequent detonation rocked its left foreleg, sending it out of balance and into a tumble as the magical effect was snuffed out. The monster''s momentum was not, however, and a quick chant of ¡°Wall¡± sent it crashing into several panes of force, their thin sides turned toward the tumbling body of the monster to further focus the area of impact. Earlier in his career, Kite had tried to see if the barriers could cut something in two by being deployed that way, but had so far been forced to accept that something of equal or higher rank would simply be too resilient. Had the power actually incorporated an offensive measure, such as magically sharpening the edges, it would have been a different matter, but Kite at least consoled himself with that the maneuver could still injure and cause a lot of pain, and that all of the power¡¯s capabilities was instead focused into its other qualities. From the intense shriek of pain emitted from the monster upon impact, Kite also had to assume that it cared little for his disappointment in the matter. As it was rolling back to its feet, he continued taking advantage of the second benefit of his opportune deployment. Several strikes were projected against the beast in short order as Kite cycled through his different weapons, implements of death manifesting for but a short moment before vanishing again after completing the strike. And as there were obvious gaps in the barrier wall in front of him, the intent allowing his strikes to cross the distance had no trouble reaching their target. ¡°All is indeed void before intent,¡± Kite thought, remaining a few meters distant from his target which in turn left him able to make quick interventions in other parts of the conflict. A projected slash from his sword beheaded a galezard struggling in one of Glint¡¯s watery spheres, and another opportune swing of his staff knocked one of the leaf lurker¡¯s hands towards Will¡¯s lunging spear to further increase the damage his friend would inflict. Meanwhile, the poor avian monster had been properly put on the back foot right from the start, and was left unable to put up too much of a fight as it had no opportunity to properly build up any momentum. But this was unfortunately not all that the group had to face, as yet another bronze-ranked beast was making its way towards them; a lone cliff spinner. ¡°Find the rhythm of your heart¡¯s song.¡± Serene, ever vigilant, had sensed the tough creature as well, supplying Kite with her useful boon which made his attacks start resonating, dealing gradually increasing resonating force damage for the duration. Kite finished off the avian monster with a final strike of his staff, the powerful enchantments echoing the sundering nothingness of Void-Sunders-Firmament, and prepared to face the new incoming threat. The group still made forward progress, but slowly, trying to keep the momentum up while leaving dead or restrained monsters in their wake. Kite had just started engaging the swift, scuttling spider monster when Serene spoke again. ¡°Something has been happening up ahead for a while. I had trouble making it out earlier, but I believe that there is some kind of conflict raging, not just our targets attempting to call the beasts to action.¡± ¡°Conflict?¡± Kite asked even as he kept the cliff spinner at bay, ignoring its attempts to restrain him with its webs. ¡°Which ranks are involved?¡± ¡°Iron and bronze, I think,¡± Serene responded. ¡°Had there been a silver-ranker present, they are either very subtle or otherwise hidden.¡± ¡°Other adventurers?¡± Will asked, his tone implying that he did not hold much hope for it to be the case. ¡°As I said, I cannot be sure. One of the auras is powerful, but still bronze rank. A bit like mine, but-¡± Serene began, halting as Kite¡¯s expanded vision revealed that the priestess¡¯ eyes had gone wide. ¡°It¡¯s her!¡± ¡°Her?¡± Will asked, currently working on pinning the leaf lurker to a nearby tree with several conjured spears. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°The one we met during the war. Pain cultist with the chains and the pale hair.¡± At her words, Kite also remembered, memories flashing before his eyes of the graceful, ice-cold figure with trailing chains and dealing pain. ¡°But if she¡¯s here, then-¡± he began, Serene nodding at his words. ¡°It might be her that has been hunting the same targets as us. But why?¡± ¡°Just one other reason to capture her. We need to get over there, and fast.¡± ¡°Kite, I am unsure of how much time we have. The other auras entangled with hers are being snuffed out or destabilized as we speak!¡± Serene said, her voice colored by the disharmony of urgency. While his first impulse was to have the group charge ahead, Kite used another set of conjured force walls to buy some breathing room and take stock of the situation. Will was just in the process of finishing the leaf lurker, glowing spears inflicting enough damage to combat the regeneration of the troll-like creature. Meanwhile, Whisper and Glint did an admirable job of keeping the much more numerous iron-ranked monsters at bay, but there were also a lot of them. Pushing forward now would risk injury, but the group should be able to make steady progress, even without- ¡°Everyone, give me six seconds from my count to finish this one. Then, Serene will launch me ahead while Will helps clean up most of these monsters. Join me as soon as you can, but prioritize a steady advance. At least one of us will need to witness what is going on, and with Will powered up, I am the one best spared for this task.¡± ¡°Kite, are you sure? It-¡± Serene began, but halted herself as Kite met her with a steady gaze. Giving his friend a nod and his best attempt at an encouraging smile, Kite began. ¡°One.¡± At the same time, he began sending mana into his two bracers. ¡°Two.¡± The cliff spinner, still unaware of Kite¡¯s plan, just continued hammering on the walls of force enclosing it. ¡°Three.¡± Serene sang one of her spells, keeping it as a droning note in preparation. ¡°Four.¡± Will conjured the golden lance of his Darkness Penetrator, ending the leaf lurker. ¡°Five.¡± Kite met Whisper¡¯s gaze for a short moment, getting only a nod in return from the older man. ¡°Six!¡± Releasing the closest force barrier just as his bracers made contact, Kite directed all of the discharged force towards the cliff spinner as the twin bells tolled. He had barely the time to register the beast¡¯s cracked body crashing through the back wall of the force cage and launched over twenty meters away through the forest before Serene sang yet another spell. ¡°Carried by the heavenly wind!¡± Even before Serene finished the casting, Kite had already leapt up and towards the direction Serene had indicated, only to be launched further away by her spell. Releasing her droning note, the same spell was cast yet again to carry him even further, Kite easily sailing well past the throng of iron-ranked monsters which still tried to close in on the group. Still airborne, a painted fan appeared in Kite¡¯s hand as he poured even more mana into the weapon¡¯s enchantments. A vortex of wind enveloped him, turning what would be a fall into a long glide while further increasing his speed. Feet not even touching the ground after his ¡®landing¡¯, Kite sped off towards where he too could now sense the auras clashing. And one of them did indeed feel familiar.
Another of the iron-rankers fell to the ground, thrashing while the chains crackling red-purple energies ministrated the touch of Pain. True to both her name and essence, River was already well into her dance as her swift and graceful movements left the thin chains trailing her as she wove the web of her enemies inevitable demise. She knew that her powers would never let her match her late father¡¯s far reaching domain, his vast essence having been the source of his wide-spread field of chains. But River also knew that she would not need to, as her path was not his. Where her foes fought with some skill and almost bestial ferocity, many even having more animalistic essences, River was grace and precision, control through motion and remaining untouchable. All of her was constantly in motion, steps and flips carrying her to where she needed to be while hands and feet struck out to deliver damaging and painful unarmed attacks, the small claws on the tips of her gauntleted fingers and armored boots further aggravating the effect. One by one, the small-fry that was the iron-rankers had tried and failed to contribute, striking only air as they were eventually tangled with the constricting links that now turned the battlefield into quite the hazard. Only the bronze-rankers had been able to hold on and keep River from the domination that her path demanded, the trio freely using the occasional beast that came running as distractions or means of attack. But one of them had just been brought to the ground with a hole in her chest, impaled by a trio of braided thin chains. The woman was still alive, at least for the moment, but it did leave her two fellows in more dire straits. Because where River danced, her dominion only grew. While River had hoped that this might have made her fellow former sect members more amenable to see reason, that did not look to be the case. Their leader was almost foaming at the mouth in the throes of some kind of berserking power, and while her newfound strength did little to actually let her land a hit on River, it did seem to inure her to the pain inflicted by chain and special attack alike. One particularly ferocious attack even forced River to activate Between the Raindrops. For just a moment, everything from the charging woman to the whirling links of River¡¯s chains to the crackling fire left behind by an errant spell seemed to slow down for just a moment. With supernatural precision, River adjusted her stance and shifted the direction of some of her chains, the bronze-rank evolution of the power even assisting in increasing the speed of the small motions. Letting go of the power, what should have been the charging leader of the beastmasters crashing into River instead became a near miss, with River instead flowing around and out of her attempts at grabbing onto her while one of the floating chains had now formed a neat loop which passed over the raging woman¡¯s head. A moment later, said chain was pulled taut as the snarling bronze-ranker was yanked to an abrupt stop, struggling against the noose while River sent out another trio of grasping lengths of chain against the other bronze-ranker who had backed off a bit seeing his companion¡¯s fate. ¡°Now, I believe it is time to revisit the subject of who asks the questions here,¡± River said cooly, sending the touch of Pain through the chains and into her bound foes. ¡°Now, you will-¡± She did not get further, as she sensed a change further off in the distance. Even as she fought, River had monitored the progress of what she assumed to be adventurers. She had been quite happy with letting them soak up the ire of the beastmasters¡¯ little pets, having kept a good pace in her fight and expected to have been done with her prey before the adventurers drew close. But one of the bronze-rankers had suddenly started closing in very quickly. And River realized too late that it was an aura she recognized. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± An invisible ripple washed over the previously hidden encampment, affecting all of those present as active boons and conjured chains dissolved. While this left the lead beastmaster free from River¡¯s grasp, the blowback of the berserking power struck with full effect as she fell to her knees, her aura unsteady as the weakness often experienced at the end of such power washed over the woman. A moment later, the young man responsible landed softly while surrounded by a fading vortex of wind and leaves. ¡°Not a reunion I was expecting this night, Dancer on the Broken River,¡± Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune said. ¡°But I imagine that it will be one with a chance to provide some answers.¡± ¡°Annoying one.¡± River answered in greeting, following up her words with conjuring a fresh set of chains which she sent to once more constrict the other of the still conscious beastmasters who had begun slowly inching away from the pair squaring off against one another. ¡°While my path and pride demands a rematch, that comes second to the answers I will take from these people. Step away and let me take this one-¡± River said, pointing to the still woozy leader of the beastmasters, ¡°- and you and yours may do what you will with the rest.¡± ¡°And just let someone like you leave? You should already know what I think of your path.¡± ¡°What you think is irrelevant in the face of strength and truth. And as lord Pain teaches, the most important truths always carry his touch,¡± River retorted. ¡°Even so, why would one of your strength and skill go after your own allies? We have already witnessed what you left behind down south as well.¡± River heard the accusatory tone of his voice, but even more so, she felt it in his aura. She felt its resilience, but also the weakness of its rigidity. It was like a fortress, but with the same lack of offensive power. But it was resolute, and she had already felt the annoying strength of his path. ¡°Tell him.¡± The voice of her lord was like hot needles scraping down her spine, his presence but a fleeting whisper. And his touch brought clarity. ¡°Don¡¯t you see?¡± River asked the young man. ¡°Have neither of you weaklings even questioned why it happened? Why were we there of all places? And why did the sect act like it did?¡± The adventurer looked a bit taken aback by her sudden question, not having expected her to actually talk to him further. ¡°Because-¡± he began, but River interrupted him. ¡°Because of her. Our thrice-cursed sect leader. The one who promised everything, only to leave. And I will rip the answers of why from her writhing body. Because from what little I have gathered, we are being moved. All of us. Like puppets.¡± River was surprised by the raw snarl that her voice became once she started talking, controlled veneer falling away as the memories returned. Of the empty room and silence that greeted her in their moment of need. And of the sense she had gotten the last time she and her father stood before the sect leader; that the woman had been smiling. There was another moment of silence between them, only interrupted by the moans of the injured and sounds of fighting in the distance which drew ever closer at an increasing pace. And that caused River to act. With a sudden jerk, she sent the bronze-ranked man flying toward the adventurer while her hand shot down to grasp the leader of the beast masters by her neck. Then, activating another of her speed-boosting powers, River set off at a run before the flung man even had collided with the annoying adventurer. ¡°Wall.¡± To her chagrin, the young man seemed to have been expecting the move. Walls of force sprung up around both River and the thrown man, the latter impacting the sudden obstacle with a grunt. River, on the other hand, would not be stopped. But it did mean that she would have to leave without her prize. With a snarl of frustration only heard in the depths of her own mind, River flung the woman to the ground and leapt. One of her first powers of the adept essence had been the small air-dash, readily available and one of River¡¯s most useful positioning assets. And since ascending to bronze rank, it also allowed her to pay an extra cost of mana to phase through solid objects. And most barriers too. River felt the cool sensation of the world literally flowing through her, the barrier feeling like an icy sheet of water as she passed through it at a rather substantial mana cost. But she did not stop to reflect further, instead letting her momentum carry her onward through the dark forests at a sprint. And for most possessing the swift essence, a sprint was quite fast indeed. With the slight glow of the partially burning camp fading behind her, River once more felt her lord¡¯s whisper, kind and agonizing. ¡°Pain has nuances, child. And the pain of memories can teach us a lot. Use it, and turn the losses which you have suffered into strength.¡±
Kite looked out into the darkness after the vanishing woman, her words still echoing in his mind. When his barrier failed to keep her, pursuit was futile, at least for now. ¡°It is something else I will have to take into account for the days to come,¡± he thought, but was broken out of his reverie as one of the semi-conscious iron-rankers started stirring while both of the captive bronze-rankers started hammering on his barriers, albeit with varied efficiency. Taking what time remained of Leyline Warding¡¯s duration to collar the still living iron-rankers, Kite felt his group make the final push through the monsters, Serene using her hurricane to send the smaller beasts flying. ¡°Whisper, please contain the woman. Will, keep the monsters at bay. Little beauty, please assist me in dealing with him,¡± Kite said, calling out to his team as they drew near. ¡°Ready!¡± Whisper called, his talismans already forming a cage of their own around the captured bronze-ranked woman. Glint at his side, Kite let his force walls dissolve. The captured man tried taking the opportunity to spring backwards, launched by coiling vines which he had called from the ground. His trajectory flung him straight into a conjured sphere of restraining water, Kite already mid-swing. His attack was something which he had looked forward to properly employing again now that he was back in Gilded, as the staff trailed both the rifts of Void-Sunders-Firmament and the blue crackles of Chakra implosion. But unlike before, the staff itself also carried a faint blue outline which even spread to the edges of the dark voids of his special attack. The swing was projected at his foes through his intent, but where there would once have been violent impact and the sundering of flesh, there was only a chiming crackle as all of the attacks effects, from the physical impact of the staff to the spatial tears, struck not the body, but the spirit. At the spiritual impact, the man gasped, his reaction confirming the chilling, intensely uncomfortable sensation which both the Gellers, Vista and Bloom had described after their sparring and training session. Chakra Implosion had always been Kite¡¯s mainstay, the mana drain almost always proving useful, but as he could now compound it with both the physical part of the attack and even his other more damaging special attacks, Kite now had a potent choice should he decide to focus all his attentions on the mana of his opponent instead of their physical health. Against monsters, this effect would be quite limited but sometimes useful, as they did not fall completely unconscious or destabilize when drained of mana, still leaving the need to destroy the corporal form of the manifested magic. But against essence-users, his latest evolved racial gift turned their own mana into a trap as they themselves helped deplete the resource which had become an alternate and quite viable condition of victory for Kite. And if he wanted to take someone alive, its efficiency was quite apparent. Already drained from the battle against the chain-wielding disciple, the bronze-ranker had barely managed to struggle free from Glint¡¯s restraints, taking only a single wobbly step as another of Kite¡¯s attacks sent him falling to the ground, unconscious and mana-deprived. The woman took a little longer, but could put up even less of a fight as the weakness from the dispelled berserking power was still upon her. Even so, what command the beast masters¡¯ powers had given the monsters seemed to remain, but with only iron-ranked monsters left in the surroundings, it was only a matter of time before silence once more fell over the forest, leaving only the rustling leaves and the gentle hum of Serene¡¯s song to echo among the boughs. ¡°She was here, wasn¡¯t she?¡± Serene eventually asked as the group had finished bundling up their prisoners. Two bronze-rankers and three iron-rankers were all unconscious and thoroughly secured, ready to be carted back towards Gilded, and the team had converged around the center of the ruined camp. ¡°Yes,¡± Kite said. ¡°And she told me things. Things that are gnawing at me even now. It is quite a shame that she escaped, as I now find myself with many, many more questions.¡± ¡°Well, what did she say then?¡± Will asked, impatient. The young man was still abuzz with the power and thrill of battle, looking out into the forests around them as if he was hoping to see more monsters charging toward them. ¡°From your tone, I believe it is something that needs to be reported in?¡± Whisper asked, looking pointedly at Kite. ¡°Yes. We¡¯d best start getting these prisoners back toward the city,¡± Kite said, nodding. ¡°I will tell you on the way. If what she, the cultist, was implying is true, then the troubles of the past year might hold clues to something buried beneath the surface.¡± ¡°Of what?¡± Will asked, turning to look at Kite. ¡°I do not know,¡± Kite said with a shake of his head. ¡°But from what I thought I heard in her tone¡­ Everything.¡± 96. To us ¡°You seem troubled, husband.¡± Jarvan turned from where he sat on the bed he shared with his wife, turning to give Fantina a look. ¡°Oh? I thought I kept my aura pretty much in check,¡± he said, adjusting so that he sat beside her instead. ¡°I am your wife, love. I don¡¯t need an aura to see that there is something bothering you. Something beyond normal,¡± Fantina replied, in the process of brushing her long blonde hair before braiding it like she did every evening. ¡°But yes, you weren¡¯t as subtle as you thought.¡± ¡°Now isn¡¯t that the story of my life,¡± Jarvan chuckled, giving his wife a quick kiss on the cheek. ¡°But I do remember that you seemed to like me being a little bumbling and obvious even when I thought myself suave and subtle.¡± ¡°I also remember your tendency to try and change the topic with anecdotes, love,¡± Fantina countered, earning herself another laugh. ¡°Fine, fine! I surrender beneath your relentless skill of inquiry and perception,¡± he said, before turning more serious. ¡°The surge is incoming.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it always?¡± ¡°Yes, but this is my first time when everything around me feels so unstable. I worry that the talks with the Descending Star sect will not bear fruit before the surge, and that this will spell trouble. My gut tells me that it would be bad. But on the other hand, going along with some kind of official sanction or confrontation will probably just make it blow up right away instead. And then there was something else. You remember Kite?¡± ¡°Love, even if I was not a silver-ranker, I would have a hard time forgetting him. He did perform Nastille¡¯s ritual of awakening, no?¡± ¡°True, true. With how many essences and stones he has sold me by now, we might just have to name one of these two-¡± Jarvan gave his wife¡¯s round belly a fond caress, ¡°- after him.¡± ¡°Not to spoil your plans, love, but they¡¯re both girls.¡± ¡°Really? Fertility told you?¡± ¡°She was gracious enough, yes. This might be my last pregnancy, after all. I know that the vats are often necessary during gold rank but¡­ it just won¡¯t be the same,¡± Fantina grumbled. ¡°From what I heard from your fellow clergy, it is rather you who are the outlier, insisting on doing it the old-fashioned way for so long,¡± Jarvan teased. ¡°I still withhold that this is the best way for me to feel the closest to my goddess. And besides, at silver rank, pregnancy is barely even any bother. And you, husband, keep changing the subject.¡± Fantina pointed out. ¡°What about young Kite?¡± Leaning back against the headboard of the large bed, Jarvan looked up at the ceiling. ¡°He came back from a contract, carrying prisoners. Five of them, even, which is a lot more than I expected.¡± ¡°But¡­?¡± ¡°But he also reported an unsettling encounter. A disciple of Pain hunting down her fellow former sect members, seeking answers. And claiming to have glimpsed the hints of something. Something she claims was behind the whole debacle with the fallen sect from the beginning.¡± ¡°And you believe her?¡± ¡°No- or¡­ At least not just her words,¡± Jarvan said with a sigh. ¡°But what Kite told me, it did raise questions. Of why the sect acted the way they did. Their poor cohesion and morale. And that final confrontation rather than retreating and rebuilding. And that we never, not from any one prisoner, got closer to the identity of their actual leader, other than that she was a woman. Who apparently just vanished at the end.¡± ¡°And who this disciple of Pain claimed was behind it all?¡± Fantina asked, eyebrows creased. ¡°But¡­ why?¡± ¡°That is the same question I find myself asking, love. Why? Why try and rebuild a sect on such rotten foundations only to spend it like that with nothing to gain, only causing a bit of chaos? It does not make sense, as it should not leave this leader any more powerful or stronger.¡± ¡°Maybe she was just mad? Even we are not completely inured to such maladies?¡± Fantina suggested. ¡°It might be so,¡± Jarvan said with a shrug. ¡°But I still find myself unable to let go of the thought. Even though there is little more I can do at the moment but continue to investigate. Discreetly.¡± ¡°But you will pursue it?¡± ¡°Oh, I will. At least for my own piece of mind. Can¡¯t leave our little ones to grow up with too much lurking beneath the metaphorical bed, now can I?¡± he asked her with a smile. ¡°Then-¡± Fantina began, shifting over to straddle her husband where he sat. ¡°-the least I can do is at least to give my husband a pleasant distraction, so that he can leave such thoughts for tomorrow.¡± ¡°Oh, love, you always know how to cheer me up.¡±
¡°Young master, there is a visitor here to see you.¡± Resplendent Evening Mist, former disciple of the Descending Star sect, looked up from the scroll he was reading, scowling at the servant at the door to his study. ¡°Well? What are you waiting for? Send them in,¡± the young elven man urged, his words accompanied by a wave of aura which had the servant leave very swiftly to carry out his wishes. Not long after, Mist felt an aura flare at the door, the guest announcing his presence before entering. ¡°Disciple Soar!¡± Mist exclaimed, rising to his feet. The former inner disciple looked about the same as when Mist had last seen him, albeit that the sect insignia remained a clear sign of his demotion after the embarrassment at the base camp after the end of the war where they had tried, and failed, to ambush that heaven-cursed outcast to get their just revenge. ¡°At least he was not unjustly expelled,¡± Mist thought, stifling the ever-familiar searing anger within him at the thought of his own fate. ¡°Young master Resplendent,¡± the disciple greeted, albeit that his bow was a bit more shallow than Mist would have liked. ¡°You seem¡­ well.¡± Mist did not miss the slight hesitation, and half snarled in frustration. ¡°You need not force your pity on me, disciple. Just Mist will do. And just look at what that outcast trash and traitorous grand elder has reduced me to!¡± He gestured dramatically at himself. ¡°A core-using administrator for heaven¡¯s sake.¡± ¡°Yes, surely you can only suffer,¡± disciple Soar noted a bit dryly, eyeing the rich interior of Mist¡¯s study. ¡°But don¡¯t you see, disciple?¡± Mist asked him, a bit of rage seeping into his voice. ¡°That bastard- that heaven-cursed trash broke my path. The one that was meant to reach the heavens, now cast down because of his defiance and failure to know his place and accept his lot. It¡¯s not right!¡± Mist¡¯s final outburst was accompanied by him smashing his fist down into the top of his desk, the wood cracking audibly. While he had only reached bronze-rank with the help of monster cores, the raw strength it gave was still the same. ¡°That is actually why I have come today, Mist,¡± disciple Soar said, the words halting the young elven man from further destroying the furnishings. ¡°Because I heard that he is back.¡± ¡°He- he is?¡± Mist asked, expression blank. ¡°Yes. He was seen entering the city over a week ago now. One of our disciples, Shrike, encountered him without knowing his identity. And there was an altercation where the fifth son of the city lord came to his aid.¡± ¡°Well, there you have it,¡± Mist said sourly, sitting back in his chair. ¡°Even if he is back, so what? He is friends with the son of the city lord, student to two of the local silver-rankers and even that bitch Meridian seems to have his back. At least enough to forsake one of her own sect¡¯s students to please the masters of that trash.¡± ¡°Yes, I have had the dubious honor of briefly meeting his mentor, the forest walker. The man just walks about like he owns the place, even though he is just some mediocrity who took almost two decades to reach silver rank,¡± disciple Soar agreed. ¡°But even if Meridian is willing to look the other way, I came to tell you that there are many of us - true followers of the sect and its teachings - who still refuse to forget. And we are biding our time to get vengeance. For you and me both.¡± ¡°You- you are? For me?¡± Mist asked, stunned. ¡°Of course. Because there are those of us who do not forget someone who loyally served the true path of the sect. Who stood tall and demanded justice for slights to the honor of the grand institution that is the Descending Star sect.¡± Mist looked a bit taken aback at the disciple¡¯s words. Almost a bit moved. ¡°Disciple¡­ I-¡± ¡°If you want to reclaim your path, Mist, then I will call for you when it is time. During the surge, when all of the trash¡¯s crutches he calls mentors are busy with their own assignments and contracts, we will find the opportunity. We will show him that the honor of the sect and its members will not tolerate him walking these lands anymore. Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune will pay for what he did to me. To us.¡± As disciple Soar of the Descending Star sect left the Resplendent family compound in Gilded, he left in his wake a young man who was attacking the training dummies of an inner courtyard with renewed vigor and purpose. Mist swore that, cores or not, he would be ready to teach that outcast brat that Resplendent Evening Mist still remembered the injustice inflicted upon him.
¡°Uncle! Welcome home!¡± Brave Walker of Paths stopped at the door to his tiny apartment, taking in the sight of his wayward little Kite now standing before him once again. The young man had grown in power, that was for sure, but just a bit more in terms of aura. There was a slight rigidity to it now that had not been there before, like a shield that was slightly battered but still somehow held up even stronger than ever before. ¡°Someone so young should not have an aura like that,¡± Walker thought, unable to help a wide grin spreading across his stubbly face. ¡°But this is a world where our young ones need to grow up fast.¡± Speaking aloud, he said: ¡°Kite! And little Glint! How long have you been back?¡± ¡°About a week and a half,¡± Kite said, already having gone off to the small kitchen area of the apartment to brew tea. ¡°Your assignment must have been a substantial one, seeing that you were gone for so long.¡± ¡°You forget that your uncle is an old man, little Kite,¡± Walker chuckled, sitting down at their small table. ¡°And even a silver-ranker needs to take his time and take in the scenery every once in a while too.¡± ¡°In other words, you found more silver-ranked monsters than you expected?¡± Kite asked a bit teasingly. ¡°Well, at this rate you are going to catch up to your poor uncle sooner rather than later. Will you really deny your poor uncle his last chances to feel like he has something to teach his little chick?¡± ¡°Oh, I would not worry in that regard, uncle,¡± Kite said, pouring tea for the both before putting the steaming kettle on the table between them. ¡°Also, what do you think of the blend? I picked it out while in Bastion.¡± The two quickly fell into the rather lengthy process of telling stories of what had happened since their farewell at Gilded¡¯s city gates over half a year ago. Walker seemed to mostly have been busy with contracts, traveling far and wide over the Autumn lands and even a bit beyond to help prepare the many villages for the upcoming surge. But Kite was also happy to hear that he had kept in touch with mistress Dew as well, the icy warrior still working to whip Walker¡¯s fighting into something ¡®worthy of a proper silver-ranker¡¯. In turn, Walker listened attentively to Kite¡¯s retelling of his time in Bastion, the young man sparing no details even if he knew that some of the events would deeply trouble his uncle. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. ¡°Oh, little Kite. One would almost be inclined to call you a troublemaker,¡± he said, shaking his head. ¡°Maybe you used up all of your good fortunes before leaving Gilded? Fighting a silver-ranker by yourself? Even for just a few minutes, it is quite absurd.¡± ¡°This young one humbly apologizes,¡± Kite said with a mock bow. ¡°Next time, I will strive to make it an hour at least.¡± ¡°Such a cheeky young man,¡± Walker lamented. ¡°If your auntie Dove heard such talk from you, she would probably put you on indefinite house arrest. And before you ask, your aunties are doing well. I would not be surprised if at least one of them reached silver during the surge too, the way they have started to push themselves again. Dove, in particular, seems extra motivated.¡± ¡°Oh I can imagine. She was alway the fiery one, both in magic and in spirit,¡± Kite said, his smile eventually fading as he brought up another subject. ¡°But uncle, what do you make of the disciple¡¯s words? I will admit that they still trouble me quite a lot.¡± ¡°The young woman with the chains?¡± Walker asked, looking thoughtful. ¡°You said that the director seemed to take your report rather seriously?¡± ¡°He did. I am not entirely sure, but he looked troubled.¡± ¡°Then, young man, I think that the wiser path would be to let the director and his ilk look into it. You may be a bronze-ranker now, but to the wider world, you are just a fledgling; one easily crushed underfoot should you chirp too loudly,¡± Walker said, looking quite serious as he spoke. At his words, Kite felt silent for a while before looking up at his uncle. ¡°Uncle, I- I¡¯m not sure if I can just leave it at that. Not anymore. While I may be just a bronze-ranker to the wider world, that is not where I am. I am here, where a bronze-ranker can matter. Sometimes make all the difference. And while I have not grown so prideful that I will believe myself able to just start changing things, I at least feel like I start to get close to that realm of possibility. To see if my path is strong enough to start enacting its will and intent on the world around me.¡± Walker sat in silence, a bit surprised at his young one¡¯s sudden stoic defiance. Of him looking so driven. ¡°Or rather, resolute might be the most apt description,¡± Walker thought, and couldn¡¯t help but smile, even if it was a bit strained. ¡°Well, little one, it seems that you are trying to grow in more ways than one. Part of me is terrified while the other wants to applaud you. I will admit that I do not know what the Pain-cultists words meant, and that it is honestly beyond the scope of the questions that your old uncle asks himself. Beyond my ambitions, really. Please, Kite, be careful if you try to glimpse the games of the mighty. For if her words hold even a kernel of truth, just that glimpse could be dangerous.¡± Deflating a bit, Kite leaned back in his chair. ¡°I¡­ Thank you, uncle. I will. Even though I am not sure in what way yet, it still feels like there are things I would like to be different. But you are right in that I need to get even stronger if I want to have any chance of succeeding.¡± After speaking, Kite took a thoughtful sip of tea, continuing as he thought of something else he wanted to discuss with his uncle. ¡°But speaking of changes¡­¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Walker asked, sensing a ripple of excitement in Kite¡¯s aura at the change of topic. ¡°Do you remember my thoughts of using at least some of the power made manifest by Sage to see if I could change things around me? Small things? Like-¡± ¡°Like sowing some seeds of karma and potential, hoping that they would grow to be beneficial both to you and the region?¡± Walker finished. ¡°I may be old, Kite, but your uncle does tend to remember such well-intended declarations. And it seems like you have started out to realize that ambition, no? With both Brook and that Sun-fellow.¡± Kite smiled as he couldn¡¯t help but feel a little bit validated by his uncle¡¯s acknowledgement. ¡°Yes. And I am happy that I did. For both of them. But the idea I would like to broach with you is a bit larger in scale.¡± ¡°Oho? Then this should be interesting,¡± Walker said, leaning forward to listen. ¡°Uncle, when I have traveled around the villages of the Autumn lands, do you know what I almost always hear?¡± ¡°The grumbling that adventurers seldom come around and that it was about time that you finally showed up?¡± ¡°Well, yes,¡± Kite admitted. ¡°But they also speak of a certain Brave Walker of Paths. Of how your constant travels across the region during these past years have made sure that they survived, or even thrived. From what Adelaide helped me glean from the adventure society¡¯s records, you have taken on the vast and absolute majority of any and all courier contracts here during the last two decades. Contracts that are vitally important to the villages of the area, but are often shunned by more martially inclined adventurers.¡± ¡°Well, little Kite, your uncle has worked hard, after all,¡± Walker replied, puffing out his chest in pride. ¡°And it shows,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°But from what Will has told me, the region does continue to grow. And while you remain the ever-benevolent pillar to help the region prosper, what will happen when it outgrows even your silver-ranked prowess? Or you find that pressing issues forces you to leave? If you want to continue to grow, but find the region lacking? Or, gods forbid, something happens to you?¡± Walker nodded along with his words. ¡°I see what you are getting at, little Kite, as it has troubled me as well. But you said it yourself; most adventurers want a different kind of life, and if they can grow strong enough, they will leave. Also, most adventurers are already people of means, as not everyone will just receive an inheritance of essences when they come of age,¡± Walker finished with a pointed, playful wink. ¡°Indeed, uncle,¡± Kite agreed, chuckling. ¡°But what if a certain little chick wanted to see if we could change that? Or at least, plant a seed with that potential?¡± To punctuate his words, Kite retrieved a tree essence from a spatial bag, plonking down the cube on the table. Unsurprisingly, a tree in full verdant splendor seemed to grow within. ¡°You know these lands better than anyone, uncle, and it should not surprise you that when Sage manifests an essence around here, it is often one of nature. With what I currently have, or should be able to trade for, I should be able to sponsor three iron-rankers with essences and some awakening stones to get them started. And I mean for these people to walk a path similar to yours, at least initially.¡± ¡°An interesting thought, little Kite,¡± Walker mused. ¡°But what is to stop these lucky individuals from just taking their good fortunes elsewhere? You can rarely, if ever, force a path upon a person.¡± ¡°Well, I have a certain adventure society director who owes me more than one favor,¡± Kite said, eyes twinkling. ¡°And he readily agreed to assist me with this venture. Because, uncle, I do not only wish to shove essences into strangers and leave it at that. I would like to form a guild. Gilded¡¯s first guild, in fact. And I would like to ask you to lead it.¡±
At Kite¡¯s mental assent, a vortex of colorful lights appeared, swiftly forming what turned out to be a shield. Its outward surface looked to be made of the same kind of stone which covered cliff spinners, unsurprising as Kite and his team had just exterminated not one pack of them, but five in quick succession. This made it rather unsurprising that his looting power manifested said shield, having easily been filled to capacity during the carnage. The shield even had a series of small spider legs which allowed it to clamp onto the arm of its wielder, or even scuttle around on its own if directed. ¡°A bit amusing, but it still goes into the ¡®Peony-pile¡¯,¡± Kite mused, depositing the item into a dimensional bag. Turning to the rest of the team resting up nearby, Kite walked over to sit down and join them. ¡°Anything interesting?¡± Whisper asked as Kite sat down. The older man had taken a great interest in both Kite¡¯s looting power and Sage¡¯s ability to cause manifestations. ¡°A shield, this time, but not one for my path,¡± Kite said, producing the item and handing it over for Whisper to inspect. ¡°But Fortune did smile upon me a bit more, as Sage helped produce both a web essence and an awakening stone of the spider.¡± ¡°Oh, splendid. Thank you once again for letting me record your powers for the paper I am writing,¡± Whisper said, happy as could be. Having spent more time together, Kite had learned that the older man was also a member of the local magic society, studying local magical manifestation patterns in addition to his work for the adventure society. Contrary to Whisper, Will did not look as pleased with the day¡¯s events. ¡°While I am happy for you, Kite, I still can¡¯t help feeling a bit frustrated that this has been the third lead which was either monsters or just nothing at all.¡± ¡°It was to be expected though, and we did the surrounding villages a favor too,¡± Kite countered, gesturing to the little cluster of cliffs surrounding them. Most were still covered with the crystalline webs of the cliff spinners, as the different groups of arachnids had started taking over the area. ¡°But they had such numbers¡­ How bad will the precursor signs get before the surge is actually upon us?¡± His question was more directed towards Whisper, the only one present who had been an essence-user during previous surges. ¡°I must admit that this feels very similar to what I have experienced just before previous surges,¡± Whisper noted as he too looked around. ¡°While the magic society does its best to predict the surge, it is still only a vague guideline at best. We better prepare that it could start any week now, rather than the months of the earlier estimates.¡± ¡°Which will make our own task all the harder,¡± Kite noted. ¡°While our contract is important, I would still be surprised if it made us exempt from surge-protocols.¡± ¡°Then we best press on!¡± Will exclaimed, rising. ¡°We have two more locations to investigate within a day¡¯s travel, after all.¡± Nodding along, Kite directed the group to mount up. Even without Grim and his portals, they could still make good time as one of Whisper¡¯s powers from his paper essence allowed him to create up to five lizard-like beings seemingly made from folded paper, making decent mounts as long as they were not forced into any combat scenario. This allowed both Will and Serene, lacking their own means of transportation, to not hold the group back in regards to travel speed. Over the following day, the group found yet another area where the suspected clues only turned out to be monsters, this time something so simple as iron-ranked rummager hounds who had manifested into packs large enough to brave sneaking into one particular village and stealing everything not nailed down. While the villagers had been supremely grateful for the group directing them to the large pile of missing things where the hounds had made their lair, this had done little to improve Will¡¯s mood. But the grouchy elf scion looked to receive a windfall the following day, when Whisper returned from a scouting trip. ¡°The leads in this area seem to be on the mark,¡± the older man said as he appeared at the edge of their camp, ripples of flowing ink dissipating around him as his shroud was broken. ¡°While quite well hidden, we seem to have a hideaway from Undeath¡¯s church here. At least my ritual indicated a significant concentration of death affinity mana.¡± ¡°Finally!¡± Will exclaimed, not needing to stay silent due to Serene¡¯s shroud of silence which she had the habit of always keeping around them as they traveled, allowing sound to enter but not exit. ¡°Any ideas of what to expect?¡± Kite asked Whisper, who shook his head. ¡°I did not dare go deeper by myself. While my shroud is decent, it does not make me enough of a specialist to perform solo-infiltrations.¡± ¡°Then we shall enter together, this time, staying shrouded for as long as possible before engaging,¡± Kite said, a bit of self-recrimination in his voice. ¡°It is better to make a decision and act in unison than stand paralyzed before the unknown,¡± Whisper pointed out. ¡°When those monsters started going more active, it was an understandable choice. How could you know that the beast masters had been engaged by a third party?¡± The comment related to Kite still being disappointed with himself for immediately wading into battle when the beast masters had called their packs back in the forests south of Gilded several days ago. While Whisper¡¯s words did console his conscience somewhat, Kite still couldn¡¯t help but wonder what might have happened if the Pain cultist had been forced to tangle with even more beasts. If she would have been able to escape at all- ¡°Rumination does little good while the present calls,¡± he inwardly chided himself, returning his focus to the task at hand. ¡°Then please shroud us and lead the way, Whisper. Me and Will at the front. Glint, please guard our backs and delay any ambushers. If Undeath¡¯s clergy is indeed hiding here, then we shall hopefully be able to bring along more prisoners as we return to Gilded.¡± Unlike the stone-shaped tunnels of the last hideout of Undeath¡¯s followers Kite had visited, this one was a series of natural caverns hidden behind a shrouding formation. Kite felt quite pleased that he had been able to both identify and disable the alarm formations accompanying those hiding the entrance, even though he knew that someone like Braid could accomplish the feat by sneezing. Creeping into the wet caverns, a trickle of water almost constantly running toward the entrance, Kite once more had the feeling of reliving the past as the cloying, chilling sense of death was all around them. Combined with the damp, stale air of the cavern, it took him back to Verdant steps and his first outing along with Serene. And rounding a corner, the sense of deja vu intensified manifold. ¡°It would seem like the scouts of the society missed an effigy in their sweeps after the war,¡± Kite murmured, peeking around the corner and into a larger cave. It was indeed the calcified, deathly effigy from his past, but over six additional months of growth had turned it into something else entirely. What had earlier looked like a gray-white dread tree in the process of growing now dominated the whole cavern, a central calcified pillar over two meters in diameter, with tendrils growing out along both the floor and ceiling. Every piece of it seemed to consist of the bones of previously living beings, making this the largest concentration of corpses Kite had seen so far in his career. But unlike the last two times Kite had faced such an effigy, the cavern around was also bustling with activity. The living dead, mostly zombies of different varieties but also a surprising number of necrotic piles of undulating flesh lined one of the walls. While they were only iron rank, a quick count showed that there were over three dozen of the undead minions. On the other side of the cavern, a small camp had been erected, complete with two tents and a small cooking area. Having so far remained unnoticed, the team could take their time to observe the trio of bronze-ranked essence users going about their business, one sitting down in what looked like prayer while the other two were busy with cleaning a skeleton through a simple magical ritual. All of the three had Undeath¡¯s symbol on prominent display, leaving no doubt as to their identity. Had there only been those present, Kite would have suggested an immediate assault. But from experience, he knew that something definitely awaited within the effigy as well. Retreating a bit back towards the cave entrance, the group stopped to discuss their options. ¡°While I will always entertain the option of a tactical retreat, it would not sit well with me to leave this behind. It feels like they are growing something here,¡± Kite said, voicing his feelings. ¡°I agree,¡± Serene chimed in. ¡°While I can sense several auras from within the effigy, there seems to be something more there. Something not yet finished.¡± ¡°But there are quite a lot of them,¡± Whisper noted. ¡°And the priests of Undeath are almost always prone to strengthen their lord¡¯s minions.¡± ¡°Then we strike them down. Simple and direct. Darkness cannot stand against my Heavenly shaft,¡± Will proclaimed. ¡°Besides, we have dealt with these unliving things before.¡± ¡°While true, we must still respect their power. And have a plan.¡± Kite¡¯s voice was grim, as the encounter also brought back memories from the war; the frantic battle-turned-ambush and the gut-wrenching fear for his uncle¡¯s life in the days that followed. ¡°And speaking of plans, I do have a suggestion.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dragonfly. They are still out on a contract. Left a few days ago,¡± Adelaide said, putting a consoling hand on the young woman¡¯s shoulder when seeing her dejected look. ¡°I understand,¡± Dragonfly sighed, having expected the answer. Returning to Gilded had felt great. Beyond great even, seeing the familiar streets and returning to her own little cabin next to the house owned by master Force. But her enthusiasm had been slightly dampened by each of her friend¡¯s usual hangouts being empty, Adelaide finally confirming it. ¡°Thank you anyway, Adelaide. It still feels great to be back,¡± Dragonfly said, giving the functionary a hug before leaving for the exit. ¡°There are always contracts here if you need a way to pass the time!¡± The functionary called after her, causing a laugh to bubble up from within Dragonfly as she only waved over her shoulder in response and exited out into the fresh summer air. ¡°Hopefully they are not in too much trouble,¡± she mumbled, before shaking her head. ¡°Who am I kidding? Of course they are.¡± Looking out over Gilded from the vantage of the seventh peak, Dragonfly could all but envision her friends; Kite¡¯s solid stability as he dissolved the magic and strength of their foes. Will, myriad spears already striking out towards their foes. And Serene, so calm and placid that you barely noticed here, yet always present through wind, renewal and sonic death. ¡°You all better not be doing overly exciting things without me!¡± Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s Reflection called out into the empty air of the early summer evening. 97. Ardent ¡°I really wish Dragonfly was here.¡± It was not the first time that the thought had crossed Kite¡¯s mind during the last minute, and said minute had been rather intense. Before the aforementioned minute, the cave had been almost completely silent save for the slight sound of the breeze and the murmurs of the three priests of Undeath. The serenity was now but a memory, replaced by the cacophony of chanted spells, battlecries, Serene¡¯s songs and the crackling, meaty sound of bodies breaking. Fortunately for Kite and his team, so far it had only been the cadaverous undead who had contributed to the last part, but they all knew that matters would in all probability remain quite tense for a little while longer. Kite was currently engaging all three of the priests, as was his assigned role in the battle. Around , and often above, Will engaged the four guardians of the effigy as he danced through the air on conjured spears which were constantly harassing the bronze-ranked undead. Like the ones they had faced before, these four also emerged from the effigy itself and remained tethered to it, but the spread of the calcified dark monument meant that they could also move a bit onto the floor and ceiling as well. Back at the door, Glint and Whisper worked to contain what iron-ranked undead remained after the group¡¯s initial surprise attack while Serene did her utmost to assist everyone as needed. Knowing that they would be outnumbered, the group had prioritized the smaller undead minions in their opening salvo, Serene casting two of her hurricane spells in quick succession to bunch as many of them as possible together and up against the wall before Kite, Will and Whisper all unleashed what area attacks they could. In Kite¡¯s case, he had gifted a charge from Potential of Stolen Power to Sage, allowing the familiar to unleash its torrent of chain-detonating magical blasts. In addition to Will¡¯s volley of conjured spears which detonated into burst of smaller spears and a few detonating talismans from Whisper, it had left around half of the group dead or too injured to effectively move. But while taken by surprise, their enemies¡¯ responses had been swift, the priests directing the forces that remained to engage while healing and improving their capabilities. That was why Kite had prioritized breaking through the lesser undead and rushing the priests while the effigy¡¯s guardians were still emerging. Fighting one on three was often a taxing venture, but still preferable to what would happen if the group had been forced to a stop at the beginning with the dark clergy free to utilize their spells at will. Even though he could observe the struggles of his comrades through his expanded vision, Kite was still forced to direct most of his attention to the battle at hand. Two of the priests were actively fighting, one wielding a wicked sickle while the other fired ethereal blasts with a wand, while their final comrade was instead stuck struggling with an enthusiastic growing blue flower which was greedily burying into the man¡¯s personal mana shield while he tried warding it off with bursts of necrotic energies. Kite sent a thought of thanks to both Peony and Fortune; the first in gratitude for the seed-like dagger producing said flower, and the latter in thanks that the priest had not yet realized that just deactivating the barrier would work to dislodge the barrier-eating lotus. ¡°Life to unlife!¡± The wand-wielder once more chanted his spell, laying on more of the necrotic affliction which Kite could currently feel eating away at his life-force and flesh. It was a most uncomfortable sensation of icy numbness, but Kite still endured as it was not yet time to counteract it. Fortunately, this left his foe hanging back as he simultaneously tried attacking Kite and bolstering the undead of the cave, leaving both tasks rather poorly performed. Kite blocked another of the sickle-wielders reaping special attacks, Pattern-shattering Counter dispersing the foul energies as it came into contact with his staff, the wicked weapon stopped dead while Kite¡¯s fist connected with the man¡¯s face. His gauntleted punch contained both the mana-draining power of Chakra Implosion and his Disrupting Strike, not the first such strike to land during this exchange. ¡°There is something poetic that you drain my spirit as I drain your life,¡± his opponent, a human man with sharp features, noted as he leapt back from Kite¡¯s counterattack with his swung staff only to be forced to raise a hasty barrier of conjured, spinning sickles to absorb the attack projected in the wake of the swing. ¡°But I still insist on the futility of your actions. You are merely a lone bronze-ranker, while my spirit is buoyed by lord Undeath himself.¡± ¡°Oh? Then I suppose I will now find out if even a dark god like Undeath can be annoyed by my path,¡± Kite replied, surprised to enjoy the verbal exchange while he fought. ¡°And I have it on good authority that it is most annoying indeed.¡± Following his words, Kite once more went on the offensive, a series of projected attacks further tearing through the priest¡¯s defenses through feint, dispel, or just pure persistence. Each of the attacks carried the blue outline of Cleave the Spirit, leaving the priest¡¯s body unmarred as they severed the mana within. Kite wanted to press the attack further, but things took a turn as the wand-wielder seemed to have had enough. ¡°A life reaped, decay made manifest!¡± With no projectile to intercept or dispel, Kite just had to accept the intense flare of pain as the afflictions within him intensified, rapidly multiplying. As the priest then proceeded to shout: ¡°Prepare to become a vessel for our lord¡¯s glorious creations!¡± Kite understood that it was indeed time to act. ¡°The final-¡± The Undeath-priest had but begun his chant as Kite¡¯s cloak suddenly dropped from his shoulders, all of the afflictions following it down to the cavern floor. ¡°-touch of the grave upon thee!¡± What would probably have been a finisher of some kind now just sent an unpleasant tingle through Kite¡¯s body, the afflictions which had built up being actively repurposed even as the fight continued. Kite did take some satisfaction in the man¡¯s surprised stare, but the wand-wielder was not his target. Even while the third priest had just figured out that deactivating his mana shield did indeed cause the Boundary-devouring Lotus to fall from him, Kite used an empowered leap to close the distance even as he simultaneously projected a slash with his sword toward the sickle-wielder and had Sage use a saved charge to help him recover. As expected, the projected sword slash was once more deflected by the same wall of sickles, the sharp barrier dissolving just in time for Kite¡¯s actual staff to connect with the man in a vicious swing. Chakra Implosion, further boosted by Potential of Stolen Power as well as Void-Sunders-Firmament, tore into the man as all of the force connected directly with the priest¡¯s spiritual reserve. The man staggered, wide-eyed and shaking from the first blow. Then the echo hit him, and he dropped to the floor unconscious, looking for all the world as if Kite had literally cleaved the spirit out of him. This left both of the other priests focusing solely on the combat-oriented presence in both of their quite supportively-focused midst, and with their attention fully on Kite, things started tipping more and more steadily in the adventurers¡¯ favor as another two minutes ticked by. Whisper clearing out the last of the iron-ranked undead meant that Will, who had been quite pressured by the four wraith-like guardians of the effigy, suddenly got even more support and reprieve. Just as Kite managed to drop the wand-wielder as well after a brutal and relentless series of attacks, both projected and physical, Will¡¯s typical war-cry rang out throughout the cave. ¡°Heavenly Shaft; Darkness penetrator!¡± One of the wraiths being blown apart by the grand holy lance further alleviated any concern Kite might have had for the conflict going on around the effigy. A series of swift jabs towards the last remaining priest had the man instinctively activate his mana shield again. Where the lotus had lain rather inactive nearby, it suddenly sensed its source of nourishment return, several plant-tendrils shooting back to once more burrow into the shield. Distracted by the flower, the small life-draining fungal colony which had grown from Kite¡¯s fallen cape as well as the bronze-ranked adventurer himself, it did not take overly long before the final priest fell, accompanied by the sound of Serene¡¯s channeled finisher, a discordant dirge being the last the man heard before unconsciousness claimed him as well. ¡°Well, I must admit that it went better than I had hoped,¡± Whisper admitted as the team regrouped around Kite and the prisoners, now collared and bound. ¡°I had at least expected the struggle for control of the battle would be longer.¡± ¡°It does help that we have fought these particular foes during the war,¡± Kite noted. ¡°And that an undead without guidance remains significantly weaker than its rank implies,¡± Will chimed in. ¡°I believe that Grim would be a bit troubled had he heard such sentiment from you, my friend,¡± Kite noted, Will only snorting in response. ¡°This is at least one less seed of malice left behind to fester,¡± Serene chimed in, looking up at the effigy. ¡°So far, it has been Dragonfly who has brought these ones down. Who will do the honors this time?¡± In the end, they decided to share said honor for the sake of expediency, gathering up the usual death essence as well as two equally death-aspected awakening stones found among the remains of the effigy. Then, with the three unconscious prisoners and everything of note from the priests¡¯ camp collected, Kite and his team began the three-day long journey back towards Gilded. And during that very return trip, like an unexpected herald bringing ill tidings, the monster surge began.
¡°Of course I had to go and say it,¡± Jarvan Lancaire, director of Gilded¡¯s adventure society branch, grumbled sourly as he looked toward some far away heaven only he could see. ¡°Fortune, is this the thanks for never including you in my little tirades? Because I did specifically leave you out to stop things like this from happening. To not make you mad and all that. Then why, oh why did the surge decide to be this early?¡± ¡°You are aware that the surge is still technically later than usual, even if it was earlier than the predictions? And that it is a phenomenon so far outside of our hands that you might as well be screaming to the skies to- oh wait, never mind,¡± deputy director Rupert noted with a smirk on his leonine face even as he was readying himself to go out and start directing the slightly frantic efforts of the society to enact the surge protocols. ¡°You being correct does not help alleviate the matter that I still have a local bloody sect basically on the verge of seceding. If they all start ignoring our contracts and orders during the surge, people will suffer for it!¡± Jarvan snapped, but regained his composure at Rupert¡¯s raised eyebrow. ¡°I am sorry, old friend. That was uncalled for.¡± ¡°Do not worry, Jarvan,¡± the leonid said accompanied by a supportive nudge of aura. ¡°But I would advise you to try and remember not to start ¡®killing the messengers¡¯. We have few enough of them as things stand.¡± ¡°What? Why would I-¡± Jarvan began before the wordplay hit home. ¡°Oh, very funny!¡± he called after his deputy as the leonid left his office, sending a final self-satisfied smirk his way before closing the double doors. Sitting back in his chair, Jarvan shook his head with a smile. ¡°Whatever would I do without him?¡± he asked nobody in particular, before his gaze happened to land on a map of the area, spread out on his desk. Seeing the name ¡°Descending Star sect¡± marking the location of their compound caused the frown to return in full force. ¡°While I normally do not mind the thought of personally wrangling the lot of you back in line, this is certainly not the best time. So please, please, do not do something too stupid,¡± he urged the little unassuming mark on the map, nursing the ever so faint hope that reason would win out, just this once.
¡°So, cousin, you finally reveal your hand. I had not hoped you capable of such betrayal, even prayed to the gods for it not to be so. But yet you stand here before me, proving my hopes to be in vain.¡± Sect leader Comet Banishing Clouds was standing very, very still in his office, but the building fury rolling off his aura was plain for all of those present to feel, even causing an iron-ranked junior elder to have to flee the room. ¡°Sect leader, please see reason. I have only urged those willing to actually let the church of the Healer examine them-¡± Grand elder Meridians of the Sky protested, once more trying to explain but once more getting interrupted. ¡°Oh, I can see your reasons, cousin. You met with those nosy clergymen behind my back, against my express order not to do so. What aid did they offer once you had supplanted me? What rewards would you have for being their puppet?¡± ¡°Cousin, you know that is not true. Please-¡± ¡°Oh, now it is ¡®cousin¡¯ as well? Am I not the sect leader in your eyes anymore? So assured of your victory? Did you bide your time until now when the surge began to have a better chance?!¡± The last word came out as a shout as the sect leader¡¯s aura started becoming slightly unstable. Grand elder Meridian had kept her peace until now, and had tried her very best to persuade her cousin up until this moment, the very end. But him literally screaming into her face in front of the other grand elder and the elders still remaining at the compound was the final straw. ¡°A true sect leader would actually keep the interest of the sect¡¯s members at heart, cousin, not just his own monolithic pride!¡± The dam, so long kept in place, had started to break. And like the flow of water eroding what was left, so too did the words flow ever easier. ¡°You are not yourself, and have not been for too long. The man you once were, that our uncle raised, would not be here screaming like a paranoid madman seeing every threat to his authority like some grand betrayal. I have heard what they found in the Victorious Sunset sect, and your actions these last weeks has made me sure of at least one thing; that you have succumbed.¡± Sect leader Comet had, contrary to what she had believed, remained silent during Meridian¡¯s tirade. And as silence fell over the room, his lips, previously only a thin line, slowly turned upwards into an intense smile. ¡°Thank you, cousin,¡± he finally said, voice down to normal speaking tone for the first time during this encounter. ¡°Thank you, for making this easy.¡± Meridian felt the chill of resigned realization as he emphasized the last word just a bit too much, and she knew what was to come. ¡°Meridians of the Sky,¡± the sect leader continued,¡± I hereby declare you a traitor to our sect and all that it has honorably stood for since the time of its founding. You are stripped of your rank, and will be detained and questioned. If you resist, it will only be to your detriment. Seize her!¡± If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Meridian felt at least a little bit of schadenfreude as his order was met with a slight hesitation from the other grand elder and the gathered bronze-ranked elders. But she did not intend to stay and enjoy it further. ¡°Inevitable celestial passage.¡± Meridian¡¯s spell had just enough time to take effect, her form dissolving into a rapid-moving stream of pale moonlight, flickering sunlight and glimmering stars which moved towards and through the closed doors of the sect leader¡¯s office. A mere instant later, Piece of Heaven, the axe that was the symbol of office for the Descending Star sect¡¯s leader since the time of its founding, swept through where she had once stood, the alabaster axehead trailing a tail of stars. Outside the office, Meridian did not take the path of the actual corridor, forsaking it to instead go right out the closest window. Her form of the celestial stream meant that her passing was gentle and silent as she flew out into the chill evening air, fleeing out into the air over the innermost courtyards of the sect compound. Another moment later, the previously spared window was brutally shattered as the sect leader exploded from within, every ounce of his silver-ranked speed being mustered in pursuit of his fleeing cousin. As her movement skill came to an end, a pair of wings made of clusters of stars materialized along with her form, as did a pair of floating chakrams manifest to intercept the brutal swing of the axe already heading her way. The weapons were edged rings about a meter across, one blazing with the stark light of the sun while the other shone with the pale inevitability of the moon. Meridian had always felt a great deal of pride in the visual aspect of her path, all of her essences on full display as the sun, moon and stars formed the unified whole that was the sky. But at that very moment, her floating celestial chakrams felt rather inadequate to stop her cousin¡¯s set of might, potent and star, his onslaught confluence on full display as the strike sent even Meridian¡¯s deftly controlled chakrams flying off into the distance. ¡°I only need to escape the sect grounds and its teleportation anchor-¡± she thought while she frantically dodged a charging special attack from the sect leader, him flying through the air like his namesake. Meridian only partially succeeded, and was left with a chunk of her torso being blown away by the axe¡¯s passing, but she let the pain spur her to further heights as she started racing upward. In the chase that had ensued, Meridian did possess one advantage; her cousin had no power to enable flight, and no time to deploy his flying artifact. Still, it did not feel that way as Comet swiftly landed at the house of a nearby building, roof tiles cracking in a small detonation as he pushed off into another leap towards her. But this time, Meridian had already prepared her counterattack. ¡°Weight of the skies rain down upon you!¡± A small shower of conjured meteors rained down toward the ascending sect leader, followed by a larger projectile bigger than either of the fighters. Unfortunately, her delaying tactic did not pay the dividends that she had hoped, as a swing of Comet¡¯s meteoric axe scattered the smaller projectiles and the backswing all but cleaved the larger in two. Meridian winced slightly as the deflected projectiles fell around the sect compound, as she could only hope that the collateral damage would not claim any lives. Deciding that it was time, Meridian activated her magical tattoo to reset one of her spent spells, shooting off as another streak of celestial light to dodge yet another swing, even though the shockwave of disrupting force it created greatly harmed her incorporeal shape. ¡°You will not escape, traitorous trash!¡± Comet called as he once more shot after her. Meridian, feeling that she was getting close to the upper limit of the sect compound¡¯s arrays, decided that she had to employ yet another of her more destructive means. ¡°Fortune, please spare those below from our folly!¡± she thought, as she chanted another spell. ¡°Convergence of celestial judgment!¡± Her cousin was once more on his way towards her, but Comet did seem to realize what would follow as he heard her words, a barrier quickly forming out of what looked like crystalline shards. On her end, Meridian¡¯s two chakrams and the stars of her wings had all floated to line up between her and her cousin. As her chant finished, a single and rather small mote of light had appeared between her hands. It shot off to pass through the first ring of stars, gaining a deeper glow and speeding up significantly as it passed. The same happened with the other two, turning the small projectile into a streak of light too fast for even the combatant¡¯s silver-ranked perceptions to properly follow. The streak of light impacted the sect-leader¡¯s barrier, piercing through almost instantly, doing likewise with Comet¡¯s chest before continuing downwards. Even as she saw her cousin being flung back, the explosion below as her most powerful spell impacted the cliffs and compound below almost made her lose track of him, his falling form lost in the flare of magical destruction. A few seconds later, Meridian felt a tingling sensation as she passed out through the invisible border of the sect arrays. Looking down at the destruction below, this time Meridian knew for sure that the members of the sect would not have been left unscathed, the mere thought weighing heavily on her heart. But still, she was left thankful for two things. First, that Comet had not had the time to exclude her from the sect array¡¯s list of trusted people, as having to fight her way through the old and emplaced magical defenses would not have been easy even without her cousin hot on her heels. And secondly, Meridian felt relieved that all of the people she knew and trusted were already back in Gilded, having gradually left the compound for the city on her urging over the last few days. With many still actively seeking contracts, it had not been noted down as anything out of the ordinary. As far as Meridian knew, most if not all of them should be in the process of being examined by the church of the Healer by now, which was especially important as the announcement had gone out the very day before; that the monster surge had officially started. ¡°May our sect still remain after your actions in the upcoming weeks, cousin,¡± Meridians of the Sky, no longer the grand elder of the Descending Star sect, thought. Then she vanished, teleporting to Gilded, and to a future most uncertain.
Standing in line at the now quite crowded adventure society campus, Kite¡¯s tired mind was idly pondering better ways to ship collared essence-users back through days of wilderness. ¡°Managing them physically is one thing, but surely it must be possible to make collars which also silence them?¡± He thought as he waited in line. Fortune had at least smiled upon them in that the prisoner¡¯s themselves had been taken care of quite expediently upon arrival, but there still remained paperwork and other bureaucratic procedures that he as team leader for their temporary grouping had to finish up. ¡°Thank you, adventurer,¡± the frazzled functionary absently thanked him, glancing down at a list after having finished with the final document. ¡°According to the schedule, you and your group are given one day of leave before contracts will be assigned to you again. Please be-¡± That was when Kite¡¯s mind filtered out the functionary¡¯s words, nodding along and absently thanking the man as he turned and made his way back towards the exit. Not the closest set of doors though, but another further away, through which a familiar aura had entered. One that he was familiar enough with, intimately being an even more appropriate word, to recognize even among the spiritual clamor of the large number of adventurers present. ¡°Dragonfly!¡± His friend and lover, apparently not having sensed him until he drew closer, barely had the time to do more than turn towards Kite before he enveloped her in a fierce hug, his approach greatly expedited by activating the enchantment on his boots. ¡°Kite!¡± Dragonfly managed to get out between equal parts elated laughter and returning the hug. ¡°That is supposed to be my move! Can¡¯t a girl leave for more than a few months before you start encroaching upon my hug-territory!¡± Eventually separating as they had started drawing annoyed glances of the other one¡¯s waiting in line, Dragonfly all but carried Kite off to the side where they were not an obstacle to the proceedings. Surge protocols, and all that. ¡°Kite! It¡¯s so good to see you! And wow, bronze-rank has surely treated you well! Have you gotten taller? And- Is that a scar?!¡± Dragonfly seemed to be torn between talking and just attempting to take him in, and Kite had to do the same. Being apart for a few months always tended to bring a certain sense of unfamiliarity for most people, and with both of them having literally had parts of their appearance being improved upon only heightened that feeling. Dragonfly still had the same features, but like Kite¡¯s own they had grown more defined. While still on the shorter side, her frame had become even more toned and defined to the sleek athleticism shown by many bronze-rankers. Kite had always found her very pretty, even though he knew that she would be considered on the average side by most people, and ranking up had only defined it even further. The prettiness was still there, as were the freckles, but there was a whole new level of intensity to her gaze and presence, even noticeable in the pink curls of her hair as they seemed to just have become more; both in depth of color and actual volume. ¡°You like what you see?¡± It was only then that Kite realized that he had been staring a bit too long and too silently, and Dragonfly still seemed to find him being slightly flustered as amusing as she had in the past. But Kite had a surefire way to counterattack on that front. ¡°Honestly, Dragonfly, I did not think that your mere presence could convey the beauty and passion I know resides within you any further or more clearly. Oh, was I proven wrong.¡± His words caused her to freeze up for a moment, before the ever so satisfying full-body blush that was her trademark overtook her. ¡°Curse you, Kite, and your irresistible earnestness!¡± She cried, half hiding her face behind her hair. ¡°I thought that bronze-rank would come with some sort of increased mental defense or something against such tactics!¡± ¡°Then I would once again call us even,¡± Kite said with a pleased smile. ¡°Uh huh.¡± She said, giving him an assessing look. ¡°But you know that there¡¯s plenty more evening out to do, right? There has been quite a score built up between us during these past months. One that we should definitely settle.¡± Kite looked at her blankly for a short while, his mind deciphering her words as realization made him go; ¡°Oh!¡± ¡°As long as you still want to-¡± ¡°Yes. Yes indeed. And I assume you-¡± ¡°Oh yes. Over half a year, Kite. Half a year!¡± ¡°Then follow me, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite said, with mock formality even though he knew that his growing anticipation must have been quite visible in his eyes. ¡°The lines will still be here waiting for us tomorrow.¡±
The two guards at the gates of the city lord¡¯s palace in Gilded both jolted to attention as a flash of light left a wounded silver-ranker standing before them on the cobbled pathway up at the First peak. Gilded was not affluent enough to afford a city-wide teleportation array to form the plazas so common in many parts of the world, but the more affluent building complexes were individually shielded as well. That was one of the reasons for Meridians of the Sky to appear outside the gate to request entry and audience, the other being that she was currently very motivated not to cause any more diplomatic incidents this evening. ¡°I- uh- state your purpose!¡± One of the guards called, the other already having activated the nearby formation to alert those within the gates of the new arrival. Where Meridian might once have taken offense at not being recognized and acknowledged, such thoughts were currently far removed from her, as they had been ever since the war ended if she had to be honest with herself. ¡°I am gra- Meridians of the Sky, and come seeking an urgent audience with the city lord, both for me and for those following me.¡± The two guards seemed a bit surprised by her almost pleading tone, but had no time to answer before a glass archway rose beside the gate, a proper-looking elven man in dark, fitted roves stepping through and bowing towards Meridian. ¡°Mistress Meridians of the Sky. The city lord will see you right away. If you would please step through here,¡± the manservant said while gesturing towards the portal. Meridian could sense his bronze-rank, but also that the portal would allow her to go through. Straightening despite her wounds, she nodded. ¡°Then please lead the way,¡± she said, allowing the elf to pass first as to not have the portal close behind her and leaving him to walk back. Part of Meridian still screamed caution, as the portal could technically lead anywhere within the city and its surroundings. But the urgency of the situation forced her to stomach the risks. As the dizziness of portalling washed over her, Meridian still did her best to take in her new surroundings. She was in a richly decorated dining hall, with servants hastily setting the table for one more to eat. A family of elves were currently in the middle of their dinner, one silver-ranker and seven bronze. Meridian immediately recognized the city lord, Indomitable March of Glaciers, assuming the rest of those gathered to be his wife and six children. ¡°Welcome, mistress,¡± lord Indomitable spoke calmly, obviously ignoring the fact of their interrupted dinner. ¡°Please, have a seat and join us. From your¡­ condition, it would seem that we have a lot to discuss.¡±
¡°I knew it would be good to be back. But- heavens, was it good to be back,¡± Dragonfly purred while stretching languidly beside Kite on her bed. ¡°The heavens would surely strike me down as a cursed liar if I did not admit to thoroughly sharing that sentiment,¡± Kite said with a chuckle, snuggling closer to her. ¡°I must admit that I thought that you might have at least found a few other ¡®practice partners¡¯ during your time away. Waiting has not always been your strong suit, after all, but your eagerness hinted at that not being the case.¡± His cheeky comment earned him a withering look, Dragonfly¡¯s expression souring. ¡°If there had been anyone who felt right, I might have considered it. But all of those I met in passing were such snobs, even the other outcasts. Barely deigned acknowledging my presence, me being just some ¡®country bumpkin¡¯. And you know that I really want to feel safe with someone before trying out this kind of ¡®practice¡¯,¡± she noted. ¡°True, true,¡± Kite admitted, hugging her closer. ¡°And yet another sentiment I share.¡± ¡°No luck for you either then, I take it?¡± ¡°I must admit that I was quite otherwise occupied, so the subject didn¡¯t really come up. Well, had the fates wanted another path for me in life, it might have. Because I met Brook again.¡± ¡°What? Your ex?¡± Dragonfly asked, perking up with interest. ¡°Now, this I need to hear!¡± Knowing that he would not get out of telling the story again, and honestly not minding to share with Dragonfly, Kite once more relayed the story of his unexpected reunion with his first love. As he finished, Dragonfly regarded him. ¡°So, are you really okay with it then? How it ended?¡± Kite was surprised at the somberness of her expression, but realized that she also knew of what the forced separation of the past had left within him. ¡°I do. Truly,¡± he said, nodding. ¡°In a way, it feels good to have that particular thread of fate not dangling loose anymore. As if it is now resolved, and has been settled properly. But thank you, Dragonfly.¡± ¡°For what?¡± ¡°For taking the time to ask,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll have you know that I do care about you, Kite,¡± she protested, only for Kite¡¯s smile to turn into a chuckle. ¡°Now that, Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s Reflection, has never been in doubt. You are good at caring.¡± ¡°Damn right I am,¡± she said, sounding pleased as she snuggled into Kite¡¯s chest once more. ¡°But you haven¡¯t told me too much about your stay down south. Near Convergence was it?¡± Kite asked. ¡°Except for the people, that is.¡± ¡°Oh, otherwise it was pretty great. So many contracts, and I can¡¯t wait to show you how much I have grown in the sparring arena. I even took a lot of chances to fight in some clashes too. Lost a few, but won even more.¡± she said triumphantly, proceeding to tell him more about the different duels and some of the monsters she had fought. ¡°Well, it does indeed sound like I have to see how strong you have become,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°But it will probably be the monsters that are at the receiving end for now. The director might become cross with us if we waste too much energy dueling one another when there is a surge going on.¡± ¡°Our first surge¡­¡± Dragonfly said, almost dreamily. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to get out there. Do you think that Will and Serene will want to join us as well?¡± Realizing that he had not yet gotten to explaining their current affairs, Kite could only chuckle at her question. ¡°My dear, ardent Dragonfly. I do believe that there is an offer to join in on a certain contract that you will find hard to decline.¡± 98. Seeds ¡°How is the situation out there?¡± ¡°It is the surge, dear Rupert. I imagine that you have a vague idea,¡± Frost among Morning Dew remarked from where she walked besides the deputy director, having just arrived back at the adventure society campus. Both were currently on their way to the director¡¯s office, but neither seemed to be in too much of a rush. ¡°While that may be the case, mistress, I would like to point out that this is my first surge not directly on the front lines.¡± Rupert retorted, an eyebrow raised at his companion while he kept his professional veneer, even if the facade cracked slightly soon thereafter when Dew spoke again. ¡°Mistress? That is quite far away from the titles you gave me the last time we had a quiet moment together.¡± ¡°Dew, please, I need to keep at least a bit of prof-¡± Rupert tried to backpedal, but the woman at his side continued punishing this little slip-up as relentlessly as her way of fighting. ¡° ¡®Splendid image of perfection¡¯ was quite flattering, and while ¡®the unparalleled glimmer before the sunrise¡¯ was a bit wordy, the sentiment behind it was quite sweet,¡± Dew said, keeping her collected facade while Rupert¡¯s continued cracking as they passed functionaries hurrying to their different assignments. At her companion¡¯s silence, Dew turned her head to look at him. ¡°Why, Rupert, are you blushing there beneath all the fur? Have you started regretting actually asking me to share that bottle of wine after the war?¡± Her tone remained cool but Rupert could see the mischievous glint in her pale eyes. Chuckling, the leonid shook his head in defeat. ¡°Oh I would be lying if I claimed any regret, dear Dew. While you are as sharp as the ice you wield, I have it on good authority that the chill does recede at times in the eternal winter that is your path. And all of you truly comes together to perfection.¡± His words elicited a small, satisfied smile on Dew¡¯s blue lips as they drew close to the director¡¯s office. ¡°Fortune favored me in meeting you on the way here, Rupert. I must admit that it feels good to get a moment to smile, even in times like this. Or as I bring tidings such as these.¡± ¡°So, they-¡± ¡°Yes, Rupert. They did,¡± Dew said, with a shake of her head as she pushed open the doors to Jarvan¡¯s office. Her next words were spoken loudly enough so that all of those present could hear. ¡°The Descending Star sect has officially seceded from the adventure society. At least those that remain after your departure, gra- I mean, mistress Meridian.¡± Present in Jarvan¡¯s office was the director himself, seated behind his large desk. With him were Meridians of the Sky as well as high priest Bringer of the Tranquil, gathered to receive the very news that Dew was bringing back with her. At Dew¡¯s words, the former grand elder seemed to deflate for just a moment before catching herself. The director himself shook his head while the high priest just looked sad. ¡°I¡­¡± Jarvan began, trailing off. After a short moment of steadying himself, he began anew. ¡°I see. While their last three days of not responding to any contract sent to the sect compound, the outcome was no surprise, but having it confirmed is still important. Thank you, mistress Dew, for undertaking the contract. Were you accosted while carrying it out?¡± ¡°No, the grand elder to whom I spoke was quite polite, although he was also stressing the point of the sect not taking kindly to further interference in their affairs quite a lot. As did he once more point out that alleged traitors to the sect would receive their due punishment in time.¡± As Dew conveyed the last part of the message, she looked at Meridian. ¡°It seems like you and your people will have to tread carefully going forward. Assuming that clearing your people for further contracts is going well?¡± ¡°It is, Healer be praised,¡± high priest Bringer asked, entering the conversation. ¡°We have discovered but a few cases of the mind taint among those who left with mistress Meridian, and are quite sure that we are facing the same phenomenon as was found with the Victorious Sunset sect. The process should be done in a week at most, with more of the adventurers being cleared to go back to the field every day now.¡± ¡°That is something to be grateful for, at least,¡± Jarvan said, looking grim. ¡°But I will not lie; effectively losing command of just under a third of the area¡¯s essence-users would be disastrous in the best of times, and now we have the surge to contend with as well. I find it hard to believe that the adventure society will let such a thing stand after the surge is over, other politics be damned. I sure as the depths will not hesitate to lay each and every casualty at the feet of your cousin. And should I receive word of even a single one of those who chose to leave being accosted by the sect while the surge is still ongoing, the response will be swift. And personal.¡± The last words were accompanied by a ripple in Jarvan¡¯s aura, clearly hinting of danger. ¡°I- Thank you, director,¡± Meridian said, bowing slightly. ¡°While I know that we have not always seen eye to eye in the past, me and mine will have to submit ourselves into your care. As such, I will be ever grateful.¡± ¡°Oh, do not thank me too much yet, mistress Meridian,¡± Jarvan said. ¡°While it was a boon that almost a quarter of the sect warriors chose to heed your advice and come here, there is still a lot of slack to pick up in the wake of your cousin¡¯s less than wise decision. I will aim to work you and your people as hard as every other adventurer under my command.¡±
¡°Heavenly Shaft; Thrusts of Exalted Celerity!¡± ¡°Kyyyyaaaaah!¡± Compared to Will¡¯s clarion battlecry as he landed among the galezard swarm, his glowing spear but a blur of golden lines as more and more conjured javelins were shot outwards in all directions, Dragonfly¡¯s wordless roar was more true to her passionate self. Having also made her descent a violent one, her twin greataxes were already moving in her spinning special attack, with the one made from smoldering metal, given to her by Kite, in a firm grip while her conjured one made from solid flames made its own spinning orbit around her. While the iron-ranked galezards fell in droves before them, their rather frail bodies breaking under the bronze-ranked onslaught, Kite still had trouble getting over the sheer number of monsters he was currently facing along with his friends. Galezards usually manifested in packs of somewhere between six to ten, sometimes with bigger bronze-ranked specimens appearing as well. Before his friends had initiated their assault of the monsters, Kite¡¯s first rough estimate told him that there were at least forty of the iron-ranked monsters present, with three of the bronze-ranked alphas in attendance. As such, closing the distance had been a bit of a challenge in itself, but a dispelling wave from Kite timed with Serene assisting her friends in closing the distance had seen both Will and Dragonfly safely cross the distance. Or at least as safe as one could be when approaching close to half a hundred monsters shooting wind blades toward you. But the initial assault was only part of the plan, as Kite followed in the wake of his friends, already casting another spell. ¡°Wall!¡± The barriers of leyline warding started appearing around the battlefield among the trees in the forests of the autumn lands, one of his favored tactics of spreading out the panes of force to complicate the battlefield once more put into use. This ¡®forest within the forest¡¯ helped to further reduce the attacks coming their way as finding a clear line of fire for the monsters became just that much harder. The speed-increasing enchantment of his boots already active, Kite dove into the fray after his friends. His spear, blade and staff were all brought forth in a stream of attacks and moves to intercept projectiles as he quickly made his way towards his own targets; the alphas. Because if it was a point that the surge had so far driven home in Kite, it was that a huge number of weaker enemies were not his fort¨¦. While he had some alternatives, his most potent ones were all depending on the battle progressing a bit to unleash Potential of Stolen Power, either through the sweeping strike of Void-Sunders-Firmament or the scattered rain of energy unleashed by Sage. However, with both Will and Dragonfly much better suited to handle quantities, Kite instead went about his task to grab the attention of the quality. A projected strike from his sword carrying the sundering void impacted one of the bronze-ranked alphas, the rending force detonating part of its back and shoulders. Shrieking in pain, the monster sent a small storm of wind blades toward Kite¡¯s position, although the hastily aimed projectiles scattered upon the barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding as Kite was already mid-swing in his next attack, his staff appearing to deliver another projected swing to the next alpha. After another swift sidestep, the third and final attack of the series was delivered to the final alpha, leaving Kite as the focus of the trio. Throughout his short career, Kite had learned that retaining a monster¡¯s attention on you was not an easy thing, being both a consequence of action and circumstance. Dealing a lot of damage and identifying yourself while doing so would usually leave a monster wanting to handle the nuisance, but even just in the step up from iron to bronze-rank there had been a notable increase in the intelligence among some monsters. Surprisingly to Kite, the vortex of Spirit Singularity had proven one of the most effective tools for the job, truly seeming to be as annoying as auntie Crow had predicted there in the beginning of him stepping into the world of magic. As such, his twin vortices and constant harassing of the three bronze-ranked monsters managed to get the job done, even among the constant madness of wind projectiles, unleashed attacks and falling pieces of foliage or shards of bark flying as the landscape around Kite was torn up. His goal was to delay and engage as many of them as possible at once rather than an efficient takedown of numbers. The whole experience would surprisingly enough turn out to become an optimal moment for Kite to continue his work on the combat meditation he had been touching on during the months that had passed, the constant motion and numerous opponents putting further strain on his mind as Kite strained to shift and filter information as needed while acting decisively enough to make a difference. With Serene close by, Kite did not need to dedicate as much attention to his allies, instead focusing on letting his spiritual senses and attention float out from him in a gradually expanding circle to complement his encompassing field of vision. It was Phiona who had started the process of drilling Kite in the art of trying to let the physical and spiritual merge like this, and she had so far praised his efforts even though she had warned the process of mastery to be a long one, stretching up to silver rank and beyond. Still, Kite could but marvel as the unshielded auras of his foes let him, at times, start to glean just a hint of their intent. An alpha whose attention was about to stray got some extra attention to keep its focus on Kite. A stray projectile was intercepted by a dispelling counterattack before threatening to strike Will from behind. One time, Kite even used his smaller barrier to shield Dragonfly from a rather sizable piece of falling tree, knowing full well that the obstacle would not hurt her in the slightest but still taking the opportunity to practice. The process was not perfect, his focus sometimes rocked by stray blasts hitting him or groups of the iron-ranked galezards teaming up on him. With practice over the last few months, Kite had found it gradually easier and easier to return to the calm state of focus even when it had been broken. Having been feeling like the eye of the storm for over five minutes, the final galezard alpha falling was the signal for Kite¡¯s mind to finally leave the meditative state. Walking over to join Dragonfly, Will and Serene, Kite took in the carnage of the sundered forest around them, mere stumps remaining of some trees as the rest were shredded and partially mangled for dozens of meters in all directions. ¡°That was fantastic!¡± Dragonfly cheered, still high on the thrill of battle as the fires and embers lingering in the area were drawn to her to further assist her recovery, like a swarm of fireflies returning home. ¡°I know, right?¡± Will agreed, in equally high spirits. ¡°So far, the surge is all I could hope for. Our paths will be unstoppable after this is over and done!¡± ¡°Not to put too much a damper on things, but it will get worse before it gets better,¡± Kite reminded them, even though the pair¡¯s enthusiasm was a bit contagious. ¡°Imagine if it had been a dozen bronze rankers we were staring down? Or two dozen?¡± ¡°Then our mighty team leader would have seen us through by the power of his strategizing and calm temperament,¡± Dragonfly countered, continuing to playfully jibe at Kite, whose position as their team¡¯s leader during the surge had been extended. But with Dragonfly¡¯s return, Whisper had been called away to other duties as the group had been assigned a contract to go assist in the area around one of the region¡¯s fortresses, although the older adventurer would join them if more word came of the remnants from the fallen sect being sighted, or at least suspected to reside in a certain area. Kite had to admit to himself that the chances of such reports getting to the society, or even getting prioritized anytime soon, might be slim. There was simply too much of the basic adventuring work to be done in the region to dedicate too many resources for such special assignments. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. ¡°Come, let us return and see if the scouts have spotted any more incoming packs,¡± Kite said, gesturing back toward the small fortress in the distance. Like most parts of the world Kite had heard of, the populace of most villages in the Autumn lands were evacuated during the surge, their inhabitants sheltered away in more secure fortresses. In the more populated regions of the world, these would rival the size of cities in and of themselves, but in the rural Autumn lands these safeholds were merely fortifications with some scarce creature comforts to take the weeks-long stay from unbearable to merely uncomfortable. As with many fortifications in the region, the fortress was built inside and around a series of the stone cliffs which rose from the sea of foliage below, and as Kite and his group drew close they could all sense the groups and small caravans of people still arriving to seek refuge. ¡°I can¡¯t believe that the sect would just abandon the people like that during a surge,¡± Dragonfly said darkly, looking out over the throng of normal-rankers who would have been torn to shreds by the pack of galezards which the group had just dispatched. ¡°Not all sects, Fortune be praised,¡± Kite noted, nodding to another group of adventurers wearing the red, gold and white of the Victorious Sunset sect who was patrolling the road and the small stream of refugees. While not exactly kind or easygoing, the group had found that the sect warriors seemed to have had a change in their general attitude towards those not amongst their members. Kite had no illusions that everyone had willingly accepted whatever new ideals and guidelines that had been presented to them by the sect leadership after the incident at the Jade-Sky gate, but also knew that their actions were what truly mattered in the end. ¡°Also, I have heard that the Descending Star sect has at least sent out their warriors to protect the fortresses in what they deem to be their domain,¡± Will added. ¡°But also that they have been quite threatening, if not outright violent, to other groups ¡®encroaching upon their territory¡¯.¡± ¡°One can only hope that the gods may be allowed to bring guidance to them once more in the future,¡± Serene noted a bit sadly. ¡°Otherwise, I only foresee my fellow clergy singing their requiem in remembrance over the years to come.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sure it won¡¯t come to that,¡± Dragonfly said consolingly, before adding; ¡°Besides, Kite can just make sure that another diamond-ranked being comes down from the heavens to chastise them.¡± ¡°Still bitter that you weren¡¯t there to witness it?¡± Kite asked her with a slight smile as her cheerful attitude did somewhat combat the gloom encroaching upon his thoughts. His comment had Dragonfly bump her hip into his where she walked beside him, continuing with the same cheer. ¡°I guess I''ll just have to one-up you the next time and bring two diamond-rankers of my own.¡± ¡°Be careful what you wish for,¡± Kite retorted, a fond smile now stuck to his face. ¡°The attention of the mighty is not always that enjoyable.¡± Turning to the gate of the fortress ahead of them, he continued. ¡°But for now, we better report in. I am sure that there are plenty more immediate monsters on which to temper yourself. If meeting diamond-rankers remains your goal, you better start working up to it.¡±
When packing a lot of normal-rankers together in close confines during the surge, there were always several logistical issues. Kite could remember the last surge, but also realized how different it all had felt when viewed through the eyes of a child. For him, the surge had been a bit like an exciting outing, sleeping in the dormitories together with Brook and Leaf and overall being less bothered by the close confines than the much larger adults. Meeting Dragonfly and hearing of her experiences during the last surge had been quite the wakeup call in how fortunate that Kite had been. What had been an exciting memory for Kite was to Dragonfly the moment her life changed; her older sister and caretaker dying as the smaller and much less maintained safehold they had been in had been breached, with aid arriving too late to save the essence-users of the garrison. This had also led to her coming under the tutelage of master Force, who had been iron rank back then. That surge was when Force of Raging Torrent earned her name for her diligent and impressive performance, and when Dragonfly too took her first steps on the path that she still remained upon. Knowing all this, Kite made sure to find Dragonfly that night where she stood on the outer wall and looked out into the darkness beyond. The surge arriving surprisingly early had led to more scrambling to evacuate all villages than what was the norm, but as they were now a few days into this recurring time of trials and calamities, things had started stabilizing somewhat. When the group arrived, the stream of people seeking shelter had been thin but steady, but this night was the first where no torches or lamps could be seen moving towards the relative safety that the fortress had to offer. ¡°How are you?¡± Kite asked, leaning against the battlement beside her while she in turn leaned into him. ¡°Ever since I was a little girl - since the last surge, that is - I always swore that I would make a difference during the next one. And while I think that we¡¯re off to a good start, I also still can¡¯t help to think of how many people did not arrive here in time, just because there were no people like us around to help them.¡± She looked up at him through the corners of her eyes. ¡°So I am both proud and worried. And sad. Down south, I got my fair share of the times when adventurers - no - when we arrived too late.¡± As she began talking, Kite reached around her and draped his left arm over her shoulders, finding that this was one of those moments where listening rather than talking would serve him best. Only after she had lapsed back into silence, and said silence had lasted for a little while, did he speak. ¡°When I find myself faced with similar thoughts, I find a bit of comfort in that uncle Walker is out there as we speak. Doing just that; helping those he can. And now at silver rank, his reach is so much more vast.¡± ¡°It is a comforting thought, true. But even more comforting is the idea that you told me about. The guild, I mean. Just the thought of more people even just a little bit like Walker walking these lands fills me with a lot of comfort,¡± Dragonfly said, smiling faintly. ¡°Is there any way I can help out?¡± ¡°For starters, was that wordplay intended?¡± ¡°Always assume that it is,¡± Dragonfly retorted with a wink. ¡°Understood,¡± Kite chuckled. ¡°As to your other question, such a new little group will probably need all the support they can get. Fortunately, director Jarvan is already with us, and he did not doubt that the city lord would be as well.¡± ¡°So, how will you know then? Which people to give the offer?¡± Dragonfly asked. Kite was silent for a little while, thinking. ¡°As I said before, the guidelines should be rather loose. But I hope for them to have a connection to these lands and a willingness to stay, at least long enough to see the next generation of members arrive. And to be decent people, even if I know that to be a trait both vague and unreliable.¡± ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know. So far, you seem good at picking them out,¡± Dragonfly said, gesturing down to the courtyard where Serene was singing for a crowd of locals seeking shelter, Will had even joined in to perform a spear kata along to the music to create a little impromptu performance. ¡°Present company included, of course,¡± Kite said, nudging her. ¡°But that is something in which you can help too. Should you meet people you think may fit the bill, tell me. And share your thoughts on those I suggest so that I don¡¯t just fall into the trap of pridefully trusting only my own judgment.¡± Dragonfly looked out into the darkness of the night for a while longer, then turned back to him with her normal fierce smile back on full display. ¡°Now that is an offer I definitely cannot refuse. You can count on me, Kite! And¡­ thank you.¡± The final words were softer, causing Kite to hold her against him a little tighter. ¡°Any time, my ardent Dragonfly.¡±
¡°- and please, everyone, bundle your things properly before calling me over. We will soon leave for the nearest safehold!¡± Brave Walker of Paths called out, having thrown out several glow stones to illuminate what was left of the little village and its inhabitants. While a lot of the wooden structures had been crushed to splinters, even more had simply rotted away to stinking mush as the now defeated Necrooze had systematically worked its way into the settlement. Being one of the smaller and most recently settled villages, what magical defenses that had been in place had done little against the inexorable silver-ranked monster, its fleshy, gelatinous mass having left a wide trail of decay leading back to the location of its manifestation. Defeating it had been a bit of a slog, Walker having arrived at his destination a good few minutes after the monster had breached the outer defenses of the village, but he could at least take a bit of pride in having been able to force the creature the size of a small hill back out again. But another feeling gnawed on his mind as well. ¡°Oh Death, carry their souls to where they belong,¡± Walker thought in grim prayer. ¡°Because this old man is unsure if there being barely any bodies remaining is a blessing or not.¡± Sensing all the normal-ranked auras torn and stricken by loss and grief had weighed on Walker during the last surge as well, but having now ascended to silver rank also carried the mixed blessing in that he was now able to feel even more nuances in their suffering. Most of the survivors just looked at him blankly or even with a bit of fear, but Walker tried to make it just slide off him as he started going around and gathering what possessions that people had been able to salvage into his dimensional bags. Being the premier courier of the area did mean that his bags were quite roomy too, courtesy of the adventure society¡¯s appreciation for his work. Having almost completed his rounding up of people and items both, Walker did stop as he sensed one aura which seemed to look at him with excitement. Turning, he saw the little girl half-hidden behind her father¡¯s legs. She was probably somewhere between one and two years old, too small to really understand the carnage around her now that the incident in itself was over. Her little round face looking at him entirely unabashed brought some fond memories back to Walker, a certain little Kite having stared at him much the same way around two decades prior. Not being able to resist, Walker winked at her while holding out one of his hands. From his palm, a pair of stalks grew, reaching upwards and sprouting bright yellow flowers which soon turned into shimmering, fluffy balls. A little flick of his wrist then sent a cascade of glowing, floating seeds in the little one¡¯s general direction, the toddler laughing and waving her small arms in that ever so familiar way as she tried to catch the conjured seeds as they dissolved around her. Having had his fun, Walker straightened again and caught everyone¡¯s attention with a gentle push of his aura, careful as to not frighten the already harried people. ¡°I believe that it is time to depart. We will head for the closest fortress. Quarters will be cramped, but you should be safe there,¡± he called, trying to keep his voice as gentle as possible while still being heard. ¡°My powers will have us traveling more swiftly than usual. This might feel a bit disorienting at first, but just keep your eyes on my glow stone and try not to dwell too much on it. Now, form a line, keep hold of the rope and let us be off. To safety.¡±
¡°You called for me, sect leader?¡± ¡°Yes, elder Bliss. Enter.¡± Comet Banishing Clouds, leader of the Descending Star sect said, waving for the bronze-ranker to come over. His study was empty except for the two of them, where Comet was currently studying the deployment of their members. ¡°Too few, that traitor be damned,¡± he thought, turning to elder Bliss. ¡°What do you see when you look at this map, elder?¡± As usual, the younger man took his time, studying the map. Ever since he had joined the sect a few years ago, Comet had always admired his silent calculations, the celestine¡¯s shimmering, bismuth eyes always seeming to want to take in all of his surroundings, not missing any detail. ¡°You have always given me interesting seeds for further thoughts on matters of strategy before, elder Bliss,¡± Comet continued, ¡°So I thought that I might put your talents to the test yet again here tonight. As you see here, the deployment of our forces feels less than optimal. Any suggestions?¡± ¡°Sect leader, I would not presume-¡± the elder began, humble as always before, but Comet just waved him off. ¡°Please. Humor me.¡± The celestine nodded gravely, then took in the map, reaching out to make some slight changes here and there. His aura read only slight trepidation, eventually fading as the young tactician lost himself in the task. Comet found himself impressed, as had always been the case so far, mentally congratulating himself for having taken the time to start cultivating the asset that was the young man. ¡°An excellent suggestion. I will probably even heed at least one or two of them,¡± Comet praised, knowing full well that he would heed them all. But if there was one thing that the sect leader had learned in regards to assets, it was that they had to be kept grounded. ¡°If I may ask though, why concentrate our forces more to the north and east?¡± Elder Bliss looked back up at his sect leader, bowing respectfully. ¡°Sect leader, I just assumed that you would want additional warriors ready in that region, as that is where the adventurer¡¯s or the traitors might seek to encroach upon our territories. I would also suggest taking the opportunity to expand slightly during the surge, showing our great sect standing tall and unbroken.¡± Comet smiled wide at his words. ¡°A fine asset, indeed,¡± he thought before speaking. ¡°Ah, fine advice. If only I had taken your advice in regards to my cousin earlier as well.¡± ¡°Sect leader, you-¡± ¡°I know, I know-¡± Comet said, once more waving away the elder¡¯s attempts at explaining away his mistakes. ¡°But in this, you were right. I should have excised Meridian long ago. But if we prove ourselves here, the heavens might even provide me with the chance soon enough.¡± ¡°The sect leader will surely prevail. It is clear that the heavens have sent you this trial to further your growth,¡± elder Bliss agreed. ¡°Indeed,¡± Comet replied, nodding in satisfaction as he envisioned it. ¡°But this can be both a trial and opportunity for you too, elder. Prove yourself further during this surge, and the rank of grand elder is as good as yours.¡± ¡°The sect leader humbles this unworthy one,¡± elder Bliss said, bowing deeply again. ¡°One should give out praise when it is earned through loyal service, no? Now, go see to the redeployment of our warriors according to what we planned,¡± sect leader Comet said, making a few token corrections to the suggested redeployment before dismissing the younger man who bowed again before leaving, the huge doors closing behind him. Once outside, the young elder smiled contentedly, a spring in his step as he walked down the corridors as he was told. ¡°Senior sister, please forgive this young fool for doubting your decision to have me remain here for a while yet,¡± Bliss thought as he walked, looking out through the windows at the sect compound still marred and broken from the conflict of the former grand elder¡¯s department. ¡°Because I can now see what you foresaw; there remains plenty of room for the seeds of our god to grow here.¡± 99. You will tell me everything ¡°Kite, we have more ogres incoming! Three-horned ones.¡± ¡°Thank you, Serene. Dragonfly, can you please intercept them?¡± ¡°Leave it to me! Kyyyyyyyaaaaah!¡± ¡°We should press on. By the goddess¡¯ grace, I can sense the group ahead, but some of their auras are dangerously unsteady!¡± ¡°Then we move. Dragonfly will catch up. Will, are you good to go?¡± ¡°As long as the priestess doesn''t mind providing her usual smidgeon of divine intervention?¡± ¡°Renew your flesh, return thine song!¡± ¡°Excellent, thank you! Then witness me! Heavenly Shaft; Tide of Penetrating Glory!¡± ¡°We better make our way over there too, Serene. While that was his most impressive wave of spears yet, there seems to be no end to all the monsters.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t let the two of them hear you say that, Kite. Otherwise, we¡¯ll never get them to start falling back to the fortress in time.¡±
Stalwart Bough cursed as he swung both of his arms down in front of him, the wooden claws sprouting out further mid-swing for two thick, glowing vines to slam down like the lash of nature itself, scattering the surrounding monsters and crushing yet another pair of the scuttling glade spinners. But even as he did, the webs of two others struck him, adding further to the mass already restraining him. ¡°Heavens, is there no end to them?¡± Dreaming Pond whined behind him, her words slurred by the acidic venom of one of the bigger arachnids still affecting her since she had been hit squarely by the spray during their last attempts to sprint further back towards the fortress in the far distance. Bough had even thought that they could make it there for a while, but the damn spiders were too numerous and too crafty for their iron rank. Now he and Pond were left fighting back to back, the prone form of Chalk between them. Bough could still feel his shivering aura, but it was weak. ¡°Curse you and your weakness,¡± he tried to half-heartedly berate his companion, but his voice failed to find the normal tone of spurring rivalry which had defined their little iron-ranked group so far during the surge. ¡°We must persevere. The heavens will favor those who make a proper impression-¡± ¡°Heavenly Shaft; Tide of Penetrating Glory!¡± Everyone present, even the monstrous spiders swarming the surrounding forests, froze slightly at the voice and accompanying aura, its bronze rank sending a wave of relief through Bough even as the sight which greeted him left him stunned. A blonde elven man, clad in finely decorated armor was fast approaching them, standing at the tip of what looked to be a small tidal wave of golden conjured spears of all kinds and sizes. The wave spread out at least ten meters to each side of the elf, and carried him over two meters up into the air where he stood with an exalted grin on his face. The monsters broke out of their stupor first, spiders chittering wildly as the swarm started to scatter. Too late. With a triumphant cry, the elf was carried upwards in an empowered leap, carried on what looked like wings of more spears. As he reached the apex of his arc, both the wave and the wings flared even brighter before launching themselves towards the monsters like a volley of heavenly judgment. The chittering of the arachnids turned to high-pitched screeches as they were pierced, penetrated and perforated all around the beleaguered group of iron-rankers, the trio left unscathed but also distracted enough as not to notice the other people approaching them. ¡°Wall!¡± Bough was snapped out of his reverie as a series of mostly translucent force walls sprung up around them, strange symbols shimmering occasionally on their surface. While it could have been considered a cage, the accompanying aura of solidity instead made Bough feel like he was surrounded by a fortress. Accompanying the wall was a gentle song barely noticeable at first but gradually growing as it suffused the area. Then, two more figures stepped up next to the force walls; a dark-haired human man with a pleased smile and a jade-haired celestine woman seemingly appearing from nowhere, as if it was just then that Bough¡¯s mind registered her presence. ¡°Quite spectacular, isn¡¯t he?¡± the man asked Bough, clearly indicating the blonde elf who merrily kept impaling the arachnid monsters all around them. ¡°Uuuuhh¡­¡± Bough, not feeling like his most eloquent self at that moment, still had trouble forming coherent words as he tried to take it all in. ¡°Please just remain for a while and rest. The priestess can see to your companion while Will clears up the vicinity,¡± the young man continued, taking mercy on the exhausted iron-ranker. ¡°You can call me Kite, and we are here to make sure that your paths will not end this day.¡± By then, Bough¡¯s mental faculties had started catching up a bit to the situation. ¡°I- she-¡± Taking a deep breath, he began anew. ¡°We had another member. Opal. She got intercepted on the way, and separated. We need to find her.¡± At his words, the man named Kite looked to the woman at his side. ¡°Can you feel anyone?¡± The woman, apparently a priestess, closed her eyes for a moment and Bough realized that he could feel her aura now, springing into existence as if the air all around them turned out to be part of her spirit all along. And it felt vast as it unfolded, just more in every way than the bronze-ranked auras he had felt before during his short time as an adventurer. ¡°I can¡¯t sense anyone other than the monsters,¡± she finally said with a shake of her head, the words seeming to spring into existence from the air itself. ¡°Also, there is at least one of the bronze-ranked matriarchs further away, guiding the swarm.¡± ¡°Then your companion has either been able to flee quite far. Or¡­¡± Kite trailed off, shaking his head sadly at the implied, grim fate. ¡°Either way, we will do our best to learn what we can, and retrieve her remains if possible. Please remain here until you are ready to move, and have priestess Serene here notify me when you wish to leave. I will go assist Will in the meanwhile, and see if I can find any traces of the one missing.¡± Before Bough could say more, the man named Kite also walked off, a staff appearing in his hands as he entered the fray.
¡°It looks so small. Can all that a person is really be contained within?¡± Kite thought to himself, the melancholy yet beautiful notes of Serene¡¯s song echoing over the crowded courtyard of the fortress as those adventurers present formed a solemn circle around the two caskets resting on the ground. Each of the caskets were made from simple, polished local wood bearing only the insignia of the adventure society in way of adornments. A lot of the normal rankers seeking shelter had taken the opportunity to join the somber ring of adventurers and other essence-users in the simple wake, some in genuine sympathy while others were simply glad to have a reason to escape the cramped quarters they had been staying in for the past week. Even with such a crowd gathered, Serene¡¯s song made sure that all felt the gravitas of the moment. One of the deceased was the lost iron-ranker whose group Kite and his team had saved two days before, found dead and wrapped in spinner silk. The other was a man Kite had only seen in passing, slain when he was unexpectedly set upon by a manifestation of five bronze-ranked monsters. While knowing neither of them, Kite still wanted to participate in the show of respect for their struggles against the monsters now appearing in even greater numbers in the lands all around them. ¡°Are we going out again after this?¡± Dragonfly leaned in to ask in a whisper as the wake was drawing to a close. ¡°Yes,¡± Kite replied softly. ¡°With the numbers intensifying, it will be up to us bronze-rankers to try and thin out the manifestations in the area to keep them from gathering and threatening the walls. The local commander told me that the iron-rankers will be held as defensive reserves from now on, at least until the next batch of supplies arrive to replenish the defenses.¡± Dragonfly¡¯s eyes remained fixed on the two coffins as she nodded. ¡°Then it is good that we are here. Because this has me really itching to tear through all of the heaven-cursed monsters we can find out there.¡± Feeling the emotions leaking through his friend¡¯s otherwise controlled aura, Kite gently squeezed her shoulder in support. ¡°Do not fret. I believe that we will all get our fill before this calamity is over.¡±
As the swirls of rainbow energy disappeared, Kite caught what looked to be a jagged maul; its head made of rough, greenish ice affixed to a long wooden handle. It trailed acrid vapor as he swung it around, getting a feel for its weight. ¡°Anything good?¡± Dragonfly called from where she was resting on the charred stump of a tree, her own handiwork, her seated form dwarfed by the bodies of the three forest hydras that the team had recently culled. ¡°While a decent weapon, it is still another one for Peony,¡± Kite replied with a shake of his head. ¡°This Peony you have been talking about sure sounds like a handy friend to have! You think she could make something nice for me too?¡± Dragonfly said, rising to join the team as they retreated away from the monster bodies, not wanting to be caught up in the eventual foul-smelling smoke of their dissolution. ¡°Oh, I do not doubt it. I¡¯ll make sure to bring you along to Bastion after the surge. I¡¯m sure that she will give you a nice discount too,¡± Kite said. ¡°Kite, wasn¡¯t that the crafter where you were effectively their business partner, with a part of their earnings going to you?¡± Will asked archly. ¡°My friend, I have no idea what you mean,¡± came Kite¡¯s most innocent reply.
Adelaide stood before the door to the branch director¡¯s office and flared her aura slightly to announce her presence. Not long after, she could feel the power of the director¡¯s own silver-ranked aura respond, an indication for her to enter. The elven functionary had barely had the time to close the door behind her before Jarvan spoke. ¡°Another incident?¡± The director sounded weary, which was unsurprising as the monster surge was nearing the end of its first week, arguably the most intense time in the career of any in the adventure society¡¯s employ. ¡°Yes. Several, in fact,¡± Adelaide said, laying the sheathes of paper down on top of the pile already forming on Jarvan¡¯s desk. ¡°Please summarize it for me?¡± Jarvan asked, still busily writing on another piece of paper. ¡°Of course, director. There have been four new reported incidents of adventurers out on contract drawing near to the domain of the Descending Star sect, only to be met by patrols acting quite hostile. While a spell has been cast in one situation, there have so far not been any incidents where violence or damage has been inflicted directly upon any of the parties involved. At least, not yet.¡± This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°If only they could patrol as diligently for monsters, then we could at least rest easier and leave them to it during the surge,¡± Jarvan said wearily. ¡°But should things escalate¡­¡± His final words trailed off, the implication clear. ¡°Also, there has been another report from our eyes and ears out in the city. Apparently, someone has been starting to make inquiries after a specific adventurer and his whereabouts.¡± ¡°Oh? While I believe that I can hazard a guess at the identity of said adventurer, please enlighten me.¡± ¡°Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune. Which in turn leads to the ones seeking him. While we are still trying to trace the request back throughout the different information brokers, it does not take a genius to suspect that the Descending Star sect, or at least members of it, would be involved,¡± Adelaide reported succinctly. ¡°While it disappoints me, it does not surprise me,¡± Jarvan said, tapping a finger against his paper-covered desk as he got a thoughtful look on his face. ¡°Director, with all respect, you have to warn him. And maybe pull him back from active duty. If one of our members-¡± Adelaide began, but stopped as Jarvan¡¯s aura pushed against her slightly. While not too rough, the rebuke was still clear. ¡°Adelaide, I am a bit disappointed that you would think so low of me that you needed to point that out,¡± Jarvan said gently. ¡°I will of course make sure that he knows, and we will see about making sure that he is as safe as can be, at least from any machinations of the sect. There is still the surge going on, after all. If memory serves me he and his group is currently out defending one of the safeholds, correct? Then make sure that his team is prioritized to return to Gilded after their contract has run its course, ostensibly to rest and recover while also making sure to include a meeting with me.¡± ¡°Understood, director,¡± Adelaide said, looking chastised but also relieved as she turned to leave.
¡°Let the song of thine soul purge the disharmony.¡± Kite felt the tingling wave of Serene¡¯s cleansing spell wash through him, wearing away the accumulated afflictions which had continued to destabilize his body. Since bronze rank, the spell also gathered the cleansed remnants of the afflictions into a magical charge which the ¡®song¡¯ burned to fuel the cleansed target¡¯s next attack to deal additional resonating force damage upon their foe. The foe in question was a writhing, ever shifting mass of greenery vaguely shaped like the upper body of something humanoid. Where the hips and legs would normally be, the thing instead just seemed to melt and spread out over the surrounding ground, undulating tendrils carrying it around. Even as he closed in again, a projected attack carrying Chakra implosion and Void-Sunders-Firmament, Kite could see a vine grow out of the side of the monster, the vine sprouting bright red flowers which in turn started sprouting long strands of grass even as the original vine was decaying. Without any more warning than a slight pulse of aura beforehand, the monster emitted another wave of green energy which washed over the adventurers, the life-affinity energies leaving behind afflictions which once more started dealing damage through rapid mutations. A leap assisted through his spear-wings made Will able to avoid the discharge, while the rest of them simply had to endure until Serene was able to cleanse them anew. ¡°Dragonfly, how is your progress?¡± Kite called to his friend, the fierce axe-wielder still busily cutting and burning her way through a small horde of gyrmlings and gyrmling brutes who had accompanied the monster Kite was currently fighting, called a burgeoning shambler. ¡°Just a - kyaaaaaah - little bit more!¡± came Dragonfly¡¯s excited response, her body aglow with her inner fire. ¡°Take your time! I, for one, still relish the fight with my first silver-ranked monster!¡± Will butted in as he dove towards the shambler among a rain of glowing spears. ¡°I will remind you that we cannot tarry. The fortress might soon need us, so may Warrior ensure that your strikes are swift!¡± Kite called just before bringing up his barrier and deflecting a cascade of chaotically growing vegetabilia. True to its name, the creature embodied growth, albeit wild and unhindered, lashing out with parts of its body and regularly emitting waves and bolts of some unstable life energy which started causing its foe to devolve into an unrecognizable mass. And while it also came with potent regeneration, the group was fortunate in one thing; said regeneration was an active boon which increased as the burgeoning shambler doled out its own afflictions. This meant that when Kite slashed into the creature with his sword, not only did its soft form suffer from the explosive rending damage but his Disrupting strike also once more made sure to cancel most, if not all, instances of the regenerative boon. And with Kite now being well on his way to having ground down the last of the shambler¡¯s rank-induced defenses, he said a quick prayer to Fortune in thanks that the first silver-ranked monster to appear was of a species and number that they could handle. Because from what he felt and saw of Dragonfly at that moment, the handling to come would be quite rough. ¡°Heavens, witness me and my path!¡± Dragonfly called, leaving a small burning crater behind as she used her empowered leap to leave the last flailing gyrmlings behind to perish in her flames. While airborne, she started her spinning special attack before she shot off towards the burgeoning shambler. The flames surrounding her burned hotter than Kite had ever seen before, her motion making Dragonfly look almost like a comet descending from the skies as she trailed tails of flames in addition to her conjured flaming axe which followed in her wake. ¡°Wall!¡± Just as Dragonfly was about to impact the monster, Kite conjured his walls around it except for the side from which his friend was approaching. This helped to both curtail its movements somewhat as well as to further focus and concentrate the flames which billowed out from the impact. The burgeoning shambler had never shrieked or made any noise before during the battle, and neither did it do so now. But from its more frantic flailing, it was quite obvious that it considered the experience beyond unpleasant. Finishing her attack, Kite was impressed to see Dragonfly remain somewhat airborne as her conjured axe struck as well, lodging itself into the monster at a location and angle which allowed her to touch down on it, empowered bronze rank balance on full display as she sprung from it again as the conjured weapon loosened to follow. Meanwhile, Kite and Will did not stay idle. While the monster¡¯s flailing and Dragonfly¡¯s furious onslaught constantly caused cracks to form in Kite¡¯s barriers, the two young men joined their friend in assaulting the shambler; Will through barrages of conjured javelins and Kite through projected attacks to sunder its body and eat away its magic. Dragonfly, now with her very enhanced attributes, seemed to manage the weakened monster just fine and neither Will nor Kite felt much inclination to go up close and brave her flames. Even beneath the onslaught, it still took the group over a minute to put down the beleaguered monster, Kite¡¯s walls of force having long since crumbled and been resummoned only to crumble again soon thereafter. At one time, they even thought the creature to be dead before a burst of vitality from deep within it brought the shambler back from the brink. ¡°Its song has truly faded,¡± Serene finally confirmed, as the creature finally stilled once more. Her perception power granting her the ability to see the life force of other beings was quite a common one, and ever useful for a healer such as the priestess. ¡°And as its song has ended, another stanza has been added to the hymn of the rising Saint of Spears,¡± Will added, practically beaming with pride at their accomplishment. ¡°Oh it is quite flattering to have been with you during your first time,¡± Dragonfly added a bit teasingly. ¡°Yes, you should all-¡± Will said before halting and looking at his companion with narrowed eyes. ¡°Now wait a moment. This is more of that base commoner humor, right?¡± Dragonfly¡¯s look of utter shock turned into one of disbelief and mock outrage as she turned to Kite. ¡°You- I- what have you done?¡± ¡°I am sorry, Dragonfly. We really had to have the talk with him,¡± Kite said apologetically, hands raised. ¡°As a witness, I can ensure that Kite was gentle, but thorough,¡± Serene chimed in primly. ¡°But- but- you¡¯ve ruined him! Our sweet and pure Will!¡± Dragonfly protested, although not for the reason anyone who overheard the exchange might have thought. ¡°I¡¯ll have you know that I have still chosen to remain aloof from the base jokes of you peasants,¡± Will informed her, a glint in his eyes. ¡°My path is much too strong for base innuendo to break it.¡± Dragonfly was about to respond once more, but they all suddenly turned toward the fortress in the distance as a bright light flared out over the area. While Kite¡¯s first instinct was to order a swift retreat back towards the holdfast, he soon relaxed as he realized that it was the magical barrier that had once more been activated, its green glow soon settling down to a steady shimmer. ¡°The delivery seems to have arrived,¡± Serene noted, closing her eyes briefly as her aura welled outwards for a moment. ¡°And I believe that it is someone we know that has brought a few weeks more of salvation to this place.¡±
¡°Uncle Walker!¡± Kite couldn¡¯t help but to call out as he finally saw the man in the distance, speaking to the bronze-ranked commander of the fortress. As the group had drawn closer, he too had recognized the familiar aura, providing both relief at the upcoming reunion as well as a new appreciation for just how far Serene¡¯s aura senses could reach. ¡°Little Kite!¡± Walker called, not caring about the looks they were getting as he closed in and clasped arms with his young proteg¨¦. ¡°From what the commander here told me, you were just out intercepting a silver-ranked manifestation. I almost thought that I had to go out and drag you out of trouble, but it seems that the worries of an old man are becoming quite unnecessary these days.¡± ¡°Master Walker! It was a most splendid battle, if I may say so myself,¡± Will happily filled in, proceeding to narrate their clash with the burgeoning shambler. The commander was just left standing awkwardly next to them, apparently not wanting to interrupt what were apparently people close to the silver-ranker currently present. ¡°Well, well, it does sound like you have all worked hard since the expedition,¡± Walker said approvingly as the young scion finished. ¡°But remember, complacency can be your bane should you let it. The-¡± ¡°-tempering of one¡¯s path is never truly done,¡± Kite filled in, echoing the oft repeated proverb. ¡°Truly wise for your age,¡± Walker chuckled, before turning more serious. ¡°And as I was just telling the commander here, your team has received a new contract. You are to return to Gilded before setting out again, with a group from the Victorious Sunset sect already on their way here to shore up the defenses. We have to leave some tempering for everyone, no?¡± Even as Walker finished, one could hear the roaring of beasts outside, hinting that there should still be plenty enough for everyone to get more than their fill. Kite looked at his uncle, getting a sense that there might be something else, and was just about to ask when he felt an aura nudge from Serene which interrupted him. ¡°A question best saved for later,¡± came the ever so silent whisper in his ear as the words manifested only for him to perceive. Or so Kite thought, as Walker gave the both of them a knowing look and a slight nod of approval. As such, Kite chose another line of inquiry. ¡°Then will you too return to the city, or are we to make our own way?¡± ¡°I will indeed, which should make the trip quite a lot faster for you younglings,¡± Walker confirmed. ¡°So I suggest that you make sure to retrieve your belongings, as we shall leave at once. Maybe there will even be some more opportunities for you to further temper yourselves along the way.¡±
Muscles rippling with lithe power, the bronze-ranker started ripping at the chains constricting her, seemingly uncaring for the jolts of pain which River caused them to emit. The disciple of Pain continually conjured more of them to further wrap around her lone, remaining prey, but had to give it to the pleasure-fanatic; they sure could find a burst of power when they needed it. Teeth gritted in frustration, River had three of her chains braid together to form the spike of one of her special attacks before the flexible links drove themselves into the forehead of the struggling woman. She had to repeat the process two more times before the adherent of the path of pleasure finally stilled. ¡°It is not like you would have known anything about your reason to be here anyway, useless flesh-worshiper!¡± River all but snarled as she threw the corpse of the woman away. The last two weeks had been little but traveling the wilderness to find what little isolated cells she could, often getting nothing out of it but ramblings and violence. There had been some few snippets of information that she had been able to extract here and there, but those following the path of pleasure always seemed the least caring about actual details as they were too engrossed in their path. Turning to leave, River was surprised to find herself stopping in her tracks after taking but a step, as a croaking voice spoke out. ¡°I- She - s-said-¡± Whirling around, two of River¡¯s chains snaked out to wind themselves around one of the normal-ranked wretches that the pleasure-fanatics kept as their playthings. So far, all of them had been beneath River¡¯s notice, either just mewling pathetically for help or just staring catatonically at her. But the woman currently being lifted off the ground had a bit more strength left in her mostly cracked aura, and her eyes were clearer than River would have expected. Walking close, River¡¯s aura clamped down on the woman¡¯s like a vice, and she could see the normal-ranker shudder and twitch under the pain of contact. But River was impressed to find that the wretch remained both lucid and staring back at her with wide eyes. ¡°You know something.¡± It was a statement, one that River was quite sure of after having sifted through the woman¡¯s aura. ¡°The- they-¡± the woman began anew, but her weak body failed her as her throat seemed to seize. For expediency''s sake, River produced a bottle of water which she fed to the still constricted captive. Deeming her to have had enough, River pressed again. ¡°You know something. And I will know it from you. Now.¡± ¡°They- I heard them. They mentioned waiting for word from someone. Between what they¡­ They did to us¡­ Such-¡± The woman¡¯s words were cut off by another jolt of pain, clarity returning to her eyes as they had started to drift. ¡°Continue,¡± River said, voice flat. ¡°They seemed to have some kind of contact at ¡®the sect¡¯. But they did not know who. It sounded far removed from them, but still someone they waited to hear from.¡± The words, while still rough, brought some more clarity to the woman¡¯s haggard eyes. At her words, a chill went through River¡¯s body. Now this, this was something. Something real. Something more tangible than the mists River had felt herself chasing for the last few months. Her chains twitched violently as they grew further, tearing away the captive¡¯s bindings. Ignoring the other wretches littering the lair of the pleasure-cultists, River took a step closer to the bound woman. ¡°It seems that you are quite the fortunate one, trash. I will bring you with me, and you will tell me everything. My lord will ensure that.¡± 100. A suggestion of my own ¡°Even if you are not out there beyond the walls, there is still no failing to notice that there is a surge going on,¡± Dragonfly noted as she walked alongside Kite, Will and Serene along the now even more crowded streets of Gilded. Not all of the populace in the area left for the closest fortresses and holdfasts for the surge, instead, those able to chose the more comfortable choice made for the city. From where the group walked they could see houses and apartments now even more crowded as the inhabitants of Gilded dealt with the influx of relatives and friends suddenly eager to stay with them. ¡°At least we should not see any shortages of food any time soon,¡± Will noted. ¡°My father had started preparing well in advance, so the surge hitting a few months earlier has at least not been a strain in that regard yet. But while he does not tell me everything, I have gotten hints that the casualties already being reported are already significantly higher than during the previous surge.¡± ¡°I believe that I can feel it,¡± Serene added. ¡°I expected a lot of grief and fright, but there is also a lot more anger and frustration swirling on the currents here.¡± Hearing her words, Kite also focused on his own aura senses a bit more in an attempt to let his aura gently quest outwards. The spiritual susurrus of all the normal-ranked auras was like a blanket over the whole city, and once Kite stopped filtering it out like he had been taught early in his career, he could feel it too. ¡°Then I hope that your father continues to show such foresight, Will,¡± Kite added as his focus returned to their conversation. ¡°From what I feel, it would not take too much strain to have some people starting to cause trouble. But I believe we should make haste to the Seventh peak, as I am quite curious as to why the director wanted to debrief us in person.¡± ¡°Walker did seem to think it important,¡± Serene agreed. ¡°A shame that he had to leave right away,¡± Dragonfly added. ¡°I had hoped that we could have joined him on his next outing.¡± ¡°People like Walker are too valuable for the city and the adventure society to let them just sit idle during a surge. But I must admit that just the fact that he escorted us back to the city did make me think that this is something bigger than just us getting to rotate back for new contracts. A shame, too, as it felt like things just got interesting there in the end!¡± Will said, seeming almost dejected at not being out fighting at that very moment. ¡°At least we can get some good food again,¡± Dragonfly added. ¡°And who knows, maybe the director just has some good news to make things interesting? Maybe even a few silver-ranked monsters which the local silvers can¡¯t be bothered with right now?¡± The last part was added with such a hopeful tone that none present could doubt that, despite their differences, Will and the young woman truly were kindred spirits
¡°I am sorry to say that I have bad news,¡± director Jarvan said as the group was escorted into his office by the deputy director. The branch director¡¯s normally cheerful demeanor was now replaced with a sobriety that in and of itself told the group that the meeting would be a serious one. ¡°I must admit that just being called back like this had me worried. While I have appreciated most of our previous meetings, director, neither of us had expected you to give us bronze-rankers your time during the surge,¡± Kite said, the rest of the group nodding in acquiescence. ¡°What is this all about?¡± Jarvan leaned back in his chair, his expression weary. ¡°A few days ago, some of our informants in the city started hinting at an increased interest in a particular adventurer among the information brokers and others in similar trade. Forewarned by this, we even managed to intercept an attempt at gleaning the contract assigned to said adventurer. You, Kite.¡± ¡°The sect,¡± Will said, reaching the same conclusion as Kite himself. ¡°Yes, or at least its members.¡± Jarvan confirmed. ¡°We have managed to dig up enough information to all but confirm that the former disciple Resplendent Evening Mist has been the one making the requests, and reports have also confirmed that Soar on Enlightened Wind, still a disciple of the Descending Star sect, has been frequenting the town house of the Resplendent family as of late.¡± While Kite was quite familiar with the first name, the second gave him pause. ¡°Who is the latter?¡± It was Will who answered his question, a bit of anger clear in his aura. ¡°That has to be the former inner disciple who that cursed coward Mist brought when they ambushed you. Scum before the heavens, all of them.¡± At his words, Kite thought back and remembered the former inner disciple who his ambushers had called Soar. But having been a bit preoccupied at the time, the name of the man had never been on the forefront of his mind. ¡°While we can only speculate, it should be rather obvious that they are aiming for another round with you, Kite. Doing so during the surge would make sense with all the chaos and distractions, even if such stupidity would make me kick them out of the society in a heartbeat had they still been members,¡± Jarvan growled. ¡°But surely, you can do something?¡± Will asked, still outraged. ¡°I thought the adventure society protected their own.¡± ¡°And indeed we can, and will,¡± Jarvan responded, looking even more exhausted than before. ¡°But as they are always bound to be, things are also complicated. Rupert, would you mind giving some context?¡± ¡°Jarvan, are you sure we should be openly discussing it?¡± The leonid asked, a concerned look on his face. ¡°It is all but an open secret now anyway. And you were here when Kite brought it up the last time,¡± Jarvan countered. ¡°As a three-star, I would believe that he and the team he leads can be trusted with the information.¡± Deputy director Rupert let his gaze wander over the gathered bronze-rankers, eventually nodding. ¡°After the little incident upon adventurer Kite¡¯s return to Gilded, you said that you noted something; a familiar feeling from the offending disciple?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°There was something about her; a kind of instability. While I had more trouble getting a sense of it back then, it felt very familiar to what I picked up from Rise of Morning Glory at our encounters. It felt especially prominent at our encounter at the Jade-Sky gate. During what few encounters we had, he always acted prideful, but at the end it felt a bit like he was so caught up in his anger and frustration that all sense left him. But last time, you gave me clear indication that this is something that I needed to keep to myself and not delve further into the subject.¡± ¡°That we did,¡± Rupert agreed. ¡°Because it is a topic that has caused much strife and contention amongst all the local powers since just before the war, and for you to delve further would just invite trouble upon you. But now¡­¡± He trailed off and gave a rueful shake of his head. ¡°Trouble is already attempting to find you. And for you, and us, to choose the proper path forward, you will need to be clued in.¡± ¡°I assume that this would then also be related to when the Victorious Sunset sect closed their gates for a time?¡± Will asked, looking as he was trying to piece things together. ¡°While it was explained away as internal investigations and preparation for the upcoming expedition, there was also plenty of gossiping around it speculating of internal strife and even that there had been an attempt to supplant the sect leader.¡± ¡°I see that the city lord has kept his end of the confidentiality,¡± Jarvan noted. ¡°What we are about to tell you should so far only have been officially disclosed to the city leadership, adventure society and the Descending Star sect, but with some rumors lately getting closer to the truth we are quite sure that there have been several leaks. The reason for the Victorious Sunset sect closing their gates was not out of strife but out of quarantine. After the quite obvious hint left by the servitor of the queen of jade and sky, the sect leader wisely called upon the church of the Healer to examine their members. And they did indeed find something out of the ordinary.¡± ¡°An affliction, or at least of sorts,¡± Rupert continued. ¡°One that is extremely subtle, targeting the mind and emotions of the afflicted. It does little direct impact other than to start slightly inflating negative emotions, with anger and frustration being the most prominent. Even having found it and having been able to start cleansing it, a lengthy process in itself, the church still does not fully understand its nature other than what I previously stated, and that it seems to have both a magical and physical component. This means that those of lower ranks, such as iron and bronze, are more susceptible as they still have more remaining of the conventional brain, with their biology more closely affecting their mind and emotions. But from the number of normal-rankers that have volunteered for examinations, we have yet to find any spread among them. So we assume that a certain level of awakened magic might also be needed for the affliction to take root.¡± ¡°And that is what was affecting the disciple? To cause him to act as he did after I left the gate?¡± Kite asked, trying to comprehend the complex situation being described. ¡°While I do not know of his specific case, it is probably safe to assume,¡± director Jarvan confirmed with a nod. ¡°But as Rupert says, the church¡¯s findings so far indicate that it merely aggravates the emotions and traits. This is not mind control, just gradually increasing nudging. And with prideful, arrogant or easily frustrated people, the effects seem quite potent over time.¡± ¡°But¡­ Why?¡± Kite asked. ¡°Where would this come from? I know little of such things. Are there monsters who inflict their targets with such afflictions? I have heard of quite insidious creatures.¡± ¡°As of its origins, we are still in the dark. The local chapter of Healer¡¯s church has so far not made further progress, and if they have, they have yet to share any insights,¡± Rupert said, continuing. ¡°But more pertinent to our current situation is that while many independent adventurers and even the city lord himself has subjected themselves to examination when asked, the Descending Star sect has so far vehemently refused,¡± ¡°So that was why the high priest suddenly wanted to see me before we left for the expedition,¡± Will exclaimed in response. ¡°I thought it was just my father being worried for nothing. He tends to be thorough.¡± ¡°But what reason could the Descending Star sect possibly have for refusing?¡± Serene asked, Kite nodding in agreement. ¡°Well, according to them they didn¡¯t need any, basically telling the rest of us that we were incompetent and weak for even inviting such outside scrutiny and admitting to not being able to handle our own affairs,¡± Jarvan replied. ¡°But that is just madness!¡± Dragonfly exclaimed, outraged. ¡°Surely they cannot be that stupid?¡± ¡°Unless the judgment of some of their members is even further clouded,¡± Will continued. ¡°Which meant that what I felt might just be an indication of that,¡± Kite concluded. ¡°That members of the Descending Star sect have been afflicted too. And for longer than most others. Do you think that affected them during the war as well? With Mist and the others ambushing me?¡± ¡°One can only speculate, and for that we would need their members to actually submit themselves to examination,¡± Rupert said. ¡°But as you have probably heard, negotiations in that regard have already broken down. What little influence we had over them is now gone with them seceding from the adventure society. From the little incident at the beginning of the surge, I would not even be surprised if the sect leader himself was afflicted, silver-ranker or not.¡± ¡°Then why not force the issue?¡± Kite asked, still frowning. ¡°They are a danger to the whole area acting like this. Even more so during the surge.¡± ¡°Politics. Again.¡± It was Will who answered this time as well, both Jarvan and Rupert nodding agreement as the young noble continued. ¡°Father has told me a bit of what little word he receives from the capitol. And from what I gathered, the adventure society and the local powers are locked in even more of a power struggle there. If news reached them that the local leadership here were just going in heavy-handed against local and, according to some, rightfully independent forces such as a sect, things there might just take a turn for the worse.¡± A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. ¡°Is it really that bad?¡± Kite asked, turning to the director. ¡°I get little news myself, but yes, I believe so,¡± Jarvan confirmed. ¡°And while Hua-Xi isn¡¯t so big and influential on a global scale, it might still make quite the splash if the continental council decided to smack down on a nation like that. There is supposed to be a balance between the societies, the local government and the churches, and if such drastic actions are deemed too unprovoked, there would probably be multiple nations the world over who would use that to further hamper the adventure society¡¯s work.¡± Kite sat back in his chair, feeling thoroughly out of his depth. ¡°Oh¡­¡± was all that he could manage, Dragonfly and Serene looking equally stunned. ¡°But I believe that we are losing sight of the more immediate picture,¡± Jarvan said, looking at Kite. ¡°While I would like nothing more than to go and personally smack those troublemakers around, I can¡¯t risk it now during the surge. I still need to focus on securing the region, no matter how frustrating it will be to have to play around such small-fry,¡± he grumbled. ¡°So what will you do then? Nothing?¡± Dragonfly¡¯s tone was a bit accusatory, before she remembered herself. ¡°Sorry, director.¡± ¡°As it is for a friend, such an outburst can be understandable. But not all of higher rank will show such leniency, so take care with that passion of yours.¡± Jarvan counseled, before turning to Kite. ¡°As for you, I have an offer. We should be able to give you contracts which keeps you close enough to not be isolated, as well as add an extra level of secrecy to make it harder for the information to leak. At least while the surge lasts. Because I will not just be able to be completely idle, politics be damned. And the same goes for the sect. If they start letting the people of this region down any more for their own vanity, then they will be handled.¡± Coming out of his outburst of frustration, Jarvan seemed to only then notice the bronze-rankers leaning back in their chairs, visibly pressured by his aura which had started pushing outwards as his emotions got the better of him. ¡°My apologies,¡± he said, regaining control of his spiritual presence. ¡°As you can see, there is no solution which is completely optimal here. And I suppose that there is a lesson in there somewhere,¡± the director finished with a rueful shake of his head. After Jarvan had spoken, only silence reigned in the office for a while, all of those present lost in their thoughts. ¡°Director, I¡­¡± Kite broke the silence, trailing off as if finishing a line of thoughts before he began anew. ¡°I appreciate the aid the society wants to extend. But I want to counter with a suggestion of my own. Like yours, it has its flaws. And not just a little bit of risk. But unlike the one you propose, I do believe that my idea also has the chance of bringing benefits.¡± As Kite proceeded to tell those present of his idea, eventually finishing left him to witness a few different reactions. ¡°Kite, this sounds risky. There is a lot that could go wrong,¡± Serene said, worry clear in her manifested voice. ¡°But how awesome wouldn¡¯t it be?¡± Dragonfly countered, eyes glittering with excitement. ¡°Truly,¡± Will agreed. ¡°Do you really think that you can do it, though?¡± ¡°Nothing is guaranteed. But in this case, I will choose to put my faith in my path to carry me through,¡± Kite responded. What he was to say next was interrupted by a chuckle from the branch director, increasing in intensity and being well on its way to a full belly-laugh before he reeled himself in. ¡°Guardian¡¯s girthy glory, Rupert. Were we this dedicated at bronze rank?¡± Jarvan eventually asked, still unable to hold himself from chuckling just a little more. ¡°You might have been, Jarvan,¡± the deputy director noted dryly. ¡°But without the local culture to make such a plan feasible at all, I want to give your younger self at least a bit of courtesy and assume that you would not have made the attempt.¡± ¡°True, true,¡± Jarvan acquiesced. ¡°But I didn¡¯t have Kite¡¯s particular set of powers either.¡± Looking at Kite, he got a bit more serious even though a smirk still tugged at the corner of his lips. ¡°The responsible, meticulous part of me-¡± Jarvan had to halt as Rupert¡¯s loud coughing at his words were a bit too pointed to ignore. ¡°As I said-,¡± he continued while giving his friend a flat look,¡± -part of me is quite worried about what you propose. Yet I can¡¯t deny the gains for us, should you succeed. So I will be willing to accept, on the condition that you let us help and be part of the preparations. You have shown a lot of initiative and reason during the time I have known you, Kite, so now would be a stupid time to start entirely disregarding the advice of us old-timers. I will also insist on paying you, although that would have to be handled most discreetly for reasons I am sure that you understand.¡± ¡°Thank you, director. I will of course consider what advice you have to provide me,¡± Kite said, both relief and the sharp tingle of nervosity showing on his features and aura. ¡°Then I believe that we have a bit more planning to do, even though I will let Rupert handle most of it. Meeting him discreetly is a lot easier, and will make the story we wish to present just a little more plausible,¡± Jarvan said before pausing, an idea having come to him. ¡°But you know, it would be a shame for me not to have at least a small, deniable finger on this operation.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Kite asked, curious. ¡°While it might lead to nothing, I believe that it is worth a shot,¡± Jarvan said, nodding to himself. ¡°As you are taking a risk not only for yourself, what director would I be if I didn¡¯t at least cash in a favor to try and help you a bit further.¡±
Walker gritted his teeth as he saw the breached walls of the village that was his next destination. Being one of the bigger settlements in the region, it had even once been affluent enough to be protected by magical defenses as well. Unfortunately, the emphasis was on the past tense, as said defenses had either been too old or weak to hold off whatever had broken through the perimeter of the settlement, even though Walker could also see traces of magical detonations as well. ¡°It was not an easy conquest at least, even if that is of no comfort to the dead,¡± Walker thought as he drew near, crossing the final stretch of distance by disappearing amongst the foliage of a tree only to appear from an intact shrubbery on the village plaza. His senses immediately searched outwards, using the plants of the area to reach even further. Within seconds, Walker had both noted something odd, yet hopeful, as well as where he needed to go. Because from what he could feel, there were surprisingly few corpses in the village. Enough to be a tragedy, but not enough to be an extinction. And from the huge cluster of bronze-ranked monsters he could sense to the east, about a kilometer from the village, Walker also knew that he had little time to spare. He set off at a dead sprint in the direction, silver-ranked speed boosted further by being within a forest domain. Walker continued running even as he approached a cliff, conjuring a vine which he slung up towards the tallest tree he could find. Assisted by strength and magic both, his swing carried him upwards and past the top of the tree serving as his anchor, rust-colored leaves falling as the tree shook from the speed and force of his passing. Walker was relieved, and a little bit thrilled, to have made the correct call as his display of impromptu acrobatics was enough to carry him to the top of the cliff, touching down on its very top. From here, he could see the glow of a flickering magical barrier in the distance, near the base of another set of cliffs. As that was also the location of the gathered monsters, Walker spared no further time for considerations, diving from his vantage into a free-fall. Just as he made contact with the foliage that was rushing up to meet him, Walker disappeared yet again, his teleportation power causing him to meld with the plant life as he traversed the distance. Just a heartbeat later, he was launched out from a set of low bushes near what turned out to be the entrance to a mining shaft where a group of over twenty sledgehammer toads were taking turns bashing at the failing magical barrier which still protected the entrance. The bronze-ranked monsters were hulking, almost humanoid toads with thick, mottled skin blending in well with the forest environment and got their name from the heavy clump of stone-like bone at the tips of their tongues which they could wield with surprising swiftness to make crushing blows at range. Behind the barrier, Walker could also make out the sickly fear of normal-rankers inside where a middle-aged woman with slightly graying hair was trying to frantically feed more of a dwindling stash of spirit coins into the failing formation. The small siege was quickly broken however, as the monsters suddenly found a silver-ranker in their midst, still retaining all the momentum of his fall before teleporting. Leaf-blade outstretched, Walker tore through the pack like a verdant meteor, swiftly causing thicker roots to grow over the mine¡¯s entrance for additional protection. From thereon, there was really no contest at all between adventurer and monster, but a slaughter. A mere half minute afterwards, silence fell over the scene before Walker called out to the trapped people. ¡°Good folk, you can lower the barrier.¡± Having his conjured roots disappear, Walker met the frightened gazes of those within. They were ordinary people, the ones he had spent his adventuring life helping as he had wandered the woods of the Autumn lands more than anyone else. ¡°It¡¯s Brave Walker of Paths-.¡± ¡°Master Walker-¡± ¡°Thank the gods-¡± After his talk with Kite before the surge began, Walker couldn¡¯t help the twinge of pride in his chest at the almost immediate recognition, the barrier dropping soon after as people scrambled out of what was indeed a mine shaft. Walker started counting those present, but was soon distracted as he noticed the woman who had been keeping up the barrier. As the others exited, she had instead knelt down next to the formations and started to meticulously clean the dust and gravel from the sigils. Ignoring the curious gazes of those gathered, Walker went to kneel by her side, noting the woman going through what looked like familiar motions; a process often repeated. ¡°Old formation. But well kept,¡± he noted, the woman only looking up at him after finishing her work. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, master Walker, but I needed to finish-¡± she said, bowing subserviently even though Walker could glean little actual regret in her aura, choosing to wave away her apology. ¡°From what I gather, having maintained those warding formations is the only reason that these people are still alive,¡± Walker noted. ¡°It would be a shame for you to stop the habit now. Because I assume that you are the one having taken care of them in the first place?¡± ¡°Well, yes, master Walker. They¡¯re old, from the days when the mine was still prosperous. Still, I didn¡¯t want our young lads and ladies still working here to be unprotected, so I learned what little I could.¡± Her explanation was a bit tentative. ¡°Auntie Stream has gone here every week to keep ma¡¯ and pa¡¯ safe!¡± called a young boy of around ten years old, swiftly being pulled back and hushed by his mother. ¡°Oh, has she now?¡± Walker asked, looking from the child to the woman before him. She looked like many who led the hard life of rural Hua-Xi; black hair now graying slightly and the wiry frame of someone used to working for a living. And from the look of her, and the feel of her aura, she was a stubborn one. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t just lose the rest of ya!¡± the woman apparently called Stream called back to the boy, some of those gathered even chuckling a bit despite the tension. ¡°My husband and son were both lost during the last surge,¡± she added, providing some context to Walker. ¡°And that little rascal and his mother is all I have left of them. My grandson and daughter-in-law.¡± ¡°Then you seem to have done a fine job indeed,¡± Walker agreed. ¡°It would have been a better job done if those cursed wall formations hadn¡¯t been decaying too. But those were always too big and difficult. Could never figure out how to care for them,¡± Stream grumbled. Looking at Stream and feeling the bitter regret washing from her, Walker remained silent for a few seconds before he once more spoke up. ¡°They called you Stream, but may I ask your full name?¡± He was surprised to see that the hard woman started blushing slightly at the question, yet she still answered. ¡°My- my parents named me Sweet Stream. After their favorite meeting spot,¡± she said before mustering back some of her previous grit. ¡°But let it be known that both my husband and son never thought the name fit me very well.¡± At this point, Walker had heard enough, and knew that he had found one. ¡°Well then, Sweet Stream, I would suggest that we start organizing your people here. Choose some to gather what you can from the village, then we leave for the nearest fortress. It will be cramped, but a lot better than these broken walls of yours,¡± Walker said. ¡°And when all that is said and done, you and I need to find a moment to talk some more. Because I believe that I may have an offer for you.¡±
¡°Will, please engage the other incoming pack.¡± ¡°By my path, they shall fall!¡± Will¡¯s charge lit up the half-gloom of twilight, his companions a whole phalanx of glowing spears to intercept the other incoming pack of monsters while Dragonfly continued her brutal duel with the chieftain of the ogre pack. Both the short woman and the huge ogre were bloodied and on fire, but from their auras it was obvious that Dragonfly¡¯s was the one still growing in intensity. ¡°I know master Force always tell me I need to - raaaaaaaaagh! - step out of my comfort zone,¡± Dragonfly said, her sentence interrupted by the fierce cry she could not contain while she delivered a powerful upward slash with her axe while her conjured one descended from above, the pair meeting in the middle to catch the ogre in a most destructive vice. ¡°But I already miss Kite handling these ones while I catch my momentum.¡± ¡°Be swept away by the hammer of the hurricane¡± Serene¡¯s spell was aimed behind the incoming pack of iron-ranked ogres who was coming to the aid of their chieftain, her powerful winds sending even their bulky frames stumbling and tumbling into the oncoming wall of spears. Having finished the casting, the priestess spoke even while her song continued to fill the area. ¡°We all do, but he will need every asset and advantage he can get if he is to succeed. So if we want to support him, we will adapt and make do,¡± Serene said, simultaneously releasing her held droning tone, a gust of wind forcing the ogre chieftain to take Dragonfly¡¯s next attack straight onto its face. ¡°And besides, I believe that Kite¡¯s current predicament is a bit of a trial all in itself.¡±
Standing before the huge wooden gates, Kite took a steadying breath. He already knew that those within had seen him, yet none had so far acted or announced themselves. As such, he had his aura pulse outwards, clearly announcing his presence. ¡°Announce yourself, adventurer!¡± The response was immediate, given in a clear and stern voice. ¡°I am Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, and my arrival should be expected.¡± There was a moment of silence, and a few seconds later Kite could see a shift in the raised magical defenses of the compound ahead of him. Not long after, the gates swung open, revealing a pair of junior elders clad in robes of gold, red and white. Both bowed courteously to Kite as he entered, feeling the distinct tingle all over his body as he passed through the partially lowered defenses and through the gate. ¡°The sect leader awaits you in her solar, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune. Please follow us, and allow us to welcome you to the home of the Victorious Sunset sect.¡± 101. Both knowledge and means ¡°That the director would be audacious to the extreme in either his timing or choice of favor is unsurprising, but the object of said favor¡­ Now that was something I must admit to not having foreseen,¡± Luster of Imminent Dusk said, the sect leader¡¯s intense gaze boring into Kite where he stood before her. ¡°I like to think of myself as a woman able to think and plan ahead, but this is the second time that you, of all people, have shown up like an unforeseen trial from the heavens. Will you aim to leave behind as lasting an imprint this time too, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune?¡± Kite had never met the sect leader of the Victorious Sunset sect in person before, but he found her to live up to the mental image he had built up of the woman of whom even mistress Dew had spoken of with a certain degree of respect at times during their training. Sect leader Dusk was a human woman with straw blonde hair, her sharp features and silver rank giving her a kind of imposing beauty which made one think twice before approaching. For any reason. She was clad in the raiments of her sect, but the proudly displayed colors were but a complement to an armor of golden scales which shimmered like the sunset also visible outside the wide windows of her solar. For all her outward appearance, it was still her aura which had Kite stand straighter; a severe spiritual presence like the descending sun, promising only harsh punishment should it return the next day and find you wanting. ¡°My uncle likes to quote a certain Roland Remore, sect leader. I have heard that he is quite a famous figure. Apparently even runs a school, but that is besides my point,¡± Kite said politely, doing his best to keep steady under the pressure of sect leader Dusk¡¯s aura. It was not the pressure of aggressive suppression, but pressure nonetheless. ¡°He apparently said that a good adventurer is the one able to turn opportunity into fortune. And as opportunities were rather scarce and perilous during that particular incident, I will at least say that I did what I felt right at the time.¡± Dusk¡¯s eyes thinned slightly at Kite¡¯s comment, but she did not lash out or otherwise increase the pressure upon him, even smiling slightly although it did not reach her eyes. ¡°And such a gracious action too, to share the opportunity with your aggressors. I do not know if your actions were the ones of an idealistic fool or a devious schemer, but I will not deny their impact on my sect even to this day. And as for what was revealed in its aftermath-¡± she continued, the hint rich with meaning, ¡°- it only further serves to leave our karma to this day in a strange place.¡± ¡°Then, if I may suggest it, should we not agree to set the karma between us aside for the moment, sect leader?¡± Kite asked. ¡°After all, me being here is karma being severed between you and the branch director.¡± Dusk regarded Kite for a while longer, then nodded. ¡°Your words and circumstances both indicate it to be the wisest course. As I am sure that you understand, my time during the surge is quite limited. My reply to Jarvan still holds; I can offer you two days of training in between my duties, with further delays possible as the needs of the surge demands. While I trust my grand elders to handle things, there is no more unpredictable time than the monster surge.¡± ¡°Then I will remain ready to accept whatever insights you may provide,¡± Kite said, remaining polite but neutral. ¡°And we shall see if you prove to be wise enough to be able to learn from them,¡± sect leader Dusk countered, rising to leave her solar while gesturing for Kite to follow. ¡°Anyone with the right powers can drain the mana from others. It remains to be seen if you wield attacks on your foe''s spirit with any more finesse than a streetside brawler swinging a broken bottle. You will accompany me to receive the reports of the grand elders, after which I will properly test your mettle.¡± Nodding in response, Kite once more donned his wide hat as they exited the study, the obscuring veils gifted to him by Braid back in Bastion already in place to hide his face. While the simple enchantments would not hold up to powers specifically made to pierce the illusions, the slightly shimmering cloth would still deter most observers up to the lower ends of silver from easily identifying Kite at a glance. ¡°Fortune, may this too prove an opportunity and not a mistake,¡± Kite said in silent prayer, closing the doors behind him.
Frost among Morning Dew moved swiftly through the forested landscape, trailing glittering frost and snow as her magic helped increase her speed. While her immediate surroundings were calm, she could hear the conflict escalating in the distance as her being in the higher end of silver rank both gave her the perception and ability to make out the words among all the other sounds of nature. Because the conflict in question was not one between beast and person, but between two idiots. ¡°-no right to intrude upon our territory, no matter what contract you claim to have. Know your place, outcast trash!¡± ¡°Oh now that is rich, coming both from one who would outright attack a fellow essence-user trying to protect the people, something you traitors seem to have forgotten is our duty in the first place!¡± ¡°You dare?! The Descending Star sect has stood since before your pathetic line was even born, trash. If you get on your knees and beg for forgiveness, you might even get to keep what is beneath them once I am done with you!¡± ¡°You bi-¡± At that moment, Dew had drawn close enough, vanishing in a flurry of snowflakes only to appear in equally dramatic fashion between the two groups of iron-rankers squaring off against each other. And just in time too, as she had sensed the one representing the outcast group starting to gather his magic. An attempt that fizzled out quickly as Dew let her aura clamp down on both of the arguing women. ¡°Although quarreling children might be a more apt description,¡± she thought, speaking up in the silence that followed. ¡°I believe that to be enough. Stand down and return to the city. There are plenty of other contracts for you to complete instead of attempting to do the surge a favor and getting more essence-users injured or killed.¡± Her words were directed at the unaffiliated adventurer, the young woman at least having the sense to back down. ¡°Yes, Frost among Morning Dew.¡± ¡°See, at least one outcast with some sense,¡± the other woman, clad in the blue and silver of the Descending Star sect, gleefully commented. ¡°Now run along and don¡¯t challenge your betters-¡± ¡°As for you-,¡± Dew interrupted her, now bearing down with her aura upon just that one initiate, the girl¡¯s words melting away like snow before an inferno, ¡°- do not think me blind to the remnants of your sect¡¯s folly here.¡± As she spoke, Dew gestured to one of the outcast adventurers present, his armor and arm scorched too recently as to leave any doubt of the origin of the attack. ¡°Seceding from the adventure society may have removed you from their authority, but also their protection. There is no one here to stop me from making an example of all of you. Probably no one in this entire region would be able to even if they tried. And an example you will be.¡± All of Dew¡¯s words were delivered with her signature icy calm, her aura a monolith of impenetrable ice to all those present. Before the group of the sect had the time to do more but flinch, a cloud of frost and snow washed over all of them. Cries of alarm could be heard from within, the cloud fading to show that most of those within had been rather unaffected by the display; in fact, all except one. The young woman who had been the most verbal of the group was now a frozen statue of shimmering ice, the panicked look of the young elf barely visible from the outside. A sharp, thin sword of ice appeared in Dew¡¯s hands, and with a series of swipes and stabs she started chipping away at the unmelting ice pillar that was the initiate; not to injure, but to write. Before long, a message was carved into the surface of the ice covering the frozen girl, Dew gesturing to her companions in dismissal. ¡°There. She should thaw in a few hours, which should give her plenty of time to reflect upon some of her life¡¯s choices and for the rest of you to deliver her back to the sect along with my message. You may continue on your path. At least for now.¡± Even though they were well and properly cowering, Dew could still feel the hints of defiance, frustration and even a bit of hate from the suppressed iron-rankers. ¡°Jarvan won¡¯t have an easy job with these in the future, that is for sure,¡± Dew thought as she watched the sect members retreat with their companion in her unwilling, frozen stasis. The unaffiliated adventurers had at least shown the sense of not gloating at their chastised fleas any more, and all of them flinched when Dew turned to them. ¡°You should take a lesson from this as well. And prepare better for such occurrences in the future as well as remember that the surge means that your priorities should remain fighting monsters. Now, take your leave.¡± She didn¡¯t need to repeat her command a third time, the group swiftly retreating back towards the city. Shaking her head, Dew then continued on her way, a bigger silver-ranked manifestation having been reported that was her original purpose of being in the area in the first place. ¡°But with how close this was, I will assume there will be more in the future that won¡¯t end without bloodshed. Jarvan¡¯s job will indeed become harder. And Rupert¡¯s too, I suppose. I best make sure to meet with him the next time I return to Gilded, as the future might hold even more contracts for me than I would have initially expected,¡± Frost among Morning Dew thought as she was once more passing through the forests of the Autumn Lands, blue lips hinting at a sad smile.
¡°Again.¡± At the sect leader¡¯s words, Kite once more bowed to his opponent; one of the sect¡¯s bronze-ranked junior elders who had yet to be named more than Censer. After having been left outside a meeting room for half an hour while the sect leader conferred with the grand elders, Dusk had then proceeded to bring Kite to a training hall within the compound with the man he was now facing already waiting for their arrival. What had followed had been a long series of sparring exchanges for Kite to demonstrate his different powers. Due to his history with the Victorious Sunset sect, Kite had been a bit hesitant when Jarvan had earlier suggested that he go all out in sharing his powers with the sect leader. ¡°While troublesome in her own way, Luster of Imminent Dusk has yet to break or dishonor any direct agreement I have ever made with her,¡± Jarvan had said while nodding in understanding at Kite¡¯s worry. ¡°If she agrees to teach you, she will do her utmost to do just that as anything less would reflect poorly upon her path. Do not mistake me; she is a prideful and dangerous woman. But not an unstable one. Her knowing your powers more intimately would not change the power dynamic between the two of you in any practical way for the foreseeable future.¡± As such, Kite had demonstrated his powers individually as well as part of his more comprehensive fighting style, the junior elder proving to be quite the experienced sparring partner, although this was only to be expected of someone holding the position akin to functionary and instructor within a sect. The term ¡®junior¡¯ was also a bit misleading, as the man with the shaved head and thin mustache was clearly a lot older than Kite. After bowing, the pair once more clashed, junior elder Censer doing an admirable job of supplying Kite with the opportunity to show off what the sect leader asked of him while still retaining as much authenticity as possible. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Thank you, junior elder. You may leave us.¡± The words of sect leader Dusk were accompanied by a burst of her aura, instantly grabbing the attention of both bronze-rankers as they stopped and bowed once more before junior elder Censer left without further ado. While Kite could see her in his expanded field of vision, he still tried taking care in not forgetting basic social cues as he turned to look expectantly at Dusk for her evaluation. She still regarded him in silence for a while, her stern facade unchanged as she eventually spoke. ¡°Your path is certainly an odd one, although I cannot deny its effectiveness in many situations. While I, a holder of the twilight confluence, have my share of means to drain mana or dispel effects, your negation confluence in tandem with the particular flavor of void that seems to have awakened within you makes you even more prone to need to truly adapt your whole style to it. The last racial gift evolution you spoke of was more a nail in that proverbial coffin than an actual surprise.¡± ¡°But can you help me improve even further?¡± Kite asked, reading neither confirmation nor denial on Dusk¡¯s features. ¡°I find myself wondering what makes this; teaching you more techniques for incorporating mana-drain into a comprehensive fighting style, important enough to have Jarvan cash in a favor during an ongoing monster surge. Because while I do indeed have quite the list of pointers, you should be able to pass through most challenges of your rank with what you got. So why is this so important to you? Or to the director?¡± As he remained silent, feeling her gaze and aura both probing at him as if to glean any insights without being too brutal in their intrusion, Dusk eventually shook her head. ¡°But as you are not forthcoming, I will not dwell further on it. Onto the evaluation. With all the tools at your disposal, you still wield the spiritual drain like a blunt object with which to simply bludgeon their magical matrix into submission; a tactic I would not discard as there is great merit to that in most situations. For example, as soon as you fight someone less skilled or weaker than you. But while your overall fighting skills are good, even excellent for someone without too much backing, you lack a bit of the foresight and deviousness which can help one truly make the most of powers such as yours. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Answer me this, adventurer Kite; what is the benefit of draining someone¡¯s mana?¡± ¡°You rob them of an often vital resource while getting closer to victory. In most cases where you find yourself fighting, unconsciousness and death might as well be one and the same.¡± Kite¡¯s answer came quickly, as this was something that he had already reviewed along with Phiona, Rachel and Vista during his stay in Bastion. ¡°While true, it also lacks nuance,¡± Dusk remarked. ¡°Much as with someone¡¯s health, you also have a psychological aspect. Damage someone enough, even a silver-ranker who might not even need the body part in question to survive, and you will start instilling a certain mind set into them. That they are damaged, and need to compensate for it. Avoiding certain actions, or maybe fight more defensively. Damaging someone¡¯s mana plays even more into that factor, one where I believe that training and experience will take you even further than with bodily harm. Picture this; you are fighting a competent brawler, who is well rounded and physically stronger than you. You start to only attack his mana. Does this mean that you have won?¡± Kite felt the trap in the question, thinking before giving his answer. ¡°That¡­ that depends.¡± ¡°On?¡± ¡°On how he handles it, and what it makes him do next.¡± ¡°Precisely,¡± Dusk said with a smile. ¡°An inexperienced warrior might panic as they feel their spiritual reserves being drained, becoming more reckless and maybe even trying to finish you off quickly. And with your path, that is when you truly win. But if said person is wise to such tricks? Who realizes that by becoming more conservative, they can still win out through skill and strength as your attacks find less to affect? Draining someone¡¯s mana does have the advantage in that it is a resource most are used to spend freely, as well as conventional healing not being the response to counteract it. But if said brawler is skilled, that will not happen. In fact, it might be an even better tactic for them to just brute force the issue with you instead, which will eventually lead them to victory. From the look of you, this is something you have already experienced, no?¡± Kite started slightly as he realizes that sect leader Dusk had indeed gleaned at least the sentiment of his thoughts as Kite had recalled his unexpected battle with mistress Withers, who had in the end won out more by abandoning most of her powers and instead trusting her raw attributes to bludgeon Kite into submission. ¡°That is¡­ not inaccurate,¡± Kite said, relaying some of the broader strokes of the conflict while leaving out the details surrounding the scenario. ¡°It is good that you have learned said lesson, and survived it. Serves the core-user right. If one builds one¡¯s path upon wealth, finding out that one¡¯s power is hollow is too light a punishment,¡± Dusk said, voice dripping with derision. ¡°And having at least partly grasped that lesson might let me give you some pointers as to how to subvert the expectations of even those more experienced or skilled; how to truly turn their mana into a trap, and leave control even more firmly in your hands. The time we have is short, but you have enough of a foundation to at least let you get a grasp of it. Steady your mind; we will begin at once.¡±
¡°That is¡­ quite the plan. I must admit that I am more surprised that it was young Kite and not my son who came up with it.¡± March of Indomitable Glaciers looked both amused and contemplative as he swirled his glass of sap-wine, the small container enchanted to keep the liquid perfectly chilled. ¡°From your words, I take it that you don¡¯t disapprove?¡± Jarvan retorted, taking a sip of his own cup. ¡°This is an excellent brew. The first spring barrels?¡± ¡°The tartness does give it away, doesn¡¯t it?¡± lord Indomitable noted. ¡°But you are correct, on both accounts. I must admit that I am pleased that an outlander such as you has come to appreciate our way of doing things.¡± ¡°Oh, I am yet far from going entirely native,¡± Jarvan chuckled, catching the double meaning. ¡°But there is definitely an appeal to some things you do around here. The directness is quite refreshing even, when there is some thought behind it more than preserving honor or keeping face. Then, from your assessment, you believe that Kite can do it?¡± ¡°In all honesty, you being here and sharing this with me tells me that you believe that the chance for success is decent, branch director,¡± lord Indomitable noted with a twinkle in his eyes. ¡°We may have our disagreements, but not in regards to quality adventurers. Young Kite should indeed have his chance here, but-¡± the elf raised a finger in warning, ¡°- you should well know that obvious interference from your part here will only undo what you might want to achieve. The interference of elders in the business of the younger generations is quite frowned upon when done inelegantly.¡± ¡°Oh, believe me, I know. And Kite does too. We might be close enough to save his life should things go extremely wrong, but with the fragility of bronze-rankers, not even that is in any way assured.¡± Jarvan took another sip before smiling his usual grin of confidence. ¡°But still, I can¡¯t help but feel a bit excited as well. Because this might be what we need to set something in motion. And depending on how things go afterwards-¡± Jarvan began, but the city lord waved him off. ¡°If things do indeed look favorable or within some of our predictions, you can count on my contribution. And if not, I promise to do what I can to at least keep the mess to a minimum.¡± ¡°Which still won¡¯t be a small one,¡± Jarvan noted. ¡°Although from the way things are going, said mess would probably hit us soon anyway.¡± ¡°Then-¡± lord Indomitable said, raising his glass in a toast, ¡°-to the paths of our young. May they be tempered enough to reach far.¡±
¡°Tell me, adventurer Kite; do you think my sect to be in the wrong?¡± Kite started slightly at the question from sect leader Dusk where he walked at her side, slightly behind and his obscuring veil in place. The pair was currently moving towards the entrance to the sect compound, with the sect leader about to head out temporarily to hunt down a nearby silver-ranked manifestation. It was the morning of Kite¡¯s second and final day staying under her tutelage, and he had been surprised at her asking him to walk with her on the way to her departure. Around them, the sect compound of bright wooden buildings with their west-facing verandas and windows covered both the ground and cliffs around them, glowing in the morning sun. The students and functionaries of the sect were long since up and about, groups of the warriors likewise heading out as the surge still continued. ¡°In what regard, sect leader?¡± Kite asked, still keeping his tone polite and neutral. While his stay had been nothing but productive, it had also been quite intense in both a physical and spiritual sense so far. ¡°In how we conduct ourselves. And what we strive for. Or whatever else that may have influenced your decision when sharing your thoughts with the servitor of the Queen of Jade and Sky.¡± Luster of Imminent Dusk¡¯s eyes continuously looked ahead, but Kite got the feeling that she had not asked the question lightly. ¡°I¡­¡± Kite began tentatively, then finding his resolve. ¡°I have long been torn on that question, sect leader, and I yet feel that my answer might not be to your liking.¡± ¡°From your words that day, I would already have assumed it to be so. Yet I would still hear it.¡± ¡°Then; yes. While I can see the clear merit of your sect and the training it can provide as it nurtures young warriors, I have also witnessed slivers of its failures. In person as well as a witness to the consequences that come afterwards. My uncle - who you may know as Brave Walker of Paths - used to tell me that pride is the most double-edged sword there is, easily made brittle by the insecurities of its wielder. And during my first two years as an adventurer, I saw and experienced ample proof of that; that it was a sword many of your members were actively encouraged to use yet never properly taught on how to wield. Or more importantly, when to return it to its sheath. As you hear, sect leader, there is a reason why I only once ever asked the question; should I join a sect?¡± Kite had delivered his thoughts, long compounded and out into words over the many evenings spent out on contract or otherwise in contemplation, with a carefully neutral tone. Still, the following silence did not fail to slightly unnerve him as sect leader Dusk did not answer him nor deign to show anything in her aura to allow him to glean her emotions. ¡°I see. You are quite the eloquent one,¡± she eventually said, voice firm and controlled while not sparing him a glance. ¡°I will reflect on your words during this hunt; your ties to the Queen¡¯s servitor would make me a fool not to. Be prepared for our final stretch of practice when I return. Junior elder Censer will remain at your disposal until then in the usual training hall.¡± With those words, Luster of Imminent Dusk set off at a much swifter pace, her silver rank speed carrying her towards the distant gates at an impressive pace. Kite was left looking after her, a thoughtful expression on his concealed face, before turning back towards the training hall. There were quite the few pointers that he had received yesterday, after all.
Seeing one of junior elder Censer¡¯s most powerful special attacks inbound, his sword glowing like the sun itself, Kite acted. A palm shot out without fear to touch the destructive blade, Pattern-shattering Counter dissolving the potent effect and draining Censer¡¯s mana even while Kite¡¯s staff was inbound in a one-handed swing, glowing with the blue outline of Cleave the Spirit as the evolved racial gift was employed for the first time during this sparring session. The exchange became the starting signal for a shift in the battle as the twin vortices of Spirit Singularity shifted to both focus on the junior elder even as the empowered, echoed chakra implosion tore through the man¡¯s mana reserves. Kite continued to follow up and press the advantage, but a burst of sect leader Dusk¡¯s aura interrupted the bout. ¡°That is enough. Junior elder, you may leave us. Take the evening off to replenish.¡± ¡°Thank you, sect leader,¡± came the man¡¯s gruff voice, Censer bowing once more to Kite before leaving. Through the large windows of the training hall, the golden light of late afternoon was just beginning its transition to dusk. Like many times before that day, Kite turned to the sect leader to await her verdict. ¡°That was a well-executed reversal. While you should not expect a surprise to work, that doesn¡¯t mean that you should not try. Unexpectedly losing that amount of mana at once will have a chance to shake or stress even experienced warriors. But it will have to be added to the list of things where it will be up to you to properly integrate them into your path. Because as the sun sets, your time here will come to an end. The surge waits no more for either of us than for the gods, and we will have to doubly prove ourselves during the rest of the time of tempering it represents.¡± ¡°I will take your advice to heart, sect leader,¡± Kite said honestly, bowing in polite respect. While he had gone into the sect compound with doubts, Jarvan¡¯s assessment of Luster of Imminent Dusk had held true as she had opened up a new aspect of his path. Throughout the day, Kite had been drilled in feints, moves and fierce attacks; all ways to further control the tempo of any fight in which he may find himself. It would take quite some time to properly consolidate and learn more, way more than Kite had, but he was quite sure that the knowledge would help immensely in the trial which he strived to set up for himself. As Dusk still regarded him, Kite remained standing before her. Eventually, the sect leader seemed to reach a decision as she spoke once more. ¡°As for your words earlier, I have contemplated them, reaching some conclusions. It would seem that our fundamental differences in pride and its qualities will forever make our paths rather anathema to one another. Because where you only see a brittle sword, I instead see the blade being able to be raised in defense of one¡¯s path; a blade which both to ward off your foes and keep your mind and purpose clear. While power comes with responsibilities, I still say that the ultimate responsibility remains to one self and one¡¯s path. And through that, I believe that the Victorious Sunset sect will climb towards the heavens, one step at a time as we show the world our resolve.¡± As she fell silent, Kite let a few seconds pass by. Just as he was about to nod in acknowledgement and take his leave, Dusk held up one finger to forestall him. ¡°But I will say, despite the face it costs me, that your thoughts about wielding one¡¯s pride has merit. One that I will contemplate. This only adds to the karmic debt that I have found to still lie between us, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune. A debt of action, not of worldly things. And one that I will aim to sever in the future, should the opportunity of something equal present itself. While your actions at the gate still remain alien to me, I would be a fool to try and not to learn what I can from them, if only to make sure that the sect grows stronger in the face of this adversity. All of its students who adhere to its creed deserve no less. I did promise them the chance at heaven, after all.¡± The pair stood there, far from equal in power yet sharing one trait; resolve. As he met sect leader Dusk¡¯s gaze, her aura now being more of a presence rather than a pressure for the first time since his arrival at the sect, Kite also felt that there was another trait the two shared; earnestness. Channeled and expressed in vastly different ways, yet the same at its core. And as such, he chose to share something which he had not aimed to share beforehand. As Kite spoke, Luster of Imminent Dusk¡¯s eyebrows gradually climbed ever so slightly upwards. And as he finished, she even showed him a slight smile with some actual mirth twinkling in her eyes. ¡°This was a plan that, by sharing it, also meant that you left me the opportunity to hurt you without even getting my hands dirtied, should I wish.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°And by sharing, I also gave you the opportunity for some final words of advice, should you have any.¡± At this, Kite thought that her smile might have widened just a fraction more. ¡°In this case and for this purpose, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, I might even be able to surpass your expectations. I will indeed provide you a gift of words, but even more so, an offer of legacy.¡±
¡°Kite!¡± Dragonfly all but ran up to him as the gates of the sect compound closed behind him, looking him over. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°I am,¡± Kite said with a smile, Will and Serene soon reaching the pair as well. ¡°From what I can feel, he is even more than alright,¡± Serene chimed in. ¡°I sense a bit of joy, and the sense of trepidatious excitement has only grown. Your short time here seems to have been worthwhile indeed.¡± ¡°In that, my friend, I hope that you are correct,¡± Kite said, joining his friends as they started the trek back towards Gilded. ¡°But I was fortunate enough to gain both knowledge-¡± he said, looking down at the object he still wore on his left hand, ¡°- and means.¡±
WWJS: [Item] Dusk of Fortitude Gauntlet Bronze rank - epic [Effect] Touch a creature and pay a cost of moderate mana to inflict them with a curse-type affliction which causes any mana-drain suffered by the target to also drain stamina. The stamina drained is in addition to the mana, but only a small portion compared to the original draining effect. This affliction is resistant to cleansing effects of bronze rank and below. Duration: 1 hour. [Effect] Has an internal storage of mana and stamina, which is filled either through active channeling of the wearer¡¯s reserves or through the wielder draining said resource in excess of their own maximum. Stored reserves can be used to fuel attacks or be channeled back into the wearer over time, but will start to slowly decay after an hour in storage.
¡°But we need to make haste in our return to the city; the contracts will not wait for us much longer,¡± Kite said, mind back to future endeavors. ¡°Speak for yourself, my friend. We have definitely kept up the slack even in your absence,¡± Will boasted. Glad to once more be back in the more relaxing company of friends, Kite was regaled with the stories of their trials as they returned to Gilded. Because there were indeed contracts waiting for them. And, eventually, a challenge to be issued. 102. Next ¡°To sweet retribution!¡± The call was echoed as a dozen other cups and glasses were raised in toast to the words of Soar on Enlightened Wind, the disciple being the last one to drink as he remained standing and looking out over those gathered. All of them proudly wore the colors of the Descending Star sect in addition to armor and other equipment, a stark contrast to the fineries of the large dining hall in the Resplendent family¡¯s city compound in which their gathering took place. ¡°It fills me with joy that so many of you came when we called,¡± disciple Soar began, addressing the gathered people. ¡°That there are still those remaining within our sect who still hold its honor closest to heart, and the loyalty to one¡¯s fellow students as absolute. That will, no matter the politicking of the high-rankers, stand up for the wrongs that have been committed. That there are people like me and Mist who remember. Because even while the monster surge rages, there is already another rabid beast to put down. One who has murdered our fellow members, initiates Sparrow and Ram. One that both the adventure society and the city lord continue to protect, even nurture, as they try to oust us and shake the foundations of our sect, afraid of the power we wield. But as you all know, we will soon get our chance; the chance that our elders would have us set aside, yet a chance we could never look past. A chance to right the wrong that is called Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune; an auspicious name bringing only misfortune wherever he goes. And now we finally know when and where he will be. It has been far from easy, our dear brother Mist here risking everything just to help us make the inquiries needed. And after almost risking discovery, dear Mist has finally received word. Please, brother, inform us.¡± With those words, Soar gestured for the young noble to rise and join him. Mist tried to straighten himself as best he could, aura bursting with pride at the cheers and raised cups, standing beside Soar as he spoke. ¡°Through my retainers, I have managed to confirm that the outcast knave will leave on a contract later this evening, having been specifically chosen to reinforce one of the holdfasts while the rest of his team is sent on other errands. Why they would choose a coward such as him to reinforce anything is a mystery to me, but such incompetence has ever been the way of the adventure society. But he will not find his way to his destination. No, he will instead meet only retribution and his end. We will make sure of that.¡± Inside Mist, he could feel the year of resentment and frustration bubbling and churning, making him anxious to get on with it. To act. And from the looks of his fellow sect members - his true brothers and sisters who cared not for his expulsion but only for his loyalty - they shared his feelings. ¡°So please, brothers and sisters, eat and enjoy my family¡¯s hospitality. Because in but a few hours, we will finally have partaken of the justice denied us.¡± Mist raised his glass in toast, those gathered doing the same. ¡°To the Descending Star sect! To the fallen! And to just retribut-¡± *CRASH!* Mist was interrupted as the door to the dining hall burst open with enough force to send parts of the door and frame tumbling to the ground. At the same time an aura unfolded, solid and unyielding. Not enough to blanket the room or in any form of spiritual assault, but definitely enough to announce and make known the origin of said aura. One that, working through some of the changes from ranking up, Mist recognized. ¡°So this is where the craven fellowship gathers,¡± a voice rang out as the subject of their collective anger stepped into the room. While most of it was stunned to speechlessness, part of Mist¡¯s mind still noted that the outcast¡¯s aura seemed firmer and more solid in more ways than one, hinting at trials overcome and temperings endured. ¡°When I followed the trail of questions back here, I must admit to being disappointed. One would think that someone might learn from two defeats suffered, but alas. And this time, you have gathered even more of your cowardly kin. I must admit that you sure did up the scales this time, former disciple Mist. A dozen sure is quite the step up from four. I deemed it time to settle this and at least act with the honor you all seem to lack. Therefore I, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, challenge you - all of you - to a clash of paths. I will even allow you to choose the order of which of your paths will crumple before mine, as it matters little. This folly of yours ends tonight.¡±
Meridians of the Sky looked up towards the darkening skies above her, the stars well visible to her eyes. Even the thrill of victory against the pair of silver-ranked amalgam echidnas laying dead before her did not entirely manage to distract her from her tumultuous thoughts. ¡°Am I now a traitor in truth?¡± she thought to herself, mentally recoiling from the harsh title which she was unsure belonged to her or not. Around her, the other members of the sect who had left along with her fought in their assigned groups, but as all of their auras felt stable and thriving, Meridian allowed herself to remain lost in thoughts for a while longer. The adventure society had been surprisingly good to them, even allowing them to work as a somewhat cohesive force when assigning the surge contracts. But when they had asked her to come in for a meeting, only to find that a certain young outcast was also present, Meridian had still felt torn. Under oath of silence, she had listened to his plan; of his ambition to corner the wayward disciples of her sect - Or former sect, to be precise - by using their somewhat compromised ideal of honor against them. Of his path and why he thought himself at least having a chance of success. And of what he aimed to do with them, should he actually manage the feat. In the end, it had been the final part that had eventually convinced Meridian. So she had spoken; answered their questions and shared her knowledge. And maybe having become an actual traitor along the way, no matter her good intentions. ¡°Well, cousin, at least that would then make two of us,¡± she thought bitterly, looking to the southwest; towards the compound which had been her home for so long. ¡°Because even if I just donned the mantle, you seem to have been wearing it for longer than anyone knew; yourself most of all.¡± Feeling one group of her followers being thrown into slight disarray, Meridian let her focus snap back to the present, moving off into the dark forests to stay closer in case her intervention was needed. After this evening, change would come upon them whether she liked it or not. And Meridian would have a role to play in future events.
Entering the Resplendent family compound had been surprisingly easy. Almost suspiciously so, although Kite assumed that he perhaps should not have used his training with Braid as a measure for the magical defenses of Gilded¡¯s high society. Expecting complex arrays for just a local compound in this part of the world was a little much. While it was clear that the formation could be further empowered by feeding it spirit coins, it had only been powered by the ambient mana upon Kite¡¯s arrival. A directed disrupting strike had scrambled it for long enough to allow passage through the sprawling compound¡¯s main gate. Having already received a bit of guidance as to his destination, Kite had then just entered the foyer and walked on with purpose, his aura having servants quickly scurry away from his path with only the usual and instinctual fear of the mighty coloring their auras. It had only been when drawing closer, that a house retainer had noticed him and politely asked his business. ¡°I have been called by the young master to the evening¡¯s gathering, although they might not expect to see me just yet. They are currently at the westernmost dining hall, correct?¡± His calm, assured demeanor had apparently given the man enough for him to bow and apologize for disturbing Kite, quickly hurrying off so as to get away from the bronze-ranker¡¯s presence. Once outside the door to the dining hall, Kite could indeed feel the auras inside; smoldering with the haze of revelry colored with anticipation and frustration. And, when questing closer with his spiritual senses, Kite could also feel that shuddering instability ever so faintly, the sensation easily lost within the other fluctuations of the auras of those gathered unless one knew what to look for. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what work this may bring upon you,¡± Kite thought, looking once more towards where the retainer had scurried off. ¡°Warrior, please guide my hand. And Fortune, please bless me with your favor.¡± Kite then threw up a recording crystal to hover over his shoulder before he swiftly turned and gave the double doors a sideways kick, the fine wood splintering as one of the pairs even fell from its hinges. Flaring his aura outwards, Kite could feel the stiff shock in the auras of those present, even recognizing some of the faces from memory or description. ¡°Mist and Soar, of course,¡± he thought, readying himself to deliver his challenge. ¡°And a few others who have challenged me in the past, after the war. At least initiate Summer from the ambush chose a wiser path.¡± Kite still remembered the young woman with the metal whips participating the last time Mist had tried getting his so-called justice, the one who had also been the first to actually back away from that fight. ¡°-I, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, challenge you - all of you - to a clash of paths. I will even allow you to choose the order of which of your paths will crumple before mine, as it matters little. This folly of yours ends tonight.¡± As Kite finished, his words sinking in for those gathered, there was but a brief moment of silence before the first expected response came. Thirteen auras flared up in anger, indignation and other similar responses while most gathered flew to their feet, powers activating and equipment conjured. Their collective auras started pushing against Kite¡¯s own, wearing away at his spiritual defense even through his resistance. Had the group before him actually made a joint, concerted effort to suppress him instead of wrestling one another almost as much as Kite, he was sure that he would have found himself unable to stop them in short order. But, contrary to the cacophony of angry responses, none actually made a move to attack Kite, and glances cast towards the former inner disciple made it quite obvious who stood at the top among Kite¡¯s would-be assailants. That was why Kite let his gaze lock onto the man; his dark hair, angular jaw and clean-shaven face making him look like the very model of a Hua-Xi warrior. And while Kite could also glean quite a bit of suppressed surprise, it was dwarfed by the cold fury Soar directed at the one who had so abruptly barged into their meeting. ¡°You¡­ challenge us?¡± Soar finally spoke, the others falling silent at his words. ¡°You, the cheating trash who has tried to build a stairway towards the heavens through bringing down your betters, wish to challenge us?¡± ¡°While many would claim that it is showing you more honor than your actions so far deserves, the fact remains; This has to end, one way or another. And unlike you, I will aim to do so with honor in the way dictated by the Queen of Jade and Sky. Even if the former disciple there has already chosen to ignore her decree once before, because I do not believe that you can honestly claim that this little gathering served any other purpose than ambush and deceitful intent.¡± Kite made sure to keep his voice as flinty as possible while speaking. ¡°Lies and slander!¡± Soar retorted. ¡°I had indeed aimed to find you, and to serve you the justice that has been overdue for too long. As I expected to find you in the wilderness, the rest have merely been called along to protect us from the surge still raging in the lands while we settled our scores.¡± ¡°If you mean to come up with excuses, you would do well to at least practice the art of making them believable,¡± Kite countered with obvious vitriol. ¡°And in the end, they mean little. My challenge still stands. So choose who will be the first among you to break yourself upon my path, or back away and confirm your cowardice to the world.¡± ¡°And what is to stop us from just ripping trash like you to shreds where you stand?¡± The angry outburst came from one of the women in the gathered crowd. ¡°I say that a filthy cheat isn¡¯t even worth the consideration of-¡± She suddenly fell silent as Soar¡¯s aura shifted its attention from Kite to instead deliver a jarring aura spike, spiritually rocking the woman. ¡°Oh, so this is your intent? To try and anger us into confirming your words, attacking you and losing face?¡± Soar asked, a bit of additional confidence leaking into his voice as he thought himself having caught on to Kite¡¯s intent. ¡°Do you think that the warriors of the Descending Star sect are so easily fooled? Then that just proves your idiocy even more. Because, unlike an outcast like you, our honor is already boundless, forever linked to the legacy of an institution before which you have yet to know your place. But then I suppose that I will have to thank you as well, trash. As I said, I had intended to be your sole contender this night; a clash honoring both the sect and the queen¡¯s decree. But in coming here and delivering your challenge, you leave us no choice but to accept, inviting certain doom upon you. Brothers and sisters, I say that we take on this upstart and show him the folly of his ways. From this day, let no one say that Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune did not bring his demise upon himself.¡± This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Kite had to forcefully suppress his slight smile as Soar took the way out which had been offered to him. ¡°While not getting assaulted by thirteen of them at the same time is all well and good, the true trial is yet to come,¡± he inwardly reminded himself as the disciple continued. ¡°I say that we show this worm some true power; the power of heritage. When he loses, he will subject himself to be collared and brought to the sect compound. There are certainly a lot of us who would like some time to question him and hear his most sincere apologies.¡± Soar¡¯s words caused a general murmur of acknowledgement to spread among those gathered. While some still seemed to be incredulous as to why the disciple entertained this notion, none spoke out against it. ¡°And should my path conquer all of yours, you will all publicly admit to your dishonorable ways, both now and in the past, sparing nothing.¡± ¡°A demand only a weakling would make,¡± Rise said with a sneer, turning into a grin at his next words. ¡°But ultimately, they are just words soon lost in the wind. I for one will accept. Anyone else?¡± There was a moment of silence as those gathered took in the exchange, with Mist being the first who broke the silence. ¡°I too will accept! I will finally have revenge for the injustices inflicted upon me!¡± The words of the young elf were soon echoed by the rest joining to voice their assent. Hearing Mist still spout claims of injustice caused part frustration and part pity to well up inside Kite at the mind which had to make up such delusions. ¡°I wonder who he was before all this, for the corruption to have brought this out in him. The directors did say that it was suspected to only amplify traits and emotions, not create them.¡± But Kite soon cleared his mind with a breath, the familiar meditation soon coming upon him as the world, his body and his aura all came more into focus. ¡°Very well. Who will be first then?¡± Kite asked aloud. He had barely finished speaking before a young woman, one that he recognized from long ago, turned to Soar and spoke up. ¡°Senior brother, please let me! You will not even have to unsheathe your blade, as I long for revenge of my own. The heavens will favor the righteous!¡± Soar regarded her for a while before nodding. ¡°You have my blessing, junior sister.¡± ¡°But not in here!¡± Mist interrupted, gesturing to the open sliding walls leading out into a garden surrounded by the buildings of his family compound. ¡°Best not let the outcast¡¯s blood sully the carpet.¡± Kite did not acknowledge Mist¡¯ words any further, instead just turning and leaving for the garden. It was a beautifully cultivated park, with both sculptured trees and hedges along with seating areas and other fixtures such as patches of tranquil sand carefully raked into elaborate patterns. Kite kept close track of the gathered sect members also trailing out into the garden, but the only noteworthy happening was Mist shooing away some household staff and guards with body language that all but screamed ¡®We got this handled, just stay away and don¡¯t interfere!¡¯ Many of the gathered disciples also produced recording crystals of their own. The garden was also rather sizeable, and definitely enough to accommodate the bronze-ranked violence that would soon ensue, although a clash between most silver-rankers would probably see the buildings suffering significant damage. Stopping somewhere roughly in the middle, Kite¡¯s opponent also stepped up to face him at the appropriate distance, having grown to twenty meters for a clash at bronze rank instead of the ten meters back at iron. She was quite tall; a human with dark brown hair which she was just finishing to gather up in a braid for the upcoming struggle. ¡°Not needing to hide behind an officiator this time, scum?¡± The woman asked him, referring to the last time she had challenged Kite back at iron rank not too long after his return from the Jade-Sky gate. ¡°If your intent is truly to show honor, then no officiator should be needed other than the warrior¡¯s agreement, no? I will admit not to put too much faith into you living up to those words, though,¡± Kite remarked, feeling her aura shudder a bit further in anger along with the fluctuations that were now a bit easier to distinguish when he knew what to look for, hinting at his opponent potentially being one of the afflicted. ¡°Words you will regret!¡± she snarled, assuming a ready stance and retrieving her light blade on its chain from a spatial pouch. ¡°I, disciple Elegant Jasper, will bring you down in this clash. My sting has grown ever faster since we last fought, and one such as you will not even be able to follow it!¡± ¡°Then come, and break upon the path of Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune.¡± Inwardly, Kite still cringed a bit at the theatrics, but all of the people advising him during the preparations for this day had stood unified in that they were needed. There was a moment of stillness before both of them, as if to an unheard signal, sprung into action. The disciple had been one of the more troublesome clashes of Kite¡¯s early career, her speed and acrobatic fighting style combined with the reach of her weapon having allowed her to run circles around him. As his foe closed in on him, Kite did note that her claim of being faster now held true, the boons springing to life on her laid bare before his magical perception. But Kite had himself gone through quite the transformation since their last meeting as well, in power and experience both. And for the last six months, Kite had been trained by and sparred with Phiona Geller; to whom the disciple seemed both sluggish and inept. ¡°Wall. Ward.¡± Just as the disciple made a nimble stop to pivot, sending her weapon arcing towards Kite and preparing to reverse her momentum, Kite¡¯s spell took effect. A cage of force walls appeared around them, making as small a cage as Kite was able to around both of them while catching the incoming blade on his barrier. What was to have been a leap backwards for the disciple instead brought her back straight up against the barrier wall, a projected strike from Kite¡¯s staff carrying the power of Void-Sunders-Firmament and Chakra Implosion impacting her just as her eyes widened in realization of the development. However, the strike did not leave broken bones or torn flesh, but the chill, tearing sensation as her mana was sundered still caused a gasp from her, immediately followed by the whoosh of the air in her lungs being forced out. Because Kite had not once stopped his forward momentum, crashing barrier first into the disciple with the momentum of his armored bulk behind it. As he got hold of one of her arms Kite used his other gauntleted hand, now being outlined in the blue shimmer of Cleave the Spirit, to start raining punches down upon her. Two of her active boons had already winked out when the disciple finally came to her senses enough to activate a pair of powers, speeding up greatly while also becoming incredibly flexible, enough to bend out from Kite¡¯s pin and get around him. Her newfound freedom was short-lived however, as she had nowhere to go and only an approximate three by three meter prison of force walls to use. While Kite held little doubt that she could have broken through the walls with some concentrated effort, he would not let her have that time as he once more grabbed hold of her weapon hand and drove her into the other wall. Because Kite could rest quite assured that his tactic would be a viable one against this very disciple, courtesy of the former grand elder Meridian. The whole point of them meeting up at the director¡¯s office the day before had been to persuade her to share what she knew of as many bronze-rankers from within the sect as possible. The iron-rankers would in all probability not be brought along, and if the silver-ranked sect leader or other grand elder showed up, Kite needed a different kind of intervention. As a former grand elder herself, they had thought it a qualified guess to assume that Meridian had a decent grasp of the abilities of the disciples and inner disciple; a guess that had been proven correct once her concerns had been assuaged. ¡°Disciple Elegant Jasper. Essences; swift, whip, adept, master. Agile warrior. No flight or phasing powers, or much other in way of escape,¡± Kite mentally repeated from the time spent memorizing as much as he could from the roster they had been given. Curtailing the movements of a warrior with the swift essence would often be a valid tactic, and if that warrior lacked ways to phase through Kite¡¯s walls or the skill to simply fight him off, it went from valid to all but certain. This proved to hold true. While disciple Jasper struggled fiercely, Kite¡¯s combined arsenal of mana-draining effects brought the struggle to a close a mere minute after it had begun, Spiritual Futility doing the heavy lifting as the disciple¡¯s quite lacking grappling skills ensured that she spent a lot of time in contact with the different barriers. As she finally fell limp, Kite bent down and gripped the collar of her robe, letting his force walls fall as he dragged her unconscious form off to the side a bit aways from where they had fought. He then turned to the gritted teeth and hateful glances directed his way, meeting all of their gazes with a resolute, if slightly grim, smile of his own. ¡°Next.¡±
Serene stood in the garden, enfolded in her aura and unnoticed by Kite and all of the present disciples, whose focus remained on the duel currently being fought by Kite and a swordsman, the latter quite obviously frustrated into fury at being forced to discard his conjured blade wreathed in rather intimidating darkness in favor of a much more simple crafted sword. While she could understand his frustration, Serene felt little pity for neither the swordsman nor the other two disciples already lying unconscious on the ground. Because she had been there even earlier than Kite, standing unseen in the gardens outside with a recording crystal in hand while those gathered had toasted and cheered to what she assumed would be the death of her friend. Having been told what to look for, Serene could also sense their instability. While she had met many adventurers, sect members and outcasts alike, with poor aura control, there was an odd quality to these ones. One that was quite easy to just explain away as lack of discipline and move onto other things. ¡°Is that why the affliction has been able to go unnoticed for so long¡± she thought. ¡°Even after the Victorious Sunset sect had spread the information? Whatever it is, it is a most devious creation.¡± Either way, should Kite succeed, it might help shed further light on that particular issue. So for the moment, Serene could only resolve herself to wait and be patient. And pray for her friend¡¯s success.
Kite deflected a series of quick jabs from his opponent on his barrier, staying a bit defensive as he prepared to seize an opening. Unlike his two first opponents, this man was a bit more cautious, and judging only from aura control Kite would also think him one of the more skilled disciples present. In regards to auras, none of the previous challengers had been able to make much of a dent in Kite¡¯s spiritual defenses, and Kite should even have been able to suppress most of them had the battles turned out to be more drawn out. Once, he had even felt an aura from one of the bystanders trying to subtly pressure him as well in an attempt to aid his comrade, but a quick glance and a bit of the attention from Spirit Singularity directed towards the disciple had caused the attempt to quickly cease. The sword of Kite¡¯s foe soon became wreathed in a dark sheen, energy condensing to something not unlike obsidian as the swordsman made a powerful downward slash. Sensing the disrupting force ready to burst from within the glossy darkness, Kite only feinted at raising his barrier to defend, having the disc of force vanish in the last moment before contact. The descending blade instead met Kite¡¯s staff which appeared in his right hand, Pattern-shattering counter shredding the gathered energies of the special attack while the staff, ever durable and excellent at absorbing impact, barely moved in response to the collision. Meanwhile, Kite¡¯s other hand was already moving to counterattack, his gauntleted hand striking out towards the man¡¯s wrist. More mana was forced from Kite¡¯s foe as Chakra Implosion did its work, but there was another effect left behind as well. Because the gauntlet on Kite¡¯s left hand did not match the rest of his armor. Instead of the teal jade color, it was made from a matte, brassy metal with articulated sharp ridges covering the joints and the edges of the fingers being slightly sharpened. It was what Kite had received, or rather bargained for, at the end of his short stay with sect leader Dusk of the Victorious Sunset sect. As Kite activated its power, he could feel the mark now left on his opponent in addition to the afflictions of Chakra Implosion; the mana drain now also accompanied by the still rather unfamiliar sensation of draining a bit of stamina as well. Kite had been quite surprised when sect leader Dusk had brought him back to her solar, only for her to open one of the finely crafted wooden armoires standing along a back wall. Inside Kite had seen several pieces of equipment; rings, amulets and pieces of armor. They were all iron or bronze rank, although he could not glean anything more from the glance he was shown before Dusk had picked up the very gauntlet he now wore on his left hand. ¡°This was one of my most faithful companions during bronze rank,¡± she had explained. ¡°It served me through some of the most arduous trials I have ever experienced, giving me the endurance needed to persevere. And from what you have told me, endurance is something which you will sorely need if you truly aim to challenge those that have started seeking you out. Doing like you intend, a grand series of clashes to truly prove your superiority, is mostly spoken of in stories and fables. For good reason. Facing opponent after opponent will let them go all out against you while you must conserve your strength. And I would offer you to bargain for this gauntlet, as it will most certainly help your path in that regard.¡± Kite had looked from the gauntlet back to the sect leader. ¡°And what do you want in return?¡± ¡°As I said before, the karmic debt between us is one of actions, not of the material. As such, I will want something in return to keep our karma from growing even more out of balance.¡± ¡°Then-¡± ¡°Pay me one bronze spirit coin, and this keepsake is yours.¡± At Kite¡¯s stunned silence after she had named her prize, sect leader Dusk once more showed one of her rare smiles. ¡°After all, just knowing who you will use it upon is already worth quite a lot to me,¡± she finished, smile turning into a vicious grin. And so far during his battles with the disciples of the Descending Star sect, Kite had already seen the worth of both her training and bargain. Because while Kite¡¯s powers used little to no stamina in and of themselves, fighting was always strenuous. Bronze-ranked constitution helped a lot, but facing over a dozen foes in intense duels in quick succession would still risk wearing one down. The effects of Kite¡¯s armor and new gauntlet had so far been able to alleviate this problem quite a lot, making it worth Kite¡¯s while to get into close combat and get at least one good touch on his opponents. Therefore, even if the third duel proved to be the most drawn out so far by a good margin, Kite¡¯s own attacks, further tempered by his short training with sect leader Dusk, and the plentiful hits impacting his barriers eventually caused even the swordsman to become sluggish enough for Kite to finish him with an empowered Chakra Implosion. Dragging his fallen foe off to the side to join his two comrades, Kite also had Sage spend one of its charges to cleanse him from some of the bleeding afflictions which some of his opponent¡¯s light hits had left behind. Straightening once more and regarding the number of people still left, Kite inwardly winced. ¡°This will surely get worse before it gets better,¡± he thought to himself as he stepped back in position and spoke. ¡°Next.¡± 103. Mercy Kite projected another strike with his staff against his airborne opponent, the disciple just managing to swerve out of the way as she dove for Kite with claws outstretched. The powerful diving attack collided with his barrier, a small shockwave emanating from the pair as the force was dispersed through the ground and further ruining the beautiful plots of raked sand. Not that much of the garden was in better shape, a lot of it still covered in smoldering trails from Kite¡¯s last opponent, now being the sixth unconscious form in the growing row of prone figures lying a bit removed from the action. Clash number five had been against a young man who Kite knew to possess the wheel, fire and zeal essences, forming the empower confluence. The first two were especially obvious as the disciple¡¯s combat style had been centered around a great wheel of flames forming around him, with the disciple sitting like the unmoving spoke of a wheel as it carried him on a blazing rampage across the garden. While he had used his mobility to great effect, rolling around alongside a flying familiar in the shape of a small bird of flame; both doing their best to fire as many wide streams of flame as possible towards their outcast foe. Kite had been able to eventually wear this opponent down as well with a series of projected strikes and by being able to eventually just stop him in his tracks with a force cage. But it had also been the duel leaving Kite the most damaged, his barriers less suited to block the wide-spread swathes of flames his foe had employed. And with how things were currently going, his seventh bout was looking to promise even more pain. While Kite¡¯s barrier was able to stop some of the momentum, the disciple¡¯s claws flared with disruptive force to push through. To counter this, Whistling Visitor, the spear that was the least used weapon of his current arsenal, appeared in Kite¡¯s hand as he braced the butt end against the ground while the crystalline point aimed straight for the descending woman¡¯s torso. The woman in question was also one familiar to him. Disciple Shrike, having been the one accosting Kite at the gate when he returned from Bastion, had her triumphant cry turned into one of pain and frustration as she was forced to twist to the side, forced to strike Kite at a less optimal angle so as to not be squarely impaled by the weapon. Her claws still drew blood across his side even through his armor, while the spear would have torn up her side had it not already been aglow with the blue shimmer of Cleave the Spirit. So far, Shrike being capable of flight had proven to be quite problematic, with the saving grace that she was mostly a melee combatant through powerful diving attacks and claw strikes. What had begun as her trying to weave around in the air and bombard Kite with air blades had instead turned into more and more daring diving attacks as the former had proven ineffective against Kite¡¯s barriers. The latter, however, was a bit more troublesome, as the airborne disciple became very fast during these attacks while also possessing a readily available power which allowed her to make turns and breaks otherwise impossible. Kite had first hoped to bait her into crashing into a wall of force, but his first two attempts had unfortunately failed. Buoyed by her success, the gradually increasing attacks had eventually led to the current moment, both combatants having inflicted a notable blow on each other. And during that brief moment, before another beat of her wings would have her shooting of to the side again and out of his reach, Kite attempted to trap his foe once more. ¡°Wall.¡± Once more, the walls of Leyline Warding formed around them, and this time disciple Shrike lacked the momentum to escape. But unlike Kite¡¯s opponent in the first duel, Shrike was no slouch in closer quarters. Even as Kite went on the offensive, staff swinging even in the tight confines, her wings were raised to intercept the attack even as she lashed out with a vicious series of swiping attacks. This was not the wild attacks of a beast, but clearly a martial art practiced to leverage her natural weapons well. Fortunately for Kite, his mana-draining attacks did their job even if they only impacted the wings, but he still found himself caught up in a furious melee where he was the one being grappled. Or at least, there were attempts. Implacable motion had always inured Kite to many such tricks, opponents of the same rank often finding it very challenging to find purchase on him. Still, Shrike¡¯s claws rent Kite¡¯s armor and flesh while he chipped away at her spiritual reserves as they fought a fierce battle in the confines of his own making. Seeing an opportunity, Kite accepted a nasty gash across his face, instead calling upon the barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding a moment later. With a cry and the force of the empowered leap of Unyielding, Kite threw himself forward with his barrier raised just as Shrike passed near one of the force cage¡¯s corners. The winged disciple suddenly found herself pinned between the barrier and barrier wall, able to leverage neither claws nor wings against Kite. To her credit, she only scrambled fruitlessly for a short while before turning her attention to escaping instead. Her claws once more aglow with disruptive force, Shrike started repeatedly striking out at the only things she could reach; the barrier walls. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I- cannot let that- happen,¡± Kite said between grunts caused by the strain of keeping the woman pinned, starting to employ his essence gift to bolster the barrier wall by continuously channeling more mana into it. ¡°C-curse you and your foul path!¡± Shrikes call was one of frustration, and Kite could see her channel even more mana for a hitherto undemonstrated special attack. From the amount of magic building up, it was to be a powerful one, and from her frustrated hesitation, Kite also guessed that she did not have overly much mana left. All of Shrike¡¯s feathers lit up with a green light before said light started flickering and moving over her body to concentrate at the tips of her fingers. Each pointed claw emitting a fierce glow, Shrike shrieked as she thrust outwards with both hands. And seeing what was about to happen, Kite gave a mental command, his powers answering. That was why Shrike found herself suddenly off balance; both the barriers at her back as well as the one pinning her in place had instantly dissolved before her charged claws even had the time to reach them. Instead, one of Kite¡¯s hands met one of hers. It was a light touch of interception, a mere finger impacting what was no doubt to be a spectacular magical discharge. A discharge that, in the end, never got the chance to show its might, its power shattered to the sound of an ephemeral mirror breaking as Pattern-Shattering counter took effect. The countering dispel had been such a significant part of Kite¡¯s path even since his very first clash against the, back then, named young master Providence. Much like his spectacular descending pillar of light, the attempted attack of disciple Shrike was the very optimal target for Kite¡¯s power; a powerful, expensive special attack needing some time to wind up. And with Pattern-Shattering counter also draining an additional amount of mana, the expenditure proved to be too much for disciple Shrike. All her momentum spent, both physical and spiritual, she wobbled once more before slumping to the ground almost gently before unconsciousness overtook her. As Kite dragged yet another of the fallen disciple off to join her comrades, his seventh foe vanquished, Sage once more glowed with its gathered power as the healing from his familiar washed over Kite. He turned once more to his gathered foes, repeating his lone word of victory. ¡°Next.¡± In the faces and auras of his would-be assailants, there was no longer only anger and spite. An observer would not make the mistake of thinking them absent; quite a few curses and hateful glances were cast Kite¡¯s way during the proceedings. But they were now being eroded by another feeling; uncertainty.
¡°Senior brother, this-¡± Mist began in a harsh whisper even as he witnessed the eighth bout of what was supposed to have been a demonstration of the outcast¡¯s folly. Because Mist saw it too, as disciple Gold faced off against the one responsible for all that had gone wrong in Mist¡¯s life in recent months. Gold was one of their most durable members, a bulwark of endurance and strength. They had purposefully saved him to step up later in the sequence of disciples, to have a sudden bulwark who could weather the last of the outcast¡¯s flagging strength. The trash even reaching that far had felt completely unreasonable to Mist when this sequence of clashes had begun, but now even he could sense the doubt creeping up his spine. ¡°-this is not how things were supposed to go. We were supposed to be prepared- and- when did he become this skilled?¡± While Soar remained silent where he stood, his gaze calculating, Mist knew that he had seen it as well; that the outcast fighting their fellow sect warrior at this very moment was quite the different beast than the one which they had fought in the warehouse after the war. The young iron-ranker had been skilled even back then, but it was obvious to anyone now present with eyes that the bastard had worked hard and been taught by someone a league above during the time since Mist had last laid eyes on him. The way he moved; shifting between careful defensive retaliation and brutal relentless assaults when openings presented themselves while fluidly weaving in powers and overall making devastatingly good calls of when to employ his cowardly dispelling powers. Even now, he was dismantling disciple Gold by breaching the man¡¯s iron-and-bone-clad defenses to land those strikes outlined in faint blue light which eventually had all of Mist¡¯s comrades just drop unconscious. All present had been prepared not to count on their conjured equipment, but even bringing their reserve armaments had so far seemed to matter little against the outcast, who often seemed rather unstrained after each duel; what damage and wear that had stuck was soon alleviated by that elusive familiar of his. Mist had never seen such a creature before their last encounter; just an ethereal collection of shifting symbols. Back then, it had been responsible for slaying initiate Sparrow, and Mist still inwardly recoiled at seeing the woman he hoped to woo fall dead with a hole through her chest. ¡°It is unbecoming to show such weakness in front of adversity, Mist. Find your pride and let its smoldering burn carry you through.¡± Soar¡¯s sudden words rocked Mist out of his thoughts, as the disciple continued. ¡°Yes, the outcast came prepared. More so than we thought. But he still has far to go; an insurmountable cliff of which he has yet to become aware,¡± Soar said, a slight smile showing on his lips. ¡°And I think that we¡¯d best make sure that his climb will be even more futile.¡± Raising a pair of fingers to his mouth, Mist could see a slight shimmer in the air as the disciple manipulated the wind to carry his words to the fighting disciple Gold. ¡°Junior brother, I regret these words, but I do not believe that you can win this bout. The outcast came too prepared, no doubt bolstered by the sect¡¯s enemies beforehand. But there is something you can do to make sure that the rest of us can prevail. Take out that familiar, no matter the cost. It is the source of his renewal, and without it he will wither before the rest of us.¡± To his credit, Gold did not turn to look as the words registered to him, but both Soar and Mist could glean a bit of hesitation in his movements as a response. ¡°Do not fret, junior brother. We will not let him win this. No matter what we have to do to ensure victory,¡± Soar finished before letting the spell fade. As he felt disciple Gold¡¯s aura surge and his armored assault change pace, Mist had to give it to his brother in cause; he was dedicated to a fault even if his otherwise stern, neutral exterior showed little to the world. Senior brother Soar¡¯s words had been a comfort, and Mist saw the value in the plan even as he warred with the shame of the outcast even having made it this far, as well as the doubt that his progress had managed to make crawl in under Mist¡¯s skin. Doubt that he, no matter what Mist tried, could not shake.
¡°This one seems to be in tune with his path, and one quite hard to shift at that,¡± Kite thought as he continued to chip away at his implacable foe. The stern man had introduced himself as Worth Transcending Gold; his demeanor not outwardly aligning with what one might assume from such a name. Possessing the armor, bone, resolute and transfiguration essences, the disciple fought clad in non-conjured metal armor with exterior skeletal pieces fastened to it as an additional layer of protection. From what Kite had been able to see so far, his opponent''s essence powers strengthened both these layers which in turn strengthened each other, shifting and forming something far more durable than the sum of their parts. The armor also became the man¡¯s main weapon as the bone layer shifted and grew spikes and other implements of damage as needed. Kite suspected that he could probably conjure some of the bone parts as well, but had apparently come prepared to not rely on such powers against Kite. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. As such, their battle had so far been one of attrition. It seemed to be the strength of both of their paths, but it was also obvious that Kite had been the one winning out for the last three minutes. With the gauntlet¡¯s mark well in place and the twin vortices of Spirit Singularity solely focused on the disciple, Kite felt that he could persevere for quite some time as he worked to dispel the different strengthening effects of the bone and metal fusion that was his opponent, and taking opportune strikes with Void-Sunders-Firmament to carve away pieces of protection in order to land some more mana-draining strikes. Having separated briefly, the pair was just about to re-engage when Kite noticed it; a faint flicker of air-affinity magic reaching his opponent. It was not a boon or otherwise empowering effect, but it still led to a shift in the dynamic of the battle. What had earlier been a patient and defensive foe suddenly rushed at Kite way more aggressively, and Kite could see mana being channeled into the man¡¯s armor. Readying himself to intercept whatever was coming, Kite suddenly heard a faint, wispy voice as the words manifested close to his ear. ¡°They are colluding to take out Sage-¡± He barely had time to register the words of his hidden companion before the man¡¯s armor detonated in a burst of destructive energies and ripping fragments. ¡°Ward!¡± The barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding appeared before Kite just in time to absorb the brunt of the damage before breaking through, pain washing over him as the resonating and disruptive force damage took its toll. And while Kite could also note Sage twitching violently from the remnants of disruptive force washing over the ethereal familiar, he realized that the attempt was not yet done. Disciple Gold had continued forwards and past Kite with greater speed than before, accepting a hasty blow from his opponent¡¯s staff as he dove past Kite and thrust his hand out towards Sage, who still hovered just behind Kite¡¯s back as usual. ¡°Retribution of the Shattered!¡± All of the glowing armor fragments which had flown past Kite suddenly flared with power as they dissolved into motes of light, which in turn instantly reversed their trajectory to converge upon Sage. The process was blindingly fast, but Kite still managed to conjure another of his smaller barriers to protect his familiar, desperately channeling mana into it to keep it intact through the barrage. An effort that proved to be for naught in the end. With a crack, the symbol-covered shield protecting Sage cracked, the remains of the attack tearing through the familiar¡¯s form. The dark lines were torn like paper, forcing the being to lose a lot of its coherence even as Kite had already started the process of absorbing Sage back into himself. He could only partially sigh in relief that he still felt the familiar¡¯s aura, but it was very unsteady. Just before the last of Sage¡¯s form vanished, a mental command made it spend its final stored charge for another wave of healing to try and make up for the damage that the potent detonation had inflicted. Kite couldn¡¯t help but grit his teeth in chagrin, as that burst of healing would probably be his last for this engagement. From what he could feel of Sage¡¯s injuries, the familiar would not be able to suffer another attack of almost any kind, effectively taking it out of the fight unless Kite was desperate enough to truly risk its current vessel. While this wouldn¡¯t permanently harm the being, it was still something he found himself hesitant to do unless absolutely necessary. Leaving such ponderings to his future self, Kite returned to the present where he finally managed to complete his turn and once more face off with disciple Gold; the man now unarmored and watching Kite resolutely even as he once more fell into a combat stance. Doing the same, Kite couldn¡¯t help but ask this particular disciple a question. ¡°Why? Why would you join in a plot such as this?¡± Even as his body felt rather ragged, Kite was still a bit proud that his voice remained firm. And he had felt that he needed to ask this due to one observation; this particular disciple did not feel unsteady. His aura was solid and controlled, as was his temper and movements as they had fought. There was none of the slight feeling of wrongness which Kite had felt from the other disciples, or the former disciple Rise back before the Jade-Sky gate. The man regarded him silently, before answering. ¡°Duty.¡± As no other explanation was forthcoming, Kite only nodded in response before attacking once more. While disciple Gold had been the most skilled of his opponents so far, the detonation of his armor had brought too great a disadvantage for him to recover from. While he did now conjure new sets of bone armor to cover his body, Kite¡¯s dispelling attacks meant that they did little to even slow down the process as disciple Gold¡¯s mana was cleaved from his body, leaving him kneeling and then slumping to the ground like the others. During the process of moving the fallen disciple to rest between his comrades, Kite took the opportunity to turn the mana-draining attention of Spirit Singularity back towards the fallen as he made sure to drain what mana they had been able to regain. ¡°Even with bronze-ranked physique, the strain and aches sure are accumulating,¡± he thought as he laid disciple Gold down next to his companions, more careful than he had been with those who came before. Then he once more straightened and turned to the five people except him that was left standing. ¡°The next time you have anything to say to your fellow, you might as well speak out loud and save us all the trouble,¡± Kite called out, foregoing his usual one-word retort as he looked straight at disciple Soar. And showing that he had noticed the slight transgression. While it was not strictly against the rules of a clash of paths to provide advice, it was still quite frowned upon as the clash was intended to test only the individual¡¯s own power and judgment. ¡°I have no idea of what falsehoods you have cooked up, outcast,¡± Soar retorted, only a slight hesitation given as a reaction at being called out. ¡°But I suppose I must admit that you have proven the cockroach we knew you to be all along; lacking the sense to face the inevitable. Because your next opponent will be inner disciple Fang.¡± At his words, one of those remaining stepped forth. It was a human man with dark skin and short-cropped hair, his confident grin outlined by his goatee-style beard. Like his fellow bronze-rankers, he had the powerful athleticism that came with his rank, but the swagger was on an entirely different level than any who had come before. It was obvious that this inner disciple Fang counted himself as the best saved for last, even though four remained behind him. ¡°It will be my pleasure to show you what a true master in the making looks like,¡± the man called as he took his place in front of Kite, who in turn gave little in way of reply. ¡°Senior brother Fang here is one of the best duelists of our sect; unparalleled in all these lands with his chosen weapon!¡± Soar called as the pair assumed their ready stances. ¡°Go into this bout outcast, and know that you are outmatched. A lowly one such as you will never have even witnessed something close to the pinnacle of skill you are about to see. And suffer.¡± At Soar¡¯s words, sensing that the fight would begin any moment, Fang reached into a dimensional satchel and retrieved his weapon of choice; the implement which had earned him such accolades and praise. A staff.
¡°While it hurts my pride as a local, I will have to admit that teacher and Rachel might have had some points as to the quality of local training regimens,¡± Kite thought as he looked at inner disciple Fang barely being able to keep his feet, the end of his staff swaying almost drunkenly as the man was holding on to consciousness by a thread. Had Kite faced this disciple when more freshly ascended to bronze-rank; before his time spent in Bastion, Kite might actually have found himself agreeing with Soar¡¯s words. The inner disciple had not been included in the list from the former grand elder, but Kite had swiftly deduced that Fang also had the master confluence related to the staff. And while the man had possessed many moves both forceful and flashy, Kite had spent half a year under the personal tutelage of Phiona Geller. And compared to the highly skilled, expertly trained scion from that particular family of international fame, disciple Fang turned out to be but a frog in the well, too enamored with the echoes of his own croaking to wish for anything more. As such, the bout which could have been Kite¡¯s most challenging one yet turned out to be one of the easiest, with Kite deploying all of the tricks available to him which his teacher had found the most annoying during their spars. Back in Bastion, these tricks had still only led to his defeat coming later, with Phiona adapting and retaliating. But here, and against this particular inner disciple, those annoyances had quickly proven decisive. ¡°You- tra- trash-,¡± Fang slurred. ¡°You¡¯ll never defeat-¡± His words were cut off as Kite had made a slight thrust with his own staff that appeared in his hands, the rather light blow still projected to carry the distance. Chakra implosion drained what little remained of inner disciple Fang¡¯s mana, ending the bout with Kite feeling almost in better shape afterwards than when it had begun. As Kite moved forwards to remove the fallen man from the torn up part of the garden, noting the shapes of observers from inside the houses around them trying to remain covert but mostly failing. But just as he bent down, a sudden change had him instead lashing out with a palm in front of him, Pattern-shattering counter sundering the projectile. Kite looked up to meet the eyes of the furious Soar, the other bronze-ranker visibly shaking. He had noted the disciple¡¯s increasing unsteadiness during the finale of the last bout, but Kite must admit that he had not expected such an outburst. ¡°Shall I take it that you are to be my next opponent, disciple?¡± Kite asked. ¡°Attacking before even introducing ourselves is-¡± ¡°Quiet!¡± Soar shouted, the remains of his self-control thoroughly overwhelmed. ¡°Enough! We have- this farce has been left to go on for long enough. You came here and took advantage of our honor, only to continue your under-handed tactics and derision. I should have seen it sooner; your very existence spits upon everything we stand for. Brothers and sisters, we shall withdraw the courtesy of honor to this worm. His actions only continue to clearly show that he is not, and never has, been worthy of it!¡± At that moment, Kite almost felt that he was back in front of the Jade-Sky gate, witnessing Rise reaching almost delusional levels of fury and frustration as he had spit vitriol and accusations far removed from any sane conversation. It was almost as if there was a disconnect, or discord, between the disciple¡¯s view of how the world should be and the truth before him. And what it created was neither pretty nor dignified. ¡°I would counsel you to think, disciple,¡± Kite retorted. The situation had just turned a whole lot more dangerous, but he also felt a hint of potential in what was about to happen. As long as his path proved up to the task. ¡°So far we have clearly fought under the queen¡¯s decree; the ultimate honor found in mutual tempering and resolution of conflict. Would you really sully the names of yourselves and your sect by throwing that into the wind with such hollow claims?¡± ¡°Silence, trash!¡± This time, it was the former disciple Mist who joined the shouting-match, apparently deciding to step in as support for the irate Soar. ¡°Your arguing will only make your demise the more bitter for you and all the sweeter for us. Senior brother is right; we should have just ended you like the murderous dog you are from the very beginning instead of entertaining this farce!¡± Auras had begun closing in on Kite¡¯s while they spoke, but he kept his composure as he focused on Mist. ¡°And you, young master Resplendent, would do well to remember that this is the third time you come after me; the first in hollow pride but a semblance of honor, the second in deceit worthy of scorn. Are you sure that you would want to truly test your path against mine again? Because unlike the last time, yours might truly break.¡± Mist seemed slightly shaken by Kite¡¯s words delivered in a deadpan voice, but it was not enough to crack the shield that was his pride. ¡°You think you can threaten me here, worm? In my family¡¯s compound and the seat of my power?¡± ¡°I say that only those still standing after a fight have any need of considering such details. If you truly mean to throw honor to the wind, know that I will defend myself to the very utmost of my abilities. And while I have so far refrained from more lethal means, that will not be a luxury I can extend-¡± ¡°Oh, you forget one thing, scum,¡± Soar called, interrupting Kite. From the grin widening on the disciple¡¯s face, Kite knew what was to come. So he took a deep breath to steady himself, mind slipping towards his combat meditation. And started charging his bracers, just as Soar finished. ¡°The victors are the authors of history!¡± The final syllable leaving his mouth became the signal of an even more dramatic shift in what had, to Kite, already been an evening with drama a plenty. The auras of the remaining four; Soar, Mist, and a pair of elven women, all started truly bearing down on Kite even as attacks and spells started flying. Soar¡¯s body was enveloped in a whirlwind containing wisps of clouds while one of the elves started conjuring several whirling axes to fly towards Kite in different arcs. The other woman¡¯s skin lit up with magical runes and Mist had already started firing his pale bolts of magic. Even as all this happened, Kite had already decided on his own course of action. The elven woman flinging all the axes suddenly found herself enveloped in a restraining globe of water as Glint emerged from her bottle, swiftly enlarging as watery barriers started revolving around her. Kite had been a bit unsure how the presence of a bonded familiar would have been viewed in the eyes of potential witnesses, both current and future, and had thus decided to keep his precious carp in reserve for situations just as this one. This meant that Kite had another source of distraction while he raised barriers to deflect another series of incoming wind blades from Soar even as he activated the speed-enhancing effects of his boots and made a running leap towards his target, landing close to Mist a lot faster than any of his foes had expected. ¡°Wall.¡± Much like the conclusion of their last bout, a cage of force walls suddenly surrounded the pair, Kite even layering what he could to give him the time to finish what he was about to do. To their credit, the former disciple¡¯s companions reacted swiftly, attacks starting to impact the barriers but a moment after they appeared. But from the feeling he got, Kite should have enough time. ¡°Mercy requires both means, time and intent,¡± Kite began, even as he grabbed the young elf while accepting a pale bolt scorching the side of his face and dispelling the subsequent attempt to transform into mist to escape Kite¡¯s grasp. ¡°And with you, I have neither.¡± Both palms against the struggling Mist¡¯s face, Kite drove the back of the former disciple¡¯s head into the barrier behind him. And released the charge of his bracers; both pieces of metal humming with pent up power at the very apex of what the implement could handle. For those outside, twin bells tolled. And then, in the next instant, the barriers were painted red. 104. The weakest link ¡°Goddess, while this is not your purview, I still hope that your song may reach my friend and keep his spirit bolstered through what is to come,¡± Serene gently hummed as she remained standing at a distance. As Kite downed yet another one of his foes; some rather self-assured wielder of the staff, she could feel the shift in the auras of the four remaining disciples and knew that the violence taking place in the garden would soon become even more chaotic. ¡°My singer, while he may sing a different song than thine; one of action and ideal rather than tone and choir, that does not mean that he goes unnoticed. Apparently, even Harmony seems to have taken a liking to him. So have faith.¡± The song of her goddess was a comfort during Serene¡¯s lonely vigil, her aura easily masking her presence for all of those gathered while letting her own senses carefully quest outward without giving her presence away. The grand clash currently going on had garnered not a little attention from the residents of the Resplendent family¡¯s compound, with a few core-using bronze and iron-rankers watching. Serene could even feel the anxiousness, confusion, anger and a plethora of other feelings as she gauged their poorly controlled auras, but none had any level of power or control which made her think them a threat. Then, what further conflict had been building in the center of the garden was finally unleashed. ¡°The victors are the authors of history!¡± Serene sharpened her senses further, looking for the agreed-upon signal that Kite wished assistance. But it did not come, even as all four of his remaining foes started their assault. ¡°So, you still mean to take them all on?¡± she hummed, concerned but also feeling a bit of a slight thrill. Then, a barrier went up surrounding Kite and the troublesome young master of the house; the weakest of the foes still remaining. And even through the slightly obscuring cage of force and the glow of attacks starting to crash into its surface, Serene felt the aura of Mist, former disciple of the Descending star sect, wink out. While this caused a ripple of uproar to echo throughout the auras of most observers, it was nothing compared to the fury washing from disciple Soar. With a howl of fury, the vortex of wind surrounding the man lit up further as thunder crackled throughout the darkening wisps of clouds. Still in the middle of his war cry, Soar charged the barrier cage even as another fierce light lit up within, one that Serene recognized. When the force cage then proceeded to explode outwards; shattered from within to form shockwaves of resonating force which rippled outwards as they visibly distorted the air, Serene couldn¡¯t help herself. Unheard to all but her and her goddess, the bubble of sound cancellation surrounding her making sure to not let out a single sound, she let her humming reach a glorious crescendo. More and more notes joined in, rising and intertwining to form a clarion call. To victory.
Kite¡¯s insides felt like liquid lightning as the power of Immortality rushed through his form; accumulated wounds mended and dwindling reserves restored. While the move against Mist had been one of necessity, trying to seize the chance to instantly remove the weakest link of his enemies and lessen their numbers advantage, Kite would not deceive himself in that the hardened parts of his heart felt a slight twinge of satisfaction at how things had played out. But as things were, there was no time to further reflect on the events. Disciple Soar, aglow with power, had already started his charge towards the force cage where Mist¡¯s blood still coated the insides. And with the aftermath of Immortality still empowering him, Kite felt it a waste to let the opportunity go to waste. His combat staff, Immutable Echo, appeared in his hands as he struck out against the clustered barriers; twin rings gently chiming as the weapon impacted the barrier. A moment later, it shattered outwards into an explosion of resonating force which halted Soar¡¯s charge, damaging both Kite¡¯s foes as well as utterly wrecking most other nearby features of the garden. ¡°You filthy mongrel! You dare!¡± Soar all but shrieked as he once more dove towards Kite, almost insensate with fury. ¡°You were warned,¡± was Kite¡¯s simple retort as his staff met an empowered punch striking with a clap like thunder, only for the force to be dispersed by Pattern-Shattering counter while Kite¡¯s return punch collided with a series of interlocking, glowing runes which had appeared to shield disciple Soar. While the magical constructs, conjured by the elven woman covered in glowing runes, could not withstand Disrupting strike, they had still protected the disciple himself from harm. Soar did not relent either, continuing what became a furious onslaught of thundering unarmed attacks. Through interposed weapons, footwork and some intense barrier-work, Kite remained steadfast as he only slowly gave ground; backing away at a measured pace. Only when his expanded vision caused him to notice a glowing rune forming on the ground behind him did Kite shift the momentum. Backing up one more step, he feinted at stumbling backwards slightly. Soar, continually pressing forward, pushed even harder as he lunged forwards in a double palm-strike to capitalize on Kite¡¯s mistake, only to miss as Kite unleashed some of the stored power of Unyielding to make a quick, empowered step past him. Even as Kite moved, he turned and slammed his staff into Soar¡¯s back just as the sound of the rune-covered woman snapping her fingers reached them, driving the disciple face-first into the rune trap exploding behind them. Kite¡¯s staff also dealt a good deal of damage to the disciple¡¯s mana pool, empowered both by Void-Sunders-Firmament and Chakra implosion, as well as the plentiful stacks of the affliction left by Spiritual Reprisal as Soar had hammered into Kite¡¯s defenses. And while he would have loved to stay and take further advantage of the look of utter, pained indignation on the disciple¡¯s face, there were other threats to contend with that he couldn¡¯t just leave to their own devices. The rune-covered elf was already in the process of shaping some kind of elaborate line of runes in the air while the axe-conjurer had managed to struggle free of Glint¡¯s restraining globe of water and was harassing his poor carp with her arcing implements of death. Kite had to suppress his first instinct to run to the aid of his little beauty, as he knew that he needed to trust her to care for herself to some extent. And from the spells now converging on his location, he also needed the distraction. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± Once more employing one of his favorite tactics, Kite ran in the wake of his dispelling wave as he began his sprint towards the rune-wielding elf he knew to be inner disciple Chalk. She had the rune, light, pure and prosperity essences, and Meridian had described her to be a calm and steady-minded woman who fought mostly through spells; bolts of light, rune traps and magical healing among them. The description led to Kite easily putting her in the same fold as the unconscious disciple Gold, as her steady aura hinted at a presence derived from obligation rather than personal investment. Even so, she kept steady even as Kite¡¯s dispelling wave washed over her gathered collection of glowing runes, the magical constructs winking out. More came into being as she made to intercept Kite¡¯s swung staff, Disrupting strike making sure to dissolve even more of her glowing script which had appeared to shield her, only for Kite¡¯s left hand to strike her solidly in the sternum, his newly acquired gauntlet leaving its draining mark. Kite made to strike again, but inner disciple Chalk was slightly faster in completing her chant. ¡°Wall of antiquity.¡± A cylindrical barrier of light covered in ancient-looking script sprung up around her, cutting her off from further assault as she promptly started manipulating the runes covering the warding by adding new ones or moving others around. Where they formed the correct constellations, magical bolts started flying outwards toward Kite, creating something akin to a defensive bastion for the rune-wielder. Noting that disciple Soar was incoming once more, Kite felt that it was time for another distraction. ¡°Grow and prosper!¡± he urged his Boundary-Devouring Lotus as he jabbed the seed-like dagger into the shimmering barrier before leaping to the side to avoid a veritable storm of wind blades flung his way by disciple Soar. Chalk was forced to shift her focus from some kind of ritual she had begun to construct as she noted the lotus eating into her barrier with great efficiency, beginning a war of attrition as she started bombarding the swiftly growing plant with bolts of magic and detonating runes. ¡°Face me, trash!¡± Soar called as he clapped his hands together in a thunderous explosion, the ground cracking beneath Kite as his shielded form was protected from being launched backwards. ¡°It was you who brought the additions, you who are without honor!¡± Kite countered, getting the expected response as Soar once more charged towards him as he readied another powerful sequence of attacks. Kite blocked the initial three blows on the barrier of Heaven-and-Void warding as he thrust a hand out to his side to intercept a thrown axe which came arcing in towards him around the protecting barrier. While the conjured weapon also dissolved in the face of Pattern-Shattering counter, this also meant trouble as inner disciple Rose had shifted her focus to Kite as she had managed to chase off Glint. Her full name was Rose sprung from Legacy, and she possessed the axe, magic, adept and master confluences, her elven heritage letting her lean towards the more magical aspect of mastering conjured weapons. In this case they manifested as double-headed, glowing axes with handles seeming made from slightly uneven, gnarly branches. What began as one axe arcing his way quickly became a steady stream, the weapons coming from naturally impossible arcs and sudden ricochets. ¡°Wall!¡± Another of Kite¡¯s favorite tactics was employed, as the forest of individual panes of force sprung up around them, creating a battlefield irregular enough that Kite thought that it would at least hamper a lot of the thrown axes as he continued exchanging blows with Soar. A particularly fierce punch that was no doubt meant to launch Kite backwards instead saw the disciple being thrown back as Unyielding caused the ground beneath Kite to crack. The disciple had just righted himself, his vortex of wind enabling great control of his motions while airborne, when another of Kite¡¯s projected attacks impacted him. The echoed Disrupting strike was enough to cause the vortex around him to wink out, depositing the disciple into a roll from which he quickly sprung back to his feet. Getting a good look into his eyes, Kite saw something almost feral in them. ¡°Can you not feel it? That you are clearly not yourself anymore?¡± he thought to himself, unable to voice the concern aloud as it would risk compromising one of the points of this whole debacle. To the world, Kite had to remain the young warrior seeking to prove his path, without any further obvious agendas. As such, Kite steeled himself and continued, feeling the streams of mana and smaller amounts of stamina drained from this opponent¡¯s as Spirit Singularity continued its inexorable pull.
Had Soar on Enlightened Wind been calm; a neutral observer to these proceedings just noting and analyzing, then even he might have acknowledged the fact that the former inner disciple currently engaging the outcast seemed to have lost control. A loss that was to his detriment, as he used his powers of wind, cloud and might to frantically and continually go after his hated foe. But Soar was definitely not calm; the whole world felt like it was seen through a slight haze where only the image of how the world should be existed along with the anger that what he saw did not match. However, Soar¡¯s powers still came easily. They had always done so, being what had allowed even a rather lowly merchant¡¯s son like him to rise to the rank of inner disciple in the sect. Before that worm of an outcast had come along and ruined things, Soar being caught up in the periphery of the trash¡¯s defiance and disciple Mist¡¯s foolishness. It was unfair, unjust and certainly dishonorable. Because Soar was an honorable man. His power proved that. And this young trash of an outcast had dared cast aspersions on it. For that, there was no forgiveness. The outcast had been courting death from the very beginning.
¡°Kite surely has improved. Almost transformed,¡± Serene thought as she observed the chaotic battle slowly but surely being brought into some kind of rhythm; Kite being its conductor. Even as he was continually chased by disciple Soar and harassed by thrown axes and magical runes and bolts, he was constantly employing his barriers and dispelling effects to keep at least one opponent from properly engaging him. Combined with the much improved martial skills now being put on full display, she could almost see him directing the flow of combat to what would in all probability be the first casualty on the side of their enemies since Mist¡¯s brutal demise at the very beginning of this stage. And said moment came not long after, as Glint once more appeared between the roofs of the compound, gliding through the air like a pink, glittering comet. As many times before, the axe-conjurer immediately noticed and started flinging projectiles her way. But this time, Glint persevered, swerving through the air and catching a few on watery barriers. She suffered a few light wounds as she drew close enough, with the elven woman conjuring a circle of spinning axes around her to help disperse the ball of water that was soon to come as it had every time before. But this time, Glint had another target in mind. Disciple Soar was caught in the restraining globe of liquid mid-jump, and Kite had been ready. His speed enhanced by what Serene assumed was his boots, Kite broke off and changed targets as well. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°As I thought, her powers had to be quite hungry for mana,¡± Serene thought as her friend closed in on the rune-caster, even making a final leap and conjuring a barrier beneath him to shield himself from the detonations of rune traps from below. A slash of his sword severed and dispelled the final barrier brought up by the woman, with her great bastion having been abandoned a while ago to actually be able to take down the barrier-eating lotus more decisively. And after the sword-slash came the end to the elf¡¯s song of light and runes, as Kite struck her squarely in the chest with his staff, the chiming head already swirling with an empowered version of his mana-draining special attack. The woman wobbled on her feet for but half a second, and Serene was surprised to feel a slight ripple of relief in the elf¡¯s aura as the echo struck, draining the last of her reserves and leaving her unconscious on the ground. ¡°A participant who might have been unwilling, at least in part,¡± Serene mused. ¡°I am most curious to hear what stories will be told in the aftermath.¡± Also, Serene felt that it was time to send the signal, focusing a while to extend her sound-controlling powers to their limits as a note manifested between a few houses further away, calling upon those waiting there. Because Serene felt that things would be over soon.
With a flick of his staff, Kite struck another flying axe out of the air, his dispelling energies dispersing the animating force which the inner disciple used to control it. Ever since she had switched from conjured axes to crafted ones, Kite having kept dispelling the former, inner disciple Rose seemed to have been thrown out of her rhythm. While her thrown attacks continued to pack quite the punch and were most deftly aimed and controlled, the lower rate of attacks still let Kite make steady progress towards her as he left lifeless axes discarded in his wake. To his side, disciple Soar was furiously thrashing to break out of the force-cage in which Kite had left him, precious seconds provided and crucial mana spent meaning that Kite could once more switch his focus. Glint had done an admirable job at distracting the axe-throwing elf for so long, but when she had almost been caught by some kind of guillotine-finish, Kite had called her back to her bottle to rest and recover. Because with only the two foes remaining, both of them looking rather haggard and spent, Kite felt that he should be able to make the final stretch on his own. Not that Kite himself was in pristine condition, small injuries mounting in number from failed dodges, blocks and deflections as the period of increased recovery after the use of Immortality had petered out. But thanks to his ever-hungry pair of vortices and the gauntlet he had procured from the sect leader, he still felt steady as he remained in the almost trance-like focus of vigilance he had practiced ever since his time in Bastion. With a final burst of speed, Kite closed in on Rose just as Soar broke out of his confinement. In a bit of frantic desperation, she brought up her spinning circle of axes to ward him off. But as this was no solid barrier, it helped little against the projected strike which Kite sent her way before having even reached her. Like most of his other attacks made that day, it was Kite¡¯s staff who did the heavy lifting. Not only was it his most potent weapon; a growth item crafted through the trial of the Queen of Jade and Sky, but it also lent itself very well to using Cleave the Spirit to take down essence users intact. Cleave the Spirit would change the damage from special attacks to harm the mana pool of its foe, but not damage added or converted by weapons or items. This meant that the rending force of Kite¡¯s sword would still very much harm the body of his foes, meaning that the blade lent itself better to lethal combat. The slight ripple that was his upwards strike impacted the chin of the elven woman, sending her staggering backward even though the spiritual damage meant that she at least was spared a broken jaw. Unfortunately, this was of little comfort as she was already showing clear signs of dizziness from mana-exhaustion, but Kite did not have the time to press his advantage as Soar was once more coming at him, apparently ready to go even further than before in his attempts to destroy the outcast. With a howl, the once more conjured vortex surrounding the man grew in size while still following the shape of the disciple; a five meter tall giant of swirling winds and storm clouds taking another step before clapping its hands together in Kite¡¯s direction. Seeing the amount of mana spent, Kite decided to take no chances. ¡°Void!¡± The black opening that was Gate of Nihility appeared, and not a moment too soon, as a thunderous hurricane washed out over the torn remains of the garden, soil, sand, plant and stone all ripped away from the cone of destruction unleashed by the disciple. His wall-power unavailable, Kite could only helplessly watch as the unconscious disciple Fang, still laying where he had fallen after his bout, was hit by the attack and sent violently tumbling away over the ripped-up grounds of the compound. Inner disciple Rose was hit as well, but managed to at least partially escape by diving backwards. A second later, Kite had the dark void disperse as he regarded his opponents; all three looking ragged, disciple Soar most of all as the vortex surrounding him disappeared, spent in the attack. There was a moment of silence as Kite met the man¡¯s eyes while keeping note of his other opponent staggering to her feet at his side. While he said nothing, there must still have been something in Kite¡¯s gaze which got to his opponent. Soar shouted in defiance as he started a dead sprint towards his hated foe even as a similar shout was emitted by the elven woman. An axe glowing with green power appeared in her hand as she threw, a green comet moving straight for Kite. In response, Kite did two things; his staff appearing in his left hand in a thrust towards the charging disciple while punching out with his palm in the direction of the incoming projectile. Carried the distance by his intent, the staff-strike carrying an empowered Chakra Implosion struck Soar straight in his face at the same time as the axe impacted Kite¡¯s palm only to be dissolved through Pattern shattering counter and ripping even more mana from inner disciple Rose. Both motions were abrupt and decisive, their intent clear. And with that, the grand clash issued that day came to a close, both of Kite¡¯s remaining foes simultaneously collapsing as if they had been puppets whose strings had suddenly been cut, no time given for any more grand declarations or shouts in defiance. For a few seconds, Kite remained still in that very pose, mind calm yet on edge at the same time as he did not dare to exit his combat meditation yet in case any of his foes would move again. But as silence reigned, he eventually straightened and took a deep breath. Calmly, he produced a small pill-envelope, swallowing the small bead within and reveling in the feeling of warmth as healing spread through him. Meanwhile, he reached into an inner pocket and gently touched a certain token hidden away there, saying a silent prayer of thanks to Fortune. Only after a few more seconds did he speak; calling out loud to no one in particular. ¡°And so your paths have broken upon mine. You will cease your interference and hostility from now on.¡± And then, as an afterthought, he added; ¡°And thank you for assisting me in tempering my path.¡± Then, almost simultaneously, two very different calls rang out over the desolation that had once been the garden of the Resplendent family. ¡°Out of the way! We are here through the will of lord Healer!¡± ¡°Seize him! He will pay! He must suffer for what he has done!¡±
¡°I believe it is time to make an appearance and see what all the ruckus is about,¡± Rupert Versis, deputy director of Gilded¡¯s adventure society branch, thought to himself as the agreed upon lamp lit up in the evening glow. It was but one of many, many others in the summer evening, and far off down into the city from vantage of the Seventh peak where Rupert was currently standing. He walked off and took the elevating platform down into the city before purposefully and quite visibly walking at a quick pace down the streets; obvious to any observer that he was a man with a task at hand. What might have taken a leisurely stroller about an hour on foot only took minutes for the silver-ranker, and Rupert could hear the arguing voices from quite far away. ¡°It sounds like high priest Bringer is in top form this evening,¡± Rupert chuckled, increasing his speed a bit to arrive at the scene of the current conflict. What Rupert assumed to once have been a beautiful garden was now in tatters, as was bound to happen when over a dozen duels between bronze-rankers had been fought there recently. Even so, there were a surprising number of people milling about who could roughly be divided into three groups; clergy from Healer¡¯s church, members and guards of the Resplendent family and a gaggle of onlookers who had started gathering near the high fence separating the garden from an adjacent street. Said onlookers all scrambled to get out of Rupert¡¯s way as he leveraged his aura to announce his presence, walking over to join the arguing men. In truth, it was mostly one man arguing loudly while the other only smiled and nodded along, unphased by the anger of the man. ¡°-cannot just take them away! I demand the right to-¡± master Resplendent loudly argued at high priest Bringer while being obviously torn between the instinct to act courteous to the silver-ranked priest and his indignant fury. Him being bronze rank to the priest¡¯s silver did not help his cause. ¡°And as I said, master Resplendent, healing within the city and its dominions falls under the purview of the Healer; as it always has and always will. And when our lord sends us out to do his bidding, it is his mandate you are arguing against.¡± Completely ignorant of the master of the house taking offense, the rest of the gathered clergy had already gathered what Rupert counted as a dozen unconscious people all wearing the colors of the Descending Star sect upon stretchers and were preparing to start carrying them off to Healer¡¯s temple. ¡°From the smell coming from beneath that tarp over there, I will assume that not all of Kite¡¯s opponents made it,¡± Rupert thought as he walked over towards the two men, meeting Kite¡¯s eyes for but a short moment as he drew closer. The bronze-ranker stood calmly as he was surrounded by the Resplendent family guard, the gathered men and women¡¯s auras giving the distinct mix of trepidation and determination as they warily regarded Kite. Rupert could understand the calm of the younger adventurer; compared to what he must have just faced, a single bronze-ranker leading five iron rankers and about a dozen more people with only one or two essences was sure to feel a bit underwhelming. ¡°High priest Bringer. Master Resplendent,¡± Rupert called out as he drew close, the latter falling silent as both stopped to regard the new arrival. ¡°I received word of a commotion which the courier thought that I would find interesting.¡± ¡°Ah, deputy director!¡± the high priest greeted amicably, speaking before the master of the house got his chance. ¡°We are just finishing here as our duty calls us. Master Resplendent here still has some grievances which I am sure you are much more equipped to handle, as they fall outside my purview.¡± He turned and gave a courteous, if shallow, bow to the still irate master of the house before walking off. This meant that the furious man turned his attention to Rupert, but the disparity in rank still forced the elf to somewhat curtail his aggression. ¡°Director, I demand swift and immediate punishment. Execution for this- this murderer!¡± he loudly demanded, pointing an accusatory finger at Kite. ¡°A serious accusation, master Resplendent.¡± Rupert noted, glancing at the nearby tarp which covered what he assumed to be the alleged ¡®victim¡¯. ¡°Pray tell, who has this adventurer murdered?¡± ¡°My son! The one he has already accosted before, yet you and your failure of an adventure society did nothing-¡± ¡°I must have misheard you, master Resplendent,¡± Rupert said, silencing the man by clamping onto his aura like a vice. ¡°Because if my rather excellent memory serves me, you too have seen the recording of said incident, where this adventurer was certainly accosted. Adventurer Kite, would you mind elaborating?¡± The question was directed at the still surrounded Kite, who bowed politely towards Rupert. ¡°Certainly, deputy director. I was forced to kill the late young master as he and three others decided to forego the rules of the clash; abandoning honor and coming at me all at once with killing intent.¡± ¡°Lies! Don¡¯t listen to such falsehoods!¡± master Resplendent called, managing to power through the unease of suppression. ¡°It was nothing if not a direct act of murder! Why else would my son be the only one slain while the others still live?¡± ¡°When faced with greater numbers, swift and decisive action to lessen their advantage is crucial. Find the weakest link and take it out, immediately if possible,¡± Kite replied, quoting mistress Dew. ¡°And your son was, by far, the weakest link in their dishonorable band.¡± At Kite¡¯s words, the master had gone deathly still while a new bout of outrage and fury seemed to be welling up into his aura. Rupert brutally shoved it down by once more clamping onto the man¡¯s aura as he spoke. ¡°If you speak true, then I would once more say that your son brought misfortune upon himself this time around, master Resplendent,¡± he said, looking to the elven man who was about to protest even more vehemently. To forestall, Rupert continued. ¡°But this is still a matter that will be taken into consideration. And from what I can see, young Kite here even has a recording crystal which might shed light upon the matter.¡± Master Resplendent halted slightly at Rupert¡¯s words, looking to Kite once more and only now noticing the innocuous little crystal hovering next to him. ¡°Adventurer, would you please hand it over to me?¡± Rupert asked Kite, who nodded. ¡°Certainly, director,¡± Kite said, reaching up to grasp it when there was a sudden flash followed by a loud bang. The bronze-ranked leader of the guards stood with his hand raised, having just lifted it and fired some kind of sonic bolt towards Kite. Or more precisely; the recording crystal. But the bolt had not found its target, instead impacting the chest of a certain leonid with fur the color of rust who had appeared before him even as he prepared to unleash his power. Rupert did not even look at the man, instead keeping his eyes locked on master Relentless, having noticed the attempted covert signaling to his guard through a gesture which the master of the house must have thought very subtle indeed. The master in question remained where he stood, stunned at the sudden burst of thunderous movement which had carried Rupert to where he now stood in the blink of an eye. ¡°Master Relentless,¡± Rupert said, his voice a low growl which still carried surprisingly well through the evening, heard even by those standing outside the fences. ¡°I will choose to interpret your actions as that of a grieving man well out of his senses, as actively trying to interfere in the investigation of your accusations would be a move most unwise.¡± Turning to Kite, he continued. ¡°Adventurer, follow me up to the Seventh peak. We will have to look into this matter, and I expect your full cooperation.¡± ¡°Yes, deputy director,¡± Kite said, bowing again and following in Rupert¡¯s wake as he started leaving, the gathered guards scrambling out of the way of his passing. Kite did not turn back, but was still able to see all the gazes trained upon his back, with expressions of fear, fury, trepidation or just blank incomprehension being dominant among them. As they walked off, leaving the Resplendent family¡¯s compound behind, Kite could feel the sound-isolating barrier manifest around them, as Rupert spoke. ¡°I must admit that I am impressed, Kite. As you know, I had my doubts about the merit of this plan. But it seems like your gamble has paid off, assuming that Healer¡¯s clergy can find what we are suspecting among them. Through mere happenstance while assessing their conditions, of course,¡± he added in a tone that would have convinced absolutely no one. ¡°Having spent more time near them, I find myself assured that they should be able to find something. Taking as many as possible alive to be examined was the most important reason for this whole event, was it not?,¡± Kite responded, Rupert nodding along. ¡°Indeed, even if you volunteering for such a plan was a bit above and beyond the call of duty. And you did manage to record the whole ordeal?¡± the leonid asked, looking at the crystal still in his hand. ¡°While Serene should have been able to as well, it will still look the least suspicious if it is your version that happens to be used as evidence to the truth of your words.¡± ¡°I believe so, yes,¡± Kite said, looking at the small object. ¡°Excellent. Jarvan will be thrilled to view it as well. I would even wager quite a lot of money that it might be one of the most enjoyable recordings he has ever laid his eyes on.¡± 105. From the beginning ¡°High priest.¡± The man, clad in silk robes adorned with the brown trimmings common to local Healer clergy, bowed deeply to Bringer of the Tranquil, waiting for his leave to speak. ¡°Please, younger brother, share your findings.¡± Bringer said, nodding kindly to the man from where he sat behind his desk. ¡°We have two more confirmed cases, high priest. Shall we add them to the rest of those being studied?¡± ¡°Oho? Then that makes ten out of twelve. Any problem with the sedation?¡± ¡°No, high priest. Keeping them unconscious for a few more hours for study and removal has so far not been a problem, Healer be praised.¡± ¡°Excellent,¡± Bringer noted. ¡°Remember, junior brother, that we sometimes have to see to the betterment of the many. Getting the chance to study the affliction in what might be cases who have progressed further will be invaluable in figuring out its nature. Them suffering a few more hours in the bliss of oblivion is a small price to pay.¡± ¡°Of course, high priest Bringer. May Healer¡¯s will be done.¡± The younger man bowed again before hurrying off to carry out Healer¡¯s will. ¡°A most fortunate development,¡± Bringer mused as he sat back to read the reports and what had so far been gathered, preparing. They indeed had to move fast to get what they needed before the disciples were missed for too long, as Bringer was sure that their sect would come knocking eventually. ¡°Through the lord¡¯s providence, we should at least have so much more to work with now,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°I must admit, lord, that I was a bit hesitant to believe that the plan could succeed. But sometimes the right person just happens to be in the right place.¡± ¡°While it is not my purview, hope is still a concept which I am quite fond of, child,¡± Healer spoke in the quiet of Bringer¡¯s mind. ¡°And as to when and where serendipity strikes¡­ Now that is a concept where I also know where to direct my praise.¡±
"Truth¡¯s triumphant trunk, Kite! I have watched this recording almost half a dozen times now, and I still can¡¯t get enough of it. Winds of Fortune, indeed!¡± Jarvan exclaimed happily as Kite, Serene, Will and Dragonfly all sat gathered in the branch director¡¯s office where they waited for word from the church of the Healer. ¡°While it was only yesterday, a good night¡¯s sleep sure can make such events feel distant,¡± Kite said, looking at his fights from the angle of Serene who had been hidden away as a precaution to record things that might otherwise be missed. He had spent the night in a room at the adventure society campus, knowing that he would be debriefed by Jarvan personally the next morning. ¡°Kite! You were awesome!¡± Dragonfly exclaimed where she and Will sat transfixed by the cavalcade of dueling violence on display. ¡°I just wish I could have been there to see it, instead of just worrying all evening.¡± ¡°Indeed, my friend! And you did very well in playing your role of the vengeful outcast seeking to end foul plots and intrigue with the heavens as your witness!¡± Will agreed. ¡°Rarely have I wished to have been able to take your place more than I do now!¡± ¡°While I am relieved at the outcome, trying to play the part left me with mixed feelings,¡± Kite admitted. ¡°Because part of me did enjoy actually being the active party and taking initiative in this regard; kicking in their door and calling them out. Even if it was against people whose judgment was already clouded.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t the affliction just amplify one¡¯s traits? Because that means that they were probably scheming bottom-feeders all along. And those guys Mist and Soar surely deserved everything they got and more.¡± Dragonfly sounded quite pleased as she made her comment, looking meaningfully towards the now paused recording. ¡°If this old hand may share some wisdom, I agree,¡± Jarvan said with his usual braggart¡¯s smile. ¡°Learning to find joy in a good door-kicking is one of the hallmarks of any good adventurer.¡± ¡°Then that is only proof that I will be one of the best one day,¡± Dragonfly said, leaning back. ¡°But speaking of adventuring; how long will this take? Because while a day of leave has been nice, I am itching to get back out there to the surge.¡± ¡°It should be any minute now,¡± Jarvan answered, looking out the window. ¡°But I must admit that I personally am enjoying this bid of calm while Rupert can step up and do his deputy''s duty; some of that gods-cursed paperwork. But- Oh, I believe that they were even early.¡± ¡°Yes, they are inbound,¡± Serene agreed. It took another half a minute until Kite felt it as well; a pair of inbound auras tinged with the touch of the divine. Jarvan did not dally, pulsing his aura to let the pair know that they were free to enter. Through the double doors came the silver-ranked high priest, followed along by a bronze-ranked woman. Kite had only seen Bringer of the Tranquil in person when he had led the contingent from Healer into the garden the previous evening, but had never spoken to the strict-looking man. He rose along with the rest of those gathered and bowed in respect of the priests and the power they represented. ¡°Director,¡± the high priest answered, giving a bow of respect in return before turning to Kite. ¡°And our young adventurer who acted as the catalyst to give us this opportunity. While I am sure that lord Healer would have guided us where we were needed, you forewarning us of what was to come sure did expedite the process. And taking down a dozen and one of your own rank with only one casualty, now that is something quite remarkable. Our lord sends his regards to you of your exploits and mercy, even though the death of young master Resplendent saddened him like all lives lost do.¡± ¡°I thank you for the praise, high priest. And will be sure to thank divine Healer in my prayers.¡± Kite said, bowing again, before asking; ¡°But if it is not too presumptuous, would you please tell us if something more came of this? Have you found out more?¡± ¡°Yes, high priest, please do not hold us in suspense,¡± Jarvan added, gesturing for the two men to sit down. ¡°While I am not yet at liberty to disclose the full details, early estimates are very optimistic. With such far-gone cases now having been recorded and cleansed, we should be well on our way to uncover more about what it is that has spread in these lands,¡± the high priest said. ¡°So your plan sure paid its dividends, adventurer Kite. Jarvan made quite sure to inform us who it was that came up with it. And my lord and his church rewards such initiatives.¡± At a gesture from the high-priest, the bronze-ranked priestess accompanying him reached into her dimensional satchel and produced a simple wooden lockbox of polished, unadorned wood which she put down in front of Kite. As the high priest nodded for him to open it, Kite quickly obeyed, eyes widening in surprise at its content. The box was mostly filled with piles of quintessence, with the aspects of echo, might and resolute neatly divided into three separate compartments. And as he sensed the magic emanating from them, Kite knew that all of the small shards of condensed magic was of silver rank, with the three kinds being just what he would need to one day upgrade Immutable Echo once he needed the combat staff to ascend along with him. ¡°While still a ways off, our divine lord seems to feel quite certain that you have the potential to find your way to silver rank, adventurer Kite, so he took the liberty of helping you along with the preparations for that day. It-¡± Bringer paused, eyes going a bit distant as he seemed to listen to an unheard speaker. ¡°Yes, of course, lord,¡± he eventually said, returning to the present and his company. ¡°My lord also wanted to offer a contribution to your little project, should you deem someone worthy enough to receive it.¡± Before Kite could ask what the priest meant, the man held out one hand. An echo of something distant yet vastly powerful washed over the room as a cube gently glowing with white, pleasant light manifested in the hand of the high priest. As soon as it had arrived, the sensation was gone, leaving only the gathered mortals to stare at the divine manifestation. ¡°A divine essence, for you to gift to someone who you deem worthy in your upcoming cause. Should they be willing and found worthy by Lord Healer in turn, he will grant them his blessing as they travel these lands to people in need.¡± Kite took the proffered cube reverently, feeling just the faintest of echoes of divinity from within the manifested magic. While divine essences were not in and of themselves better than a confluence essence, they were always very predictable in that their theme of powers always corresponded very closely to the purview of the god that had gifted it. And the Healer was quite straight forward in that regard. ¡°Thank you, lord Healer. And you as well, high priest. These gifts are very thoughtful, and I will make sure to put them to good use in time.¡± ¡°Oh, I have no doubt. Our lord would not have gifted them to you otherwise,¡± high priest Bringer said with a pleasant smile. ¡°Know that we will remain ever grateful should any further chances of studying the afflicted happen to be delivered to our door. As for you, director, do you believe that the rest of what you and lord Indomitable have planned will come to pass?¡± Jarvan looked thoughtful at the question before shrugging. ¡°That is yet to show itself, but I have a feeling that it will. Throughout all my years occupying this position, I have never known the city lord to be short-sighted. The old cunning bastard probably has more plans and contingencies than I will ever be privy to. If you¡¯ll excuse my choice of words, young master,¡± Jarvan added, directing a sheepish look towards Will. ¡°Had my father been here, he would probably have chuckled at your choice of words,¡± Will said with a smile. ¡°Downplaying it in the present but making sure to make good use of it in the future.¡± This had Jarvan burst out laughing, the high priest giving a feigned rueful shake of his head in response, before speaking. ¡°We shall take our leave; with the surge and the study of the affliction, I can assure you that the clergy of Healer is ever busy.¡± He rose from his seat even as he made his announcement, the accompanying priestess bowing to those gathered before following him out the doors. ¡°Speaking of the surge,¡± Kite ventured, looking at the director. ¡°Can you tell us anything about what you have planned for us now?¡± The surge protocols were still in effect, after all, but Kite also had to admit to being very curious about the plans mentioned by the high priest. ¡°Ah, yes. While there are certain events which we have yet to see how they unfold, things might become unfortunately interesting in the upcoming weeks. But that is all I will tell you for now in that regard,¡± Jarvan said with the slight smile of those in the know. ¡°As for your deployment, the fact still stands that your magnificent stunt yesterday might cause trouble if you continue hanging around here. So I will have you sent off to join the teams led by Frost of Morning Dew as she is right now covering a rather sizable area to the north with several of the fortresses and holdfasts within her territory. This should let you get far away enough to not be in immediate danger of retribution from the sect, with Dew being at least relatively close by.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± Kite said as he took in the director¡¯s words. ¡°That sounds quite splendid, director. Thank you.¡± ¡°While I am glad that you feel this way, don¡¯t look too pleased when exiting this place,¡± Jarvan chuckled. ¡°Sending you out to the sparsely populated areas with a lot of spaces for monsters to manifest might be viewed as punishment to some degree. But I am quite pleased that the church rewarded you so handsomely, because as we discussed before, we of the adventure society will have to be very discreet in giving you our share.¡± Jarvan still looked quite pleased as he spoke, and added; ¡°Oh, and should anyone ask, this meeting was me giving you a most thorough talking-to and threatening to demote you should you decide to undertake such risky action during an ongoing surge again.¡± ¡°Yes, director. You may consider me thoroughly chastised,¡± Kite responded, with all gathered chuckling slightly. ¡°Then please allow us to gather our things. We shall depart for the next contract at once.¡±
As the recording winked out, elder Bliss of the Descending Star sect turned to his sect leader, bowing in deference. ¡°As you can see, sect leader, the incident most surely did not end in our favor. And as we have only gotten a hold of this recording two days after the events depicted, it is safe to assume that it is already in circulation.¡± Bliss was calm as he spoke, never looking the sect leader in the eyes even as he could feel the frustration and fury building in the man¡¯s aura. ¡°Curse them,¡± hissed sect leader eventually, eyes still distant. ¡°Pardon me, sect leader?¡± Bliss asked. ¡°Curse that city lord and mewling director. And most of all, curse my traitorous cousin. Can you not see? This is obviously their doing; taking advantage of the honor of our students for their own gain and to drag our name through the mud. And to do so during a surge of all times. Pathetic schemers, all of them.¡± This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Sect leader Comet rose and started pacing back and forth as he continued to speak. ¡°We will need to take decisive action, and soon. The surge matters little if the reputation and good name of our sect is in tatters when it ends. We need something substantial; to prove that we will not be treated like this. We will need to strike back at my traitorous cousin no matter the cost. I can feel her tainted fingers in this.¡± Bliss only nodded along to the sect leader¡¯s words, giving voice to his question only when the man fell silent for a few seconds. ¡°Then I will task our information gatherers to seek out her locations to the exclusion of all else?¡± ¡°Yes, make it so. As always, you understand my meaning very well, elder Bliss. Great things await you in the future after the surge and this little charade regarding my cousin is dealt with.¡± ¡°And the outcast? I am sure we can direct-¡± Bliss began, but was waved off by the sect leader. ¡°Bah! Just a lowly pawn; a bronze-ranker of little actual consequence. We can deal with him in the future. Keep focusing on the traitor Meridian and her minions.¡± ¡°It shall be as you command, sect leader,¡± Bliss said with another bow, leaving the room as he was dismissed. ¡°I will admit that this was not exactly the way I saw these particular seeds growing,¡± Bliss mused silently to himself as he walked, junior elders and initiates stepping to the side and bowing as the celestine man passed them. ¡°Senior sister did send word of a particular outcast who had made trouble before. It is clear that he keeps up the habit. Still, it should be of little consequence as long as the seeds of Discord continue to grow. And by the nature of his purview, they always do. Especially when trouble abounds.¡±
As he passed through the portal, Kite stepped to the side and let his senses steady themselves. Once the bout of nausea faded, he took in his surroundings more properly. Alongside Will, Dragonfly and Serene, he had appeared on a small stone platform in an otherwise bustling courtyard of dull, gray stone. Around them, surge-life was in full swing. From the throngs of normal-rankers walking about; with great cauldrons of water boiling for cooking, lines put up wherever possible to allow for laundry being hung up to dry and children playing while making sure to scramble out of the way for any essence-user moving about, one could easily infer that this particular fortress had not been under any particularly intense assault for a few days now. While it was still cramped and a lot of annoyed cursing going about, Kite still imagined it more pleasant than being forced into the confines of the fortress for any lengthy period of time. ¡°Come, we should find the local garrison commander and see if they can direct us to-¡± Kite began, but halted as he felt a familiar aura among the turbulence. The owner of said aura had apparently sensed him too, because Kite quickly found himself meeting her eyes across the busy courtyard. A mere moment afterwards, Kite was wrapped in a fierce hug as auntie Dove descended like a blazing comet, having used one of her movement powers to cross the distance in a blazing arc. ¡°My boy! My little Kite!¡± she exclaimed over and over again as she held him, her familiar scent of dried herbs bringing Kite back to the comfort of childhood days. ¡°Now let me have a look at you,¡± Dove finally said as she held Kite out at arms length, inspecting him. ¡°It¡¯s wonderful to see you again, auntie,¡± Kite said, smiling brightly at the unexpected reunion. Graceful Dove under the Moon looked the same as he had always remembered her, with bronze rank so far having staved off signs of aging as her veritable waterfall of brown locks looked as vibrant as ever. If not more. ¡°It feels like your powers have grown, auntie,¡± Kite remarked. At his words, Dove straightened proudly. ¡°Well, little Kite, seeing your pace, your auntie Crow and I felt that we could no longer sit around with so many of our abilities stuck at middling bronze. It was time for them to catch up to those we use in our crafting, and let your auntie tell you; we have worked very hard ever since your left Starberry peak.¡± ¡°Oh, I do not doubt it, auntie dearest,¡± Kite said with a chuckle. ¡°Is auntie Crow here as well?¡± ¡°Not at the moment; she went out with a group to check the defensive arrays of one of the other holdfasts. Apparently they were having some kind of trouble with it, and during the surge it is always best to act right away. But she should be back tonight or tomorrow. And-¡± Dove was about to continue before she froze, staring at Kite¡¯s face. Or more specifically, the tiny scar on his right cheek. ¡°Oh, but- my- I- my little Kite-¡± she began, suddenly looking very worried and fretting as she seemed to know the significance of such a scar very well. ¡°What happened?!¡± ¡°Oh, mistress Dove! It was amazing! Kite-¡± Dragonfly, who had very much enjoyed the story of Kite¡¯s exploits in Bastion, couldn¡¯t help but come crashing into the conversation, unable to keep her excitement in check. But she was deftly interrupted as Serene had the sound around her vanish before she could start her retelling there in the middle of the courtyard with plenty of eyes and ears already watching the reunion. ¡°It is quite a story, auntie. And one we should probably tell in a more private setting,¡± he said, sending a grateful nudge of aura Serene¡¯s way. While he knew that she could easily have canceled any sound from leaving the platform, he still knew auntie Dove quite well. Her taking in such news and stories with a calm, controlled demeanor was not within his expectations. Dove nodded in agreement, looking about and seeming to actually notice their observers. She then turned to a slightly sheepish-looking Dragonfly. ¡°You calling me ¡®mistress¡¯ just makes me feel old. Just Dove or auntie is fine. That goes for all of you. And I believe that you are right, dear,¡± Dove said, turning back to Kite. ¡°But once we get settled in a little, you will tell me everything, young man. From the beginning.¡±
¡°Your auntie really cares for you, Kite. I mean, really cares for you,¡± Dragonfly said, walking beside Kite through the narrow corridors on their way to find the local fort commander. ¡°I have found that it is usually best to let auntie Dove calm down a bit on her own after giving such news. She is quite passionate about the people she cares about, and was upset enough about such things ever since I was a child. If me getting in a quarrel with a lesser monster was enough to set her off, I did not imagine that me getting kidnapped by a silver ranker, forced to fight for my life for a few minutes and almost dying would elicit anything but a spectacular response. As far as such things go, her reaction was surprisingly tame. And Serene did an excellent job in calming down all the people in that wing of the fortress afterwards too.¡± ¡°I believe it worked a bit on your auntie too,¡± Dragonfly added with a smile. ¡°But I like it. Passion such as that is something I can get behind!¡± ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t doubt it, my ardent Dragonfly.¡± Kite chuckled. ¡°But I believe that we are here, so-¡± Kite stopped as he drew closer to the door of what they had been told was the commander¡¯s office. ¡°It would seem like Fortune has smiled upon us,¡± he said, politely flaring his aura as the pair stopped in front of the door. ¡°Mistress Dew is back.¡± Dragonfly nodded, having sensed the silver ranked aura as well once they drew close enough. Kite knew that should his mentor have wished to, she could have been a beacon detectable by the whole fortress, but keeping her aura well in check was important with all the normal-rankers around. When they felt a pulse of a core-laden bronze-ranked aura in response, the pair entered a small office. Space was always at a premium in these kinds of fortifications, with not even the commander having any more space than required. It would only be used for a few weeks every decade, after all. That meant that when Kite and Dragonfly entered the office, there was not too much space to occupy, with the commander and the familiar mistress Dew occupying the only pair of chairs. ¡°Kite. Dragonfly. It is good to see that you are well,¡± Frost among Morning Dew greeted them, turning in her chair. She too looked much like when Kite last saw her; silver hair neatly kept in a bun with a pair of hairpins made from some kind of blue-tinted metal and lips painted blue quirked up in a smile which melted at least a bit of her usual frosty demeanor. ¡°Mistress,¡± both Kite and Dragonfly echoed in turn before Kite turned to the commander. ¡°Commander. My name is Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, and the group of four bronze-rankers which I am leading have accepted a contract to assist mistress Frost among Morning Dew in the area. As we will operate closely with the holdfasts and fortresses, I hope that our cooperation will go smoothly.¡± ¡°Adventurers. Your presence here will be noted and contributions appreciated,¡± the commander said, a bronze ranked human man who looked to be middle aged indicating an age which might be closing in on at least eighty. From the feel of him, Kite either assumed him to be a crafter with some combat or adventuring experience or that he hailed from some family affluent enough to raise an essence user and provide enough cores for advancement. ¡°As I was just saying to the mistress, we have had a period of calm as some groups of adventurers stationed here have been able to make several sweeps of the area -,¡± the commander continued, ¡°- but word just came in that at least two silver-ranked manifestations have been reported, which usually means that a lot of irons and bronzes will be milling about as well.¡± ¡°Which makes your appearance an excellent development, student,¡± Dew added. ¡°The groups stationed here so far are doing an admirable job, with the Victorious Sunset sect clearly making additional effort. Even if it pains me to admit the latter. What are you now? Middling bronze-rank? Are the paths of you and your team tempered enough to take on a silver-ranker as long as it is on the weaker side? Which, unfortunately, most manifesting in these regions are.¡± Mistress Dew looked quite annoyed at the lack of proper opportunities for tempering as she continued. ¡°I had some hopes that the surge would bring out more, but alas, patience remains a virtue I must practice.¡± ¡°Then I hope that teacher will at least allow us some of those opportunities,¡± Kite said, bowing politely. ¡°We did take down a burgeoning shambler not too long ago.¡± ¡°Oh? While the shamblers are barely worth being called silver-rankers by any measure, it is still a decent start for your level,¡± Dew said with a nod, before a slight smile curved her blue lips upwards. ¡°I don¡¯t know what the director might have promised you, but I for one promise only hard work and trials aplenty in the weeks to come. The surge is in full swing after all, my little student. And it will be an excellent time for you to show me what you and your little friends have learned during the last half a year.¡± Kite got a slightly bad premonition at her words, barely keeping himself from swallowing at the mischievousness hinted in his teacher¡¯s smile. ¡°Then, mistress, we will once again be in your care.¡±
¡°- and as you can see, our suspicions of the state of your former sect are all but confirmed. You did well in noticing the changes when so many did not. Probably not even the sect leader himself,¡± Jarvan said, his words directed to a rather subdued Meridians of the Sky. The former grand elder sat looking out the windows, gaze on the horizon where the dusk was fast coloring the summer foliage in shades of peach and cerise. ¡°Then I take it that the little outcast succeeded to some extent?¡± Meridian eventually asked. ¡°That my betrayal of my former sect actually reaped some reward?¡± ¡°Ah, you have been away from the city for a while. Had you been present during the last week, it would have been hard to miss the rumors,¡± Jarvan said with a smile. ¡°There is even a moniker starting to spread. And a most excellent recording. I can show it to you later if you want-¡± ¡°What the director is trying to say -¡± Bringer of the Tranquil, high priest of the Healer, said as he broke in to not add further insult to injury to the obviously uncomfortable silver-ranker, ¡°- is that thanks to young Kite¡¯s intervention and his willingness to help us set up a most timely coincidental intervention, we have been able to both study and cleanse the dozen left in our care. While we need more to reach understanding, it has shown us much; both confirming the affliction¡¯s subtle nature as well as hinting at how it propagates.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Jarvan perked up, the latter news to him as well. ¡°Pray tell, high priest.¡± ¡°Certainly,¡± High priest Bringer began while obviously transitioning to his voice used during lectures and sermons. ¡°As we suspected, the affliction seems to inflate and inflame negative emotions, growing over time in the afflicted victims. It is not until the final stages that it becomes more obvious in the aura of the afflicted, at least not to us of silver rank and below, and even then knowing what to look for has been quite crucial. Thank the Queen and her servitor for their benevolence.¡± He took a pause to make a gesture of praise towards the sky before continuing. ¡°Also, our theory that it still mostly affects those of lower rank holds water. It seems like silver-rankers should be able to succumb, but only when the right circumstances are met.¡± ¡°Such as?¡± Jarvan asked, eager for the man to get to his conclusions. ¡°From the reactivity of the affliction, it would seem that it should be a matter of compatibility. A silver-ranker of calm demeanor or controlled nature might be afflicted, but the condition never takes root. Why, you may ask? Because from what we could see in the afflicted in our care, the affliction seemed to grow and seek shelter in the brain and nervous system through indulging said emotions; letting anger, frustration, envy or sorrow direct one¡¯s thoughts and actions. And this also leads us to what we suspect is the vector of said afflictions spreading. What else in our magical nature is linked in part to our emotions and state of mind?¡± ¡°The aura.¡± It was Meridian who spoke up, her words a statement rather than a question. ¡°Indeed!¡± Bringer said, looking pleased at her understanding. ¡°It is quite fascinating really. While we need more time and opportunity for observation, we believe that the afflictions spread through auras. And that is probably why normal-rankers seem both unaffected and therefore also not spreading said affliction; their auras are too weak. My fellow clergy and I believe that a certain level of magic needs to be reached for the aura to be strong enough to act as such a bridge. Which means that there is a spiritual part to the affliction as well, even though the physical vessel seems to be an important first step. As I said, most fascinating-¡± The high priest, having looked as if the explanation was about to become quite lengthy, was interrupted as Jarvan raised a hand. ¡°Thank you, high priest. While we are eager to learn as much as possible, there is still the matter of the surge going on. And another matter.¡± As he said the last part, he turned to look at Meridian, giving the runic woman a long look before continuing. ¡°Mistress Meridian. As you hear, there is only trouble on the horizon for your former sect. While the adventure society cannot interfere or deny them secession from our ranks, the monster surge remains a time of crisis. A crisis during which they have not only been engaging in territorial behavior to actively accost adventurers trying to complete their contracts and protect the populace, but also letting their members run rampant and scheme against, even ambushing, individual adventurers out of spite and wounded pride. While the surge is going on, the adventure society as a whole is quite busy. But once it finishes and the aftermath has been weathered, I can all but assure you that there will be a response. One that will most assuredly leave your former sect in complete ruins. The continental council has been patient with a lot, but having a sizable and possibly hostile rogue organization so close will not be tolerated.¡± At his words, Meridian¡¯s gaze had hardened. ¡°Director, you should be well aware of the sentiment in this country. The lords and sects of the heartlands will not take kindly to the society striking out against our cultural heritage and rights like that. While I have no illusions that they view our remote sect as important in and of itself, we would become a symbol. To stitch on their banners as they prepare for retribution. I am not foolish enough to think that they are more powerful than the might of the adventure society, but their honor and pride would stand for no less. You might risk the whole country engulfed in strife.¡± Jarvan held her gaze for a while as she spoke. While he could sense a bit of prideful indignation from the former grand elder, he could also sense a great amount of concern. Which made his response a smile, but not his usual braggart¡¯s grin. This one was controlled, even a bit grim, as he spoke. ¡°I know, mistress Meridian. Believe me, I know,¡± he said, holding her gaze. ¡°And so does the city lord. Which is why we have a proposal. I will not deceive you; it will bring great strife upon your former home as well. But it also carries a certain amount of hope that some of it, or at least its members, will remain. Probably a lot more than if the adventure society would come knocking. If you are willing to, I will tell you about this proposal. But it is one you will have to swear upon your path and everything you are to keep a secret. And one that might carry risk for you, personally.¡± Leaning back in his chair, Jarvan let the silence hang between them for a while before he asked; ¡°So, Meridians of the Sky. Do you want to hear it?¡± 106. Glimpses of a surge ¡°I must say, dear, that I am a little cross with mistress Dew for sending Kite and his friends off before my return. My logical side can understand; we are in a surge after all. But still¡­¡± ¡°I am more worried what she will send him up against,¡± Dove countered her wife, the pair walking along a forest path toward a reported manifestation. ¡°You know that Dew can be a bit¡­ intense.¡± ¡°Oh, she will push them. Of that I am sure. But I trust mistress Dew,¡± Crow said, eyes scanning the surroundings while using her aura to search further away. This process was aided by a few strands of her dark hair having lengthened and floated up around the pair to form a simple but robust aura-enhancing formation. ¡°So far, she has assisted our little Kite in more ways than we can know. It would surprise me greatly if she had suddenly had such a change of heart.¡± ¡°But Crow, he had a scar!¡± Dove complained. ¡°Our little chick, all alone against some bitch of a silver-ranker-¡± ¡°Language, dear,¡± Crow admonished. ¡°And while my heart was as filled with fright as I imagined yours was when you told me, the fact remains that our little chick isn¡¯t so small any more. He¡¯s a bronze-ranker now, which is more than good enough to stand for yourself in this part of the world. Heavens, the whole thing which got us out from our workshops was the thought of him beating us to silver rank.¡± Taking a step closer, Crow put her arm around the waist of the taller woman and hugged her closer as they walked, letting the silence drag on for a while as her wife digested her words. ¡°Oh, beautiful Dove,¡± Crow thought with fondness as she felt the ripples on her love¡¯s aura. ¡°You may be able to digest almost everything and turn it to pills making wonders come true. Only risk or hurt to your loved ones is what always makes you choke a bit. But you¡¯ll get there.¡± The pair was drawn out of their reverie as Crow felt the pack of bronze-rankers they were sent out to hunt down. And with the aura-enhancer projecting her aura without too much subtlety, their prey had sensed them as well. ¡°Dove?¡± ¡°Just- just give me a little more time,¡± Dove grumbled, brows still creased in concentration. ¡°Then you will have to multitask, dear, because the pack is coming our way now. This might be an excellent time for you to push your confluence a bit further too. But I¡¯ll always be here if you need me.¡± Dove had indeed perked up a bit at her words, a dangerous glow in her eyes. ¡°Thank you dear. I believe that it might help. Especially if I envision the face of the silver-ranked bitch who hurt my Kite on them as they wither.¡± ¡°Love, you don¡¯t even know what she looks like.¡± ¡°And you, dear, underestimate the power of my imagination,¡± Dove countered, leaning down to kiss her wife before striding off towards the incoming pack of monsters; a rather large one at that. Still, Crow did not fret as she let her hair carry her up into a nearby tree which she gauged would be the right distance away from the struggle that was to come. ¡°Dear Graceful Dove under the Moon, you having made more peace with your confluence brings serenity in equal amount to your wife,¡± Crow thought as she saw the fight begin. In the beginning, it was merely bursts of flame and the green glow of life. But Crow was patient, as she knew that things were yet to come. Her wife carried the essences of fire, plant and feast; common essences all purchased with the inheritance of Dove¡¯s entire family back in the day. An inheritance gained after they had all passed away in one of the more potent sicknesses which mostly afflicted the normal-ranked people of the world. Selling all that could be sold had given her just enough, having Dove entering the ranks of the adventurers to further finance her dreams of venturing into the world of alchemy. And while the heavens had in may ways smiled upon Dove; her finding herself living the very life she had hoped for, there had still been one thing which had always bothered the woman Crow would come to call wife; her confluence. Because the combination chosen out of necessity and availability had resulted in the desolate confluence. From her magical studies, Crow knew much about it; a rather variable confluence shaped much by the essences making it up. But as the name implied, it was also one of destruction. And while Dove had used it and used it well during her time as an adventurer, it had been the one least used in her life once they settled down; Dove happily laid it to rest as she focused on the life-affirming warmth and growth of the others. But now Crow¡¯s wife had picked up the adventurer¡¯s mantle once more. And with it came accepting parts of herself that she did not always like. ¡°It should be just about time,¡± Crow thought to herself, feeling Dove¡¯s aura surge. Then, just a few minutes after the fight began, it happened. A pulse emanated throughout the forest, but more an inhalation rather than an outwards burst. In mere seconds, life and warmth in a large radius from Dove¡¯s current position was drawn inwards. Trees started to rapidly wither and fall to pieces, leaves of ferns and the green of moss equally savaged. The fires which had gradually spread suffered the same fate, their very heat joining the floating streams of all that had previously burgeoned and blossomed. It was all drawn towards Dove, the heat and moisture from the monster¡¯s bodies being no exception although their bronze rank gave them a lot more vitality than the surrounding forest. Crow could feel her heart beat faster when gazing upon her wife, transformed by the magic of her confluence. Dove had now grown into a four meter tall effigy of ashen wood smoldering from within. It very much looked like an unclothed but anatomically featureless version of her, but also more, as the lines of charred wood gave her face, wooden mask locked in a somber expression, an ominous feel. The streams of matter and energy were all converging towards her stomach, or at least where her stomach should have been. In its place was a jagged maw, like a natural gap where some of the wooden effigy had withered away only to leave a glowing void which hungrily devoured life and warmth from all around. In this form, Dove was unable to move, but she did not need to. More entangling roots sprang out of the ground and embers flared among the monsters, restraining or damaging them for a moment before those energies too were devoured by the effigy that was Crow¡¯s wife. Some monsters tried attacking her, rending the seemingly brittle wood with their claws only to find it quite resilient. The last monsters stopped moving around a minute later, leaving the now monolithic Dove standing alone in a circle of desolation where only ashes and husks remained. Feeling her heart flutter, Crow couldn¡¯t help herself as she murmured: ¡°As the young ones apparently say these days; that¡­ that was hot.¡±
Dragonfly felt the rush of power as the heat inside her pulsed, like a second heartbeat of magical might which increased in intensity for each nick from a claw or bruise from impact. Although the full-on tackle from the bronze-ranked ogre chieftain who barreled into her at just that moment should leave more than a little bruising as it drove her to the ground, Dragonfly¡¯s back tearing a furrow through the mossy forest floor. Even so, she did not panic. In fact, her smile came to grow just a tad bit wider as flames washed over the grappling monster. While not the most damage-intensive, it kept adding to the magical flames which were already smoldering all across the chieftain, further increasing the damage dealt by her conjured axe for each instance of the burning affliction. The burst of flame also caused the ogre to flinch slightly, enough for Dragonfly to bend her knees and plant her feet against the ogre¡¯s chest. While her frame was small, Dragonfly¡¯s strength was most definitely not. Even as she kept a firm grip on both of its arms, the rest of the monster was lifted from the ground. It struggled against her, keeping hold of her shoulders with clawed hands and trying to regain control of the clinch and bite down on Dragonfly. There was a brief second of tension as both combatants were strained to their limits, before a burning greataxe suddenly came flying in for a horizontal slash, channeling a special attack for additional resonating force damage. One of the ogre¡¯s arms was severed and the other partially so, but it was enough. Like a tense spring coiled and ready to burst, Dragonfly roared as she pushed with her legs to send the ogre flying upwards and away. And even before it collided with the ground, the smoldering bronze-ranker had already sprung to her feet and leapt in pursuit. Her own axe lay a few meters away where she had dropped it just as the ogre tackled her to avoid it being in the way during the ensuing grapple. But her conjured, and still animated, axe flew to her hands; smoothly catching up to her mid-air as Dragonfly began her Descending Sunwheel. Spinning at a vertical axis, Dragonfly hit the sprawled beast like a descending disc of fiery destruction, all but bisecting the bronze-ranked monster with her execute effect. The death of the monster was followed by the flames covering it rising from the smoldering form and being absorbed into Dragonfly, restoring her stamina even as she was already moving off to her next targets, with Kite and Will similarly engaged close by. In the distance, a forested slope had been transformed into a frozen, destroyed waste as mistress Dew was still battling the trio of silver-ranked ogre warlords which had manifested, with Kite, Will and Dragonfly brought in as one of three teams meant to handle the frankly ridiculous number of lesser ogres manifesting along the trio of leaders. Surrounded on all sides by the minions of the silver-rankers, this was definitely the largest manifestation Dragonfly had seen so far. And she loved every moment of it. Seeing another group of iron-ranked ogres come charging in the wake of the now dead chieftain, Dragonfly used her power from the awakening stone of animation to have her discarded axe come flying into her hands, both axes spinning in tandem as she unleashed yet another special attack. ¡°With the sunwheel used, it is time to change things up,¡± she thought, as Butcher¡¯s Pinwheel carried her violently spinning form through the group, carving through the iron-ranked ogres with ease. As she changed up the special attacks, she felt their power and cost increasing further, causing her to grin even more. ¡°I think I might be getting the hang of this!¡± Dragonfly shouted, using another special attack through her animated axe to further increase the effect. Ever since the racial gift evolution responsible for this power, Dragonfly had to further adapt her fighting style. Being a human, Dragonfly had a lot of special attacks in her set of essence powers, probably more than a good amount of them too. The gift evolution meant that each time Dragonfly cycled through her different special attacks, their power and cost kept increasing. And with Dragonfly¡¯s power set providing a lot of recovery and ramping capabilities, this had really been an evolution to allow her to take it one step further. ¡°Coming through!¡± she shouted as she drew closer to where Kite was engaging a trio of ogre chieftains while more irons were inbound. Having already noticed her, Kite cast a spell to further assist her inbound storm of fiery violence. ¡°Wall!¡± A pair of force walls appeared, creating a corridor with the trio of chieftains and half a dozen iron ranked ones caught inside. A corridor which was just wide enough for Dragonfly to comfortably pass through and swing her axe. Once more starting her spinning attack, Dragonfly also activated another to supplement it. The head of her weapon was wreathed in a jet of flame, giving it further momentum and being ready to discharge upon impact. And as it was combinable by nature, it would affect all of her five spins. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. The inside of the corridor was filled with fiery explosions, turning it into a stark line of light in the battle-laden landscape. Out the other side, Dragonfly all but flew as she left sundered corpses and heavily injured, burning ogres in her wake. ¡°You really know what a girl wants, Kite!¡± Dragonfly shouted in appreciation, before continuing onwards. Ablaze like an ascending star, rife with momentum.
Welcome Plum Blossom hurried throughout the throngs of the smaller holdfast, his big wood backpack looking as if it would threaten to topple the lanky youngster any moment. He still managed to weave through the crowd with surprising speed, even leaping over a pair of squabbling children. ¡°Plum, over here!¡± ¡°On my way, uncle!¡± Crossing the final stretch, Plum stopped next to the crouching man and his sitting companion, the older man sitting leaned against the wall with a forlorn look in his eyes, seemingly unaware of him bleeding from several scrapes and cuts along his bare shins. . ¡°Found him walking the walls again?¡± Plum asked the middle-aged farmer crouching next to the seated elder, at which the man only sighed. ¡°Aiyah, the old one is in a world of his own these days. Didn¡¯t think he was going to live until this surge, given how he¡¯s prone to wandering. Can ya help him?¡± ¡°Sure thing, uncle. Some bandages, almost still steaming from the boiling pots. A nice auntie even gave me some herbs to calm people down, so maybe a dash of that as well?¡± As he spoke, Plum had put his backpack on the ground beside them, revealing the front with a plethora of small drawers. Untying the string keeping them closed, Plum opened a pair and gave the man a few leaves to have the older man chew on while Plum got to work. While there was some struggling and confused rambling, the herbs did their work as advertised, and soon enough the older man¡¯s wounds had been properly cleaned. ¡°There. Should be good to go now,¡± Plum said, donning his backpack again. ¡°Thanks lad. Yer folks woulda¡¯ been proud,¡± the farmer said, nodding gratefully as he helped the old, confused man to his feet. ¡°Come on, old-timer. Time to get you inside.¡± Plum smiled as he waved them off, his expression only falling once they were well and truly out of sight, old aches of the heart resurfacing. Still, there was plenty that had to be done, and with the close confines of the holdfast and lack of any magical healers in the garrison, even a scraped knee needed to be tended to properly to avoid further trouble. ¡°A scrape cleaned now is an infection avoided tomorrow,¡± Plum said under his breath, his father¡¯s old proverb coming unbidden to his mind. Shaking his head to dispel the fog of memory, Plum once more set off across the courtyard, picking up speed. Things went well as usual, but a third kid having joined in the brawl from before caused one of them to be thrown out of the wrestling match to land right in front of the running teenager. Plum leapt to avoid stepping on the young girl, but doing so also lost his footing and fell crashing forward. But just as he was about to impact the ground of the courtyard, Plum felt a hard yank at his backpack which stopped him just a few centimeters before having scrapes of his own to take care of. ¡°Ho there, young runner,¡± an unknown male voice said as Plum was hoisted back to his feet. ¡°While your speed is admirable, the paths of these lands are ever treacherous.¡± Plum looked up to see a very handsome if slightly rough-looking man in his early thirties smiling at him. The man was apparently quite strong as well, easily putting Plum back on his feet. ¡°That backpack,¡± the man began, idly chewing on a long stalk of grass as he looked over the worn wood of the heirloom. ¡°You¡¯re a healer?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Plum began, but faltered slightly. There was an intensity to the man even though he looked decidedly normal in most other regards. Even so, he had a certain kind of presence. ¡°It was my father¡¯s. I¡¯m no healer, but I¡¯m all a lot of these people have.¡± Seeing as the man looked both kind and interested, Plum couldn¡¯t help to allow himself a bit of pride as he puffed up his scrawny chest. ¡°But I¡¯ve just turned seventeen, and after the surge is done I will try and make my way to Gilded and pray to Healer for instruction and guidance. Then I can really start helping people.¡± ¡°Oh? That is quite the ambition,¡± the older man noted, seeming impressed with Plum¡¯s declaration. ¡°I must admit that I thought most youngsters of your age would dream of becoming adventurers instead. Leaving this backwater for greener pastures.¡± ¡°And who would then care for the people here?¡± Plum retorted, secretly repeating arguments that he had heard his father make many times. ¡°It is not like the local church of the Healer sends people to the furthest villages often, if ever. Someone needs to help them too. I- My father said that. And I promised him to do the same, the last time I saw him.¡± Plum hadn¡¯t thought of actually uttering the last words, blushing slightly. ¡°I see. And when did you last see your father, young man?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Plum began, then trailed off as he sighed. ¡°I went to his grave just before we left for the holdfast. I- it might be stupid, but I always promise him the same thing when I see him.¡± The youngster felt his ears reddening slightly as his attempt at coming off as mature went well into the realm of the cringeworthy. But the expected kind but slightly condescending response didn¡¯t come. Instead, the man was just looking at Plum, while nodding to himself. ¡°Well, young man, seeing as it is rare to meet someone of your dedication, I would be a fool not to take notice.¡± He bowed to Plum, hands cupped in the formal way of greetings, before he looked up with a bit of a twinkle in his eyes. ¡°My name is Brave Walker of Paths. And while it might not be exactly what future you have foreseen for yourself, I would like to give you an offer.¡±
¡°It is an interesting evolution, student. Have you reflected upon its meaning for you and your path?¡± Mistress Dew spoke with the usual calm even amidst her sparring session with Kite. Since his ascension to bronze-rank, she had become more and more active in their sessions as she deemed both his skills and body to be able to endure quite a bit more without risks of any severe accidents. As such, she came at him with a lot more force and vigor. The more foolish part of Kite¡¯s mind had thought that his forced duel with the mistress of the Wither family would have made him able to better stand up to his mentor¡¯s assault, but his current frantic work to avoid being nicked by the sharp ice of her weapons only strove to further hammer down the difference between a rather laxly trained core-user and someone who had forged their path through conflict and intense practice. With Kite feeling like the proverbial nail to make said point stick. ¡°I-¡± Kite began, but was forced to swallow his words as a flurry of strikes forced him to narrowly block two, accept one on his pauldron and take another step back from the fourth. Trying anew, he projected a swing of his sword to create some distance, mistress Dew easily blocking it but humoring him enough to not further press her undeniable advantage. ¡°From my training and discussions with Phiona - the Geller I told you about - I believe that the ability to target a foe¡¯s mana with more of my attacks might become one of my most important tools, along with my projected strikes, when fighting other essence users. Most of them use mana to some extent, and if I exclusively target that reserve I will also curtail their offensive a bit as they might become more reticent to use their powers. Also, it severely weakens all kinds of healing and regeneration as I will target their other reserves as well. And in most cases, falling unconscious and dying are one and the same.¡± Kite had discussed this a lot with both Phiona, Vista and even with his surprise temporary mentor in sect leader Dusk, and also witnessed it at work several times during his clashes with the students of the Descending Star sect. The runic mage which had been one of the final four was a good example, as her light and pure essences had given her a handful of healing power which had been of no use against Kite¡¯s choice of method. But something else had, which became a pertinent fact when considering the answer to Dew¡¯s next question. ¡°And when will it be less effective?¡± mistress Dew asked while occasionally throwing daggers of ice Kite¡¯s way, forcing him to block or dodge. ¡°While it flips the table on some foes, others such as elves with naturally higher mana pools will have an advantage. Or those with their own potent means of recovering mana. While I can shut down some of them, there are always exceptions- Ward!¡± Kite¡¯s barrier appeared just in time to deflect a bigger lance of ice too thick and fast to simply deflect with his current strength and speed. Even at its smallest and most durable, Heaven-and-Void Warding still broke completely upon impact, but at least managed to break enough of the projectile for Kite¡¯s armor to absorb the rest. As Dew gestured for him to continue while assuming a more defensive stance, Kite did his best to switch and attack her while continuing his reasoning. ¡°That is why I will have to learn when to choose that path and stick to it and when to fight more conventionally with the mana-drain being more of a supplementary option. And against most monsters it will be less than ideal, especially in a group setting. If I am the only one striking out against its mana while the rest damage its body, it will only make the battle longer. And monsters don¡¯t fall unconscious either.¡± Mistress Dew let Kite keep up his attack for a while, before finally disengaging and lowering her guard. ¡°It seems like you have a habit of picking up good mentors, student,¡± she said unabashedly, blue lips curled in a slight smile. ¡°And I must say that your path becomes even more deceptive in its own way as time passes. From what you told me earlier, you have accepted that your rather limited amount of special attacks would force you away from being the most damage-oriented part of a group. While we don¡¯t speak of such things too often here, and especially not in lower ranks, I would still call you more of a defender if we are to use more widely-used terms. An odd kind of defender, but definitely one; using your barriers and magic-shattering effects to protect yourself and your allies while whittling down the defenses and recovery of your foes. But unlike most defenders, you should be able to become a most excellent duelist, if unconventional in that regard as well. And in your case, unconventional is good as you can subvert both the expectations, rhythm and resources of your opponent. The battle of the mind is even more important against essence-users than it is fighting most monsters.¡± As their sparring came to a close, Kite bowed to his teacher in both respect and gratitude. ¡°Thank you teacher. It is a relief to hear that my reflections are not simply dismissed out of hand.¡± At this, mistress Dew even chuckled a bit. ¡°Student, no one who has met you for any extended time would dare question that you are an introspective one. If anything, practicing on taking action and finding a balance is probably more important for you in the long run. Because an adventurer will rarely find too much time for reflection in the heat of the moment.¡± ¡°I will ever strive to take teacher¡¯s words to heart,¡± Kite said, bowing again. ¡°And that is why I still keep you around, student. I would not suffer through anything else,¡± Dew said approvingly, then looked up at the sun shining down from beneath the foliage of the forests just outside one of the fortresses. ¡°But I believe that it is time to move on again. Us silver-rankers get quite little time for relaxation during a surge, and there are surely more targets for your little team as well. While the path towards the heavens is eternal, you still have to spend the time that is your life to climb it.¡±
River danced and her chains unwound from her like a spiraling thresher of graceful destruction, monsters and plant life alike shredded around her. Only the older and thicker trees could withstand the carnage, but their bark was still left scoured and sap slowly dripping down their trunks. River¡¯s first monster surge had not been what she had hoped. Instead of reveling in the violence and spreading the gift of lord Pain to even these transient beings of magic, the swarms of monsters she had to fight through when crossing through the wilderness felt entirely inconsequential; a mere roadblock and hindrance on the path of her true goal. ¡°Trash-beings like this are nothing. Not when the truth beckons,¡± she thought, her aura slightly cracked with frustration. ¡°Need and impatience are such wonderful concepts, child. Do take your time to properly reflect on them; they serve an important purpose as well to show you what is of true importance. And to show that sometimes the pain of the mind is the most potent one of all.¡± River¡¯s mind crackled and tingled under the attention of her god, but with his presence came clarity. Her aura steadied, the pain becoming a mere strain which would temper it further rather than cause it to crack and shatter. ¡°Thank you for your guidance, lord. This young one is not worthy. My weakness shows.¡± ¡°Ah, but do not sell yourself short, child. I so love watching you young ones grow. There is still so much for you to experience; so many new impressions to embrace. The pain of growing might be one of my absolute favorites. Everyone feels it and is tempered by it, some even develop because of it and yet they shun me just because the experience is unpleasant.¡± The god¡¯s word did not sound angry, more patient and a bit patronizing as if talking to young children yet to see the truth of life. ¡°So do not worry, Dancer on the Broken River. You are already serving me quite well just as you are.¡± ¡°You- I will not let you down, Lord.¡± River thought. ¡°And I will bring your most intense gifts unto the person which not one but three sources have indicated being some kind of contact for them. Someone hiding within the Descending Star sect. And when I find them, I will make you proud yet again. Because my father taught me well.¡± With those thoughts strengthening her resolve, Dancer on the Broken River, disciple of Pain and daughter of the late grand elder Unmaker of the White Seal, continued her path of violence through the forests of the Autumn lands. Her destination was the compound of the Descending Star sect, in which she hoped to finally find her quarry. And answers. 107. History Kite sat down on the mossy ground close to where Serene stood, his body feeling thoroughly exhausted. While the recovery of a bronze-ranker was a lot more efficient at restoring the spent stamina than he had ever been before, he still needed the rest at that moment. While the gauntlet he had ¡®bought¡¯ from sect leader Dusk helped greatly, it lost a lot of effectiveness when the foes were more numerous and fell more quickly. Ahead of him, Will and Dragonfly were both hard at work with clearing out the remaining horde of monsters which had probably numbered above the hundred at point of manifestation, but was now down to a mere two dozen; mere cleanup, which in turn allowed Kite to take some rest. Summer was gyrmling-season after all, and the bark-loving monsters truly had come out in force this time. ¡°I will admit to feeling a bit dejected,¡± Kite said to his friend, who was still caught up in her usual hummed melody as her aura and its fourfold effect suffused the area. ¡°If anything, this surge has truly driven home the point that I struggle against numerous opponents.¡± Gyrmlings had been the very first monsters Kite had fought back when he had just come into his essence powers, and while they were simple, the surge meant that they had the numbers to make up for it, further bolstered by the bigger brutes and other bigger and more niche bronze-ranked varieties such as the gyrmling tyrants. This particular pack had devoured the bark and a lot of other plant matter across quite a large area just in the day between their manifestation and Kite¡¯s group arriving to deal with the monsters before they found their way to an area with more valuable types of trees. ¡°Not every path can excel at everything, Kite. Believe me, as I am one who has felt that sentiment quite clearly.¡± Even as Serene spoke, the words manifested in the air next to Kite even as she continually cast her spells of wind, harmony and renewal to make her presence felt. ¡°There have been many a time when I wondered if my path was a mistake; not giving me the tools of direct vengeance against the adherents of Pain and what they took from me. But as I am now, I will have to credit my counselor from Healer¡¯s church. He did share quite a lot of wisdom in the matter.¡± ¡°Any words of wisdom to pass on, then?¡± ¡°Be swept away by the hammer of the hurricane!¡± ¡°Not what I expected, but I will strive to decipher the meaning of such wise words,¡± Kite teased, Serene¡¯s spell chant having interrupted their conversation as she rather skillfully split her attention. ¡°Sometimes, it is folly to fight against the stormwinds. Consider letting them sweep you away and show you new vistas and perspectives,¡± Serene countered without missing a beat, her face a mask not unlike a high-strung preacher before the facade broke down, the tingling chimes of her laughter following shortly thereafter. ¡°No, his counsel was more along the lines of forming my path due to what I, the complete me, wanted to be. Not just the parts that had suffered and were still hurting. I did not always agree with him, especially not in the beginning, but hindsight proves ever the smug teacher.¡± ¡°Those¡­ those are words worth pondering,¡± Kite had to agree, always having been fond of such sayings. Even if he was still left unsatisfied. ¡°But they still provide me with less comfort at the moment than I would like for them to. I have tried implementing my walls and what means I have to better engage the numbers we are faced with here, but find my attention split as they are more often employed best elsewhere. Why use them to some extent for myself when they can augment our friends so much further. Yet I find myself wanting to anyway. As there are times when I won¡¯t have the luxury of relying upon others.¡± At his words, Serene took another look at the battlefield which was winding down. Deeming it to not need too much more of her attention, she turned to Kite more fully. ¡°Kite, is this really about the present? Or something else?¡± Once again, Kite was left pondering, before shaking his head; not in denial but in acceptance. ¡°You might be correct. I¡­ I think there are still some things I need to resolve after my time in Bastion. Especially the final parts. I believe that I have made progress in accepting the memories, but still find my own capabilities in some regards harder to stomach. In a way I was extremely fortunate that it was only the single foe who came after me, and not a dozen bronze-rankers at once. Against the lone mistress Wither, I could persevere for a bit at least.¡± ¡°Kite, as one who recently volunteered to fight a dozen bronze-rankers on his own and actually succeeded, I believe that you might give yourself too little credit.¡± Serene¡¯s words were accompanied by a distinct little poke of aura; the spiritual equivalent of her flicking his forehead. While just a small gesture, it still left Kite in a bit of awe at the levels of spiritual fine-control his friend was approaching. ¡°And before you protest, I know that you had more control going into that situation; information and preparation both. That was what made you succeed, too. In this case it was their warped sense of honor which let you get far enough before they decided that they had enough. And with the monsters such as these -,¡± she said, gesturing to the fallen gyrmlings, some still burning from Dragonfly¡¯s flames, ¡°- you have your wits and your barriers to hold out and whittle them down. And if you put your mind to it, there are probably other ways to compensate. Just as long as you don¡¯t lose track of the wider picture of where you want your path to go, instead of solely focusing on what is bothering you just at this moment.¡± Kite looked at the priestess as she spoke, a bit touched by her taking his words seriously. ¡°Thank you, Serene. I am ever impressed by your perspective and foresight. Your words¡­ I will bring them with me into my meditations.¡± He did his best to make his earnest feelings on the matter clear in his aura, knowing that Serene would pick up on them as well. ¡°They say that a healer needs to keep her perspective wide,¡± Serene replied. ¡°But in all honesty, giving counsel is easy when it is not you who is doing the soul-searching.¡± ¡°Then we shall have to continue with taking turns there as well. Got to keep that karma balanced, after all,¡± Kite said with a wink before rising to his geet as Will and Dragonfly were returning, having dispatched the final cluster of monsters. ¡°Are the two of you done with your little competition?¡± he asked the pair, chuckling at their debate. ¡°I still say that last one counts as mine,¡± Will argued. ¡°Oh no! I was the one who finished it!¡± Dragonfly retorted. ¡°Oh please! I had already worked on it. That would be typical of you commoners; just swaggering in and claiming the glory for which your betters have already laid the foundation.¡± ¡°Really, now, lordling? And the javelins constantly stealing the iron-ranked ones which I had yet to reach?¡± ¡°Well, it was obvious that you weren¡¯t going to dispatch them in time. I just did my duty.¡± Kite smiled and shook his head. ¡°I believe that the result was ambiguous then.¡± As he spoke, he reached out his hand and gave the mental assent to trigger his looting power which had accumulated plenty of stored energy with the huge number of monsters fought here. What eventually appeared out of the vortex of rainbow smoke made both Dragonfly and Will pause to look, the latter nodding in approval. ¡°I see that your power has good taste this time,¡± the scion said before Dragonfly took over. ¡°Kite, isn¡¯t that-¡± ¡°I believe it is, or at least something akin to it,¡± Kite said, surprised as he held the manifested item; a javelin made from what looked like natural wood and a stone head, covered in small, green vines which were sprouting tiny leaves around the length of its haft.
WWJS: [Item] Javelin of the Great Tanglewood Bronze rank - Rare [Effect] - Ensnares creatures within a ten meter radius. Creatures ensnared by this item have their mana and stamina drained for the duration, which in turn replenishes the plant-matter of the snaring vines. Cooldown: 15 minutes
While the javelin Kite now held was more intricate and vibrant with life than the one he had owned at the very start of his career, it was still eerily similar in both looks and effects. ¡°What? Do you recognize it?¡± Will asked, seeing the look of recognition from his comrades. ¡°I had one very similar before we met you. The first item ever manifested by my power, in fact. Also gained after killing mostly gyrmlings.¡± Kite explained. ¡°And I must admit to being curious as to why it returned. Mere chance?¡± ¡°Nah, probably fate, fortune or something like it,¡± Dragonfly said, nodding sagely in spite of her words. ¡°You should keep it, if only for nostalgia.¡± Looking at the familiar yet new weapon in his hands, returned through fate or happenstance, Kite couldn¡¯t help but agree.
Jarvan sighed as he put down the sheet of paper in a pile of similar ones at the edge of his desk, the exhalation more of a psychological need rather than the actual need to breathe. ¡°I am sorry for the delay, mistress Indomitable. Those casualty reports always make for grim reading,¡± he said, speaking to the silver-ranked elven woman in front of him. Having met the city lord and his family, Jarvan could see that the oldest child favored her mother¡¯s side with hair more white than golden. But in demeanor and looks, one could easily see the patience and stern facade of the father, where Calm of the Indomitable Beyond might one day even surpass her father in those very traits. She was clad in the fine robes of her family¡¯s colors, but the symbol of the god Death was prominently displayed in the shape of an amulet of what Jarvan assumed to be some kind of enchanted alabaster. ¡°While deaths are ever part of life, so is mourning those who pass. My god will be hard at work in fulfilling their purview in these times,¡± the elf responded, voice smooth and surprisingly soothing. ¡°And while I have my part to play, my god still found merit in the request for me to return even during a surge. At least as a precaution.¡± ¡°Yes-,¡± Jarvan began, nodding at her words. ¡°- I must admit that I was a bit surprised that the lord chose to go himself. With you here, I take it that he foresees a certain amount of risk?¡± ¡°Such is always the case when one makes moves of any significance, director,¡± mistress Calm retorted. ¡°But I have so far not known my father for being a fool. When he decides to openly make a move, it will be decisive and thought out, with contingencies in place. I believe that I am but one of them.¡± ¡°That would indeed be an apt description of the cunning old man,¡± Jarvan chuckled, only to stop himself as he noticed his visitor¡¯s rather frosty glare. ¡°I did not believe there to be any risks of you not knowing the station of my father,¡± she said, voice having lost its soothing quality. ¡°Was I mistaken?¡± ¡°My apologies, mistress. A lapse in courtesy, nothing more,¡± Jarvan assured her, before looking down at the set of documents that the mistress had brought for him to approve of. ¡°I take it that, should things go well, this is the contract you want us to assign?¡± ¡°That is indeed so,¡± mistress Calm responded, eyes still regarding Jarvan with an amount of disapproval. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. ¡°Then I will have to at least reiterate that we are still weathering the surge. This means that I will not be able to spare too many adventurers. Had it not been for the long-term security of the region, I would have spared none at all.¡± ¡°And yet you will, director. Why?¡± Jarvan sighed again, gesturing to the pile of casualty reports still occupying his desk like a grim, if innocuous, monument. ¡°Because what we can gather from these reports, things are likely to become even worse if we do not deal with this. The western regions report unprecedented losses, of both adventurers and civilians. We even have adventurers who are missing where we suspect non-monster involvement. So while the cost will be hard to stomach, not doing anything at this point would be even worse. The Descending Star sect needs to be handled. Thoroughly.¡± ¡°Then we are fortunate that my father tends to be a thorough man, director.¡±
¡°Constellation of victory!¡± Gleaming stars appeared in the air around Meridian, strengthening her and any nearby allies with pale silver light. Immediately afterwards, she cast another spell. ¡°Weight of the skies rain down upon you!¡± ¡°Pathetic attempts of an equally pathetic traitor!¡± sect leader Comet Banishing Clouds shouted, before shooting forward while covered by pale starlight, turning him into his namesake as he simply went through the descending meteors conjured by Meridian¡¯s spell. The sect leader was trailed by shimmering clouds which immediately coalesced beneath his feet to carry him as his charge was stopped by the twin chakrams of sun and moon which followed in the meteors¡¯ wake, one glowing swing of his axe sending both thrown weapons off to the side before they had the chance to deliver the flaring special attack. The aforementioned cloud was the sect leader¡¯s now active flying artifact which, along with his gleaming silver armor decorated with the sect¡¯s colors, proved that Comet had indeed come prepared for this meeting. ¡°Just how long did you think that you could hide?¡± Comet shouted as he leapt towards where Meridian flew on wings of stars, currently trying to create distance as she flung more spells towards her assailant even as she could feel the auras of her followers embroiled in conflict below. Taking to the skies had at least made sure that as few of them as possible would risk becoming collateral damage. ¡°By your own words, I am no longer part of your sect and therefore not yours to seek out,¡± Meridian countered, twin chakrams whirling around her to deflect powerful strikes of the axe her cousin wielded. An especially brutal strike detonated in a blast of pale light which seared Meridian even as she was flung back through the air. Comet was just about to give chase, but was instead greeted by the small star-like motes left in his cousin¡¯s wake, detonating in a rippling pattern and throwing him in the opposite directions. ¡°Power is the ultimate measure of a person, traitor. With the sect behind me, I can do whatever I please here. Meet whoever I want. And punish whoever I see fit to.¡± ¡°But why now? Why not actually do your duties during the surge and wait? Why ambush us-¡± ¡°And let you slink away once all this is done? I know how rats like you will act, vermin. Scurrying away and leaving the rest of us to handle the filth you left behind. No, you hid yourself well. We barely found out about this deployment of yours in time, and I would be a fool under the heavens to not take what might be the only opportunity to deliver judgment.¡± ¡°Comet, can¡¯t you see? Do you even listen to yourself? You are not well. Surely you have read the reports? How there is an affliction of the mind which has been spread? And how it-¡± ¡°The mewling excuses of weakness incarnate, discourteous wretch! I am sect leader to lowlifes such as you.¡± Comet shouted in reply, his aura shuddering under the emotional strain, renewing his assault with furious abandon. Back at her expulsion from the sect, Meridian had few doubts of her cousin¡¯s state of mind. Sensing him now, she felt so foolish for not having noticed anything before. ¡°Then you should at least have made your research more thoroughly,¡± she answered, feeling another aura starting to unveil itself nearby. ¡°There is nothing more for me to know. I found my traitor, and I will end her! Do you think that the adventure society will shield you? And risk the wrath of our patrons in the heartlands? No, they hide behind politics and contracts like the cowards they are. We will all-¡± Comet halted, finally sensing the incoming second aura as well, along with a chilling wind and a sense of almost physical pressure. ¡°You- you traitorous- What-¡± ¡°You never looked into who issued our contract, cousin,¡± Meridian interrupted him, feeling a tingle of enjoyment at the sect leader¡¯s slightly widened eyes and tense look as he turned along with her to witness the new arrival. From the forests below, ice started gathering like a tidal wave as a glacier grew upwards. While its growth looked slow, that was merely due to the size of the gathering ice. And on the very crest, like standing at the top of a wave about to crash down upon the lands below, stood an elven man. ¡°Sect leader, I do not approve of your interference with my contracted adventurers,¡± spoke city lord March of Indomitable Glaciers. His robes were immaculate where he stood on the monolithic glaciers, his aura as heavy as the ice he conjured. While he was silver rank like the two combatants, it was obvious that he had progressed further than them by quite the margin. ¡°And neither with your gross neglect of the lands which your founder swore to protect.¡± To his credit, sect leader Comet was not taken aback for long, the smoldering fury inside quickly bolstering his resolve. ¡°So, the old man has decided to come out in person? I must admit that I thought that your joints would creak with rust after sitting on your peak for all these decades,¡± he all but spat, the vitriol in his voice very clear. ¡°But this is not your affairs, oh mighty city lord, but just me eliminating some pests which are rightfully mine. And you better not interfere, lest word reaches the capitol that you and your adventure society collaborators are encroaching upon the honor and independence of a sect recognized by the royal seat of Hua-Xi.¡± At his words, lord Indomitable nodded. ¡°It would seem that you have at least a little grasp of the political realities, boy. It is admittedly more than expected, but you are still but a frog in the well, seeing only the tiniest glint of the heavens and believing yourself to know it all. Had I been here at the request of the director or the adventure society, things may very well have progressed as you say. Just a member of the society, even acting on its own volition, might have been enough to trigger a response. But there is one piece of information that you have overlooked, sect leader. I am not a member of the adventure society.¡± At his words, sect leader Comet froze, eyes clearly showing him calculating the impact of what lord Indomitable had just said as the elf continued. ¡°But I am the city lord of Gilded, having defended that position for decades now. And while an adventurer striking out at a sect claiming independence would be one thing, a city lord cleaning out what has obviously become a rogue and unstable element - a very hazard on the lands which he governs - is a different matter entirely.¡± Sect leader Comet, apparently having reached the same conclusion, snapped his gaze back to Meridian. ¡°You- you traitorous bitch! A trap? How low-¡± His words were interrupted by a palpable sense of pressure which threatened to weaken even the strength and movement of a silver ranker. Comet just managed to leap back before two huge chunks of ice collided where he had been standing in the air, having moved with a kind of deceptively slow but inexorable speed. ¡°Comet Banishing Clouds. As city lord of Gilded, I declare your sect to have failed the purpose laid out at its founding. Submit willingly and help clean the rot from the shaking pillars of what was once your strength and honor, or fall and risk there being nothing but dust left of the sect that you so proudly claim to lead.¡± Lord Indomitable¡¯s voice carried the full weight of his aura, grinding down the sect leader as the younger man seemed torn between thought and emotion. Meridian did not know what would have won out before Comet had been afflicted, but felt like she already knew what side that would win out in the internal struggle. And as the sect leader of the Descending Star sect replied, he proved her right. ¡°Then it is you who are a fool, to think that an antiquity like you would make a difference by hopping down from your dusty shelf. And I will be happy to prove it. I, Comet Banishing Clouds, challenge you to a clash of paths, with the seat of the city lord of Gilded as prize.¡± While the smile of city lord Indomitable was but a slight one, it was the look in the elven man¡¯s hard eyes which would have caused Meridian¡¯s hairs to stand on end had she still possessed the biological response. And as things had played out as he had foreseen when making her the proposal of this venture, Meridian could not help but feel that things would continue to progress according to the will of lord Indomitable. ¡°And I, Indomitable March of Glaciers, accept your challenge. My prize will be you ceding the seat of the sect leader, and what remains of your sect submitting to investigation and judgment. Let us begin.¡±
Kite could see that what mistress Dew was reading apparently put her in a thoughtful mood as she idly tapped a finger to blue lips while reading. And as silver-rankers read quickly, he and the rest of the bronze-rankers called alongside her soon got to know why. ¡°It would seem that the young master Indomitable here has been requested to be allowed a change of contracts along with his entourage,¡± she said, looking at Will with an eyebrow raised. ¡°It has even been approved by the director, but as the ranking member present here in the field it will also fall to me to approve the change.¡± ¡°Then please, mistress, do not leave us in suspense,¡± Will answered. ¡°Who is issuing the new contract?¡± The words had barely left his mouth before his eyes widened in realization. ¡°My father?¡± ¡°That is indeed correct,¡± Dew noted. ¡°It would seem that our dear city lord aims to do some cleaning of his own. While the timing is quite unfortunate, with the surge and all that, the director approving must mean that the reason has been considered worth the risk.¡± ¡°Then please, mistress -,¡± Will said, bowing in respect, ¡°- I implore you to allow me to go to my family.¡± Frost among Morning Dew regarded him silently for a while before cracking a faint smile. ¡°I will. While that will lose you some opportunities to temper yourself against the monsters, and leave me to handle the uninteresting weak silvers, it is still not enough to deny you what is certainly an interesting opportunity. Local history might be in the making once more. And besides -,¡± she added, looking at Kite, Dragonfly and Serene who had stayed back and let Will handle the talking, ¡°- what kind of mentor would I be to let my student miss out on such a lucrative contract? The rewards for acting as an entourage to our young master here is quite generous.¡± At her words, Will turned to the rest of the group. ¡°Then will you accompany me this time as well? Just like the war, there should be plenty of opportunity to plunge penetrating justice into the wicked and dishonorable!¡± While his words carried his usual bravado, Kite could sense a bit of worry in the aura of his friend, and thought that he understood why. They had been deployed with mistress Dew for just over ten days now, and while it had been an utterly grueling and exhausting experience of fighting through monsters tougher and more numerous than ever before, it had also led to palpable growth for all of them even at a stage of bronze rank where progression slowed down significantly. Progression rarely, if ever, found outside the monster surges. But to Kite, it wasn¡¯t really a question. ¡°Of course I will, my friend,¡± Kite said. ¡°Uncle Walker has taught me many things, and his counsel in patience is one of them. There will always be more monsters, so I will rather treasure the bonds I forge. Even if I still aim to get to silver quite a bit faster than him.¡± The last sentence was added with a bit of a quip in an attempt to keep the moment cheerful as Will, often prone to the more sentimental emotions, looked as if he was about to tear up. ¡°I will as well,¡± Serene added. ¡°Our song is most harmonious when together. I would not want to accompany anyone else.¡± This left Dragonfly, who had a pained expression on her face while idly twirling a lock of pink hair. ¡°What? Don¡¯t look at me like that,¡± she exclaimed after a while of the others looking at her. ¡°I would never miss out on this, especially not if it meant being separated from the rest of you. It¡¯s just¡­¡± she trailed off, looking out the window. ¡°There are so many monsters out there. Who¡¯s going to cleave through all of them in time? Just imagining some smug sect prick claiming my tempering-¡± she began, but visibly steadied herself and smacked both her cheeks. ¡°No, Dragonfly, temperance is also a virtue.¡± Looking back to the rest, the usual fire was back in her eyes. ¡°So, mistress Dew said it sounded important. Are we ready to go make history?"
¡°The contracts should have been sent out as soon as word reached Gilded, lord,¡± Grim spoke from where he stood next to his master, busying himself with applying some crystal wash to remove the stains of battle and remnants of wounds while also using a special wand which sped up the self-repair of the city lord¡¯s clothes. Meridian remained close by, having already seen that her people were assisted, both in healing and containing some of the captives. ¡°Excellent, thank you Grim,¡± lord Indomitable said, looking to the southwest; the way Meridian¡¯s cousin had fled. ¡°It is a shame that things ended like this. Not being able to close things out does prove that the sect leader was right in one thing; I have at least a little bit of dust in the system.¡± Meridian herself did not share his sentiment, seeing how one sided the clash had been. Sect leader Comet had assaulted the city lord with furious momentum, the powerful attacks and spells of his potent and onslaught-essences on full display. And while he had managed to inflict some wounds early on, the skies around the battling pair had been starting to gradually fill with hazards. Crashing blocks of ice, freezing spheres, sharp icicles or just areas of dense pressure had started revolving around lord Indomitable. At first, their movements had been rather slow for silver-ranked attack, but as their number and complexity grew, Comet had started to struggle. While he could plow and cleave his way through most individual projectiles and attacks, that was almost all he had time for after a while. And when the city lord had started changing the speeds and directions of said attacks, guiding them to strike in sequences hard to avoid while also increasing that pressure which hampered his opponent¡¯s movements, the nerve of the sect leader had finally broken, Comet using some kind of consumable to speed off like a shooting star. Meridian had made as if to set off in pursuit, but lord Indomitable had stopped her where he still remained atop his glacial tidal wave; a bit battered and bruised but with his aura remaining steady. ¡°We¡¯d best see to your people below, mistress Meridian. Remember the plan,¡± the elven man had said, looking after the fleeing sect leader. ¡°The contracts should go out soon, and the preparations have been made. This needs to end at the very heart of these troubles.¡± Meridian knew what would come next, having been party to the plan, even readily volunteering for her role here today. While it was mostly theatrics, she still understood its political significance in the long run. Even so, his next words had her insides clench a bit in sorrow. ¡°This will end at the gates of the Descending star sect. As to what will remain afterwards, only the heavens know. A fate for us to realize.¡± 108. Patience ¡°Look! Isn¡¯t that¡­?¡± ¡°Yes, from the recordings.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like anything special. Are you sure?¡± ¡°Yes. See the armor? It has to be him.¡± ¡°Eh, I could take him.¡± ¡°Pff, as if. Didn¡¯t he take down like twenty disciples of the Descending star sect.¡± ¡°It was only twelve.¡± ¡°Only might not be the best word to use here.¡± ¡°Well, I could still take him.¡± ¡°Then please, go and challenge him and see how that turns out.¡± ¡°What? No.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you could take him?¡± ¡°Why, yes. But there is a surge going on, if you hadn¡¯t noticed. Can¡¯t just delay our contracts.¡± ¡°I am sure there is only heroic altruism involved in that decision. You know, having seen the recording, I would say that it isn¡¯t for nothing that people are calling him-¡± The half-whispered conversation between a pair of local bronze-rankers was abruptly cut off as the plaza of the adventure society campus in Gilded disappeared from view, the levitating platform carrying Kite and his group downward toward the city streets below, where the group was to head for the First peak and the palace of Will¡¯s family. ¡°They were definitely speaking of me,¡± Kite noted, concern and a bit of pride warring inside him as he wondered where the pair had managed to view what he assumed was parts of the recordings of his grand clash with the disciples of the sect. ¡°I heard them as well,¡± Will confirmed, instead looking excited. ¡°It is no more than right that such a deed should be told far and wide. Oh, maybe there has even started to circulate names or titles. You know, like how Dragonfly¡¯s master got hers. I wondered what it would be? Walks with Victory? Disciple¡¯s bane?¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t just ¡®Kite the Undefeated¡¯ or something be better?¡± Dragonfly asked as she decided to join the conversation. ¡°What?¡± she continued at Will¡¯s aghast look. ¡°Dragonfly, it has to be more than a title. It needs a certain delicate balance of poetry and epicness. Please promise me that you would never participate in the making of any titles meant for me.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, ¡®Will the Penetrator¡¯ does paint you a picture-¡± Dragonfly began, but Kite decided to try and end this line of conversation before he risked finding himself officiating a clash of paths between his friends then and there. ¡°I would say that whatever speculations we heard above are of less consequence than our actual purpose here,¡± Kite said, relieved that the group was not hard to nudge back to the looming task to which they had agreed to participate. ¡°Kite speaks truth,¡± Serene added. ¡°If things are as the contract said, we might find ourselves witnessing the fall of another sect. And with just over a decade since the fall of the Unbreakable Chains sect - the public fall at least - it is hard to grasp what this will mean for the region.¡± ¡°If your father can even manage,¡± Dragonfly said, looking to Will. ¡°Not meant as an insult, but how many adventurers would he even be able to hire? Doesn¡¯t the surge mean that any and all will be too busy?¡± As they spoke, the elevating platform reached the ground and the group continued onto the city streets, their conversation continuing unhindered and private thanks to Serene deftly keeping any of their voices from being heard. ¡°I would have assumed that as well,¡± Will said, ¡°but knowing my father, he surely has something planned. And the director would have to be in on it, at least on some level. While he can¡¯t just drag too many adventurers away from their contracts, I am sure there are solutions.¡± ¡°I suppose that we will just have to wait and see,¡± Kite said, looking towards the First peak in the distance.
¡°Sister?¡± Will¡¯s surprised exclamation caused many of those gathered to look towards the new arrivals. Kite and his group had just arrived to one of the courtyards-turned-garden up at the first peak, noticing the many groups of essence-users gathered. Like theirs, most of the groups seemed to have at least one member from more affluent families, given away by both equipment and how the members positioned themselves around their charge. But Will hadn¡¯t focused on any of them, instead making a line straight towards an elven woman. As the rest trailed after their friend, Kite quickly noted the familiar resemblance even if Will was the one looking more like their father. ¡°Young brother,¡± the woman responded courteously, her somber gaze sweeping over the rest of the group as if sizing them up. Or more likely, judging them. Turning back to Will, she continued. ¡°I heard that you finally started your climb towards the heavens in earnest. And that you continued with your foolish path, even after all that the family has done for you.¡± Kite halted a bit at the harsh words, but Will seemed to just shrug it off as he took it in stride. ¡°Ah, but there you are mistaken, sister. If anything, my path has proven even more satisfying and full of meaning than I initially thought. So far, I have no regrets!¡± His words and aura were both rather light-hearted and cheerful, which only seemed to further annoy the silver-ranker. But before she could retort, Will continued. ¡°And I will have to introduce you to my boon-companions. Sister, meet Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune; staunch defender, valiant friend, conqueror of the Jade-Sky gate and, most recently, humiliator of sect disciples. The woman next to him is Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s Reflection, passion incarnate, flamebringer, shatterer of the hordes and enjoyer of all delicious things. And finally, we have Serene Breeze; priestess of Song, survivor of the Unbreakable Chains sect, the guardian wind and the one who sings for a better tomorrow.¡± As Will made the introductions, the gaze of his sister flattened slightly as she suffered through his enthusiastic titling of his companions. ¡°And my friends, allow me to introduce Calm of the Indomitable Beyond, my oldest sister and priestess of Death.¡± Kite and his friends each bowed in turns, hands cupped in the traditional greeting, before Dragonfly couldn¡¯t contain herself. ¡°Will, that was amazing. I totally understand now what you meant with there needing to be a certain bit of poetry.¡± At her words, Will straightened in pride, but it was his sister who spoke with disapproval heavy in her voice. ¡°And I assume, brother, that you have given them leave to address you so?¡± ¡°Why, of course sister dear,¡± Will retorted. ¡°My friends calling me ¡®young master¡¯ all the time would be most tedious. And they have taught me a lot of the customs which people of the land live by. Quite enlightening, I must say.¡± ¡°I am sure that I cannot even imagine,¡± she replied in a flat tone. ¡°Does our dear governess know of this then? That you are frolicking with the commoners?¡± ¡°I- ehm,¡± Will began, before looking off to the side with a relieved expression. ¡°It would seem like our father means to address us now. We¡¯d best not tarry.¡± With that, he dragged his companions off to the side. While the city lord had indeed made his appearance, it seemed that him addressing those gathered was still a ways off. Will¡¯s sister, Calm, had no doubt noticed as well, and through his expanded vision Kite saw the closest thing he had seen to an amused expression on her during their brief meeting. Gesturing to ask Serene to erect her sound-proofing barriers, Will turned to his friends. ¡°I must admit, I am surprised that my father managed to call my older sister back. That must have cost him both funds and clout.¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Kite began, trying to find the right words. ¡°Will, you and your sister seem to be quite¡­ different.¡± ¡°If by different you mean that she felt even more frosty than mistress Dew,¡± Dragonfly noted. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to get along too well.¡± ¡°That is¡­ complicated,¡± Will said, voice more somber. ¡°We have very different outlooks on things, true, but I believe that the burden of being the oldest child has weighed my sister down quite a lot. So I have made it my mission to try and act her counterpoint in many ways, lest her somber gravitas cause the mood to become heavy enough to tear a hole in the world.¡± ¡°Has it worked so far?¡± Dragonfly asked, glancing back towards the silver-ranker. ¡°Probably not,¡± Will admitted. ¡°But maybe one day, further along the path towards the heavens, we can meet on more equal footing. I do hope though that she doesn¡¯t mention too much to our governess. That would not be a conversation which I would enjoy.¡±
¡°My lord, I believe it is time,¡± Grim said politely from where he stood next to the city lord, looking out over those gathered. ¡°If you forgive my presumptuousness, do you think that those gathered here are enough?¡± March of Indomitable Glaciers looked out over the members of his extended family who walked the combatants path, as well as their allies and would-be supporters with similar skill sets. Many young scions and their respective entourages had gathered, varying between iron and bronze rank. They were all armed and armored, and wore expressions varying from excitement and nervousness to boredom or wariness. Meridian and many of her followers as well as a contingent from families affiliated with the Victorious Sunset sect were also present, the latter having proven a lot more amenable since lord Indomitable¡¯s opposition of the actions of the Descending Star sect became more publicly known. ¡°While I know it may not look like too many,¡± the city lord said, ¡°it is honestly more than I expected with the criterion we set up. All of the groups have members more grounded in politics than the adventure society, and with myself, my daughter and mistress Meridian present as silver rankers, it should be more than enough. While any of the hawks in the heartlands may try to take offense, it should be the right balance to keep it at the level of grumbling and posturing. And while the sect¡¯s defensive arrays will be a hindrance, they will suffer as much as us from the low ambient mana in regards to powering their defenses.¡± Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°Very well, my lord,¡± Grim said, his face the ever-present mask of professionalism. Flaring his aura to get the attention of those gathered, lord Indomitable stepped up and tapped a brooch fastened to his robes, the mana sent into the item enabling his voice to carry. ¡°Each and every one of you have been chosen to be here today; chosen because of your prowess, but also your loyalty. Not necessarily to me or my family, but to Gilded and its people. While I do not question that you are also here for personal gains, such is merely the path towards the heavens, and I would expect no less of you. We will soon embark, and while the journey will be a short one, it will also be perilous. The Descending Star sect is expecting us, but it will not help them. What was once an honorable institution of learning and power has been brought low, and it will be up to us to deliver a reckoning. What will remain after we are done, only the heavens truly know. But I know that it will mean change. To the sect, and the whole region. Our blessed companions from Healer¡¯s church wanted me to implore you to capture those you can, and accept surrender when possible. And I will implore you to decisively strike down those who do not allow either of these preferred approaches, because they are now nothing but a danger to the stability of these lands. The assault will be divided-¡± he continued, going over the general plan, and chain of command. For Kite and his group, this meant something similar as during the war; to act as people on the ground and handle the lower rankers and stragglers while their side¡¯s silver-rankers were the tip of the spear who would also decide much of the outcome. ¡°It feels like we have done this before,¡± Dragonfly said softly. ¡°Even though the words are different, the sentiment is the same; prepare to face people. People that have done great wrongs.¡± ¡°Does it bother you?¡± Kite asked. ¡°Do you regret being here?¡± ¡°What? Of course not,¡± she said, turning to him. Her excitement was subdued, but palpable. ¡°Do not get me wrong; monsters are easier, both in battle and conscience. But this is once more history in the making. And unlike during the war, we¡¯re bronze rank now. Our impact is greater. And maybe we will one day be where they are,¡± she continued, nodding towards the trio of silver-rankers; the decisive pieces on the proverbial board. ¡°One day, I want to stand where they stand.¡± ¡°Many would call you battle-mad for such a sentiment. A glory seeker,¡± Kite teased, putting his arm around her and dragging her closer as she gave him a withering look. ¡°But at least I know you for what you truly are; passionate and driven. Surely, your axe will split the heavens, my ardent Dragonfly.¡± From her silence and the way she leaned into him, Kite knew her to be blushing, his words having their desired effect. Still, a few mumbled words followed. ¡°You¡¯re damn right it will.¡±
¡°Sect leader, the arrays have just passed below half strength. While our defenses are doing what they can, we simply lack the numbers or manpower to truly hold them off. It is also probable that they have some kind of dimensional well-formation set up, as our two groups of teleporters have yet to return.¡± Elder Bliss of the Descending Star sect delivered the news with a straight face, head turned down in reverence. The second day of the siege was nearing its end, and as the situation was already looking grim, there was little in the way of good news to report. Bliss could feel the aura of the sect leader roiling, showing less and less control every day now. ¡°I can see why the project with the affliction was discontinued in the end,¡± he thought to himself while standing perfectly still. This meant that the chair thrown in frustration just barely missed him, the sect leader¡¯s runes all but igniting with his frustrations as he took it out on anyone nearby. ¡°The spread is not fast enough and it is even less subtle once it has built up properly in more powerful individuaIs. It is good that we have enemies for him to battle soon, lest he might even start doing our foes'' work for them.¡± ¡°This- this cannot be happening!¡± sect leader Comet roared, reaching for another chair but stopping himself at the last moment, once more turning his gaze to Bliss. ¡°You- you were supposed to have a strategy ready, elder. I put you in charge of the defense for a reason!¡± ¡°I am sorry, sect leader, but I simply cannot do more with the means on hand. Had we not-¡± ¡°Excuses!¡± This time, Comet marched up to the bowing bronze-ranker and pulled him up by the hem of his robe, his pale blue eyes meeting the bismuth colored ones of the celestine man with but a few centimeters separating them. ¡°It is clear that my investment in you has been for naught. You weaklings are always a gamble, but you are probably the worst disappointment of them all!¡± ¡°Sect leader, please, I-¡± Bliss began, inwardly congratulating himself of a most convincing look of desperate realization. ¡°No more excuses. I will start leading the defense personally. Go down to the outer perimeter and at least make yourself useful. When our enemies have fled before us, we will have words again of your most lacking performance.¡± With that, the sect leader turned from the elder without sparing him as much as another glance, the dismissal clear. Bliss made sure to keep up the facade of dejection in both looks and aura until he was well away from the sect leader¡¯s study. Looking out the windows and up the slopes of the valley in which the sect made its home, the white glow of the defensive arrays were clearly visible. Even while he watched, another salvo of greatly empowered magical projectiles crashed into the defending barrier, causing the intricate lines to flicker and dance. ¡°I believe that it will soon be time to finally take my leave of this place.¡± Bliss thought, reveling a bit in the joyous thought. Surely he had made the remaining assets in the shape of the Descending Star sect make a big enough impact for senior sister to approve. With what little was left after the war, no one could expect more of him. ¡°And at least this little seedbed will make enough noise when finally succumbing to ensure that the seeds of Discord get spread throughout the region,¡± he thought, feeling optimistic about the prospects. There should be enough discontent within the city to last years, if not more. And the potential of aggravating things in the heartlands¡­ ¡°No, I should not get ahead of myself,¡± Bliss thought, focusing once more. Now all that remained would be to make his escape once the defensive arrays fell. If he could just escape the area where the beseiger¡¯s rituals drew in every low-ranked attempt at teleportation, it would be as if ¡®elder¡¯ Bliss of the Descending Star sect had never been there. ¡°If only I had been blessed with a portal power¡­¡± Bliss had even sent word to the remnants of the scattered and broken Unbreakable Chains sect, or at least the few cells that he knew to be in the region at his behest, indirect as it may have been. His tracking stone even showed that at least one of the groups should have drawn near. ¡°One group is less than ideal, but one will have to make do. A shame at the expense of the messenger-constructs, but they will at least be an ample distraction should I need someone to cover my escape. Older sister did tell me that even discarded tools might have a final purpose.¡± Making sure that his aura mask was still in place and intact, Bliss once more took on the look of dejection as he exited out into the compound proper. But in his heart, he felt only gleeful joy of plans reaching their crescendo.
¡°I¡¯m bored,¡± Dragonfly complained for the third time that very hour, laying sprawled on the ground just outside the tent in which the group spent their nights. ¡°Patience, dear Dragonfly,¡± Kite once more consoled, not sharing her sentiment. ¡°It is not like we haven¡¯t done some work. The monsters of the surge haven''t exactly left this gathering completely alone.¡± Turning away from her grumbling and looking out over the embattled defenses of the Descending Star sect, his heart still thrummed a bit in awe as the ritually amplified spells and attacks of the chosen artillerists crashed into the protective barrier once more. This was the result of a common practice in the region where essence-users with suitable, potent powers were stationed in protected ritual circles. Feeding mana, or in this case spirit coins, to the ritual meant that the ensuing spell was greatly empowered, allowing the essence-users to act as a kind of siege engine when the scale of the conflict or other situational factors did not allow for actual artifacts of war to be employed. In this case, it was the former. Will had informed them that, while a defensive array was always a hassle to break through, the one surrounding the sect was not complex or powerful enough to warrant more powerful measures. The low levels of ambient magic in the region tended to make proper magical siege weaponry more costly than effective. And on top of that, the great, crushing chunks of ice from lord Indomitable continued to prove that little else should be needed. The elven man had tirelessly manned his circle along with mistress Meridian in a circle of her own, with Will¡¯s sister employing her powers to defend them. And defense had most assuredly been needed, as the sect compound was not without its own offensive measures. Similar circles were manned from within the barrier, along with some kind of more potent weaponry which took the shape of a volley of glowing star-shaped projectiles. But so far, Kite had only seen it fired twice during the first day, before probably having been deemed too costly to power and having too limited an effect. ¡°Will, your father sure is impressive,¡± Kite said, changing the topic from Dragonfly¡¯s restlessness. ¡°From our brief meeting, I did not feel any traces of cores from him. Was he an adventurer?¡± ¡°He was indeed,¡± Will said proudly. ¡°But he desired more than a nomadic life of most adventurers, which made him turn to politics. Seizing the position of city lord of Gilded was but one step in his grand plans.¡± ¡°But hasn¡¯t he been here for decades now?¡± Serene asked, sitting nearby in calm meditation as she let her powerful aura reach out to cover as much area as possible. Their small campsite was but one of many stretching in a half-circle around the sect compound, just behind the locations of their offensive rituals. ¡°And he is still silver rank? A powerful silver-ranker, to be sure, but still¡­¡± Sensing the question in her words, Will shrugged. ¡°In that regard, I must admit not to know. Many city lords tend to want to seize better, more affluent cities for themselves as they grow, trying to get as close to the capital as possible in the hope of being noticed and assimilated by the factions there. But father has never made such a move, and has always been frustratingly mysterious when asked about it.¡± Kite nodded along with the words of his friend, sharing his confusion. ¡°The city lord seems to be an ambitious man in many ways. I must admit that I am also curious. Hopefully, we will all live long enough and become powerful enough to see.¡± ¡°Oh, I aim for more than that,¡± Will said, eyes aglow. ¡°I am to surpass him. Not in politics, mind you. No, you know I aim for the bigger scene. The world will once more know the Saint of Spears.¡± ¡°Merely repeating it will not be enough, though,¡± Serene added, breaking into the conversation as she opened her eyes. ¡°You will soon have to put words into action, I believe.¡± ¡°What do you-¡± Will began, but soon fell silent as well. Even from a distance away, they could all see the huge rings which had lined up before the ritual circle of mistress Meridian; each of them shining like a piece of the heavens made manifest. And soon after, there was a ripple of power as a small mote of light was launched, each ring flaring like their respective celestial object as the projectile became but a glowing streak, its afterimage temporarily burned into the vision of every witness. Then came the wave of dust, leaves and other debris unleashed by the powerful spell. A moment of silence followed before the defensive array dissolved, its magical symmetry unraveled by the prolonged punishment. ¡°Serene, you impress as always,¡± Kite said, still shielding his eyes from the whirling dust. The only way for her to have been able to make the prediction had to be if she managed to glean it from the auras of those at the front, an impressive feat at this distance. ¡°And, if you all please, I believe that this wait has come to an end. Time to fulfill our part of the contract.¡± As the group joined the other waiting bronze and iron-rankers on their way towards the agreed upon staging points, Kite couldn¡¯t help but smile as he heard Dragonfly grumble. ¡°Three days to bring down a lousy barrier. When I reach silver, I¡¯ll show them¡­¡±
¡°Lord, thank you for teaching me patience and endurance. Pain can truly lead to the bliss of relief.¡± Dancer on the Broken River, disciple of Pain, had barely believed how fortunate she had been these last few days. The trek through the wilderness had been a grueling distraction, but not the true challenge. No, that had been to actually find a way to enter the compound of the Descending Star sect, where the information that she had been able to gather all had pointed; somewhere behind their walls and arrays, someone was waiting to send out more instructions. Someone who had to know more about what truly was behind the final fall of the Unbreakable Chains sect. But while River had every ounce of confidence in her combat prowess, fooling magical detection systems was an area in which she was quite lacking. She would need more than just to acquire some membership token, as those were linked to the aura of their owners. This had led to a frustrating week of scouting out every inch of the outer perimeter she could without giving herself away, the work both tedious and fruitless. River had all but decided to head for more populated areas in search of someone knowledgeable enough in such matters to help and with a mindset mercenary enough not to ask too many questions, a plan which felt like it grated at her very being as she was so close. That was why the changes four days ago had been startling. At first, River had thought them to only mean trouble; with the sect seeming to recall all available members and even further fortifying their defenses. And then came the second complication in the form of another force of essence users. From far away, River thought she could detect not one but three silver-rankers among them, their very presence putting all of her ambitions at risk. But their arrival had proved to be but a boon, as it did not take long for the attacking force to start the process of breaking through the defenses of the compound. Defenses which were now on the verge of breaking. ¡°Savor the agony of the wait, child. Soon, it is time for action,¡± Pain whispered, the words sending echoes of agony down River¡¯s spine. ¡°I will, my god,¡± River said, steeling herself. ¡°Once this barrier breaks, I assure you that your disciple will be the first to enter its borders. And within it, I will find answers.¡± Looking down, River clasped the token she had procured at the very last cell of her former sect members she had tracked down. The tracking stone had remained inactive until she drew close to the sect, making it all but useless unless she had known where to go, but now she could see the small glowing spot on it; the faint light a beacon on her quest. 109. Found you Initiate Second Spring couldn¡¯t help but flinch as a nearby building was torn to pieces by a stray projectile from the silver-rankers who were currently clashing in the sky above the sect compound, causing splinters of wood and debris to shower the defensive array of the building in which they were making themselves ready, the barrier already flickering slightly from the strain on the whole network of inner defenses. Even at this distance, their unleashed auras were an almost nauseating pressure to her iron rank, but she would try to do her utmost to persevere. ¡°Initiate Spring, collect yourself. Such reactions are unbecoming of a member of the Descending Star sect.¡± ¡°Yes- I mean- I am sorry, inner disciple! I will do my best!¡± Spring did her best to sound staunch, but she was honestly terrified. It was hard to imagine her life just half a year ago had been so different, before coming of age to accept the essences that her parents, hard workers of Gilded¡¯s magic society, had painstakingly saved for. Being accepted into the sect had felt like an opportunity for a new life. In some ways, it had been; with so much training and things to learn. She had even earned herself not one but two awakening stones for her hard work, fortunate enough to go unnoticed by the disciples with a bad reputation; with tempers to rival the dragons of the legends. But then things had started to feel more strained, culminating in them all getting an order to rescind their adventure society membership. And then there was the whole story about grand elder Meridian being a traitor. ¡°Hadn¡¯t it been her who had spoken to them just a day ago through the barrier, projected voice talking about some afflictions and that those who would surrender would be treated fairly?¡± Spring thought to herself, but was snapped back to the present when her aura was spiked by another of the bronze-rankers. ¡°Focus, initiate. Heavens, will they admit any trash these days?¡± The last sentiment was muttered loudly enough to make sure that Spring heard it. She could feel her face heat, but nevertheless tried to listen. ¡°-we will soon move out and drive these scum from our compound, the very heart of our power. Reports say that the enemy barely outnumbers us, so with the advantage of fighting for our very pride and existence, victory is all but assured!¡± The speaker was another one of the inner disciples, a bronze-ranked young man whose name Spring did not know. What she did know was that the three bronze-rankers here expected all of the eight iron-ranked initiates present to join them as they went out to battle the invaders. Spring had, of course, participated in some sparring and hunted monsters along with her fellow initiates. But going out there to fight the attacking adventurers? To the death? However, the inner disciple did not leave any more time for Spring to ponder, as he finished. ¡°So let us stand tall and show them the might of the Descending Star sect. For honor and our just defiance!¡± With a surge of his aura, a stone sword rose from the ground, conjured by the man¡¯s essence magic. Another of the bronze-rankers flung open the sliding doors, Spring and the other initiates following in their wake into the sect compound now turned battlefield. While she hadn¡¯t grown too proficient in sensing the flow of the ambient mana, even Spring¡¯s inexperienced senses could feel the local mana in turmoil as powers were released all around them, screams and other noises of destruction echoing about the sect compound. Rumors said that there were a hundred or so students left at the compound, and while the combined numbers were nowhere near enough to fill the streets, an essence-user, even at iron rank, impacted a lot of space once powers were starting to fly. ¡°Still no foes,¡± Spring thought with relief as they made their way through the streets of the compound, navigating the craters and other more exotic forms of obstacles in search of their foes. One street had even been turned into a small glacier as clusters of huge blocks of ice barred their path. ¡°Maybe we can even pass unnoticed?¡± But the hopeful thought was soon brought low by the grim reality, as more auras flared ahead of them. ¡°Over there! More of the sect dogs! Lay down your arms, traitors of Gilded!¡± ¡°You dare?! Walk these grounds unbidden, and you are already courting death! Attack! For the glory of the sect!¡± A group of essence users, seemingly led by four affluent young masters and mistresses with their entourages, had appeared on the street before them, insults flying before being replaced by magical death. The leader of the sect students swung his stone sword, waves of stone spikes launching toward their foes as rippling cascades of water and some kind of white flames came hurtling towards them. To Spring¡¯s shame, she froze for the first moment, but snapped out of it as an arrow hissed by her ear. She tried to assist in the attack by flinging exploding pollen towards their attackers, but only managed a single spell before some kind of resonating area attack exploded amongst the sect members. Many were protected by one of the inner disciples, but Spring was not one of them. ¡°I- where am I?¡± she blearily thought as she came to. ¡°Did I lose consciousness? Did- did I make that hole through the door?¡± Unsure of how much time had passed, Spring wobbled to her feet. Outside she could still hear the chaos of the fight and see projectiles fly. A fellow initiate entered her line of sight, charging ahead with a conjured shield raised. The defensive conjuration blocked most projectiles which impacted it, but the young woman¡¯s charge was brutally interrupted as what looked like a wooden rhinoceros crashed into her a moment later, her broken body impacting the open doorframe near where Spring stood. Staring at the broken form of the initiate, the corpses eyes almost entirely red and one having fallen partially out of its socket from the violent impact, something within Spring snapped. Or maybe it had already snapped earlier, just now having caught up to her. She turned her back towards the sounds of conflict outside; to the cries of glory and sounds of death. And Spring ran. ¡°I- I can¡¯t- They- We-¡± Her thoughts were a jumbled mess, and Spring was grateful to feel something more primal take over. Her mana surged as she transformed, soft grey fur growing from her as her fingers grew longer and sprouted claws. Said claws helped her to easily scale the inner wall opposite from the conflict outside, Spring finding herself up in the wooden rafters in but a scant three seconds. One graceful leap on all fours took her close to one of the windows just beneath the ridge of the roof, and another had her diving out through the opening. While the pull of the earth quickly wanted to resume its hold on her, Spring at least had something with which to fight against it. More mana left her and an almost translucent membrane appeared, connecting each arm with the corresponding leg, long and fuzzy tail assisting in guiding Spring¡¯s descent as her leap turned into a glide. ¡°Away! I have to-¡± Landing on the opposite roof, Spring continued. Running on all fours, she cleared another five buildings even as she was almost entirely thrown off one roof as another stray attack from the skies impacted nearby. Ahead of her, feeling almost impossibly far, she saw the edge of the sect compound and the forests beyond. ¡°I have to get away! Away! Mother, father, I-¡± Just as she leapt to cross another street, Spring¡¯s jumbled thoughts were interrupted by pain, sharp and very acute as a glowing javelin pierced her right arm and gliding membrane. This turned her controlled arc into a tumbling fall, her gliding magic still making sure to help alleviate the fall a bit so as to not break anything. But this was of little comfort as Spring looked up to see not one but four adventurers closing the distance towards her, all of them bronze rank. ¡°Flee!¡± That was all her mind could muster, springing to all fours and preparing to leap into a nearby building. ¡°I can lose them here. I need to-¡± ¡°Wall.¡± The salvation of an open doorway turned into despair as it was replaced by semi-translucent walls of force, strange symbols covering their surface. Spring quickly found all four of her paw-like hands and feet pressed to the conjured surface, ignoring the pain of her wounds as she sprung off to navigate around the obstacle only to find that it was not just one wall, but a cage. That was when an entirely new level of panic set in for the already rather panicked initiate. Spring started unleashing the few spells and attacks she possessed in her repertoire, but neither bursts of wind nor detonating pollen would make a dent. ¡°-ple- ease - ender-¡± ¡°I cannot- this isn¡¯t true - I -¡± ¡°-op - ggling - elp- ¡° ¡°Mother- father- I¡¯m- Sorry-¡± ¡°-erene- if you- ease?¡± ¡°Help me. Please help-¡± Then, suddenly, it was as if the world itself closed in on Spring. Nothing around her changed in any physical sense, but spiritually it was as if she was wrapped tightly in a blanket. Too tight to move, but the usual discomfort of suppression also carried something more. And while it took a few seconds, Spring found herself stopping and actually looking out through the barrier at the four. Where one, a short human woman with pink, curly hair was waving a burning axe menacingly towards a regal blond elf. ¡°Will, look what you did? How could you even consider hurting such a sweet thing?¡± ¡°Dragonfly, she is one of our enemies. I-¡± ¡°But look at how cute she is! You are a monster!¡± ¡°I-¡± the elf began, glancing towards Spring and flinching slightly. ¡°Well, I may have been a bit hasty.¡± While the argument seemed to continue, the voices were drowned out as Spring heard another; soft and feminine, like a whisper on the wind accompanied by gentle chimes. It seemed to fill the air of the force-cage as it spoke; ¡°Please calm yourself. While we are here as part of the assaulting force, know that all who surrender and agree to be collared will be turned over to the church of the Healer for examination. We will not harm you further unless you attempt to attack us.¡± Spring found herself almost hypnotized by the soothing words, an oasis of calm in her chaotic world. She tried to speak, but didn¡¯t find the words, just feeling so tired. ¡°Please, just look at me and nod if you understand and surrender.¡± Looking up, Spring met the eyes of a celestine with hair and eyes like green jade, the serenity and beauty of her feeling so at odds with the madness around them. Looking into those eyes, Spring managed to nod. While part of her felt incredible guilt towards the sect, that part had long been buried by the will to survive. ¡°Then my companion here will lower a barrier and put a suppression collar on you. Then we will lead you out and to the waiting clergy. Nod if you understand.¡± Shaking slightly, Spring nodded once more. And once more in but half a year, the trajectory of her life changed drastically.
¡°I still can¡¯t get over how cute she was,¡± Dragonfly said as the group was once more heading down towards the sect compound. ¡°What essences could she have had? Squirrel?¡± ¡°While I believe that anyone with eyes will agree with you, Dragonfly, we need to get back to it. The clergy is starting to look quite surprised now since we keep returning with prisoners,¡± Kite noted, the group picking up speed. ¡°What, are they going to complain about us being too good at this? They did ask us to when possible, right? And besides, bronze-rankers take getting their limbs cut off surprisingly fine, so even I can have a chance at it.¡± Dragonfly retorted as the group once more set their sights on the quadrant of the sect compound which was to remain their main focus. Up in the skies above, the three assaulting silver rankers had continually been pushing the two present from the sect even more on the back foot. During their approach, Kite could see a runic man with an axe trailing shining stars keep trying to attack the former grand elder Meridian, only to be driven off by either her or the constant assault of crushing ice conjured by Lord Indomitable. The other silver-ranked sect member, presumably the final grand elder, was not one Kite had seen before. But as he knew them to have lost one grand elder during the war, it was not hard to imagine this one being a younger silver-ranker. And from how Will¡¯s sister was thoroughly handling the young man, there was an obvious difference in experience. Calm of the Indomitable Beyond was in constant pursuit of her opponent, and while it looked as if she was just stepping through the air on a conjured path of pale gravel as if part of a serene procession, she was constantly flickering closer a lot faster than one would think possible. A grim kind of pull surrounded her, barely visible in itself but obviously not one which her foes wanted touching them, at least judging by the frantic attempts of the opposing grand elder to stay away while trying to send what attacks he could her way. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. ¡°She calls it March of the Inevitable,¡± Will helpfully supplied, noticing Kite watching. ¡°My sister has very much aligned her path with her patron god. From the stories I¡¯ve heard, our foes should at least count themselves fortunate that they are not undead or serving that foul deity. Those will find only the eternal void waiting for them, and their passing will not be pleasant.¡± ¡°Then we shall be grateful that her path aligns with ours this day,¡± Kite noted as they once more entered the embattled sect compound. ¡°But we better focus on the task at hand once more. While the reports and orders we got just now indicate that things are progressing, that is no reason for us to grow more lax.¡± ¡°Look at you, being our all-serious and responsible team leader,¡± Dragonfly teased even as he could feel her aura further solidify as she took a more active control over it. The rest did the same before Serene let her vastly more encompassing spiritual presence envelop the group. It was by no means a perfect shroud, especially not against higher-rankers, but it noticeably lowered the range of detection for most of their opposition. They once more made their way in among the often proud and beautiful wooden buildings of the sect, all the roofs tiles in the uniform dark blue to match the colors of their occupants. Many of the lacquered wooden beams and fine glazed tiles were now scattered and broken as their defensive formations, part of a greater internal network, had failed from the strain. And as the battle in the skies seemed to be heating up even more, Kite could only imagine what the compound would look like after this day was over. They spent over ten minutes moving swiftly through mostly abandoned streets before finding more targets. Ahead, they could see a group of retreating iron-ranked adventurers chased by a pair of bronze-rankers from the sect. The adventurer group made a decent defensive retreat, shored up by a pair taking turns to raise barriers of iron and, the more exotic sample, huge glass hands; their palms held up in abjuration. ¡°Our usual way of introduction?¡± Will asked as he sped up along with the rest, aiming to get as close as possible before being noticed. ¡°Yes. We will give them the offer, but so far none of the bronze-rankers have agreed. So be prepared.¡± ¡°I will be more than prepared. I will be exemplary!¡± With those words, Will leapt up on a nearby roof, with Dragonfly taking the other. Contrary to her usual tactics, Serene remained visible so as to not leave Kite visibly outnumbered. ¡°Wall!¡± Once more, Kite initiated their intervention by closing the enemy within his barriers. Unlike the lone iron-ranker, this pair did not suffer more than a momentary surprise before they started unleashing some directed powers to try and break through. This forced Kite to continuously expend mana to reinforce it while he called out to them. ¡°Please stand down and surrender! Any who does will be taken in by the church of the Healer. We-¡± ¡°As if we would trust such blatant lies. You are pathetic for even trying, outcast!¡± The angry response being the expected one, Kite flared his aura slightly for his companions to ready themselves while he thought; ¡°While it might be futile, it felt right to at least extend the offer. But fools do not tend to turn into sages while in battle.¡± That was why his response was not words, but action. Serene blasted her aura outwards as well, momentarily stealing the attention from the pair just as Will and Dragonfly closed in from each side; a rain of spears and spinning wheel of death already just a scant two meters away when Kite gave the mental command. And his barriers vanished. ¡°Heavenly shaft; Darkness penetrator!¡± ¡°Kyyaaaaaahhhhh!¡± Just half a minute later, Dragonfly threw her fiery axe over her shoulder as it vanished. The street, at least the one where the short, brutal fight had taken place, was once more calm even though the sounds and signs of battle could be seen in other places of the compound. ¡°Do you think you can keep this one alive, Serene? I might have overdone it a bit.¡± ¡°He is a bronze-ranker, Dragonfly. Unless he dies instantly or is suffering from something which continually worsens his condition, he will be fine,¡± Serene said, focusing on keeping watch and letting her companions handle the potential prisoner. ¡°I am not sure we should bother too much,¡± Will protested, looking down at the one bronze-ranker still alive. The man had lost an arm and both legs below the knees, and was not in any shape to fight even before they had clasped the suppression collar around his neck. ¡°I don¡¯t think I was the only one who noticed the glee in their auras as these two chased down those iron-rankers.¡± ¡°While I can agree, the church still needs as many subjects as possible to study,¡± Kite noted, a bit conflicted himself as he had indeed felt what Will referred to. Not all battles could ever be equal, but it remained very frowned upon within the local culture to needlessly harry or torment lower-rankers when the need to fight them arose, as it was assumed to be beneath one¡¯s path. At least if one thought your path to be an honorable one worthy of the heavens. ¡°Then can we at least see if the iron-rankers can bring him back to the church? They looked like they would need some time to recover, and it would just happen to spare us a return trip too.¡± Dragonfly said with an only semi-innocent look, nodding to the group who had stopped around fifty meters down the road with one of the more defensively oriented members acting as a lookout while the rest had found shelter in an abandoned building. ¡°An excellent idea. Let me take care of it,¡± Will said before he started to make his way over while keeping close to the buildings to lessen the risk of debris or stray spells landing on him. Kite, Serene and Dragonfly followed his example, dragging their prisoner closer to the relative shelter of an awning while keeping an eye on Will¡¯s progress. As the elf scion drew closer, Kite noted how Will¡¯s presence seemed to grow, with small changes in posture and aura causing the shift; from their driven but sometimes clueless friend to the son of the city lord. The sound of distant battles meant that Kite couldn¡¯t hear the words spoken, but the low and respectful bows Will received spoke a bit of the dynamic which would set the stage for the conversation that was to come. What followed was indeed a bit more bowing, a few exchanged sentences and Will gesturing to where the rest of them stood. Before long, the prisoner was being dragged off as the iron-rankers did their best to keep their heads down and travel in the general direction of the besiegers¡¯ lines. ¡°Thank you again, young master Indomitable. Your generosity knows no bounds,¡± the last of them said as she bowed once more, the young woman who had conjured the hands made from glass during their fighting retreat. ¡°It is of little consequence,¡± Will responded politely, but with a certain edge of superiority in his voice. ¡°Should you keep growing stronger, you may well stand where the late young mistress once stood. Me and my family will have our eyes on you.¡± ¡°I- T-thank you, young master. May the heavens keep you safe through this trial.¡± Bowing yet again, the woman finally turned and ran to keep up with her comrades, a new but definite spring in her step. ¡°We are truly fortunate to be in the company of such a benevolent young master,¡± Kite intoned with faked grave sincerity, bowing along with Dragonfly, who had been quite quick on the uptake. ¡°Indeed,¡± she continued. ¡°The Indomitable family is truly blessed with such a jewel as their scion. We¡¯d better thank Fortune quickly for this boon that is your presence.¡± ¡°It is sad to see that commoners like you have yet to learn proper appreciation of my presence,¡± Will said haughtily as he fell into step next to the group.. ¡°At least that young iron-ranker was wise enough to know her place. If you¡¯re not careful, she might just earn yours.¡± Their banter was interrupted by a rather sudden increase in pressure, the feeling distant but still enough to cause them all to fall silent. In the skies above them, the source of said pressure was made more obvious as what looked to be a great sphere of blue ice had started growing. It swiftly grew to be at least fifty meters across, hovering in the air above the sect compound and everything which battled beneath, emanating a pressure visible enough to make it look like a great meteor pressing down towards the earth at a glacial speed. ¡°Father seems to be getting serious,¡± Will noted, the jesting from earlier gone. ¡°That means that we should probably focus as well.¡± Even as he spoke, they could see the city lord direct his veritable hell of flying projectiles from the vantage of a great wave of ice which towered diagonally upward from a nearby cliff. ¡°Should- should we be getting clear from beneath that thing?¡± Kite asked, feeling the pressure in both body and spirit, making it hard to imagine what its effects must be up close. ¡°No, we are in no danger,¡± Will assured him as the group paused to check yet another corner as they started drawing closer to what felt like bigger and even more decorated buildings; the heart of the sect compound. Even as the battle of the silver-rankers above them seemed to be reaching new heights, so did the conflict below. As the sect compound sloped a bit downwards towards the middle, the group could see more intense battles raging ahead as the defenders were becoming even more clustered. This made knowing where to go next quite easy, all of them picking up the pace as they grew closer. ¡°It looks intense,¡± Dragonfly stated expectantly. ¡°Want to do another count?¡± The question was directed towards Will as they ran, whose grin was equally fierce. ¡°Oh, most assuredly. This time, there will be no more ambiguous results! Team leader, may we go ahead?¡± Following Will¡¯s gaze, Kite saw a group of their allies clashing fiercely with a group of sect students, powers flying left and right as their battle caused the mana to churn. Yet the sides were equally matched at the moment, creating a strange kind of balance in the strain of the two sides bringing their strength to bear. A light touch on either side of the scale could thoroughly tip the battle in one party¡¯s favor. And neither Dragonfly nor Will would by any means be considered ¡®a light touch¡¯. ¡°Go ahead,¡± Kite acquiesced, a bit impressed that the two had stopped to ask. ¡°These last few weeks of the surge have been quite the trial, but I cannot accuse anyone of lying about the tempering part either,¡± he thought as he saw the pair race ahead to tip the balance of battle thoroughly in favor of the adventurers of Gilded. ¡°As for how we work together-¡± He had only just begun the train of thought while planning out how to make the final push and enter the fray himself when he noted that Serene had come to an abrupt stop, having turned to look off into the distance, intense focus written over her features. ¡°What is it?¡± Kite called, doubling back while keeping an eye on the unfolding battle through his expanded line of vision as he saw Dragonfly crash into a line of freshly summoned soldiers of sand, the temporary summons who were meant to have reinforced the sect students suddenly being turned into an excellent way for her to hit her stride. Serene only held up one hand in response, closing her eyes for one moment as Kite could feel her quest out with her aura as if straining. Trying his best to follow her spiritual presence, Kite let his own aura follow in her wake and noticed that the object of her scrutiny was not far away; a body slumped one street over visible through a narrow alley. From what little Kite could gather, Serene was letting her aura sift through the area close to the prone form, as if searching. Or trying to sense something. A second passed, and then another, before she opened her eyes. As he met her jade-green gaze, Kite noticed both confusion and the slightest hint of repressed fear. ¡°Serene, what is it?¡± he asked again, more insistent. ¡°There- there is a trace on that body. The touch of-¡± she took a steadying breath. ¡°The touch of Pain lingers.¡± ¡°Pain?¡± Kite asked. ¡°As in-¡± ¡°As in the deity,¡± Serene confirmed. Knowing her history of all too intimate knowledge of that sensation, Kite did not question her. But a question was still raised. ¡°Have the sect turned to his worship?¡± ¡°No, Kite- I¡­ I think I recognize the traces left. It is ever so faint, but I think it- No, I am quite sure. She is here.¡± ¡°The disciple? But- why? Now? How?¡± ¡°My questions mirror yours. I- I am not sure it is even relevant. Not truly. But when I felt it, just a wisp of it, I couldn¡¯t just ignore it.¡± Kite looked at his friend, torn by the duty of the moment what Serene¡¯s discovery could mean. Behind them, the battle was collapsing into chaos as yet more combatants were arriving to join both sides. Looking to the alleyway, Serene and the battle behind him, he stood for a second. Then two. Then three. And then he made a decision. ¡°I believe that you will be needed in the battle soon. And I also believe that this is something we cannot just leave. I will go and scout it out. Help them settle things here and then follow me. I¡¯ll leave a trail.¡± Serene did not seem surprised by his words, probably having gleaned a bit of his intention from his aura. But her words still came out as a protest. ¡°Kite, it might be nothing. It was just a trace. Don¡¯t-¡± ¡°Serene, from your look just a few seconds ago, I know that this was not just ¡®nothing¡¯. I will try to be cautious and retreat if I find too much trouble. And send Glint to find you if that is more feasible.¡± Looking behind him, a rain of spears showered half of the fountain plaza in which their two friends fought alongside their allies, Will landing like a glorious statue atop the peak of the fountain before leaping off yet again as two different spells tore through the air where he had stood. ¡°Go, help them, and then come find me.¡± He had not intended for it to sound that much like a command, but reality often did not align with even the best of intentions. ¡°And do apologize to them on my behalf for splitting off.¡± A heartbeat later, Kite could feel Serene¡¯s aura reach out and blanket the battle with its song. ¡°May the echo of Song follow you. We will see you soon.¡± And with that, Kite could feel his attention start to slide off Serene as she moved past him, unable to completely focus on her even though he knew she was right there. Kite took another look at his friends, all three of them vibrant even as conflict raged around them. His heart still torn, but his mind resolute. The words of Pain¡¯s disciple from that night in the forest Kite had last seen her echoed in his mind, even though they¡¯d been spoken among rampaging beasts and the agonized moans of the fallen. ¡°Because of her. Our thrice-cursed sect leader. The one who promised everything, only to leave. And I will rip the answers of why from her writhing body. Because from what little I have gathered, we are being moved. All of us. Like puppets.¡± ¡°Is that why you are here, Dancer on the Broken River?¡± he asked the empty air, words swallowed by the battle in the distance. Then he turned for the alley and strode into it, to see if he could follow this ominous but portentous and unexpected thread Serene had noticed.
Elder Bliss could feel another thrumming reverberation of power as another of the stray silver-ranked attacks impacted close by, the defensive arrays of the building barely holding as the network of formations were starting to fail all over the sect compound. He was standing in one of the beautiful buildings near the heart of the sect compound, a gathering hall with old tapestries and wooden floor polished smooth over the years of initiates gathering there to be sent off on their tasks. Bliss himself had just sent out such a group to intercept a group of the invading adventurers. It was probably not enough, the sect thoroughly on the back foot as the sect leader and grand elder had seemed to be on their last legs the last time he checked. But it should be enough to at least buy his escape a little more time and leaving none to see the departure of ¡®elder¡¯ Bliss; another tragic casualty of this whole affair. And as the tremors outside ceased, another reverberation became more clear, as the tracking stone in Bliss¡¯ hands was chiming ever so gently. ¡°Any moment now,¡± Bliss thought, treating himself to assuming a proud pose with his back towards the door, ready for a bit of theatrics as his ¡®allies¡¯ would soon arrive. And just as he had stilled, he felt it. A slight ripple of a well contained aura, too faint for him to identify more than its bronze rank. And no sect disciple would keep theirs so subdued here on their home turf. ¡°It is about time,¡± Bliss said as he heard the door behind him slide open. ¡°I almost did not think that you would not make it.¡± Turning, he continued. ¡°But you would make your late sect leader proud, and once out of here, we can start to properly rebuil-¡± Having completed his turn, Bliss¡¯ heart reveling a bit in the glorious theatrics of the moment, he was stopped short as there was no group of bronze-rankers behind him, the expected small group of former students of the fallen Unbreakable Chains sect replaced with but one lone figure. And she was by no means a simple student; her lithe form clad in slate-gray armor, hair so white and fine it almost looked translucent trailing behind her as Dancer on the Broken River¡¯s eyes bored intensely into the celestine¡¯s. ¡°Found you.¡± 110. Capricious fates Sensing the traces of an aura was not an easy task. Even when close to the corpse of the sect bronze-ranker, Kite could still barely make it out if he strained his senses to the maximum, and that was only because of his relative familiarity with the aura in question. Had he not encountered Dancer on the Broken River several times before, having sensed the distinct harshness of her spirit like a tempered knife, Kite would not have been able to pick it out among the other ever-faint spiritual traces. ¡°Our spirit does indeed leave a mark on the world,¡± he thought, one of auntie Crow¡¯s teachings coming to mind. ¡°But once more, Serene¡¯s senses are astonishing. Now the question is; where did this particular wraith of pain let her steps lead her?¡± Without special senses or tools to aid him, Kite could not sense anything else from the corpse, which in itself only carried enough aura-traces to be noticeable due to the powers having been used, probably while also being thoroughly suppressed. But looking around the empty streets, there were not too many options present, with the general directions available leading either closer to the heart of the sect or further away from it. Fortunately, other traces were left by what Kite assumed to have been a short and brutal conflict. Along the cobblestones, he could find small traces of blood having been spilled and smeared; the trail ending at where the corpse lay sprawled and indicating that it had been dragged along for a short distance. ¡°Then to the heart we go,¡± Kite thought to himself, easily imagining the swift disciple of Pain as a dark shadow, not even stopping as her chains latched on to her prey, dragging the man along for a bit while dealing their gruesome damage. Before his mind¡¯s eye, the flickering phantom dropped the man where he lay only to continue onward without breaking stride. ¡°Fortune, please make this be the right direction.¡± A few meters further along, there was another small cluster of blood on the stones, as if having dripped from a weapon. ¡°Or a pair of sharpened gauntlets,¡± Kite thought with a smile as he now had a trail to follow. It was sparse and got even more faint as he went, but it was something. As Kite crept along the streets, the sound of battle continued to echo around him, mostly from the buildings off in the distance and the battle in the skies. He halted briefly and pressed himself to a nearby wall when he noticed the bright flash from above as the former grand elder Meridian unleashed a torrent of exploding stars, silvery destruction driving the sect leader further back in the skies. Some of the projectiles were deflected, landing on the buildings beneath and shattering tile and wood whenever the defensive formations failed. It did not take long for the trail to become so faint that Kite had trouble making it out, sometimes needing to double back a bit to find the few smudges that remained. He had come a lot closer to the more heavily contested areas as he went, the streets and beautiful buildings around him all but deserted as whatever combatants in the vicinity were quite busy a few blocks over. This was, in the end, also what allowed him to pick up something else just as the trail started growing faint enough to have him question if it was even there. The conflict in the sky and that near the heart of the sect compound sent out ripples of unleashed aura faintly detectable even at this distance, but when a pair of clashing auras bloomed into being a lot closer and removed from the rest of the fighting, Kite knew that Fortune had indeed smiled upon him once more. One was hard and sharp; a cloud of spikes shredding and tearing even while remaining perfectly controlled. Dancer on the Broken River was weaving her bloody art. The other was different; nebulous and surprisingly nondescript. It gave Kite an odd feeling which he couldn¡¯t quite place, as if something within it strained against its confines as it swelled in conflict. He picked up speed, his careful stride now all but a dash as Glint floated out of her bottle and Sage manifested to float just behind him as usual. ¡°Ready yourselves,¡± Kite said to his familiars as he vaulted a small decorative wall to cross a well kept little garden, making a shortcut to the building he saw on the other side. It was a low and rather sizable wooden building, the dark blue tiles of its roof yet unblemished by the ravages of the short siege. From the outside it looked peaceful, the wooden sliding doors closed. But judging from the auras clashing within, the peace was only a facade.
River did not recognize the lone celestine man, clad in the robes of blue and silver of the Descending Star sect, but from his words before turning to face her and the still glowing tracking stone, there was no doubt in her mind that she stood before her target. ¡°Found you.¡± Her expression must have given away her intent, because the man did not even try to go for any kind of act, his smile only widening slightly, his shimmering bismuth eyes locked to hers as their auras started clashing. ¡°This¡­ this is a most unexpected turn of events,¡± he said, his thin and expressive features quite the contrast to the mask of steel that was River¡¯s. ¡°Whatever could the sole little child of the late grand elder White suddenly be doing here? If it is some kind of vengeance that you are after, your efforts are quite misdirected, I¡¯m afraid.¡± Something in his smile grated on River, something she wasn¡¯t quite able to put her finger upon. But she would have plenty of time to find out. ¡°You have things to tell me. A conversation we will have at length.¡± River had already started forward, chains starting to trail after her. ¡°The only thing I will tell you is ¡®farewell¡¯, as I will soon have left this place,¡± the man retorted, still smiling as he threw what River assumed to be the token linked to the tracking stone into one corner of the room, the device having served its purpose. ¡°Answers will not be forthcoming at any time or place down the path you are currently walking. Only pain and death.¡± As he finished, River had already activated her dashing power, the world seeming to slow down as she was suddenly in front of the man in the blink of an eye, a pair of extended fingers already aiming for his throat as her chains closed in from all directions, crackling with the power bestowed upon her by Pain. However, she was forced to abort the attack as her expanded vision revealed another form winking into existence at her side, a barely visible sword already arcing down in a downward slice aimed at her outstretched arms. River¡¯s chains shot forwards even faster, their trajectory changed to strike the wall behind her foe and push, sending her flying backwards to avoid the strike even as another length of chain was conjured into her hands and swung in a sweeping arc towards both copies of her target currently visible. It had been obvious that one of them was an illusion, but there had not been enough time for River to determine which. And with essence powers, what was real and what was not tended to not always be a relevant question. The image which River had originally targeted was shattered as her chain passed through, but the swung length of jagged links was deflected by a swipe from the second. She tried to redirect her chains to wrap itself around the weapon, but it was as if contact with the strange weapon made her conjured chain behave odd and less responsive. As she got a better look at the weapon of her foe, River realized that ¡®better¡¯ was a very relative term. She thought it to be a sword or blade of some kind, but it had some kind of quality or enchantment that made her attention want to slide off the object, making the outline vague at best while also seeming to mask the man¡¯s attacks and intent. But River¡¯s father had taught her well, and she quickly shifted her focus to the stance and aura of the man. ¡°The weapon is of less consequence than one¡¯s body and intent. Know them, and dominate your foe through that knowledge.¡± Even as she sent more attacks flying towards her foe, beginning the dance of his inevitable demise, her focus on his spirit sharpened. The sessions spent with her father ever since she could absorb her essences had honed River¡¯s spirit beyond comparison of any peer she had met, and she used every bit of it to try and scour her target¡¯s aura. It was a shifting, nebulous thing with a quality of something unseen. To River¡¯s senses, it was surprisingly bland and did not quite match up to the smiling celestine before her. ¡°Your aura mask is impressive, having held so far. But in the end, it is inadequate. ¡± she said, springing off a nearby pillar as she twirled through the air, her chains dancing around her. A pair of swords, one from each side, swept in to meet her but were tangled by even more of the conjured links, before she suddenly felt a sharp pain across one of her arms. A third copy of the man had appeared, his blade grazing a gap in River¡¯s armor before she could twist entirely out of the way. While the pain itself was inconsequential, she could feel something more be left behind; an affliction of some kind latching onto the boons accumulating within River and causing them to build some kind of resonance; River¡¯s own magic starting to damage her. It was nothing spectacular at the moment, but given time and more application, and things could start escalating fast. ¡°You noticed? Then you could be considered an impressive talent. Or are you just one who actually survived those little rites to scar your soul, as opposed to what must have been dozens of failures?¡± ¡°I am the one who will force your submission,¡± was River¡¯s only retort, voice holding steady as nine of the chains trailing River¡¯s path through the room suddenly jerked and veered inward, crackling with reddish-purple energies. Two of the images vanished under their onslaught and what was revealed to be the original only manage to block two of the three, the smile on the man becoming just a bit more strained as he countered with more illusory strikes. A few more exchanges followed, the pair beginning a weird kind of dance with chains and flickering forms appearing and disappearing in blistering, staccato choreography which left the interior of the building surprisingly intact for there to be two bronze-ranked essence-users fighting inside. And River also had to reach a grudging conclusion. ¡°He is skilled. Very skilled,¡± she thought, feeling the dissonance from within herself as the man¡¯s affliction had started accumulating with every strike and grazing blow. But River¡¯s dance was not completely outmatched either. A swift flurry of strikes culminated in River stomping down and striking out with two fingers fast enough to make the air crack, only the smiling man¡¯s interposed sword protecting him to some extent as the blow still had him sliding back over three meters on the polished wooden floor. ¡°You have been trained very well, I will admit,¡± River¡¯s foe said, breaking the tense silence of the duel. ¡°Was it your father? I was told about him, you know.¡± The pair stood perfectly still as he talked, both seeming to wait for their opportunity to re-engage on favorable terms. She had noticed him trying to edge the fight closer to the different exits of the building, but controlling the area around her was definitely an aspect in which River was proficient. And as for another such area¡­ ¡°And your spirit is weak, especially while hidden behind your frail disguise,¡± River retorted, using her aura to further push against his, the smiling man¡¯s already being ground down to almost nothing by the sharpness that was River¡¯s. ¡°If you start talking now, the time of suffering afterwards will at least be short.¡± ¡°A most classical sentiment, but an offer I will still decline. Because¡­ Let the disparity grow!¡± The sudden spell chant caused a fresh wave of pain to wash through River as her afflicted boons started to further tear into her life force. While she welcomed the sensation, it still left the timer put on this fight a lot shorter than she had previously thought. Said chant was also the start of a new series of exchanges, the smiling man revealing more of his tricks. The illusions he conjured started to detonate at odd and often unexpected times, sending out waves of disruptive force damage instead of delivering their attacks, even throwing illusory swords to create the detonation at odd angles or multiple places at once. River also had to step up, bringing out more of her martial prowess and combined special attacks where fist and chain worked their way towards a devastating, pain-inducing crescendo. The next time it was River who was thrown back by a clever series of detonating illusions and sudden repositions, but the layers of chains floating around the room like streamers hindered any immediate pursuit. This time there were no words exchanged, both seeming to have resolved themselves to finish this before accomplishing their goals. And River had another reason to want a little more time even as the afflictions ate away at her. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°One more bout, and then-¡± she thought, the pair starting to move forwards again. And then there was a sudden crash, but not from an unleashed power or mighty strike. Instead, it was the nearby sliding door slamming open. Had she not been so focused in wearing down the last of the smiling man¡¯s spiritual defenses, she might have noticed the retracted aura approaching, its owner now suddenly occupying the door and taking in the scene before him, eyes of blue and gold thinned in suspicion. ¡°Annoying one?¡± River couldn¡¯t help herself as the questioning murmur escaped her, not having expected this particular encounter in the slightest. The smiling man, on the other side, seized the opportunity in a different matter. ¡°You there! Outcast! I have discovered servants of Pain in the sect. They- I think they are behind this. All of this! Quick, help me subdue her and we should be able to clear up this mess! It is just a misunderstanding!¡± Gone was the smile, replaced by a face showing a haughtiness with clear cracks of desperation in the facade. A most impressive show of theatrics, River had to give him that. River kept her focus on the man as she spoke, her goal so frustratingly close. ¡°His presence does not matter. You will tell me everything. I will not be moved by the likes of you any more.¡± The annoying outcast considered the situation in a moment of tense contemplation, eyes not quite focused on any of them. As River suspected them to have the same perception power, she knew it not to be necessary. Then he spoke a single word, which in turn would trigger a chain of events beyond River¡¯s imagination. ¡°Glint?¡±
¡°Gah! I still can¡¯t believe he went off on his own like that!¡± Dragonfly half-growled as she helped to drag the injured away from the plaza where their battle had taken place, the sect students having left their injured behind and fallen back to what defensive positions remained. The skirmish in the plaza had been fun, she had to admit, with her getting all fired up by tearing through those summoned sand-soldiers. Them having had small areas of blistering sand around them which dealt continuous damage had been the best thing Dragonfly had ever encountered in making sure that her inner fire got all stoked nice and fast, which in turn had meant bad news for their summoner. Once she had stormed out the other side of the summoned minions, aglow like a bonfire, the real fun had begun. However, said fun had also been interrupted when the silver-rankers in the sky had intervened in passing. The grand elder of the sect had been fighting Will¡¯s sister nearby when he had suddenly turned and flung a roiling sphere of lightning down towards the adventurer side, risking a lot of friendly damage in the process before Calm of the Indomitable Beyond had seized the opportunity, appearing behind him as ashen limbs sprung from the very air around her to grasp the grand elder before he could make his escape. While this spelled trouble for the caught silver-ranker, the fulminating orb crashing down towards them did too. Having seen it while also noting Kite¡¯s absence, Dragonfly had decided to take matters into her own hands. ¡°Serene! Up!¡± Not waiting for confirmation, Dragonfly had sprung up onto the fountain and activated her leaping power, the stone top cracking slightly as she pushed off. ¡°Carried by the heavenly wind!¡± Ever precognizant of her friend¡¯s needs, the magic of Serene¡¯s spell gave her an even bigger boost upwards as Dragonfly went straight towards the incoming projectile. ¡°I don¡¯t know where Kite disappeared to, but I guess that this is my time to show the worth of my path,¡± she thought, even as what came out of her mouth was something quite different. ¡°Kyyyyaaahhh!¡± With a roar, Dragonfly flung her conjured, flaming axe which headed straight for the crackling sphere while carrying the power of one of her more potent special attacks. The weapon had barely left her hands when her inner glow intensified for a brief moment, the radiance almost a physical thing as Dragonfly¡¯s most potent defense activated a mere heartbeat before burning axe met fulminating doom. The onlookers below were shaken as the projectile detonated well over twenty meters above them, many still harmed by chaotic tendrils of lightning which rained down and some even flung off their feet. The flash of the detonation had barely winked out before a figure collided with the cobbled ground beneath, bouncing and rolling before crashing into the wooden veranda of a nearby building. For a second, the figure only looked like a smoldering corpse, but then the light within rekindled and rose to even higher levels than before as the ash fell away to reveal unblemished skin and hair beneath. Dragonfly¡¯s armor was left in all but tatters as the poor self-repair enchantments worked overtime to do what they could to preserve her modesty as she flung herself into battle once more, her path now powered to its fullest as she helped to quickly route the opposition alongside Will, Serene and the other assaulting adventurers. The latter gave her a great deal of appreciating looks, and not just for her relative state of undress as the armor still worked hard to restore itself. They knew what she had done in intercepting that attack, and Dragonfly had to admit that it felt really good. ¡°I suppose I can understand Kite a bit better. Intercepting stuff and defending does have merit,¡± she said as she moved to gather with her two companions. ¡°But where is Kite?¡± Serene answering that question was what had led to her current grumbling, using her great strength to easily drag wounded off to the priestess and another man with healing abilities who were hard at work. ¡°I must admit that I share Dragonfly¡¯s sentiment,¡± Will grumbled, looking around as if trying to spot their missing friend. Which was, coincidentally, anywhere other than at Dragonfly and her still regenerating armor. ¡°We should go find him at once, especially if that woman is involved.¡± ¡°I agree, but you were also needed here. And Kite knew that he was too; I could feel his indecision,¡± Serene said from where she stood channeling her healing hymn. ¡°But he deemed it important and trusted me to take care of you two.¡± ¡°Hey, we made it just fine without him! Didn¡¯t you see what I protected us all from?¡± Dragonfly protested, a bit indignant. ¡°Yes, and while you were most impressive-¡± ¡°You¡¯re damn right, I was!¡± ¡°-it was still quite a risk. A risk you were correct in taking, but I know that Kite will feel a bit guilty for not being here,¡± Serene added. ¡°Which should tell you a lot about how important his instincts probably told him that following the disciple of Pain was. Because you know how much he treasures us.¡± ¡°That is quite hard to miss,¡± Dragonfly admitted. ¡°I still can¡¯t always handle that earnestness of his.¡± ¡°Then we better get to following him,¡± Will said, looking restless as he kept watch. ¡°You know that he seems to have a tendency to get into a bit of trouble. And this time, I really don¡¯t want to miss it!¡± As if the capricious fates heard him, Will¡¯s words had barely left his mouth when there was suddenly a ripple passing through the mana of the compound, carrying a sense that something was off. ¡°Wha-¡± a nearby adventurer began before they were all but blinded as the defensive formations on every house, street and building came alive. Normally, the parts of the array only glowed when under stress. And the way their blue glow was growing in intensity, its colors marred by something else which seemed to lurk just beneath the surface, the magical defenses were definitely under stress. The adventurer¡¯s confused words were cut off as the chaotic wrath of the heavens seemed to descend on the compound. Individual sigils of the compound¡¯s defenses started detonating, fizzling or just vanishing, causing cascades of failures. Some were violent and destructive while others were mostly harmless lights and sparkles. But all of them meant that chaos and disarray suddenly reigned across the compound. ¡°Well, now we definitely need to find Kite!¡± Will called, dodging a cascade of sparks which suddenly emanated from a nearby window. ¡°Because I get the feeling that said opportunity for excitement is already well underway!¡±
Kite did not break stride as he jumped another wall at the end of the garden, crossing the narrow street as debris from a nearby stray spell from above rained down over the open area. Clearing the steps to the house with the clashing aura, he looked down at the glimmering head of Glint poking out of her bottle. ¡°Ready?¡± he mouthed, getting an affirmative through their bond. Without further delay, he flung the sliding door aside to reveal the pair of dueling essence-users inside. Dancer on the Broken River looked much like Kite remembered her, her slate-gray armor slightly marred and pale heir a bit disheveled. Her chains were already spread around the room from what Kite assumed was earlier clashes, and he could also see traces of afflictions along the boons in the magic suffusing her. Her opponent was a celestine man clad in the robes of the Descending Star sect, long hair and eyes carrying the metallic shimmer of bismuth. His thin face clearly conveyed a mix of outrage and desperation from the conflict. Kite heard the disciple of Pain mutter something at his arrival, but his focus remained more on the man. He had felt the aura on his way towards the building, and up close and under strain his feeling that it was somehow off intensified. ¡°You there! Outcast! I have discovered servants of Pain in the sect. They- I think they are behind this. All of this! Quick, help me subdue her and we should be able to clear up this mess! It is just a misunderstanding! His words carried all the expected emotion of a beleaguered sect elder seeking an uncomfortable alliance, but Kite¡¯s uneasiness only grew as Dancer on the Broken River retorted. Especially her choice of words at the end. ¡°His presence does not matter. You will tell me everything. I will not be moved by the likes of you any more.¡± It took but a second for Kite to make a decision of how to act, mentally preparing himself even as he spoke. ¡°Glint.¡± The sect elder had apparently managed to glean Kite¡¯s intent, and was just about to spring into motion when a sphere of water suddenly manifested around him, trapping him. Even as he flinched, a pair of illusions winked into being near Kite, both swinging their swords toward him at different angles. ¡°Ward!¡± Even while Kite deflected one on a barrier and the other on Immutable Echo as the staff appeared in his hand, that was not the most important move made during that moment. Kite could faintly feel the spiritual heave as River made one last push to finally smother the celestine¡¯s aura, the elder¡¯s eyes going wide as another sensation followed. Kite only felt the wrongness of it all, but the trapped man apparently felt it all the more as he shuddered and howled in pain for a moment before the water trapping him seemed to freeze and then detonate. Kite¡¯s magical perception revealed it to be something more complex, as it was as if the man¡¯s magic made the magic animating the water react violently to itself, dissolving into a burst of disruptive force which exploded outwards. Whatever River had done to him, he seemed to have shaken it off quickly, but not without consequence. Because whatever she had done, it was as if the surface layer of his aura tore. Beneath, it was much the same, but the nuances were different and a lot more complicated. But most of all, it carried the distinct touch of divinity like that of a priest carrying an essence gifted from the gods. However, the feeling emanating from the man¡¯s aura was not something Kite had sensed before; the divine echo being one of discrepancy, dissonance and restlessness; as if even a smidge of calm and harmony were its antithesis. But from the sharp intake of breath and widened eyes of Dancer on the Broken River, she seemed to know more. ¡°So it was you. And she- yes, she has to have-¡± River began, her facade cracking a bit as anger mixed with a weird shade of relief crossed her features. ¡°It- it all makes sense now. The sect, the war, my father¡­ My father told me about you and your patron. I was even with him once when he met one of your clergy. We- we were just pieces in a game after all. I knew it. I knew it!¡± The celestine man, his allegiance to the Descending Star sect now dubious at best, looked as if he wanted to force River into silence then and there, the revelation seeming to have distressed him a lot more than their battle before. But he also seemed to know that Kite¡¯s presence would be a hindrance to such an easy conclusion. ¡°A soul attack. And they call us vile¡­¡± he muttered a bit shakily, looking between them to regard them both before hissing in dissatisfaction. He did not speak more, instead reaching into a dimensional storage in the shape of an illusory hole in the world and retrieving an object; a crystal with many layers of intricate carvings along its uneven shape. It looked almost unstable, as if ready to crack in upon itself at any moment. Kite was already mid swing when this happened, sensing the trouble about to be unleashed, but too late. The crystal cracked in the man¡¯s hand even easier than Kite might have expected, and before the shards had even reached the ground, several things happened. Kite felt the world shift and disorientation hit him as he was forcefully teleported to another place in the room. A room now full of different images of the celestine moving in different directions. At the same time, all of the defensive arrays of the building they were in and all buildings seen through the open set of doors had become visible, their glow intensifying as they started malfunctioning and overloading. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± Kite did not hesitate, dispelling wave washing over the room, the illusions winking out as it passed them. A moment later, he could just make out the man turning a corner and vanishing down a nearby street outside, with River having set off in the wrong direction as she went after an illusion which looked to have been fleeing sentiently in way of a ruse. As the illusions cleared, she seemed to come to her senses and lock onto the man¡¯s aura. Kite did not wait for her to get her bearings, activating his boots and rushing out the door and after the fleeing man even as the world around them started cracking with discharging powers of the sect defenses going haywire. It was not long before River appeared at his side, on the verge of overtaking him as she looked at Kite through the corner of her eye. His gaze met hers for but a scant moment, but there was understanding to be found there. A truce, however temporary it may be. Because while Kite did not know exactly what had just transpired here, he knew that he now wanted answers as well. And that both the fleeing man and disciple of Pain running just ahead of him had their parts to share. 111. Side by side ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± River blinked in realization as the illusion she had started to follow, the one behaving just a bit more sentient and direct than the others, vanished along with the others before the rippling wave of the outcast''s spell. While this also affected her own active boons, it was in part a relief when they winked out as the curses applied by the smiling man disappeared along with them. And how satisfying it had been to wipe that smile off his face as she finally suppressed him and delivered an attack on his very soul. Even being able to do so still felt like the ultimate gift to River, making all the agony of the sessions with her father and her Lord¡¯s teachings worth it. It would not be enough to make someone drop dead or leave them cowering at her feet, but it was one of the best and most direct means to deliver Pain¡¯s ultimate touch; an agony unlike anything the flesh could experience. And it had also been enough to sunder the aura mask of the smiling man, revealing him for what he was. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I did not consider it earlier,¡± River thought, inwardly chastising herself as she turned and dashed out after the fleeing celestine and the outcast who had also taken up pursuit. She had to grudgingly admit that his actions had saved her a lot of time, his annoying path being quite the detriment to the efforts of their quarry to mislead them. During the minute of dashing along the sect streets, ducking and weaving through small gardens, scaling walls and leaping over rooftops, the annoying one had dispelled several illusions. But River did her fair share too in the uneasy and ever so temporary collaboration between them, utilizing her speed and chains to keep pressuring their foe as well as her sharp aura senses to pick up his trail when mere line of sight became an issue. And said minute was not without its hazards, the fleeing bastard somehow having turned the sect compound into a chaotic hellscape. River lost her prey for a moment when she had to use her powers to swiftly jerk away from a bolt of crackling magical discharge, but picked up his trail once more when she got clear of the chaotic ambient mana. ¡°Who - ward! - is he?¡± The call from the annoying one came again, more insistent than before even though he had to pause to conjure one of his barriers to shield himself from the environmental hazard. River did not answer at first, vaulting from a rooftop to land at a dash only to see their quarry enter another larger set of buildings ahead; a more interconnected complex which seemed to be the heart of the sect compound. There were other people there too, River¡¯s aura senses starting to pick them up as she drew closer, but mostly normal-rankers and those with only one or two essences. And from the fear and determination she felt hanging over the building like a miasma, it was certainly the place where the sect¡¯s less apt pupils, junior elders and the members¡¯ families were sequestered away during the conflict. She was almost at the door when she felt an insistent aura push from the outcast, demanding her to answer. River¡¯s first instinct was to lash out, but as she felt the progress of their quarry slow down in the building, she managed to keep the impulse in check. ¡°Tell him!¡± Lord Pain¡¯s whisper came as a surprise, once more insisting on sharing, much like it had done that night they had met in the forests. ¡°Lord? Why?¡± This time River couldn¡¯t help herself to actually question, sending the thought to her deity even as she entered the interior of what was the main administration building for the sect. ¡°He is of little consequence. Once we have caught that man, I will know more of what to look for.¡± To her surprise, her god did not reprimand her, but in fairness his mere attention was punishment enough for most people. Instead, his voice remained as calm as ever. ¡°What is most painful and distracting for those who want to hide? Exposure. Investigations. Inquisition. He can spread word where you cannot, make trouble that you are unable to. If you want to bring my gift to those who oppose you, you need to consider what will actually hurt them.¡± ¡°Dancer on the Broken River!¡± At the outcast¡¯s words, River turned her head while easily navigating the winding corridors, cutting through an office of some sorts which made loose sheets of paper scatter in her wake. ¡°If you do not share, then my part in this ends here,¡± the outcast said, the added threat of withdrawing his participation. River wanted to scoff at even needing his help, but the words of her god held truth. So River told him. ¡°He himself is of less consequence than his patron deity; Discord.¡± ¡°Discord?¡± The outcast looked questioningly at her while following in her wake, and from his aura River gleaned that he had heard the name but knew little more. ¡°The master of dissent and dissonance. Of all things out of alignment, out of sync. A god who is revered by those reveling in the chaos of disorder, often acting as his agents. A god who always has his touch upon the scales, as conflict is in the nature of every people, everywhere.¡± ¡°And why would one of their followers be here? Now? It-¡± the outcast began, but halted as his brow creased in thought. River was happy to let him ponder, feeling that she had shared enough. The pair broke through another set of doors, normal-rankers huddling in one corner of the room behind a makeshift barricade of flipped tables and shelves. River could feel their prey having slowed down as well not far ahead, making them so close. But there was also a defensive barrier blocking the door they would need to cross through, its stable nature hinting it to be a separate formation rather than part of the wider array thrown into chaos. River cursed inwardly and looked around for other options, and was just about to consider climbing the outside of the house when the outcast stopped next to her as well, striking the barrier once, causing it to light up. ¡°It is no use. We-¡± River began, but halted as the young man held up a hand. ¡°I should be able to disrupt it, but I need a moment to study it.¡± River looked at him, eyes thinned, before shaking her head. ¡°Too slow. I will go around.¡± Without further delay, she dashed for the window she had been considering earlier, wooden shutters breaking as her outward momentum was halted by one of her chains snaking out and winding itself around a beam just beneath the awning above. More reached out ahead, allowing River to run along the facade of the house even while she dodged the discharge of the failing array that covered the building¡¯s exterior. ¡°I will not be denied this!¡±
Bliss cursed once more as he threw the door shut behind him, ignoring the pleas for answers from the sect weaklings who huddled in the room. Seeing that the door¡¯s defensive formation was intact, he shoved some mana into the crystal next to the door as well, raising the barrier just as the physical door shut. He could feel the aches where a few of the collapsing parts of the arrays had singed him during his escape, unable to shake off that damnable pair. Bliss had not wanted to use the array-collapse so soon, but rather when he was about to leave the sect compound for good to throw off any trace. Having proven himself to be a competent hand at arrays and formation, getting access to the sect defenses had not been hard during his two years spent embedded at the Descending Star sect. And the knowledge and rituals taught to him by senior sister meant that setting up for the glorious concept of dissonance and discordance to flood the system was a simple matter. ¡°Now there is just the question of finding an alternate route out of here,¡± Bliss thought. ¡°Senior sister and the others will not be happy, but if we act fast we should be able to silence those two quickly enough for the seeds to grow, ours to harvest for generations to come. I-¡± ¡°Elder!¡± His thoughts were interrupted by the voice of a man slightly older than Bliss, the elf¡¯s posture one of subservience and worry as he came running up to Bliss. Realizing that he had entered the parts of the compound where the junior elders would be posted to coordinate logistics and other such mundane parts of their defenses, Bliss had an idea. ¡°Junior elder Ray, where is junior elder Soothe?¡± Bliss let his voice carry the sternness of an order, but kept his aura well and fully retracted so as to allow his now changed presence to remain undetected for as long as possible, inwardly cursing that disciple of Pain for ruining the carefully crafted aura mask. ¡°Here, elder Bliss!¡± Another elf came running over, his red hair and pretty face having made him one of the most eligible bachelors of the sect, if the rumors Bliss had heard was true. But he could as well have been the most abominable creature in the world to Bliss at the moment, as long as one part stayed true; junior elder Soothe was a portal user. In fact, the only portal user of the sect that remained within the region. Those kinds of powers always found work no matter where they went, which meant that most left for the richer pastures of the south pretty quickly upon reaching bronze rank. But Soothe had so far stayed, as the sect had treated him like a prince in most regards, giving him monster cores for the rather meek man to keep progressing once he wished to retire from active combat duty. Currently bronze rank, Bliss knew that his portal power had hit silver rank just last week. And unlike the teleportation powers, Bliss did not think that their attackers would have had time to make formations powerful enough to intercept the more solidly anchored portals. ¡°Ah, junior elder. Excellent. I come bearing word. You are to open a portal and start the evacuation of those you can. I am to be a vanguard along with a few other bronze rankers who will carry the treasures of the sect. We must not allow all of our heritage to perish here.¡± Even as he spoke, Bliss could see the visible concern and hesitation of the other man, but kept his frustration out of his tone. ¡°Elder, I am sorry, but I have strict orders as to wait for the sect leader, should he need to fall back.¡± At his words, Bliss did inwardly curse the affliction they had created, its other benefits be damned. ¡°Apparently egotism is also much enhanced,¡± he thought before speaking, the sect leader essentially reserving the only portal for himself speaking volumes of the man¡¯s mental state. ¡°Junior elder, have you looked out there recently? Last I saw before entering this building was the sect leader being knocked from the skies. May the founders forgive me saying this, but he has lost, his actions leading the sect to this very brink of collapse we now find ourselves teetering upon. Will you let one man¡¯s folly bring down the memory of the sect, all of your lives burning along with it?¡± Not daring to quest out with his aura senses, Bliss could only gauge the reactions of the gathered junior elders through more direct and visual cues. There were a dozen of them there, with five bronze-rankers and the rest being at iron. He could see some frowns of disapproval, but not outright hostility. Many even seemed to find a bit of relief in hearing his words, even though they tried hiding it. Bliss had to keep himself from smiling as it was not the portal-user before him whose resolve crumbled first, but the other elf beside him. ¡°Soothe, the elder is right,¡± junior elder Ray said as he tried keeping up a stern facade of reluctance. ¡°Our duties should first and foremost be towards the sect, the survival of its heritage paramount. If it is as the elder says; that the sect leader is about to fall, then it is our duty to preserve what we can.¡± Junior elder Soothe still looked torn, but as more of the gathered started nodding their assent, his shoulders slumped. ¡°I¡­ You are right.¡± ¡°It is for the good of the sect,¡± junior elder Ray said, clapping a hand down on the other elf¡¯s shoulder before looking to the others. ¡°You three, gather the regalia and other artifacts of the sect. The rest, start rounding up people and make a prioritized order of evacuation. I- ¡± As the junior elder started organizing, Bliss heard crackling from behind him. ¡°The barrier,¡± he thought, realizing that it was about to go down. He went up to junior elder Soothe, once more mustering his authority. ¡°Then open the portal. Choose the southernmost location possible. I will go through and secure the area before you follow.¡± ¡°But- but the rest-¡± ¡°You can open more from there, no? Look around us; the arrays are crumbling. There will be no hindrance.¡± Bliss snapped, feeling the urgency building. ¡°Now, junior elder!¡± The elf gulped, but then did as asked. A pair of small vines sprouted from the floor, starting to grow up towards what would become an archway in but a few seconds. The two growing tendrils of vibrant green plants and beautiful flowers had just connected at the top as things turned complicated. Behind Bliss, the barrier cracked and buzzed before it collapsed, the outcast adventurer bursting through. As he saw the archway almost complete, the heaven-cursed man did not hesitate. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± Even as the man began speaking his first syllables, Bliss knew that he had to go. The portal was but three steps away, but Bliss had only taken the first when one of the nearby windows exploded inwards, the daughter of the late grand elder White bursting through like a chain-trailing comet. Several of the conjured links shot out towards Bliss who intercepted them with a series of detonating illusions. This stopped the questing chains from finding purchase, but they did cause Bliss to stumble as he made one last push through the barely formed portal. Bliss¡¯ triumphed elation was marred by a burning pain in his right wrist and part of his foot, before the sect headquarters was replaced with darkness.
¡°Curse you, traitor. You are the ruin of everything; the blood of our sect will forever stain your hands!¡± Meridian was surprised to feel next to nothing at her cousin¡¯s words as he desperately blocked the constant stream of celestial chakrams and clusters of projected stars which she was sending his way. The battle had been fierce, both Comet and the other grand elder truly bringing out their best. But with three against two, not even the defensive array assisting the pair had been enough. Lord Indomitable had constantly pressured the sect leader, putting so much strain on him through the constant swirl of projectiles and other hazards that Meridian had found ample opportunity to use her spells to their fullest while his daughter had single-handedly pressured the other grand elder to the point where his defeat was but a foregone conclusion. Stolen novel; please report. And with the surprising collapse of the sect arrays still causing havoc and chaos below, Meridian knew that this was the end. Comet had no teleportation powers, so there was no getting away for him with an arm missing in addition to the many other injuries his body was struggling with. ¡°Cousin, you should only be blaming your treacherous pride and blindness to the world at this point,¡± Meridian countered. ¡°You only had to accept the church¡¯s assistance; the help that is the Healer¡¯s purview. Accept that tiny blemish and loss of face. But you did not, and the whole sect weeps at what that has cost them.¡± ¡°Oh, but this is not over cousin-¡± Comet¡¯s words were interrupted by Meridian¡¯s aura forcefully clamping down on his, the sudden suppression only possible due to the man¡¯s exhaustion. ¡°Comet. Cousin. It is. It is over.¡± Meridian was calm as she spoke. She was done and finished with this. Meridian had found acceptance in what unknown horizons lay before her now, but she already knew; the Descending Star sect would not survive this day. She did not know what it was that finally broke through to Comet, whether it was words or the devastation around them, the last sect warriors below desperately fighting against both adventurers and collapsing arrays to hold the heart of the sect compound. But with his aura in her spiritual grasp, Meridian could feel Comet¡¯s resolve finally break. But instead of resignation, she felt a burst of raw fear and desperation. ¡°Comet, no!¡± But it was too late. A desperate battlecry left the lips of her cousin as he swung his axe in a wide arc which sent out an expanding wave of pale light and rippling force. The area-attack would not be an overly potent threat to the few enemies he faced, but it was enough to intercept any projectiles fired his way as he made his next move; Comet Banishing Clouds, sect leader of the Descending Star sect, turned and ran, one of his greatly empowered leaps sending him hurtling down towards the sect compound below like his descending namesake. He crashed through the wall of the sect headquarters, vanishing from view. ¡°Does he think himself able to escape? I do not believe that the junior elders stationed there will be much help. Junior elder Soothe¡¯s portal had not reached silver-rank when I left.¡± Meridian thought dispassionately as her chakrams started to line up before her in preparation for her most powerful spell. But Meridian¡¯s preparation was interrupted as Calm of the Inevitable Beyond appeared next to her. ¡°Please let me. Your spell will only cause unnecessary deaths this day. I will carry Death¡¯s touch to your former sect leader.¡± Meridian met the calm gaze of the elven woman, considering for only a short while before nodding. ¡°Thank you, priestess.¡± Calm only gave a single nod before she took a step, seemingly walking at a leisurely pace downward on the conjured path of fine, white gravel, each step taking her far further than they should. ¡°Farewell, cousin. For both good and ill, you will be remembered.¡±
Things had happened so fast once Kite managed to get through the barrier. With what Braid had taught him, he did not need more than half a minute to identify the weak points of the structure, the curtain of force yielding to his Disrupting Strike once he struck just the right point in the magical structure. Entering what looked like a command-post, Kite barely had the time to take in the gathered sect staff, his mind immediately recognizing the portal which was almost fully formed, his quarry ready to step through. ¡°Oh no you will not!¡± he thought, the chant already leaving his lips. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± At the same time, Dancer on the Broken River came crashing in from a window on the side, her chains managing to trip the escaping priest of Discord a little. But Kite¡¯s heart still sank as the man managed to stumble through the portal just before his dispelling wave washed over the area, River¡¯s chains vanishing. The portal was visibly affected as well, the energies swirling in the arch freezing like the surface of a soap bubble before the whole thing started to wither and crumble inward, the only trace of the priest being a severed hand and part of a foot which had not passed through in time. River landed on the floor next to the collapsing portal, turning a furious glare towards Kite. ¡°You fool! Now he got away and I cannot follow! Do you realize what you have done?! What he can still accomplish while he still lives-¡± Her angry tirade was interrupted by the next development, one that gave Kite a bit of conflicting feelings. Just as the portal was to collapse in of itself, it suddenly gave off a discordant sound, followed by a gurgle coming from the air itself. This was quickly followed by a wet, splattering sound as a torrent of what looked like finely ground meat was violently ejected from the dimensional aperture as it collapsed, leaving both Pain¡¯s disciple and much of the nearby floor absolutely covered in blood and tiny, tiny chunks of flesh. There was a few seconds of silence in the room, equal parts stunned and horrified, before Kite eventually broke it. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t believe that he made it to the other side.¡± River¡¯s gaze at that moment was hard to interpret, but the next moment her eyes opened wide. Kite saw a flash of mana as she vanished in a blur, his own eyes opening wide as he felt the silver-ranked aura closing in fast. ¡°Wa-¡± Kite didn¡¯t even have time to finish the spell chant before one of the walls exploded inwards, the owner of said aura crashing through, showering the room with dust and flying splinters. Fortunately enough, no attack was forthcoming at that moment, leaving Kite unharmed even though he had failed to shield himself in time. Kite had never seen Comet Banishing Clouds up close before, and supposed that the man was not at his best at that moment. The pale runic had lost one arm, and the pale blue runes that were visible on his bare face and scalp were flickering like candles about to peter out. He ignored Kite, River apparently having fled far enough to remain unnoticed as well, instead turning his snarl upon the junior elders. ¡°Soothe. Portal.¡± ¡°Sect leader, I-¡± The pretty elven man looked to be on the verge of crying. ¡°Portal! Now!¡± The sect leader¡¯s aura bearing down on the bronze-ranker made the man stagger as if struck, the elf¡¯s next few words coming out between gasps. ¡°I- he- the elder. He said that we had lost. That the evacuation should begin. The portal is- it¡¯s gone.¡± ¡°What?!¡± ¡°Elder Bliss came in and started ordering, saying he acted on your authority so I opened the portal and then those outcasts came in and did something which ruined the portal and elder Bliss went in anyway but I think it killed him-¡± Unlike the gasping stuttering from before, junior elder Soothe soon found his words, pointing a finger towards Kite as the words tumbled out in an incoherent mess. Kite, realizing the trouble, started backing away quickly towards the door from which he came, but the sect leader turned to him as soon as he registered the words of the junior elder. While it was obvious that the whole story would not be forthcoming in this very second, Kite still realized the size of the target this put on him; the lone enemy in the room suddenly found out being significant in this debacle. As the runic¡¯s gaze bored into Kite, he knew that he would not have much time. And a mere heartbeat later, the axe of the sect leader was already mid-swing, thrown like a shooting star as it crossed the distance in the blink of an eye.. ¡°Void!¡± Once more, Kite¡¯s chant came just a bit too late. When the dark aperture that was Gate of Nihility appeared, he registered the jerking feeling and how the left side of his upper torso felt numb. Only as the pain hit a moment later, Kite crying out and stumbling back, did his mind recognize the fact that the thrown projectile had already cleaved through his left shoulder, breaking his collarbone and heavens know what more before getting stuck in the wall behind. Such was the force of the throw that the blade had just blown straight through both armor and body. But the belated dark gate still seemed to be a godsend, as Kite saw a bright flash light up around the gate as some other kind of attacks seemed to have been launched his way directly after the throw. Even while the liquid lightning of Immortality flowing through his veins started restoring the grievous injury, Kite channeled whatever mana he could into the gate, which was already fraying at the edges, while continuing to back away with what speed he could muster. Readying himself to conjure the barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding on a moment¡¯s notice, he eventually stilled. No more attacks had crashed into the void aperture, and from behind it he could vaguely sense a silver-rank aura, the spiritual presence placid like a lake untouched by wind or wave. And it was not the aura of the sect leader. Letting the dark gate drop, the room was once more revealed to Kite, with certain changes. The gathered bronze-ranked junior elders were still present, although they all looked even more terrified than before. And the sect leader was no longer standing, at least not on his own. Just as Gate of Nihility vanished, Calm of the Inevitable Beyond withdrew her hand which glowed with a kind of alabaster light, tinged with silver and blue, from where it was piercing the chest of the sect leader. It left no wound from its passing, but from the way the armored silver-ranker fell like a puppet having its strings cut, there was no questioning his fate. Comet Banishing Cloud¡¯s aura was gone, Will¡¯s sister sparing Kite a quick glance which managed to convey an order to stay put before she turned to the gathered bronze-rankers. ¡°Surrender, and Death will spare you their attention this day.¡± Her calm words were both a promise and a threat, the junior elders immediately falling to their knees. Kite could understand the sentiment, welcomed it even. Junior elders within a sect were functionaries, crafters and helpers, not warriors first and foremost. If they did not do anything foolish, there was no reason to kill them, especially since they would have a lot of information which could be valuable in the coming days. ¡°Adventurer Kite, was it?¡± ¡°Yes, mistress?¡± ¡°Please wait here while I escort the junior elders. I am most curious as to what transpired here,¡± Calm said with a meaningful look towards the splattered blood in an almost perfect half-circle over the floor. ¡°I¡­ Yes, mistress,¡± Kite said, straightening. The junior elders needed little in the way of further encouragement, leaving Kite alone in the room. The windows and gaping hole in the wall revealed battles dying down below, the failing arrays only giving off the occasional spark now that their energies had been mostly spent. He tried sending his aura senses questing outwards, seeing if he could find any trace of Dancer on the Broken River. But the disciple of Pain was gone, probably having fled when the sect leader made his appearance, Kite finding himself in envy of more speed-oriented powers once more. Not knowing what to do, Kite noticed the sect-leader¡¯s axe left and forgotten in the wall. He inspected it for a moment, the long-handled axe having a single curved edge with a trail of silver stars floating in the air like the trail of a comet. Not knowing what else to do with it at that moment, Kite reached out and yanked it from the wall. The tingling discomfort of handling a higher-ranked item immediately made itself known, but vanished when he deposited the weapon into his void sheath. Walking back towards the room where the portal had been, Kite rounded the half-circle of gore to look down at the lone severed hand. ¡°So¡­ Discord,¡± he thought to himself. ¡°Another deity involved. But in what way? And why do this?¡± Kite did not know much about the god, only having learned of him as one of those shunned by society. If what little River had said was true, then he could understand the sentiment. ¡°But the gods always bring complications. I need to be very careful with this.¡± He turned and was about to go towards the hole in the wall and take stock outside, when he stumbled slightly, his armored boot having sent something clattering along the floor. It took a surprisingly long time to find it, Kite spending over a dozen seconds scanning what was essentially an open floor before he found it. Bending down, Kite picked up what he assumed was some kind of long weapon, but sensing its exact shape and outline remained challenging. It was as if the object emulated a much more condensed version of what Serene did with her aura, his attention constantly sliding off the weapon. It even took his mind a bit to register that this was the weapon which the priest of Discord had used, Kite vaguely remembering the man wielding something which was hard to make out. His magical senses did give some feedback, confirming that it was bronze rank and heavily enchanted, probably as much as a weapon of its rank was able to be. ¡°Something more to hold onto then,¡± he thought as he deposited that into the void sheath as well. ¡°But I will definitely have it studied properly.¡± A short burst of projected aura announced that Will¡¯s sister was returning, the elven woman soon stepping back into the room. She was still alone, walking up to stand next to Kite and gazing down at the gore on the floor. Kite, in turn, bowed politely. ¡°Mistress?¡± She gave him a severe look, eyes seeming distant for a short while before regaining their focus. ¡°Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune.¡± Her use of his full name made Kite a bit ill at ease, but he did his best to keep his composure. ¡°My god tells me that you now know something. A mortal carrying knowledge of the divine and their workings is a perilous thing if used incorrectly. As you should already know, even the divine have their own ways and rules, however removed they might be. I would know what you have seen here, but my god counseled it to be the kind of conversation not held just anywhere. I want you to wait until I send word for you, and then we will meet at Gilded¡¯s temple to the goddess Knowledge. You may bring whoever you want, but keep in mind that they might be imperiled by being present. And I will implore you to not speak of what you have seen or heard here to anyone before then.¡± The intensity of the priestess¡¯ gaze bore into him as they spoke, and Kite had no doubt that it was priestess Calm and not mistress Calm addressing him at that moment. Her words sent a bit of fear tingling up his spine even as curiosity smoldered in his heart. ¡°I¡­ will take your words into careful consideration, priestess,¡± he said, bowing again. ¡°And I will answer your summons as long as I am able to.¡± ¡°Good. Then you should leave and rejoin your companions outside. I can feel my younger brother¡¯s distress even from this distance, and it would not do well for him to shame our family by acting upon it.¡± ¡°I am sorry mistress, but you give your brother too little credit. He has always been a boon companion to me, and while he has his quirks, he has always carried himself proudly.¡± Kite couldn¡¯t hold back the words, speaking even as her aura edged his threateningly, even pushing inwards a bit there at the end. ¡°And you give yourself too much credit, bronze-ranker, if you think that the words of one such as you would be of any impact in my family affairs.¡± Her voice had the same impassiveness, but the sense of indignation and irritation was definitely still present. Kite only bowed slightly in way of response, more a nod of having heard her point but not the subservience of agreeing, before he turned to actually make his way to the hole in the wall. Discomfort gave way to elation as he saw his three companions below, standing by and keeping watch as surrendering sect members were rounded up and escorted off by the Healer¡¯s clergy. Serene was, of course, the one to first notice him, with Will and Dragonfly both perking up as Kite leapt out through the impromptu exit, his old slow-fall charm carrying him down gently as his friends made their way towards him. Unsurprisingly, Dragonfly impacted first as she leapt up towards him, the slow-fall enchantment failing as her impact and subsequent hug was too much for the old iron-ranked talisman to handle. This left them both in a sprawl, Dragonfly¡¯s laugh too infectious for Kite not to join in as the relief after a battle set in. Kite closed his eyes for a short moment and just enjoyed the feeling of her hair tickling his face before Will¡¯s disgruntled voice took him back to reality. ¡°You know, Kite, for a commoner you are surprisingly bad at keeping your head down and taking the safe ways through life. I am quite disappointed,¡± his friend said, voice filled with mock admonition. ¡°You are just jealous that I now have yet another story to tell, one with intrigue and revelation,¡± Kite retorted, sitting up as Dragonfly rolled off him. ¡°Well, of course I am! Heaven¡¯s preserve me, Kite, I will have to chain myself to you if that is what it takes to actually get to be present for things like this. You better tell me - us - what happened this instant, or I will be very cross with you!¡± Will went all-in on the indignant facade, but stilled as he saw Kite¡¯s gaze turn serious. ¡°If you want, you will know, Will. All of you will. But it is apparently quite complicated, and I do not think that even Serene¡¯s sound shielding is safe enough for us to discuss it here.¡± The priestess, who had regarded Kite in silence, nodded along. ¡°My goddess did not tell me much, but I can feel her agreeing with your words. Let us speak more of it when the time is right.¡± Both Dragonfly and Will looked dejected, but soon bounced back as they started their own telling of their exploits during the final assaults on the heart of the sect compound. And Kite couldn¡¯t help but revel a bit in the feeling he got when he walked beside his friends, as if their paths harmonized as they climbed towards the heavens. Side by side. 112. Make your paths your own again The susurrus of the crowd died down when Meridians of the Sky leapt up at the broken fountain in the middle of the plaza, and for a moment there was only the forlorn sound of the wind making its way along the streets and buildings of the broken sect compound. Kite did not need his expanded field of vision to see that the destruction was widespread, almost all buildings being significantly damaged and about one in three completely ruined. Along with Dragonfly, Will and Serene, he stood at the outskirts of the plaza, part of the encirclement of adventurers surrounding the group of surviving sect students who had been directed into the midst of the open area. They all wore suppression collars, and most were of iron rank or had but a few essences. Kite estimated them to be just over a hundred in numbers, but some captured in the initial stages of the assault had no doubt already been shipped off to Gilded. Healer¡¯s clergy was also present, moving about adventurer and sect members alike to spread the touch of their deity. ¡°While I appreciate the foresight, I also find it a bit concerning that your father seemed to have a few hundred suppression collars ready and waiting for this day,¡± Kite said, leaning in to murmur to Will even though he knew that Serene would keep the sounds from leaving their vicinity. His friend looked at him before taking a long look at their prisoners. ¡°He is a patient and prescient man. And a city lord must always be prepared for insurrection,¡± he said, seeming unbothered. ¡°And besides, one might even see it as merciful. Not everyone would even bother.¡± Kite nodded, acknowledging the point as the former grand elder started speaking. ¡°I trust that all of you know me, and who I was to this sect. Before all of this began, and corruption took root amongst us-¡± ¡°Traitor! There is no ¡®us¡¯ here! You betrayed us and everything we stood for! You should be dead, and those cowards who followed you- you¡­¡± One of the bronze-rankers of the crowd had seemingly been unable to contain his emotions, the angry outburst seemingly mounting up to a tirade. Meridian only watched impassively for a moment before nodding to one of the priestesses in the crowd. The woman deftly navigated the crowds, the angry words suddenly cut off as she reached out from behind to touch the man¡¯s neck. Kite could not hear the murmured chant, but the man slumped before three heartbeats had passed during her ministry. The priestess then proceeded to unceremoniously throw the unconscious man over her shoulder and carried him from the crowd, the rest of the sect students remaining silent. ¡°Deftly done. They were prepared,¡± Will noted to his friends. ¡°Had any of us stepped in, things might just have gotten worse. But the clergy is at least a less contentious player in this.¡± ¡°As I said- ,¡± Meridian continued from her vantage when the disruption had been dealt with. ¡°- there has been corruption spreading in this sect. An affliction of the mind, devious and subtle. It inflames your emotions, making you reactive and disruptive. And it gradually grows, apparently even able to affect a silver-ranker. My cousin, the sect leader, was told about this affliction long ago. And did nothing. Even laughed at the Victorious Sunset for taking actions against it and therefore showing weakness. And today, they still stand proud and prospering, while none of us can say the same. I will not waste my words with further explanations, or try to soften this blow. Because I truly believe that it is what all of us here will need to hear and accept, in order to have a future. Sect leader Comet Banishing Clouds is dead. And through his actions over this last year, he killed the sect as well. Not just its members, but the institution itself. Anyone who wants to try and still claim allegiance or loyalty to the Descending Star sect have chained their paths to a sinking ship. And I will not mourn those of you who drown, not after this day.¡± Meridian let her gaze pan over the gathered crowds before looking to the head building of the sect near her; a great work of architecture which still mostly stood proud. It was a veritable castle, each tiered floor surrounded by an awning of the dark blue roof tiles, built of fine woods and decorated with the past glories of the sect. Still keeping her gaze on the main building, Meridian continued. ¡°Some might look around and see an opportunity to rebuild. To reclaim what you feel is your rightful place. Maybe even find vengeance. What I am about to say next, is for you. Weight of the skies rain down upon you!¡± The power of the spell chant was unmistakable in her words, and soon after a cluster of meteors appeared in the skies above. Many in the crowd flinched or cried out, and not all cries fell silent as the magical destruction did not rain down upon the gathered. Instead, they crashed into the roof and walls of the main building, tearing great gaping holes and sending wooden splitters and lacquered clay tiles flying everywhere. With the defensive arrays down, there was only normal wood and other materials to stop Meridian¡¯s destruction, and to say that it was insufficient was an understatement. But Meridian was not done. Next came a great golden chakram which tore out great swathes of the walls, followed by clusters of detonating starlight, more meteors and even a lone moon being conjured to fire a great beam down through the whole building. Even with the power of a silver-ranker, it took several minutes, Meridian seeming unhurried as she meticulously sent spell after spell crashing into the sect¡¯s main building, the proud structure giving out a final groan like a deathrattle before finally collapsing in upon itself. Dust bloomed out from the collapse, but was kept away from the crowd through the united efforts of adventurers with wind essences. Only when the dust cleared, the smoldering pile of rubble revealed in all its horrifying splendor, did Meridian turn back to the crowd. Some were openly weeping, unable to look at what had once been the heart of their sect, while others had more complex looks of emotions playing over their faces. ¡°This will be a chance for you to do something else with your paths; to chart a new direction. And do so knowing that the Descending Star sect is dead, its heritage buried. With such a hollow foundation as the one we had, none of us would reach the heavens. And if you cooperate with the church of the Healer, city lord Indomitable has promised a full pardon for anyone who wishes to once more try to work for the betterment of Gilded. As have the adventure society offered to let those who comply once more try out to rejoin their ranks. While betrayal of these offers in the future will incur the harshest of punishments, I will urge you to take it. Act to make your paths your own again. I, for one, will do the same.¡± With that, Meridian stepped down from the broken fountain, leaving any hope of the sect¡¯s survival dead and buried. Maybe some would still try to rekindle that hope and keep it alive, but after watching the display put on by the former grand elder, Kite seriously doubted that there was any chance for that notion to gain momentum. A member of Healer¡¯s clergy stepped up to take Meridian¡¯s place, starting to go over the logistics of what would be a march back towards Gilded and proper examinations by the church of the Healer. Kite only listened with half an ear, instead looking at the former grand elder as she retook her place next to Will¡¯s sister. ¡°I think I need to speak to mistress Meridian,¡± he told his friends. ¡°Will you follow me?¡± Getting only nods and curious looks in return, the three fell into step beside Kite as they rounded the gathering and drew closer to the silver-rankers, stopping at a respectful distance while Kite gazed directly at the former grand elder to make clear his wishes to speak. He did not have to wait, the group being waved over within a few heartbeats. ¡°Adventurers. Priestess. Young master,¡± Meridian greeted. It was obvious that she recognized Kite, but she did not otherwise acknowledge him in favor of noting Will¡¯s and Serene¡¯s status. ¡°Mistress, I have something which I believe belongs to you,¡± Kite said. Making his movements slow and deliberate, he held out his hands in which the axe of the sect leader appeared for him to hold out in offering. Meridian gave the weapon a long look, her expression unreadable, before letting her gaze return to Kite without any further ado. ¡°I am afraid that you are mistaken, adventurer. I have no claim to that weapon. No one has. It was a symbol of the Descending Star sect, an institution which is now dead. This is just one artifact of something lost to join the countless other such relics around the world.¡± She then turned from him and the weapon to once more look out over the crowds, her stance clear; this was not something which Meridian wanted to reclaim. Not knowing what to do, Kite instead turned to Calm of the Indomitable Beyond. ¡°Then, mistress, I believe that this goes to you or your father as spoils.¡± He did his best to keep his voice steady even as the pain of contact with the weapon was mounting. Will¡¯s sister looked at the weapon with a calculating gaze, before shaking her head. ¡°I believe that keeping such a trophy might harm my family¡¯s interests more in the long run. Better to have it been lost in the fall of the sect and set free into the world. Who knows, it might be able to forge its own path as well, unfettered by its heritage.¡± Kite was unable to hold back a slight sigh of relief as he let the axe disappear back into his void sheath, bowing to the pair in acceptance of what this was; a gift, if only by providence of disinterest. ¡°Thank you. Then I will not bother the mistresses further.¡± He turned alongside his friends to resume their post when Meridians of the Sky called something to him. ¡°If it shall be set free, let it at least carry its name with it out in the world. The axe is named Piece of Heaven, and was forged for the founder of the fallen sect once called the Descending Star sect. May it rise above its heritage.¡± Kite turned and bowed again even though Meridian had not turned from watching the proceedings as she had spoken. ¡°Thank you once more, mistress. May Fortune favor you in your future endeavors, and your path take you to the heavens and beyond.¡±
¡°You know, going back to monster slaying feels surprisingly tame compared to what we just did,¡± Dragonfly said that night, managing to keep from devouring the meat skewer in her hands for just long enough to utter the words. It was well past midnight when the force that had set out from Gilded returned, having chosen to make the trip from the broken sect compound in one go. Essence-users were hardy after all, and could take the forced march well enough. Kite and his companions had been one of the groups assigned as escort to the clusters of shackled sect members, half of their force returning while the rest spent their time securing what was left of the sect compound. While it was quite ruined, Will had still been doubtful that his father would let it simply remain a compound of only ghosts and sorrowful memories. Once the prisoners had been deposited in the prepared temporary lodging close to the church of the Healer, the group had found themselves one of the food vendors still open at this hour, sitting in the shadow of one of the golden trees giving the city its name as they dug into their food. ¡°The surge will not wait, and neither will our growth.¡± Will said sagely, brandishing his skewer like a dagger at an imagined opponent. ¡°But I still wish to thank you all again. For coming with me, even if it meant losing out on some of what the surge can offer those willing to temper themselves.¡± ¡°Are you kidding, Will? Did you actually doubt we would miss it? Or let you go off by yourself?¡± Dragonfly looked almost outraged. ¡°Well, I had hoped not, but¡­¡± Will sighed, trailing off a bit. ¡°Even now, I¡¯m still getting used to the whole sentiment and difference in the lives we¡¯ve led up until we met. And I still often doubt myself and my actions. So.. maybe a little?¡± The rest gave Will the time to speak, feeling the mood shift a bit more reflective. ¡°Well, then don¡¯t.¡± It was Dragonfly who spoke up again, giving the noble a stern look. ¡°Don¡¯t what?¡± Will asked, confused. ¡°Don¡¯t doubt it. Just stop. It¡¯s easier that way.¡± ¡°I- Dragonfly, thoughts are not that simple.¡± ¡°Or maybe that is just what the thoughts want you to think?¡± she retorted, an eyebrow raised. ¡°I¡­ have no answer to that-¡± Will began, but fell silent and stiffened as Dragonfly took that moment to scooch over where the group sat beneath the trees and wrapped the elf in a big hug. ¡°When words and thoughts fail, action will forge your path,¡± the young woman said sagely, her pink locks bouncing up and down as she nodded to her own words. As usual, Will had a hard time processing such spontaneous moments of physical contact, his ¡®training¡¯ in that regard still a work in progress. But in a show of growth, the elf managed to relax enough to at least ever so slowly lean a little bit into the embrace. ¡°Thank you, Dragonfly. I believe I can live by those words,¡± he said, a nod of genuine appreciation in his eyes as their fires reignited a bit. Somewhere, Kite could just imagine Grim shivering, unknowing of what advice his ward was currently taking to heart. ¡°Speaking of paths- ,¡± Kite said, eventually coming to the elf¡¯s aid as he let the axe apparently named Piece of Heaven fall into his hands, putting it down on the ground between them and letting the rest of the group inspect its silvery sheen, the weapon seeming to only reflect lights in the shades of the sun, moon and stars.
WWJS: [Item] Piece of Heaven Axe Silver rank - Legendary [Effect] For an additional cost of mana, the wielder may increase the potency of any special attack made with the weapon. The cost is proportional with the cost of the special attack in question. [Effect] Any special attack made with this weapon adds an instance of [Celestial judgment], a stackable, curse-type affliction which increases the damage suffered from powers carrying the essence of the sun, moon, star, fire and light. This applies both to powers from essences of the concepts, as well as awakening stones from the concepts, with additional effect if both essence and awakening stone align. [Effect] Increases the wearer¡¯s recovery of mana when beneath the open sky, further increased if the sun, moon or stars are visible. Domain-like effects with these concepts may trigger this to a lesser extent. [Effect] Vastly increased durability
¡° -I believe that this one might need some help in forging its own. Would my ardent Dragonfly mind becoming the mentor to such a student?¡± ¡°Kite, you can¡¯t be serious!¡± Dragonfly protested, even though her excitement at feeling the obvious power of the weapon was palpable. ¡°Who am I kidding, of course you are. Because you are- well- you. Is this going to become a habit? You gifting me axes to use when ranking up?¡± Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°We are still quite a ways off from silver rank, but that is beside the point. I got a feeling for the enchantments when holding it earlier, and I truly think that it will best suit you. Didn¡¯t I say that your axe might sunder the heavens one day? Then why not use a piece of them to do it?¡± ¡°Besides, it would not do for such a marvel to just languish in storage somewhere,¡± Will chimed in. ¡°It seems like a weapon deserving of a story. And silver rank, should we reach it, is a lengthy climb. You will have ample time to forge your paths together.¡± ¡°I must admit that I am surprised to hear such praise from you in regards to something that isn¡¯t a spear,¡± Kite noted, drawing an indignant huff from his friend. ¡°A man still has eyes, Kite. Even though its form isn¡¯t that of lengthy, shafted perfection, I can still appreciate it at a distance.¡± This was apparently too much for Dragonfly, who broke down in fits of giggles, lifting Piece of Heaven in one hand while hugging Kite with the other, still unable to get any words out through the shakes of laughter. Her gratitude was quite clear, though, in action and aura both. The group spent another hour just sitting there under the stars, Dragonfly eventually stashing the weapon away when contact became too strenuous and falling asleep with her head in Kite¡¯s lap while the rest talked. ¡°Any idea what awaits us tomorrow?¡± Serene eventually asked, both Kite and Will shaking their heads. ¡°We should probably return to surge contracts as soon as possible. While there were special dispensations, we still best not tarry,¡± Kite said. ¡°Any idea how long the surge will last?¡± ¡°It should be at least two more weeks before it starts slowing down, at least from what I gathered from my father,¡± Will answered. ¡°And the work won¡¯t stop there, as there will have been plenty of monsters having manifested far away from our population centers, but who will eventually risk wandering in at the end of their lifespans in a year or so. Not keeping them culled risks small monster tides in the future. Your uncle should be instrumental in scouting the region.¡± ¡°Then he will lead a busy life, as usual,¡± Kite said, chuckling. ¡°But he will have to make time for the other little project we have planned as well.¡± ¡°Ah, yes, the guild. Did you manage to get a suitable venue for a guild hall? If I have understood correctly, the guilds in other parts of the world are meant to have those.¡± ¡°We did, but it will not be finalized until after the surge,¡± Kite said. ¡°And as for the members, we shall see. But from the last note he left me before going off on this little venture, uncle Walker had at least two candidates in mind. And I may have an idea of my own, too.¡± ¡°Look at you, my commoner friend realizing he had some ambitions of leadership all along!¡± Will exclaimed proudly, his slap on Kite¡¯s back causing the sleeping Dragonfly to stir a bit in annoyance. ¡°What?¡± Kite asked, perplexed. ¡°I- I don¡¯t- It was just an idea and something I could do, which I liked the sound of. Uncle Walker will be the actual leader.¡± ¡°Proof of your humble upbringings, my friend,¡± Will retorted, shaking his head ruefully. ¡°Kite, leadership isn¡¯t always to stand at the front and yelling commands. Sure, it can be, but it can also be taking charge in whatever ways you can to do what you see needs doing. Leaders shape the world around them, no matter the medium. At least, that is what my father has repeated more times over the years than I can count.¡± ¡°I¡­ Hadn¡¯t thought of it that way,¡± Kite admitted, perplexion turning to thoughtfulness. ¡°I guess that is something which I need to reflect on further.¡± ¡°You should indeed, my friend,¡± Will agreed. ¡°But do not fret, your boon companion Will shall assist you in whatever ways he can.¡± ¡°Then I will hold you to that, young master Indomitable,¡± Kite retorted, giving his friend a fond smile. There was indeed great power in the bonds one may forge with others.
Dancer on the Broken River sat in meditation, now far away from the sect compound of the Descending Star sect. The death of the priest of Discord still gnawed on her, as did having to retreat with the appearance of the silver ranker. As there had been others of silver rank about, River had, in the end, chosen not to stay. For better or worse, the actions of both her and the outcast earlier that day had led to answers gained, but so many more potential answers lost. River was still warring with the wish of having the priest here before her, stuck in her chains and leaving him open to the ministrations of her god. Answers would have been forthcoming within the hour, she was sure of it. ¡°Do not be so sure, child,¡± the voice of her god whispered in her head. ¡°Where the servants of other gods are involved, one must walk a careful balance.¡± ¡°Lord, surely there is enough fell karma between me and them to last me a lifetime of transgressions,¡± River retorted, her simmering fury still hot and raw in her mind. But it also shared the space with relief, because while the man had died, she had gotten answers. And leads; things to pursue. River had a path now. ¡°That might be, at least according to your national sensibilities. And as long as it is kept between you mortal instruments, we of the divine are limited in what ways we can act.¡± ¡°So my actions can remain my own, as long as it is my motivations that guide them and not yours?¡± ¡°Indeed- ,¡± Pain agreed, ¡° - but that does not deny me some opportunities for spiritual guidance on your journey. One that I am sure will bring my touch far and wide over these lands.¡± ¡°Then I will continue, Lord Pain. It was Discord¡¯s clergy who planned and used my father and our sect before discarding us, and I will find them all and drag them screaming into the light. And now my foes are no longer just shapes in the mist, part of my imagination. Now¡­ Now I know what to look for.¡± River smiled again, the expression still feeling odd on her face. She had not had much reason to when growing up under her father¡¯s tutelage, in a place where clear expressions of feelings were seen as weaknesses that could be exploited. But now, River felt the tingle of excitement; a restless current in her body which urged her to take action. The path towards the heavens was long, or so the saying went. But River¡¯s path had a direction once more. Now she only had to walk it, and face all the perils awaiting her during the climb.
¡°Thank you, mistress, for taking the time to teach me,¡± Kite said, looking up at mistress Dew who had walked up to stand beside his prone form. As most times he found himself sparring with his teacher, the lessons left him thoroughly exhausted. ¡°The surge is all but over, student. It will still be a few days before we receive the official declaration, but there has now been days since the last reported silver-ranked manifestation. I might as well spend the time teaching you and leave the weaker monsters to the younger generation to use as a whetstone.¡± The courtyard of the small holdfast was currently empty as it was late in the evening and most residents had retreated inside to escape the light summer rain which was currently falling. The two essence-users were unbothered though, with Kite even feeling that the experience was refreshing. He felt fortunate that he and his companions had gotten to spend most of the surge away from the cramped confines of the fortresses and holdfasts, new sympathy for the lower-rankers who were forced to sit holed up there through several weeks. ¡°Then may I be so presumptuous and ask for more advice in regards to another matter?¡± ¡°Student, if it is advice on the matters of the heart you seek, I assure you that I am as far from the right person to ask as one could come. Just ask the deputy director and I am sure that he can write you a book on the matter.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± Kite said, looking at his teacher. ¡°Are things not going well?¡± Dew looked at him for a moment with a considering look before she answered, which surprised Kite in and of himself. ¡°Many things are going well. Splendid, even. I am truly glad that I took the chance. Rupert is formidable in many ways, and a more gentle soul than I deserve.¡± ¡°But¡­?¡± ¡°But my path remains my one true love and it demands that I settle things. Things of the past. When the surge is officially over and things have settled a little, I will leave the Autumn lands. Possibly for good, depending on how things progress.¡± ¡°Ah,¡± Kite said, understanding. ¡°And the deputy director would hope for you to have made another choice?¡± ¡°Indeed. I will even admit that the thought has struck me; to abandon retribution and find a new goal. But your teacher is stuck in her ways, her soul without rest before things can be put to rest. And no, you looking at me like that will not make me change my mind, student.¡± Kite still regarded her for a bit longer before shaking his head. ¡°Sorry, teacher. I understand that sometimes you simply have to pick certain choices, even if they are less safe. Or pleasant. You say that you have to walk that path, and I believe you. But do you truly have to do it alone?¡± ¡°I believe so, student. That this burden and path is one that I have to resolve on my own. But it is good to see that you have grown a bit bolder since we first met. Politeness and a delicate touch has their time and place, but so does boldness and speaking one¡¯s mind. But I digress, and seem to have become the one spilling my own matters of the heart onto you instead, despite my own claims. What wisdom did you hope to glean from your teacher?¡± ¡°Auntie Crow always says that the mouth speaks of that which fills the heart, teacher,¡± Kite began before following along the changed topic. ¡°I wanted to ask you about this.¡± As he spoke, an item appeared from his void sheath to land in his hand. While the handle felt firm, it was still hard to fully focus on the weapon left behind by the priest of Discord over two weeks ago.
WWJS: [Item] Veiled One¡¯s Decree Sword Bronze rank - (Growth) legendary [Effect] Shrouded in enchantments to evade notice. Attacks and special attacks made with this weapon are significantly harder to notice and pinpoint for creatures of similar or lower rank, unless one possesses extraordinary aura senses. [Effect] Enemies struck with this weapon are afflicted with [Veiled Mind¡¯s Eye], a curse which makes it a lot more difficult to gauge one¡¯s own internal reserves and cooldowns. [Effect] Wielder¡¯s aura is shrouded, making it more difficult for enemies to glean the wielder¡¯s intent, especially in combat. [Effect] Lowers the resource cost of illusions created by the wielder
¡°That¡­¡± Mistress Dew began, ¡± -is a curious weapon. Where did you find it?¡± Seeing Kite¡¯s hesitant chagrin, she seemed to understand. ¡°Ah, it is related to that which you can still not speak of.¡± ¡°I am sorry mistress. But my offer of you joining me when I am called still stands. I believe it might be something where we could benefit from your expertise and experience.¡± ¡°Then I shall have to curtail my curiosity for a while longer,¡± mistress Dew said, but still looked a bit displeased. ¡°Then tell me what you can. If you have carried it for over two weeks now, I assume that you have gleaned something in regards to its capabilities? Some kind of shrouding is obvious. I can sense it to be of bronze rank, but I still need to focus in order to see it clearly. And even then, it is hard to make out details.¡± ¡°That means that you can glean more than most,¡± Kite agreed. Even when he held the weapon, it was hard to view it clearly. From its shape and balance, he knew it to be a sword; medium length and straight with a single edge. But as soon as he stopped looking, details about it faded and became blurry. ¡°I made sure to have the magic society take a quick look at it before leaving Gilded. The researcher in question was both baffled and fascinated by the enchantment, to the extent that I was worried that he would try to confiscate it,¡± Kite explained, still remembering the look of forlorn longing on the man¡¯s face as he left with the weapon. ¡°But they could confirm it to be a sword, with enchantments to obfuscate both the sword itself as well as the wielder¡¯s intent, as well as to make it harder for those struck to sense their own reserves. And they could also confirm that it did not seem to be cursed or otherwise¡­ affected by outside forces.¡± ¡°Curious¡­¡± Mistress Dew said, eyes thinning as she once more focused on the weapon. ¡°I wish to experience this. Strike me.¡± ¡°Mistress?¡± ¡°Oh please,¡± she scoffed at the alarm in his voice. ¡°Even if you couldn¡¯t just strike my mana, do you think that you could truly harm me? Strike me, student.¡± Kite nodded slowly before obeying, making a simple slash through his mentor¡¯s shoulder, Cleave the Spirit making the sword pass through her physical form. ¡°I seemed to have resisted it. Again.¡± Three tries later, Kite finally felt the slight feedback of confirmation as a bit of the sword¡¯s magic was left behind in mistress Dew, who in turn frowned even deeper than before as she focused on the experience. ¡°That is quite the sensation,¡± she said after a few seconds of inward focus. ¡°My senses of my own inner reserves seem to fluctuate, giving me oddly discordant signals.¡± Kite did his best not to flinch at her choice of words, but if mistress Dew had noticed his reaction, she gave no indication of her own. ¡°One moment, it tells me that I have indeed lost some mana, but most times I receive the feeling that things are fine and that my inner strength is at its peak. This should be an excellent addition to your path, student. If you can deceive your opponents into believing their mana levels to be higher than they actually are, they might assist in their own downfall with even greater expediency.¡± ¡°Thank you mistress. I will admit that I had not thought to test it out on a consenting sparring partner to get a better description of its effects,¡± Kite admitted, once more chagrined. ¡°But I can at least attest to its subtlety. Most monsters have barely been able to react in time as long as I don¡¯t use it too consecutively. But that is easy with the martial path which you have helped me form.¡± ¡°Even for us who view the climb to the heavens as a lonely one, most have at least a few sparring partners trusted enough to join in on such analysis. You are not a fragile normal or iron-ranker anymore, student. Once you hit silver, you and your trusted ones should further try out your capabilities against one another. There are few silver-ranked attacks which can kill another of the rank in a single stroke,¡± mistress Dew lectured. ¡°And with your particular talents, you should use it even more. But it is at least gratifying to hear that your teacher still has a lot to teach you.¡± ¡°I will ever strive to heed your counsel then, mistress,¡± Kite replied, bowing in the fashion which had become part of their usual dynamic. ¡°And in regards to my path, the scholars at the magic society seemed to think that this particular weapon was upgradable to silver rank, so I should be able to make use of it for quite some time.¡± ¡°The perks of growth items are many, as long as you always keep evaluating them. The line between an integral part of your path and a crutch can sometimes be fine and quite blurry. But this one allows you to work on your feints and can help you add a bit more deceptiveness into your otherwise earnest and direct combat, so I will approve of it.¡± ¡°Mistress is ever generous.¡± This time, Kite¡¯s voice also held a bit of playful theatrics, causing Dew to snort. ¡°Do not let my praise go too much to your head, little bronze-ranker, lest I get tempted into some more sparring to truly show you that the mountain left to climb is long indeed,¡± she retorted, with the slightest hint of similarly good nature. ¡°But I believe that you are saved this time, student, as I believe that we have a visitor. And from the way he has been politely waiting, I believe that he wants to see one of us.¡± ¡°In fact, I hope to speak with you both, Frost among Morning Dew,¡± came a voice from just out of sight, its source stepping into view from around a corner the moment after. ¡°Grim Snowfall,¡± Kite said in greeting. It had been just over two weeks since Kite last saw the elf, when he and his group had been once more sent out to fight off what remained of the surge under the command of mistress Dew. ¡°Adventurer Kite,¡± Grim replied with a nod. ¡°It is good to see that you have weathered the surge in good health, as that means I can assume that the young master has done the same?¡± ¡°He has indeed,¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°Our last two weeks have been challenging, but I can see why the mistress here believes that the surge is winding down. It has been days since the last silver-ranked manifestation, and the numbers in the bronze ones are dwindling; enough that we mostly let the iron-rankers go out and take care of them.¡± ¡°One needs to foster the next generation,¡± Grim said with a nod of approval. ¡°But while the conversation is pleasant, I come here at the behest of the young mistress. She has urged me to seek you out and to tell you that ¡®it is time¡¯, and that you would know what she meant.¡± His words sent a slight shiver of anticipation down Kite¡¯s spine, mistress Dew apparently sensing it in his aura as she gave him a questioning glance. ¡°Thank you, Grim. Has she given you any more instructions as to whom I can bring along? Or is it still the same?¡± ¡°I believe that her words were ¡®anyone he deems worthy and necessary, as long as they are informed of the potential risks¡¯.¡± ¡°Then-¡± Kite began, turning to mistress Dew who immediately nodded. ¡°As long as the adventure society lets me return to the city for a spell, then I will join you. Your secretiveness these two weeks have been most infuriating, student, and I would love some more clarity on this matter.¡± ¡°Thank you, teacher,¡± Kite replied, turning back to Grim. ¡°Dragonfly, Serene and your young master have also expressed a clear interest, even in spite of the potential risks.¡± ¡°It was the expected outcome,¡± Grim noted with only a slight look of suffering. His charge having grown to bronze-rank had at least alleviated some of the older elf¡¯s worries, seeing that Will¡¯s single-minded path continued to carry him forwards. ¡°I would also hope for my uncle and aunties to join us, as well as to extend the invitation to some others-¡± Kite began, explaining the list to the dour elf manservant. ¡°That should be manageable,¡± Grim nodded. ¡°But I will need the director¡¯s approval before seeking out master Walker and bringing mistress Dew here back to Gilded.¡± ¡°Then go and make the arrangements,¡± mistress Dew said. ¡°I will remain here on my post until otherwise informed, no matter how tedious the wait might be. The surge was over too quickly.¡± ¡°A sentiment I do not believe many to share,¡± Grim noted with a raised eyebrow before turning to Kite. ¡°Then please gather the young master and your companions. We will take our leave for Gilded at once. If all goes well, your meeting with the young mistress at the temple of Knowledge will take place tomorrow.¡± 113. Of gods and all things complicated ¡°Auntie Dove! Auntie Crow!¡± Kite couldn¡¯t help himself, calling out and quickly rushing over to the pair as he saw them approach where he sat waiting with his companions on a wooden bench in Gilded¡¯s temple district. And as he drew closer, he noticed something which had his step falter a bit. ¡°Auntie¡­ You¡¯ve¡­¡± Kite began, having finally noticed that auntie Crow had undergone some changes. The petite celestine woman had always had a kind of dignified beauty which he knew still caused auntie Dove to look at her wife with stars in her eyes, but now it had risen to new heights; Curious Crow flies Swift looking the part of the stern queen of scholars from any story, her onyx hair and eyes strangely lustrous even as they seemed to drink in the light. ¡°My little Kite, it would not do for your auntie to let you beat her to silver rank, now would it?¡± she asked him, her eyes twinkling a bit at her child¡¯s amazed awe. ¡°She looks splendid, doesn¡¯t she?¡± Dove added, looking very much like a teenager overwhelmed by the presence of the one to whom she had given her heart. ¡°You will get used to it, dear,¡± Crow told her. ¡°And I had just managed to take care of the slight side effects of ranking up when Grim Snowfall came with word that we were invited back, approved by the deputy director no less, so I am still a bit tender. The silver-ranked form is definitely something to get used to.¡± ¡°Still, it is just- lovely. Perfect,¡± Dove said while all but sighing with admiration, causing the rest of those gathered to contain smiles and giggles of amusement. ¡°And I can say with certainty that the aura sense is one of the most dramatic changes,¡± Crow noted, ignoring the fawning of her wife in favor of giving both Kite and his companions a thorough inspection. ¡°While I am still getting used to it, I can certainly feel how all of you have grown during the surge. Your hard work is cause for celebration, but I will also counsel patience,¡± she said, holding up a finger as she noted the proud smiles of the bronze-rankers. ¡°The final stretch of bronze rank deserves its consideration, and you should give it all the time needed to make sure that the foundations of your paths are solid.¡± Seeming satisfied with their winces of realization or acceptance at her word, Crow let her focus linger on Kite. ¡°While I hope we can make more time to properly spend together soon, I assume that there is a reason for us to have been invited here today? Grim Snowfall was most vague, only being able to confirm your involvement, Kite.¡± ¡°I must admit that I carry an ample amount of curiosity myself,¡± Kite admitted. ¡°But before we go, I must once again remind you all that mistress Indomitable hinted at the upcoming meeting carrying potentially ominous implications for the future, where knowing certain things might affect all those who participate going forward. I can only say that I personally will not hold it against any of you who want to remain unaware, as the saying of ignorance being bliss fails to mention that it might also be a protection at times.¡± Kite had thought long and hard about his encounter with the priest of Discord during the past two weeks. There was so little he understood, but from the warnings of Calm of Indomitable Beyond, a high-ranking priestess of Death, he did feel that the discussion awaiting them was a portentous one. Kite himself was sure that he wanted to know more, having already seen a glimpse behind a tapestry he didn¡¯t know existed, but had decided to make sure that each of his invited companions made as much of an informed decision as possible during the circumstances. ¡°Oh, please, Kite. You already know that I wouldn¡¯t be able to stay away even if I tried!¡± Dragonfly said, remaining adamant. ¡°While my goddess has given me warnings as well, she has not counseled me against participating. I too would know what you have seen,¡± Serene confirmed. ¡°I will admit that the part of me still bearing the weight of responsibility towards my family was hesitant at first,¡± Will admitted. ¡°But would the saint of spears back down from mere knowledge? Or possible adventurers of the future, filled with intrigue? And besides, with both my sister and father participating, I choose to take it as them already having given their blessing on the matter.¡± With his friends having repeated their assurances, Kite turned to his aunties as well. ¡°While your presence here already speaks volumes, I would still like you to think about it again.¡± ¡°Little Kite, one of the reasons for your auntie and I to once more start our climb towards the heavens was to retain the power to actually be part of things again. And since you are quite a big part of our lives, I would never turn away from what one who is my son in all but blood would deem important.¡± Crow gave her assurance in her usual manner, dignified and eloquent. Dove, on the other hand, also stayed true to form as she swept Kite up in a fierce hug. ¡°Don¡¯t be silly, child. Of course we will come.¡± While he had already expected the responses, they still warmed Kite¡¯s heart; bonds strong enough to warrant stepping into something unknown was indeed something to treasure. ¡°Thank you,¡± he said, directing the simple statement at all of them. ¡°And thank you, Fortune,¡± he continued in his mind. ¡°Being able to count my blessings is a privilege I will not squander.¡± ¡°Then we shall continue to the temple of Knowledge,¡± Kite told his friends and family, looking at each of them in turn. ¡°I have things to tell you, and hopefully we will receive at least a bit more clarity in turn. Because there seems to be things happening here that I am woefully unequipped to make sense of.¡±
When being led to their destination by a member of the local clergy, Kite had noticed a kind of presence which now subsumed everything around them, as if they had passed some kind of invisible threshold. It did not feel threatening in any way to Kite¡¯s senses, but Serene still seemed a bit uncomfortable, humming softly to herself. ¡°Is it the lack of connection to Song that worries you?¡± he asked softly, stepping up to her side. That the domain of the gods closed off the connections other clergy had to their deities was common knowledge, making Kite guess the reason. ¡°Not worried per se,¡± Serene answered, voice manifesting while she was still humming her melody. ¡°Knowledge and Song are on very good terms and always have been, as singing has been a way of memorizing things since time immemorial. But as I am used to always carrying her song with me, it is always a bit unsettling when it is suddenly gone. It is almost like I have lost a mental limb.¡± ¡°You can always leave if it makes you uncomfortable- ,¡± Kite began, but stopped as Serene shook her head. ¡°No, being a bit unsettled is a small price to pay. I can feel that this is very important to you, and that carrying it has been unsettling you these past two weeks.¡± At her words, Kite could only shake his head with a rueful smile. ¡°I thought that I kept it together quite well,¡± he said. ¡°But you are right. It is fortunate that we need less sleep, as the questions seem to just bounce about in my mind without even the possibility of being answered. I can only hope that changes today.¡± As if on cue, the local acolyte opened a pair of doors and gestured for the group to enter, closing the doors again behind them. ¡°Adventurers. Brother.¡± Calm of the Indomitable Beyond greeted them as Kite, his friends and his aunties were led into what looked like a study close to the heart of Knowledge¡¯s temple in Gilded. Kite had not had much reason to visit the temple of the goddess, but the almost estate-like complex of fine wood filled with scrolls, books and places of study did live up to the expectation. ¡°Finally!¡± branch director Jarvan added, rising from the comfortable chair in which he had been lounging. ¡°You know, Kite, it is not too often that a bronze-ranker gets to call upon the lion¡¯s share of the local high-rankers due to something that they know, especially not with the local city lord and both directors of the adventure society among them. In many other parts of the world, we might have just grabbed you by the legs and shaken you until whatever secrets you had came tumbling out.¡± ¡°Which, I would like to point out, is something my goddess frowns upon quite sternly, director. Treating lower-rankers as if they are not allowed to keep knowledge of their own is no way to treat my Lady¡¯s purview,¡± another familiar voice added as she entered from an adjacent room. ¡°Instructor Concente!¡± Kite exclaimed, surprised. ¡°I did not expect to see you here again.¡± Like auntie Crow, Mirabel Concente had changed since the time she had spent training Kite, Dragonfly, Will and Serene in team-tactics over a year ago. From what Kite understood, she had been at the peak of bronze-rank back then, and he would not have been surprised if she had made the push to silver during the surge as well. Her frizzy hair of dark brown curls and soft features were still the same, but further elevated into a kind of wild beauty. And from her stern tone when speaking to the director, her hard demeanor had not changed either. ¡°I must admit I did not expect to be back either, but when my goddess calls for me I will answer, monster surge or not. But priestess Indomitable here was wise to wait until the surge was all but over before sending out the call,¡± instructor Concente explained. ¡°Me knowing you from before was deemed practical, as is my role of traveling around most of this country. But my Lady has been quite insistent in not telling me more until we were all gathered here in her sanctum, where no other may listen in. But I will echo the director¡¯s sentiment, Kite. While a couple of silver-rankers is nothing special in many parts of the world, gathering them in a region such as the Autumn lands is no small feat of connections.¡± Taking in the room, Kite did indeed note that all of the invited except uncle Walker were present, with Grim simply being unable to track down the wandering silver-ranker in time. But Kite did not doubt that they could make sure to clue him in later. Instead, he focused on those who were there; people who he thought could help shed some light on the strange developments he had witnessed during the fall of the Descending star sect; his own companions, his aunties, mistress Dew, branch director Jarvan, deputy director Rupert. He also chose to at least try sending an invitation to Will¡¯s father, city lord Indomitable, as what had been hinted had all been transpiring on his lands. That the man actually showed up was actually a bit surprising, but from what Will had often told Kite of his father, him favoring knowledge and meticulous planning to achieve control and predictability meant that he might be interested in a first-hand account. There were also two representatives of the gods present, with Calm of the Indomitable Beyond representing the church of Death and Mirabel Concente to speak for Knowledge. Kite looked to Will¡¯s sister, who nodded to him. ¡°While this matter is not truly of my god¡¯s purview, it was still I who arrived first to the scene and felt the small remnants of the divine echo. My god has given me leave to participate, and there are some circumstances which give me a bit of leeway to act in the future as well. But I still suspect that my role will more be that of an advisor in regards to the divine rather than active participant.¡± ¡°That is all well and good, priestess, but can we please finally allow Kite to bring whatever has gathered us here to light?¡± mistress Dew asked where she sat next to deputy director Rupert. ¡°While my god tends to counsel patience, I do agree that it is time. Adventurer Kite, please share what you know. And do so knowing that this is a space in which the goddess Knowledge has vouched to safekeep the information. I trust that you all know the gravity of such a promise?¡± As those gathered all nodded acquiescence, Kite looked around the room before he spoke. ¡°Since the days of the expedition, I have had several run-ins with a certain Dancer on the Broken River, a disciple of Pain and, if I understood correctly, daughter of the grand elder which mistress Dew defeated at the very end of the war against the remnants of the Unbreakable chains sect,¡± he began, proceeding to summarize his experiences during the war in order to quickly reach more present days; the meeting in the forests as River had hunted down the members of her former sect and her ominous words before her escape. And then of them meeting once more during the battle of the Descending Star sect, of her telling him about the priest of Discord which their action had unmasked, and how the man had met his end. ¡°While I do not know how much stock we can take in the word of one woman, she seems to be assured that the followers of Discord were directly involved in the war against the fallen sect, and that there might be other machinations in play as well. And I will admit that her words awakened something within me as well. I feel that this is something which should warrant further considerations.¡± Kite finished. He felt a bit tense as he tried to gauge the reactions of those gathered, each person seeming to have their own expression of deep thought. City lord Indomitable was the first to break the silence, looking to the two directors of the adventure society. ¡°Directors, what do you have to say on this matter? You should have the most extensive knowledge on the reports from the war. Any insights to share which might help clarify if this is just the vendetta of a deluded daughter or something more extensive?¡± ¡°Transcripts from interrogations with the prisoners taken during the war do mention a sect leader of unknown identity, being rather hands-off and letting the grand elders and leaders of the different groups within the sect handle their own matters,¡± deputy director Rupert began after a nod from Jarvan. ¡°As the fallen sect seems to have suffered a lot of internal tensions there towards the end, we had assumed the sect leader to simply have fled, accounting the lack of traces to thorough preparations. But as you know, they did unleash some distractions here in the city as well towards the end, which meant that a wider search for the members which had escaped was severely hampered by internal politics and unrest.¡± ¡°I will also add that I did sense the distinct traces of the divine in the fading aura-traces on the remains of the alleged priest,¡± Will¡¯s sister added, looking to Kite. ¡°It was upon sensing this that my god counseled me to set up this very meeting, but has otherwise remained distanced from the matter. I cannot for sure say that it was the touch of Discord which I felt, but that is more due to lack of personal experience. Being one of the shunned gods, Discord does not exactly have his holy places readily available or his clergy moving openly among the people.¡± This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°But then we have the question of why,¡± Lord Indomitable countered. ¡°Why would Discord¡¯s clergy involve themselves like this? What would be their goals with such subterfuge, even gathering followers of other shunned gods in one place? Is the Autumn lands even important enough?¡± At his words, Mirabel held up her hand to indicate that she would speak, but the forlorn look on her face indicated that there was another conversation she needed to finish first. Nodding, her eyes cleared and she spoke. ¡°As to why, my Lady asked me to inform you of Discord¡¯s nature. As with all gods, the name itself is both a title and what they are. And Discord is all things out of harmony; quarrels, strife, battles, intrigue. He is the song turned sour and the resentment that grows in the silence of an argument left unfinished. Wherever there is strife and conflict, Discord grows. And as all of you know, the world is full of it even in the most mundane parts. This leaves him as a god with surprisingly wide reach but one that also has trouble building any more proper or concentrated foundations of power; the god¡¯s very nature does not lend itself well to cooperation even within its own clergy. And discordance is seldom good for stability. Knowing this, city lord, what would you answer to your own question?¡± Lord Indomitable looked thoughtful, nodding along with the priestess¡¯ explanations. ¡°Then as to the why¡­ Because it created strife? And strife within the strife; all parties present suffering from tensions of infighting even as they went against each other. No matter the result¡­¡± ¡°Then Discord would prosper,¡± Concente agreed. ¡°Because the outcome is less important than the process to one such as him. Even a resolved conflict will still have generated that which makes up his very essence, often leaving seeds to be cultivated in the future. That is even a common metaphor amongst his clergy; them thinking themselves gardeners who spread and cultivate the seeds of Discord.¡± Her words left another bout of silence, Kite¡¯s mind awash with trying to piece together the information he had just been told with his impressions of the man he had encountered and River¡¯s words. His friends seemed equally concerned, but neither of the bronze-rankers spoke up much in the presence of so many silver-rankers. ¡°Uggggghhh¡­¡± Jarvan¡¯s groan broke the silence, as the man leaned back in his chair while tipping his head over the backrest. ¡°This is going to be such a pain if it turns out to be true. Things always are when the gods are involved - no offense, Lady Knowledge. Lord Death.¡± The last sentiment was added as the glances sent his way by the two silver-ranked priestesses looked sharp enough to be physically felt. Looking up again, Jarvan continued. ¡°But when you think about it, it does make sense. Why initiate the hostilities in the way they did, with inferior numbers and inward strife? Why make the moves within the city, such as the infiltrators and that weird incident with the possessed normal-rankers when those moves would obviously do little else but create a bit of lasting instability and a slight worsening in the discourse of the political landscape? But if we assumed that the end goal, at least for some, was only just that; instability and strife rather than actually defeating us or the city¡¯s leadership, doesn¡¯t it actually make a twisted kind of sense?¡± ¡°It should also explain why the elusive sect leader never took to the field themselves, even in the end,¡± Rupert ventured. ¡°Because victory was not the point. Or at least not the only point.¡± ¡°A god who always has his touch upon the scales¡­¡± Kite looked up, realizing that his soft murmur was not as discreet in a room where half the people present were silver-rankers. ¡°That''s what she said, the disciple of Pain. That Discord is ever-present, as conflict is in the nature of people everywhere,¡± he ventured, figuring that he might as well speak his mind as none of those present reprimanded him for voicing his thoughts. ¡°But if that is the case, why do something like this? If discordance is always present around the world, why take such an active role in working from behind the scenes like this?¡± ¡°My Lady Knowledge cannot tell you more, as there is balance in how much she can interfere,¡± Mirabel replied to Kite¡¯s questioning gaze. ¡°And you should keep in mind that this relates to all gods; balance and purview. Acting too overtly outside the boundaries of one¡¯s influence allows others to do the same. One of the many reasons why mortal agents remain needed even for the divine. Creating discord by masterminding schemes is well within his clergy¡¯s interests, while open assassinations and other such ploys would allow other gods to have their servants act more directly as well.¡± ¡°Assuming that this is true, I am quite concerned with what the wider implications are,¡± Lord Indomitable said, frowning. ¡°If this was but a simple ploy to further their cause, or an attempt to begin one, then it is one matter. But the actions here hint at preparations over years, maybe even decades. And that is not taking into consideration that they also invited outside help from the churches of Undeath or what we can assume to be cultists of the Red Table.¡± ¡°My first choice would be to put the adventure society on high-alert, as I am sure that the continental council would love to get another reason to send more high-rankers over here. But I also know that probably isn¡¯t a good idea,¡± Jarvan said with a resigned sigh. ¡°I would strongly counsel against that, yes,¡± Mirabel replied. ¡°As an adventurer or as a priestess?¡± ¡°Both. If we make too overt moves now, we risk losing other potential traces of activity from Discord and their clergy, assuming that this is something spread beyond just the northern province that is the Autumn lands and that the fallen sect is not just an isolated incident. We need to see if we can find a pattern first, and start investigating very carefully.¡± As Mirabel spoke, Kite was thrown back to the days when she had been their instructor, the note of lecture in her voice pleasantly familiar. ¡°And from the divine side of things,¡± she continued,¡± there is the question of balance. Discord acting within his purview does not allow my Lady to start disseminating what is known by his clergy. But I will at least ask you to consider something more; this situation. Why are we here, of all places?¡± ¡°Because the conversation will be protected and kept a secret?¡± Kite ventured, before frowning as Mirabel¡¯s gaze hinted that this was not the answer she had been looking for. ¡°No, it has to be more, Kite,¡± auntie Crow ventured, speaking up for the first time. Both his aunties seemed to so far have been content with listening, but knowing Crow¡¯s more analytical mind meant that Kite was not surprised that she was the first to speak. ¡°The goddess Knowledge, through her priestess, has invited us here. Yes, secrecy is one part, but she allowed Kite to bring anyone he deemed helpful. And the goddess even gave her instructions to give us information on Discord¡¯s nature¡­¡± Crow got up, even pacing back and forth a little as she seemed to be on the verge of connecting something. Then she stopped, looking up and directly at Mirabel. ¡°But giving such information is to directly assist us. It is not the answer, but it makes us ask the questions and start connecting the metaphorical dots a lot faster. And, as to what she has repeatedly told us, active intervention from a god is often taken in response to the active actions of another.¡± As she spoke, Kite felt the spark of understanding light up his mind. And from the looks of several others in the room, he was not alone nor the first. The minds of silver-rankers were quick, after all. ¡°So that means that us just being here, being told this, could even be seen as evidence that there is more to this. That Discord is taking action allowing Knowledge to do the same. That this is not just an isolated incident, but more. Just not enough to tell us directly.¡± Jarvan exclaimed before groaning again. ¡°See, I told you. Complicated.¡± ¡°Knowledge is worth the most when discovered by one¡¯s self, director,¡± Mirabel retorted. ¡°As to what conclusions you reach, my goddess cannot take responsibility.¡± Her words neither confirmed nor denied the claims, but even Kite could feel her satisfaction in her aura, with Jarvan only giving her a dry look in response while Rupert chuckled. ¡°But what does this mean then, going forward?¡± auntie Crow asked, remaining on her feet. ¡°Me and my wife have mostly remained focused on our own lives and crafts, but knowing what to do next falls way outside our expertise.¡± She turned to Kite, continuing. ¡°While it is important to us to know what you are involved in, little Kite, I am just unsure as to how we can be of assistance in this matter.¡± ¡°Auntie, I won¡¯t demand anything from you. I didn¡¯t know myself what would come of this meeting, and honestly I still don¡¯t. But they asked me to bring those I trusted, so that is what I did. I don¡¯t think anyone will demand more of you than you are capable of. Or even anything at all except your secrecy.¡± ¡°I will add that more people knowing something is rarely a bad thing in situations such as this, Curious Crow flies Swift,¡± Mirabel added. ¡°We have already seen that you have a mind as clear and structured as the arrays you weave, being the first to lay bare the pattern which sparked insight.¡± ¡°Also, you are a silver-ranker now. And from the feel of her aura, your wife will soon join you,¡± Jarvan added, eyes twinkling. ¡°While things are different in other parts of the world, in Hua-Xi that means that you now matter. And people who matter are rarely left outside of important affairs, no matter their wishes.¡± Crow looked around the room and seemed to relax a little when she looked at Kite, apparently finding something in his gaze to help ease her mind a bit. ¡°I¡­ will have to acknowledge the points made. But then that leaves the original question; what to do now? Is there even anything we can do?¡± Silence fell over the room, with Mirabel moving to sit further off to the side, clearly indicating that no more directions would be forthcoming from her Lady. Everyone took their time to ponder the question, Rupert eventually being the first to break the silence. ¡°You know, Jarvan, didn¡¯t director Dobrazza of the Bastion branch voice strong favor of continuing joint investigations after the trouble down in her city? There seems to have been quite the amount of strife unleashed there as well in recent months. Maybe it would be prudent to, say, start making a joint task force on a more permanent basis?¡± ¡°I¡­ like how you think, my dear deputy director,¡± Jarvan agreed, nodding along. ¡°Then it would be quite coincidental if we, just to be on the safe side of things, started comparing the events with the fallen sect and whatever internal strife is still going on down there. To see if we can find any common factors. Because if such factors could be found, I could see this kind of investigation being widened to a much greater scope. Discreetly, of course. And should we start to need people brought in alive for questioning, isn¡¯t there a certain group of promising young adventurers we could recruit for such a task once in a while? One that has already shown promise in that regard?¡± No one in the room seemed surprised as he gave Kite, Dragonfly, Serene and Will a theatrically assessing look. ¡°I will have to ask you to take care before making too many plans for my son, director. My bronze-ranked son.¡± Lord Indomitable noted while stressing the rank to Will¡¯s apparent chagrin. ¡°Father, surely you cannot mean to keep me from participating? Not when there seems to be evil schemers lurking behind the scenes, spreading their strife and discord?¡± the young elf exclaimed, obviously ignoring the pointed aura pressure directed his way by his now annoyed sister. ¡°I believe that it is something which we will have to discuss within the family, son,¡± Lord Indomitable said. ¡°But I will remind you that I have not discarded the idea either. Try not to test my patience too much in this matter, and I believe that we will have more fruitful discussions going forward.¡± Will clearly looked as if he wanted to say more, but reined himself in and sat down. ¡°I hope you all will not take offense when I say that our dear city lord here has a point,¡± Jarvan added. ¡°Should this investigation bear fruit, I believe that the adventure society will definitely have use of you. But these kinds of things will need part discretion and part self-sufficiency. And I believe that you will need to reach silver-rank before I will be entirely satisfied with the latter. Too many things can threaten a group of bronze-rankers even in these lands. But a group of silvers, on the other hand, would not be overly threatened unless they were to unexpectedly run into something quite spectacular. And keeping track of the spectacular is something which the adventure society takes very seriously.¡± His words left Kite and his group nodding along, and seemed to mollify Lord Indomitable as well. ¡°In regards to the local scene, I will take this into consideration going forward. Just trying to quash dissatisfaction will not be fruitful if Discord is indeed at work here, but there might be other plans and means we can consider, especially in the vacuum left by the Descending Star sect. Directors, the city of Gilded hopes for your most well-meant collaboration in handling what we can assume to be a lot of aimless former sect-members in the upcoming days. The city will aim to be generous in our terms, and I hope you will extend the same courtesy.¡± ¡°I believe that can certainly be arranged,¡± Jarvan said, looking to Rupert. ¡°Keeping strife to a minimum should ever by our highest priority, no?¡± Calm of the Indomitable Beyond spoke next, the priestess of Death having remained silent most of the conversation as well. Even in a space where her god could not listen in, she seemed adamant in not overstepping her or the deity¡¯s authority. ¡°The presence of the church of Undeath in this conflict has allowed my and my fellow clergy some more leeway to act. Should the adventure society have need of us, or even vaguely suspect anything related to Undeath, then we shall give what assistance we can.¡± ¡°Oh, I have seen what happens when Death¡¯s clergy brings down the hammer - or is scythe more appropriate? - on the forces of Undeath,¡± Jarvan mused with a wicked smile. ¡°Trust me, priestess, you will hear from us in the future.¡± With the silver-rankers of the different organizations seeming satisfied with their plans, Kite once more took the chance to speak up. ¡°Director, I would like to participate in whatever ways I can.¡± His statement had Jarvan give him a knowing smile. ¡°It is hard to just sit back after parting the veil a little, is it not?¡± ¡°I¡­ Yes,¡± Kite admitted, the director¡¯s words having hit right on the spot. ¡°But as you said, what can I do? Could I even make a difference?¡± ¡°Adventurer, we can all make a difference,¡± Rupert responded. ¡°While being a bronze-ranker will not allow you to move as boldly, you being just where you were allowed us to have this very conversation.¡± ¡°But honestly, you will need to get stronger before we can let you really get into things like this,¡± Jarvan added, serving the harsh truth with a smile. ¡°And even should you all wish, your group will be but one of many I hope to rope into this. I trust that you met Azure Devil, Dobrazza¡¯s little favorite? He has a team of his own which I am quite sure will be roped into this as well, with more to come if this thing should prove to be anything close to what is hinted at.¡± ¡°So each of you should work on getting stronger and to truly ponder your role in this, should you wish for it,¡± Rupert added, directing the words to both Kite and his team as well as auntie Crow and auntie Dove. ¡°You will not have to decide now, but I will admit that we will need locals such as yourselves for this. Because it would surprise me if this doesn¡¯t get at least a little political in the end.¡± Jarvan groaned at his words. ¡°See, complicated. At least Undeath makes things more simple.¡± ¡°I believe that we all have things to prepare and consider, then,¡± Mirabel said as she once more stood up to grab the attention of everyone present. ¡°And I trust that everyone understands the severity of these implications, and the need for secrecy. No matter what you choose, taking care not to spread what you have learned here is of utmost importance. A sentiment which my Lady wants me to stress to the extreme.¡± With everyone present having nodded or said their agreements, the meeting in the heart of Knowledge¡¯s temple was adjourned. While the future was shrouded in a lot of uncertainty, Kite still felt the smoldering curiosity from before having been stoked further, along with the satisfaction of being a part of something. Something important. ¡°I-¡± he began as he walked next to his companions, but was interrupted as Dragonfly bumped his hip with hers, her strength enough to send him stumbling if not for the stabilizing power of Unyielding. ¡°So, what I gathered from that was simple. We need to get stronger. A lot stronger,¡± she said with a big grin. ¡°When do we start?¡± Will was already nodding along enthusiastically, so Kite instead turned to Serene. She had remained silent throughout this whole conversation, and her controlled exterior made her hard to get a read on, aura revealing even less. ¡°Harmony is one of the most important things in music,¡± she said, answering the unspoken question in Kite¡¯s eyes. ¡°And discord is most certainly not. As long as my goddess agrees with this course of action, then our paths will not diverge anytime soon. If anything, the harmony of our song will need to rise to new heights.¡± Dragonfly cheered at her words, hugging the taller celestine fiercely while exclaiming; ¡°Then let¡¯s get on with this! I can even start singing while I fight if that is what it takes!¡± ¡°Oh, there is no need-¡± ¡°Discord, fear me!¡± Dragonfly shouted, stopping just before exiting the inner sanctum of Knowledge¡¯s temple. ¡°Because I, Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s Reflection, am coming to force harmony upon these lands, one chop of the axe at a time, if need be!¡± 114. Future ¡°Look, there he is! The Pathbreaker!¡± ¡°What¡¯s the deal with all those people over there?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, but he seems to be going over. Let¡¯s check it out.¡± ¡°Still, Pathbreaker? Is he really that big of a deal to deserve to be named?¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t watched the recording yet? The surge is officially declared over, you know?¡± ¡°Hey, I¡¯m busy. Got stuff to do.¡± ¡°But not enough to actually check out a recording of someone who has basically become named for it?¡± ¡°The stuff was important. And Pathbreaker? No way that is a fitting name.¡± ¡°Watch. The. Recording!¡±
Kite felt a mix of emotions as he stood on the plaza of the adventure society up on the Seventh peak, looking at the ten bronze-rankers lined up before him. Their auras varied, most being rather tightly controlled in a stoic show of reluctant acceptance, but only two of Kite¡¯s former opponents met his gaze when he looked at them; the first being Worth Transcending Gold, the disciple wielding powers of bone and armor, and Chalk of Words turned Truth, the rune-casting elf. The rest of those he had defeated during his grand clash, with Kite fighting through challenge after challenge, refused to meet his gaze. ¡°At least they did show up,¡± Kite thought, noting that Soar on Enlightened Wind and one other of the former disciples were the only ones of the survivors failing to show up and pay their ¡®price¡¯. ¡°I did ask for a public confession, didn¡¯t I? But I must admit that I did not think that it would feel so¡­ awkward.¡± The surrounding crowd sure did not make things better, but ¡®public¡¯ had indeed been part of the wording. But with there having been no officiator other than the recorded evidence to witness the event, Kite was a bit surprised that they chose to remember the terms of their clash. Apparently deciding it to be time, the former inner disciple Chalk spoke up, the elf¡¯s voice loud enough for all present to hear. ¡°We, former students of the fallen Descending Star sect, hereby declare our paths inferior to that of Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. We admit that we were part of plans being made to ambush and capture him, using the chaos of the surge to right what some of our numbers perceived as an unforgivable slight to the sect and their personal honors. While our reasons for doing so varied, each of us were still present of our own volition, our honor forever stained. We hereby declare this to be true, as the terms of the challenge demands. And while not part of the terms, we also acknowledge the truth in the name that is being spread as we speak. Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, you will from now on be known as Pathbreaker, your echo still lingering on our paths as we will each seek to cleanse ourselves of the stains left behind by our actions.¡± Then, they all bowed as one, and stayed like that for over thirty seconds. Kite could do little else but stand there, face an impassive mask as he regarded his former foes. As the silence dragged on, he realized that they were probably waiting for him to say something. ¡°I have heard your words, and accept them. With this, I consider our karma severed, and that you being here is already a step for you to purge that which tarnishes your consciences.¡± He spoke the words with as much gravitas that he could muster, causing murmuring to spread among the crowds. ¡°With that, our paths diverge. But should any of you wish to trade pointers in the future, in the way the empress intended and with the heavens as our witness, then come and find me.¡± Kite had tried for the last statements to lighten the mood a bit, but the somber nods he saw among both the former sect students and some onlookers made him think that it might not have been received in exactly the way he had intended. But his words at least led to them finally straightening, and one by one the former sect students started leaving, and the crows started to disperse as well. But both Worth Transcending Gold and Chalk of Words turned Truth stayed behind, having noticed Kite¡¯s attempts at subtle gesturing for them to remain. When the curious onlookers seemed to have gone on with their business, Kite went up to the pair. ¡°May I ask for a moment of your time?¡± he asked, neither of the two seeming to have expected the polite tone. ¡°Of course, Pathbreaker, whatever we can do to assist, we will,¡± Chalk said, with the less eloquent Gold only nodding agreement. ¡°I did mean what I said in that I consider our fell karma to be severed. So please, there is no need for that level of formality,¡± Kite tried, but quickly realized from their looks of discomfort that this would not be so easily resolved. ¡°Karma may be severed, but the weight of guilt is for oneself to bear,¡± Gold replied, his deep voice carrying a smoothness which made Kite somehow think the man to be an excellent singer. ¡°I¡­ see,¡± Kite said, soldiering on. ¡°Nonetheless, I would pose you two questions, possibly a third depending on your answer. Do you mind?¡± Sensing no protests, only a bit of curiosity in their auras, Kite continued. ¡°First off, where did you hear the name? Pathbreaker?¡± Both looked quite surprised at his question, with Chalk being the one who answered. ¡°I¡­ am most surprised that you did not know of this,¡± the elven woman said, looking at her fellow former sect member. ¡°It has been part of the city¡¯s gossip since not long after our clashes and the recordings which started to spread. It is what they call you, and we thought to honor the moniker and formally recognize the name. Not anyone can pit their path against a dozen others and come out victorious, leaving foes broken and defeated while unraveling the very powers that make up the foundation in their climb towards the heavens. I even heard that one of the city lord¡¯s sons has been lauding your name in the highest circles recently. It wouldn¡¯t be too surprising if it spreads beyond the city now that the surge has passed and roads and rivers are opening up, isn¡¯t that right, Gold?¡± At her question at the end, the man only nodded with a grunt. ¡°Fitting,¡± was his terse response. ¡°I¡­ see¡­¡± Kite said, having an idea who said son of the city lord might be. ¡°I spent almost the whole surge outside the city, so I am not in tune with the rumors and gossip. Thank you for shedding some light on this whole situation.¡± His feelings were once more torn, with the slight dread of notoriety warring with the feeling that as far as earned names went, Pathbreaker certainly had a bit of poetic gravitas to it, given how central the path was to local culture. ¡°As for my second question, it is in regards to our clash,¡± he continued, noting both tense up a bit as he turned to Gold. ¡°You confirmed that duty was the reason for you being present that evening. Was that true?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°And I got the same sense from you,¡± Kite continued, turning to Chalk. ¡°But events made it unfeasible for me to confirm. So I would ask; why were you present that night?¡± He did omit the fact that it was Serene who had afterwards told him of her reading a good deal of relief in Chalk¡¯s aura as she had been knocked out of the fight. The woman in question regarded him, even opening up her aura a bit before answering to let Kite gauge the truthfulness of her spirit as she spoke. ¡°I did so out of duty born from debt. Soar on Enlightened Wind came to my aid once when he was still an inner disciple, and he called upon our debt to have me participate.¡± Her words had a clear note of regret, but also determination; Chalk stood by her decision to honor her debts even though the situation in question was unpalatable. Kite took in their words, and also let his aura touch Chalk¡¯s as they spoke. While he was as unobtrusive as he could manage, he still would not let up the opportunity of gauging the truth of her words. Especially as it was important for what might come next. ¡°Then that leads me to my third question. For a bit of context; I have a venture starting up soon, where a pair of experienced adventurers would be invaluable, whether short-term or for a longer time. So my third question is more an offer than a question per se, as I am wondering if the two of you would be interested in a contract?¡±
Spring looked up at the building in front of her, heart beating in her chest. It didn¡¯t look like much more than an ordinary apartment complex, the three-story house probably capable of housing at least six families. It didn¡¯t stand out much from the rest of the buildings in Gilded either; made from sturdy dark wood polished by hand and weather with a slightly curved roof covered in rust-red tiles. The small yard in the midst of the L-shaped structure housed one of Gilded¡¯s golden trees, its foliage resplendent beneath the late summer sky. But one thing stood out as a new addition on the building¡¯s exterior; a wooden plaque fastened on one of the outer walls. It stated ¡®Autumn Wanderers¡¯ guild¡¯ in beautiful calligraphy, and Spring recognized the name from the letter she had received while still in the care of Healer¡¯s church. Looking down at the note still clutched in her hands, stating that she was invited to discuss the opportunity of joining and when to arrive, Spring then looked to a nearby window. The glaring sun above meant that the glass mostly showed a reflection of herself, dressed in the finest clothes she still had left after most of her belongings perished when the sect had been attacked. Spring couldn¡¯t help but think about how she would be received, with her thin frame, delicate features and light brown hair making her look younger than her eighteen years. ¡°I still wish my mother would have let me wear my armor. At least that would have made me look less like a little girl,¡± she inwardly berated herself, but her parents had both been adamant in that she needed to make as good an impression as possible with this new establishment. Spring had only heard of guilds mentioned in passing, often spoken of with derision by sect members as being groups too small and lacking proper heritage and structure to be something worthwhile. But Spring¡¯s parents had thought it to be an opportunity now that their daughter found herself without affiliation, their joy at the invitation only dwarfed by their relief that she had come out of the sect¡¯s fall alive. ¡°Fortune, please let your winds carry me to providence,¡± she thought, straightening her back after the short prayer and marching up to the door. ¡°I am invited, after all, so I need to prove myself worthy of that invitation.¡± Spring knocked at the door while simultaneously expanding her aura to announce herself, and not long after the door was opened. She found a lanky youth staring down at her, at least a head taller than Spring but probably two years younger. He had short-cropped black hair and rather plain features, making him look like the very image of a rural village boy now grown up. And from the way he seemed to be caught up in the moment and still staring at her, Spring assumed that was not far from the truth. She drew herself up and did what she could to look dignified. ¡°I am Second Spring, here by invitation.¡± The youth shook out of his stupor, his blush revealing a row of freckles over his nose which had previously been hidden by his tanned skin. ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± he mumbled, getting out of the way to let Spring enter the hall. Her nose immediately caught the scent of lacquer barely having dried, causing it to twitch slightly. The entry hall, complete with couches, cushions and chairs for anyone waiting, had obviously been refurbished and rebuilt rather recently, and Spring suspected that it had previously been apartments and other living spaces. The insides were overall plain but well made, functional rather than decorative. ¡°Ehm¡­¡± the youth began, trailing off as Spring turned to him. ¡°Well?¡± She asked him, giving him a pointed look and feeling a bit bolder in the face of his fluster. ¡°I- uh- the guild master and the patron are in the ritual chamber. I- uhm- Follow me.¡± Having finally gotten the words out, the young man just went ahead as if not daring to look back at her, Spring following him a bit further into the building. As they entered another room, passing both a set of closed doors and some drapes, she could feel the ambient mana grow more harmonious, the sensation familiar from her time at the sect. The ritual chamber- even if chamber was a bit too generous a term for the simple room - was not overly large, and felt even less spacious as there were already three people in there when Spring and her guide entered. The floor was already occupied by a magical diagram, a young man just finishing the last of the chalk lines. As he had his back turned to her while working, Spring could only see his rather stylish blue robes and the back of his head; his hair being somewhere between black and dark gray. But his bronze-rank aura was what caught Spring¡¯s attention the most, her back instinctively straightening in the presence of a senior. And there was something familiar about him, but she couldn¡¯t quite place it. In the middle of the circle, a middle aged, wiry woman sat, giving Spring a look full of stubborn challenge as she entered, the seated woman cradling the shining cube of an essence in her hands like it was the most precious thing in the world. ¡°Ah, you must be the one Kite invited. Welcome!¡± Spring all but jumped as the gravelly voice spoke up from beside her, the man¡¯s presence having been all but invisible until a moment ago. That was also when she felt the hint of his aura and its silver rank, causing Spring to immediately drop to her knees and press her forehead to the floor. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Initiate Second Spring greets the master!¡± Only a second later did she realize that she had blurted out the traditional greeting from within the sect on pure instinct, and was happy that her bowing position hid her face as it flushed crimson. The silence in the room indicated that all of those present were looking at her, making her redden even further. ¡°Well, I suppose I will have to get used to that,¡± the silver-ranker muttered, amusement in his voice. ¡°But please, Second Spring, rise. We will have little time for bowing and scraping here, should you join us.¡± Spring felt a pair of firm hands grasp her shoulders and help her up, getting a better look at the rugged man who could be nothing less than the guildmaster. He looked to be about thirty, with short dark hair and a thin, neat mustache as well as some stubble covering his cheeks. Whatever he had been before, silver rank had done its work to heighten the rugged handsomeness, and Spring found herself blushing once more. ¡°I am called Brave Walker of Paths, but just master Walker will do,¡± the man introduced himself. ¡°And I¡¯m the guild master of this little establishment. As you can see, we are still getting things set up, but having the three of you here is one of the most important steps for us. What is a guild without members, after all?¡± ¡°Uncle, we are ready to begin now,¡± the man drawing the ritual circle called when master Walker had finished his little introduction, and as he turned around, Spring realized why she recognized him. He looked less imposing without his armor, but she recognized those blue-gold eyes from another place, the echo of panic reverberating in her chest. ¡°It- it¡¯s you!¡± Spring couldn¡¯t help the exclamation, but the young man didn¡¯t seem to mind. ¡°I am indeed me,¡± he said with a chuckle. ¡°It is good to meet you under more pleasant circumstances, Second Spring. I am called Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, but just Kite will do. I won¡¯t have as active a role in this guild as my uncle Walker here, but please consider me a senior brother of sorts.¡± His light demeanor somewhat curtailed another wave of embarrassment in Spring, but she still had trouble meeting the young man¡¯s eyes without flushing again. ¡°Cursed bronze-rankers and their looks,¡± she thought, but did manage to get some more words out. ¡°Then- then I thank senior brother for your help. Back- back at the sect.¡± ¡°And thank you for cooperating back then. Not everyone saw sense that day.¡± His voice hinted at a note of grim determination before lightening up again. ¡°And you being here meant that Healer¡¯s clergy found no issue with your behavior. I left the invitation with them to give you at their discretion.¡± ¡°So it was you? But why-¡± ¡°Hey, could we spare the chatting for later and get this thing done and over with?¡± It was the woman still seated in the ritual circle who had spoken up, her no-nonsense voice easily grabbing the attention. ¡°Ah, yes, sorry auntie Stream,¡± Kite replied with a smile, getting back to putting some spirit coins and reagents in their places around the ritual of awakening. ¡°She sounds a bit like my grandmother,¡± Spring thought, but kept it to herself as she stepped back to join master Walker and the lanky youth standing near one wall. ¡°I- uhm- my name is Welcome Plum Blossom. But everyone just calls me Plum.¡± The awkward introduction came as a half-whisper, Kite already having begun the ritual. Not wanting to disturb the proceedings, Spring only nodded in return. What followed was something Spring was at least familiar with; the woman absorbing three essences and her confluence essence before hastily leaving the room, cursing in ways that made Spring blush even more. ¡°Senior brother, is it my turn now?¡± the youth called Plum asked eagerly, barely containing his disappointment as Kite shook his head. ¡°Sorry, Plum, we have to let the ambient mana of the room stabilize, as we haven¡¯t had time to get the proper formations installed yet. It shouldn¡¯t be more than an hour, so go and grab some lunch for all of us. In the meantime, uncle Walker and I can have a chance to talk some more with our newest prospective member here.¡± While he talked, Kite flicked a couple of coins to the youth who caught them and was through the door a moment later. ¡°I felt that the lad had enough spirit when I met him out in the holdfast. Sure hasn¡¯t disappointed,¡± Walker noted with a wry smile before turning to Spring. ¡°Please come with us, young lady, and we can talk things over and feel things out. While I believe that our guild might be an opportunity for some, it is not for everyone or their paths.¡± Even though she had just been in the building for half an hour, Spring felt like she had been standing around all day once she finally got to sit down in a comfortable recliner, senior brother Kite and the guild master each taking a chair of their own in an adjacent meeting room. Like the rest of the building, the room was furnished but didn¡¯t really feel ¡®lived in¡¯. ¡°So, Kite, mind explaining to the young lady here what we are actually offering?¡± master Walker said, leaning back. ¡°I may be the guild master, but this whole thing was your idea, after all.¡± ¡°Sure, uncle. This young one will ever strive to lighten the load on your old bones.¡± ¡°Such a well-mannered young man we raised, taking care of his elders,¡± Walker chuckled as Kite turned to Spring, who truly did not know how to react to the informal interactions. ¡°Well then, Second Spring, I imagine that you have questions-¡± ¡°Please, just Spring. It would not do for me to call you senior brother while demanding formality in return,¡± she managed to pipe out, still finding her bearings. ¡°Of course, junior sister Spring,¡± Kite corrected. ¡°There are documents for you to go over with all the details, so I will give you the essentials. But first, a question; do you know of my uncle here? Brave Walker of Paths?¡± ¡°Of course, senior brother. Who in these parts have not heard of him?¡± Spring asked, knowing well the pathfinder¡¯s reputation. ¡°Good. Then you know what his presence has done for this region. Maybe even how there might be villages unable to continue existing if it hadn¡¯t been for his tireless journeying. He has even taken on over ninety-seven percent of all courier contracts in the region around Gilded for the last two decades.¡± ¡°So many?¡± master Walker interrupted, an eyebrow raised. ¡°I asked Adelaide to look it up,¡± Kite explained, turning back to Spring. ¡°Even so, he is but one man, even after having ascended to silver rank. And as each year and monster surge shows us, one man, no matter how hard-working, cannot be everywhere. So I thought to see if it wouldn¡¯t be possible for more people like him to operate in this region; essence-users willing to take on such contracts which are otherwise passed up by the warriors of the sects and most outcasts. People who have enough ties to the region to not leave as soon as possible, instead helping it and its people flourish. And as Fortune favored me with a way to happen upon more essences and awakening stones than most, I found myself with the means to make the attempt. And that attempt is this very guild.¡± ¡°So¡­ you want me too? To be a courier?¡± Spring asked him, leaning forward. ¡°Not exclusively,¡± Kite corrected. ¡°But we are looking for people who are willing to travel to the furthest reaches of the region, be it to slay monsters, make crucial deliveries or take commissions of crafting or healing. As the distances are vast, we would need people able to traverse it at speed or at least with some efficiency. And from what little I saw of your path during our¡­ encounter¡­ at the sect, I suspected that you might be a good fit.¡± ¡°Would you care to share your essences with us, young lady?¡± master Walker asked politely, even if his attention still felt rather intense as Spring sat there trying to digest what she had been told. ¡°Oh- of course, master Walker. I- I hope you understand that they are mostly what my family could afford. Unlike many from the sect, we weren¡¯t-¡± Spring began, but fell silent as Walker made a placating gesture to interrupt her. ¡°Please do not sell yourself short, young lady. Take it from someone who has basically been forced to find all my awakening stones out in the wilderness; it is how you use your powers that is important. Actually leaning into your strengths is the hallmark of a good essence-users, not trying to force yourself to become something which you aren¡¯t.¡± Spring sat frozen for a while at his words, stunned. ¡°How does he- Can silver ranker¡¯s read minds? Surely not, but¡­¡± Familiar thoughts shoved into a corner of her mind re-emerged, but Spring forced them away to instead answer the question. ¡°Then¡­ My essences are wind, plant and¡­ squirrel. For the transfiguration confluence.¡± Both men nodded along, with Kite being the one who spoke up. ¡°We suspected as well after seeing you in action. I will warn you that one of my companions has been complaining that she didn¡¯t get a chance to pet your fur. Take care around passionate young women with pink hair,¡± he warned with a wink. ¡°Kite did mention that you had some kind of gliding power?¡± master Walker asked, turning back to the topic at hand. ¡°I- uhm- Yes. I have not awakened many, but my transfigured state allows me greater speed and climbing, as well as gliding. I can make longer jumps with the help of my wind essence, and conjure exploding magical pollen.¡± ¡°Which means that you would find yourself quite at home in, say, great stretches of forest?¡± Walker asked meaningfully. ¡°I¡­ think so?¡± Spring answered. ¡°I did not have time to go on too many contracts, with training and work for the sect taking up much of my time.¡± ¡°Well, I for one think that you should have the makings of a fine scout, much like myself,¡± master Walker said. ¡°But that is just the thoughts of an old man. Do you dream of another path for yourself? One of a warrior? Or scholar?¡± ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know¡­¡± It was the truth, and Spring felt her face heat up once more at the omission. ¡°Then there is no shame in thinking about it,¡± Walker said with an encouraging nod. ¡°And I would also like you to consider joining us, as I believe that you can become just what we are looking for. As you already have all your essences, things are more simple. The guild will receive a small portion of contract rewards, and in return you will have lodging and necessities here in the guildhall, as well as a contribution system where contracts will allow you to save up to your awakening stones in short order. And last, but hopefully not least, tutelage under this old man,¡± he finished, a braggart¡¯s grin on his face. ¡°I will aim to teach all of you what I can. And I have spent more time on the roads, paths and beyond in these regions than anyone else.¡± Spring could only nod along, thoughts still a whirl in her head. ¡°I¡­¡± she began, but faltered. Kite came to her rescue, handing her a rolled up scroll. ¡°Take some time and think about it. The details are in here. But I agree with my uncle in that I think that you could find a future for yourself with us, as long as it is something you want.¡± The rest of the conversation felt like a blur to Spring, the polite goodbyes and her walk home dwarfed by the sense of the future being hazy and unclear. This new path might be an opportunity for her, but did she want to walk it? Was this the future for Second Spring, former initiate of the Descending Star sect?
¡°So, little Kite, what do you think of our prospects?¡± Walker asked as the pair sat up in the little loft they had shared for a few years now, the apartment untouched by the renovations below. Kite finished pouring tea, and mulled the question over for a few seconds while looking out the window. ¡°Both Plum and Stream seem to have taken to things with gusto,¡± he began, looking at the former who was still doing laps around the little yard below, seemingly not being able to get enough of the improved speed that came from having absorbed the foot essence. With what Kite had on hand or was able to easily trade for in the wake of the surge, it had been easy to lean into the youth¡¯s dream of becoming a traveling doctor to honor his late parents. In addition to the foot essence, he had absorbed the swift and plant essences, along with the divine essence of the Healer which Kite had been gifted. The impartment of the divine gift felt right, especially as the essences reliably providing healing powers often being rather expensive and not readily available out in the rural Autumn lands. Sweet Stream, her personality rather at odds with her name, had a different path in mind. Walker had told Kite of her doing her best to work with and maintain the formation of her village, so they had not been surprised when she had asked for something that could help her. The rune essence would have been the most optimal fit, but as it was both rare and expensive, they had to find other alternatives. After consulting Whisper, his former instructor had advised Kite that the Ink essence could achieve similar results if absorbed by the right person and complemented with awakening stones suitable for such endeavors. As Stream also wished for ease in traversing the lands of her home, this had led to her eventually deciding on the rather odd combination of tree, ink and adept, to form the master confluence. Only time would show what she might become a master of, but the stern older woman had seemed satisfied. ¡°I just hope that they won¡¯t come to regret the terms. Agreeing to work with the guild for ten years in exchange for the essences might seem an easy choice now, but what of the future?¡± ¡°Heh, that just shows your privilege, little Kite,¡± Walker chuckled. ¡°What do you think that you would have done, had you not had the inheritance of essences laid out before you when you came of age?¡± ¡°In my defense, I did not know of it until the day the ritual confirmed me to be ready,¡± Kite shot back. ¡°But there is wisdom and perspective in your words, uncle. I would have taken this offer. Any day. Ten years might feel long, but compared to the life of even a bronze-ranker, it is not much.¡± ¡°And besides, I would say that the guild is plenty generous with its contribution rates and training,¡± Walker added. ¡°Which feels important. I do not want those who join to feel like they are stalling out or being used,¡± Kite countered, a bit defensive until he noticed the twinkling eyes of his uncle. ¡°Your aunties sure raised you well, little Kite,¡± the older man chuckled. ¡°You saw something that you could do, something you thought that could change something more to your liking, and you did it.¡± ¡°We have yet to see the results, uncle. This is something done in the long term,¡± Kite said, but still unable to help his satisfied smile at the praise. ¡°What do you think of Second Spring, then? Do you think she will join?¡± ¡°Yes, I think she will. She seemed a bit lost, and the guild is a path forward. And with her already having essences, she won¡¯t be forced to remain either. I think she¡¯ll be back first thing tomorrow morning,¡± Walker said with a confident smile. ¡°Speaking of essences, how many do you have on hand now, Kite? The guild should easily be able to keep at least ten members on the roster in the future, so it is good to know if I should keep my eyes open.¡± At his question, Kite only smiled, in turn causing Walker to chuckle. ¡°Oh, the surge treated you well then?¡± ¡°I would be a liar if I did not agree,¡± Kite said, still smiling. ¡°Who could have known that a familiar able to trigger budding manifestations would reap great benefits when manifestations are so much more common. I will have to buy several new calligraphy books for Sage as thanks for their hard work. But I will admit that it was not without its risks; there was more than one time we had to flee when the wrong kind of silver-ranked monster turned up instead of treasure,¡± he finished, smile turning a bit crooked at the last part. ¡°What did appear stayed true to the magic of the region, with a lot of nature-related ones. But Fortune smiled upon me, with essences of gathering, omen and wing being part of the bounty.¡± Walker whistled slightly at the mention. ¡°My little boy is becoming quite wealthy these days. But with you sharing your bounty like this, I am sure Fortune will approve.¡± ¡°I can only hope so, uncle,¡± Kite agreed, the pair lapsing into companionable silence. Kite once more found his gaze drawn to the window, looking out over the city and the skies beyond. There was a lot for him to do in the upcoming months. Continue to help get the guild started. Taking contracts along with his friends, both ordinary and the ones targeting rogue essence-users specifically given him and his group. Working on his martial techniques. Finding ways to compensate for the weaknesses in his path that the surge had shown him. Spending time with his friends and family. Reflection and meditation about the person he wanted to become. Finding out more about the astral space with the purple sand and the seed below. Getting new equipment from Peony. And finally, on the horizon, the Jade-Sky gate. ¡°So much to do,¡± Kite thought to himself, watching the clouds dance up in the summer sky as he made plans for the future and what he hoped to accomplish. ¡°But fortunately, time and freedom seem to be in ample supply for now. May Fortune see that it continues to be so, because it seems like things might have the potential to become quite complicated if I one day reach silver rank.¡± 115. Of visits and weaknesses ¡°Do not fret, Glint. The aches of farewell is something one must learn to endure, especially if we manage to reach the lofty heights with lives spanning centuries,¡± Kite said, caressing the little carp as she made worried circles around his head. He had always thought of her as pink, but these days she had at least as many shimmering pearlescent scales as the original shade. And as she could sense his emotions through their bond, Kite also knew that she did not buy his attempts to assuage her concerns. ¡°Truly, we always knew that mistress Dew would leave after the monster surge. And she has already put her life on hold for so long, so I imagine that she is anxious to get about doing whatever she has planned.¡± He sensed a flurry of impressions through their links, and couldn¡¯t help but smile a little in response at the little fish¡¯s insistence. ¡°No, I do not think that I could be of much help. She was very clear in that regard when I asked. And no, I don¡¯t think we should try and follow her anyway. She is leaving via portal, and besides, I respect her too much to go against her express wishes. Glint, I am definitely not even remotely strong enough to challenge her and force her to stay.¡± The conversation continued as the pair rode the elevating platform up towards the Seventh peak and the agreed upon meeting spot up at the adventure society campus. The late summer breeze was still pleasant, but Kite knew that it would start to turn chilly soon as it donned the mantle of autumn¡¯s herald. Kite had done his best to assure himself with his words, but his heart still clenched slightly as he saw his teacher standing in one of the more secluded inner courtyards. Others had gathered as well; Will, Grim, Dragonfly and Serene were all part of the circle of people spending time with some idle talk while waiting for the rest to arrive. Kite had almost reached the gate to the courtyard when branch director Jarvan appeared from a nearby door, his greater speed allowing him to quickly fall into step beside Kite. ¡°I would have thought that the deputy director would have been present as well?¡± Kite asked softly, seeing that Jarvan was alone. ¡°Farewells has never been Rupert¡¯s strong suite. Probably why he followed me and Fantina all the way here,¡± Jarvan commented. ¡°Besides, I would have imagined that whatever farewells they had meant for each other would best have been said in private. He is quite smitten with our dear ice queen-¡± he continued, but paused as Dew gave him a meaningful sideways glance from where she stood. Kite did not press the issue, walking the final distance to join the circle of well-wishers. ¡°I believe that this is everyone,¡± Frost among Morning Dew noted. In many ways she looked just like the time when Kite had first met her, silver hair and blue lips complementing her chilly facade. But Kite also thought that the nip of winter was a little subdued when surrounded by the people which she, to his knowledge, had spent the most time around in recent years. ¡°My departure has in some way been long overdue, but I will admit that I have enjoyed this last year more than the rest of my time in the Autumn lands combined,¡± she continued, turning to Kite and his friends. ¡°I did not fancy myself a teacher or mentor to anyone, but I will credit myself for a job well done. While Kite has been the one who I have truly mentored, I will still allow myself to feel a bit of pride at having had a hand in the rest of you as well.¡± ¡°Teacher, I-¡± Kite began, but had to pause as he felt himself almost choke a little when the reality of the situation truly started to settle in. Mistress Dew looked as if she was about to interject, but held herself back to let him say his piece. A steadying breath and the touch of a chilling aura upon his helped Kite regain his composure. As he continued, he cupped his hands and bowed deeply. ¡°Teacher, thank you. To have received your tutelage has left a mark on both me and my path that will never be erased. Even as the seasons change and time passes, I will make sure to honor the time and effort you have spent on me. And know that I have treasured our time together.¡± The words felt inadequate, but it was what came out in the moment. In response, mistress Dew¡¯s blue lips quirked slightly upward in a small smile. ¡°Thank you, student. I will treasure your words, your earnestness clear. But I will urge you to continue making what you have learned into your own, as your path is not mine. And remember that I consider whatever karma remaining between us a bond I wish to keep. Whatever other debts we may have had to one another are, in my eyes, severed through experience shared and a most timely intervention made.¡± ¡°Can- can you tell us anything? Of what you will do? And where you will go?¡± The question was one that had been burning within Kite for a long time. He had known of her plans to leave, but she had always been elusive in regards to the details. Sensing her reticence, he had not pried further during their months of training, but now Kite felt that it was time to ask properly. Dew regarded him for a while, letting her gaze pan over the rest of the silent observers before she spoke. ¡°I suppose that some things might as well be shared, to at least leave a bit of a legacy.¡± As none of those gathered seemed to want to interrupt, she continued. ¡°While there are details either too personal or irrelevant to share, the first thing I wish to leave with you is my origin. I have always been known as Frost among Morning Dew, but what you may not know is that I also held the role of grand elder within the Fated Severance sect.¡± Her words caused a spiritual stir among those gathered, with only Serene and Jarvan keeping their aura entirely controlled. Kite suspected that the former was from her great level of control, while the branch director¡¯s instead stemmed from the fact that he did not seem surprised by the revelation. ¡°Which should in turn be quite unsurprising,¡± Kite inwardly chided himself. ¡°There are not enough silver rankers in these parts of the country for him not to have been able to glean a bit of her background.¡± ¡°I see that most of you are unfamiliar with the sect, which is unsurprising. It is located well south of Convergence, about halfway between Gilded and the capitol, Heavenward. And while my rise within the sect is of little consequence for this story, my departure is. It came just after the previous sect leader announced that she would be making her departure and leaving her position to make the final push towards gold rank. This left me and the other grand elder, my betrothed, as the prime contenders for her position. And you can probably imagine what followed; a tale as old as time. Feelings and promises are in the end but words and fickle notions, while the lure of power is great. While I will not be self-deceptive enough to deny that I too felt its lure, my betrothed was the one who acted. And my singular focus on my path became my downfall, as his words and bargains poisoned the minds of everyone that might have supported me. I found myself without allies, but things didn''t end there. Accusations of crimes against the sect were brought to light. Everyone with eyes should have known them to be false, but politics isn¡¯t about what is true, but what you can make look like the truth. My fate was exile, the verdict being passed by the council of elders without me even getting to raise my blade in challenge.¡± ¡°But- but why come here then?¡± Dragonfly asked, unable to hold her curiosity at bay. ¡°Why not stay and find a way to get back at him?¡± ¡°Oh, I tried in the beginning. But his ascension to sect leader came not long after, and he apparently still saw me as a threat. It is hard for an adventurer to work within a region where all the local sects are unwilling to cooperate with you, sometimes even being outright hostile. And I gave this warning to Kite once, and I will give it again; do not underestimate the sects closer to the heartlands. While they are in many ways the same in structure and mindset, they make up for it through proper heritage and competence.¡± As she explained, mistress Dew made sure to give each of the younger bronze-rankers a proper look, making sure that they had comprehended her words, not continuing her story until she had gotten a nod from each of them. ¡°I thought many times to leave Hua-Xi and never return; to start fresh. But pride and thirst for vengeance would not let me. The Autumn lands became a compromise, being far away enough that I should be able to continue my climb. And as a certain local branch director made sure that the adventure society showed their appreciation to a silver ranker aiming to make her living there for a while, I remained even if the climb towards the heavens was much slower.¡± ¡°That director must have been most impressive in his wisdom and charm,¡± Jarvan nodded in agreement. Dew just ignored his statement, but did turn to him. ¡°I would like to thank you as well, director. While the Autumn lands at times felt like a cage and a punishment, your treatment of me made sure that there was purpose and resources enough for me to stay. Many good things did come of that.¡± ¡°But now you will return south? For vengeance?¡± Jarvan asked, his voice indicating that he already knew the answer. ¡°There is fell karma to be severed,¡± Dew agreed, her demeanor once more frosty. ¡°One that I still, for all my growth, cannot leave behind. After that¡­ We will see.¡± ¡°But teacher¡­ Are you sure? Is it really necessary? Isn¡¯t there another life to find for yourself?¡± Kite couldn¡¯t help himself, he had to ask. Seeing her don the frosty exterior of the ice queen tore at his heart, as he had also seen many hints of genuine happiness and purpose in his teacher over the years he had known her. While he knew it wasn¡¯t his place, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit discarded. But the mask of frost was still in place as Frost among Morning Dew answered him. ¡°Yes, student. To me, it is. And to us, this is farewell. At least for now, as I hope to see you again. But this has to be done, for my heart and my path. Practice diligently, fight for your path and pray to the gods that you will not find yourself walking down one akin to mine.¡± Turning to Grim, Dew nodded. ¡°Grim Snowfall, if you¡¯d please?¡± ¡°Of course, mistress. The city lord sends his regards for what you have done for the region,¡± Grim said, bowing with respect. As the portal archway rose, Dew turned to look at those gathered once more, holding Kite¡¯s gaze for just a bit longer than the rest. Then she stepped through, her chilly aura disappearing when passing through the portal. As the glass archway started disintegrating, it left a crowd of silent onlookers. Kite turned to Jarvan, who was the only one who still looked mostly fine with the development, his usual satisfied smile playing over his lips. ¡°Director, isn¡¯t there anything else we can do?¡± he asked, feeling powerless. While it had only been in the broadest of strokes, hearing of his teacher¡¯s path only made Kite worry more of what was, in all probability, a very uncertain future. ¡°Kite, when it comes to your life choices as an essence-user, there are certain things that need to be done. Doubly so when reaching the end of silver rank, but that is not something which you need to concern yourself with at this moment.¡± Jarvan looked to where the portal had stood, chuckling. ¡°Dew is a resourceful, dangerous woman. And she is anything but stupid. When she makes her move, it will be one that she believes can be successful.¡± ¡°But-¡± ¡°But I will tell you that I couldn¡¯t very well just do nothing, not after how much easier she has made managing this branch during her stay. Call it karma or just decency. But Dew deserves something as a show of gratitude. So I provided.¡± ¡°Then would the great and benevolent director mind telling the rest of us of his great deed?¡± Kite asked, voice heavy with exasperated sarcasm. Jarvan regarded Kite for a little while, then smiled and nodded. ¡°I suppose it would not hurt if it gives you some peace of mind, but it might be best if the information did not leave this gathering. ¡°Of course it will not. Or do you wish for an oath as well?¡± Kite retorted, but him and the rest nodding in acquiescence did seem to be enough for Jarvan. ¡°No, your understanding will do,¡± he said, his confident grin returning as he clearly enjoyed keeping Kite and his friends on the proverbial hook. ¡°I did one last favor for Frost among Morning Dew. I approved a leave of absence.¡±
As Kite made his way up towards the townhouse, he couldn¡¯t help but smile and shake his head in resignation at the blue paper kite which proudly flew above it, swaying gently in the wind coming in from the ocean. Kite¡¯s Aegis was apparently still a common symbol in Bastion even after the surge, which the city seemed to have weathered without much trouble, even if news of four silver-ranked tentaclids having wrecked part of the harbor was still spoken of as part of the local gossip. The house belonging to Peony and her family fortunately looked unscathed, having been far enough from the waterfront to avoid becoming collateral damage, and Kite did not hesitate as he stepped up and knocked the door while flaring his aura to announce himself to the house''s occupants. It took a good minute, but he eventually felt a familiar bronze-ranked aura make its way through the house, excitement clear. ¡°Kite!¡± Peony¡¯s exclamation began even before she had started to slide open the wooden doors, her look of delight at his arrival causing him to grin back in turn. ¡°Greetings, Peony. It looks like you have weathered the surge in good health.¡± ¡°Oh, Kite, it has been great. The surge brought a, pun intended, surge of business to us. Quintessence and material are always the cheapest now, so I have been stocking up-¡± she began, but then a light seemed to flare to life in her eyes, and Kite couldn¡¯t help but feel like she suddenly looked at him like a piece of treasure having conveniently fallen from the heavens. ¡°Kite- the surge- you- materials-¡± Her words became almost incoherent as she dragged him into the house and toward her workshop, Kite letting himself be dragged along. ¡°Better to have her get it out of her system,¡± he thought, amused at the crafters unbridled enthusiasm at her realization; Kite facing hordes of monsters meant that his special kind of looting power had been working overtime. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. As they entered Peony¡¯s workspace, Kite couldn¡¯t help but notice the difference. ¡°You have expanded?¡± he asked, finding it hard to miss that the room was now almost double the size, with an additional workbench, plenty of storage and more tools. ¡°Oh?¡± Peony asked before waving it away. ¡°Yes, we made sure to prepare. Business has been good, but a crafter always needs raw materials. Lots and lots of it. You wouldn¡¯t happen to know where this hardworking craftswoman might find a great pile of enchanted equipment?¡± Kite tried keeping his neutral facade, but Peony¡¯s pleading eyes were merciless. ¡°I might have begun filling a dimensional satchel marked ¡®For Peony¡¯- ,¡± he admitted, holding up said dimensional pouch. Peony¡¯s eyes had instantly locked onto it, causing her to almost miss the words that followed. ¡°- but it was filled up, so I had to purchase two more.¡± Another two pouches joined the first, Peony blinking in surprise before greed once more overtook her. She all but lunged for them, but was halted in her tracks as Kite also produced a sheet of paper which he held up to her face. ¡°The surge has also given me plenty of opportunity to revise weaknesses and gaps in my path. Ones that I have several ideas of how to alleviate,¡± he said with a smirk, bobbing the list in his hands up and down to indicate where said ideas were written down. To her credit, Peony managed to reel herself in enough to only cast a final, longing look at the bags before instead taking the piece of paper to go over it. As she did, her eyebrows scrunched slightly, expressions of concern transitioning to nods before further morphing to cocking her head to the side in question. ¡°This¡­¡± she began, looking at Kite. ¡°You have been thorough. But Kite, this will be quite the challenge.¡± ¡°A challenge worthy of my favorite craftswoman and business partner?¡± Kite asked, an eyebrow raised. ¡°Oh yes. Yes indeed. You are not the only one who has worked hard in improving lately. Some of your ideas are concepts I have not tried melding before. But how could I walk my path proudly if I shied back from such a challenge?¡± ¡°I had hoped that would be the case,¡± Kite said, showing further mercy as he plonked the three dimensional pouches down on the nearest workbench. ¡°Want to go through it all and see what we can find? As long as you prioritize my commissions, the rest is yours for the usual rates.¡± ¡°Oh Kite, you sure know how to please a woman!¡± Peony all but squealed in delight, missing Kite¡¯s wince at her choice of words as she had already started digging into the three pouches, bringing out a small arsenal of mostly weapons and armor, but a few other types of equipment present as well. ¡°I¡­ would have phrased it differently, lest your dear husband might become worried again,¡± Kite said. ¡°Speaking of husbands, where is Sun? I haven¡¯t felt his aura nearby.¡± ¡°Oh, he¡¯s out hunting along with Bloom. There is still plenty of cleanup to do after the surge, and as the young masters and mistresses are starting to return to their life of political intrigue and small trade war, this leaves plenty of the more simple bronze and iron-ranked monsters around which the highborn consider beneath their attention. I have been out alongside Sun a lot, but with all the materials gained recently we realized that we would earn more with me staying to actually craft things.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that the two of you and Bloom seem to be getting along,¡± Kite said as he started to help sorting equipment into different piles. ¡°Do you want shields with armor or weapons?¡± ¡°Put them with the weapons, please,¡± Peony said, looking closer at a rapier seemingly made from bone. ¡°And as for Bloom, things have worked out splendidly. Sun had some gripes in the beginning, but he handled it a lot better than when we first met you. This time, I think he had to wrestle a bit with once more getting shown up by someone younger. But it has been good for him. Bloom can get a little high-strung at times, but as long as you make sure to invite Felicity along at times he becomes the sweetest thing,¡± she finished, with a giggle. ¡°Ah, young love.¡± ¡°Once Sun hits bronze rank, I believe that he can calm down a bit. If he served during the surge, he should be close, no?¡± ¡°Oh, he is. Which frustrates him a lot, I think. We took your advice and splurged on the last stones just after you left. But he can show off later, because we need to get to cataloging. Eyes on the prize, Kite. If we are going to get you something along the lines you are hoping for, we need to decide quickly so I can get the materials before the market starts going back to normal.¡±
Kite looked down at the book laid out before him on the desk, still trying to take in what he was looking at. ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t believe you actually found it. Look, Sage. It¡¯s you. Or at least something like you.¡± The pages which lay open displayed a sketch of a being which was definitely the same as Sage, albeit with different kinds of symbols making out the ¡®body¡¯ of the alien entity. The name ¡®Astral Gatherer¡¯ was displayed prominently on the top of the page, with cataloged information covering the spaces left around the illustrations. Beside Kite, Brook straightened proudly. ¡°It took a bit longer than expected, with the surge and all, but I finally managed to have a few books delivered from another branch. I had a feeling that I might find Sage in one of them. Its kind is really quite fascinating.¡± ¡°Still Brook in Blooming, you are a marvel,¡± Kite said, bowing. ¡°This humble vagabond bows before the resourcefulness of the fair sage.¡± While he spoke, the astral gatherer had floated up to look at the book as well. ¡°Lacking Artistry Displeasing¡± With those statements, it instead quickly returned to the other book laying open nearby, seemingly drawn in by the calligraphy displayed therein. ¡°The book does say that individual astral gatherers who remain for long within physical reality tend to find their own favorite subjects and phenomenon, so that does explain its fascination with calligraphy,¡± Brook said, giggling at the hypnotized familiar. ¡°What more does it say then?¡± Kite asked, leaning in to read aloud. ¡°The astral gatherer is a creature from beyond physical reality, sprung from the realms of the Celestial Book. They act as servitors, continuously cataloging and categorizing different physical realities and all their nuances as well as constantly retrieving samples of a reality¡¯s magic. While rare, some take on familiar bonds to study said realities up close, although this might lead to more idiosyncratic behavior the longer they stay within said physical reality. While not mainly a being of conflict, the astral gatherers studied as familiars have displayed the ability to use the gathered fragments of magic to different effects, allowing them to help bonded researchers with some manner of support or self-defense. Their subsumed ability is one of the more unique aspects of their kind when in a physical reality, allowing them to nudge budding magical manifestations into being by channeling their bonded essence-user¡¯s mana. It is greatly advised for any researchers utilizing this to assure that proper escort is present, as monsters tend to be the usual result. Theories as to why the creature is able to do this varies, but the most agreed-upon hypothesis is that it allows the astral gather to create more possibilities of study. The acclaimed scholar Erudite Ruby Bonsai has published several-¡± What followed was more specific examples of people having agreed to share some specifics of their astral gatherer familiars, and Kite resolved to give it a thorough read at a later date. ¡°So, an astral gatherer,¡± he said, looking at Sage still consumed by calligraphy. Nudge, Brook¡¯s kinetic finch familiar, was kindly using its telekinetic powers to help Sage turn the pages. ¡°It does explain why it is so¡­ weird. I know next to nothing of the astral beyond our world, but I imagine that it is a realm hard to comprehend.¡± ¡°Few know much more, especially at our rank,¡± Brook added. ¡°Astral magic simply isn¡¯t a popular field of study, not with so much still unknown about our own world and its magic. So much potential, so many things to explore,¡± she finished, with a look of longing at all the books and tomes around them. Kite still had trouble coming to grips with the fact that the library of Bastion¡¯s magic society was considered small. ¡°Do you have dreams of research of your own?¡± he asked, looking at his friend and once-lover. ¡°Oh, no- well, maybe someday, but I still have so far to go. But the head librarian does seem to think that I may have the potential, especially now that I am a full essence-user,¡± Brook said while she blushed modestly at the question. She looked at the familiars gathered nearby; Sage reading the book assisted by Nudge and Glint doing her utmost to coax Scripture, Brook¡¯s rune heron familiar, into showing more of her colorful runes. ¡°But if I had to pick something, I would choose to study familiars. They are so wonderful in so many ways, and I can¡¯t help but feel humbled that they choose to remain with me. But my mother spoiling them rotten might help,¡± she added with a wry smile. ¡°Well, if the words of this vagabond means anything, then I find it a dream worth pursuing,¡± Kite said, once more adopting their now oft-used jargon. ¡°Just be careful, too. I have heard that the magic society isn¡¯t without its own troubles and rivalries.¡± ¡°The sage will deign to listen to the words of the vagabond, as she knows that she is but a frog in the well compared to his worldly travels,¡± Brook said while turning her nose up in a show of theatrics. ¡°It might be so,¡± Kite agreed, ¡°but this humble one also notes something else; the frog may in fact be dreaming about the skies and what lies beyond.¡±
¡°Do you wish for anything else, young master?¡± ¡°No, this is fine. You may leave.¡± Relentless Storm Hiding Beautiful Vistas gave a wave of dismissal to the servant, who bowed and left the small stone gazebo where the young master of the Relentless family entertained his guest. ¡°It would seem that the surge has treated you quite well, Vista,¡± Kite noted once the servant had left earshot. The aura of the young master was brimming with power, probably several steps closer to silver rank than Kite was at the moment. ¡°Oh I would be a liar if I did not agree,¡± the swordsman said with a confident smile. ¡°It was every bit the trial I imagined, Kite, and I will admit that the egoist in me is sad to see it end. ¡°With Kinthara there to occupy potential silver-ranked beasts while I hit my stride, several of the loftier beasts fell to my blades. Now there is only the matter of keeping up the momentum, and I should be able to step into silver rank within the year.¡± The leonid woman who still acted as Vista¡¯s bodyguard stood not far away, stoically ignoring their conversation even though Kite could see a slight twitching in her ear as her name was mentioned. ¡°The Whirlwind Warrior is ambitious indeed. May the heavens quiver as you draw ever closer,¡± Kite said in praise. ¡°Anything else interesting to tell me about developments here in Bastion?¡± ¡°Not unless you are deeply invested in local economic warfare,¡± Vista sighed. ¡°Things did blessedly calm down during the surge, but now that it is winding down there are plenty of flooded markets to fight over. Father and the elders are constantly wrestling both other prominent families and the up and coming merchants. But at least he has honored his agreement with you so far.¡± ¡°It does sound like a reason to mostly be out of the city,¡± Kite agreed, glad that he had not chosen the path of a merchant for himself. ¡°But what about you, then? Your return was very welcome, if a bit sooner than expected,¡± Vista asked, leaning back as he sipped his tea. ¡°Are you here to stay this time?¡± ¡°Not quite, I¡¯m afraid. The surge around Gilded was quite eventful, and taught me a lot. For one, I felt that a trip here was needed for Peony to start on some new equipment to shore up my weaknesses,¡± Kite said, proceeding to tell Vista a bit about how he had spent his first monster surge, along with the conspiring sect students and the strike against the Descending Star sect. ¡°So, you are the Pathbreaker? I truly should have figured, but the rumors are very vague here so far.¡± Vista looked both amused and surprised, causing Kite to flush a bit with consternation. ¡°What? Has that name reached Bastion too?¡± ¡°Do not act so surprised! Surely something as significant as the fall of another sect will cause the information to flow, and a bronze-ranker being named is something of which everyone loves to gossip. Were there really thirty of them?¡± ¡°Oh sweet heavens,¡± Kite sighed. ¡°No, they were thirteen.¡± ¡°Still, thirteen,¡± Vista said appreciatively. ¡°Tell me everything! Did you use the techniques we developed together with the Gellers? Were-¡± ¡°It¡­ might be easier to just show you,¡± Kite sighed, producing a recording crystal. This was a copy of the one Serene had used to record the whole process of his grand clash, with the addition of the disciples¡¯ gathering beforehand. Vista quickly led Kite to a room with a projector, and what Kite had imagined to be a quick visit to consult the young master on other matters became much more lengthy, with the pair being served dinner while still going through the series of bouts Kite had fought through. Unsurprisingly, Vista had a lot of comments about the different clashes, ever interested in anything martial. Some of his opinions were a bit too derisive for Kite¡¯s taste, but Kite had received several good pointers when everything was said and done. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me changing the topic,¡± Kite eventually ventured once the young master seemed to be content with the discussion, ¡°I also came here looking for advice on another matter. Regarding the astral space and the surrounding lands.¡± ¡°Ah, I see. A surge is a good time to gather funds, if you still mean to acquire the land,¡± Vista said knowingly. ¡°I do, yes. At least once I reach silver rank, heaven¡¯s be willing. But as I have no experience with the amount of funds needed, I thought to share my progress.¡± Kite knew that he had a decent amount of money by the standards of a bronze-ranker who did not come from a family of great means, and both the contract of acting as Vista¡¯s entourage, the search for rogue essence-users and the contract to assault the Descending Star sect had all paid handsomely, and that was before even adding the surprise Kite had received when visiting Peony. As their business partner, Kite knew that he would received a part of the crafter¡¯s earnings while their partnership lasted, and from the hefty sum that they had stashed away for him, they had indeed done well for themselves in his absence, with more to come now that Kite had dropped off even more materials for Peony to work with. But Kite also knew that those from established families such as Vista were on a completely different level when it came to wealth. Vista took the list Kite offered, going over the funds. He remained silent for a while, looking to be thinking things through. ¡°So? How far do you think I have to go?¡± Kite eventually asked as the need to hear the verdict overcame his patience. ¡°Hmm? Oh, sorry. I was caught up in reflecting on different walks of life and the resources available,¡± Vista said, handing back the list. ¡°As long as we don¡¯t give the city lady and the government too many reasons to suspect that there might be more to the astral space, you should be well over the funds needed already. But waiting until silver rank is probably best, as the city will no doubt welcome a silver-ranked adventurer making himself a residence in the area. Add our assistance to that, and I foresee no problems.¡± While Kite felt relieved, his eyes still thinned as he couldn¡¯t help himself asking; ¡°Wait, was all that time spent thinking just you pondering on how much more money you and your family have than me?¡±
As before, the great seed before him easily drank in all the mana offered through Sage¡¯s power. Outwardly, it had not shifted in the slightest where it remained lodged within the pillar of purple sandstone. But Kite could feel the minuscule shift from inside it, confirming that it was still absorbing mana and gradually coming closer to being satiated. ¡°I wonder what will happen. And what you even are,¡± he pondered aloud, the inanimate seed unsurprisingly unresponsive. His decision to take a trip down to Bastion before going off on contracts with Dragonfly, Will and Serene still felt like the right one. A few days spent planning and going through materials left Peony very optimistic about being able to make something along the lines of Kite¡¯s hopes, and it had been nice to see Brook and Vista again too. Visiting the seed and the astral space had perhaps not been necessary, but Kite still felt that he might as well keep himself busy while Peony worked, and there had been the standard contract available to make a sweep through the astral space anyway. ¡°There will be quite some time until I¡¯ll take the time off to visit you again, after all,¡± Kite said to the still unresponsive seed. ¡°But I still can¡¯t help but feel excited at what lies ahead. Even if it requires time, pain, patience and hard work. But I will get back to you, and hopefully I will be ready to see what secrets you hold. Once you are ready to show them to the world, that is.¡± 116. That it is Peony¡¯s mind felt like it wanted to emulate the scattered, flitting fragments that constantly swirled around within a contained sphere over her workbench; to just let itself disintegrate and become one with the environment rather than the strict control she was now imposing on it with her will channeled through her essence power. While containing the small storm of splinters was one thing, Peony was currently trying to gently guide it towards a core of crackling static, small fulminations constantly arcing towards the slowly approaching shards. There was a strict equilibrium that needed to be maintained in what felt like forcing the opposing ends of a magnet together. The swirling multitude, parts but yet a whole had to meet and constrain the destruction while also melding into a new whole. ¡°To be a lofty silver-ranker, beyond these responses of the body,¡± she idly thought, wiping away some of the sweat drenching her forehead with one hand while constantly feeding the melding with a steady flow of sand, lightning and storm quintessence, with a piece of much more expensive unity quintessence interspersed here and there to help stabilize the process. The last hour had felt like days, but Peony pressed on, channeling a meditative technique which she had been taught by a hired local teacher, steadying her mind enough for the final push. There was a moment when it felt impossible, the shards swirling so closely around the crackling core that she could barely see the glow within. But Peony had an ace up her sleeve for just this moment. ¡°Harmonious conceptual synchronization!¡± A huge stream of mana left Peony, infusing the whole creation. None of the concepts or different types of magic within lost their potency, but it was as if they started humming in concert for the first time since Peony began the process. It would not last for long, but the essence power awakened by the expensive awakening stone of harmony had proved its worth repeatedly since acquiring it. With a final surge of will and mana, there was a flash. And then there was unity. Peony almost fell off her chair from the sudden disappearance of the magical resistance, but couldn¡¯t help the wide grin as she looked down at the core of her latest creation. While there were still things left to do, she felt confident; this creation was one of her best ones yet.
¡°-but lady Geller¡¯s advice certainly turned out to be worth heeding. That stone of gathering has paid for itself several times through pure convenience alone-¡± Sun¡¯s words were interrupted by an aura flaring in triumph, both he and Kite freezing to look towards Peony¡¯s workshop, cups of tea still in hand. ¡°Was that Peony? Is she alright?¡± Sun asked, not having been able to glean much more than the force of the outburst from the higher-ranked aura¡¯s brief expansion. ¡°Oh, more than alright, I believe,¡± Kite said placatingly, and was proven right just a few seconds later as Peony came charging out of her workshop. More than one strand of magenta hair had escaped her long braid, further adding to the slightly maniacal look of her triumphant grin. The bronzer ranker looked more like she had just finished a drawn out battle, sweat staining her robe and her aura slightly unsteady. Unsteady, but triumphant. ¡°I did it. Kite, it worked! I¡¯m amazing!¡± Even during her outburst, Peony marched straight up to her husband and gave him a forceful kiss, leaving Sun dazed but happy-looking. ¡°So, I take it that it is done?¡± Kite asked, smiling at the display of affection. ¡°Oh, it is. I would even like to call it my greatest work yet,¡± Peony bragged while puffing out her chest. ¡°Then please, dear wife, show us! Do not keep us in suspense!¡± Sun playfully chided, which led to him being kissed again before Peony dragged them both off to her workshop. ¡°It still needs some polishing and I am not done with the decorations,¡± she explained as they entered the neat area where she worked. Whatever she had been grappling with during the crafting process, it had not left much of a mark on the environment. ¡°But it worked, Kite! I managed to merge them! The storm is now contained, but ready to be unleashed without breaking off from the whole!¡± Both men looked to where she was indicating, finding the latest creation of Bastion¡¯s up-and-coming crafter waiting for them. It was a meteor hammer, essentially a long chain with a heavy weight on top. In this case, the head of the weapon was round with slight ridges evenly spaced over its surface. It wasn¡¯t a fancy weapon and wouldn¡¯t be even after the decorations which Peony had planned, but both Kite and Sun could feel the shuddering power of the magic within. ¡°What did Rachel call it? A mana-sink?¡± Peony asked Kite, who nodded. ¡°Yes. Something which to pour great amounts of mana into for an instant, potent effect.¡± ¡°Then I hope this will prove itself worthy of bearing the title.¡± ¡°It looks like a marvelous piece of work, love,¡± Sun praised, giving his wife a sideways hug. ¡°What have you named it?¡± Kite asked, picking up the weapon and letting it gently sway back and forth to get a feel for the substantial weight of the head. ¡°Fulminating Sirocco,¡± Peony answered, apparently already having given it some thought. ¡°Sirocco?¡± Kite asked, the word unfamiliar. ¡°I¡­ may have had Brook help me look up fitting words,¡± Peony admitted. ¡°Apparently, it is a powerful gold-ranked kind of sand elemental with a wind affinity, creating a kind of living sandstorm. It felt appropriate, even if this is nowhere near the real thing. But just you wait; if I can reach gold rank, then we¡¯ll see about making something truly worthy of the name!¡± ¡°Can we have a demonstration of your creation, then?¡± Sun asked. ¡°This sounds like something which I¡¯d like to see. The other two as well.¡± ¡°Not yet!¡± Peony protested, retrieving the weapon from Kite¡¯s hands. ¡°I need to finish the final touches. But I want to see it too. Why don¡¯t the two of you go make yourself useful and find some suitable contracts for us? Surely there are still enough low-ranked, numerous monsters left stalking the wilds after the surge that needs cleaning up?¡±
¡°That should be the last of it,¡± Force of Raging Torrent said, walking down the inner stair of the house which she had called her home for the last two decades. Dragonfly stood waiting down in the foyer in front of the sliding doors leading outside, and no one who saw her would have mistaken her mood for anything but sadness. Force walked up to her student, remaining silent as she knew Dragonfly quite well after the many years spent together. ¡°Do¡­ do you really have to go?¡± the younger woman eventually asked, her usual fires of passion thoroughly doused by the reality that yet another silver-ranker was leaving Gilded. Her silver-ranker. ¡°You know that I do,¡± Force said gently. ¡°And you know that you are welcome to follow me. But we also both know that you will not. And while a farewell hurts, Dragonfly, they can also be good things. You are an adult now; a bronze-ranker carving her own path. If all goes well, you might even find yourself catching up to me sooner rather than later.¡± Dragonfly didn¡¯t answer, just standing there with eyes downcast. But her aura was like an open book to Force, who knew that it was time for the next step of the little dance they had often repeated over the years. She stepped in and wrapped the shorter woman in a hug. But unlike most other times, she also spoke. ¡°While I am quite lacking in the department of motherly care, you are living proof that I am a decent teacher. I am sorry, Dragonfly, for all the years spent waiting for me to return from contracts. And for me dragging you along across the whole Autumn lands to further advance my path. It is not the childhood you deserved, but it was what I could offer. But know that I am not sorry that I took you in, or what I have taught you. And I am not sorry for all the time I have spent alongside you. And I am proud of you and what you have become. That little girl of nine years who swore to end all monsters might just become reality.¡± She could feel Dragonfly shaking a bit with quiet sobs, but they soon subsided. As the younger woman turned her face to look up at her teacher, her eyes were puffy from crying but also determined. ¡°I- I won¡¯t just catch up to you. I¡¯ll surpass you, master. Just you wait,¡± she said, eyes softening as new tears threatened to well forth. ¡°And¡­ thank you. For allowing me to follow in your wake.¡± The pair stayed like that for a little while longer, before Force eventually extracted herself from the embrace. ¡°Until we meet again, student. May your path take you to the heavens and beyond.¡± And with that, the second silver-ranker left Gilded, in pursuit of power and to continue her climb towards the heavens. In her wake was left a student now having to forge her own path in full. And an empty house, now belonging to said student. Dragonfly did not know how long she stood and looked out towards where her master¡¯s back had last been seen before she disappeared from view, but she eventually turned around to look at the house; a modest two-story affair more than five times the size of her own little cottage. Force had left her almost everything, taking only what personal belongings that she had not already been carrying. She slapped herself lightly across both cheeks, trying to bring some fire back into her spirit. ¡°Alright, Dragonfly,¡± she spoke aloud. ¡°Time to get to work. And to figure out what to do with all this space.¡±
¡°There sure are a lot of them,¡± Sun said with some concern as he looked out over what once had been a big hill where the forests south of Bastion started to gradually shift more towards green grass plains and rolling hills. The rise was now thoroughly dug through, with tunnels covering its surface at irregular intervals, along with its occupants. What had once been a hill was now a nest for fleshdrinker ants. They were insect-like monsters which looked like oblong versions of their miniscule cousins. But one difference made them so much more unsettling; their exterior. Instead of the dull exoskeleton one might expect, the fleshdrinker ants had only soft, pale skin covering both bulbous bodies and thin legs. The squishy-looking heads had several pairs of eyes and a pair of wicked mandibles flanking a round mouth filled with lamprey¡¯s teeth. As far as bronze-ranked monsters went, they were far on the weaker side as individuals, but compensated through the usual way; numbers. But along with their swarming tendencies came the fact that the ants devoured flesh of all kinds to make their nests and propagate, with a well-established nest able to birth new cycles of the monsters even as the older specimens started going berserk and left the nest in search of something on which to take out their final death-throes. ¡°I can see dozens even from here,¡± Peony agreed. ¡°While I trust my equipment, are you sure that this is really the best time to try out something new?¡± ¡°I have faith, both in their make and in my path,¡± Kite said. ¡°This is something which I have to overcome, as the monster surge has only driven home to me that enemies in greater numbers are one of my biggest weaknesses. ¡°But will equipment alone be enough for such a task?¡± Sun asked, apparently feeling skeptical in the face of the swarm ahead. ¡°While equipment can help me bridge the gap, I will still need to make sure that my path is tempered alongside my growing arsenal to make that bridge hold firm. All my teachers have counseled against forming crutches, so I¡¯d be a fool not to heed them,¡± Kite said before looking at the fourth essence-user present. ¡°But being consumed by pride is another thing I wish to avoid, which is why I was happy to hear that my dear junior brother Bloom wanted to come with us and guard my back.¡± A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Brilliant Bloom had just reached bronze-rank before Kite left, and like Kite he had used the surge to burst through the early stages of the rank. The former young master looked quite stylish these days, still favoring the yellows and gold of his former sect. Bronze-rank had made his more youthful features harden into a mix of handsome beauty, Bloom¡¯s sharp features lending themselves well to being the center of attention. His familiar, Glitz, sat like a shimmering adornment in his black hair, her golden luster matching the robes he wore beneath his light metal armor. ¡°I need to show senior brother how much I have grown, after all,¡± Bloom said while tossing his head slightly to make his hair fall into its proper place. With the ascension to bronze rank, Kite could not as easily read the younger man¡¯s aura, but he still thought he sensed eagerness and nervousness both. ¡°I am sure that-¡± Kite began, but was interrupted by a thin stream of water hitting his face. ¡°Oh, I am terribly sorry, little beauty. I didn''t mean to forget about you. I always trust you to guard my back,¡± he said in an attempt to placate the little carp who was still giving him a withering look. One treat and a mollified fish later, the two young men and their familiars were making their way towards the hill. ¡°Remember the plan?¡± Kite asked. ¡°Who do you take me for? Of course I remember.¡± Bloom retorted ¡°My apologies, younger brother. I just wanted to make sure that there were no more accidental uses of your most powerful attack right as we begin.¡± ¡°I- It-¡± Bloom spluttered, but whatever retort he was preparing died in his throat. Both men sharpened up as they felt the gathered auras ahead surge when the swarm noticed the intruders. Sage at his back and Glint floating in the air above, Kite strode forward even as the hill in front of him started boiling with activity, the fleshy insectoids emerging to seize their perceived prey. Bloom remained behind, motes of glittering golden dust starting to spread from him, with his familiar helping to expand the density of the billowing cloud. Kite did not have to go far before the vanguard of the ants was upon him. Two of the ten shot ahead, flexing their thin legs to launch themselves towards him with open mandibles. While his best choice would normally have been to conjure walls to corral the approaching monsters, Bloom acting as backup allowed Kite to dedicate this fight to trying out the shiny new additions to his arsenal, all of them made during the past two weeks. That was why the pair of leaping ants weren¡¯t met by a swing of Immutable Echo or a slash from Carmine Sunrise, but something new. As the pair approached, Kite had already reached back, picking one of his latest additions from his void sheath and swung it in a sweeping arc.
WWJS: [Item] Eternal Quartz Sword Bronze rank - rare [Effect] Pay a cost of low mana to have the blade shatter upon impact, sending a burst of crystalline shards outwards in a wide cone. Both the impact and the subsequent burst has their kinetic force increased, further increasing knockback. Cooldown: 3s
While technically a sword, cleaver might be a more apt description of the weapon which Kite currently swung towards his opponent. The blade was wide with a single edge which curved slightly inward. It had no sharp point up top, the end of the weapon being a straight, blunt line. The whole thing seemed to be made of an opaque kind of crystal which looked close to ordinary quartz, but was otherwise completely polished smooth. Its solid construction made it good for sweeping and chopping strikes, but it was the enchantment that had made Kite commission the weapon from Peony. The heavy swing connected with the head of the closet leaping fleshdrinker ant, and Kite channeled some mana into the weapon. A loud crack followed and his arm jolted slightly as the blade shattered into a burst of jagged shards, catching both his target and two of its kin. Even though they had a mass close to that of a person, all three were flung backwards and left staggering with bleeding wounds, robbed of their momentum. Peony had tried to keep the enchantment simple, the weapon¡¯s singular focus meaning that the cost could be kept low while still maintaining a solid effect. While the blade of the weapon would rapidly regrow, it would still be a few seconds. For anyone without an ability to deftly swap weapons, Eternal Quartz would be quite awkward to use. But Kite just let it disappear back into his void sheath in favor of Carmine Sunrise, delivering a projected slash powered by Void-Sunders-Firmament to further put the three on the back foot. And this was needed, because the rest of the monsters were already moving to flank him, making it time to test out the next commissioned piece. Three other ant-monsters made their move, attempting a unified attack on Kite¡¯s left flank, only to find their mandibles suddenly stopped by a hard barrier of glass.
WWJS: [Item] Heavenglass Protector Shield Bronze rank - epic [Effect] Greatly increased durability and self-repair. [Effect] Increases the effect of barriers employed by the wielder [Effect] For a low to moderate ongoing mana cost, conjure a magical glass barrier of adjustable size. Cost changes according to the size of the barrier. The barrier is projected out from the shield, and will follow the shield¡¯s movements. The barrier is of physical nature, susceptible to resonating force damage instead of disruptive force damage.
Even as he swung to further hamper his first aggressors, a shield had appeared on Kite¡¯s left arm to ward off the new arrivals. It was rectangular and made from a framework of blue metal which spread outwards from its center like a stylized sun. Between the metal ¡®rays¡¯ was reinforced magical glass, mostly transparent, and the glass emitted a soft glow as Kite channeled mana into the shield to project the barrier of its enchantments; a larger rectangular barrier which hovered around thirty centimeters from the shield¡¯s surface. It followed his movements, and Kite could also feel the somewhat muted impacts of the ants as they collided with its surface, miniscule cracks spreading from their point of impact. More of the beasts were closing in on his other flanks and the three in front had recovered enough to go at him once more. Kite was being surrounded. ¡°A true trial to temper the new additions,¡± he thought, as the situation was just what he had hoped for in order to test his ideas of how to utilize his expanded defensive arsenal. ¡°Ward!¡± The group on his right flank met the barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding while another sweep of the newly regrown Eternal Quartz once more sent the ones in front flying backwards from the shrapnel. Both his staff and other sword made their appearances to complement the lower damage of the crystalline weapon, and Kite soon found himself in a kind of rotating battle of attrition. He spun and stepped to keep guarding his flanks with shield and barrier, the monsters hammering on his defenses but finding it troublesome to break through as they either got a mandible-full of magical defenses or crystalline shrapnel as a reward for their efforts. And each time they collided with Kite¡¯s defenses, they were left with the building affliction of Spiritual Reprisal. Kite let the affliction build up properly before focusing on individuals, consuming all instances at once to make more decisive attacks. With these new defensive measures in place, taking his time to find his stride was a lot easier than it had been during the monster surge. But even so, it was a learning process. Kite was thankful for his growing spirit attribute and expanded vision letting him keep track of all his foes, but he was also made aware of his inexperience in fighting with a shield. A few miscalculations sometimes left one of the monstrous ants finding its way inside his little defensive zone, but both Glint and Sage were left as reserves for that very situation, with the intruder left struggling inside globs of conjured water and lanced with beams of resonating force. One by one the monsters fell, gradually easing the pressure until a new group arrived from the hive to take their place in the battle of attrition. But unfortunately for them, attrition was where Kite¡¯s path excelled. More enemies meant more mana devoured by his twin vortices, and the groups gradually stopped coming. In the end, Kite was left panting but victorious, with over two dozen corpses of the creepy fleshy insectoids lying scattered around him. At one point, their concerted charge had nearly overwhelmed the united defenses of adventurer and familiars, but a swing empowered by both Potential of Stolen Power and Void-Sunders-Firmament had let team Kite regain control. ¡°I suppose I will have to congratulate senior brother. The first attempt was at least¡­ passable,¡± Bloom said as he walked over, his glittering cloud spreading out behind him. ¡°I am actually disappointed, as your showing left me unnecessary. Do you mind if I see if I can clear out what might be lurking in the hive?¡± ¡°Please, enjoy yourself, junior brother, and see what pointers you have gleaned from the example of your elder,¡± Kite retorted with a cheeky grin. ¡°Oh I promise you that the show will at least be a lot more stylish,¡± Bloom called over his shoulder as he sped towards the hive. Kite also moved away from the scene of the carnage to let Peony use her looting power on the gathered corpses. Off in the distance, Bloom had already started sending his cloud of glittering dust down into the hive, and Kite knew that half-tangible illusions would start forming to scour the insides of the foul hill with their glowing blades. ¡°I¡¯m a bit disappointed as well,¡± Sun admitted, having heard the bronze-rankers¡¯ exchange. ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t even deploy Fulminating Sirroco. I was looking forward to see what it would unleash.¡± ¡°Patience, love. This is but the first contract. I¡¯m sure he will find the time.¡± Peony said as she came walking back toward them to get away from the geyser of rainbow smoke emitted from the dissolving monster corpses. ¡°And from this little experience, it seems that I have yet another aspect of my path which to practice,¡± Kite noted. The first time trying out the tactics enabled by his new equipment had been a success, both in that he had defeated the enemies and that it had pointed out that he had glaring holes in his technique which needed to be mended. While they spoke, Kite had also taken the opportunity to activate his looting power, as the number of enemies had filled out the inner storage of the power. But he couldn¡¯t help but wince as he looked at what came of it; a set of armor in the same kind of pale flesh as the monsters had been; rigid yet somehow still uncomfortably spongy. The trio looked down at the thing, none of them speaking before Kite turned to Peony with an almost apologetic grin. ¡°Soo¡­ one more for Peony?¡±
¡°-and also, there is the matter of Bliss Enveloped in Strife, my lady. Do you wish to prolong the deadline of him contacting you?¡± In response, the woman clad in multiple layers of fine robes took a long draught from her slender pipe, the opal cloud of smoke swirling down to further reinforce the wisps which formed the divan on which she lay. She took her time to think, the bowing man unflinching as he waited for his mistress¡¯ decree. Eventually, she turned her bismuth eyes back to the man, having reached a decision. ¡°No, my little brother has had enough time. We shall assume that he proved too incompetent to extract himself while setting off what assets we still had left in the area around Gilded. It is a shame, as I had hoped he would be more competent. But maybe undertaking such an infiltration proved too much. Are the younger generations perhaps declining?¡± The bowing man knew better than to answer the rhetorical question, keeping silent as his mistress continued. ¡°No, we will move on with other projects as planned. The Autumn lands were good trial grounds for some ideas, but in the end they are too sparsely populated to remain a priority. We will try and regain a foothold in the future and see if little Bliss managed to sow some seeds for us to reap before what I assume was his demise. Our lord ever counsels patience, and his plans for this country remain our very purpose for existing. While still way off, if we can make his plans a reality we will witness something historic. Send out the missives you have already received and leave me. I will prepare, as I have another council meeting coming up.¡± ¡°Of course, mistress,¡± the man said, bowing as he exited. This left the woman alone, looking out over the bustling grand city beneath her, each building and tower trying to outdo the other in splendor and class. She took another languid draught on the pipe and said a short prayer to Discord, before entering meditation.
¡°So, this is all yours now?¡± Kite asked where he stood next to Dragonfly and looked up at the house. His three weeks spent in Bastion had been both pleasant and productive, but Kite had always had his aims set on soon returning to Gilded and his friends. A time of intense training and as many contracts as possible awaited them, as the climb towards the heavens could not be made in a day. He had stopped by to knock on Dragonfly¡¯s cabin upon his return, surprised to find it empty, but her sensing his aura outside led to the conversation that they were currently having. ¡°Yes. I barely know what to do with all the space,¡± she admitted. ¡°But it was very nice of master to give it to me. It¡­ having a true and proper home like this almost feels a bit weird.¡± ¡°And how are you doing, Dragonfly? Now that she has left?¡± His words caused her to tense up a bit, but Kite remained silent. A few complex expressions crossed her face before she eventually sighed and leaned into his side, Kite wrapping an arm around her. ¡°I miss her. Which is weird, because she was almost always out on contracts when I was younger. I spent a lot of time here in the city just wandering by myself and finding things to do when not attending the lessons given by the church of Knowledge. So things are in a way the same, but I miss her a lot more now than I ever remember doing back then.¡± Kite thought a bit about it, nodding. ¡°Not knowing when you¡¯ll see someone again does make for a different kind of farewell. Back then, you waited for her to return. And now¡­¡± She sighed again, but nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right. And us spending more time together since I absorbed my essences probably changed things a bit too. It¡¯s a bit weird; like having a mother who isn¡¯t really your mother. I don¡¯t demand that of her, never have. But the thought has still been there, because she has always returned. Heavens, I¡¯m speaking like she¡¯s dead,¡± Dragonfly chided herself. ¡°I know she can come back here too. But it doesn¡¯t feel like it will ever be the same. Gods, I don¡¯t know what to feel. It¡¯s so complicated and vague.¡± She fell silent again, just looking up at the house. Kite gave her some time, but eventually asked; ¡°Dragonfly, do you want to talk more about it, or would you prefer to be distracted?¡± Dragonfly thought for a moment. ¡°Distracted. I need to let it rattle around in my mind a bit more.¡± ¡°Any preferences? A spar? Shall we play with Glint? Or go to get something to eat?¡± ¡°Is ¡®all of them¡¯ an option?¡± ¡°That it is,¡± Kite said, squeezing her a bit closer. ¡°And is you staying the night a possible addition as well? For aura practice only, of course.¡± Kite laughed a bit before confirming. ¡°That it is, my ardent Dragonfly. That it is.¡± 117. Leaps and bounds ¡°Kite, would you mind joining us at the table for a moment?¡± Kite froze in the middle of his practice swing, shield raised to block an imaginary foe while stabbing forward with his staff in a one-handed thrust. Will, Dragonfly and Serene were also spread out over the garden outside his childhood home, in the midst of their own training or meditations beneath the early morning sun. ¡°Of course, auntie,¡± Kite replied, stowing his weapons and walking towards the house. Auntie Crow waited for him at the door before falling into step, with Dove already seated. From the expression of the latter, Kite could see that the topic was something important, his adoptive mother fidgeting with her curly hair as she was bound to do when nervous. Sitting down with his aunties, Kite accepted a cup of tea and waited to see what this was all about. But as no words were immediately forthcoming, he chose to break the proverbial ice. ¡°Thank you again for letting us stay on such short notice. While it will only be a day, it still felt important to drop by when we were passing through.¡± ¡°You are always welcome, little Kite, as are your friends,¡± Crow replied. ¡°But¡­¡± She trailed off while giving her wife a meaningful look, which in turn finally helped Dove find her words. ¡°Kite, we¡­ We will probably be moving. Not- not far, of course, but at least south of Gilded. You know how things are around here, and with our crafts we will need a steadier stream of better materials than we can get here. But don¡¯t think that this is something we do lightly, I- I mean we, feel that this place matters too much and we don¡¯t know exactly when but maybe-¡± What began as more coherent sentences was unraveling more and more with every moment, ending with Crow eventually leaning over and placing her hand on Dove¡¯s, causing the other woman to fall silent. ¡°I¡­ Auntie, this is surely a good step, no?¡± Kite asked, feeling thoroughly confused as to her flustered state. ¡°Surely moving is a big step, and I would dearly miss this place, but I still do not entirely understand. From the feeling I got when entering, I must admit that I thought it to be something more serious.¡± ¡°That might be because my dear wife here didn¡¯t begin the explanation from the right end of things,¡± Crow noted. ¡°Yet she felt it important to tell you, which I agree with. Do you want me to explain to Kite, dear?¡± ¡°N-no. No. I¡­ Kite, we are- we are having another child. A baby.¡± As soon as she had gotten the words out, it was as if a dam had broken, once more giving birth to a torrent of words. ¡°It is growing with the church of Fertility as we speak and it¡¯s a little girl but she is still so tiny barely a speck but before we left they said that she was perfectly healthy even though it is too early to determine her race I think she will be a celestine just like Crow and we are really happy but I was also worried-¡± ¡°Auntie, auntie, please,¡± Kite interrupted, him and Crow using their auras in concert to try and shake Dove from her rant. ¡°I might be a bronze-ranker now, but I still had trouble keeping up with you. I-¡± he began, before her words finally started to sink in. ¡°A- a baby?¡± ¡°Yes, dear. We have thought about it for a time, and decided that after the surge would be a good time,¡± Crow said. ¡°And as Dove is ever so close to ascending to silver now, we thought it best to start the undertaking now rather than wait.¡± ¡°I¡­ Am I going to be¡­ That- that is amazing! Congratulations!¡± Kite did his best to give voice to the excitement within first and foremost, but something else; something roiling and uncertain, managed to come out alongside it. ¡°But¡­ What¡­¡± He trailed off, looking at his aunties. Both were giving him their fullest attention, as if waiting, so he continued, taking a breath to find the words. ¡°What will I be to her, then? What will she call me?¡± Kite had thought that the small emotional cracks within most orphans and adopted had long since been soothed and faded, but his slight inner turmoil at this moment proved that this was not the case. ¡°What would you like her to call you, dear?¡± auntie Crow asked gently in the silence that followed. Kite did his best to properly collect his thoughts this time, deciding on a way of expression both tried and tested. ¡°Auntie, I partly feel ashamed. You - both of you - have given me nothing but love and care; a safe home, teachings and comfort. You helped set me up for a life beyond what most could hope for, and support me to this day. All of this should mean that I should already know the answer. So please forgive this foolish little Kite for asking but¡­ Would it be wrong for her to call me brother?¡± ¡°Oh, Kite, of cour-¡± auntie Dove began, moving as she spoke to embrace him. But that was when auntie Crow proved that the speed of a silver-ranker was on another level. In his distracted state, Kite could barely follow how dark tendrils of hair deftly moved the low table - teapot and all - out of the way even as a few of them reached out to pull both him and Dove to her. This left them both embraced by the physically smallest person in the room, Dove already crying as she often did when overcome with emotion. It was both odd and familiar at the same time, throwing Kite back to fond childhood memories. ¡°While you seem to know the answer, little Kite, I still feel that you deserve to hear it. Of course, Kite. As long as you wish for it, you will be her brother.¡± The following moments were filled with warmth, as the cracks of the adopted were once more slowly and gently soothed after having been roused from their torpor. Dove seemed to simultaneously want to tell Kite that he was both a fool and one of the most important things in the world to them, most of her words lost to sniveling, while Crow stayed true to form and just held onto her family in dignified silence. When they eventually broke apart, Crow moving the table and teacups back in place, Kite was the first to speak. ¡°So, is this part of why you are moving? I can understand that materials and such are necessary. Sustaining two silver-rankers long term in the area around Gilded is quite costly, but the higher magic down south should make for better opportunity. But is it for the little one too? My sister?¡± As he spoke the last, Kite deliberately used the word to ¡®taste¡¯ it. ¡°In part,¡± Crow agreed. ¡°But in actuality it is a lot for you.¡± ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Our little Kite is going off on so many adventures of his own now,¡± Dove said sentimentally. ¡°And while I will ever love Starberry peak, it does not lend itself well for spontaneous visits once you start traveling more. You said it yourself; the south is where the opportunities are. And we already know that you will not follow Walker¡¯s example, Kite.¡± ¡°I-¡± ¡°There is no shame in that, little chick,¡± Crow interrupted his protests. ¡°Dear Walker has been a boon to this area, and you are even helping him form a legacy. You walking another path does not diminish any respect you have for him.¡± Kite nodded at her words, realization clear in his eyes. ¡°But if you lived further south, then everyone benefits. You and the little one have better opportunities, and I can see you more often.¡± ¡°And we can see you too, little Kite. Don¡¯t think that we will stop fretting over you, even though you are all grown now,¡± Dove chided him. ¡°And I¡¯m sorry for getting all emotional earlier, but- but I just didn¡¯t want you to misunderstand and think that- that-¡± As his auntie was on the verge of tears once more, Kite decided to intervene, leaning over to place his hand on hers. ¡°Thank you, auntie. This little one might still be foolish at times, but the both of you have always made me feel loved. Thank you for your consideration in this as well. This news, it- it made me happy.¡± Turning to auntie Crow, he asked; ¡°When do you leave then? And what about the village?¡± Starberry peak had long been a stable and secure place in the rural Autumn lands thanks to the two bronze-rankers living there. Them leaving would have quite the impact. ¡°There is no rush yet,¡± Crow answered. ¡°We must first find a suitable place. And as to the village, while we have no formal obligations, we wouldn¡¯t just want to leave them without the proper arrangements. In a sense, they are our family as well.¡± ¡°Oh, but we already have a plan as for the village!¡± Dove exclaimed, puffing up with pride. ¡°Believe it or not, your auntie will take on a student soon, who will take over the house and gardens. A young iron-ranker with alchemist ambitions and his wife should arrive here within a few weeks, and I will teach him as much as I can before we finally leave. The guest cottage will be occupied for the foreseeable future.¡± Kite nodded, relieved. Starberry peak was his home as well, and he hoped to see it continue to prosper even through the shifting of generations. ¡°Besides, your little guild should help as well,¡± Crow said. ¡°Walker came by two weeks ago, his little train of ducklings in tow. They are touring the lands now in the wake of the surge to familiarize themselves with the region and put those powers to the test.¡± ¡°Oh, Kite, you should have seen him; all smug wise teacher. It reminds me of when he started teaching you in earnest,¡± Dove cheered. ¡°And have you seen that girl with the squirrel essence? She must have the cutest transfiguration I have ever seen!¡± The conversation devolved from there, his aunties passing their ¡®judgment¡¯ on the new members of the budding guild, Crow especially approving of Sweet Stream. The combination of her tree essence and ink essence had, with a good deal of luck and the right awakening stones, generated a power set where she could grow trees and shape both physical form and patterns to become a perfect foundation for formations and arrays. But eventually, Kite knew that he had to move on. While his friends outside did not want to rush him, he got the sense that they were done with their business and were now waiting. But before he left, Kite also realized that there were certain plans of his that were worth sharing. ¡°I believe that it is time for us to depart,¡± he said, nodding to his companions waiting outside. ¡°But before that I wanted to share some plans of mine, which might be worth some consideration.¡± When he was finished, both his aunties were left with a thoughtful expression. ¡°While it is a bit beyond our original timeline, it should be manageable,¡± Crow thought aloud. ¡°Oh, love, wouldn¡¯t it be amazing if it worked out? We can surely find work near Bastion whenever, so making ends meet even if we only have temporary lodgings should be no trouble.¡± ¡°You are probably right, dear,¡± Crow said, nodding tentatively before turning to Kite. ¡°Thank you, little Kite. If it works out as you hope, it is a splendid idea. A foundation for the future.¡±
¡°Ward!¡± Even with his shield and barrier guarding his back and flanks and weapons hard at work, the press of wood elementals swarming around Kite was threatening to become too much. The elementals, being some of the least intelligent monsters around even at bronze rank, were tearing into his defenses as their small but existent primal cunning let them at least realize that their numerical superiority should be put to use. ¡°Kite, is it time?¡± ¡°Soon. I need to push my limits a little more,¡± Kite replied to Serene¡¯s conjured voice, his voice half a hiss as he shoved outwards with his shield to create some room to step back and gain a better position atop a small stone. His crystalline blade shattered once more, sending the closest reeling back even as the final parts of the cluster of elementals decided to join the fray. Which made sure that all of the elementals were now within range. Kite gave it a few more moments, reinforcing the gradually cracking barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding by channeling mana into it as he spoke. ¡°I believe it is time.¡± Even over the cracks and rustling of his gathered foes, just over twenty elementals, he knew that Serene would hear him. Sensing a nudge from her aura a moment later, Kite did one last shove outwards with his shield while he struck both his conjured barrier and the glass barrier in quick succession with his staff. Mana left him as both shattered to send rippling waves of resonating force outwards to injure and keep the elementals back as he leapt straight upward. ¡°Carried by the heavenly wind!¡± ¡°Wall!¡± ¡°Descend, javelins like raindrops!¡± ¡°Kyyyyyyyaaaaaaaah!¡± Serene¡¯s spell was the clarion call for a small local cataclysm. As Kite was launched a few meters upwards, he cast Leyline warding, the force walls appearing to box in the tightly packed elementals in an open-topped enclosure as well as to form a few platforms in the air above them. Said platforms had barely coalesced when Will and Dragonfly made their move, leaping in from where they had been hiding in nearby trees. Will immediately unleashed a squall of conjured javelins, the glowing projectiles very much emulating the rain from the spell¡¯s chant. Dragonfly was less eloquent as she threw her conjured, flaming axe downward before she took control over it, using the weapon to unleash her spinning special attack while she herself remained on her elevated position. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Landing on a platform of his own, Kite fed Sage with a charge from Potential of Stolen Power to allow the familiar to add to the rain of glowing spears with white motes of destruction which soon lit up the cage below in a rippling cascade of small explosions. All of this led to the group of elementals quickly being a lot less numerous, all three adventurers leaping down to finish off the raging magical manifestations. Their trap had turned the fight into a foregone conclusion, and cleaning up was more an afterthought. As they finished, Dragonfly gave off a *whoop* of triumph, looking at her companions and the scattered remains of the berserking elementals. ¡°That was great! Kite being the bait made it so much easier to group them up than during the surge.¡± ¡°And you showed great restraint in practicing your animation power rather than jumping straight in, oh ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite chimed in. ¡°Force would be proud that you heeded her counsel.¡± ¡°Well, I can¡¯t just ignore the advice my master left for me before leaving, now can I,¡± Dragonfly retorted with indignation. ¡°And besides, it just makes sense that we have to give extra care to the abilities we feel are the hardest to use.¡± ¡°I for one feel deeply in tune with all of my abilities,¡± Will remarked flippantly where he stood leaning against his spear. ¡°But as they all revolve around the most perfect implement, it is only to be expected.¡± As he finished, he deftly shifted the shaft of the supporting spear to avoid a rock Dragonfly had thrown at it in an attempt to trip him up, the elf¡¯s increasingly impressive grace and balance on full display. ¡°How many contracts do we still have left?¡± Serene asked Kite, ignoring the shenanigans of the two more passionate members of their little group. ¡°Three more, unless any of the villages have something on their boards which have yet to reach Gilded,¡± he answered. ¡°But we shouldn¡¯t tarry, as the director hinted at there having been more signs of targets for that contract.¡± ¡°More former sect members who haven''t grasped the new reality yet?¡± Will asked even as he snapped the head of his spear in place to block another projectile. ¡°I would have believe that the first group we helped take down would dissuade the rest-¡± The young noble¡¯s words were cut off as Dragonfly had feinted a second throw, only to use a lot more of her strength than expected. This meant that even if Will interposed his spear, it was still forcefully shifted enough to make him stumble. But Dragonfly¡¯s mirth was short-lived, as a hovering javelin appeared a split second later for him to hold onto, causing her to cease her stream of projectiles with an indignant snort. ¡°Apparently not,¡± Kite said in reply to the young noble. ¡°But we will have to remain on our guard, as always. Because pride and a cause may sometimes turn fools into dangerous fools.¡±
¡°You outcast filth! You and your ilk ruined everything! Do you think yourself high and mighty now that you have brought down your betters?!¡± Soar of Enlightened Wind roared as he charged Kite again, the swirling winds around him crackling with lightning only for it to disappear when meeting Kite¡¯s interposed staff. Soar was forced back by a retaliatory strike, a small gust carrying him a few meters away, a half-seen weapon only managing to leave a tiny nick on one cheek. ¡°Really? This is still the veneer you paint for yourself to cover up the truth? I thought that the Healer¡¯s church removed the affliction from you, but I seem to have been mistaken.¡± Kite countered, letting the former disciple of the Descending Star sect fume where they were squaring off in the forests northwest of Gilded. His aura did not have the instability of their former encounter, but that meant little in the face of the obvious insensate fury of the man. ¡°Your mind must still be addled. Why would you otherwise turn to something base as banditry? The only reason why this contract does not have to be to kill you on sight is because you have yet to kill anyone yourself.¡± ¡°You are but sheep, led away from the truth only to gratefully eat the lies from the hands of the adventure society and that thug of a city lord,¡± Soar spat back. ¡°The Descending Star sect lives on through me and my disciples, and we will take what we need from the land that is rightfully ours!¡± ¡°They¡¯re iron-rankers, and young ones at that,¡± Kite said, looking to the five former initiates making a brave showing of support for their ¡®master¡¯ where they stood lined up to witness the duel, with Kite¡¯s companions and Whisper standing opposite them. The older man continued to join the group whenever they received contracts to track down and bring down rogue essence users, his utilitarian skill set a boon to the otherwise combat-oriented group. ¡°But not too young to know the truth of your treachery,¡± Soar countered. ¡°And your dishonor here is as clear as day, bringing a group of bronze-rankers to hunt down the younger generations. You¡¯d better keep your end of the bargain and leave us be after I defeat you, you who so openly used the queen¡¯s decree to your own ends.¡± To punctuate his words, he made two quick punches which sent rippling, crackling electrified bursts of air shooting towards Kite who deflected them on the barrier or Heaven-and-Void Warding. ¡°And besides-,¡± he continued,¡±- even if you bring me down, you will never find us all. There are enough true loyalists left for the sect to live on.¡± Kite nodded along with his words, sending out a few more projected attacks to keep Soar moving. ¡°You are right in that there are more of you out here than the adventure society would like,¡± he agreed, stepping to the side to avoid a forceful haymaker when a flash of movement had Soar appear to his side. ¡°And it was nice of you to confirm their existence. That means that bringing you in alive will actually be worthwhile. I will admit that my patience with you, Soar of Wind, is running thin,¡± Kite said, deliberately leaving out part of his foe¡¯s name. ¡°Because enlightened you truly are not.¡± As he saw his taunt strike true, feeling something almost crack within the man¡¯s aura, Kite fed a charge from Potential of Stolen Power into the twin vortices of Spirit Singularity. Both of the small swirls grew to over double their size, now twin maelstroms with only Soar as target for their suddenly ravenous attention. ¡°Wall.¡± Soar tried to flash forwards to strike again, only to collide with a wall of force suddenly appearing. He barely had time to recover from the impact when Kite¡¯s staff struck the barrier, detonating it straight into the face of his foe. Soar staggered under the resonating force, and then Kite was upon him; the defensive and retaliatory style gone, replaced by relentless offense as Kite brought his whole arsenal to bear, even punching the edge of his shield into Soar¡¯s midriff to force the air from the man¡¯s lungs. All the while, Cleave the Spirit and the empowered Spirit Singularity took their toll, and it was not until it was way too late that Soar realized that his mana was almost depleted. ¡°What? I- how?¡± he asked in disbelief as his legs wobbled and the headache of mana-deprivation made its presence known in force. ¡°You- cheating- bast-¡± Somehow, Soar seemed to barely register the attack which drained the last of his spiritual reserves, the rest of the onlookers equally surprised. ¡°This peculiar weapon does indeed have its uses,¡± Kite thought with grim satisfaction as he let the sword taken from the priest of Discord vanish back into his void sheath. During the duel, mixing the subtle weapon in between his more forceful attacks had let him land a few more strikes than expected, and the affliction which obfuscated the target¡¯s senses of their reserves had also shown its worth. Soar had fought with his full strength until the very end, holding nothing back, the affliction making him unaware of how he himself was bringing the duel closer and closer to its conclusion. Kite ignored the now prone form of Soar, turning to the line of young iron rankers. They were indeed young, still clad in the robes of their former sect, the cloth¡¯s enchantments having kept them intact even in the four months of undoubtedly hard living since the sect fell. He could feel their auras shudder under his scrutiny, but none made a move to attack. ¡°In my few encounters with this man you call master, stepping up to challenge me in order to protect you has to be the only remotely honorable thing I have seen or heard him do. I¡¯d like to think that there was something worth nurturing in the man before the affliction got its grip on him, but his actions today have me doubting that,¡± Kite said, not attempting to restrain the flint in his voice. He could sense the differing reactions to his words in the auras of the iron-rankers, ranging from indignation to shame. ¡°As the leader of your band of bandits - because that is what you have become - he will no doubt pay a heavy prize, one that will be up the the court of the city lord to determine. And while your fates will rest with them as well, your future still holds potential. If you can show them that potential; that you can and will become something even remotely honorable and reliable, then there might still be a future in these lands for you. Remember my words and heed them well. You will now be collared, and we will return to Gilded.¡± As if to mark his words, Kite produced a bronze-ranked suppression collar, bending down to snap it around the neck of the unconscious Soar. Will and Dragonfly silently stepped forward and began doing the same around the necks of the iron-rankers, one by one. Things looked to be progressing peacefully, until Dragonfly drew close to the final former initiate in the middle of the row. The young woman had been standing stiffly, and just as Dragonfly reached into her dimensional bag to produce the collar, took the opportunity to act. She suddenly accelerated greatly, turning into a blur as she turned to run. To Kite, things happened in the blink of an eye; the blur moving away one moment only to be thrown back by a sudden detonation in the next as a floating paper talisman had suddenly appeared in her path, the paper charm unveiled when smoky tendrils of ink dispersed. Whisper only ¡®tsked¡¯ as he took a quick step forward, bending down to collar the stunned iron-ranker. ¡°That will reflect quite poorly upon you in the report, young lady,¡± he noted without malice, before bending down and yanking her to her feet. The rest of the prisoners could only stare mutely as she rejoined them, before Kite and his group chained them all together. Iron-rankers could be strong, but not strong enough to snap even ordinary manacles with any kind of ease. Soar got a pair of his own, hands and feet restrained by enchanted metal. As Whisper and Dragonfly were coaxing their prisoners to board one of Whisper¡¯s paper constructs, one looking much like a large beetle with the prisoners seated on its shell, Kite took the opportunity to step up next to Will. He gave Serene a glance, and a moment later he could feel the sound-isolating barrier manifest around them. ¡°What do you think their verdict will be?¡± Kite asked his friend, looking out over the gloomy procession being seated atop their mount. ¡°Soar will most likely be questioned thoroughly, getting as much information as possible from him in regards to other remnants of the sect. Father and the director knew that there would be fallout and remnants such as this, and wanted to stamp it out before there is a risk of any more trouble on a greater scale. After they can get all they can from him, I am fairly sure that he will be executed.¡± ¡°As I expected,¡± Kite replied. He knew the reality for what it was; essence-users were often hard and expensive to contain for any extended time. For repeat troublemakers like Soar, it would not be odd for him to lose his life after all this. ¡°But the rest of them?¡± ¡°That depends.¡± ¡°On their behavior?¡± ¡°That, but probably also on politics. Father seems to have taken the counsel from our little meeting to heart, but stability is a balance between removing problems or trying to turn them into something useful. So I suspect that there will be more variety in their fates.¡± Kite nodded along to the explanation, not envying the city lord for his position in the slightest at that moment. ¡°At least it will be out of our hands,¡± he said after pausing to gather his thoughts. ¡°And I will admit that I am a bit relieved to know that Soar will not come back to haunt neither me nor those close to me again. But I also hope that there remains some potential in the rest of them, even our foolish attempted runaway. Some paths can surely be corrected, given time and example.¡±
It was hard not to smile when seeing the small carp running circles around the panting iron-ranker, her scales glittering in the afternoon autumn sun. Welcome Plum Blossom did his best to catch her through her twists and twirls, pushing some of the abilities of his foot essence to their utmost. He still failed every time, but that did not dissuade him or the wide grin of childlike mirth at his face as he continued to chase Glint all across the yard of the guild hall. ¡°He seems to have grown in leaps and bounds every time I return from contract. They all have,¡± Kite noted to uncle Walker, who sat next to him on a balcony on the upper floor, a steaming pot of tea beside them. ¡°Witness the teachings of your most wise uncle at work, little Kite, as well as the feeling of seeing someone grow in your absence. You should show some more sympathy for your poor uncle in the future, as that is how I still feel every time we have been apart,¡± Walker said with a rueful shake of his head. ¡°But Plum is a good kid. Both him and Stream are working very hard, but I think our young Second Spring have them both beat in drive. I have started sending her out on some contracts on her own now, and she has yet to disappoint. Also, I think she might have taken a shine to your most rakishly handsome uncle,¡± he added, puffing out his chest in faux pride. ¡°Uncle! She¡¯s even younger than me!¡± Kite chided with some indignation. ¡°Oh, please Kite, what do you take me for? While gratifying to an old soul, such admiration will never lead to anything else. As you said, she is still so young. But young hearts can sometimes weave dreams of their own, and while I will do nothing to encourage her, it is something she must choose to leave behind on her own.¡± ¡°Then uncle is indeed wise,¡± Kite said with a smile. ¡°But I am happy that she chose to join.¡± Walker was about to respond, but paused as his eyes grew distant for a moment. ¡°Ah, I believe that you might have the opportunity to tell her that yourself, as I can sense her return. From what I can sense of her, she was successful this time as well.¡± True to Walker¡¯s words it did not take long for Second Spring to appear. This time, she was dressed for the road, with proper boots and a traveling cloak which hid most of her body, and Kite had to admit that the look suited the petite woman, mostly due to how happy she looked while wearing them. ¡°Guild master. Senior brother Kite,¡± she greeted, bowing to both of them in turn as she emerged onto the balcony. ¡°Ah, welcome back junior sister,¡± Kite greeted. ¡°Please, have a seat and some tea with us. Uncle Walker here told me that you have started taking on your own deliveries and other contracts.¡± ¡°Senior brother is correct, and I am happy to report that I have just completed another one, along with two contracts to hunt down a few gyrmlings.¡± Even as Spring blushed a bit under the praise which followed, she managed to sit a bit taller in her chair before she eventually continued. ¡°Please forgive me if I am too presumptuous, but if I am not mistaken, this last contract should have earned me enough guild contribution to exchange it for an awakening stone.¡± ¡°That it should,¡± Walker cheerfully agreed. ¡°So, which one did you have in mind?¡± ¡°I would like an awakening stone of the leaf, please,¡± Spring said, mustering some more confidence. ¡°Oho? A most excellent choice!¡± Walker exclaimed, Kite only smiling at his uncle¡¯s enthusiasm. ¡°Does the guild master truly think so?¡± Spring asked, looking both relieved and happy. ¡°Oh, I do. They are always useful in these lands. I should know, as I have had seven of them.¡± Walker chuckled, before remembering himself. ¡°Oh, but you should not strive to emulate that particular part of me or my teachings. It was what I had to do as a young adventurer without a sponsor; taking what the land offered. While one or three wouldn¡¯t hurt, variety is good. Just let me bring out my pen and the right requisition form, and you can go up to claim it from our storage with the adventure society,¡± Walker said, reaching down into his spatial satchel before Kite stopped him. ¡°No need, uncle,¡± he said, reaching into his own bag and producing a round, fist-sized green stone with a leaf suspended in the middle. ¡°Fortune smiled upon me during my last outing, and it was going into the vault anyway. Best to spare you the trip and trouble,¡± Kite said as he handed the stone to Spring, who reverently accepted it. ¡°Thank you, senior brother. Then would you mind¡­¡± she began, but trailed off as if to backtrack. ¡°We should absolutely do the ritual right away,¡± Kite interjected reassuringly. ¡°Your senior brother is probably as curious as you to see what will come of it.¡± The pair left Walker, who opted to remain on the balcony, looking out over Gilded in the afternoon sun. The chill of autumn had intensified lately, but Brave Walker of Paths couldn¡¯t help but feel warm inside. ¡°Time sure flies, little Kite. In leaps and bounds, too. This old man better do his best to capture what moments he can,¡± he quietly mused, taking a sip of tea. 118. Warmth and potential ¡°Ah, my errant little deputy has come back to me! I was almost worried that you had absconded with that lady-love of yours,¡± branch director Jarvan said cheerfully as he sat down in one of the couches in his office, pouring a glass of a strong, deep purple liquor for his friend. ¡°So, has your little vacation been relaxing? Spent a lot of quality time with our dear ice queen?¡± ¡°You know that a gentleman never divulges such details, and you never having bothered to try and hide them tells one a lot of your character, Jarvan,¡± Rupert retorted dryly, even though the amusement was clear in his voice. ¡°Bah, you know Fantina is way worse than I am. She mostly seems to treat stories from our bedchamber as examples to use in teaching the ways of her goddess.¡± ¡°You are kidding no one if you try to hide the fact that you are flattered by it.¡± ¡°Well, being set up as an example of fertile prowess does have its charm, I¡¯ll admit,¡± Jarvan said, chuckling. ¡°But I digress. It is truly good to have you back, my friend. Adelaide has done a good job in covering for you, but I think that she is eager to give back the mantle. She is working towards becoming an active adventurer in the future, after all, not to get deeper into administration.¡± ¡°With the salary and benefits you offered, she¡¯ll be there sooner than expected,¡± Rupert agreed before changing the subject. ¡°But as to your original question, things went well. It was good to spend more time with Dew. Extended time, for once. So you can expect me to ask for leave more often in the future,¡± Rupert said, he himself also chuckling as Jarvan¡¯s smile turned crooked. ¡°How have things been here, in my absence?¡± ¡°Surprisingly calm, but that is mostly due to the city lord truly clamping down on the civil side of things. As the only remaining sect in the area, the Victorious Sunset sect seems to have risen to the occasion. Not a few of the former members of the Descending Star sect have found their way into its ranks, and those who haven''t left the area or the adventuring life are mostly working hard to prove that they won¡¯t be trouble.¡± ¡°And I assume that Kite and his group have dealt with those that did choose to become just that; trouble?¡± ¡°I will say it again, that boy and his companions have been a good investment in trust. They have so far taken care of everyone we¡¯ve managed to track down, and him being so good at taking them alive has allowed us to extract a lot of information on where to find the rest. The city lord isn¡¯t even complaining that we keep handing them over for the court to handle, as it helps solidify his position.¡± ¡°Good, good,¡± Rupert agreed. ¡°And the family?¡± ¡°Numerous, and fortunately well,¡± Jarvan said, his smile a bit weary but also quite proud. ¡°Noel even came of age three weeks ago.¡± ¡°Oh, how nice. Which essences did he decide upon?¡± ¡°Water, plant and sword, for the lotus confluence. I swear, of all my little ones, that boy is the one who has gone the most native,¡± Jarvan said with a helpless sigh. ¡°If he comes home one day with a Hua-Xi name, I won¡¯t be surprised in the least.¡± ¡°Hehe, young Noel always did seem to enjoy these lands. Has he left to join one of the family teams yet?¡± ¡°No, he didn¡¯t want to, at least not yet. But fortunately, a local option did spring up lately that lets me sleep at night knowing that he at least won¡¯t try to throw himself out into the Autumn lands all on his own like some local legend.¡± ¡°Oh? So he¡­?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! My little Noel is the latest addition to the budding Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild. I paid Kite for the essences, of course, so Noel isn¡¯t beholden to them. But he can get training and some actual good local role models, and they are pretty generous with iron-rankers earning their stones as long as you actually strive to work within the guild tenets.¡± ¡°Which makes things a lot cheaper for you in the long run,¡± Rupert pointed out. ¡°And that, my friend, is the famous win-win situation,¡± Jarvan agreed. ¡°Not having to save up for all his stones set me way ahead in the budget, which is good now that Jeanne is due to come of age within the year.¡± The pair continued their reunion, going through various developments within the adventure society, the meeting lasting well over two hours. ¡°Well, I see that I will have plenty of work to get to, and there is no time like the present,¡± Rupert said eventually, rising from his couch. ¡°It is fortunate that silver-rank does provide its share of stamina.¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Jarvan agreed, falling in step beside Rupert on their way to the exit. ¡°And as I said, my friend, it is good to have you back. And while I am glad to hear that you and mistress Dew have been well, I also sympathize. Being away from our loved ones is never easy.¡± ¡°Thank you, Jarvan. On both accounts,¡± Rupert said as they started walking through the corridors of the adventure society administration building. ¡°Oh, and before I forget again; sect leader Dew sends her fondest regards.¡±
¡°Heaven¡¯s curse us, it¡¯s making more!¡± Dragonfly shouted while furiously chopping and carving her way through the numerous enemies surrounding the group. Said enemies looked like thin straw-men made from fresh, green grass and more were constantly manifesting from the surrounding plains. Her frustration came from the fact that what she and the rest of her group were currently carving through were not individual monsters, but more like conjured appendages of their actual enemy. Called a Verdurous Warlord, it was a three meter humanoid looking like a much more life-like rendition of a plated suit of armor made from the same kind of green grass as its ¡®minions¡¯. While the grass plains that began to be more common way south of Gilded had long since seen their green color fade as winter was soon upon them, the land for a hundred meters around the silver-ranked monster was as green and lush as during the height of summer. ¡°This is glorious!¡± Will shouted in retort, acting like a one-man phalanx as he conjured spears with ever-growing vigor to ward off the charging grass soldiers. ¡°We need to take the general¡¯s head, the decisive factor in any good rendition of battle!¡± ¡°The question of how to advance remains, Serene said from where she calmly stood in the middle of their little formation, auras and spells making themselves known as she scanned their surroundings. ¡°It seems to know our intent, and the index did say that it was individually on the weaker side if one could get to it. ¡°I- I could try to use my staff to detonate Gate of Nihility again-¡± Kite barely had the time to voice the idea before he was interrupted by the answer of his companions. ¡°Kite, no!¡± ¡°That would be most unwise!¡± ¡°Dear gods, don¡¯t!¡± ¡°It was just a suggestion,¡± he answered meekly while using Eternal Quartz to disperse yet another cluster of the grass soldiers. ¡°Then we need another plan, because this is not going to work forever.¡± As if aiming to prove his statement true, a trio of what looked like grass-giants manifested next to the monster ¡®general¡¯, wielding long blades of grass the group knew to be wickedly sharp. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± Kite¡¯s dispelling wave rippled across the verdant battleground, dissolving some of the grass soldiers affected while making others unstable. The higher-ranked opponent meant that Kite¡¯s dispel wasn¡¯t always up to the task of nullifying all of them, but it tended to at least stun and delay that which it could not negate completely. This stopped the charge of the large trio, leaving them open for a counter-charge from the group which tore them apart in short order, Dragonfly and her flames being the decisive factor. ¡°I guess we have to do it the hard way; step by step,¡± Kite noted once they found themselves wading through the opposition. ¡°Truly, like the stories! Friends at our side and accompanied by hymns of glory! Onwards!¡± Will shouted, leading the effort alongside Dragonfly. Even the two of them fully charged up did not leave the battle an easy one, the group fighting forwards step by grueling step as they left a trail of scorched earth and scattered spears behind them. What eventually allowed them to do a decisive final push was when Tempered Soul Resonance, Kite¡¯s evolved racial ability, had finally worn down the rank disparity of the silver-ranked monster, and therefore also all of its ¡®soldiers¡¯ as they were naught but appendages of the monster. When that extra layer of advantages and damage reduction finally faded, it was as if a dam broke, Serene utilizing her most powerful wind spell to launch them all towards their true foe. ¡°Be swept away by the hammer of the hurricane!¡± ¡°Lancer¡¯s Judgement Delivered!¡± ¡°Kyyyyyyyyaaaaaaahhh!¡± The whole trail of spears left in their wake shot towards their foe while Dragonfly spun like the descending disc of the sun. Kite followed through with an empowered Void-Sunders-Firmament, and Serene even took the opportunity to channel her dirge. The combined burst of violence tore through attempts to raise walls of grass and rows of shieldbearers, leaving their foe so damaged that the rest of the fight was a foregone conclusion. Dragonfly fell down to sprawl on the scorched ground almost immediately after the last stalk of animated grass had stopped twitching, embers of the surrounding area drawn towards her to replenish. ¡°Another silver-ranked one has fallen before our might!¡± Will exclaimed happily. Kite''s smile did mirror his friend¡¯s, and he couldn¡¯t help but to enjoy the view of the late autumn sun above as they sat there in their own little verdant patch of land, albeit a little scorched and battle-torn, basking in victory. ¡°We will probably have to range further and further for the contracts if we want to continue pushing ourselves,¡± he eventually said, his friends nodding along. They all knew that the push towards silver wouldn¡¯t be a fast one, even after the surge had given them a good boost through parts of bronze rank. ¡°But I will repeat myself in that I don¡¯t want you to hold yourselves back for my sake if you want to leave for greener pastures,¡± he continued, Dragonfly snickering at the pun. ¡°The guild is still in its infancy, and we have the contract from Jarvan as well as the new addition to the family on my part. I still feel that I have too much left to do in Gilded, even if the sparser number of silver-manifestations will mean that it will take longer for us.¡± ¡°We all agreed, Kite. It is time to let it go,¡± Dragonfly called from her prone position. ¡°We¡¯re all better off doing this together, at least until you feel ready to leave for your little ¡®solo adventure¡¯.¡± ¡°Careful, Dragonfly. Calling the jade-sky gate ¡®little¡¯ is just inviting the queen¡¯s wrath upon you,¡± Will chided. ¡°But I agree, as I did before. Besides, I am sure that my father would cause trouble if I tried leaving too early.¡± ¡°And both master Walker and master Force took their time,¡± Serene noted. ¡°Some songs should not be rushed, however much one might wish to reach the crescendo. It should be according to one¡¯s own path, in harmony with one¡¯s life.¡± ¡°I- thank you. While I knew, it feels good to hear it again,¡± Kite said, feeling the warmth of connection in his chest. He rose to his feet, looking at his companions. ¡°Then onwards, I suppose. To the heavens, and beyond. At our own pace.¡±
¡°She¡¯s¡­ so small,¡± Kite said with wonder. ¡°You were too, when Walker brought you to our doorstep,¡± Crow noted at his side. He was currently leaning forward to look into the cylindrical container where a small baby was serenely suspended in the viscous liquid within. While Kite was no expert on the matter, from the steady feel of the little aura and the kicks and twirls the little one performed, he assumed that it would not be too long until she would be brought out into the world. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°How much longer will it be? Until she can be¡­ born?¡± he asked the other person present in the room. Fantina LanCaire, Jarvan¡¯s wife and priestess of Fertility, bent forward and laid her hand against the glass as if trying to sense something. ¡°About a month and two weeks longer. The goddess is proud of this one¡¯s growth. She will be strong and lively,¡± the priestess stated with calm surety. Gilded¡¯s local church of Fertility was not the largest due to the city¡¯s rural location, but it still had the small complex needed to help new life grow in its birthing vats. Kite had been excited when auntie Crow, who had been visiting the city on other business, had asked if he wanted to come see his little sister-to-be. ¡°But from the looks of it, you already are,¡± he thought, reaching out to put a finger to the glass. The growing baby did not react to his actions in the slightest, content to live in its own little bubble of warmth. Straightening again, he looked to Crow at his side. ¡°She¡¯s beautiful, auntie. And it looks like she¡¯ll have your hair.¡± Small tufts of dark strands could be seen through the liquid, and Fantina nodded in confirmation. ¡°She will be a beautiful little celestine, that is for sure. Have you thought of a name yet?¡± ¡°We are still working through the exact wordings, we do have a theme to follow, even if it¡¯ll leave you the odd one out, little Kite,¡± Crow noted. ¡°She will be called Raven.¡± ¡°At least I am still named after something airborne, so close enough,¡± Kite said with a smile, noting that Crow looked a bit relieved next to him. Even after their talk at the revelation of the little one¡¯s existence, he still sometimes felt their worry that he would feel left out or excluded. Their care was heartwarming, but in the end, unnecessary. After their conversation and him venting his worries, Kite felt nothing but happy for what was to come. He looked back to the little life growing in the vat. ¡°Well, little Raven, I will do my very best to don the mantle of your brother. Just you wait.¡±
¡°Kite, I am so very, utterly disappointed in you,¡± Will once more exclaimed in between the collisions between his practice spear and Kite¡¯s staff. The pair had worked themselves up to a breakneck pace, stepping back and forth almost like a dance while their weapons became the rhythm to which they moved. With his spear, Will had a slight advantage in range and striking power while the balance of the plain staff gave Kite an advantage in speed and defense. ¡°Sometimes one just has to face the facts, my friend. Even a spear has to be left behind at times.¡± ¡°Lies! The spear is perfection, and you are a fool to not see it. I thought I had taught you well, but I was gravely mistaken.¡± ¡°I just haven¡¯t found myself using it at all lately, my staff being more powerful and more often useful when the reach is required.¡± ¡°So get a better spear, instead of speaking heresy like this!¡± ¡°And dilute my training even further? You know that I still need to find a teacher, if only a temporary one, to learn more of the shield.¡± Their argument had to be temporarily dropped as Will intensified his assault, thrusting forward with great speed over and over again. He drove Kite backwards, both ends of the other man¡¯s staff working hard to deflect until Kite suddenly planted his feet and swayed to the side, narrowly avoiding the blunted spearhead before grabbing the shaft with one hand and swinging his staff with the other. Will responded by swiftly leaning backwards to duck beneath the swing while simultaneously kicking up with one foot to rip the shaft from Kite¡¯s grip. He let go with his other hand, the weapon spinning a full circle in the air as Will continued the motion to roll backward, rising just in time to catch the spear in a ready position. Both men stopped to regard each other, Kite eventually breaking the silence. ¡°That¡­ that was most impressively done,¡± he admitted, a bit envious of the elf¡¯s natural grace. ¡°I- Yes, but you did the right thing. I overextended,¡± Will admitted, before turning to Kite with hope in his eyes. ¡°Please tell me that all this talk of not using your spear was just a taunt to get me worked up?¡± ¡°Alas, no, my friend,¡± Kite admitted. ¡°But it is not like I am abandoning the spear as a weapon permanently, just that Whistling Visitor has mostly been languishing in my void sheath for so long now. I had hoped to practice using it more from Glint¡¯s back, but I simply haven¡¯t found the time so far.¡± Will still looked displeased, but at least a bit mollified. ¡°Then I suppose I can only hope for that ability of yours to make you something grand, turning your head from these foolish ideas once and for all.¡± The two young men went to sit down at the seating area, the inner garden of Will¡¯s part of the palace kept nice and vibrant even as winter was in full swing outside. While the two bronze-rankers could easily endure the chill, it was still a lot more comfortable to spar within the temperate area. At the beginning, they spent some time evaluating their spar and giving pointers, but Kite eventually found his way to a topic that he had been meaning to broach. ¡°Will, have you thought more about what you want to do? In the future? As a silver-ranker, you could be quite important here, but it also opens up the wider world. Remember when instructor Concente told us of places such as Rimaros? Over there, silver rank seems to be the bare minimum level of acting independently, anything less not being seen as a ¡®true adventurer¡¯. He had expected a quick answer from his friend, but got a complicated look in return. ¡°I¡­ actually talked with my father about this not so long ago. He told me that silver rank would mean more responsibility, but that it would be up to me to choose where that responsibility will lay. While they will always have use of me here, I am also free to leave, even though doing so will be without further support from the family.¡± Noticing Kite¡¯s concerned look, he quickly added. ¡°They are not cutting me off or shutting me out; I am welcome home anytime and for any reason. But father was clear that, should I choose that path, the responsibility will be to myself and my path; to prove that I can continue the climb towards the heavens on my own.¡± ¡°Have you chosen anything then?¡± Kite said, believing himself knowing the answer already. ¡°Of course. The Saint of Spears cannot grow in the confines of a greenhouse. I would say that traveling far and wide to temper myself is the only path forward which I can take and still respect myself.¡± ¡°Then my predictions were quite on the mark,¡± Kite said with a smile. ¡°I would have been mightily surprised if you had suddenly declared your intentions to stay, have a marriage arranged and put your spear aside in favor of the pen and accounting book.¡± ¡°At least a pen can be made to look like a spear from the right perspective,¡± Will mused, the pair laughing a bit as the elf made some pretend moves of jabbing out with an imaginary pen. ¡°But if I may ask, do you have any such ambitions? Of romance and companionship? I know Dragonfly still teases you about it, and while you are a lot more knowledgeable in those matters now, I can still see that it isn¡¯t just a simple matter to you.¡± ¡°Honestly, my friend, I spent most of my life expecting just that; an arranged marriage. It made me put such dreams to the side. Even now with options for the future opening up, I still have trouble seeing myself married to anything else than the spear and my path. The rest simply doen¡¯t seem to have the same appeal.¡± Kite nodded along to Will¡¯s words, before a smile eventually crept upon his lips. He tried to hide it, but Will had already noticed it. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± ¡°Oh, my base-born friend, that was not nothing. What commoner-jibe did your mind conjure this time?¡± ¡°It was mostly my inner Dragonfly who lived a life of her own.¡± ¡°Well, out with it.¡± ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Kite said, hands raised placatingly. ¡°I just thought that we would need to start our grand search for the most beautiful spear in the world, so that my friend¡¯s heart can finally know peace.¡± Will regarded him for a while, but instead of the flat look Kite had expected, he got a nod. ¡°Well, my friend. That sounds like a worthy quest. I¡¯ll be in your care, then.¡±
Watching from afar, Kite could see the much older woman bow with respect to the elf, the pair just having finished what would be their final lesson for now. Under the tutelage of Chalk of Words turned Truth, the hardy local had quickly gotten much more proficient in basic formations and arrays, and even more so in their upkeep and maintenance. From what Walker had told him, the former sect disciple had held up her end of the contract with the guild to the letter, coming by at the appointed time to teach the iron-ranker. As Stream left to practice more on her own, Kite approached the other bronze-ranker, bowing politely in greeting. ¡°Thank you for your service. I have heard nothing but praise of your efforts, and hope that you will find the agreed-upon reward satisfactory.¡± ¡°I assure you that I do not mean this in a derogatory way, but this is bound to be the awakening stone which I have earned the easiest,¡± the elf rune-caster replied as she bowed in return. ¡°My younger cousin will be most pleased. With the fall of the sect, she has been very worried about her path towards the future. While I have tried to counsel patience, such is the heart of most of the young ones her age. That made Sweet Stream a pleasant change, her age giving both wisdom and patience. I was surprised at her presence at first, but I can see why she was given the offer to join the guild.¡± ¡°Speaking of offers, ours still stand. As you have probably seen in the contribution system, earning more stones for your family should be very doable.¡± ¡°I have, but my answer will have to remain the same,¡± Chalk said with a shake of her head. ¡°My family is still planning to leave Gilded for Convergence, in hopes of finding better opportunities there for all of them. While your little guild is novel and pleasant, I would not have them leave for unknown territories without following to add the strength of my path to theirs.¡± ¡°While it is our loss, I can understand,¡± Kite said. ¡°Any idea if Gold feels the same? `¡± ¡°I would have thought it best to ask him?¡± Chalk asked, a bit amused as she seemed to expect Kite¡¯s answer. ¡°Well, he isn¡¯t exactly the one to mince words,¡± Kite admitted. ¡°And he¡¯s also still up at the Seventh Peak to practice combat technique with the rest of the guild members. Especially Noel seems to have started idolizing him quite a lot.¡± ¡°I can assure you that he does not tell me much either, but if he wanted to leave he simply would. I would recommend just to keep offering him tasks. He doesn''t have the same familiar ties as I do in these parts, not since the sect fell and local political ties fell into shambles, so the sense of community might do him good.¡± ¡°I will keep that in mind. Thank you, Chalk of Words turned Truth. I hope that the heavens will treat both you and your family well in the future,¡± Kite said, bowing once more in way of farewell. ¡°The same to you, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. If I had to be defeated by someone, I will freely admit that I am glad that it was by you, Pathbreaker. Picking up the pieces afterwards has given me quite the opportunity to review some life choices.¡±
Kite focused his utmost to keep very, very still, aura retracted and barely breathing. ¡°I did it! It worked!¡± he attempted to speak using only his eyes, auntie Dove tearing up while auntie Crow just gave him an indulgent smile for his ¡®achievement¡¯. His bronze rank hearing could clearly make out the little snoozes of the baby he held in his arms, eyes closed and small hands closed into tiny fists as she slept. Auspicious Winter Raven was now pushing through her third month since being broken out of the vat, and had, as predicted, inherited Crow¡¯s onyx hair and eyes. Had she been awake, she would probably be looking at Kite with that concerned stare which his aunties said was the standard face he had made at that age as well. ¡°You dare to breathe, you know,¡± Crow said softly. ¡°She doesn¡¯t startle as easily anymore.¡± Kite only nodded, still not daring to move or speak, basking in the warmth of the tiny thing. Eventually, he dared a half-whisper. ¡°She¡¯s grown so much since last time,¡± he said, suddenly understanding the old clich¨¦ of grownups always noting his growth when he was younger. ¡°There are few things better than the growth of children to forcefully remind us of the passage of time,¡± Crow agreed sagely. Kite had not met many babies during his life, at least none that he had been close to. Once he came of age to actually remember things, he had not really felt much interest towards those born in Starberry peak while he grew up; all caught up in a child¡¯s life and ambitions. ¡°It¡¯s good to see that you can relax more while holding her,¡± Crow continued. ¡°While fragile in some ways, they are surprisingly sturdy. But it never hurts for us of higher rank to take care. Me and Dove need to be extra careful, as silver rank does mean that our weight is greater too from the condensed bodies. ¡°After looking forward to it for so long, someone came along and stole the show. I sometimes forget that I am actually a silver-ranker now,¡± Dove confessed. ¡°The rest of us have noticed, dear. You are utterly radiant, if I may say so.¡± Crow said, even reaching out and touching her wife¡¯s hand, proving that blushing was something which the rank advancement had yet to remove. ¡°Well, I said it before and it is worth repeating; she is perfect,¡± Kite said, looking down at the little snoozing baby who had started making some small smacking noises with her little lips. Kite did feel some small fluctuations in her aura, which was apparently enough for Raven¡¯s mothers to act. ¡°I will start preparing the nutritional infusion,¡± Dove said, rising to go into the kitchen. ¡°Better to leave it to the alchemist, even if potions aren¡¯t her specialty,¡± Crow mused. ¡°Here, Kite, let me take her.¡± Numerous strands of Crow¡¯s dark hair grew and shaped itself into something not unlike a hammock, Raven barely seeming to notice as the animated strands carried her up in the air to gently swing next to her mother. Not long after, she was happily slurping from a bottle with some kind of soft tip, content as could be. ¡°While your sister is quite the showstopper, I would still like to know how you have been, little Kite.¡± Crow asked, making Kite remember that he had barely taken the time to enter the house before he had rushed to say hello to the little one. He took off his enchanted traveler¡¯s hat a bit sheepishly, putting it to the side. By now, Glint had awoken from her nap and had floated out to receive her customary attention from Kite¡¯s aunties. While she had been a bit miffed in the beginning when Raven started stealing part of the attention, the small carp had soon found herself forced to accept her new reality. ¡°I am well, thank you,¡± Kite answered. ¡°As Will had some family business, we decided to take two weeks off from contracts. There has been some excitement, to be sure, especially some of the contracts we undertook for the branch director. One of them turned out to be a wasp essence user who also had the corrupt essence, with a swarm he nourished inside-¡± Kite began, but halted himself. There were very unpleasant images which came to mind regarding that particular hunt which he would prefer not to have others even imagine. ¡°Suffice to say, it feels even more important to rid our lands of such people these days,¡± he finished, looking at the sleeping baby. ¡°And also to give as much power as possible to those we hold dear.¡± Apparently understanding his meaning, Crow smiled. ¡°While it is nice of you to think ahead, Kite, the age when she will be able to absorb essences is far, far off. Better let her actually become someone before you start planning out her essences. Because now, she is mostly just a bundle of warmth and potential.¡± ¡°I- of course, auntie. It¡¯s just easy to get carried away,¡± Kite answered, accepting the light chastisement as he turned to Raven, speaking with a soft voice. ¡°And besides, little sister, there is so much for both you and your brother to do before then. So much to see, many strong monsters to defeat, so many things to learn and bad people to hunt down. As you hear, I will be quite busy, but I will visit you as often as I can. That, your big brother promises.¡± 119. Glimpses of Growth ¡°Student, I am still very disappointed in you leaving early, as you at least possess a modicum of potential. I would even be willing to consider your little outburst as a mere mistake; youthful frustrations and all that. Surely, a show of proper dedication could even have me consider a more lengthy arrangement -¡± ¡°I am quite sure, teacher,¡± Kite said, giving a shallow bow to show at least a modicum of politeness where he stood at the door, the chill of winter a stark contrast to the warmth inside the dojo. ¡°Don¡¯t be insolent, boy. I am still mistress Shore to you-¡± ¡°No, teacher, you are not. I named you correctly as that is just what you will be in my memories; a teacher, and a temporary one at that. And when I step through these doors, consider our business as concluded.¡± Unassailable Shore furrowed her brow, her annoyance clearly on the way to becoming anger once more. The human woman looked to be around forty, which for a bronze-ranker meant that she was much older. Kite had always thought her very striking since they first met, but over a month in her presence had tarnished that sentiment. ¡°You brat! You think that you can just waltz out of here after humiliating me so? That you are better than me, even though you¡¯ve barely stumbled out from your little iron-rank cradle? Clearly, I was mistaken, and it is time to correct that. I, Unassailable Shore, chal-¡± Her angry outburst was cut off by the sliding doors slamming shut, Kite having turned his back to the small dojo and started making a new set of footprints across its small yard. At the small wall which ringed the little remote compound, Kite tapped the bottle at his waist. ¡°Little beaty, I would please ask you to wake, as it is time for us to take our leave.¡± Glint shot out from her little habitat at great speed, making a couple of swirling loops through the gently falling snow and taking in the white plains around them, a village on a hill visible a bit off in the distance. Sensing the unspoken question through their bond, Kite once more looked back to the little dojo behind him, its doors remaining shut, before he deftly leapt onto Glint¡¯s back as she grew to her full size. ¡°That the door still remains closed shows a lot about my former teacher¡¯s lack of trust in her own path after our little¡­ disagreement,¡± he said, donning the hat he had been gifted by uncle Walker just after ascending to bronze rank. Its enchantments quickly started to ward of the falling snow and the slight nip of the chill air as Glint started accelerating. ¡°Choosing to end this little venture early was probably for the best. Suffering through certain kinds of company when there is little left to learn would not have been the wisest choice. That would be more sacrifice than I am willing to do..¡± Kite chuckled as he felt a wave of concern and irritation from his familiar, bending down to pat her glittering scales. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t fret. While frustrating, it was not for naught. I did pick up enough to at least get a foundation in the way of the shield, and ideas of my own for improvement. Parts of her way, at least, as I assume that there are many paths to walk when mastering that art. But please, little beauty, let us be off back north towards Gilded with haste. The others will probably be happy to see us return early.¡±
¡°Little singer, where do you hope for your songs to guide you?¡± Serene did not flinch or otherwise falter when the presence of her goddess entered the sacred song, the deity inserting herself so subtly and perfectly that it felt like she had always been a participant. Which Serene supposed that Song, goddess of that very concept, always had been. ¡°My lady?¡± she asked, also weaving her words and intent into the melody she was singing alone in her small room in the residential parts of the temple complex. Around her, the lengthy and intense focus had made Serene¡¯s fourfold aura resonate to the extent that a perceptive observer would be able to see the air shudder. ¡°The future, little singer. Your song has grown so much since you were first led into my church, silenced and afraid. It is a beautiful thing, full of potential to become something extraordinary. Should you wish for it, you could find yourself singing in my most magnificent cathedrals across the world, weaving your voice together with those capable of the purest melodies.¡± ¡°Your words humble me, great Song. This lowly one is not worthy.¡± ¡°But the clarity and intent of your voice tells me otherwise, little singer. What once marred your soul, you have learned to bear and made your own. Turned it into strength. And even after getting the closure you longed for, you still partake in the songs of battle. Why?¡± ¡°Because of my dear companions. Keeping them as safe as can be through your hymns is a purpose in and of itself.¡± ¡°But is that truly what you want, little singer? For how long? Do you dream of silver rank? Or gold and even beyond? Do you truly want to remain only as their support? Or find a place where you will be front and center, your song heard by all?¡± ¡°My goddess, is that your will?¡± ¡°I wish for your song to grow, little singer. To join my grand chorus, maybe even take a place in its forefront. But a choice of coercion is not one of harmony. I simply wish for you to consider what you want going forward. And of what you can become, depending on the path you choose. Reflect on this, little singer. Sing the songs of meditation, and the answer should come to you in time.¡±
Kite regarded the hole in the world, the shorn stump beneath it proof that the tree which occupied the space in which the aperture had eventually been opened had not fared too well. The opening was surrounded by groups of magic society researchers discussing, arguing or using different instruments and rituals to study the aperture, all of them bathed in its even, yellow light. It was a stark, clear shade of the color, one found in paintings rather than nature. ¡°How much longer did they believe it would last?¡± Kite asked Will, who was just returning from having conferred with one of the researchers. ¡°At least another day, I¡¯m afraid. So we will have to practice patience,¡± the elf replied, joining Kite to look at the opening. ¡°To think that traces of the holy wars still linger to this day in the very fabric of reality here in the region.¡± The astral space in front of them was one of the sometimes occurring temporary openings of the odd dimensional sub-realms. While most astral spaces around the world were stable, there were still regions where the so-called dimensional membrane was still unstable enough for these temporary spaces to form. They never lasted for more than a few days, and rarely had any resources of interest. ¡°And to think that the queen managed to make artifacts enough to tame them, at least temporarily,¡± Kite mused, thinking of his last adventure with the jade-sky gate. Their conversation was interrupted by Dragonfly¡¯s return, the woman seeming a lot more happy and relaxed now than when she had left the camp, Serene in tow. ¡°Now that was just what I needed. The pack was even bigger than I¡¯d dared to hope,¡± she said happily, remnants of the battle with the nearby monster pack still visible on her armor which was still mending itself. She looked to the researchers. ¡°Any idea of how long we will be here to guard them? While it was interesting enough to get a glimpse inside, there really wasn¡¯t anything special in there, except for the creepy lighting.¡± ¡°They said at least another day,¡± Kite shared, patting Dragonfly¡¯s shoulder consolingly as she deflated. ¡°Patience, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± he said. ¡°Guarding our fellows from the magic society is important. They might be on the verge of discovering truths about the very fabric of reality.¡± ¡°More like argue over whose name goes first on whatever they¡¯re supposed to write after this is called,¡± Dragonfly argued. ¡°Surely-¡± Kite began, but was interrupted by Serene. ¡°Dragonfly is right. At least two of the groups are arguing over that very thing,¡± the priestess stated, the group chuckling as it was Kite¡¯s turn to deflate. ¡°Then would you all mind helping me practice again?¡± Kite asked, his companions agreeing as they took positions around him. Heavenglass Protector appeared on Kite¡¯s left arm, the shield feeling a lot more comfortable these days. He assumed a ready stance, and then waited. As usual, Will made the opening shot, a glowing javelin appearing to strike at Kite from the side, who fluidly took a step to interpose his shield. Dragonfly was next, having brought forth a small axe from her pack which she animated to fly towards Kite in a whirl, forcing him to spin yet again to interpose the metal and glass bulwark. Serene joined in as well with rippling sonic bolts, and the practice session continued as Kite¡¯s friends started to find their own tricks and rhythms to their weak attacks. As the intensity and complexity increased, with the three starting to move around and circle Kite, he had to step up his skills. He began using only the shield itself, then combined it with the barrier from Heaven-and-Void Warding, then also activated the shield¡¯s own projected barrier to endure the barrage of projectiles. ¡°You¡¯ve really gotten better with your shield lately, my friend!¡± Will exclaimed without pausing his attacks. ¡°I am glad that the time with your last teacher wasn¡¯t a complete waste.¡± ¡°I still think she sounded creepy, especially when she started to come onto you and wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer,¡± Dragonfly added with a look of disgust. ¡°That would be like your parent making a move on you. Disgusting! I¡¯m glad you just thrashed her and were done with it.¡± ¡°Not everyone has the same close relationship to their teacher as you, Dragonfly,¡± Will noted. ¡°While I do think it distasteful, it is not unheard of for certain teachers to expect more¡­ intimate¡­ acts of their students. Truly shameful to add such a stain to the proud tradition of mentoring.¡± ¡°I will admit- that it was- quite satisfying to leave,¡± Kite said, words coming more clipped and spread out and the pressure upon his defenses increased. ¡°Had she had more to give, I might have considered enduring a while longer, but she started requiring a higher level of dedication than I was willing to give. Mostly to the path of the shield, as she quickly started insisting on me dropping other pursuits to give it ¡®proper dedication¡¯.¡± Kite had to pause for several seconds as his friends became more coordinated, and he suspected that Serene was managing said coordination through her projected voice. ¡°But yes, her more and more transparent suggestions that I was to share her bed did play their part.¡± ¡°Still, to challenge and beat your teacher in a duel on the spot¡­ Truly, the Pathbreaker has earned his name,¡± Will noted. ¡°Lecherous characters, beware! ¡°Well, it turned out that her having remained a bronze-ranker for over four decades was not just due to the selfless pursuit of teaching,¡± Kite noted, attempting to start weaving in projected attacks to dispel some of the more telegraphed projectiles. ¡°The strength of her path was actually quite disappointing when put to a true test.¡± After that, Kite was forced into silence as his beleaguered mind could simply not handle the strain of talking while doing the practice. Eventually, they quit practicing when everyone in the group had spent around half of their mana, making sure to conserve enough to be able to fight off any sudden monster attack. This left them seated around their heating lamp, still watching the researchers go about their business. His eyes once more lingering on the aperture, Kite couldn¡¯t help but smile faintly as a thrill of excitement mixed with a bit of fear made themselves known when he thought about the future and, hopefully, him once more taking on the challenge of the jade-sky gate. ¡°Still, patience, little Kite,¡± he chided himself, his mind making its best impression of uncle Walker. ¡°There is a time for tempering and a time for trials and tribulations.¡± His gaze also lingered on his friends who, with the exception of Serene, sat in companionable silence. ¡°And time for companionship and warmth.¡± You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
¡°Come here, little Raven! Come to brother!¡± The little girl, now close to nine months of age, remained seated a meter away and did not move in the slightest. Her onyx eyes regarded him with the somber, unhurried judgment only small children could manage, and Kite¡¯s best attempt at an inviting smile turned a bit crooked, shoulders slumping in defeat. ¡°Do not fret, little Kite. She is always like that with people she hasn¡¯t seen in a while. Give her some time, and she¡¯ll soon be crawling all over the place,¡± auntie Crow noted where she sat nearby, her hands and animated hair busy with yet another formation plate. ¡°Oh, but your brother has yet more tricks up his sleeves,¡± Kite grumbled. ¡°Glint, if you please? I believe it is time to fight cuteness with cuteness.¡± At his mental prompt, the carp floated out from her bottle, remaining small as she approached the sitting baby. Raven shifted her focus, following the pretty carp as Glint flew small circles around the child, although her motions were gentle. As it turned out, gentle enough that a small hand reached out and grasped the carp firmly. To her credit, Glint accepted the handling as Raven took a firm hold of the fish with both hands, and eventually managed to turn her around to look at her golden eyes and wiggling mustaches. Then, it happened; a small bubbling laughter broke from the little child, unhindered and free. Kite¡¯s heart sang with the sound, ever so pleased that he had been able to facilitate such a joyous response, even if he certainly had help. Turning to Crow, he smiled. ¡°See, auntie? Brother Kite can-¡± ¡°You¡¯d better look again, dear,¡± Crow only noted, amusement clear in her voice. As he actually focused his attention on the child again, he winced a bit at the reproachful, suffering look in Glint¡¯s eyes, as Raven had turned the fish around and glomped onto her side with a toothless mouth.
Adelaide looked quite pleased as Kite and his companions turned in the large stack of finished contracts, starting to go through them even as she spoke. ¡°Oh, this is great. You¡¯ve almost ended gyrmling season all by yourself, from the looks of it,¡± the elven functionary cooed. ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon with your payment.¡± ¡°Before you go, I¡¯d like to retrieve four awakening stones from the vaults too,¡± Kite said, Adelaide nodding. ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll take you there after we¡¯re done here.¡± While waiting Dragonfly spoke up. ¡°It seems like we¡¯ve cleaned out a lot of the relevant contracts. Shall we take a few days to relax and let some more accumulate?¡± ¡°That would be appreciated,¡± Will said. ¡°Mother and father have complained that I am barely home these days, so I¡¯d better give the familial duties some time and attention.¡± ¡°And I will always find duties to occupy me. The song is eternal, after all,¡± Serene agreed. ¡°Then it seems that we have a plan, but I still hope that you can find the time to come by the guild hall. Our up and coming members always appreciate your guidance,¡± Kite said, his friends nodding their agreements. They dispersed after dividing the rewards from the completed contracts, Kite following Adelaide deeper into the basement level of the administration building. ¡°Which ones do you want to retrieve?¡± Adelaide asked as they had gone in through the checkpoint and its security array, standing in front of the numerous small vaults where members of the adventure society could store more precious belongings or pay a fee to have them sent to another branch with one of the semi-regular portal couriers. ¡°Root, growth, serenity and flow, please,¡± Kite said, Adelaide retrieving the selected treasures. ¡°They sure have been working hard,¡± the elf said while she closed up the vault. ¡°It has been a long time since the iron-ranked deliveries and far-flung hunts were completed at this rate. No wonder that they are earning their stones.¡± ¡°So far, I am very happy with the investment,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°While it has only been just under a year since we founded the guild, it feels like so much has happened. And with Worth Transcending Gold joining our ranks, we have a little more stability in our roster.¡± ¡°Oh, the former sect member? I hadn¡¯t pegged him for the courier type?¡± ¡°He isn¡¯t, at least not in his power set,¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°But he is dedicated to the area and seems content to remain for a time. He has been a great help in combat training, and even though he isn¡¯t outspoken by any means, he seems to get along with the rest just fine.¡± ¡°Huh, I see. I¡¯m just surprised that he didn¡¯t join the Victorious Sunset sect instead. They did snag many of the former members that were deemed competent.¡± ¡°I actually asked him that as well,¡± Kite said as he walked beside the functionary to return to the ground floor. ¡°Do you want to know what he answered?¡± ¡°Do tell.¡± ¡°Felt better. Purer,¡± Kite said, speaking in the curt low voice. ¡°Those were his exact words.¡± ¡°A direct man. I like that. Tell him to come get more contracts from me. Makes my work a lot easier now during the final stretch.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± Kite asked, stopping. ¡°Is it already time? Your term of service is done?¡± ¡°It is,¡± Adelaide replied, excitement clear in her tone. ¡°Taking on some additional duties last year paid off, so I will actually take my leave at the end of summer, once I can manage to schedule the portal out. The society is paying for the latter though, as part of the contract. Otherwise I wouldn¡¯t be splurging my hard-earned funds on it.¡± She must have noticed the slight hint of sadness in Kite¡¯s expression, and her excitement became a bit more tempered. ¡°I will admit that I will miss my favorite group of locals though. You and yours have helped a lot to make my job here easier, and I will do my best to repay the kindness to all the functionaries I will meet in the upcoming years. Foster positive karma, or whatever you locals tend to call it. But¡­ I am just so ready to finally get on with it. To improve and have adventures of my own. Seeing you work your way from a green little iron-ranker to a locally known and almost infamous bronze-ranker has really lit that fire in my heart.¡± ¡°I¡­ understand,¡± Kite said, doing his best to perk himself up. ¡°And I am happy for you, Adelaide. But I will miss you. You have been a constant since I came to Gilded, and with you leaving as well, it feels a bit like those early days are truly left behind me soon. They say that nostalgia comes with age, but I can already feel it having sunk its claws into my heart.¡± The pair continued walking, as Kite asked; ¡°But I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve actually told me your essences? What kind of path do you hope to walk? If you don¡¯t mind sharing that is?¡± ¡°Oh, not at all,¡± Adelaide said, the cheer back in force. ¡°As I wasn¡¯t deemed important enough within the clan for essences in the first place, the adventure society became my best shot at actually gaining the essences I hoped for; life, crystal and gathering.¡± ¡°Those all sound quite beneficent to those around you. What is the confluence?¡± ¡°Vessel,¡± Adelaide said, almost having stars in her eyes. ¡°I just got the next to last stone a few days ago, and I¡¯m giving prayers of thanks to Fortune every day, as I couldn¡¯t be more satisfied with the result!¡± As Adelaide animatedly explained her powers to Kite, he couldn¡¯t help but agree; an armored healer creating more crystals floating around the battlefield to gather and distribute life energy did indeed sound most helpful. ¡°You know, if you happen to be looking for a guild-¡± he ventured with a gleam in his eyes, only for Adelaide to interrupt him. ¡°Oh Kite, that is very sweet, but also a resounding no on my part. Do not get me wrong; had I been staying I would have joined in a heartbeat. But my powers are based on me fighting with a proper team around me, and cooperation in these lands is simply way too unreliable.¡± ¡°Well, I had to ask,¡± Kite replied with an unrepentant smile. ¡°But as I said, I am happy for you, Adelaide of clan Ruizic.¡± The pair had once more found themselves near the entrance, and Kite bowed to her, hands cupped. ¡°While I am sure that we will meet again before you leave, I still wish for your path to take you to the heavens and beyond.¡±
¡°Thank you for your assistance in tempering my path,¡± Kite intoned, bowing to his opponent. ¡°I thank you as well,¡± the young leonid man opposite him intoned, mirroring the bow. Kite suspected that he was around the same age even though his race¡¯s natural size made the leonid tower over everyone present. ¡°I will admit that I had my doubts when rumors about the so-called Pathbreaker reached the Wayward Wind sect, but it appears that there is some truth to the tales.¡± ¡°If you do not mind me asking, isn¡¯t the Wayward Wind sect located south of Convergence? If so, then you have traveled far.¡± ¡°That is correct, although it is closer to the verdant lands of Orchard. I am not surprised that you have heard of our might,¡± the leonid said while puffing out his chest in pride. ¡°When I heard of you, I felt that I had to go on a journey and prove such rumors wrong. But for me, an inner disciple, to lose to someone from such a backwater? Truly, the heavens know how to test me.¡± While his words might have been meant as an insult, Kite sensed no hostility in them. ¡°You are a fierce and skilled warrior, Singer of Storm¡¯s Pride, and an honor to your sect.¡± Kite acknowledged honestly. The leonid had fought with discipline and passion, unflinching even as Kite had sundered his magics and negated his flaming attacks. From earlier experiences, Kite had expected some derision or accusations afterwards, but neither the inner disciple nor his silver-ranked escort had shown any sign of taking offense so far. Through his expanded vision, Kite had even seen the older human man give the occasional nod as the two fought in one of the dueling arenas up on the Seventh Peak, as if evaluating the bout. ¡°I am quite unsure if many of my fellow brothers and sisters would agree with you, but it is an embarrassment I will have to bear. As the heavens saw fit to show me, my skills are in need of further tempering,¡± the leonid replied, retrieving the agreed upon prize of spirit coins which had been the prize Kite had asked for. ¡°But know this, Pathbreaker, that I will find you in the future, so that our paths may clash again.¡± ¡°Then it shall be so, Singer of Storm¡¯s Pride. May your climb towards the heavens be fruitful until our paths cross again.¡± As the leonid left with his escort, the pair apparently already discussing and evaluating the bout, Kite shrugged helplessly. This was not the first challenger who had come seeking him out as his new name had started spreading, but it had been the one who had traveled the furthest. ¡°Oh dear,¡± he murmured under his breath, foreseeing that this might not be the last such challenger either.
As he saw the thin, misty rain part before the enchantments of his hat, Kite couldn¡¯t help but shudder a bit as he imagined its cold clamminess gradually creeping into his clothes. ¡°The early winter weather around Basion surely leaves a bit to be desired,¡± he said to Glint, seated atop his familiar and waiting in line to enter the city, even though he knew that the carp felt quite at home in the drizzle. After a quick stop at Peony¡¯s house to drop off more materials and collect his share of their earnings, Kite found himself in front of a house he had never visited before; a sprawling apartment building which should house at least a dozen households. It was well kept, situated up at the Sixth step, and even had a small reception area where an older woman dressed in plain but proper robes greeted Kite. ¡°Greetings, visitor. I have not had the pleasure of seeing you before. May I inquire which tenant you are to visit?¡± While she was polite, Kite got the distinct feeling that she would not just let anyone go traipsing around the building. ¡°Greetings. I am to visit Still Brook in Blooming. Her letter instructed me to find her at this address.¡± ¡°Ah, I see. Mistress Brook did forewarn that she might expect company, although you are a bit earlier than she expected. You will find her door on the third floor, at the westernmost part.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Kite said, bowing politely before making his way into the building and up two flights of stairs, Glint curiously looking at the old but well-maintained interior. A piece of calligraphy adorning one of the walls in the stairwell caused Sage to stir within Kite¡¯s aura, but he still moved past it towards his goal; a sliding door at the end of a walkway. Beyond it, Kite could feel a familiar iron-ranked aura. He rapped his knuckles against the door while using his aura to announce his presence. He felt the aura within startle slightly, and then got to follow some kind of scramble throughout what he assumed was a small apartment, embarrassment roiling out from the spirit of its human tenant. A minute later, Brook opened the door, somewhat flustered. ¡°Kite! You came! And earlier than I expected,¡± she said while trying to get her auburn hair wrapped up into a more proper bun. A moment later, Nudge came flapping to perch at her shoulder, giving Kite and Glint a chirp of greeting. ¡°When the sage calls, the vagabond answers,¡± Kite said, looking over Brook¡¯s shoulder into what he assumed was her new residence. ¡°And I see that the sage now lives in a palace of her own.¡± ¡°Oh, I-¡± she blushed, realizing that she still had him waiting at the door. ¡°Please, come in.¡± A little while later, the pair sat down at a low table in Brook¡¯s rather cozy apartment. There were several shelves housing a plethora of neatly organized books and scrolls, and Kite also noted many different kinds of wood carvings which adorned the place. ¡°It is a pleasant apartment you have found for yourself,¡± Kite noted while Brook poured them both a cup of tea. ¡°Its atmosphere is very much aligned with its tenants, even if the wood carvings surprised me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it,¡± Brook said with a small smile. ¡°Leaf has made the carvings. While it started out as a spur of the moment kind of pastime, he has grown quite proficient.¡± ¡°I can see that,¡± Kite said, admiring a decent replica of Nudge which adorned a nearby shelf. ¡°What made you finally take the step to find a place of your own?¡± ¡°It¡­ just felt right. I earn a lot more money these days, and I could well afford it even after the cost of monster cores.¡± ¡°And your mother had nothing to do with it?¡± Kite asked, and eyebrow raised in amusement as Brook squirmed a bit. ¡°She¡­ might have influenced it a bit,¡± she admitted. ¡°Mother is very nice in so many ways, but as I have become older, I have come to desire my own peace and quiet. Peace and quiet she does not always respect. But please, how have you been doing? How is little Raven? I bet that she is the cutest little one to have walked these lands.¡± They spent an hour with idle talk, updating each other of what had passed in their respective lives during the six months since Kite had last visited. Brook had been promoted to the position of librarian, being one of two to work directly beneath the same old man who had mentored her before. Otherwise, her life seems to have been a lot calmer than Kite¡¯s, her essence powers progressing slowly but surely with the help of monster cores. He was happy to note that she still seemed to be practicing the meditations he taught her, as her aura was decently controlled for a core-user of her level. ¡°But you wrote that you had found something which I might find important?¡± Kite eventually asked. ¡°At least that was what you said in the letter.¡± Brook got surprisingly somber at him broaching the topic, her eyes and aura hinting at complex feelings on the matter. ¡°I believe that I do. But first, I have a question for you, Kite. Which I hope that you will answer me honestly.¡± ¡°I¡­ will.¡± Kite said, halting a bit at the gravity in her words. ¡°Then, please tell me, why do you wish to challenge the jade-sky gate again?¡± 120. What is power? ¡°Then, please tell me, why do you wish to challenge the jade-sky gate again?¡± Kite did not attempt to hide his surprise at the topic. He had told Brook of his intention to take on the queen¡¯s challenge during his last visit, and had not thought her overly interested in the matter. But her gravitas now indicated quite the opposite. ¡°I¡­¡± he begun, but paused. This was a question which she had apparently given some thought, and he should as well. The half-meditative state came easy to him these days, his mind partially sinking into a calm which aided him in more introspective matters. Brook was clearly not in a hurry, waiting patiently as he thought on the matter. Only when things felt more clear did he turn back to her, ready to give his answer. ¡°I believe that the answer is manyfold, as most of our ambitions are, I suppose. At its core, the queen¡¯s gates are an opportunity. While little has been spread of them, most survivors keeping their experiences and bounties close to heart, I have seen one, Brook. The power of the queen and her servitors repurposing a whole astral space according to her needs. The challenges crafted to test oneself and one¡¯s path. And the prize offered at the end.¡± To punctuate his words, he retrieved Immutable Echo, gently laying the staff down on the table between them. Resting against the wooden surface, it was only made more clear that it truly was something extra; that mysterious metal almost looking out of place, more solid and real than the world around it. ¡°But you have already passed it once, and the prize is yours. Do you even know if the same will be offered again? You already have so much, Kite. You seem to be a great adventurer with what you already have, and I know that you are a cherished friend and beloved son. And brother now as well. Is more power worth all that?¡± ¡°That is why I tried to think deeper on the matter. And I realized that while the core of the challenge and its potential is one thing, my reasoning is another. I have told you of the guild, right?¡± ¡°Yes. It seems very nice.¡± ¡°It is. I am proud of them and what they are doing,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°And I believe I told you about the name I was given too, if only to warn you not to take the rumors at face value.¡± ¡°Which was wise, as the Pathbreaker of the stories is becoming quite the figure.¡± ¡°I know. There have been several challengers traveling to seek me out already, seeking to test their paths against that story.¡± ¡°Sounds bothersome.¡± ¡°In a way. But I will admit that it is also a little bit exhilarating. I did not ask for that name, but it was given. And it has spread. Might even continue to do so.¡± ¡°So? Is that why you want to prove yourself? To make yourself worthy? Or keep up that reputation?¡± ¡°I think you misunderstand me, Brook. It is not about the name itself. Or the guild. But something which they both share; a common denominator. Power, if through different mediums.¡± ¡°So it is just about power then? Is that-¡± ¡°Brook, what is power?¡± Kite¡¯s interruption had her stop, and sit back on her pillow. ¡°It¡­ isn¡¯t it just that? Might? Strength? Indomitability? To have the ability to force one¡¯s will upon the world¡­¡± As she trailed off, Kite saw the look of realization on her face. ¡°While I wouldn¡¯t say that ¡®force¡¯ is the method I always prefer, I do indeed think that power is just that. It comes in many shapes and mediums, but the ability to shape and affect the world around oneself feels like the common denominator. And as I have walked the path towards the heavens¡­ I think that I want a bit more of that. At least where it matters to me. To help my friends, and uplift people I cherish. To leave lasting imprints of concepts and actions I feel resonates with me. To shape the world around me, to bring it closer to alignment with what I feel is right, at least in a small way. Not all the time, and not all the world. But maybe just a small part of it. My part.¡± ¡°I¡­ Kite, you¡¯re just a bronze-ranker. I will not deny that you have already changed my life, and Peony¡¯s and Sun¡¯s as well. Isn¡¯t¡­ isn¡¯t that enough?¡± Kite¡¯s heart ached a bit at her downcast face, their differences once more resurging. He and Brook had many similarities, but here was a topic in which their hearts truly diverged. ¡°If all goes well, I will not be ¡®just a bronze-ranker¡¯ for much longer though,¡± Kite said, voice gentle. ¡°And with forming the guild and seeing it slowly but surely start to impact Gilded and the surrounding areas, I can¡¯t help it; I¡­ want a bit more of that. You are right though; I am currently just a bronze-ranker from a rural area of a rural country, at least if you believe the outlanders. And with me being named Pathbreaker, not the most modest of monikers, the challenges will probably continue, at least for a while. While I hope it will not be so, it is possible that someone would want to investigate me more. Maybe even want to interfere with what I want to do. Adding some more strength to my name, and maybe even a bit of infamy, by conquering not one but two jade-sky gates might deter that. Or at least keep those looking more interested in beneficial opportunities rather than as an opportunity to bring me down. And finally, the selfish part. Brook, I¡­ find it exciting. I was gifted these essences from my birth parents with the wish for me to be free and to grow. And while the last gate was certainly a tribulation, I grew from it. Quite a lot. And I want to experience that again. The tension, the excitement. To adapt and conquer. To be tempered. So my motivations are indeed manyfold; opportunistic, deterring and a bit egoistic. But I believe that they are still all mine.¡± Brook had fallen silent after her last retort, just listening with eyes still downcast. Kite didn¡¯t probe her aura too much, but got the feeling that she was listening intently. So after sharing his thoughts, he let the silence hang between them, his curiosity of this line of questioning growing but choosing to remain patient. ¡°I¡­¡± Brook eventually ventured, taking a breath and continuing. ¡°I want to accuse you of being too selfish. Of not thinking enough of all the people around you, and what we would lose if you didn¡¯t come back. But that would just leave me the most selfish one. I¡¯m sorry, Kite. You have already given a lot to the world around you. And I truly feel that a world where Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune had more power would be one which I would like more. But I also wish that it was someone else who would take these risks. That my friend could be content and safe. Even though I just witnessed a small fragment of the violence in your life, I already know that I would wish for you to not have to experience it.¡± ¡°And that, dear Brook, is where our paths remain separate. Probably always will,¡± Kite agreed, feeling a bit sad as he spoke the words. ¡°Know that I cherish you and the bond we share, as I do with everyone else close to me. But I will ever strive for them to be bonds of mutual support, not chains.¡± Silence reigned once more after that, with giving extra attention to keep his aura-senses retracted so as to give his friend and once-lover her privacy. Eventually, she sighed and looked up at him, a bit of resignation in her eyes. ¡°I truly don¡¯t understand this part of you, Kite. But at least I know that the thoughtful, introspective boy from when we grew up is still a big part of who you are. And even if I would wish for you to want something else, I can¡¯t bear to not help you if I can.¡± As she spoke, Brook reached into a dimensional satchel and pulled out a rolled up scroll. Judging by the stamp on its outside, it was a copy. She put it down next to his staff, clearly still a bit hesitant but also determined. ¡°What is this?¡± Kite asked, reaching out to unfurl the document. ¡°I couldn¡¯t help but think that we know so little about the jade-sky gates, and that someone, somewhere in our country would at least have written something about them. And as it turns out, I was right. But I once more had to ask the head librarian for help to be able to requisition a copy of the document. I don¡¯t think it is actually restricted, but clearly some people in the capitol branch want to make it a hassle to get their hands on.¡± Kite looked at the scroll with newfound appreciation. ¡°This must have been expensive then. How much? I can-¡± ¡°Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, don¡¯t you dare,¡± Brook interrupted with a withering glare. ¡°You were the one who went on about using what power you have for the people you like. Let me do the same.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ Sorry. You are right. Thank you, Brook,¡± Kite said, having the decency to look a bit abashed. ¡°Anyway,¡± Brook continued. ¡°When I got it and read it, I realized that this would probably make you want to go even more. So I wanted to have a proper talk with you before. I still don¡¯t like that you¡¯re going, so I give you this under protest.¡± Kite could still sense her concern, clear through what he assumed was her newfound ¡®stern librarian look¡¯. But she seemed to have found at least a smidgeon of solace in acceptance. ¡°This humble vagabond extends his most heartfelt thanks to the fair sage, as I realize that this exacted a most heavy toll on both purse and heart,¡± Kite said. ¡°May I?¡± ¡°Please do. I have made some notes in the margin-¡± Brook said, continuing to explain as they were pouring over the document together over the next two hours. During this time, a small crowd of paper and dust constructs brought them some more tea and pastries while continuously cleaning the apartment around them, unnoticed by the reading pair. It turned out that the scroll was a series of interviews made by a magic society researcher who had managed to track down a few of the people who had managed to conquer at least one of the jade-sky gates. It wasn¡¯t overly long, the low numbers of participants once more hinting at the survivors of the gates keeping their experiences and prizes very close to heart. At first glance, it looked to be little more than fragmented stories, but Brook¡¯s helpful notes pointed out patterns which Kite could pick up upon, and slowly some commonalities between the scattered tales started appearing. ¡°That type of challenge is referenced there as well, in line with the pattern,¡± Kite pointed out, Brook quickly using one of her essence powers to add the proper note in the margin. ¡°And it also hints at our theory in regard to the prizes improving for conquering consecutive gates at each rank,¡± Brook agreed. ¡°Although three points of data is really not enough to draw definite conclusions.¡± ¡°At least it is something to consider,¡± Kite said, feeling quite excited. ¡°So if I¡¯m not mistaken, there might be a theme to the challenges of the different ranks?¡± ¡°This at least hints at that,¡± Brook confirmed. ¡°Iron is a test of strength, to prove that the foundations of one¡¯s path are worthy.¡± ¡°And bronze widens that theme, focusing more on the direction of one¡¯s path through choices made and opportunities seized. Silver is more vague - even less people having shared - but seems to be more of finding your paths part in a greater whole. And gold¡­¡± ¡°Unfortunate, but it is to be expected that no gold-ranker would be so forthcoming,¡± Brook noted, her academic curiosity having won out over her doubtfulness for now. ¡°Still, I can¡¯t help but to be excited by the hint that conquering more than one gate might be beneficial somehow,¡± Kite said, eyes twinkling. ¡°And the fact that so few mentions it should be hint enough that few survive such an attempt. Because who would be foolish enough to enter deathtraps over and over?¡± Brook said sourly. Kite ignored her comment, instead leaning in and hugging the suddenly flustered librarian. ¡°Thank you, my friend. I know this is not your path, but I appreciate you supporting mine nonetheless.¡± Brook soon stilled, leaning into the hug a bit more. ¡°Just¡­ don¡¯t make me regret it. Please?¡± ¡°I will do my utmost, that much I promise,¡± Kite said, ending the embrace. ¡°But there is still some time before I go. I still have things to do, and want to push as close to silver as I can before departing. They say that the path to the heavens is a long one, so this vagabond better keep up his hard work.¡±
¡°Well done, all of you. Plum, I would recommend that you practice the third meditation I showed you a bit more, as it will help you keep calm while healing more severe injuries. Stream, you can use the same, while Spring should focus more on the first. While the singing is optional, I always recommend it to sharpen the mind and aid it in finding purpose,¡± Serene counseled the three iron-rankers of the guild. ¡°Also, congratulations on your progress, Spring. You are closing in on bronze rank every day¡± ¡°Th-thank you, priestess,¡± the younger woman said, blushing at the praise. ¡°I will ever strive to work hard.¡± ¡°Follow the song of your heart, and your path shall find its way towards the heavens,¡± Serene counseled, even if she had a feeling that the younger woman might misinterpret her words to mean other matters of the heart. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Serene had been a bit surprised that her growing stronger actually meant that her fourfold aura caused less troubles for her. It had long been able to lay bare the emotions of others around her, but with the additional power and control came an almost subconscious ability to filter the spiritual impressions to a much higher degree. It had been a long time since she felt the need to consciously avoid delving too deep into the private matters of others, and an even longer time since she felt no reason to avoid it, having reveled in the feeling of control. But even so, young Spring¡¯s infatuation with master Walker had been as clear as day to her, as had Plum¡¯s initial feelings for the young woman. While his had withered with time, as unrequited love was often bound to do, Second Spring¡¯s feelings seemed to only have grown over the one and a half years since the guild¡¯s inception. ¡°I suppose that facing disappointment and longing is an important life-lesson as well,¡± Serene thought as the three iron-rankers left the meditation room. ¡°Before he left for Bastion, Kite did mention that the guild might take in some more members soon, though, so maybe some new blood will change the dynamic of the group enough.¡± ¡°You are guiding them well, little singer,¡± her goddess praised, Serene smiling at the deity¡¯s words. Serene spent a bit of time in meditation of her own after that, practicing her control over her aura projections. This meant that she gradually let it suffuse into the world around her, subtly but surely spreading in a way that was unnoticeable to most beneath silver rank. Feeling satisfied as she could feel the different people in the guild hall go about their business, Serene went into the next part of the practice in which her teachers had instructed her; she let her song spread in the same way. Unnoticed by all present, a melody started to suffuse the air. It was soft and encouraging, aiding in focus and dedication to what one was doing. It was one of harmony, unnoticed by the mind yet felt by the spirit. Serene could feel the slight shift as many of the auras strengthened slightly, their stride a bit more firm or their actions a bit more decisive; from Stream becoming a little more sure of hand as she practiced yet another formation and Plum managing to keep his eyes on his medical scroll instead of on Spring¡¯s stretches and practice katas. The priestess let her mind and attention move around her gradually expanding sensory domain, until her senses suddenly picked up something else, and something most unexpected at that; there was another voice there, deep and resonant. And it sang along with her, with the song none present should have been able to hear. It wasn¡¯t like Serene heard the actual notes, yet her aura picked it up as clear as day. For a moment, it was all Serene could do to remain in her meditation, almost jarred out of it by the sudden accompaniment. Eventually, she rose and left the meditation chamber, walking through the rooms of the guild hall and eventually emerging onto the building''s backyard, where she found her target. Beneath the lone tree, its gilded leaves covered in the thin layer of winter snow, Worth Transcending Gold stood polishing and maintaining his suit of heavy armor; a massive full plate of articulated brass-colored plates that would be challenging to move about in even for the bronze-ranker, had he not possessed the essence powers to trivialize it. While the armor certainly had enchantments for mending and maintaining, Serene could feel the calm, meditative state of the large man as he took care of all the small hinges and moving pieces, as well as mending the decorative pieces of cloth and colorful tassels common to the area. He had not noticed her standing there, but Serene could now hear it clearly; his song. It was a wordless one, more akin to a humming; deep, resonant and incredibly pure, especially for someone who, to the priestess¡¯ knowledge, had no affiliation with the church of Song. He didn¡¯t even seem to think too much about it, but his melody harmonized with her own, and she felt a bit odd as her heart beat just a bit faster. Distracted, Serene didn¡¯t know exactly when she had stopped her aura practice and her song leaked into the physical world, but she did feel the shift when Gold noticed. To his credit, he did not jerk in surprise, but rather turned with his usual calm to regard her where she stood at the open door of the guild hall. His song had fallen away, and Serene¡¯s own faded as well as she stood there looking at the large man, his shaven head and stern, angular features at odds with the softness of his earlier singing. The pair regarded each other for a while, with Serene retracting her spiritual senses so as to not intrude on Gold¡¯s privacy. It was only half-conscious, somehow not feeling appropriate for that moment. Seconds passed, with his gray eyes meeting her jade green. Then, he tentatively took up the song again, eyes asking permission. In response, Serene did as well, her disembodied voice starting to fill the backyard of the guild hall, weaving itself around that of her unexpected companion. Gold gave a small smile, rare for his stern features, before he turned back to continue his work with the armor as he sang. Serene returned the smile, walking over to sit at a nearby bench, unbothered by the winter chill; her voice joining his, the beat of her heart as well.
¡°Love, come over here. Look!¡± Seeing her wife¡¯s giddy smile as she stood at the doorway between the kitchen and the common room, Crow closed the door leading outside behind her and strode up to see what Dove was looking at. ¡°Oh dear,¡± Crow said softly, as she beheld sight before them. Accompanied by the sound of the winter winds outside, with flurries of snow visible through the common room windows, Kite sat deep in meditation at one of the pillows, with a sleeping Raven sprawled across his lap. The little girl had just turned one year and three months, and had apparently decided that atop her very stationary brother was an excellent place to take a nap. ¡°Crow, I¡¯m so happy I reached silver before this, as I want to remember this forever,¡± Dove squealed, but softly so as to not wake the sleeping toddler. She spent all her days running around and tugging on everything not nailed down, so the respite of her resting was always a welcome one. ¡°Indeed. We shoul-¡± Crow began, but the pair were interrupted by a surge of Kite¡¯s aura. It was a familiar feeling, not unlike the budding flowers of spring starting to bloom as something surged. As Kite was surrounded by the bronze light, there was a distinct little streak of silver within. The young man sat serenely through the process, but even the little normal-ranked child seemed to sense that something was happening. A pair of onyx eyes opened as Raven froze to take in the shimmering halo around her impromptu bed. Crow was readying herself to send out strands of hair to scoop her up, but they had only closed half the distance when the little girl gave off a bubbly laughter, small stubby arms waving frantically as if to catch the swirling spiritual outburst. ¡°It seems to be a good thing that we ascended when we did,¡± Dove mused, faux ruefulness in her voice. ¡°Because I don¡¯t think that we¡¯ll be able to keep ahead of that little boy much longer.¡± A moment later, they could feel a bit of pain shoot through Kite¡¯s aura, but he managed to keep still through the ordeal. Only as the pain faded did Dove and Crow cross the room, Dove retrieving the excited Raven as they sat down. ¡°I assume that it was your perception power, little Kite?¡± Crow asked. ¡°It is rare for it to not be the tip of the metaphorical iceberg.¡± ¡°It¡­ was indeed,¡± Kite replied, rubbing his sore eyes before looking blearily at her. ¡°I- oh¡­¡± He paused, looking at Crow as if seeing her for the first time. ¡°Auntie, it¡¯s- You-¡±
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Gaze of Adamance] has reached Silver 0. [Gaze of Adamance] has received additional effects. - Gaze of Adamance - Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Provides perfect peripheral vision and increased ability to swiftly process visual stimuli. Effect - bronze: Gives the ability to see magic and magical effect. May be activated for a cost of low mana per second to provide 360-degree vision. Effect - silver: Gives the ability to perceive auras
¡°Take it slow, little Kite. From your reaction, I would assume that you awakened aura-sight, correct?¡± ¡°I have. It¡­ is something I will have to get used to,¡± Kite said, still a bit dizzy by the new impressions. He slowly turned to look at Dove as well, fascinated. ¡°They¡­ they really look - or at least feel - so much like you, while at the same time looking like nothing at all.¡± ¡°I have forgotten how it feels to not perceive them more clearly, as I have been able to since iron rank,¡± Crow admitted. ¡°But it is a good thing, and should be very useful with further aura training as well as to better gauge the people you meet and their spirits. Serene should know more about it, so I suggest you seek her counsel as well when you return to Gilded.¡± ¡°Thank you, auntie. I¡­ I will,¡± Kite said, still a bit dazed. The family spent some time helping Kite get used to his new way of viewing the world, Raven not understanding in the slightest what all the fuss was about as she mostly went about doing toddler things, Glint in tow. Once he had gotten a bit more used to the sensations, Kite also halted in realization. ¡°This¡­ this also means that it is soon time.¡± His words caused both Dove and Crow to halt, as they knew of what he spoke of. ¡°The gate,¡± Dove said, concern still clear in her features. ¡°Kite, you must promise - promise - me to be careful. I am still not sure if I will ever consider mine and Walker¡¯s karma as balanced after giving you that first token.¡± ¡°But as we have also said, love,¡± Crow chided,¡± we must also trust in our little Kite to use his own judgment. His path is his to walk, and we must support him.¡± ¡°But Crow, if he doesn¡¯t-¡± ¡°Then we will simply have to find a way to break into said gate and retrieve our little Kite,¡± Crow said, matter of factly. ¡°I respect the queen¡¯s decree and her leaving us these trials. But that doesn¡¯t matter if I think that the gate is keeping our little chick inside,¡± the jest in her voice faded a bit as she turned to Kite. ¡°But I share Dove¡¯s sentiment, little Kite. Please be careful.¡± ¡°Do you even know where any active gates are?¡± Dove asked. ¡°I have not heard of any more descending into the Autumn lands.¡± ¡°I¡­ do not,¡± Kite admitted. ¡°But with the guild having established itself well, uncle Walker agreed to help me dig up its locations. He traveled south two weeks ago and, if Fortune is kind, he will know more upon his return.¡± ¡°That old fool better not find another where vengeful sect members will lay in ambush,¡± Dove muttered, both Kite and Crow chuckling. Raven joined in their laughter, but that was more due to Glint having started to conjure the prettiest bubbles of water she could manage than any social awareness. Kite¡¯s smile wouldn¡¯t leave his face as he bent down to scoop up the little toddler, helping her to chase Glint around the room. ¡°I will make the promise to you too, little one,¡± he thought as they played. ¡°I¡¯ll be careful, and do my best to come back just that much further along my climb towards the heavens.¡±
¡°I thank you, teacher, for the time spent with me. You have taught me a lot during this week,¡± Kite said, bowing politely to the slightly older man. ¡°Bah, it was the agreed-upon price, no?¡± Cloud of Dawn Greetings said, acting as if to wave the matter away even though Kite thought that he saw a satisfied smile playing on the elf¡¯s features. ¡°Although I fear that people would start cursing my name if they knew that I have had a touch in making the Pathbreaker stronger.¡± ¡°I am nowhere near your Rising Sun Sword, teacher, but I remain grateful to have witnessed and learned from it.¡± ¡°Well, one can¡¯t fault a dabbler like yourself for not achieving mastery, student,¡± the man said, chest puffed out a bit in prider. ¡°Still, I will admit that you are a quick learner. Should you actually wish to put the rest aside to properly master the sword, I am sure that my master would consider taking you in as a student.¡± ¡°Alas, my path remains that of versatility,¡± Kite apologized. ¡°But send my regards to your master for fostering a fine warrior with a strong path. And one of honor as well. Of all those that I have asked for this prize, you are the one who has given it with the most enthusiasm.¡± ¡°I will admit that I was taken aback when you asked me for tutelage if you won our clash,¡± Cloud of Dawn Greetings admitted. ¡°But what kind of man would I be if I did not own up to what I owe? And besides, through teaching others so shall you nurture your own path as well. So says my master.¡± ¡°A wise one indeed,¡± Kite said. ¡°But our agreement is upheld, Cloud of Dawn Greetings. Know that I consider our karma severed, and balance restored. Best of luck on your travels.¡± ¡°The same to you, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. And should you ever decide to strengthen your path through singular purpose, come find me in Orchard.¡± Kite watched the swordsman leave through the city gates of Gilded, feeling pleased. Along with the handful of others he had learned from during the past months of challengers sometimes seeking him out, he had learned a lot to merge with his own path. His versatile style was still a work in progress, but parts of the aggressive Rising Sun Sword-style he had just taken part of would be a good addition to the path Kite was building for himself. ¡°One stone at a time,¡± Kite said to himself as he walked back into the city, imagining his path climbing upwards towards the unseen heavens.¡±
¡°Thank you, director,¡± Kite said as he sat down along with Jarvan in his office, the first rays of spring sun shining in through the huge windows. ¡°Oh, my dear Kite, you always know that your dedicated branch director always has time for you when you wish to schedule a meeting to discuss¡­ business¡­¡± The gleam in Jarvan¡¯s eyes was the same as always, as the man seemed to be able to almost smell the essences Kite wanted to sell him. ¡°This humble adventurer is grateful,¡± Kite replied, taking a sip of the drink he had been offered. ¡°If you would like to, I actually have enough spares to sell you a set of six essences this time-¡± ¡°Six?! Sweet Sip of Sea, boy, of cour-¡± ¡°But-¡± Kite said, holding up a finger to forestall the director¡¯s enthusiasm. ¡°I will warn you that most are still of the common varieties, and that I will save some of the rarer for other opportunities.¡± ¡°Rarer, you say? Might this humble branch director of yours inquire as to which ones? Just to satisfy my curiosity, of course.¡± Deciding to humor the man, Kite acquiesced. ¡°Moon and hunger, along with one growth and two pure. The rest are mostly the ones of nature and beast, but no less useful for that.¡± ¡°You know what they say, Kite; it is not about the essence, but how you use it. Had I strived to give all my children the rarest ones, I would have to make sure to own a moderately sized kingdom first,¡± Jarvan said, chuckling. ¡°But I will note that moon and hunger together might end up at something restricted. Maybe it would be best for someone reliable, like say, a branch director, to procure them from you? So that you may rest easy in that they will not end up as something which our dear little Pathbreaker must one day hunt down,¡± he said, magnanimously. Kite considered his words for a while, before eventually nodding. ¡°You¡­ may be right in that regard. As long as such a magnanimous branch director has the funds, of course. I have something quite momentous coming up, and might need to spend a bit extra money soon.¡± ¡°Oh, do not fret over that. The funds are there, just waiting for opportunities such as this,¡± Jarvan said, only looking happier by the moment as he and Kite started sorting through the list Kite presented. While the monster surge had been the time where Sage had triggered manifestations of essences and stones the most, the year and a half since then had left Kite with his fair share of magic made manifest. ¡°But you mentioned opportunity?¡± Jarvan asked after they had settled their business, Kite¡¯s purse now being a lot heavier. ¡°Since the inception of the guild, you have been quite stingy with the essences. What made you change your mind now?¡± ¡°Preparations, branch director,¡± Kite replied, a bit of excitement leaking into his voice. ¡°I will take the opportunity to mention that I will be unavailable for a time for your special contracts.¡± ¡°Oh? I will admit to being a bit disappointed. You and your team have made good progress in that regard. Even in these rural lands, too many people manage to get their hands on power which they end up using for quite distasteful things.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I have already considered an addition in my absence. Worth Transcending Gold has worked with the guild for a time now, including certain contracts with me and my companions. He should be able to shore up the defensive role in my absence.¡± ¡°The former sect member? Well, I did give you the mandate to dictate the team composition, so I will trust your judgment,¡± Jarvan said. ¡°But you still haven¡¯t said where you will be going? Unless you wish to keep it a secret?¡± ¡°No, I trust my dear branch director not to spread the word to anyone not deemed trustworthy. I will once more make the attempt at another of the queen¡¯s gates.¡± ¡°Oho?¡± Jarvan asked, sitting back. ¡°Brave lad. At least that is what I think, as many would probably call you foolhardy. Do you have a gate in mind?¡± ¡°We shall have to pray that your evaluation of me is proven correct then, branch director. And as to location, it shall hopefully soon be revealed. Because just before our meeting, I received word that uncle Walker has returned to Gilded.¡± 121. Of preparations and departures As Kite entered the guild hall and saw his uncle surrounded by the members of the guild currently present in the city, he couldn¡¯t help but smile with amusement. Walker wore his typical ¡®sagely lecture-face¡¯, regaling the gathered iron-rankers with stories from his travels. Even though she was a bronze-ranker now, Second Spring still sat front and center, drinking in every word. The three new iron-rankers in training made up the majority of those present, with Plum, Steam and Gold apparently out on contract at the moment. Noel was there though, and Kite walked over to join the younger man. Noel Lancaire looked a lot like his father, but wore his blonde hair in the typical topknot favored by many males of Hua-Xi. He was also dressed in stylish silk robes, cinched tight around his torso but leaving flowing fabric over the legs along with loose sleeves. ¡°Senior brother Kite,¡± Noel greeted seriously, showing none of his father¡¯s easygoing attitude. ¡°Younger brother Noel,¡± Kite greeted in turn. ¡°How are you? I just came back from a meeting with your father. He sends his regards.¡± ¡°I have been working hard in my climb towards the heavens, senior. The streams of this land let this young lotus travel far and wide.¡± While Noel had always been clear in his ambition to become a master swordsman, a power from his water essence had also made it easy for him to travel great distances in the Autumn lands. While the northern region had no major rivers, there were plenty of smaller streams and similar lengths of running water, and Noel was able to traverse them rapidly as the water itself rushed to carry him along. ¡°I can sense that. I¡¯m proud of you, Noel. Despite not having to be here, you staying shows dedication. That and your hard work means that you will always have a place among us, should you wish for it,¡± Kite said, clapping a hand to the younger man¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Once you reach bronze-rank, I may even have an opportunity for you. So work hard with your foundations until then.¡± The young man¡¯s eyes widened at his words, and his face managed the hard feat of growing even more solemn. ¡°I will, senior brother. This Noel LanCaire will not disappoint you.¡± ¡°I am quite sure that you will not,¡± Kite said, smiling. ¡°But if you¡¯ll excuse me, I believe that my uncle may soon enough have some time to spare for his wayward student.¡± ¡°This uncle of yours has excellent hearing as well, little Kite,¡± Walker called from across the room, waving him over. ¡°If the rest of you young ones don¡¯t mind, I will need some time to speak with Kite here.¡± All three of the newer iron-rankers, an adult couple as well as a younger man, bowed respectfully to Kite, who greeted them in turn, turning to the older man and woman. ¡°I hope that the guild has found you well. If all progresses as it should, I believe that the pair of you will be able to take over the house in Starberry peak before summer is over.¡± ¡°Thank you, Pathbreaker,¡± the man, named Five Blessings, said after rising from his bow. ¡°My most esteemed mistress has asked us to travel north as soon as master Walker deems us ready to hold our own. I am most looking forward to learning from her.¡± ¡°As am I,¡± said his wife, Moon Blossom. ¡°And I will be ever grateful for the opportunity you have given us.¡± ¡°There are plenty of plant essence-users in this guild, so you will hopefully be able to fit right in,¡± Kite said with a smile. The pair were the people taking over after his aunties up in Starberry peak, with Five Blessings being an aspiring alchemist while his wife complemented him by being a herbalist. Kite had offered them an adjusted contract for a set of essences for Moon Blossom, not requiring the pair to travel as extensively. He did know that he was showing a bit of preferential treatment since they were to be the new protectors of his home village, but any ethical guilt was quickly washed away by the knowledge that Starberry Peak would fare better in the absence of Dove and Crow. Saying his farewells to the newer members, Kite followed Walker up to the loft where the pair still resided. While there was plenty of room in the guild hall, neither had wanted to move out of the loft which had been their home for so long, Walker having lived there since the time Kite was born. His uncle had told Kite that he had even used part of the money he got for delivering Kite¡¯s stasis pod to purchase the small apartment. ¡°So, uncle. How have your travels treated you? Any luck?¡± He couldn¡¯t help himself, unable to keep the last question from spilling out, earning himself a chuckle as uncle Walker noticed his eagerness. ¡°My travels were quite pleasant, little Kite,¡± Walker said, unapologizingly starting with the first question to leave Kite dangling. ¡°Since silver rank, I have the reserves to make the forest walk with me, so I made good time even across the plains down south. Your uncle visited both Convergence, Orchard and even went so far west that I reached Boundary close to the western border. Fascinating to see the different cities, although we outcasts should still keep our wits about us. Should you venture there, be careful of how much you broadcast your presence, my little Pathbreaker,¡± Walker finished, stressing Kite¡¯s most recent name. ¡°And¡­¡± Kite prompted. ¡°And I must say, the quality of the roads truly varies. Once, I even-¡± ¡°Uncle, please! Mercy!¡± Walker chuckled again at Kite¡¯s frustrated outburst, eyes still twinkling. ¡°I am sorry, little Kite. Thank you for indulging this old man and his antics. I will tell you that I was successful. More than I thought that I would be.¡± Kite sat back in his chair, waiting expectantly for Walker to continue. But the older man instead produced a map of Hua-Xi, folding it to display the country¡¯s northern half. Kite saw Gilded marked about a quarter of the folded map¡¯s length from the top, with Bastion being somewhere around the middle line and close to the eastern coast. On the map, three locations were marked; one was close to the western edge, close to and a bit north of the city named Boundary. The second was a bit east of Orchard while the third was even further south and east, seeming to be located somewhere out in the sea and within the territory apparently claimed by a sect. ¡°Three of them? Uncle, that is amazing!¡± Kite exclaimed, but fell silent as Walker held up a finger. ¡°Don¡¯t put the heidel before the cart yet, little Kite. Your uncle did manage to dig up a bit more about them, and each has their own set of complications.¡± ¡°I¡­ see,¡± Kite said, deflating somewhat. ¡°I assume that the one close to the sect is bound to be claimed by them somehow? Like the Victorious Sunset sect?¡± ¡°In a way,¡± Walker agreed. ¡°While the sect seems amicable for one to barter for the honor of entering the trial on their lands, the price is usually paid in service rather than resources. And as I thought that you weren¡¯t too keen on serving a sect for a while or going deep underwater, I thought this one the least likely option.¡± ¡°And the other two?¡± Kite asked, looking at the pair of markings. ¡°The other two should both be manageable, but as I said, comes with their own complications.¡± Walker pointed to the one near the city of Orchard. ¡°This one has apparently been around the longest, at least thirty years. One of the local wealthy families purchased the land around the gate and even built a manor there, keeping the gate as a prized part of their vast gardens. People with the token can pay the family for access to their estates and make an attempt at the gate, although I heard little of the price except that it is a steep one.¡± ¡°I¡­ see,¡± Kite said, with some concern. ¡°And the one near Boundary?¡± ¡°That one seems to be heavily contested, with local powers all fighting over controlling access to the gate. It seems to have become a symbol of prestige to have it fall under one¡¯s influence. They tend to disagree quite thoroughly with the thought of an outsider coming in to claim the prize and opportunity they claim rightfully belongs to the city and its elites. As soon as one of the power-players in the city gets a hold of a token, they usually try it with one of their scions, although so far no one has succeeded in the decade since its appearance. Should you change your mind and decide to sell your token, going to Boundary would net you a pretty sum. Walker¡¯s explanation left Kite in a thoughtful mood, as he pondered upon the different alternatives. ¡°I agree the easternmost one beneath the waves seems like the worst alternative. While the space within does not by any means have to be submerged, I would rather not risk it,¡± Kite thought aloud. ¡°In regards to the other two, it seems like I might have to choose between paying through the nose or risk inserting myself into something political and potentially violent.¡± ¡°Indeed, little Kite. Apparently, people cannot help themselves to want to control the Queen¡¯s trials,¡± Walker said sourly. ¡°I could, of course, look even further south. Or we could wait for another gate to descend, but only the gods know how long that would take. But you are a patient young man, so I-¡± ¡°In this regard, I might have to disappoint you, uncle,¡± Kite said a bit abashedly. ¡°But I really want to try another gate at bronze rank,¡± he said, proceeding to tell uncle Walker about the scroll which Brook had procured for him. ¡°That¡­ makes sense,¡± Walker eventually said, when Kite had finished telling him of the conclusions and theories that Brook had helped him reach. ¡°The stories say that the queen wished to test one¡¯s path. And a path is a lot more than just one rank. Kite, this is exciting news. Who knows what awaits you within if you enter after already having conquered one of them?¡± Walker¡¯s eyes were twinkling, before he sombered and added; ¡°But please don¡¯t tell your aunties that I said that.¡± ¡°On my honor, my lips will be sealed,¡± Kite said, returning his uncle¡¯s smile. ¡°But this still leaves you with the question of which gate to choose,¡± Walker said, returning to the matter at hand. ¡°Unless you happen to know a gold ranker which to call upon, I¡¯m afraid that your uncle isn¡¯t enough muscle to bring to force things. Both should be guarded, and I would assume that the wealthy ones outside Orchard have plenty of formations and arrays surrounding their estates. It might be worth-¡± Walker continued talking, but Kite was only half-listening, his mind having stopped at something which his uncle said. Something which gave him an idea. ¡°-though I cannot promise to-¡± ¡°Uncle!¡± Kite¡¯s sudden exclamation interrupted Walker, who looked to the younger man. ¡°I believe that I know that look. Do you have an idea, little Kite?¡± ¡°I do indeed,¡± Kite replied, his voice sinking conspiratorially. ¡°I will need help, both from you as well as from others, as well as make some preparations. But I believe that I have a way forward,¡± Kite said, sharing his beginning of a plan with uncle Walker. ¡°That, little Kite, is bold indeed. And there is a certain satisfying sense of justice to it as well,¡± Walker said, his thoughtful look gradually turning into a grin. ¡°Then please rely on your uncle. I will help you in whatever way I can.¡±
¡°My friend, are you sure that you do not want us to come with you? It sure sounded like you would have needed the assistance when you made your exit the last time around,¡± Will asked yet again, still uneasy at staying behind in Gilded. ¡°While I always treasure your company Will, I believe that you would just feel stuck there. I do not know how long the trial will take, assuming that I can manage to pass it, but the last one took just over three weeks. I wouldn¡¯t want you all to sit around freezing in the snow in unfamiliar territory during that time. Besides, Dragonfly will accompany me to Convergence and help me stock up on things I need, and then I will have further support waiting for me in Orchard.¡± ¡°So, they are coming?¡± Dragonfly asked, Kite nodding in response.¡± ¡°They are. I received the message yesterday.¡± Will sat back on the couch, the inner garden of his part of the palace protected from the early spring sleet outside. The elf still seemed in a sour mood for missing such an event as Kite was about to undertake, but eventually gave a resigned sigh. ¡°I suppose that those two will be able to better assist you with what is to come. And for what it¡¯s worth, I think you made the right choice. The satisfaction if you can pull this off¡­¡± he mused, a smile creeping back onto his face. ¡°I would tell you to be careful,¡± Serene said, ¡°but I believe that you have probably heard the sentiment echoed many times already.¡± ¡°I will indeed strive to take care,¡± Kite replied. ¡°But I also need to temper myself. If I - we - are to join the search for¡­ ¡° He paused, looking to Serene for confirmation that they were protected from most who would try to listen in. With the priestess¡¯ current skills, one would need to be a silver-ranker like deputy director Rupert with essence powers to increase hearing if one wanted to pierce the sound shield she deployed. ¡°... Discord¡¯s clergy,¡± Kite finished, having made sure. ¡°From what Jarvan hinted at, it would be a long and arduous process, so gaining all the power we can beforehand is important.¡± ¡°I believe that we can all agree to that,¡± Serene confirmed. ¡°Is there something else which you want us to take care of while you are gone?¡± ¡°Please look after the guild if you have a moment to spare?¡± Kite asked, looking to his friends. ¡°As uncle Walker will hopefully be joining me for the return trip, they will need what guidance we can provide. And as always, keep a lookout for new potential candidates for the future. I have made sure that each of you will have access to my vault at the adventure society, in case there are any awakening stones that are to be given out.¡± Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. In addition to all the essences and awakening stones he carried, Kite had also deposited the funds dedicated to buying the land near Bastion so as to not accidentally spend that money when preparing for the gate. He had also stored all of his excess equipment produced by his looting power with the guild, only carrying what he thought might actually be useful. ¡°Of course we will,¡± Will said. ¡°My father is quite pleased with the guild¡¯s work for the area so far, so they should not find trouble within the city, at least.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Kite said, grateful to know that what he had helped found might even live on, even should the worst come to pass. ¡°While it has only been a few years since we met, I know that each and every one of you has changed my life for the better. May our bonds continue unbroken for the rest of our climb towards the heavens.¡± ¡°Kite, don¡¯t talk as if you aren¡¯t coming back,¡± Dragonfly chided. ¡°I believe it deserves to be said, be it on a normal day or before a departure,¡± Kite retorted. ¡°You all are simply marvelous people, and I am honored to call you my friends.¡± The other three were silent after Kite¡¯s proclamation, Dragonfly eventually grumbling; ¡°See? It¡¯s not just me that gets flustered when he gets all earnest¡­¡±
Looking at the glass archway in front of him and Dragonfly, Kite couldn¡¯t help but smile ruefully. ¡°It feels like this is becoming a habit. Thank you, Grim.¡± ¡°The city lord wished to lend you a bit of assistance in your departure,¡± Grim Snowfall said, standing next to the portal arch in one of the courtyards dedicated for the purpose up at the palace grounds. ¡°If you can reach all the way to Convergence, your range has grown impressively,¡± Kite noted. ¡°As the young master is on his way to ascend to silver rank, he will soon not have need of me in a protector¡¯s capacity. As such, I have begun absorbing monster cores. The life of a combat-ready adventurer is simply not where my skill set will be the most useful anymore. But if it is not too presumptuous of me, I will still ask if you are prepared, adventurer?¡± Kite sighed, looking towards the archway again. ¡°I truly hope so. With the exception of my equipment, I have brought the wagonload of pills which auntie Dove made for me, and enough spirit coins to cover the rest of the consumables I will procure in Convergence as well as for sustenance. I have seen all the people I want to, and left notes for those unavailable, as well as seen to what would happen with my possessions should I not return within a year. Overall, I feel that my foundations should be as firm as they can reasonably be, unless I want to spend another year trying to find teachers who could help me improve-¡± Kite was interrupted by a small spurt of water, looking to the little carp who was glaring at him. ¡°And as my little beauty here wants to make clear, I will not be entering the gate alone. And I will have the most ardent and competent escort, too,¡± he quickly added after feeling Dragonfly elbow him in the side. ¡°It does sound like you have made sure to put your business in order, adventurer Kite,¡± Grim said, nodding. ¡°I hope that the young master can learn to follow your example. May your trial leave you tempered and strong, and your path carry you to the heavens and beyond.¡± ¡°The same to you, Grim Snowfall,¡± Kite replied. ¡°Take care of yourself and Will both.¡± After a nod of readiness from Dragonfly, they both strode forwards through the portal, leaving Gilded to expand Kite¡¯s horizon. Convergence awaited, but that was just a stop on the way to Orchard. And the jade-sky gate.
Both Kite and Dragonfly stood still for a moment after emerging from the portal, eyes closed and taking steady breaths. While the portals still induced a bit of nausea, it was a far cry from their first experiences during iron rank where one¡¯s food would threaten to reemerge. As he eventually managed to open his eyes and take in the landscape around him, Kite saw that they had appeared near a lone cliff formation, the stone pillar slightly crooked to form something akin to a claw rather than the normal spire. Memorizing locations for a portal power was often assisted by distinct landmarks to help anchor the place in one¡¯s memory, and Kite wasn¡¯t surprised that this particular cliff had been chosen. Contrary to what Kite was used to, he saw no other such cliffs or mountains, in stark contrast to the severe terrain of the Autumn lands. Instead, the pair were surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands, with the latter being more in patches and a lot sparser than the thick foliage covering the lands further north. The colors were different as well, with both green and darker reds more common. There was no snow in sight either, unlike around Gilded where the last little patches still clung to the shaded areas. ¡°I am now further south than I have ever been before,¡± Kite nodded, the experience a bit disjointed as he had not seen any of the distance which the pair had crossed. ¡°Just wait until you see Convergence,¡± Dragonfly said, nodding to the southwest. ¡°While I have always liked Gilded, I can understand why it is regarded as barely a city by southern standards. Shall we be off? With Glint, it shouldn¡¯t be more than a few minutes of travel in that direction.¡± The carp was all too happy to oblige, and the little group was soon carried across the hills, the grass below still in the process of leaving behind the tan and brown of winter in favor for the budding green of spring. And true to Dragonfly¡¯s words, they soon started noting the trails of smoke from chimneys at the horizon, with an impressive view soon following. Convergence was indeed larger than Gilded, and not by little. Nestled within the crook of two major rivers merging into one on their way towards the sea, the city sprawled onto all sides of the waterways. Kite had never seen rivers of that size before, and was fascinated by the constant stream of barges and other kinds of boats moving along the watery canals. While he recognized the architecture and the curved tiled roofs, it was clear that Convergence still had a norm of its own when it came to buildings. Where Gilded built mostly wooden houses on stone foundations and Bastion utilized stone to a much larger degree, Convergence was more of a fusion, its mercantile nature hinted at through the sheer variety of materials. Even from afar, Kite could see what looked like a stone estate more akin to a fortress, the sprawling compound beside it instead in the more traditional Hua-Xi style with plenty of woodwork and fewer floors. There was even a spire of obvious magical origin, its shimmering surface reflecting the early day sun. While there were several other spires reaching above the skyline, none came close to that gleaming monument. ¡°Awesome, isn¡¯t it?¡± Dragonfly asked from beside him. ¡°The spire is the residence of the city lord, and was apparently even built by the Queen of Jade and Sky during her reign, as a reward for some service provided.¡± ¡°It¡­ sure is a sight to behold,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°Better take a good look now, because all of the city isn¡¯t as grand when you get to see it up close. I recommend that we avoid the harbor districts as much as possible. Having a keener sense of smell is not always a blessing,¡± Dragonfly said, scrunching up her nose. ¡°You spent a few months in this area, so I¡¯ll be in your care, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite said, looking at her over his shoulder. Even as he could see her perfectly fine through his expanded vision, Kite had still diligently practiced to remember to actually look at people when talking to them either way. She all but glowed to his new and improved aura perception, her aura familiar yet more, as if her fiery core was suffusing out into the world around her, the promise of warmth and searing violence present in equal measure. Dragonfly, taking her role as a guide seriously, started regaling Kite with what he was to expect as Glint once more set off across the landscape towards one of the city¡¯s many gates. ¡°-but having Glint should save you a little bit of money for not having to use the ferries. Oh, and be prepared that even the other outcasts around here will probably look down their noses at us. If only they knew that the Pathbreaker himself had come to town.¡± ¡°From what you told me, you made a bit of a splash yourself when you and Force were here taking contracts,¡± Kite noted. ¡°Oh, I did. Left a few prideful ones very surprised and disappointed,¡± Dragonfly smiled. ¡°The world has yet to know of me, but it will in time.¡± As they drew closer to the city gate closest to Grim''s portal location, Kite soon got the feeling that some things did not seem to change. There was the usual line, with a separate one for adventurers. Being the middle of the day, neither was very long, and the pair made it into the city without a hassle. If the gate-guards found them unfamiliar, they did not show it or react in the slightest, which was understandable as Convergence was much too big to recognize every middling adventurer active around there. Kite also felt the difference as he noted over six different silver-ranked auras as he and Dragonfly were traversing the streets. But while the architecture was a bit more scattered, the pulse of the city was similar to that of Bastion, just on a bigger scale. ¡°Do you think that we need to check in and tell the local society branch that we are here?¡± Dragonfly asked as they stopped on a crowded plaza to buy a pair of meat and mushroom skewers drizzled with two different kinds of sauce. ¡°No, we should not need to. We¡¯re not taking any contracts, and our badges should get us into the trade pavilion. Let us just find somewhere to stay first, and then we can go shopping. As I said, I¡¯ll be in your care to navigate this place.¡± ¡°My worldliness knows no bounds,¡± Dragonfly agreed, puffing up with pride.
¡°Five bronze coins each, and not an iron more.¡± The merchant woman seemed to regard Kite more seriously then she had when the haggling had started, her bronze aura grinding against his to no avail. Eventually she nodded, giving another wide smile. ¡°Oh, benefactor is a most cruel one, but this lowly trader will have to agree even if that means that she¡¯ll be taking a loss.¡± ¡°With the amount of talismans I am buying from you, I imagine that our karma will end up nice and balanced in the end, heavens as my witness,¡± Kite said with a pleasant smile, handing over the coins and collecting the large box of assorted talismans; oblong wooden plaques slightly longer than Kite¡¯s palm and covered in magical writing. He rejoined Dragonfly after saying farewell to the woman, the pair rejoining the streams of adventurers milling about the indoor market. Convergence¡¯s trade pavilion was, unsurprisingly, also larger than Gilded¡¯s, with a separate section for silver-ranked goods frequented enough to not only sell by commission. ¡°That is a lot of talismans, Kite,¡± Dragonfly noted as he stashed them away. ¡°I always approve of explosions, but do you think that you will need that many?¡± ¡°In the case of the- where I¡¯m going- ,¡± Kite said, correcting himself so as to avoid potential evesdroppers, ¡°-then I believe that I¡¯d rather spend more now than finding myself regretting not having done so in the middle of a tribulation like that. While I may have worked hard to mitigate it, crowds of the wrong kind of foe are still something with which I struggle at times. Hopefully, the talismans will help tip the scale if the need arises.¡± ¡°Then what is next? You¡¯ve gone through utility equipment and it seems all good on consumables now. Want to check out the equipment section?¡± ¡°Might as well, now that we are here,¡± Kite said, even if he doubted that he would find something more fitting to his path than what he was already wearing. Still, it proved to be an enjoyable experience to wander along with Dragonfly and looking at the many options on display. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Kite found himself smiling throughout the whole experience as he witnessed how she haggled ferociously for a pair of magical boots which caught her attention, and her smug sense of victory afterwards. ¡°As passionate in peace as you are in battle, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± he mused once they were on their way back toward the inn in which they were spending the night.
¡°Your hair is very pretty in the light of dawn,¡± Kite mused, earning himself a proper snuggling as Dragonfly wrapped him in an embrace. ¡°And you are earnest enough any time of the day,¡± she eventually retorted, looking up at him. ¡°I will miss you. You better crush that gate quickly though, or you¡¯ll come back and find us all having reached silver rank already.¡± ¡°I will do my very best, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite said. ¡°But if you all get there before I return, I can just ride your shoulders the final stretch to silver rank, so I would call it a win.¡± Dragonfly snorted in response, amused. ¡°At least you are not a prideful man, Kite.¡± ¡°Oh, I wouldn¡¯t go so far. I have done plenty of prideful things these recent years.¡± ¡°Yeah, sure, but that¡¯s different. Being prideful is letting pride guide all your actions, or at least most of them. Having a little pride at times should only be good, no?¡± ¡°Ardent and wise,¡± Kite chuckled. The pair fell silent, and Kite spent some time reveling in sensing their auras intermingle, the techniques from the two volumes of Dyadic Tempering of Auras coming instinctively to them after practicing regularly for the last year and a half. His sense of it had only improved with his perception power reaching silver rank, and it brought new heights to the experience. ¡°Kite?¡± Dragonfly asked, interrupting his thoughts. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± she began, before trailing off. ¡°Never mind.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°Yes. Asking you to be careful again just feels like asking the heavens to prove me wrong.¡± Kite gave her a searching look, but as she had once more snuggled close, he let it rest. ¡°Still, you better get away from that thing. And bring something to really impress me.¡± In response, Kite just hugged her closer. This was their last time together for a while, and both were content to savor it as the sun continued its inexorable climb over the horizon.
Kite felt relief as he stepped in through the doors to the inn¡¯s common room, the dark sky outside driven off by the warm light of enchanted paper lanterns. Glint had fled back into her bottle as soon as they had reached the outskirts of Orchard and the little inn which was to be spot for his reunion with a pair that he had not met for almost a year. ¡°Greetings, honored traveler,¡± the innkeep, a short celestine man with white hair and eyes, said as he bowed to Kite. ¡°I mean no offense, but you really look to be in dire need of rest and some comforts.¡± Looking down at his still somewhat tattered armor and clothes, Kite could only agree. ¡°I do indeed. The trip down from Convergence began without complication, but I had an unwanted companion during part of the journey.¡± ¡°Let me guess, a grand crow?¡± ¡°Correct,¡± Kite said, surprised as the innkeeper identified the silver-ranked monster. ¡°I am most assuredly no expert, honored traveler, but one who runs an inn near the northern road learns to recognize the telltale claw marks. They are quite adept at rending one''s attire too. Did you travel alone? If so, how did you escape?¡± ¡°Depends on how you see it,¡± Kite said, patting the bottle at his hip. ¡°My familiars saw me through, especially the one who let me ride her. She really outdid herself in speed, and I could harry the monster enough to force it to seek easier prey. Even if it certainly left its¡­ marks,¡± he finished, wincing at his attire still trying to mend itself. ¡°Then we shall drink to your good fortune, and maybe a toast to said goddess as well,¡± the innkeeper said, nodding empathetically. ¡°Do you wish for a room? ¡° ¡°I do, but I believe that I may have company waiting for me. My name is Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune.¡± At his name, the innkeeper nodded in recognition. ¡°Ah, yes. Your companions have been here since two days ago. It is the inn¡¯s only suite, and should comfortably house all three of you. Even if the lady tends to¡­ spread out a bit,¡± he finished, trying to hide the strain on his face as he spoke of said guest. ¡°That would indeed sound like her,¡± Kite said, smiling. ¡°Please, lead the way, good innkeep.¡± A short walk across the inner yard of the inn, the innkeeper swiftly left Kite in front of a small building which he assumed housed the suite. Being situated out on the countryside, the inn took the opportunity to sprawl out over a goodly area, seeing no need to build upwards when space was plentiful. Kite announced himself as he knocked on the door, which slid open almost instantly as it was deftly manipulated by a faint, glowing thread. ¡°Kite! It is good to see you!¡± a familiar voice called from further inside. As Kite entered, he saw the voice''s owner seated comfortably in the suite¡¯s lounge area, glowing threads at work all around him as they were forming pieces of cloth or sorting different documents. ¡°Braid! Good to see you again,¡± Kite said as he closed the door behind him and entered. The furnishings of the suite were old and worn, but with the dignified grace of things lovingly maintained over the years. The interior was built in traditional Hua-Xi style as well, with rafters crisscrossing the open space between the sloped roofs and the rooms beneath. And said rafters were occupied, a familiar aura revealing itself as Kite¡¯s gaze wandered upwards to see the multitude of rats spread out across every wooden beam and small ledge in sight. ¡°Hi Kite~!¡± They Who Wander happily called through myriad little singsong squeaking voices. ¡°Ready to break into some rich guy¡¯s place and steal one of the queen¡¯s gates~?¡± 122. Just a rat? ¡°Wander, I believe that it would be quite beyond anyone to actually abscond with one of the queen¡¯s gates,¡± Kite said, amused as rats scurried down to allow Wander to assume her humanoid form, even though her ascension to silver rank during the monster surge meant that all of the rats were no longer needed for it. If Kite was to guess, Wander had probably had eyes on him long before he entered through the inn¡¯s outer gates. Her human form looked much as Kite remembered, but she had let her brown hair grow longer than the short crew-cut she had before. ¡°And besides, the queen¡¯s decree was quite clear that it should be up to anyone with the token to challenge the gate,¡± Braid said, his disapproval clear in his voice even through the layers of cloth which constantly covered the runic. ¡°While we do not have enough pull in the local scene, I would dare anyone to actually try to call us out on it publicly. Although I doubt it would even come to that. After all, we¡¯re here to help him get in, no?¡± ¡°For which I am ever grateful,¡± Kite added, sitting down on one of the couches beside where Wander was now lounging. ¡°How was your trip here? As I noticed myself, it is quite far from Bastion.¡± ¡°Oh, Kite, you have no idea how glad I was when you wrote and asked. The situation in Bastion was so booooring after the surge. It was just Braid and me tracking down smaller and smaller operations. If I had to pursue another lead only to find out that it was simple tax evasion creating the suspicious numbers, I would have started gnawing at the walls. And my teeth are very strong now, so I could totally have done it too~!¡± Wander sounded almost on the verge of grateful tears as she spoke, all of the surrounding rats nodding along or expressing the described misery through surprisingly expressive pantomime. ¡°And besides, it was exciting to travel here~. I have never been to Orchard, and never imagined that there could be so many farms in one place~,¡± the shapeshifter continued, amazement clear in her voice. ¡°While I bet that you have had many chances to learn interesting tidbits about the city, Wander, why don¡¯t you tell Kite about what our scouting measures have turned up?¡± Braid asked. His threads had put away the different documents in different neat stacks and were all now thoroughly focused on the piece of cloth. Kite thought that they were doing some kind of incredibly fine embroidery, but it was beyond him to determine what. ¡°You already began scouting?¡± Kite asked, turning back to Wander. ¡°Well, of course~,¡± she said with a roll of her eyes. ¡°That is what I am best at after all. For the record, there are even more naked people around here than in Bastion,¡± she said, pretending not to notice Kite¡¯s flat stare. ¡°But yes, we have found the place where the gate is. Dug up a little bit of information about it too. While I was surprised at you going the sneaky route, Kite, let me just say I¡¯m glad that you did. The owners of the land, the Pristine family, seem super shady. And the prize they are asking for gaining access is just plain crazy~.¡± ¡°Any idea about the security then?¡± Kite asked. ¡°And I am thankful that I don¡¯t have to convince you through some kind of ethics debate in this. Because frankly, I could not afford the straight forward route if the price demanded is even close to what my uncle managed to dig up.¡± ¡°Oh, please~,¡± Wander said. ¡°It is sooooo obvious that they are only obeying the rules in the most optimistic of interpretations, with the price hampering adventurers of lesser means and prestige from entering. I¡¯ve heard it whispered that the Pristine family might often allow adventurers to work off their ¡®debts¡¯ by doing some of the family¡¯s dirty work, so they have quite the vested interest in keeping things as is.¡± ¡°Then I can only imagine that other people might have thought of the same idea as me,¡± Kite said, brow furrowed. ¡°Maybe, but they did not have me accompanying them, if you¡¯ll forgive the immodesty,¡± Braid added. ¡°Wander took a recording through a crystal specifically designed to trace the arrays. Unless something very special hides beneath the surface, I am quite confident at getting you in there.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll be in your care,¡± Kite said, relieved. ¡°Let me once more say that I am very grateful for you taking the time, as the other alternative viable within a reasonable timespan was to try and reach the gate in Boundary, and from what uncle Walker could gather, that would have been a lot more complicated. I just hope that you feel that the compensation will be enough. You both could have asked for a lot more.¡± At his words, Wander only shook her head. ¡°Kite, Kite, Kite¡­ Asking too much from a friend just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Well, mouths. While a girl has monetary needs, just the fact that your request got this thread-maniac away from Bastion is almost enough in and of itself~.¡± ¡°I do agree that this will not leave our karma unbalanced, Kite,¡± Braid agreed. ¡°You paying with an essence is already enough, and that my niece will eventually be able to try out for joining your little guild calms her uncle Braid¡¯s heart.¡± ¡°As I said before, I cannot make lasting promises for the guild. Uncle Walker is the final arbiter,¡± Kite said. ¡°And I wasn¡¯t surprised that it was a thread essence that you wanted for her.¡± ¡°She is wise beyond her years,¡± Braid said proudly, his animated threads having finished the now heavily embroidered cloth. ¡°But back to the topic of defenses, I believe that what challenges there are in that regard will be the unforeseen ones. And from my experiences, there always are.¡± ¡°Such as the suspected cult meeting turning out to be a sacrifice-fueled orgy?¡± Kite asked, Wander giggling at the memory. ¡°You should have seen your faces~,¡± she said between fits of laughter. ¡°Good times~.¡± ¡°I was referring more to the actual guards of the estate, as well as the members of the Pristine family,¡± Braid said sourly. ¡°Oh, those? I wouldn¡¯t worry too much. The guards are bronze-rankers at most, and while the family have two silvers closer to the city, those actually remaining with the family compound are core-users. Unless they manage to snag a silver-ranked bodyguard or two with their so-called debts without me noticing, then there shouldn¡¯t be any problems~,¡± Wander said confidently. After a while without either of the two men answering, she gave them a questioning look. ¡°What? What did I say~?¡± ¡°Wander, did no one ever tell you not to invite the heavens¡¯ fickle gaze like that?¡± Kite asked, his expression a bit pained, even if said expression was a smile. Wander and Braid¡¯s presence felt extremely comforting, as he knew them and their competence. If anyone within his growing circle of friends and allies could find a way to get him through the rumored magical defenses, it was those two. Because while two wrongs didn¡¯t make a right, with Kite essentially planning to break into the estate, he did feel that it wasn¡¯t anything that would make him lose sleep at night. What Wander reported only helped cement that feeling, and as they sat down that very night to continue planning, his excitement only grew, as the prospect of actually taking on the second jade-sky gate started feeling close enough to touch.
¡°Mistress Pristine, surely there has to be some kind of agreement that can be reached which could please both sides. As things stand with my duties within the sect, it may not even be possible to agree to what you are asking,¡± the human man, a student of the Wayward Wind sect, pleaded where he sat opposite the mistress of the house. Pristine Flower of Eternal Youth gave a rueful shake of her head, every part of her expression conveying reluctant sadness. Said expression was helped a lot by the subtle powers of her visage essence, as mistress Pristine worked complex small-scale illusions to truly get her meaning across. While she was a core user, her aura was expertly controlled to reveal nothing else than she wished for it to. And at the moment, she needed to convey sincerity. ¡°Alas, inner disciple, I cannot simply forego the tenets which my father swore to uphold when the queen¡¯s gate descended on these lands. It will remain our duty to see to it that only the most worthy of warriors may gain the opportunity that is the jade-sky gate. My heart truly aches for you, as you seem to be quite the genius of the younger generations, but my honor will not allow me to make exceptions. Only by proving yourself and your worth to the elders of our family through extended service may we witness your prowess for ourselves. Without that or showing that you have the resources and backing required, there simply isn¡¯t more for me to do than to offer you the hospitality of our house for as long as you wish to stay.¡± She could feel the younger man¡¯s frustration even through his firm aura, and for a while she even wondered if he would choose to escalate things then and there. With the array bracelet upon her arm, she did not fear him within the family compound, but it might still be a costly and frustrating endeavor. But no aggression followed, and mistress Pristine had to carefully school her expression as she saw the warrior¡¯s shoulders slump ever so slightly in defeat. ¡°I¡­ will have to return to the sect and speak to the sect elders. And pray that they might excuse me from my duties for a time,¡± he said, rising. ¡°Thank you for your hospitality, mistress Pristine.¡± ¡°I do hope to see you again, inner disciple,¡± mistress Pristine replied as she rose as well. ¡°And I also hope to have conveyed my heavy heart in this matter. But alas, my duty to the family¡¯s honor must come first.¡± The inner disciple did not answer her, instead choosing to bow as propriety demanded before taking his leave. As soon as the door shut behind him, mistress Pristine¡¯s mind started calculating what might come of this. ¡°He might not return, but that costs us little except some potential strain with the Wayward Wind sect. But my senses say that he might, which is an opportunity in and of itself. It was a while since we had a silver-ranker serving for a time. There are several ventures where he could be an asset,¡± she thought as she walked inward through the Pristine family compound, eventually reaching a walled garden which was beautifully kept, the family gardeners having done well to bring forth the most bountiful sense of budding spring in the little park. And there, at its center, hovered the circular gate. Resting her eyes at its complete stillness and almost otherworldly presence always helped the mistress to gather her thoughts. And those thoughts were currently of potential triumphs. The Pristine family always had more goals to further, and as long as the gate remained within their compound, more opportunities would continue to arise. ¡°Truly a blessing for those worthy to use it correctly. Thank you, your majesty,¡± she mused, lips curving into a smile before she returned back to the other matters on her agenda. The doors closed behind her, leaving the gate alone once more, the monument left waiting. It had become part of the core of their power in the area around Orchard, and the family had promised themselves to keep it inviolable for everything except when fate would deem some challenger to be worthy. From what mistress Pristine had seen so far, it would probably be a good while until that happened, the family counting on retaining their self-imposed stewardship of the gate for years, even decades, to come.
¡°So, that is the estate of the Pristine family,¡± Kite mused from where he was crouching in a copse of trees, looking out over the sprawling compound. ¡°One of their estates,¡± Wander corrected, one of her bodies sitting atop Kite¡¯s shoulder. ¡°But yes, this is their main one. The others are much smaller and spread around their different businesses. See that walled off garden in the southwest quadrant?¡± Kite let his gaze pan over the walled compound which in turn formed several smaller ones where walls divided different clusters of buildings, manicured gardens and a few open plazas. As indicated, he found one garden a bit more remote, the inner courtyard of a low, square building. While he couldn¡¯t see it from this distance, Kite could only imagine the silent monolith that was the jade-sky gate staring back at him. ¡°How is the quality of their defenses then?¡± Kite asked Braid, the cloth-wrapped man at his side. ¡°Decent,¡± the weaver admitted. ¡°I would not have wanted to be responsible to sneak whole units across their perimeter. But a single man and a swarm of very sneaky rats? I remain confident.¡± ¡°And you both still want to remain in the area while I am in there?¡± Kite asked. ¡°The last gate took just over three weeks. There is no telling what a bronze-ranked challenge might be like.¡± ¡°Oh, quite content. There is a quaint little inn in the village just down the road near the prizi plantations where I could see myself having a nice and relaxing stay. Maybe properly focus on my craft, for once, and see if they have barrels left from last year¡¯s harvest,¡± Braid said happily. ¡°With the tracking stone on hand, we will know as soon as you exit. Or¡­ well¡­¡± He trailed off at the end, the implication clear. While it felt like a grim reminder, Kite was actually happy that the tracking stones of the adventure society could still register his death even if it was within an astral space. That way, his friends and family wouldn¡¯t be left wondering, should the worst come to pass. While he didn¡¯t dwell on the thought, Kite still couldn¡¯t help but reach into his pocket and let his fingers trail the token which Fortune had gifted him not long before taking on the first of the queen¡¯s gates. ¡°Fortune, please let your echo linger with me in this endeavor, as you did before,¡± he thought in silent prayer, before turning to Braid and Wander. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°Then we shall wait until night has properly fallen before we close in. Do you have any pointers to offer me in regards to staying undetected when we enter? I assume that you will stay on the outside, Braid, to keep managing the arrays?¡± ¡°I will,¡± the cloth-wrapped array-master agreed. ¡°And as to getting you in there¡­¡± He trailed off, clearly looking to Wander. The little rat atop Kite¡¯s shoulder looked positively exultant, rubbing its little paws together, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel his heart sink a bit as Wander spoke. ¡°Oh, Kite, I promise you; this will be great fun~!¡±
¡°Just another year, Dahlia. Just one more year with boring guard duty. Then you should be able to afford both the essence for little Moth as well as the tryout for the sect admissions.¡± Even the mind of a bronze-ranker was not proficient enough to stave off the boredom of walking around a compound, no matter how beautiful the houses or well kept the gardens. ¡°At least the moon is pretty tonight,¡± Dahlia thought, letting her mind wander further. Keeping the straight posture and a modicum of vigilance was second nature to her by now, the patrolling woman using the opportunity to recite the different tenets of the local sects. ¡°-like the rumbling earth, my fist will force the shields of my foe to crumble and break. Truly, the-¡± A distinct clattering noise from one of the roofs snapped Dahlia out of her recitation, eyes snapping to a nearby roof. Mana surged and the bronze-ranker was carried through the air in a blink to land softly on the tiles above, just in time to see a panicked little rat scurry down the side of the house after almost falling off in fright at Dahlia¡¯s sudden appearance. Sighing inwardly, Dahlia flicked her wrist, the conjured needle striking the falling rodent but a moment later, its little brown body detonating from the force of the magical impact. ¡°I might have overdone it a bit,¡± Dahlia mused at the display and the light spatter of gore which now covered a part of the stone path beneath. ¡°Better get some servants to clean that up before one of the masters or mistresses noticed.¡± Dahlia leapt down from the roof once more, blissfully unaware of the mound of rats which had moved without a sound just at the other side of the peak of the curved and tiled roof, taking the opportunity to cross the path that the guard would have taken and disappearing deeper into the complex.
¡°The distraction worked. She has moved off now. Detonating one of my bodies at the right time always has people thinking that they just disposed of an ordinary little rat~,¡± a soft little squeaking whispered in Kite¡¯s ear, sounding all smug. ¡°And I must say, Kite, you are lighter than you look. All nice and firm, too. I should totally find myself a younger guy.¡± Kite knew better than to respond, just focusing on remaining still and keeping his aura as retracted as possible as he felt the numerous rats move around his prone form while he was carried along. While he knew that Wander was silver rank, it was still a bit surreal that the small frames and paws could carry him along so easily while still remaining utterly silent. Still, his friends were nothing if not thorough. Braid had made a simple kind of poncho-like garment for Kite to wrap himself in, which would aid in hiding his aura presence as long as he remained as still and inactive as possible. In addition, Wander had an essence power which further helped obscure or downplay her presence, so she made sure that her swarming bodies were covering Kite on all sides to further shield him. Even so, it was still all Kite could do to not flinch as he was carried up and down along walls and over small stretches of open ground in quick bursts while unable to see the world around him. ¡°Braid seems to be doing a good job too. No sign of trouble yet. It should only be over one more set of roofs now~.¡± Some rustling and vertigo-inducing sudden shifts in directions later, Kite once more felt the swarm covering him come to a stop. ¡°I can see it now. Doesn¡¯t look like too much from up here. I thought that it would have a bit more gravitas, you know. Let¡¯s get dow- wait. There seems to be an active array here. Hmm. Maybe one that Braid missed~?¡± Wander¡¯s singsong voice fell quiet for a minute as she seemed to be conversing with Braid outside the complex through another of her bodies. ¡°He says that he will be ready, even if he cannot interact directly with the array from over there without it activating. But he should be able to silence it in time~,¡± ¡°Should?¡± Kite thought, concerned, but Wander continued relentlessly. ¡°Still, be ready in case something happens~.¡± ¡°Ready for wha-¡± Kite began in as soft a whisper that he could manage, but was interrupted by a cheery little choir of soft voices. ¡°Here we goooo~.¡± And then he felt himself falling.
Braid sat just at the edge of the Pristine family¡¯s compound, a multitude of glowing threads moving around him to continuously pierce the glowing lines of the array before him, canceling or rerouting the different magical flows. ¡°It seems to be an array connected to a bracelet. Typical of these nobles to want to use it for personal protection as well,¡± he mused to the rat at his shoulder, the pair protected by formations of woven thread to keep them from being both seen and heard by anyone but the most skilled or powerful observer. ¡°While it is not bad, it does tend to leave a glaring weakness. Reroute signals from ever reaching the bracelet itself, a kind of bottleneck if you will, and the array will not truly register any intruders as it cannot get the confirmation needed from the control device.¡± ¡°Yes, yes, Braid is very smart. The smartest of them all. Much smarter than the talented woman who is actually carrying our daring infiltrator through all this~,¡± the rat grumbled. Braid was about to retort when the rat suddenly raised a single paw. ¡°We¡¯re near the yard with the gate, but there seems to be another array around it. Looks different from the rest~.¡± ¡°Describe it to me.¡± ¡°Well, it has all these lines and symbols-¡± Wander began, but fell silent as she could feel the withering glare even through Braid¡¯s mask. ¡°Fine, fine. It seems to be a detection array, connected to the whole thing but not to the central bracelet. What was it you called them? An internal¡­ something-¡± ¡°An internal nested structural matrix,¡± Braid finished. ¡°That is troublesome, but should be manageable. As I won¡¯t be able to break it from here, I can only intercept and cancel the signal. Hopefully. Maybe.¡± ¡°I just told Kite that you could do it, so I¡¯m jumping down~.¡± ¡°You what?!¡± ¡°Jumping now, Braid. I believe in youuuu~,¡± Wander said cheerfully, Braid dropping everything as his magical perception showed a trio of signals flaring up along the lines of the array. His threads shot out faster than ever before, two of the signals immediately caught. The third was as well, but not before it had flared a miniscule spark just the moment before Braid¡¯s glowing thread caught it. Braid let out a breath as the array remained stable, but he wasn¡¯t entirely sure that the last little spark had been just a random discharge. ¡°Fortune, please show mercy on the fool who hired Wander for something like this,¡± he thought sourly, sending the prayer on Kite¡¯s behalf as he kept stabilizing and re-routing the array. It would be up to the bronze-ranker and Wander to handle the immediate future.
Mistress Pristine utilized all of her silver-ranked speed as she moved through the corridors from her sitting room towards the gate. The array console had flared ever so briefly, but with her meeting with the frustrated inner disciple from the Wayward Wind sect having taken place just a few days before, she would not leave anything to chance. ¡°I did not expect him to try something so foolish,¡± she thought to herself as she moved like a mirage through the final stretch of gardens. ¡°But maybe he decided to forego asking his elders, and go straight for the prize. The youth of today grows bolder than their talent can back up.¡± She threw open the sliding doors to the inner garden which housed the gates, the bronze-ranked guard stationed outside barely having time to snap to attention and bow to her, ignoring the confused man as she stepped into the garden where the gate stood. The silent, empty garden. Mistress Pristine remained vigilant however, silently watching the whole of the peaceful garden and the imposing, serene monument hovering in its midst. All was still until- A rustling was heard, ever so soft, and a moment later a small brown rat slowly crept forward from beneath one of the nearby bushes. It seemed unaware of the tense silver-ranker at the door leading into the garden, its tiny nose smelling the air, whiskers wiggling.
Just a rat? Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver Effect - iron: Greatly increased ability to conceal aura. Effect - bronze: The effect further increased while shapeshifted, and may be extended to any rat-type familiars or summons. Effect - silver: May mask aura to appear as normal rank. Using other essence powers or taking overt or hostile actions will end this effect. Effects of higher rank or especially potent means of detection may see through this effect.
¡°Mistress? What is it?¡± The bronze-ranker asked, conjuring a series of darts seemingly made from smoke which hovered at the ready above him. Mistress Pristine clenched her teeth as she flicked her wrist, a projectile of hard light darting out and causing the little vermin to explode into fine mist. ¡°Nothing,¡± she said tersely, turning around in frustration. ¡°But-¡± ¡°Nothing, I said. You have not seen this. This never happened.¡± ¡°Of- of course, mistress.¡± ¡°Just a rat,¡± mistress Pristine grumbled once she had left the immediate vicinity of the guard. ¡°And for the help to see me acting on such a trifle. Embarrassing.¡±
The sensation of falling was brief, with Kite¡¯s fall being arrested with surprising gentleness by the swarm of rats forming a mound beneath him to act as cushion. ¡°Are- are we there?¡± He asked cautiously, not daring to move. ¡°We sure are. Thank you for choosing your friendly swarm of rats as your chosen means of transportation, benefactor. This one-¡± Wander began, but he soon felt her stiffen. ¡°Wait, someone is coming. Silver. I¡¯ll have to go fast. Goodluckintheredon¡¯tdosomethingIwouldn¡¯tdobyeeeee~.¡± Wander was moving even before she spoke, accelerating to a degree where Kite felt the speed tug at his inside. A second later, he felt himself airborne once more as he was launched in an arc, with the last of Wander¡¯s garbled well-wishes being abruptly cut off by complete silence and the world shifting.
As the door closed to the garden once more, Wander¡¯s many bodies smiled the same little smug smile, the bloody smear on the grass a testament to how well her little sacrificial tactic worked. Give people a reasonable explanation for a sound, and they would most often dismiss the rest out of hand. And rats made people uncomfortable, so killing them and moving on was easy. Once upon a time Wander had felt very uncomfortable with what was essentially a part of her dying, but time had a way of changing perspectives. These days, she didn¡¯t even know if it was entirely correct to just think of herself as only one being, given how many things she was usually doing simultaneously. Even at this moment, she was talking to Braid and giving him, if she said it herself, a most excellent retelling of how she had acted fast enough to throw the Kite-bundle through the gate and hide before one of the local silver-ranked core-users came to investigate. She had even had almost two seconds to spare! ¡°Well, at least he just vanished when passing through the gate. I¡¯ll have to assume that it wasn¡¯t just him being disintegrated or something¡± Wander mused as she made sure that her bodies hid further inside the different bushes of the garden, several starting to make hidden burrows. Wander had found that she had really come to enjoy a good burrow. ¡°Now we - I - just have to wait. At least there should be plenty of larders with tasty things to sniff out. Only to pass the time, of course~.¡±
Kite¡¯s sudden and blessedly short flight ended with a rather ungraceful impact, his body still tangled up in the aura-shielding weave Braid had given him. The poncho felt more like a sack than actual garment at the moment, and even as his mind spun with sudden vertigo, Kite did his best to extricate himself from the thing. As he finally managed to free his head, Kite rolled to lay on his back, staring up at the unfamiliar haze above him; like a cloud-covered sky where streaks of white light were occasionally peeking through. While the vertigo still scrambling his mind was a clear indication of what had happened, the sky being decidedly not the same evening gloom that had hung above him before Wander had wrapped him to start their little infiltration was another definite proof that they had done it. Kite had passed through the gate. A quick search through one of his dimensional pouches confirmed that the bronze token was indeed gone, having disappeared once he crossed the boundary. ¡°Thank you, my friends. I hope to prove worthy of your assistance,¡± he mused softly, just laying there for a moment as the fog cleared from his mind. Through his expanded vision, he had already seen a very familiar floating sphere hover nearby, but as it seemed content to wait for him, Kite took his time to find his bearings again. Only when he felt grounded once more did he rise to his feet and turned to what he assumed was yet another officiator. Like Third, the sphere from his first trial, this construct also seemed to be made from the same pale and almost surreal-looking metal like the gates. But this time around, the entity did not possess the same level of mystery as the last time, with Kite even having seen the rows of inactive ones which Gleam, the servitor of the Queen of Jade and Sky which he had met a few years back, had carried and constructed within herself. When he stood up, Kite also realized that him feeling grounded was more relative than he thought it to be. The gate through which he had emerged was anchored to a metal disk thirty meters across, which in turn hovered high up in the air above a sprawling landscape. Even through the mist-like haze beneath the disc, Kite thought that he could glean many different kinds of landscapes and territories, like a miniature world shrunken and condensed to a circular space which just seemed to fade into nothingness at the edges. ¡°Greetings, trial-taker. I am the officiator of your trial.¡± The neutral voice snapped Kite out of his reverie, eerily familiar. In a way it was as if Third was back there with him, or at least the Third who hadn¡¯t yet shown its true colors and enthusiastically started regaling Kite with its design philosophies. But as it continued speaking, Kite could note a difference compared to his memories. The pitch of this officiator was just a little bit higher, and the enunciation a bit different. ¡°Potential second-stage trial-taker detected. Please present proof of the previously completed iron rank trial.¡± After a second of incomprehension, Kite understood what it was asking for. Immutable Echo, forged from the body of Third and the prize given to him at his earlier victory. The weapon had remained unmarred through every trial and tribulation Kite had suffered through and conquered so far, the only difference since its forging being that it now sported a second ring dangling from the ring-like head of the staff. ¡°Proof accepted. Second-stage trial-taker verified.¡± ¡°Would it be possible for me to know what that entails?¡± Kite asked. ¡°Certainly, trial-taker. Those who attempt to pass multiple trials laid out by the queen will see their potential gains increased, as the queen chose to acknowledge such a trust in one¡¯s paths. This will affect the potential reward from the gate should you manage to pass the trial, but be warned that it will also potentially increase the challenge. No step towards the heavens should be taken lightly, lest it weakens your foundations and introduces weakness to your path. You will be tested to your limits and beyond.¡± ¡°I¡­ see,¡± Kite said, heart warring between fear and excitement at the statement. And the ¡®increased gains¡¯ mentioned certainly set the mind racing with possibilities. While he wasn¡¯t sure by any means, Kite got the vague impression that the orb was a bit pleased at this acceptance. ¡°Then, trial-taker, would you like me to explain the rules of this gate, and the challenge that the Queen of Jade and Sky has left for you to undertake?¡± 123. The second gate ¡°Then, trial-taker, would you like me to explain the rules of this gate, and the challenge that the Queen of Jade and Sky has left for you to undertake?¡± The orb¡¯s voice seemed to be as full of gravitas as its neutral inflection could muster, and it was easy to imagine it gazing severely at Kite even without having any actual eyes. ¡°Please do, officiator. I am eager to hear what kind of challenge you have constructed,¡± Kite replied, bowing politely as he hoped that his question might elicit a similar response as he had gotten from Third. This sphere, however, did not rise to take the bait or show any other signs of restrained enthusiasm, its slightly hollow voice remaining neutral. ¡°By conquering iron rank, the queen acknowledges your path''s potential. Therefore, the challenge of bronze is your chance to show your insights into your path and where you want it to lead. While the heavens is ever the goal, each path¡¯s way of finding the strength to reach it varies. In the lands below, you will find the concepts of the world waiting for you, ready to be claimed through the strength of your path or the wits and perception of your mind. They will take the shape of quintessence, and you may deposit whichever kind you wish into my corporeal form, along with other materials you may claim. But note that there is a finite limit on how much this construct can harbor. Choose only that which you believe may strengthen your path enough to carry it to the next step towards the heavens. As with most steps upon the heavenly path, there is no going back. There are also twelve rulers of this land, each one a silver-ranked entity embodying one or several concepts. To pass the trials, you must gather enough quintessence and materials to fully saturate my vessel, which will require you to defeat at least three of these rulers. You will also be judged in regards to your reasoning in how you have chosen to build upon your path, so proper reflection is recommended.¡± ¡°That is a bit different from my last trial,¡± Kite noted, taking in the information. ¡°Will you be accompanying me?¡± ¡°This vessel will accompany you to provide information and to allow for the deposit of materials, but will not otherwise interfere.¡± ¡°Speaking of materials, are there treasures here as well for me to claim?¡± ¡°The trial-taker is free to lay claim to any unused materials, and a perceptive trial-taker may find themselves rewarded.¡± ¡°I will take that as a yes then,¡± Kite mused as he looked out over the edge and the lands below. He could see a green forest, but also other environments which he was unfamiliar with. ¡°Is that¡­ a desert?¡± he thought as he saw an almost golden expanse of mostly flat land beneath roughly matching the descriptions and few images he had seen in books. ¡°Is there anything to stop me from taking on all of the rulers?¡± he wondered aloud, turning back to the officiator. ¡°There are no such restrictions. Even though you may only deposit three such materials, you may spend the time within the challenge however you wish. As long as you believe that your path is strong enough to withstand it.¡± ¡°And I may begin wherever I wish?¡± ¡°That is correct.¡± Nodding to himself, Kite stepped over to the edge. His stomach churned at the height, but he steadied his mind. ¡°Then I suppose that I might as well get this trial underway. But before we begin, do you have a name?¡± ¡°I am the officiator, a vessel for my maker¡¯s will. I do not require a name.¡± ¡°Oh? The last officiator was called Third. I thought it might be referring to some kind of order of construction.¡± ¡°Such a thing is irrelevant. I am the officiator.¡± ¡°Then I am pleased to meet you, officiator,¡± Kite said with a polite bow. ¡°My name is Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. I¡¯ll be in your care.¡± ¡°This vessel will not care for nor aid a trial-taker in any practical way.¡± ¡°I-¡± Kite began, but stopped, shaking his head helplessly. ¡°Understood.¡± He knocked the side of the bottle at his waist, Glint emerging out from her little habitat. She took a couple of swirling laps around him to inspect their new surroundings, mirroring Kite¡¯s own excitement. ¡°Well then, little beauty. Shall we be off? Would you kindly assist in my descent?¡± Glint sent him a feeling of assent through her link, and a moment later the carp taking laps around him looked halfway towards the dragon that the old scroll had said that she might one day become, her long supple body glimmering in the hazy light. Kite sat up on her back, stroking her scaled back. ¡°Then onwards. To the heavens, and beyond.¡± And together, with the officiator in tow, Kite and Glint shot out from the edge and down towards the varying landscapes below.
¡°Do you think that he has entered by now?¡± Dragonfly asked, her cup of sap-wine almost forgotten in her hand while she lounged across one of the couches in Will¡¯s private garden. ¡°Probably, yes. But with the distance, we cannot expect any kind of report. We will simply have to find our own ways to pass the time while waiting for word. Master Walker promised to send word to us if anything was heard from him,¡± Serene said from where she sat primly across from her friend. ¡°Then we can only continue to do our utmost to make sure to surpass his progress. He would not want anything less for us,¡± Will said, emptying his own cup. ¡°Is Gold still willing to join us?¡± ¡°He is,¡± Serene confirmed. ¡°While he is new to us, he should be able to shoulder Kite¡¯s role for the time being, allowing us to go after silver-ranked monsters.¡± ¡°Yeah, Gold is solid, although he certainly doesn¡¯t overshare,¡± Dragonfly agreed. Then, as if realizing something, she sat up and looked to her priestess friend. ¡°Wait, haven¡¯t I seen you and Gold together a lot recently?¡± ¡°He is pleasant company,¡± Serene replied calmly. ¡°... Really?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Gold? The guy who barely talks?¡± ¡°You should know that there is more to a person than their words, Dragonfly.¡± ¡°Uhuuh¡­¡± Dragonfly said, looking more intently at Serene. ¡°Exactly what are you doing then?¡± ¡°If you have to know, we often sing together.¡± The statement made Dragonfly sit bolt upright, incredulous chock evident on her face. ¡°Sing? Him?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Worth Transcending Gold? Singing?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Huh¡­¡± Dragonfly sat down again, still looking a bit stunned. ¡°Is¡­ is he any good at it?¡± ¡°Oh yes. Very.¡± ¡°Huh¡­¡± Dragonfly repeated, looking thoughtful before another look of realization crossed her face. ¡°Serene?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you once tell me and Kite that you would only consider someone as romantically interesting if they were a good singer?¡± At that comment, Serene only took a long delicate sip from her own glass, the container unable to hide her smile.
¡°The officiator did not lie when it said that the concepts of the world were contained within this space. Just how much can the queen¡¯s gate shift the space within, to accomplish such a thing?¡± Kite thought to himself. Seated atop Glint, the pair was slowly descending on a glob of conjured water. While they were way above the altitude where Glint could use her conjured water to fly, the carp could still use it to greatly slow their descent. ¡°Where do you think we should go first, little beauty?¡± Kite asked aloud, more to give voice to his thoughts than to actually receive an answer. ¡°The forests over there feel more like home, but I find myself curious about the mountain over there. See the one with the large, flat plateau?¡± Feeling her response through his link, Kite chuckled. ¡°I would prefer to find my bearings a bit more before going to the great lake, little beauty. We should think things through properly. Haste will surely make-¡± Kite¡¯s stomach suddenly lurched, and it felt like the world disappeared beneath him as Glint suddenly dove, the conjured water no longer carrying them aloft. Only after a split second did he feel the spike of alarm and fear through Glint¡¯s aura, and by then it was too late. Through his expanded field of vision, he suddenly saw something akin to a roiling cloud come into existence a few meters away, as if exiting a mirage. The next moment, he was flying through the air, the pain in his left side and what was probably a broken arm registering around the same time he realized his sudden freefalling state. Whatever the cloud was, its strange, roiling surface swiftly came closer as it pursued. Kite managed to channel just a smidge of mana into his old amulet of the Azure Heron to gain a modicum of control over his fall and to keep himself from spinning before the thing was upon him. ¡°Ward!¡± His barrier appeared just in the nick of time, its surface immediately covered in cracks from some kind of unseen impact. Kite was relieved to see that it at least held for one strike, and his aura senses finally managed to confirm what his panicked mind had started to suspect. The thing chasing him was silver rank. He tried to send an attack towards the thing, but the strike was awkward as he lacked leverage and fine control over the direction of his body. The projected ripple did have some effect at least, as the thing chasing him swerved out of the way with disturbing fluidity, allowing Kite to gain just a little more distance, but he knew that his situation was a dire one indeed. This was confirmed the next second as a hailstorm of frozen spikes came shooting out of the cloud, forcing Kite to conjure another barrier which quickly started to wear down beneath the barrage. Seldom had he wished for the ground to come up and meet him faster, but as he held on for dear life, channeling mana into the barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding, Kite would almost look forward to the impact compared to the slightly helpless feeling that had overcome him. ¡°Kite, focus!¡± he chided himself, the many hours spent alongside his different mentors coming back to him, their united wisdom reminding him of a simple fact; any one action taken with intent was better than ten taken in haste and panic. Even as his mana was gradually chewed through by the sustained assault, his barrier barely hanging on even with the ongoing reinforcement, Kite took a moment, and breathed. ¡°My path will not be moved by the world, but use it to gain momentum.¡± Part of the mantra came unbidden to his mind, and with it came a bit of clarity. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power.¡± The expanding wave unleashed by Ripple of Cancellation closed in on the cloud-thing chasing after him, its passing partially negating the incoming higher-ranked icicles. Kite was pelted by the stinging hail that remained, but compared to the ripping shards from before, he would weather it. Even before the wave had closed in on its target, Kite had already sent another attack in its wake, his staff appearing in his hand as he swung. While the motion destabilized him, forcing him to use his amulet again, he still felt a bit of triumph as his dispelling wave reached the creature just a split second before the attack. As he had hoped, a chunk of the cloud-cover was dissolved by the passing of Ripple of Cancellation. Kite had just enough time to glimpse something solid and scaled inside, a vibrant blue like the skies themselves, before his attack hit. He had not held back, opting to go directly for his usual damaging combination of Void-Sunders-Firmament and Chakra Implosion, echoed once more by his staff. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The effect was not as great as he might have hoped, but at least it got the monster to swerve again as Kite sent out three more strikes in quick succession. ¡°Just a little bit mo-¡± His trajectory quickly changed again from a second collision, but Kite could even bear the pain shooting out from his damaged arm as he once more felt Glint¡¯s scales beneath his hands and feet. A few tendrils of water snaked out and wrapped around his waist, securing him somewhat to the familiar¡¯s back even as she continued a rapid descent. Kite only had time to send a message of gratitude through their link, words required for other matters. ¡°Wall!¡± The monster had once again started diving towards them. Kite did not know exactly where Glint aimed to bring them down to the earth, but he certainly did not have time to care as the thing broke through his layered wall of force in a violent burst of ice-tipped cloud tendrils, its momentum seeming to only add to the foe¡¯s lethality. And as his magical perception picked up flickering motes all around them, Kite¡¯s heart seemed to freeze along with the forming ice. ¡°Glint, prepare for impact!¡± The carp barely had time to sway out of the way as multiple clusters of sharp, pristine ice started growing in the skies, and still half-collided with one to send her and her rider spinning before Glint managed to once more stabilize their descent. With Ripple of Cancellation still unavailable, Kite could only do his best to send the occasional projected Disrupting Strike towards the hazards in an attempt to break them apart even while he continued to use his barriers to deflect the occasional attack. Still, a ripple through the floating field of ice crystals informed him that the heavens had not seen fit to end his tribulation yet. Kite barely had time to let his staff disappear and for his shield, Heavenglass Defender, to appear on his remaining good arm. He managed to conjure the barrier from the shield along with a new one from Heaven-and-Void warding before all the ice-cluster around them detonated. Glint did whatever she could to minimize the damage, but as they had yet to leave the field of ice crystals, the danger came from all around them. Kite¡¯s dual barriers did absorb a lot of the flying shards of ice, but both he and Glint were hit several times, the familiar being the larger target. He could sense her pain through their bond, and as the rose gold chains that was Glint¡¯s harness lit up, Kite realized that his friend had indeed taken a lot of damage to cause the gifted accessory to release its built up storage of life energy. Worse, the spikes had frozen most of the water Glint used to stay aloft, and she was frantically trying to conjure more to control their sudden plummet as the monster pursuing them dove towards them once more. His expanded vision showed Kite that the surface below was not too far off, and he found no choice but to use his most powerful defensive measure if the pair was to have a chance to reach it at all. ¡°Void!¡± Using his charge of Potential of Stolen power to further augment Gate of Nihility, the black gate was even larger than normal. From his many, many uses of the power, Kite knew that it would be able to absorb more, even converting some of the absorbed attacks to refill his resources. But for the moment, he needed it to act as both delay and a bit of a desperate gamble. He could feel the impact from the other side of the dark aperture, but did not have much hope that whatever damage the collision inflicted would be enough to deter further pursuit. However, his plan was something different. And a bit risky. ¡°Give me all the speed you have, Glint. And prepare!¡± Kite called, channeling what mana he could to keep the Gate of Nihility active for just a little bit longer. His shield disappeared and his staff returned, already mid swing. ¡°It is a small blessing that my companions aren¡¯t present,¡± he thought with gritted teeth, projecting a strike with his staff. Towards the gate. Ever since ascending to bronze rank, Immutable Echo had been able to detonate Kite¡¯s barriers to unleash waves of resonating force damage. It had been a useful tool for getting some mileage out of the defensive measures as well as the occasional area damage. But it hadn¡¯t been until relatively recently, while out on contracts along with Dragonfly, Serene and Will, that Kite had realized that he hadn¡¯t tried the ability with Gate of Nility. Because while it looked more like a hole in the world, it should still count as a barrier, or at least he had theorized. It had turned out that it did indeed, but as its nature diverged quite a bit form the rigid walls and discs of force, the effect was a lot different. As the strike connected, the dark gate seemed to crack before it suddenly collapsed in on itself. Said implosion was not a peaceful one either. An indiscriminate pull caught everything in a wide area, dragging all within its reach towards the collapsing void gate. Kite himself was usually able to resist due to Indomitable, but he could feel the pull on Glint as well where she, even at their distance over thirty meters away from the event, had to strain to keep her momentum downward. And the silver-ranked monster pursuing them had been very close to the gate when it started collapsing. With the obscuring disc gone, Kite could see it strain to make its escape. The covering cloud was drained into the small singularity, and for a moment Kite got a full look at their pursuer, and he had to admit that it was rather majestic. The monster looked like a combination of a great bird and a lizard, its five meter long body covered in sky blue scales. It had two pairs of wings covered in shimmering ice feathers, and the cloud stuff covering it seemed to emanate from them. The long neck had a beaked head much like that of a heron, and it was powerful and graceful in equal measure even as it struggled. And while the silver-ranked being made headway, it was not fast enough. With a final, dull thump that still threatened to burst Kite¡¯s eardrums, the gate collapsed, sending a wave of pressure out in all directions. The monster was flung away, as was Glint; the former propelled upwards at an angle while Kite and his mount were sent down towards the ground at a terrifying speed. Or more accurately, towards the great lake they had seen in the landscape below. Even with his expanded vision, Kite hadn¡¯t properly had the time to process which trajectory Glint had chosen, but as the pair crashed into the water at great velocity, he was all too aware. From the dark which overcame him for a moment, Kite suspected that he passed out for at least a few seconds after impact, and it was probably only Glint¡¯s ability to manipulate water which kept them from further harm. Thanking Fortune that he had at least had the presence of mind to hold his breath, Kite groggily fumbled with one of his spatial pouches, eventually producing a small pill which looked like it was made from condensed seaweed and pushed it into his mouth. It seemed to dissolve and spread across the inside of his mouth and throat, and a moment later Kite took a deep breath of water. It was still quite uncomfortable to feel the liquid slosh around inside his lungs, but he had tried auntie Dove¡¯s pills enough by now to push past it. The lake was surprisingly bright around them, lit from the depths by clusters of coral glowing in hues of the sunset. Glint was steering them down towards the lakebed while Kite kept his eyes upward, looking for any sign that the flying monster would pursue them. But when no such attack came for over a minute, he finally relaxed his guard, if only slightly. ¡°I can see why I should not use that particular tactic too often,¡± Kite murmured aloud, the sound swallowed by the surrounding water. The first time he had detonated the gate like that, it had ended with all of his companions in quite the disheveled and sore state. Even if the detonation itself was dangerous, it was not close to the potency of an actual, dedicated attack spell of that rank. But what it lacked in straightforward damage, it made up for with the force of both its pull and subsequent detonation, flinging everything caught in its grip far and wide. Glint eventually slowed down next to a pair of pale boulders on the lakebed, touching down in a puff of fine sand which covered this part of the lake¡¯s bottom. Kite slid from her back, sore and hurting as well. Even if he knew that his broken arm would mend itself through his bronze-ranked constitution, it was still quite painful. And from the multiple bleeding wounds which marred Glint¡¯s colorful scales, he knew he was not the only one in need of rest and recovery. ¡°Thank you, little beauty,¡± he murmured, stroking a hand over the familiar¡¯s side. From their link, he sensed that she was too weary to even change her form, content to recover as she was next to one of the rocks. Kite sat down as well, thankful that the lakewater around had a surprisingly pleasant temperature as he leaned himself back to rest against Glint¡¯s side. Sage manifested from within him, the astral gatherer seeming to look quizzically down at the pair. ¡°Sage, would you please go up these rocks and keep watch?¡± Kite asked. He was unsure if his words would reach the familiar, but the response indicated success. ¡°Confirmation Fascination¡± Sage floated upward after giving its assent, apparently appreciating the chance to get a look at the new environment. Kite could only hope that the curious familiar would not wander off, but as he and Glint needed the rest, he could only trust that Sage would see them through. Kite ate a healing pill and gave one to Glint, the small bead looking quite miniscule in the carp''s mouth. If he looked past their collective aches and pains, he had to admit that the view was quite scenic. Glint had touched down where the lakebed was just starting to slope upwards, which gave them a good view over the swaying seaweed, pale sand, scattered rocks and glowing corals. Compared to the murky and gloomy watery domes from Kite¡¯s last trip into a jade-sky gate, this was quite pleasant. ¡°The lake has to be at least a dozen kilometers across,¡± he mused, sorting through the scattered memories of their descent, a bit surprised at their clarity even in the dire circumstances. The growth of the spirit attribute had slowly crept up on him, and it was mostly in moments like this that he realized the difference compared to before bronze rank. ¡°But I should really deploy the formation plates for some concealment.¡± He had barely managed to get to his feet when the heavens decided to prove the truth in his words, apparently keen to show their fickle side today. While Kite kept his aura as retracted as possible, Glint did not have the same level of skill and control over hers. And this had apparently drawn company. From off to one side, a sudden burst of motion caught his eye. Something long and skittering came charging out from a small forest of swaying seaweed; like a centipede crossed with a sea urchin. Kite barely had the time to register the rows of bristling spines and the bronze-ranked aura before a white beam of resonating force flashed through the water, punching clean through the monster, carapace and all. The thing crashed to the seabed in a small puff of sand, with an odd slowness due to the water, and Kite felt its aura flicker out. ¡°Thank you, Sage,¡± he called, the familiar hovering proudly above one boulder behind him. ¡°If one of your beams was enough to kill it outright, it seems to have been quite weak. And weak monsters -¡± Kite began, remaining on his feet as he saw more motion among the seaweed, ¡°- tend to mean that there are more of them.¡± He could sense a short burst of urgency from Glint, but his serene response seemed to let her calm once more. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, little beauty. I¡¯ll handle these ones while you rest,¡± Kite said, a small cloud of churned-up sand starting to gather as over a dozen more of the same skittering monsters appeared, charging as one. The inner glow of Immortality had barely started to make it through the gaps in Kite¡¯s armor before his shield appeared on his rapidly healing left arm. ¡°But I¡¯ll definitely set up the formation after this. Whatever would auntie Crow think if she witnessed my laxness?¡±
¡°How does your little student fare, dear?¡± Crow asked as Dove entered the common room of their home in Starberry Peak. The celestine was seated at the low table, compiling lists and inventory in preparation for their eventual departure, keeping Raven entertained through a small collection of formation plates which gave off different types of sounds or colors when touched. The toddler was gleefully hammering the same one over and over again, and Dove was happy for her silver rank perception allowing her to better filter the annoying repetitiveness of the sound. ¡°He is doing quite well, even if he has to suffer through me being a bit rusty with the use of an external cauldron,¡± Dove replied, sitting down next to her wife. ¡°And it was a really good idea to invite his wife into the guild as well. Her having the plant essence makes teaching her a lot easier.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear it, dear. It feels like you had the heavens pour a lot of work into your lap with not one, but two students,¡± Crow said, closing up the ledger in front of her. ¡°But it feels right to leave the village with some more potential for future growth.¡± ¡°Oh, I know,¡± Dove agreed. ¡°And it is fun teaching again. It takes me back to when Kite was younger. While alchemy never really became his passion, I still remember his little look of concentration while he tried to grind the leaves properly.¡± Both women smiled fondly at the memory, even if their expressions soon turned a bit strained. ¡°I hope he¡¯s doing well,¡± Dove eventually said. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if Walker telling us this time is better or worse.¡± ¡°Such is the life of a parent, I suppose,¡± Crow agreed. ¡°It is a wonder that essences and awakening stones of worry aren¡¯t manifesting left and right in this world.¡± ¡°Is there actually a worry essence?¡± Dove asked quizzically. ¡°It is not, and that might be for the best,¡± Crow confirmed. ¡°Can you even imagine what kind of path would come from that?¡± ¡°I suppose that us giving Kite that resolute essence was us telling him to follow his own mind and to keep his path strong,¡± Dove said, nodding a bit resigned. ¡°But I still can¡¯t help but worry.¡± As if sensing her mother¡¯s distress, little Raven rose on unsteady legs and wobbled over to Dove, small chubby arms held aloft. Dove couldn¡¯t help but smile as she scooped up the toddler, who immediately started tugging at her mother¡¯s brown locks. ¡°I suppose we¡¯ll soon have to start worrying for this little chick as well,¡± Crow said fondly as she watched the two. ¡°And trust that both Kite¡¯s and her paths will keep them safe enough.¡±
¡°It might just be the remnants of Immortality talking, but I feel like this little tribulation went better than expected,¡± Kite said as he stood among the scattered and torn carapaces of the thornipedes, as his mind had labeled the weird monsters. With Immortality continuously granting him additional recovery, Kite had been able to go as all out as possible, his force walls and barriers curtailing enough of the monsters¡¯ numerical advantage to make the battle surprisingly one-sided. Implacable Motion had always helped Kite more or less ignore the resistance of the water around him, and he had also been pleasantly surprised that the strikes projected through his intent met no resistance either. But most of all, he was happy to see that all his practice had paid some dividends. His shield and barrier in conjunction had let him weather the storm and whittle down the monsters one by one, the rest kept at bay by attacks or walls of force. While he knew that these particular monsters should individually be on the lower end of bronze rank, it still felt like a proof of concept that was important as he now stood without people ready to step in if things went wrong. Even so, Kite was thankful that he was not entirely alone. Glint and Sage had helped in their own way, through occasional beams of resonating force or by manipulating the water to impede the thornipedes. While the celestial carp was still injured and preferred not to move, this did not stop her from using her innate magic, which she used even now to sweep the monster corpses well away from their little shelter while Kite set up the last of the plates for the concealing formation. The protection was not perfect and would cost some spirit coins to keep running, but it would hopefully make sure that more annoyances like the thornipedes did not seek them out. Sitting down again, Kite felt quite a lot better than before, even if Immortality couldn¡¯t remove every kind of fatigue. He leaned back against Glint once more, the little group relaxing as trails of rainbow smoke eventually started to emanate from the pile of monster corpses a bit further down the slope. Having seen it so many times before, Kite didn¡¯t think too much of it before his eyes caught a glimpse of something shimmering left behind one of the dissolving monsters on the lakebed. While it made him very curious, he still waited a good while for the smoke to have thoroughly dissipated before he rose and strode over, only to find small gems scattered across the area where the monsters had lain. Most were a blue-green kind of crystal barely visible in the surrounding water, but he could see other more chitinous ones and some shards looking more like small thorns or needles. ¡°Quintessence?¡± He muttered, confused as the things had seemingly tumbled directly from the corpses of the dissolving monsters. A moment later, it clicked for him, the details of the challenge having been forgotten in the tumultuous descent. Turning to the officiator, he asked; ¡°Are these the quintessence you mentioned? The ones which I can deposit into your form?¡± ¡°Yes. Those are the quintessence of insect, water and needle.¡± ¡°And once I insert them, I can not take back the decision?¡± he asked, to clarify. ¡°That is correct.¡± ¡°How much quintessence can you hold?¡± ¡°Six hundred pieces.¡± Kite looked back to the handful of small crystals on the ground, processing her words. ¡°So I must gather the quintessence of the concepts I feel would strengthen my path, and also choose the ratio between the concepts?¡± ¡°That is correct, with the addition of the three greater treasures, most commonly received after defeating the rulers of this trial.¡± Kite nodded to himself, looking back at the paltry amount laid out before him. Even as thoughts and concepts started whirling around inside his head, ideas not yet fully manifested, one thing was clear. ¡°I have a lot of gathering ahead of me.¡± 124. Resolute A series of sharp slashes carved glowing rents into the surface of Kite¡¯s barrier, Heaven-and-Void warding holding firm as the green figure passed him in a blur of motion. Pivoting on the spot, Carmine Sunrise appeared in Kite¡¯s hand, its magical sheath keeping it locked in place. For an instant, it felt as if the moment would last forever, with Kite¡¯s opponent already having readied its own ¡®weapon¡¯ to attack again. Kite was surrounded by green on all sides, as if the color had enveloped his whole field of vision. The area where he currently found himself was sprouting kilometers of forest consisting mostly from the weird kind of plant which Kite had learned was called bamboo, the green segmented stalks of the plant forming veritable walls around him, the foliage above blotting out the sky. His foe was currently blending very smoothly into said landscape; a six-legged creature which looked something akin to a green-furred monkey crossed with a spider due to the way its multiple legs spread out beneath its torso. Its oblong face sported small, beady eyes and mean fangs, but the bamboo spear it was wielding had proven to be its main weapon as its slanted point turned out to strike with surprising power. The frozen moment seemed to fade, and both combatants acted simultaneously. The monster sprang forward in a lunging thrust which would have made Will proud. And Kite? Kite drew. A moment later, the ripple of Kite¡¯s intent manifested just where the monkey-monster reached the apex of its shallow arc, a rippling streak of dark void crossing its midsection. Void-Sunders-Firmament carved a bloody gash into the beast¡¯s flesh, and a moment after the cut seemed to detonate from within as the enchantment of Carmine Sunrise made itself known. The bronze-ranked monster fell into two pieces, bisected by the rending damage, and as Kite felt its surprisingly disciplined aura fade, he too relaxed. As soon as the rainbow smoke had eventually faded, the monsters decomposing much faster inside the trial than the world outside, he half waded through the green mass of underbrush to see what this kind of beast would leave behind. ¡°Quintessence of monkey, plant and adept,¡± the officiator confirmed as he held up the handfuls of each kind that the monster left behind. ¡°That was more quintessence than from most other monsters I have found so far,¡± Kite noted, more to himself than to anyone in particular. Still, the officiator answered his statement as if it had been a question. ¡°There is a positive correlation between the strength of a manifestation and the quantity of dropped quintessence.¡± ¡°And this one was potent for a bronze-ranked one, and solitary. We will see if Glint will find more of them.¡± He could feel Glint a few hundred meters away, floating among the foliage of the bamboo stalks to scout ahead, her small form nimble enough to get out of most dangers. As she still had some area to cover, Kite sat down atop a relatively flat rock which he found nearby, taking some time to empty out his gathered quintessence so far. Over thirty different kinds of magic made manifest soon dotted the stone, but each pile rarely held more than ten pieces. This was by design though, as Kite was not yet properly taking on the trial. He was scouting out his options. ¡°With the addition of adept and monkey, that leaves me with thirty four different kinds so far,¡± he mumbled to himself. ¡°And while monkey and plant should not be of much interest, the presence of adept quintessence should be worth more consideration.¡± It was his third day inside the jade-sky gate, and Kite had already taken to speaking aloud quite a lot. Most often, the officiator globe was silent, but his musings would occasionally prompt it to share a tidbit or two about the trial. A flickering movement behind him caused Kite to look over in order to give the returning Glint a welcoming wave. ¡°Oh, you found another one? That is a good sign, as I might want to return to take down more of these in the future,¡± Kite noted while he started to gather up the different piles of quintessence. ¡°But as for now, we have plenty of other zones to sample. If I am to make a decision here, I need to know my options.¡± A series of sensations came to him through their familiar bond, causing Kite to chuckle. ¡°I am sorry, little beauty, but I simply do not think that the water and fish quintessence will mesh well with the rest of my path¡­ Yes, you are a part of it, as are all of the bonds I forge, but that means that you are climbing alongside me and that our paths will have to complement and strengthen one another, not diverge for the other¡¯s sake¡­ Yes, you are indeed very pretty¡­ No, I cannot in good conscience say that you are prettier than Dragonfly. You both have different kinds of charms, that¡¯s all.¡± While Glint did not seem entirely satisfied with the explanation, she still seemed to find a modicum of acceptance as she did a twirl to catch the light upon her glittering scales while he got the feeling that she was quite aware of her charms, before she started growing to her larger form. With the officiator hovering silently behind him, Kite hopped up onto Glint¡¯s back. ¡°I believe it might be prudent to visit the mountain north of here next,¡± he said, sending a mental image of the direction to share with Glint, and then they were off.
As the minutes ticked by and the mountain in the distance continued to draw closer, Kite started to re-evaluate his first assessment as a distinct blackish blue tint started to become more pronounced. ¡°Is that¡­ ice?¡± His thoughts were confirmed when they, half an hour later, came close enough to feel a distinct chill in the air which seemed to roil down the mountain¡¯s slopes. It was indeed made of solid ice, but the cracked and uneven surface looked similar enough to stone unless the light hit at the right angle. And as he could make out more details, Kite could also see a plethora of cracks and crevasses which should be wide enough for him to easily pass through. The trip had been mostly uneventful, with the exception of an enterprising trio of insectoid monsters which had come swooping in to intercept Glint¡¯s flight, their butterfly wings covered with shifting patterns of color. But unlike the aerial ambush just after Kite entered the challenge, he saw these ones coming, and their star-like magical motes which they fired at him were easy enough to block or even occasionally dispel through Pattern-shattering counter. But seeing the cracks acting like tunnels leading into the icy mountain, Kite realized that the confines going forward were likely to be a lot more cramped. ¡°I suppose that this might be what they call a glacier?¡± Kite mused as he laid a gauntleted hand against the ice, Glint and Sage hovering next to him. The carp was experimenting with shooting streams of water towards the cold wall and watching them freeze, while the astral gather mostly seemed transfixed by its own distorted reflection. ¡°We will of course go in there, but retreat will be a lot harder. Let us keep our wits about ourselves and our minds cool¡­¡± He trailed off, almost expecting a reproachful look from his familiars for the bad pun, but they were both lost in their own little worlds. ¡°Might have been for the better,¡± Kite murmured, but he then got a response from an unexpected source. ¡°Trial-taker, it would seem like keeping one¡¯s mind cool would be most inadvisable, as organics do not tend to react well to shifts in their internal temperatures, especially not in the regions called the head. As a bronze-ranker, it would be ill advised to challenge your weak anatomy like that,¡± the officiator stated. Kite almost jumped in surprise, as the orb rarely spoke up, especially when his musings did not regard the trial itself. ¡°I¡­ It is a figure of speech. A metaphor for keeping calm and focused,¡± he clarified, a bit hesitant. ¡°Seems most illogical. Why not just state that instead?¡± ¡°I¡­ think that symbolism helps us better grasp more abstract concepts?¡± Kite ventured. ¡°Allows us to better imagine abstract phenomena while linking them to something physical or more tangible.¡± The orb was silent for a while, but eventually replied. ¡°Still, most illogical. No doubt there is a deficiency in your organic perspective.¡± ¡°I¡­ see.¡± Apparently done with that line of query, the officiator remained silent once more. Kite couldn¡¯t help but regard the orb for a while, imagining what lay beneath the neutral facade. Or if what he saw would really be what he got in this case. After that little exchange, there was nothing more to do for Kite than to lead his familiars into one of the closest crevasses. It did seem like his guess had been correct, as the great cracks in the glacier formed makeshift corridors and tunnels. While the pathways weren¡¯t so narrow that he had to squeeze through, it still lent a claustrophobic feeling to the whole experience, with dull groans and creaks occasionally echoing through the ice. While the walk was a tense one, it did not remain a silent one for long. Kite had only made it a couple of minutes into the glacier when he heard a rustling rumble from up ahead where the glacial ravine curved slightly. Not long after, a great mass of snow came surging from around the bend, heading straight for Kite. While it at first looked like an avalanche, maws, claws and other means of tearing and rending started manifesting along its surface; snowy appendages capped with sharp ice. That the thing¡¯s aura was bronze-rank was the only reason for Kite to even entertain the thought of standing his ground. ¡°My path will not be shifted by the world, but learn from it,¡± he murmured as he waited for the mass to come closer. Judging the distance to be a good place to start, Kite decided to further limit his foe¡¯s movement. ¡°Wall.¡± Force walls started springing up in front of him, even though the panes of force did not entirely close off all of the crevasse. Instead, Kite spaced them out with a few meters between them and left gaps in them which were wide enough for him to sidestep through. ¡°Time to test the waters, chilly as they may be,¡± he thought, staff already appearing in a downwards swing to adjust for the confines. Void-Sunders-Firmament was projected, the strike unable to miss the roiling mass coming toward him. Still, Kite noted that the spatial tears of the attack weren¡¯t overly effective versus the amorphous thing. It reached his first little roadblock, and while it had no trouble in squeezing through, Kite at least found some satisfaction in that it did need to slow down. ¡°Attrition it is, then,¡± he thought, beginning a steady retreat back through the glacial crack while sending as steady a stream of attacks as possible into the avalanche-like monster clawing its way towards him. Calling it a running battle would be a bit too generous, as Kite could keep a steady walking pace backwards. He quickly learned that while resonating force did not help much, disrupting force seemed better at affecting the thing. Disrupting strike, contrary to its name however, did not deal that much disruptive force damage unless Kite was actively shutting down magical effects, which the thing chasing him showed little sign of using. But Sage, on the other hand, definitely did. Just as Kite had backed through the final little roadblock of his, he felt that the different charges were now all in place. ¡°Sage, if you please?¡± he asked, the astral gatherer silently hovering up above him. The first charge from the familiar became a blue beam of disrupting force damage, which carved through the mass of living snow with good effect. But it was the second charge, empowered by Potential of Stolen power, which truly made an impact. In such close confines and against a foe of such volume, the chain-explosion of the scattered motes was devastating, and the battle was over in a rippling flash of blue. Even as he felt the aura fade, Kite still kept backing up, but it proved insufficient as the mass of rainbow smoke spread out in all directions. Even if most went upward, Kite still got his fair share of the most foul-smelling of substances, and needed almost a full minute afterwards to clear his head of the emotional damage the stench had inflicted. ¡°Good¡­ job,¡± he eventually managed to wheeze, Sage remaining entirely unbothered by both smell and praise. ¡°Let us see what that thing left us then,¡± Kite mused once he actually dared to start forward again. It turned out that Fortune smiled upon him twofold; the disruptive force explosions had not damaged the icy walls enough to cause them to start collapsing, and it seemed like the lone monster was considered decently powerful, even though Kite did not get the chance to feel its capabilities up close, due to what if left behind. ¡°Quintessence of vastness, cold, ice and hunger,¡± the officiator confirmed as Kite categorized his haul. Kite looked further down the corridor, imagining having to fight through scores of these things. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°Let us hope that I decide on other concepts for my path¡¯s future, as I do not relish that thought in the slightest.¡±
Depositing the last of his camping supplies into his pack, Kite hastily left for the exit to the weird complex of buildings, their walls still exhibiting the odd changing of angles and the uncomfortable lack of causality in how many right turns one could reasonably take and still end up somewhere new. ¡°This only proves that roof over one¡¯s head while resting is most overrated,¡± he grumbled, the limp of his partially mangled leg becoming less and less pronounced with each step as the healing pill and Kite¡¯s own recovery attribute went to work. But his spirit attribute worked against him, his traitorous memory still remembering the tentacled thing with an impossible number of eyes which had suddenly appeared to yank him out from his bedroll by his right leg, the concealing formation apparently doing little to nothing against the monster. ¡°The queen, in her wisdom, wanted to challenge every aspect of oneself and one¡¯s judgment.,¡± the officiator said sagely. ¡°But your organic need for sleep is a most debilitating deficiency.¡± Kite did not deign to reply to the statement, thoroughly feeling that the samples of quintessence of vision, eye, corruption and tentacle was so not worth the experience.
Even as the rain came down in sheets around the small bubble of protection from his enchanted hat, Kite still felt exhilaration as he cleaved through another of the slow-moving ominous dark projectiles, Pattern-Shattering counter dispelling yet another of the magical blasts. His foe, a lumbering effigy which looked like a series of ritualistic altars and other such implements strung together and animated into something akin to a slowly moving totem pole, continued producing new projectiles. Kite suspected that for most other adventurers, the vicinity would soon be filled with rotating spheres of darkness to a degree which easily left one boxed in through sheer numbers. But against Kite, who could frequently remove one or more of said projectiles, that particular monster instead became something else; practice. He strode back and forth among the scattered projectiles, blocking the occasional heavy swing with the barrier of heaven-and-void-warding while lashing out with a hand or a weapon as soon as an opportunity arose to strike and dispel a swirling dark orb. ¡°Trial-taker, it is most obvious that you will prevail here. Why do you not finish the clash?¡± the officiator at his side asked, uncaring for the violence around it. ¡°You have to strike while the iron is hot. An opportunity for me to practice like this is not too common.¡± ¡°I see neither iron nor forge. Is this another of those linguistic inefficiencies?¡± By now, Kite knew better than to get into such a debate with the orb, instead only throwing it a slight grin before he continued, pressuring himself to try and clear all of the projectiles before the construct ahead of him could find the time or opportunity to make more. However, he did not quite succeed before the thing eventually fell as it was worn down by his counterattacks. ¡°Not this time either,¡± Kite muttered. ¡°To realize my path, one would need to grow a pair of extra arms or two. Or just practice enough so that the number no longer matters.¡± The officiator just watched him, silent as drops of rain slid down its smooth surface while barely leaving a trace.
¡°Fortunepleasekeepmeinyourfavor!¡± Kite blurted as he leapt, doing his best to ignore the vicious heat of the lava beneath him as he sailed out over the river of molten stone which had definitely not been there just a minute ago. The enchantments of his boots were already active, and the wind vortex of his fan swirling around him for all the speed and momentum he could muster. ¡°Ward!¡± The barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding appeared behind him just in time as the pursuing stream of lava, thick as Kite¡¯s arm, impacted the barrier with eerie precision. Part of the heat still circumvented the shield, searing Kite¡¯s back and neck, but he ignored it to instead focus on the landing. The shore of the lava river was steadily expanding, and the way it was progressing, Kite would not make it. ¡°Glint!¡± His shout was accompanied by a mental image of what he hoped for the carp to do, and a split second later a glittering head stuck out of her bottle even if the mental sensation she sent back in return told him what she felt about the heat and dryness in the air. Still, her magic surged as a ball of water was conjured a bit in front of Kite, splashing down over the edge of the lava river with a hissing and crackling sound. A split second later, Kite crashed down into the slab of fresh lava stone. Fortunately, the heated, molten rock had been shallow enough that it had been more like extending the shore rather than creating an actual platform, and he could easily let the momentum carry him forward and onto the rocky shores on the other side. His expanded vision had shown him two more attempts at shooting the accurate streams of lava towards his back, but they had both fallen short as Kite was apparently now out of range of his assailant. As the monster did not look as if it meant to give chase, Kite turned around to get a better look at it. It was something akin to a toad, but the size of a small cabin. Its skin looked as if it was wrought from the same lava stone as its surroundings, with molten cracks running along its back. Both of its bulbous, glowing eyes regarded Kite where he stood, but its bulky body seemed to neither be able to move swift nor easily, even for its silver rank. ¡°Fortune be praised,¡± Kite mumbled as he staggered away, leaving the lava frog behind and dispelling the remnants of a cage of force walls, which had held the foe for a few seconds after it had surprised Kite with its presence. He had truly thought it just another heated rock in the flaming landscape, but a molten, fiery tongue lashing out to injure Glint and the lava river it had conjured had quickly proved otherwise. As he quickly moved to leave the geothermically active region, Kite could see that the monster, the ruler of that domain, once more laid itself down and became inactive. ¡°Still not quite there,¡± he thought, adding this encounter to the handful of others where he had happened upon the silver-ranked rulers of the regions. While some of his retreats had been made in good order, this was one that, like the ruler of the sky that very first day, had come close. ¡°You said that there were twelve rulers of this challenge?¡± Kite asked the officiator at his side. ¡°I believe that there are quite a bit more different regions than that though?¡± ¡°That is correct. The rulers mesh several concepts. As such, not every region has one,¡± the officiator orb stated with its customary neutrality. Kite nodded in response, thoughtful. The last week had been a blur of traveling and scouting, fighting most monsters he came across while fleeing from any of the silver-rankers. He had even found three essences, lightning, magic and harmonic, all hidden to various degrees. While Sage might have triggered more, Kite held off on having the familiar triggering more manifestations for the time being, as he would not be comfortable with the off chance that the astral gatherer would mistakenly give rise to yet another silver-ranker. But with this region sampled, Kite thought that he should have most of what he needed to make an actual plan on how to go forward. ¡°Let us rest up, Glint, and then we¡¯re making our way back to the outskirts between the forest and the lake. It¡¯s time to truly take stock and make some decisions.¡±
¡°Well, someone seems to be enjoying themselves while others have lived in a burrow for the past week. How is that even fair~?¡± ¡°Welcome, Wander,¡± Braid responded from where he sat comfortably at a low desk, engrossed in a manual depicting different enchantments, ignoring the complaints of the small rat who had snuck onto the table next to him. A perk of working with her so long had inured him to most forms of surprise or being startled. But he had not sat entirely idle. ¡°How abo- oof!¡± Wander began, her form starting towards a tray of biscuits at the table only to run into a tangle of invisible threads. They gave off a slight blue shine upon contact, and Wander¡¯s little body was quickly wrapped up in the magical mesh. ¡°Well- Braid. You- are- improving-,¡± the little rat squealed as she grunted in consternation while attempting to disentangle herself from the trap. Finally giving up, she relaxed, suspended a few centimeters above the table. ¡°You totally weren¡¯t that fast with your threads before. I could have sworn they weren¡¯t here a moment ago~.¡± ¡°It''s a new type I have been working with, so I am happy for the chance to test it out,¡± the threads¡¯ controller said, the smile obvious in his voice. ¡°Oh, they¡¯re not conjured ones?¡± ¡°No, so I have to have them on hand. But as you see, they are very responsive to me, reacting almost before my conscious mind has a chance to.¡± ¡°Well, they still won¡¯t save one of those biscuits from me~!¡± ¡°Really, are you sure? You seem quite stuck,¡± Braid retorted, a note of pride in his voice. ¡°Yes, because if you don¡¯t release me soon, I will just blow this body into a nice, messy puddle of gore all over your nice room~,¡± the rat said, her squeak veritably dripping in sweet victory. True to her boast, the threads retracted after only a second of hesitation. Wander¡¯s rat body landed on its feets and crossed the distance to the platter in the blink of an eye, soon happily munching away on a biscuit half the size of itself. ¡°So, how are things at the estates?¡± Braid asked sourly, the pride in his voice replaced by defeat. ¡°Oh, boring. Just people being people. Formal dinners and flaunting riches. One of the local silver rankers is having a sordid affair with an elder of a nearby crafting family, which would be quite the scandal if it went public. And the Pristine¡¯s have apparently managed to rope in a poor sect disciple to serve them for a while in order to gain access to the gate. Poor sap. He seems like a decent enough kid, for a sect disciple at least~.¡± ¡°Which rank? Will he be trouble to Kite?¡± ¡°Meh, from the way the family elders are talking, they¡¯ll let him ¡®prove himself¡¯ for at least a year. So unless Kite is really slow, things should be fine~.¡± Wander said dismissively. ¡°Assuming he makes it, exfiltration is the weakest part of our little plan,¡± Braid noted. ¡°We¡¯ll have to be prepared to assist at a moment¡¯s notice.¡± ¡°Says the guy living a few kilometers away in comfort~.¡± ¡°I thought you said you liked burrows?¡± ¡°Well- I¡­ Be silent, Braid~!¡±
Kite looked over the list in his hands again, comparing it to the many small piles of quintessence around him. Glint was floating next to the handful of smoke quintessence, interested in the swirling little chunks seemingly made of solid smoke somehow still able to move and churn slowly. Sage, on the other hand, seemed to dismiss the quintessence entirely, much more interested in a big leaf nearby with a gradual shift in coloration from blue to green to a clear white. In his mind, Kite had started calling his current location ¡®the mottled forest¡¯, as most of the huge singular leaves growing there were shifting through myriad colors. Each leaf sat on a single stalk at least two decimeters thick, almost a tree in its own right. The small region was the borderlands between the edge of the lake in which he and Glint had made their hurried descent and a nearby lush forest of more unison green. It was mostly free of monsters, with the few he had seen being rather inattentive and thus unlikely to notice him inside his concealing formation. This made the place the best candidate for some kind of base camp to Kite, with most other regions either too crowded with monsters or their environment too volatile in its own right. And it was here that Kite was making thorough plans. ¡°Well, if I ever happen to meet the vaunted queen, I will make sure to convey my utmost respect. That her creations have been able to assume control of the realm like this is surely a marvel. Any scholar of the right discipline would probably be able to lose themselves forever in understanding this place,¡± Kite told Glint, the carp¡¯s response being only mild interest. ¡°And with such a treasure of quintessence, it would no doubt make many want to fill their coffers to the brim,¡± he continued, turning to the officiator. ¡°This realm is much larger than the last I visited. Is that the gate¡¯s doing?¡± ¡°The gate can only work with what the astral provides, hence my autonomy in creating a suitable challenge and adjusting it after the levels of magic available. Disclosing more is against protocol,¡± the orb answered. ¡°Still, the large variety of concepts available is most impressive,¡± Kite said, eyes sweeping over the different types of magic made manifest. From the simple elements of fire and air to more abstract concepts such as vast and harmonic. He had even found quintessence which the officiator identified as sin quintessence, which Kite thought sounded a bit too ominous for his taste. ¡°And it is from these, and whatever else I can find out there, that I may choose?¡± ¡°Assuming you survive to claim them, yes. Have you come to a decision?¡± ¡°I think so,¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°Or at least in part. There are many options, but I think I know the direction I hope to go. But I will have to make sure to strengthen myself more before taking on any of the rulers if I can help it. Every accidental encounter with one so far has left me humbled.¡± He had spent much time reflecting on himself and his path during the past week, both in times of action and during moments of meditation. And while he did not need to fully commit yet, gathering the amount he would need of specific quintessence would require a lot more directed effort than just him meandering about the various regions. Glint did help him travel with some expediency, but as he suspected that the whole astral space was over a hundred kilometers across, a lack of direction would leave Kite in there for a long time. And while he wasn¡¯t in a specific hurry, the world outside beckoned too. He had many things he yet wanted to accomplish out there, and another suspicion that staying for too long might also not be too beneficial. ¡°What would happen if I were to reach silver rank while still inside the challenge?¡± Kite asked the officiator. ¡°The subsequent challenges would be adjusted, but the rewards would not. Only entering with a silver token will give appropriate rewards, should you succeed.¡± ¡°With adjusted, do you mean that gold-ranked entities would appear?¡± ¡°Yes, although the ambient magic would not allow for any great number. Parameters would have to be adjusted.¡± ¡°Another reason for me not to delay for too long, then,¡± Kite said, shuddering at the thought. He had never even seen a gold-ranked being, and suspected that even the weakest of them would be far, far above him. Rising to his feet, he once more collected his little piles of treasure. If all went well, many, many more would line his pockets before he was done. Although one of the concepts he had in mind filled him with a bit of trepidation at the thought of gathering the amount needed. ¡°What is a challenge without properly testing yourself though?¡± he thought in an attempt to bolster his spirit. Then Kite set out, ready to truly start taking on the challenge of the Jade-Sky gate. Knowing that his choices in the upcoming days and weeks might have a profound impact on his path was in part terrifying, the possibilities of mistakes many. But Kite tried his best to channel the concept gifted to him by his aunties, hoping that their faith in his spirit would hold up this time as well. So when he left on Glint¡¯s back, he did so with determination. Resolute. 125. Please elaborate Kite felt the humming increase in his bracers even as he exchanged more blows with his semi-simian opponent, his staff meeting the savage, swift jabs of the bamboo spear. While the monster, the six-legged monkey creature he had faced before during his scouting, fought with furious abandon it was surprisingly measured in its strikes and motions. This was further driven home as Kite touched his charged bracers together, only for the simian warrior to sense the danger and dodge deftly to the side. Kite only had the time to adjust briefly, making the powerful detonation only mangle two of the monster¡¯s six legs instead of hitting it squarely in the torso as he had intended. Sensing a warning from Glint, he saw that the second of the monsters had just started to break free from the carp¡¯s watery confinement. The mostly wasted expense of mana stung a bit, but Kite was not deterred. ¡°One at a time, if you please?¡± he quipped, the walls of leyline warding appearing around himself and his target to give them a little bit more privacy. The monster did not seem to appreciate the isolation, coming at Kite again with barely any loss of speed from the two broken legs. Its thrust met the barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding, recoiling as Kite had already begun a swing of his own. The rings atop Immutable Echo chimed gently even as the staff violently impacted the midsection of the monster, the creature leaping backwards only to take a projected sword slash. It managed to partially block the strike, but the subsequent rending damage caused both the bamboo spear and part of its shoulder to be forcefully torn apart. While the second monster howled, now tearing into Kite¡¯s force walls with abandon from the outside, the bronze-ranker moved in to finish the wounded beast only to be forced to jerk swiftly to one side as the simian warrior deftly threw one half of the broken spear at him in a fluid motion. The surprisingly sharp bamboo spear left a fine line of broken skin across Kite¡¯s cheek, but Kite used the sidestep to pivot and launch yet another attack with his staff, with a beam from Sage finishing off the staggering monster. ¡°At least it could not break out to harvest another weapon,¡± he mused as he took a second to center himself. It was a bit annoying that the monsters, apparently very much in tune with their environment, did not conjure their spears but instead harvested them from their surroundings. Their innate magic let them handle the simple weapon with surprising ease and lethality, and as it was not something which Kite could affect with his dispels he was left fighting them the old-fashioned way of clashing armaments. Getting a mental confirmation from Glint, Kite struck out just as the many-legged monkey was enveloped in another sphere of restraining water. His staff impacted the wall, sending resonating waves outwards as the barrier shattered, and it remained simple work to finish of the remaining monster, restrained as it was. ¡°Splendidly done, little beauty,¡± Kite said as Glint came floating over to him proudly after the second monster fell still. ¡°I just might have to forego your assistance in the future at times, or I might just stagnate as the might of your water turn each and every enemy into a trifle.¡± Glint preened at the praise, but her budding realization of the meaning of his words was interrupted by the sudden burst of rainbow smoke from the two corpses. Both Kite and his familiar fled at top speed from the malodorous discharge, and only closed in again once the clouds had well and truly scattered. As he bent down to collect the quintessence, one in particular he took extra care to gather and stow in a separate pouch. ¡°Trial-taker, I have noticed that you have continuously separated the adept quintessence from the rest of the gatherings here,¡± the officiator noted. ¡°Is that something which you intend to choose for your path?¡± ¡°I believe so,¡± Kite confirmed, finishing collecting the last handfuls of the small shards of magic. ¡°Please elaborate.¡± The statement had a kind of severity to it which caught Kite a bit by surprise. It had been delivered in the same neutral tone in which the construct always seemed to speak, yet had an up until now unheard gravitas. Seeing no reason to deny it, Kite answered. ¡°My path so far seems to remain one of judgment, at least in part. To know when and how to deploy both power and positioning, when to intervene and when to trust my surroundings. When to be a relentless negating force and when to become a reactive bulwark. And after many of my mentors giving me similar counsel; that silver rank will see even more of this as everything just becomes more complex and potent, I thought that I would want to lean into the concept of mastery even further. While adding simplicity and straight-forwardness would be useful, in the end I do not believe that is what will give me the best foundation for the future, but instead to see just how far my , hopefully, growing skills can take me and those whose paths align with mine.¡± The orb hovered in place, unspeaking but giving the impression of watching and listening very intently. As Kite finished, the officiator remained silent for a handful more seconds before replying. ¡°Your statement has been recorded.¡±
As the wind vortex from his enchanted fan faded, Kite landed and slid a bit through the sand, his feet leaving a pair of grooves. Even though he had visited what he assumed was a desert domain several times, so much sand gathered in one place still seemed so foreign to Kite. And the golden dunes were almost nothing like the small banks that sometimes formed in crooks of streams up in the autumn lands. It was an exotic place that definitely had its own kind of beauty, but Kite felt mostly consternation as he looked to one of the bigger dunes and remembered his retreat from what waited beyond. ¡°It''s not even one of the rulers, yet my path is currently lacking,¡± he grumbled sourly. Glint, who hovered next to him, sent a consoling feeling through their bond, and Kite idly reached out to stroke her scales while looking back with a thoughtful expression even as the numerous small rents and bites across his body were gradually healing. At least the poison had been cleansed, his enchanted cloak left behind as a growing clutch of fungi as a distraction. ¡°This is your second attempt in as many days, trial-taker,¡± the officiator noted. ¡°Are you intending to change your goals?¡± ¡°No, not yet,¡± Kite said, with a shake of his head. ¡°While I had hoped that my earlier techniques for this kind of situation would hold firm, the heavens have seen fit to prove that I need to be ready for even more kinds of tribulations than I previously thought. And I believe that I have at least two more ways to go; one more costly and the other more risky.¡± ¡°Which one will you attempt next, then?¡± In response, Kite couldn¡¯t help but smile a bit wistfully. ¡°The one which would make many of my loved ones chastise me greatly. But it will have to wait until my cloak has grown back, as I would very much like its assistance this time around as well.¡± He opened his hand and looked down to the thing which he had swiped from the ground during his retreat; a collection of tiny shards shimmering through every hue imaginable. The small fragments had a strange quality, looking as if they were a multitude of separate objects, yet Kite could not separate any of them from the others even as they flowed and shifted around one another. ¡°I still need more of these, after all,¡± he finished, putting the myriad quintessence into its designated pouch.
¡°Dragonfly, are you sure?¡± Will asked softly as the pair made their way back towards the small encampment the group had set up before. ¡°To me, they look like most other adventurers working together which I have seen. They are both competent and seem to get along well, but I don¡¯t think that I have seen anything¡­ improper¡­ between them.¡± ¡°Are you sure that you haven¡¯t blinded yourself on one of your own spears, lately?¡± Dragonfly retorted. ¡°I mean, just look at them!¡± A bit further ahead, the group¡¯s camp had come into view. Serene was calmly seated atop a nearby boulder, meditating, while Worth Transcending Gold was busy arranging a series of large logs into a seating area close to the heating lamp. They did not seem to speak, but both Will and Dragonfly could hear Serene¡¯s humming song, joined by a smooth basso voice. ¡°They¡­ seem to be doing quite ordinary things,¡± Will noted, still confused. ¡°And isn¡¯t it great that Serene has found someone who can at least partially keep up with her songs? Now that she can do that thing where she splits her voice, adding a third to it just makes camp more pleasant, no?¡± ¡°You¡¯re- I- Will, you are completely missing the point,¡± Dragonfly said, exasperated. ¡°Which point? Gold has been nothing but stoic and professional during the outings where he has joined us so far. And those armor techniques of his are quite impressive. I still can¡¯t believe that he managed to deflect some of my thrusts during sparring. We shou-¡± ¡°I just realized who I am talking to,¡± Dragonfly grumbled, interrupting the spearman before he could go off on another musing about technique and other martial topics. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t know matters of the heart even if they leapt up and stabbed you in the face.¡± ¡°Why, Dragonfly, you wound me!¡± Will protested. ¡°Give me hints of a proper courting of high standing any day. But this-¡± he said, gesturing towards the unchanging scene before them,¡± - is clearly something that is either too base for me to comprehend or something which might just be exactly what it looks like; two adventurers of differing paths getting along.¡± Dragonfly was somewhat chastised by her friend¡¯s protests, but she still looked at the camp ahead with suspicion. ¡°You might be right¡­ But it''s- it''s just that they¡¯re so harmonious. You can almost feel it when you¡¯re close to them. Or apparently not,¡± she finished at Will¡¯s questioning look. ¡°I miss Kite,¡± Dragonfly grumbled. ¡°Some straightforward earnestness would be a nice change of pace by now.¡±
¡°It is time, little beauty. Please stay inside your bottle unless I call for you. I am afraid that there is less that you can do to help me in this, and what I am about to do is best endured by me alone.¡± Glint gave Kite a worried little wobble in response, but still swam inside her bottle as was the plan. Kite gave the bottle a reassuring squeeze before he steeled himself, taking the final few steps to crest one of the bigger sand dunes. The white and somewhat dispersed light from above lit up the exotic landscape in all its golden glory, with dunes of sand looking like a wavy sea frozen in time. But beneath the dune, further off in the distance, there was a dark stain on the golden surface. And as Kite flared his aura in challenge, the stain started to move towards him. Even from over a hundred meters away, Kite could hear the rustling as multitudes of small legs propelled a swarm of diminutive bodies forward in scuttling movement and small leaps. He did not know what they were called, but each of the tiny, bronze-ranked insects had long, serrated back legs and a pair of venomous mandibles. They moved as a swarm, each one weak but the collective was quite a different thing. While Eternal Quartz, one of Kite¡¯s newest additions to his arsenal, was made to help him combat multiple foes, its hail of shards was better suited by far to deal with opponents that were at least larger than Kite¡¯s hand. ¡°Heavens preserve me,¡± Kite thought as a weapon appeared in his hand, most of its chain looped around his left arm while he let the heavy head dangle from his right. The round head of the meteor hammer had ridges interspersed around it, and was now decorated with miniscule pieces of glittering metal forming abstract shapes which made the mind imagine the swirling winds of a sandstorm. As the swarm closed in, he started to swing the head in lazy circles, gradually speeding up as the chittering mass started climbing the dune on which he was standing. From previous experience, Kite knew that he would have to time this just right to ensure that his hard work was not undone in short order. And he also knew that this would be unpleasant. ¡°Ward!¡± Without stopping his preparations, the barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding appeared before him, dilated to its maximum diameter. A moment later, the first leaping insect crashed into it before skittering off, followed by many more. With the vanguard blocked, the swarm quickly started flowing around it instead. And unlike earlier attempts, Kite remained standing where he was even as the first painful bites started finding their way in through chinks or weaker parts of his armor. He activated the damage reduction of Unyielding, and kept channeling mana into it to extend its duration to lessen the damage. ¡°Just a little bit more. Come in close, all of you,¡± he thought, mind straining not to start panicking as the swarm made its way up his torso and he felt the numerous tiny bites and rents also leaving behind their toxin. Kite¡¯s first attempt at taking on the swarm had left him with the brutal lesson that was the insectoid monsters¡¯ nature; unless he killed all of them swiftly, their mere presence would cause others to swiftly start manifesting out of the sand as their tiny bodies regenerated. He had cut them, crushed them and even had Glint drown them. Sage¡¯s empowered barrage had been effective, but not effective enough as the swarming collective was great at sensing the incoming danger and scattering. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Sometimes, pain is what paves the path to success,¡± Kite groaned between clenched teeth, focusing to keep his breathing calm in his combat meditation. Finally, just as he felt skittering movement closing in on his throat, his expanded vision relayed that the swarm had properly closed in on him, not a single insectoid monster further away than five meters. ¡°Wall!¡± Even while the walls of force coalesced around them, boxing in Kite and the swarm in a cube around seven meters to each side, he activated his boots to spring forward, the sudden motion throwing off many of the small insectoids climbing his body. Kite¡¯s boot had barely touched down as he pivoted and swung downwards, giving a bit more chain to the spinning meteor hammer. And as the head of the weapon impacted the ground square in the center of the cube, it showed its true nature and the reason for its name.
WWJS: [Item] Fulminating Sirocco Meteor Hammer Bronze rank - epic [Effect] Pay a cost of extreme mana to charge the head of this hammer with unstable energies to release the contained storm within. This will detonate the head, creating an area of swirling sand and arcing lightning which deals high ongoing physical and lightning damage within the area for a moderate duration. The head will reform after this effect is done and can be reattached to the chain. Cooldown: 6 hours [Effect] The one carrying the chain of this weapon will have the sand fragments of the storm avoid them, and suffer greatly reduced damage from the lightning of said storm.
Like Kite¡¯s bracers, the enchantments of Fulminating Sirocco had been condensed into very few effects, driven to new heights by the addition of a steep cost. But from his earlier uses of the weapon, Kite knew it to have been worth it, even if this would be the first time he properly tested out the second part of its effects. The head of the hammer detonated outward, scattering fragments which soon broke down into small specks of sand which immediately started swirling as if caught in a harsh sandstorm. Half a breath later, a web of crackling lightning started spreading from the fulminating orb of energy left at the point of impact, the glowing flashes chaining between the flying motes of sand and everything else in its vicinity. This turned the shredding sand to glowing specks of glass, a maelstrom of searing pinpricks with new cascades of lightning arcing between them every other heartbeat. From a distance, the effects had been transfixing. And from within, they were terrifying. Kite and the swarm was kept neatly boxed up next to the small shredding storm which he had voluntarily unleashed, and even though the chain still wrapped around his arm protected him from the worst of it, he still felt the uncomfortable tingling of as some of the lightning damage kept breaking through the resistance provided. But the swarm undoubtedly had it worse. As soon as the detonating had occurred, the survival-minded creatures had attempted to scatter, to no avail as they kept bouncing off the walls of force while their small bodies were torn asunder by molten glass or seared by coruscating lightning. The damage to the force walls was mounting as well, but from the looks of things so far, Kite¡¯s plan had worked. It did not take long for the swarm to die, maybe a dozen seconds. The storm would keep going for a dozen more, and as the last of the insect monsters perished, Kite let his walls drop and staggered out himself. His limbs were twitching and he felt quite sore, but looking back at the charred husks of the swarm behind him, he also felt triumphant. Had even one of them escaped, he might have been forced to wait for another attempt. ¡°Not the most finesseful approach, but it is hard to argue with results,¡± Kite mused to himself as he finally walked back to the scene of carnage when the head of Fulminating Sirocco had once more snapped back together. The sand beneath was molten and scorched, with surprisingly beautiful branching patterns left behind. And more importantly, quintessence was scattered across the dune as well; insect and myriad in satisfyingly great amounts. Glint exited her bottle after a while, helping the rather singed Kite to gather up the treasures through a glob of water which kept absorbing shard after shard before levitating it over to him. ¡°Thank you, little beauty,¡± he said, letting his cloak absorb the last of the poison in his system before falling to the ground to grow another mushroom colony fed by the afflictions of his enemies. Kite straightened and relaxed as the unpleasant numb tingling of the poison subsided, and looked out over the dunes. ¡°And soon, I will have to do it all over again¡­¡±
That very same night, Kite sat meditating, his body sore and his spirit soaring. He had managed to take down another swarm, netting himself even more of the vaunted myriad quintessence. ¡°Trial-taker, is it the myriad quintessence which you aim to use to further your path?¡± He opened his eyes, feeling the attention of the officiator upon him as if the orb had read his mind. ¡°It is,¡± Kite confirmed, otherwise remaining seated in his meditative position. ¡°Please elaborate.¡± There it was again; the same gravitas and severity hinted in the orb¡¯s tone. Once more, Kite acquiesced. ¡°If it is one thing my path has lacked, it has been the option to handle many things at a time, be it foes or tasks. It often feels like I need to do many things at once, or to be in many places at once, and I believe that the concept of myriad would give me a chance to both shore up that weakness and further the potential of the meditative trance I have already touched upon. To always have a hand to spare, or an intervention ready. All around me, in many ways at once.¡± Once more, there was a brief silence before the officiator seemed to have digested his words. ¡°Your statement has been recorded.¡± As the orb seemed to be satisfied, Kite fell back into meditation. He had felt something budding inside him for a while now, and he was aiming to help it break through the metaphorical surface. And as he sat there beneath the great mottled leaf, something within him broke through an unseen barrier. Bronze light welled out from him, with just a little more hint of silver mixed into it. Smiling, Kite let his eyes remain closed as he mumbled; ¡°The same order as last time.¡±
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Something from Nothing] has reached Silver 0. [Something from Nothing] has received additional effects. - Something from Nothing - Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Every time you defeat an enemy, a fragment of their essence is kept in a personal metaphysical space. When enough fragments have been gathered, they will manifest into a semi-random item. The item will be influenced by the fragments which have constituted it and the amount of fragments needed will vary. Effect - bronze: Ability can produce bronze rank items, and results are more in line with subconscious wishes. Gathering more fragments after the threshold for manifestation has been reached will increase the chance of higher rarity items, up to a certain limit. Effect - silver: Ability can produce silver rank items. Gathered fragments may now instead be infused to grant a temporary boost to a piece of equipment, raising its power for a time depending on the amount of fragments consumed.
As he focused his senses on the new development, Kite had to admit that he was a bit surprised. Something from Nothing had shown a rather predictable trajectory judging by its bronze rank effect, but not that he was complaining. Upon ascending to silver, it seemed to have even more potential in a way he had not expected. Being able to use the gathered fragments for a burst of potential in the moment might often seem less preferable than to wait for potential long-term gains, but Kite had been in enough desperate or unexpected situations to know that just having this option could be decisive. He had actually been of a mind to manifest something as soon as the power was capped out, but as of reaching the next rank, the space where the remnants of his foes¡¯ magic were stored had grown as well, now having the potential to manifest something of silver rank. Therefore, he chose to wait. ¡°Patience in exchange for quality, either in sudden power or permanent manifestation. A choice that has to be weighed well,¡± Kite mused, opening his eyes to look out over the forest of giant leaves and the unchanging light filtering down from above. ¡°This might also be something which takes me a significant step closer to taking down one of the rulers of this trial.¡± Imagining his path before his mind¡¯s eye, the road towards the unseen heavens felt just a little bit more solid and tangible. ¡°One brick at a time.¡±
A flick of Kite¡¯s wrist made his staff connect with the afterimage of the scythed arm, Pattern-Shattering counter dispersing the phantom limb even as Kite blocked another with a barrier. His foe, a hulking, bear-like bipedal thing with scythed arms and glossy, gray skin roared and Kite could see its mana flare as not one but five new translucent afterimages formed, the claws all slashing towards him through different angles. Instead of meeting them all head on, he decided that a slight retreat would be more prudent. At Kite¡¯s back was one of the seemingly petrified trees which littered the cave system in which he had found himself, their stone branches melding into the cave¡¯s ceiling above. The glowstone floating above Kite was the only source of light in the caverns which he had traveled through, casting stark, eerie shadows all around them. The monster before him must have thought Kite cornered as it stepped aggressively towards him with the attack, but it soon learned otherwise. As his back connected with the pillar, Kite let some mana leave him, Implacable motion making him crash through the pillar-like tree as if it was made of brittle plaster. Chunks of stone rained down as the monster half stumbled forward, but Kite was already in motion again. His staff lashed out, sending a projected strike carrying Void-Sunders-Firmament up into the pillar above, the spatial tears instantly sundering a great length of the still suspended trunk of the stone pillar. It crashed down onto the head and shoulders of the monster, bearing the beast to the ground. While the weight lacked the intent and inherent magic to inflict full damage, mass was still mass, and the impact left the monster stunned and shambling on the ground. More afterimages of its flailing limbs blurred around it as it thrashed, and Kite did not take his chances with wading back into melee. Instead, he kept his distance and closed out the fight through projected attacks and a beam of force from Sage, and was soon able to claim his prize in dark, echo, bear and claw quintessence. ¡°From your actions, you seem to be singling out more quintessence from here, trial-taker. Have you decided on another concept which you hope to add to your path?¡± ¡°I-¡± Kite began, on his way to answering the officiator when he noticed something. Interrupting himself, he instead went over to see if it was his eyes playing tricks on him, but no, there was indeed something odd among the remnants of the stone tree he had crashed through there at the end. Because, it turned out that the ¡®trunk¡¯ was hollow. Amongst the rubble and scattered chunks of stone, a gaping hole had been revealed, about one meter across. It led almost entirely straight downward. And further down, Kite thought that he noticed a faint green-tinted light breaking the darkness. Looking upward, he saw nothing but darkness in the hollow trunk, so he turned his attention back down. The officiator had not commented, and Kite got the feeling that it would not divulge anything more on the matter. His curiosity piqued, he then did the only sensible thing in a situation such as this; he fastened a rope to a nearby stone tree and started descending. While he had plenty of means with which to slow his fall, it would still be foolish not to leave a more simple way of getting back up. Fortunately, the descent into the depths beneath the caverns was not very long, as the tunnels were quite claustrophobic. Once Kite had sent Glint ahead of him to check that it was not simply another hazard waiting for him, he eventually touched down on the floor of another cavern. It was a lot smaller than the one above, around ten meters across, but it also broke the monotony of the caverns above in another regard; the giant knot of roots which seemed to cradle something within their midst. The green glow seemed to emanate from within that knot, but was further added to by the green barrier which waited like an emerald haze around it. ¡°Well, what is this then?¡± Kite mused as he went closer, trying to take in the whole room at once. The officiator remained silent, so his musings remained a monologue. ¡°There was the mention of additional treasures for the perceptive, and I am curious if this might be one of them.¡± He took a while to inspect the room more thoroughly before continuing. ¡°From the glow of some of the roots, they might in some way be related to this barrier.¡± This was only pure conjecture on his part, but as the hue of the energies matched and he thought himself able to detect a little more flow of magic within them, he was happy to use it as an initial theory. ¡°If I can locate where they emerge above, maybe I can find a way to affect this?¡± ¡°That would indeed be a reasonable hypothetical scenario,¡± the officiator stated, surprising Kite by breaking its earlier silent treatment. ¡°Then we shall see how it finds this solution,¡± Kite thought to himself, turning to the orb and speaking aloud. ¡°Then, before I go, I will at least want to test my path against the obstacle, as I am sure you can understand.¡± ¡°That is not nece-¡± the orb began, but Kite was already turning. A dagger shaped a lot like a sharp seed appeared in his hand, and he stabbed it into the barrier in one swift motion, where it soon sprouted a beautiful blue flower, roots and vines hungrily spreading across the barrier¡¯s surface. Kite watched the flower grow, keeping a confident smile on his lips while he was inwardly wondering just how big the Boundary-devouring Lotus could become. He knew from his own trials and his discussions with his mentors that it should be unable to take care of an actively powered defense or something powered by high ambient magic. And while the trial was indeed potent, there were a lot of different things inside which the magic had to fuel, and Kite was hoping that this particular barrier was not deemed important enough. Over the next half an hour, his lotus had kept growing to a hitherto unseen size. Kite had actually had to back up a few meters, the barrier barely visible beneath the growing plants. ¡°Maybe I overestimated the lotus a bit?¡± he thought to himself, but a few minutes later there was a sudden shift. Part of the mass of the lotus fell inward, and its tendrils started to flail about in search of new sustenance. As he made his way forward, Kite noticed that the glow on some of the roots he had previously seen had now dimmed to nothing, and as he got closer, he saw that the barrier was indeed gone. ¡°Sometimes one¡¯s path triumphs unexpectedly in the face of adversity,¡± he said, unable to help a bit of smugness leaking into his voice as he reached into the tangle of roots, his questing hand finding something within. As he withdrew his hand, he found what looked like a solid, perfect drop of amber in his palm. It was the size of a pinecone, and radiated a potent sense of life caught in stasis, as if it was frozen in time. Throughout all this, Kite had gotten a steadily growing sense of judgmental consternation from the officiator, but the orb did apparently not deign to comment on his solution of the situation. But when he held the amber drop out with a questioning look, it did speak up. ¡°Well, trial-taker, a prize claimed will have to be a prize earned. That is called Amber of the Frozen Moment. It is on par with one of the treasures you will have to claim from the rulers of this land, and carries the concepts of life, resolution and time.¡± ¡°So this could be used instead of defeating one of the rulers?¡± Kite asked. ¡°No, but up to two such treasures may be used in addition to the three required from the rulers of the challenge.¡± ¡°Wait, more can be added? Why did you not tell me earlier?¡± ¡°Some pieces of information must be earned through deeds, trial-taker. I have given you the essentials, as well as some helpful hints, but some things you will have to discover for yourself.¡± In response to this, Kite couldn¡¯t help it as a groan escaped his lips, as he realized that he would not be able to just ignore this new piece of information going forward. If this was here, what other additional treasures might he find if he looked more thoroughly? ¡°This¡­ This challenge will probably take longer than expected.¡± 126. First As there were no other sounds echoing through the crevasse than the occasional clattering of small rocks, remnants after the small rockslide that had occurred just moments earlier, Kite let himself lay back on the barrier separating him from the uneven pile of stone that had become his impromptu resting place. The second barrier of Heaven-and-Void warding kept some of the stones from rolling on top of him, and he could vaguely make out the strip of white sky far above through the semi-translucent barrier and the rubble covering it.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Heaven-and-Void Warding] has reached Silver 0. [Heaven-and-Void Warding] has received additional effects. - Heaven-and-Void Warding - Spell. Cost: Low to Moderate mana Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver Effect - Iron: Form a temporary barrier around self or ally within range, absorbing damage for a medium duration or until released or shattered. Cost is increased to moderate mana if used on ally. Effect - Bronze: May adjust size of barrier, increasing its strength by diminishing its size and vice versa. Effect - Silver: May conjure a second barrier with the same casting.
¡°Heavens, I really thought that I had it,¡± he groaned, feeling the echoes of pain even if Immortality had finished healing most of the actual damage he had suffered from that final collision and subsequent plummet down into the rocky ravine. ¡°Didn¡¯t even have the time to properly infuse any equipment either.¡± Even though his mind still felt a bit dazed, the memories were clear; the giant club of the ruler above eventually catching him through an unexpected burst of speed. By then, the fight had already progressed for a time, but that single, solid hit had been enough to break through not one, but two of the barriers of the newly improved Heaven-and-Void warding, and still carry enough force to send him flying even through the protection of Unyielding. The face of a little carp showed itself in Kite¡¯s vision, close enough that one would have to cross one¡¯s eyes to properly focus on her. ¡°Do not worry, little beauty,¡± he said, reaching out and stroking her scales. ¡°While the spontaneous flight was not planned, it at least went better than expected. The twin barriers truly helped,¡± he finished, knocking at the surface beneath him. He let the barrier atop him shift slightly, eventually getting the rocks on top to shift and roll to the side. ¡°But what concepts do you think that this particular ruler embodies?¡± Kite asked Glint, more to use the silent companion as a sounding board rather than actually expecting an answer. "Might feels like a given, but force is not out of the question.¡± He started making his way through the bottom of the gorge, rounding the plateau above where he had fought the ruler; a huge humanoid over five meters tall with blue skin and what looked like writhing tendrils squirming beneath its surface. It wielded a long crystal club, fighting ponderously for a silver-ranked being but with the strength behind each swing to compensate. What had caught Kite by surprise had been when the being suddenly started to speed up at irregular intervals. While it was a magical effect which he could dispel, the window to do so was a brief one, and his current location at the bottom of the nearby chasm indicated that it was as challenging to do in the midst of combat as it sounded. He turned to the officiator floating silently along with him, posing his next question. ¡°Just how many concepts does each ruler embody?¡± ¡°The rulers are amalgams of varying degrees, forming a whole greater than the sum of their parts, much like your path is more than the four essences you have absorbed. You would do best to reflect on that, rather than individual pieces,¡± the officiator answered somewhat cryptically, but Kite nodded. It was more than he had expected. ¡°I¡­ will take that into consideration,¡± he mused, turning back to Glint. ¡°But this does mean that we have some more quintessence-hunting to do. I am not beyond tempering myself against a foe such as the ruler at that plateau time and time again, but I would much rather have Immortality available when doing so. Because the teacher that is the tyranny of rank holds a wicked lash indeed.¡±
¡°What do you mean that we are out of sweetmeats again?!¡± The roar of the irate mistress Pristine sent the poor servant scurrying out of the room, her lashing aura causing the poor girl to wobble on her feet. If Ivory had not stepped in and shielded her with his aura, the normal-ranker might have fainted on the spot. Sensing his spiritual intervention, the mistress turned her frustrations to her latest temporary addition to the household, but the inner disciple was unfazed by the spiritual assault. He was a silver-ranker like her, after all, and while she as a more political animal was adept at the subtleties of aura manipulation, an adventurer and sect warrior like him was well tempered against more forceful clashes. ¡°Are you forgetting your place? Is this how you show your dependability and worthiness?¡± she hissed, poking a finger into the younger man¡¯s chest. ¡°I would ask you the same, mistress,¡± Ivory answered coolly. ¡°Venting your frustrations on the help is not becoming of a woman of your power.¡± Mistress Pristine suddenly jerked her finger back with another hiss, this one of pain, as a tiny spark of lightning was seen at her point of contact with Ivory¡¯s chest. ¡°And I will remind you- ,¡± the adventurer continued, ¡°- that while I have agreed to take contracts for your family to gain access to the gate, I am not your servant.¡± The mistress looked torn as to how she would react to his challenge, and seemingly decided to move on. ¡°Well, it is still most suspicious that our larders are being emptied at such a dramatifc rate. Had I not already had the staff followed, I would still expect that we had thieves among the help.¡±
Kite sat in meditation, as he did during most times of rest. As the light from above was unchanging and constant, he had to use one of his small magical timepieces he had brought with him to keep track of when evening actually came. The device was simple; a magical disc with a slowly moving glowing dot indicating the time of day. As it was rather cheap, he always carried it in a regular pouch at his belt, as keeping it in dimensional storage would make it lose functionality due to there being no ambient mana in the separate dimensional spaces. And this time, he had been eager for it to indicate that it was time to wind down and rest after spending most of the day hunting down more of the few kinds of monsters who left adept quintessence behind. Because he had a feeling that another of his abilities would breach the limit of silver, the sensation a kind of spiritual ¡®fullness¡¯ otherwise hard to put into words. While Kite was not in a rush per se, it still felt frustrating that he had so far still not been able to defeat any of the rulers of the space just over two weeks into the trial. But each new advancement to silver meant another chance at reaching across the distance and fighting above his rank. He had barely settled down when the light burst from him, bathing the mottled leaves around him in new light, just a little more tinted silver than the last time. And as Kite explored his new power with his mind, he couldn¡¯t suppress the tingle of excitement at what this particular one meant. When everything had settled down, he rose to his feet, and dark vortices appeared above him. Three of them. ¡°Now this¡­¡± he mused, getting a sense of their power. ¡°This might indeed open up new opportunities. And one of them in particular comes to mind.¡± What remained of his time to rest was a bit more fitful than Kite would like to have admitted. Ever since the advancement a few hours before, there was a ruler of this challenge which suddenly felt as if it had come within reach. The tense excitement eventually made him break camp early, and Kite was soon zooming across the varied landscapes on Glint¡¯s back, just above the treetops of the mottled forest. The mountain plateau of the blue giant came into view, but he soon passed it by, giving the territory a wide berth so as to not grab the ruler¡¯s attention. Likewise, he made sure to not have Glint float too high, so as to not risk the ruler of the sky trying to ambush him again. Every more ordinary monster in his way now felt more like a chore, and Kite even made Glint pass most by, at least those she was quick enough to shake off. And eventually, his goal came into view; a certain mountain which Kite knew was no mountain at all. The glacier loomed ahead of him, and at its heart, his target awaited. The challenge itself manifested new monsters every once in a while, and as it had been a few days since Kite¡¯s last visit to the icy region, he had to fight his way down through the winding, chill ravines and crevasses. The walls of living snow were familiar to him now, as well as the flittering, two-dimensional creatures which tried masking themselves as mere reflections in the ice. Even through his eagerness to reach his goal, Kite at least managed to take the slow and steady approach needed to deal with the ice-aspected foes, taking one step back for every three he advanced. And finally, he had reached his destination; a large chamber in the heart of the glacier. Only small cracks above opened up to the sky, the rest being blueish-black ice in a jagged landscape looking much like a cave. After properly resting up and letting a pair of pills restore his reserves, Kite readied himself. He had been in the cavern once before. That time had ended with a steady but sure retreat, but as Kite sensed his newfound power within, he hoped that this time would prove different. ¡°Fortune, please have your spirit watch over me even as your gaze is blocked,¡± he said in soft prayer. Kite would have liked to try his new power more, to heed his mentors¡¯ advice and not rely too much on a power mostly untested. But during his time spent in the trial so far, there was no other monster or ruler there which had so far shown the capabilities where his power would make as much of a difference. None except this one. His prayers done, Kite advanced into the cavern. Each of his exhalations caused a small burst of fog, and Kite did his best to calm his breathing and enter the combat meditation he had been working on for so long now; the state of clarity where he saw everything around him, ready to react in a heartbeat. And as one of the small plumes of fog did not disperse behind him, Kite knew that he had gotten his wish. One moment, there was but a faint pale cloud, and in the next, it seemed to swell outwards. Even as the ruler of this region was still in the process of appearing out of the fog, twin pale arms were already descending towards Kite¡¯s back. They each had only two hook-like fingers, with long jagged claws of black ice. ¡°Ward!¡± The barriers of Heaven-and-Void warding appeared behind Kite, the ice-infused claws scraping across the barrier. Immutable Echo jabbed backwards even before Kite had fully turned, but the staff struck only air as his would-be ambusher disappeared into the fog once more. Another flicker of movement further off in the cave heralded several more streaks of fog streaming through the air. Second attack followed, then a third, where Kite remained still and reactive, feet planted. His assailant seemed to blink in and out of existence around him, clawed hands appearing through the fog to strike before retracting again. Had it not been for the silver-ranked aura he could sense moving around, Kite might have assumed the ruler of this trial to be the fog itself, but his current situation and senses confirmed that the thing was indeed moving instantaneously. Kite assumed that it was some kind of short-range teleportation, like where uncle Walker moved through nearby plants. Only that it seemed to be the spreading fog this creature used as its medium. Last time he had been here, Kite had swiftly retreated when the fog had spread far enough to cover most of the room, not wanting to be left at the non-existent mercy of the flickering creature. But this time, he persevered, because he was waiting for something. Claws continued to flicker even as sharp icicles started forming from the haze around him. Kite¡¯s twin barriers and weapon swept around him to deflect what he could, but this silver-ranker was quick. One hit became two, where a pair of icy claws raked his left arm, leaving behind a chilling affliction. But even as those things all tore at Kite¡¯s attention, he managed to hold firm, because he was waiting. And his wait soon came to an end. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. The pair of claws had just struck again and were on the way to retract, covered in Kite¡¯s frozen blood, when something seemed to snap in place. The creature lurched as its retreat was suddenly interrupted, and staggered back even further as Kite¡¯s staff hit one of its arms, delivering an empowered Void-Sunders-Firmament, both Potential of Stolen Power and all the stacks available from Spiritual Reprisal used to deal as much damage in return as possible for the one strike that finally landed. That moment was also the first where Kite got a proper look at his foe, having only seen the swiping claws before that. It was a vaguely humanoid thing, pallid torso crooked and bent as its arms were way too long while its small legs looked almost withered. But there was cunning in its fanged face and nine cloudy eyes seemingly spread haphazardly over its face, and at that moment, said cunning seemed to say that it knew that the situation had suddenly turned troublesome. And it was, Fortune be praised, all thanks to Kite¡¯s recently ascended ability.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Spirit Singularity] has reached Silver 0. [Spirit Singularity] has received additional effects. - Spirit singularity - Special ability (Mana drain). Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Create a small vortex hovering above your right shoulder, draining the mana of nearby hostile creatures. Gain a boost to mana regeneration depending on the number of creatures affected. The pace of both mana drain and the boost to mana regeneration is based on your [Recovery] attribute. Effect - Bronze: Create an additional vortex, increasing the range and area of the ability. Spirit Vortex can now choose to focus its effect on a single target for greatly increased effect. Effect - Silver: Create an additional vortex. Focusing all vortices at a single target will inflict it with [Inescapable] for as long as it remains within range of the ability. [Inescapable] - Affliction, Magic: Subject cannot be affected by teleport or non-damaging dimension effects.
As his opponent was of a higher rank, it had taken some time for the affliction to take hold, hence Kite¡¯s patient and more reactive stance. But as he had felt the three vortices seemingly take hold of the silver-ranked ruler, he knew that the tone of the battle was about to change. Even as he drew Carmine Sunrise in one hand to project another attack towards his foe, Kite¡¯s fan appeared in his other. In a sweeping motion, he activated its enchantments to send a powerful gust of wind which in turn cleared the fog around the combatants in a wide area. The ruler of the glacier was very fast, but as Kite started sending out his projected attacks towards it, he realized that a lot of its speed was directed towards how fast it struck. It tried to claw at the ground to drag itself away from his attack, but even its silver rank did not help it evade the slash which detonated inside one of its arms, further hobbling its attempts to scramble out of the way. ¡°Was it that reliant on its teleportation?¡± Kite thought, sending another series of attacks towards the ghoulish monster, more of its pale blue blood soon covering the ice in a trail after its several additional attempts to leap into different banks of fog. Finally seeming to realize that its teleportation would indeed remain unavailable, the monster finally skidded to a halt and turned swiftly, its front claws digging deep furrows into the ice. As it howled towards Kite, he too stopped and braced himself just in time. Flexing its long arms, the monster flung itself towards Kite like a pallid comet trailing fog from its open mouth. The movement felt almost as instantaneous as the teleportation, further proving that a lot of its silver-rank attributes were focused around its arms. But unfortunately for the ruler, years of sparring with Dragonfly had left him quite used to such tactics. And his favored response had remained the same. ¡°Wall!¡± Thanking Fortune for his shortened incantations and his time spent with master Stone, the weeks with the reclusive master now feeling like a lifetime ago, Kite had just enough time to call upon his walls of force. The pane in front of him was almost immediately turned opaque by the cracks of impacts, with the rest of the walls appearing in his usual favored labyrinthine spread of small wall segments. Kite did not hesitate to shatter the barrier with his staff, wave of resonating force damage washing over the monster who soon came at him again. What followed afterwards was a furious and brutal melee, the ghoulish monster using ice-enhanced attacks to tear at Kite and his barriers as it relentlessly used its long arms to claw itself after him as he took measured steps among the intervening barriers. Its long arms became more of a hindrance in the tight confines, and while its attributes where greater than Kite¡¯s on most fronts, it remained obvious that its inability to teleport was well and truly hobbling its ability to fight properly. Still, it had all the resilience one might expect from a silver-ranked entity, and Kite already knew that he was starting to lag behind in terms of damaging special attacks compared to other essence users such as Will or Dragonfly. Even with all his defensive measures, the fight meant that he took the occasional blow, with the charges from Sage steadily spent to cleanse the mounting cold-afflictions. It also did not take too long for most of the barrier-walls to have been shredded or detonated by Kite as they were on the verge of breaking. ¡°I need to speed this up, or risk things taking a turn for the worse down this particularly foggy road,¡± Kite thought, his mind calm and almost detached in his combat meditation, and he made a decision. Or rather, a sacrifice. The aforementioned fog had gradually started creeping closer again, and the haze still seemed to embolden the monster even if Kite¡¯s vortices still negated its teleportation. And said fog was suddenly lit up, a white beacon appearing within which soon focused into the shape of a staff capped with a pair of rings dangling from its circular head. The ruler was not deterred, which proved to be a mistake. It dove into the gathering fog, claws outstretched, only to be sent flying back out again as if hit by an avalanche. This time, Kite leapt after it by using some stored momentum from Unyielding, Immutable Echo still emitting its fierce glow. Since he had allowed the stored power of Something from Nothing to be channeled into the weapon, it was as if every aspect of the weapon, from striking power to the power of its enchantments, had been greatly amplified. As he brought down the staff on top of the prone figure, its head trailing the spatial tears of Void-Sunders-Firmament, Kite marveled at how it suddenly felt like he had grasped a lightning bolt, the hum of power almost painful in his grip. From earlier experiences experimenting with the power, he knew that it would not last too long with the amount of fragments that had been consumed, but during that time it would become something amazing. The ruler had barely started rising, long arms flailing to find purchase, before Kite¡¯s next blow struck, and then another. Channeling all that he had learned from his time training under Phiona, Kite used every trick and technique he knew to keep the solid blows raining down on the beast, all of his special attacks used as often as possible. While Disrupting strike did not have the most direct use against this particular foe, it still ensured that the transcendent flashes of Undeniable kept lighting up the chill cave. Accepting a painful gash across his midriff, Kite managed another swing which finally broke one of the monster¡¯s arms, spatial tears severing the last of the flesh to cause the limb to fall to the side. This meant that as the glow of the infusion of Something from Nothing faded, Kite stood above his foe, it¡¯s aura just having winked out like the flame of a guttering candle just a few seconds before. He was worn and a bit ragged, but nowhere near as torn up as he thought that he would be. Because Kite had just defeated his first silver rank monster all by himself. ¡°I- did it,¡± he said, the combat meditation slowly falling away and giving way to elation. ¡°Heavens, I did it!¡± He was so caught up in the sense of victory that he completely forgot about the local monsters¡¯ tendency to go up in rainbow smoke very soon after perishing. The mouthful of the foulest of stenches was a brutal reminder, and Kite did not feel as glorious in his victory when he finally managed to stagger back to his feet. Where the ruler of the glacier had lain, only treasure remained. Piles of quintessence, the shards bigger and more vibrant than those he had previously seen, surrounded a central prize; a deformed, many-eyed skull seemingly made from black ice with fog continuously leaking from between its fanged jaws. ¡°A ruler slain, a prize claimed,¡± the officiator said somberly from beside Kite. ¡°Is this one that you will want to incorporate into your path, trial-taker?¡± ¡°That remains to be seen, but I do not think so,¡± Kite said, stashing away the different treasures. He took another look at the skull before it too went into a dimensional pouch. ¡°This just happened to be a target of opportunity after my recent advancement, and I have to admit that Fortune smiled upon me more than I expected, given how weakened it became after losing its ability to shift through the fog.¡± ¡°The strength of your path allowed you to conquer. That is all there is to it.¡± ¡°While I will not let pride consume my judgment just yet, I do believe that it is a fine start,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°And I still have eleven to go.¡± ¡°I will remind you that only three are required to pass the trial.¡± ¡°I do remember, but will admit to some ambition in that regard. Someone truly considerate of their paths would want to gather as many options as possible before letting this opportunity go to waste, no?¡±
Ivory could barely believe his misfortune as he stood to the side of mistress Pristine, aura under firm control, while she and the young mistress in front of her were discussing something which might jeopardize his whole purpose with having accepted this time of servitude in the first place. ¡°- will be most sufficient. Your family is truly one of means and dedication, young mistress Pillar. I hope that you can understand our reticence in allowing just anyone to access the queen¡¯s gift?¡± The woman seated across the table took her time to sip her tea, copper locks framing the beautiful face of a silver ranker. While she was clad in fine silks at the moment, Ivory had to admit that she very much had the poise of a warrior even though he had yet to see which way her path used to force itself towards the heavens. ¡°Of course, mistress Pristine. It would be a shame if just anyone could access the queen¡¯s gates and squander her gifts,¡± she agreed. While she didn¡¯t even glance towards him, Ivory still got the distinct impression that her comment had been directed at him. ¡°Who are you to set yourself up so high,¡± he thought, inwardly seething. ¡°I have never heard of your family, so they can¡¯t be all that grand.¡± It was only through the discipline taught him by his sect that he managed to keep his face impassive. His role was to act according to the whims of the Pristines for a time, and he had to endure. ¡°Besides, her attempting the gate¡¯s challenge does not mean that she will actually conquer it. Most who attempt do not return, after all.¡± The pair of women continued chatting pleasantly for a while before the young mistress finally put her cup down, clearly indicating that she was to end the conversation. ¡°Then I believe that matters are settled. Fate will not wait for me any longer, mistress. I would like to take on the gate at once.¡± ¡°Ah, of course, young mistress. Please, follow me,¡± the mistress of the house said, rising and giving a small gesture for Ivory to follow. As they walked through the Pristine family compound, Ivory¡¯s mind couldn¡¯t help but ponder his situation. ¡°I am unsure whether actually running their errands or being paraded around as a bodyguard is the greatest insult,¡± he thought sourly. While the contracts had seemed decent enough, protecting the family¡¯s investments and sometimes dealing with some underhanded attempts of sabotage from other essence users who were no doubt retained much like Ivory, he still didn¡¯t like the feel of it all. It made him feel used, and he still seriously doubted that the Pristines were only acting this way out of some kind of sense of obligation. The group entered the fine garden with the gate, and Ivory¡¯s thoughts drifted apart like the fog beneath the morning sun. As always, the gate was magnificent. Possessing the iron essence, Ivory could properly appreciate how exotic and unique the metal from which it was built truly was. ¡°To see the queen work her wonders,¡± he thought. ¡°Those from centuries past were more fortunate than they knew.¡± At least the young mistress seemed to appreciate what lay before her as well, stopping and gazing in awe at the circular construct which stood like a silent watcher. ¡°This¡­ this is what destiny feels like,¡± she breathed, mistress Pristine nodding along. ¡°I hope that the heavens smile upon you and your path, young mistress Pillar,¡± the older woman said as she nodded encouragingly. The young mistress stepped towards the hovering ring, visibly steadying herself before she looked back to the other two. ¡°Let this day be remembered as the one where Rose among Sheltered Pillars took her first step towards the greatness that would be her future,¡± she solemnly declared. Ivory could only clench his jaw and watch as she turned back to the gate and slowly but decisively stepped through. Only for her foot to land on the other side, her body passing through the empty space as if it was just that; empty. Both Ivory and mistress Pristine looked as stunned as the younger woman, who turned with a blank stare towards the gate. She bent down and reached into the earth below, her hand seemingly disappearing into the soil to return clutching a token which Ivory immediately recognized, as he had one of his own as well. Clutching the token in her hand, the young mistress walked through the gate once more, but with the same result. Three more times she tried the same, and Ivory could sense her getting more and more flustered each time. Eventually she stopped, and turned towards them. Her face was placid, but her aura¡­ Now that was another thing entirely.
Mistress Pristine returned into her quarters after seeing the irate young mistress Pillar to the door. This whole debacle had cost her, both face and resources. While the Pillar¡¯s weren¡¯t a top family by any means, they still had their holdings a lot closer to the capital than the Pristine¡¯s did. They would have been an excellent contact if things had gone well, and their money would always have been put into good use. But said resources had left along with the young mistress, and mistress Pristine was unsure how effective her attempts at placation had been. During the time after discovering her inability to enter the gate, the young mistress had leveled allegations ranging from the gate being fake to other, more vague plots to slander her good name. Mistress Pristine had apologized and denied such accusations, of course, but she had not shared her own theory as to why the gate would not work. ¡°Retainer, attend me!¡± At her call, inner disciple Ivory entered, his face stoically neutral as usual. ¡°Yes, mistress?¡± ¡°Do you have your token on your person?¡± ¡°Pardon, mistress-¡± ¡°Your token to the queen¡¯s gate?¡± ¡°I- yes, mistress.¡± ¡°Good. We go to the garden at once, so I hope that you are prepared. You will use it to confirm my suspicions. Should they prove false, you will have entered the gate, and only the queen¡¯s legacy and the heavens may decide your fate. But should they prove true¡­¡± ¡°Mistress?¡± ¡°Only one challenger at a time can enter the queen¡¯s gate, retainer. And if you, like the young mistress, cannot, then it can only mean one thing; someone is already inside.¡± 127. Small mercies Kite had barely sidestepped the last overhead swing of the crystal club when his foe, a five meter tall blue humanoid with writhing skin suddenly sped up. Its form was a blur for but a second, but that second led to its massive weapon suddenly closing in on Kite once more in a sideways swing. ¡°Oh not again- Ward!¡± Last time when Kite had been struck by the uneven length of crystal, it had spelled the end of their battle as he was flung over the side of the plateau. The huge gouges where the weapon had hit the ground so far gave some more merit to Kite¡¯s theory that the concept of force was involved somehow. The ruler of the plateau, one of several flat and rather low mountains of the area, sure was an odd one. Even if he had been up close with it before, Kite found it hard not to be unsettled by the writing motions beneath the creature¡¯s skin as well as the eyeless face which only sported a toothless, fleshy hole in place of a mouth. From his earlier experiences, Kite knew that flickering tendrils would sometimes shoot out from that orifice, but so far their whip-like slashes had been the least of his problems. Said problem was closing in with massive force behind it. The twin barriers of Heaven-and-Void warding appeared in the weapon¡¯s trajectory, but compared to the last time where it had blown through them and Kite both in short order, this time proved to be different. While each of the barriers did crack and shatter, Kite still got the distinct feeling that they absorbed a lot more of the blow than the last time around. And this time, the club met a third barrier of magical glass. And stopped dead. Soil and gravel sprayed far behind Kite as the ground was torn up, Unyielding redirecting a lot of the force of the blow into the poor terrain, but even more helped disperse the strain upon Kite¡¯s body. Because in the week and a half since their last encounter, Kite had improved again, in preparation and power both.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Spiritual reprisal] has reached Silver 0. [Spiritual reprisal] has received additional effects. - Spiritual reprisal (Karma) - Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Any creature striking you or one of your barriers will suffer one instance of [Unstable flow] - a stackable affliction which increases the effect of one of your special attacks, which consumes one instance of this affliction. Effect - Bronze: You may choose to consume all available stacks of [Unstable flow] at once, increasing the effect of the attack further the more stacks that are consumed. Stacks above a certain amount start giving diminishing returns. Effect - Silver: Each stack of [Unstable Flow] on a creature causes it to deal less damage to magical barriers, with diminishing returns after a certain limit.
Congratulations! Your ability [Unyielding] has reached Silver 0. [Unyielding] has received additional effects. Unyielding (Solidity) - Special ability. Cost: None/moderate mana Cooldown: None Current rank: Bronze 8 Effect - Iron: Become highly resistant to all hostile effects that would move or displace you, including physical momentum. Any additional damage that would be dealt to you by the canceled momentum will instead be transferred to the environment. Additionally, this ability may be activated for a cost of moderate mana to give increased damage reduction from external sources of damage for a short duration. Effect - Bronze: Some of the damage and movement negated will be stored in a separate reservoir of potential, which you may release to add additional momentum to a leap or stride. Any excess will still be transferred to the environment. Effect - Silver: This ability will take effect even if you are not in contact with a solid object. You may now use excess momentum to fuel the increased damage reduction of this ability to forego its mana cost.
Kite froze in elation for only a moment, but it was almost enough for him to suffer another swing as the blue giant sped up again, but he was able to leap out of the way while projecting another slash from his sword towards the blue-skinned torso, where several wounds were already visible, the energies of Void-Sunders-Firmament hampering further healing. ¡°At least I have the chance for attrition this time around,¡± he thought, backing up a few steps to create a bit more distance while sending more attacks towards the monster. The biggest difference came from the advancement of Spiritual Reprisal. Kite now had the option of leaving the building affliction on his foes, which in turn meant that they had an increasingly harder time breaking through his barriers. And as that meant all barriers, it also affected the glass shield of the Heavenglass protector. It was a cost in opportunity, trading damage for resilience, but in a battle such as this where his opponent had an overwhelming advantage in brute force, it was one Kite made gladly. But even though he now had the chance to endure the more powerful hits, it still felt wise to give it as few opportunities as possible. His body was aching and throbbing from the sustained impacts, as even standing close to where the swings hit the ground meant that he suffered some light damage. Fortunately, there was a delay in the moments of increased speed for his giant adversary, which gave Kite ample moment to get as many attacks in as possible in between. Had he not been able to project his attacks as freely, this would have been an almost insurmountable slog. Even so, the fight felt like he was under constant strain. A silver-ranked entity, lopsided in attributes as this foe may be, was still a rank higher. While the rank disparity itself was gone, courtesy of Tempered Soul Resonance, the attributes were still there. But Kite also found himself recognizing a feeling like what he had felt when surviving the onslaught of mistress Wither back in Bastion. There was a pattern to his foe''s motions; more specifically to its bursts of acceleration. He noticed it after managing to block three more such swings the same time as the last, his barriers and shield stopping the weapon even though the rocky ground of the plateau became even more scarred. ¡°And now it should- Ward!¡± The fourth block went off just as expected, Kite having raised his shield when the crystal club had barely started its arc. ¡°Then what if-?¡± At the fifth attempt, Kite flicked a projected attack towards the ruler of the plateau even while he readied himself to receive the next attack. His timing was slightly off, and the strike did little, the process repeating on the sixth. But on the seventh, his disrupting strike struck true at just the right timing; a mere moment after the monster had started blurring with speed. Speed that suddenly reverted back to normal in an instant. Both Kite and the ruler seemed surprised by the development, but the latter was the one to suffer the most, as the sudden shift in momentum actually made it stagger. Kite could block the strike using only his barriers, and he did not hesitate. His shield vanished, replaced by his staff with the weapon already mid-swing, its length trailing the darkness of the void. Potential of Stolen Power fed its gathered might into Void-Sunders-Firmament, and Kite also let the infused fragments of Something From Nothing enter the weapon. He had taken to the habit of saving up for his attempts at taking on one of the rulers, as the new option of his looting ability had proven invaluable so far in moments such as these. The monster had just righted itself as the attack hit, empowered spatial tears unfurling in a chaotic mess from the point of impact in the ruler¡¯s sternum. The gory mess left behind was not a shallow wound, and Kite¡¯s foe still standing after the blow proved the durability of a silver-ranked being. But Kite¡¯s discovery of this timing was not just a one time occurrence, and with it the pace of the accumulating injuries was greatly increased. The ruler struck, and Kite endured. It tried grabbing him with its tendrils, and Kite endured. It showed vast reserves of both health and stamina. And Kite endured. As he delivered the final blow, the last Void-Sunders-Firmament of gods knew how many finally shredded enough of the gory cavern that was now the monster¡¯s chest, Kite almost slumped himself. Only the gauntlet he had received from sect leader Dusk before his grand clash had allowed him to refrain from using Immortality, and he still almost stumbled as the heavy monster toppled to the ground with a crash. At least this time he had the foresight to step away from the corpse, which was fortunate as the massive body produced an equally massive pillar of rainbow smoke. ¡°A ruler slain, a prize claimed,¡± the officiator stated with the same somberness as last time when Kite bent down to pick up a shard of crystal. It almost seemed to vibrate with pent up power, as if it was constantly fracturing and reforming at different paces without releasing some great force kept within. ¡°Force, might, time¡­¡± Kite muttered, feeling as if that only scratched the surface as he tried to reference the traits the ruler had shown against the list of essences he knew. ¡°As I said, the rulers are complex,¡± the officiator provided. ¡°Their concepts are many, interwoven. It will be up to you to be perceptive enough to choose the right ones and bring out what you need.¡± ¡°Now that is quite cryptic,¡± Kite noted as the orb seemed content to let things end there. ¡°Glint, please come out. I believe that it is time that we rested. Maybe even celebrated a little, as another ruler has fallen.¡±
Kite couldn¡¯t help but chuckle as Glint made glittering loops in the light from his heating lamp, the little carp caught up in the joy he felt himself; that kind of special exhilaration which one felt after living through proper peril. ¡°You are like a gemstone to my heart, little beauty, bringing richness and joy in abundance,¡± Kite said, quoting an old poem he had memorized as a younger teenager in order to impress Brook. While he cringed slightly at the memory these days, he had to admit that it had worked at the time. ¡°It is a fish, not a gemstone,¡± the officiator noted, surprising Kite by once more breaking into the conversation. ¡°As I believe I said before, it is a metaphor,¡± Kite noted. ¡°I still cannot comprehend wasting time on such things. Mortal failings are as illogical as they are fascinating.¡± ¡°Well, you do it too,¡± Kite protested. ¡°I most certainly do not, trial-taker.¡± ¡°Oh? I do believe that the word ¡®path¡¯ is central to your vocabulary.¡± ¡°I do not see the connection.¡± ¡°Speaking of my powers as my path is a metaphor.¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°No?¡± ¡°The path is the path. As the queen, our creator dictated.¡± ¡°Sure, but it is also a metaphor. The path towards the heavens. But surely you know that it is not a physical thing.¡± ¡°Of course I do.¡± ¡°So that makes the word path here a metaphor. The heavens too.¡± ¡°I- But the heavens are absolute, the goal of all paths.¡± ¡°And a metaphor.¡± ¡°No- you- are¡­ I- they¡­¡± The officiator seemed to stumble over its words, the first time Kite had seen it even hesitate as it spoke. Then it fell silent, the quiet stretching out for over a minute before the orb suddenly shook once, before falling to the ground. Inert. ¡°Officiator!¡± Kite called, startled as the orb just lay there among the undergrowth next to his camp. He even had time to properly panic a bit, realizing how troublesome this would become if he had actually, against all odds, broken the thing. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. That was why he almost fell back in apparent relief as the orb suddenly floated upwards again with a jerking movement. ¡°Restart complete. Assimilating new experiences. Compressing fragmented memories,¡± it said, seemingly to no one in particular. Kite was content to let it do its thing for as long as needed, and inwardly swore to never contradict the orb again if this was what came of it. Eventually, the sense of the blank sphere watching him returned. ¡°Officiator?¡± ¡°Yes, trial-taker.¡± ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°Yes, trial-taker.¡± ¡°Good¡­ Good¡­¡± Kite finished, leaving the debate at that, thinking to himself; ¡°Only a fool risks stumbling on the same stone twice.¡±
¡°Nothing?¡± ¡°No, mistress,¡± the servant confirmed, keeping his deep bow. ¡°Then keep the watch rotating,¡± mistress Pristine said, frustration still leaking into her aura. ¡°Even if we need to keep the gate locked down for months, I will want to know the very second that the corpse of whatever fool is in there is ejected. We will need to know who sent them, and act appropriately. So far, we have nothing. Nothing! I don¡¯t know which of the other families it is that is aiming to humiliate us, but this will not stand.¡± ¡°Of course, mistress.¡± As the servant left, mistress Pristine sat down again, returning to her work. Managing the family¡¯s assets was a never-ending task if there ever was one, even though she constantly felt her mind drift to the gate ever since they had discovered its inaccessibility a week ago. ¡°I should at least have answers soon. And maybe even some resources for the family. Whoever sent someone to sneak in there has already proven themselves unworthy of having the fool¡¯s remains returned to them.¡±
¡°Another retreat, trial-taker?¡± the officiator asked. Kite was not sure, but he thought that he could hear some patronizing in its voice. Or maybe it was just his own frustrations leaking through. ¡°I would rather retreat than risk losing the possibility. Had it not been for Gate of Nihility, that stream of lava would have left only a pile of ash for the gate to return. The lava river that toad is spreading around simply curtails my movement too much.¡± ¡°There are plenty of other rulers. Not each foe is for each path to conquer. Judgment in that regard is wisdom one should always cultivate.¡± ¡°That may be so,¡± Kite noted, looking back towards the shifting air above the lava pits in the distance. ¡°But I still hope to make my return, heavens willing. I won¡¯t give up just yet.¡±
Kite¡¯s bracers connected, and the pulse of resonating force damage washed over the two-meter wide beetle in front of him. The thing had retreated into its copper shell, seemingly gathering some kind of energy inside as extra layers of metallic chitin had formed around it. So Kite had decided to gather some energy of his own. And the Twofold Toll of the Bells proved quicker. After the resonating force came the burst of kinetic force, and the deep impact showed satisfying results; the shell bursting into pieces like a pile of sand scattered by a sudden wind. The whole creature was even flung backwards to crash into the hive wall. And, even more surprisingly, broke through. For the last two hours, Kite had been making his way down into the region which he had dubbed the ¡®Metal hive¡¯; a winding series of tunnels into what looked like rough metal. The monsters here shared much with their environment, coming in various shapes of large metallic insects. Both they and their tunnels were quite resilient, but compared to the three rulers Kite had taken down and the few others he had encountered so far, going back to fighting bronze-rankers felt almost like rest. And said resilience was why Kite was so surprised at the wall actually breaking. He put that detail into the back of his mind as he prepared another attack. His bracers did excellent damage against bronze-ranked monsters with rigid defenses, but many of the tougher monsters weren¡¯t so easily dispatched. But a few more strikes as the beetle tried to right itself proved enough to kill it. While waiting at a distance for the rainbow smoke to clear, Kite looked down at his pair of bracers, one white metal and the other clear crystal, unified in the patterns covering them both. They had served him well through bronze rank, but this challenge had been proof that he would need to think of new solutions as silver-rank drew near. Monsters, and people, of that level were simply too resilient for the singular application of bronze-ranked magic to deal with them. ¡°I suppose that Peony will not mind thinking of something new,¡± he thought with a smile. ¡°But I might have to sponsor her with some more monster cores if I want her to join me at silver as soon as possible. Can¡¯t have my best crafter lag behind me now, can I?¡± As the smoke had finally cleared, Kite went over to gather the quintessence. He stepped into the hole made by the beetle¡¯s involuntary flight and, after retrieving the treasures, took a good look around. The new environment was the same but also quite different; the same metallic surroundings now creating rooms in neat, angular symmetry. ¡°It looks as if it has been built by people,¡± he mused. While there was no furniture or other signs of habitation, the complex spread further inward through different corridors. All of them were unlit though, and Kite once more thanked his foresight in bringing over a dozen glowstones. He had already lost four in combat, and it would not do for him to be forced to fumble in the dark in future challenges. Going deeper into the mountain, he eventually found what looked to be a nexus of the different tunnels, eight of them converging on the same unadorned chamber. In the middle was a pedestal, upon which rested a blue orb of some kind. It was the size of Kite¡¯s head, and cut into thousands of tiny facets. Each of them had a miniscule dot inside, each dot moving around seemingly at random. But as Kite approached to inspect it, those closest seemed to hone in on him, following his movements like tiny eyes. ¡°That is¡­ unsettling.¡± Kite remarked, turning to the officiator. ¡°Is this more hidden treasure? How in the heavens were I supposed to know that this wall could be broken?¡± ¡°It is not up to me to guide you, trial-taker. Those with wits and perception worthy of it will find them. The rest will languish forever, unknowing of what treasures that their ignorance cost them.¡± ¡°At least Third had some more sense of flair in his designs,¡± Kite muttered, reaching out and retrieving the orb. ¡°Would you deign to tell me what it is, like you did with the amber?¡± ¡°Certainly. That is the Marble of the Unified Mind, containing the concepts of vision, myriad, swarm and unity.¡± ¡°And like the amber, I can use it in addition to the ruler¡¯s treasures.¡± ¡°That is correct, trial-taker,¡± the orb confirmed. ¡°Assuming, of course, that you can succeed in taking it out of here.¡± Kite froze at the orb¡¯s ominous words. He felt nothing wrong from the orb itself, and could detect no harmful magics from it. But his sense of foreboding rose as he sensed something else; not from the orb in his hands, but at the edges of his aura perception. A second after, the sounds started reaching him as well; a horde of metallic legs coming closer from every direction. The sound rose, converging on him from all eight corridors. He only sent a single flat look towards the officiator orb which floated innocently at his side, then strode to action. Through his expansive vision, he already knew that the environment itself didn¡¯t offer much in the way of options. The eight corridors were all identical and smooth, making some turns, which left only the last dozen meters visible to him. ¡°When the situation doesn''t give you too many options, the daring makes their own,¡± Kite said under his breath, hands going to work as he produced what looked like stacks of wooden plaques from a dimensional pouch. ¡°Glint, please be ready to assist me, because-¡± he continued, but halted as another aura entered his spiritual perception. A silver-ranked one. ¡°Because heaven knows I will need it. The local ruler seems to have answered whatever call that was sent out.¡± The powerful aura was moving like a shark through a school of fish to his spiritual senses, easily overtaking the weaker bronze-ranked ones in terms of speed. If Kite was not mistaken, it would arrive from one of the corridors other than the one which he had entered through. ¡°Small mercies,¡± he breathed, finishing one stack and producing another. Had there been any source of light except his this deep in the complex, judging by the sound of skittering legs, he would probably have seen shadows play over every wall. Then, as the herald of Kite¡¯s sudden misfortune, the ruler rounded the corner. Or rather, shot past it as the thing came shooting from out of sight only to land squarely on the wall in the bend, sticking there without issue before skittering forwards at terrifying speed. Its body wasn¡¯t much bigger than Kite, but it was surrounded by at least sixteen thin articulated limbs which carried it forwards at terrifying speeds. Like its bronze-ranked minions, it was insectoid, but more closely resembling a sleek ant rather than bulky beetle. At the front of the silvery body was what passed for a head, but it was hard to distinguish as it mostly looked like a mass of antennae poking out in every direction. Given the speed of the thing, Kite was already casting even before it had started towards him. ¡°Wall!¡± Layers of force walls appeared in all tunnels except from the one which Kite had entered, with double the amount raised in the direction where the ruler was closing in. This proved wise, as the front legs and antennae became a blur, shredding the first two layers through sheer momentum before Kite could even think to reinforce them. But they at least slowed it down enough to force it into a more measured pace before it started tearing its way through. Kite did what he could to mount a resistance, Channeler working best it could to buy him a few more seconds. Only a handful of seconds after the silver-ranker¡¯s arrival, the rest of the bronze insects came like the tide, the varying insectoid monsters crawling over each other to get to Kite. The second stack of plaques done, Kite put it down beneath the small pedestal while he kept a pair of small crystals in his left hand. His barriers were breaking down all around him, but he took a steadying breath and assumed a ready position even as the unhindered bronze-rankers charged towards him. ¡°Almost-¡± he thought, but then the ruler suddenly flared with magic. Magic arced between its antennae before shooting out in a cascade of rippling magic. And whatever it was, it tore through the rest of Kite¡¯s barriers as if they were decorative paper walls. ¡°No time,¡± Kite cursed. A few more seconds and he would have gotten the timing perfect, but it indeed seemed like plans only went to the battlefield to die. His fan appeared in his right hand, and he swung it toward the approaching silver ranker and the horde which followed it. A mighty gust, almost like a wall of moving air, impacted them. The creatures weren¡¯t flung back like Kite had hoped, but it at least halted them in their steps for a moment. Even the silver-ranked monster was at least slightly delayed, which gave Kite an extra second to activate its most potent enchantment. A vortex of wind appeared around him, and he shot off towards the open tunnel, allowing all of the remaining walls to dissipate behind him just as he started zooming above the mass of monsters, picking up some light wounds through the sheer numbers of legs and other sharp body parts swinging up at him. The rest of the tunnels disgorged great numbers of angrily clicking beetles, the monsters having been bottled up against the barriers. And a heartbeat later, just as the ruler had regained its balance to continue its pursuit, Kite crushed the pair of crystals in his hand. Somewhere beneath the press of bodies which had suddenly flooded the room, a pair of matching crystals cracked as well, flooding a series of rune-covered ribbons with mana. Which in turn went into the two stacks of exploding talismans which Kite had left beneath the small pedestal, a multitude of magical runes activating at once. Even though, at that moment, a very small part of him still chafed at the expense of what was to take place behind him, the rest couldn¡¯t help but be a bit impressed. Having followed Dragonfly¡¯s sage advice that fire worked very well against most foes, Kite had bought quite a lot of those during their short stay in Convergence, along with some other complementary ones, and the inferno which engulfed the cramped space behind him truly did not disappoint as the white-hot flames suddenly welled up from within the mass of pursuing beasts. Kite himself was not entirely unscathed either as fire, true to its nature, took every path available to it as it expanded, but he ignored the blistering heated air in favor of a more pressing concern; the ruler as well as the mass of bronze-ranked monsters over which he was currently still speeding as well as he could. It was fortunate that the activation of the detonators did not strain his mana overly much, as too much of an offensive action would cause the vortex to vanish. This meant that Kite would get at least a little bit more mileage out of it, as what he was to do next was sure to count. ¡°Void!¡± Even as the dark portal that was Gate of Nihility appeared in the room behind, horizontal close to the ceiling as it was the only space currently not occupied by burning insectoid monsters, Kite was already swinging his staff, the strike of Immutable Echo projected straight into the dark aperture. Because Kite knew that he didn¡¯t need to just create the inferno, he needed to keep his foes from pursuing him en-masse for as long as possible. And detonating that gate through the enchantments of his staff was his best chance at doing just that. The silver-ranked metallic beast had just lined up to shoot down the corridor towards Kite when the projected strike hit the void which had appeared above its head mere moments before. Its multitude of thin legs had just started propelling it out of the sudden inferno, the bronze-ranked talismans dealing less damage to it than its minions, when it seemed as if the pull of the earth shifted. What had been a mess of insectoid monsters shambling inside an inferno suddenly became an even greater mess of said insectoids and the accompanying inferno suddenly being lifted into the air and thrown around as if caught in a maelstrom. More of the monsters were sucked in from adjacent corridors, and even though Unyielding would make sure that Kite resisted its effect, he still threw himself around the nearby corner as fast as he could, the enchantments on his boots already active as the vortex of wind around him was quickly fading after the strain. The corridor ahead of him still had a few bronze-ranked stragglers, but the ground beyond them was blessedly clear, and Kite did his best to leap over or rush past them as he wanted to gain as much distance as possible before the collapsing gate detonated. He did not know what would come of this, but said a prayer to Fortune that it would prove to be enough. In the roughly five seconds it took for Kite to reach the next bend, where he was forced to halt in order to avoid a pair of metallic mandibles almost managing to bite down on his legs, the chaos that he had left behind had apparently reached its climax. Even through the walls he felt the gate collapse, a ripple echoing down the corridors. He thought that he had felt a lot of auras wink out during the chaos, but unsurprisingly the silver-ranked one remained and was the first to take up the pursuit. ¡°Maybe if I had deployed Fulminating Sirocco as well,¡± he thought, but quickly thought better of it. He still didn¡¯t know if he would even be able to return to that chamber or be forced to flee, and did not fancy the thought of losing the head of the weapon unless the need was even more dire. Grabbing another two talismans, Kite infused the mana into them himself and threw the plaques behind him to further distract the four bronze-rankers in his vicinity, Glint assisting by conjuring restraining globes of water to further hamper those closest to him. This gave Kite the blessed time to reach the next bend before he felt it. ¡°Ward!¡± The twin barriers of Heaven-and-Void warding appeared just in time to block the beam of focused magic directed at him by the silver ranker, and still wasn¡¯t enough to completely negate it. The disrupting force sent painful shocks through Kite¡¯s shoulder where it hit as if both his body and the magic it was partially made of were dissolved by the impact. Dashing around the corner, he had Sage use one of its charges to start healing the injury, and Kite slowed and turned a few meters after the bend to prepare. He had caught a glimpse of it before turning the corner, and while its silvery surface was definitely scorched and damaged, it still moved with purpose. And with the speed the thing had shown itself capable of, he could not hope to outrun it. ¡°Fighting an unknown ruler within these tight confines is not ideal by any means, but is it truly a tempering of one¡¯s path if you control all the variables?¡± Kite tried consoling himself even as he made ready to face down the insectoid aberration. As he had decided to make his first stand there, this time the ruler immediately got a face full of spatial tears as it rounded the corner, Kite¡¯s silver-ranked perception power helping him to more precisely gauge the thing¡¯s speed and time a projected slash of his sword. He immediately followed it up with another strike, this time with his staff, and felt a stir of elation as many of the glowing antennae at the monster¡¯s front wink out as Disrupting Strike did its work. Its momentum ruined, there was a split second in which Kite felt as if his foe stopped to truly size him up, the alien mass of antennae that was its face giving nothing away. Face set in a tense smile, Kite prepared his next move. And the silver-ranker charged. 128. Prophetic One of Wander¡¯s bodies crept along the rafters, silent as a - well - rat. An observer probably would have thought little of the vermin until it reached one of the many small windows adorning the roofs of the Pristine family compound, easily unlatching and lifting the small colored window to slip outside. The room¡¯s occupants were none the wiser, but Wander had to admit that sneaking by people when they were that distracted was barely a challenge. She was unsure if they would have noticed her even if she had turned up in her human form and asked to join in. ¡°Those family elders sure know how to get it on though,¡± she admitted. ¡°Wander, when are you actually going to find yourself a proper squeeze these days~?¡± A plethora of other impressions reached her from her varied bodies scattered around the estates. Wander could simultaneously feel the warm, secure feeling of sleeping in her burrow, the elation of a group of bodies who had just gotten into a hitherto unnoticed pantry and the subsequent delicious tastes. Even the coolness of morning dew on the fur of another few who made the rounds outside managed to be neatly caught up and processed. ¡°Silver-rank sure is great,¡± she mused to herself. While at iron rank, she hadn¡¯t been able to multitask very much. Being a swarm back then had been quite disorienting unless she focused all bodies to do the same thing. But at bronze-rank, along with her power to further increase her mental capacities and range, things had started to really turn interesting. ¡°And of course, had it not been for that little incident, I probably wouldn¡¯t even have been able to get such a power at iron rank anyway. Sometimes, happy accidents have their perks~.¡± Fortunately, things were still quiet around the gate, even though there was always a servant or guard stationed there these days. The tantrum of the young mistress had been hilarious, but it did mean that extracting Kite would be a lot more fun. Braid had used the word ¡®messy¡¯, but Wander liked to have a positive outlook on life. ¡°Still, I do hope Kite is alright in there,¡± she thought idly, focusing her attention on the body which was overlooking the garden with the gate. The portal¡¯s presence was both scary and soothing at the same time, with the weird metal and its otherworldly quality certainly making it stand out to all of one¡¯s senses. ¡°He can be so careful and calm most times. I hope he gets some good adventures inside. You know, to get new perspectives and experiences. Develop a bit as a person~.¡± Her companion, another of her bodies, just looked blankly at her. ¡°Bah! You¡¯re no fun~,¡± Wander complained, looking at the gate again. ¡°Still, to build such marvels. Diamond rank seems awesome. I wonder what I¡¯ll be like if I get there~?¡±
A sharp metal leg swept at Kite, his ward appearing to block the appendage. He did not let the barriers dissipate, because true to form, four more of the vicious, serrated limbs followed in its wake. It left only one of the two barriers intact, Kite having to layer both of the discs of Heaven-and-Void warding in order to weather the assaults which the insectoid ruler made look easy. His jade-green armor already bore the rents and tears from the learning process, but they were closing rapidly as the armor glowed from within. Kite had chosen to empower the suit with the stored fragments of Something from Nothing when he noticed his foe¡¯s relentless pace, and this had left the armor a lot more resilient and greatly enhancing its self-repairing functions. The ruler of the hive was fast, of that there was no doubt, but as he had been caught in intense exchanges with the thing for almost a minute, it became gradually clearer to Kite that its greatest strength was not the speed itself but the encompassing awareness and coordination of its body. Even with the great mass of thin limbs, it managed to move about to allow multiple attacks at any given time without hampering either motion. Kite was impressed, even if the feeling gave way to the gritted determination of lethal combat. Another set of striking limbs tried to ward him off as the antennae at its head started glowing again. This particular ruler seemed to be cunning, and it had caught on that Kite could hamper its charging of its magical beam if given the chance, and therefore had started taking measures to prevent it. The first two attempts were negated by the web of steel which seemed to encase the silver-ranker as sharp limbs whirled in defense, but Kite still managed a feint to strike true, enabled by a certain blade which as usual was hard to even properly focus on. A forceful sweep of Kite¡¯s staff was turned aside, but a mere moment after, the Veiled One¡¯s Decree flickered in his hand, its unseen blade making Kite¡¯s intent even harder to read. The projected attack slid by the protection of whirling metal, and just as the antennae were starting to glow bright the air rippled as a slash struck across its head. Another pair of glowing antennae were severed, and the building power once more faded. The loss of what Kite assumed was part of its sensory organs did stagger the creature, and another of Kite¡¯s strikes carrying Void-Sunders-Firmament carved even deeper grooves into its metallic exterior. Then, for the first time during their battle, Kite¡¯s foe suddenly leapt backwards instead of the relentless assault that had been its modus operandi for all of their conflict. It landed vertically on the wall. Taken a bit aback by the shift in behavior, Kite stood frozen in readiness, expecting some kind of leaping assault. He had not expected the creature to plant its many legs, which each started glowing with a white light as a hemispherical barrier was projected to surround it. And what was worse, Kite¡¯s magical perception started picking out a steadily ramping healing effect as what looked like a fine dust started welling out from parts of the ruler¡¯s body to start mending the tears and wounds in its surface. The many hits of Void-Sunders-Firmament had accumulated a lot of the dark energies which hampered such healing, but from what Kite saw, it would not be long before the afflictions were overcome. ¡°Oh curse you,¡± he sighed, casting a spell even as he started towards the creature at a sprint. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± His dispelling wave washed through the tunnel and over the barrier. While it flickered and buzzed a bit, it did not peter out entirely as Kite would have hoped. Spending some stored momentum of Unyielding, he closed the distance as quickly as possible. The dagger that was his Boundary-devouring Lotus appeared in his hand and he stabbed it into the flickering barrier, the hungry plant quickly starting to spread from what looked like a well-powered barrier. Kite was not content to wait either, the last of his void-afflictions soon having absorbed their limit of healing. He tried raining blows upon the barrier, striking where the lotus had not yet spread. Disrupting strike showed a modicum of effect, both its dispelling qualities and the disrupting force damage, but it was clearly not enough to easily power through. ¡°I must remember to have Peony craft me something for moments such as this,¡± he swore to himself. The lotus was very effective at what it did, but Kite sorely felt the need of a barrier-breaking implement of his own at that moment. Every moment felt like an eternity when you could literally see your hard work being undone before your very eyes, and the ruler looked well on its way to being restored when Kite finally managed to break through. Even as a Disrupting Strike dispersed the healing effect, its many limbs were once more back in action and slashed out at Kite again. He was even forced to back up a little, as the vertical position meant that more of the legs could reach ¡®upward¡¯ from the monster¡¯s perspective to stab at Kite. ¡°In a show of their fickle nature, the heavens has seen fit to remind me how my foes feel when Immortality comes into play. Now if that isn¡¯t karmic, I do not know what is,¡± Kite groaned in the few moments of respite. Then the battle was joined again. While it was probably only a few minutes, Kite lost track of time as he sank back into his combat mediation. While it had been something which he had mainly developed for his mind to be the eye of the storm in a fight and keep track of many things around him at once, it was also well suited to keeping track of the multiple limbs of his foe and their attack vectors. While many foes might have been overwhelmed, Kite managed to turn the onslaught into a steady slog, his powers draining its mana while restoring both mana and stamina for himself while his strikes sundered its body. He still took enough hits that he was forced to use Immortality himself, and the lingering boost to his recovery eventually became the wave upon which Kite rode through the churning seas of battle to victory. This particular foe was also the first of the rulers which made an attempt to escape, apparently unable to use its power of recovery again so soon after the first. Fortunately, Kite¡¯s walls slowed it down enough for him to catch up, and eventually it was a simple and humble normal strike of Void-Sunders-Firmament which became the final indignity which the silver-ranked monster¡¯s body could endure. It ended close to the central chamber where it all began, and as he saw the piles of quintessence scattered in the room from all the insectoid monsters which had been incinerated in the inferno, Kite was glad that his clash with the ruler had taken place several bends away through one of the corridors. Imagining all that rainbow smoke in the enclosed space before it dispersed made him shiver. After the ruler too had gone up in smoke, Kite gathered its treasures like he had done with all those that came before. He noted that this also left behind some silver-ranked myriad quintessence, which might come in handy in the future given all the bronze-ranked manifestations of that aspect he had already gathered. The more unique treasure looked like a mass of small, twitching antennae and chitinous legs, like a vaguely spherical, condensed version of the ruler itself. While they flailed slightly of their own volition, neither of the tendrils were harmful or actually hostile. ¡°A ruler slain, a prize claimed,¡± the officiator intoned. ¡°Officiator, I am quite unsure whether I should praise or curse you at this moment,¡± Kite sighed wearily. ¡°Not all tests of one¡¯s path allows one to prepare, trial-taker. All actions carry consequences, and it will be up to your judgment which ones you believe that your path is able to conquer.¡± ¡°Well, at the moment I mostly want to conquer the way out of here. I feel that I have some reflecting to do. And one most productive session with my bedroll to get on to.¡±
¡°Why- won¡¯t- you- just- drop- this- stupid- barrier?¡± Each of Dragonfly¡¯s frustrated snarls was punctuated by her axe hitting the mana barrier of the cowering outlaw. The woman did put up a desperate defense, but had the misfortune of facing Dragonfly of all people. The myriad small attacks from her needle essence had allowed the fiery young woman to ramp up her power at record pace, and anything she was currently trying was just adding fuel to the fire. ¡°Get- get her away from me! Someone?! Log, where are-¡± The outlaw¡¯s screeched question was interrupted by said man flying across the small hideout, apparently having picked the less intelligent path of hitting Gold when his armor was glowing. The towering, silent man strode after his opponent, speeding up as Serene¡¯s spell carried him the final stretch. The outlaw called Log did not seem to enjoy the beatdown which the armored juggernaut started to deliver after that. ¡°Dragonfly, a mana barrier is best dealt with through frequency of attacks, not quality. Hit it faster,¡± Will unhelpfully called from where he was currently engaging a pair of the wanted criminals. Said pair had found a bit of a challenge in navigating the small forest of spears and lances which the scion left around him as he fought, and from his casual demeanor they weren¡¯t putting up much actual resistance. ¡°That¡¯s easy for you to say, who can just conjure more attacks when you want to,¡± Dragonfly called back. ¡°Switch?¡± ¡°The contract did want some of them alive, Dragonfly. And your path tends to leave them very much not so.¡± ¡°Well, it''s not like this one will survive much longer either unless she drops. Her. Barrier!¡± ¡°You''re crazy!¡± the woman shouted, sending another barrage of needles piercing into Dragonfly, whose glow only intensified along with the pace of her healing. ¡°You should have thought about that before you started extorting far-off villages for so-called protection,¡± Dragonfly shot back. ¡°Or maybe not act rotten enough for the adventure society to kick you out in the first place?¡± Dragonfly had hoped for some banter to pass the time as she broke through the barrier, but was left disappointed as the woman continued screeching in panic. ¡°I miss Kite,¡± she grumbled, adding a bit more mana to her flames which in turn added some more disruptive force damage. ¡°We all do,¡± Serene¡¯s voice said close to her, the priestess apparently having picked up her grumbling even over the din of combat in the enclosed space. ¡°Although you might have more reasons to. But perhaps you shouldn¡¯t take out your¡­ frustrations¡­ on our targets.¡± ¡°Wha- Nooo- I mean-¡± Dragonfly began in protest, but the words died on her lips. Serene¡¯s aura senses were terrifyingly sharp, even more so since her aura-powers had started hitting silver rank. And while Dragonfly also knew that Serene did her best not to pry as much or as privately as she had done when they first met, she had to admit that some of the frustrations the priestess was referring to might not have been very subtle these last four weeks. The mana barrier in front of her finally crumbled, and as she felt a bit guilty, Dragonfly let her axe hover above her shoulder as she started laying into the outlaw with her fists instead. And she only added a little fire. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°I miss Kite¡­¡±
¡°I wonder what the others are doing?¡± Kite wondered aloud, Glint hovering near his shoulder. ¡°At least I hope that their view is better than mine.¡± Around Kite, there was only oppressive darkness. He knew that there were cave walls and other stone formations around them, many now scarred from the conflict which had just taken place between Kite and the ruler of the cavernous territory where he had found the first hidden treasure in the challenge. Of the rulers he had battled so far, the silver ranked mass of darkness attacking through rippling echoes had proved to be one of the easier of the half a dozen Kite had fought so far. It too was hampered by Kite hindering it from shifting places, but mostly it had been due to the fact that its main defensive measure had been a kind of mana-barrier. As long as it had mana to spend, it was almost unassailable, with the surrounding darkness seeming to replenish its spiritual reserves. But that had proven to be a rather fickle defense against one such as Kite. Especially during these days of advancement.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Chakra Implosion] has reached silver 0. [Chakra Implosion] has gained additional effects. - Chakra implosion - Special attack (Combination, mana drain). Cost: Low mana Cooldown: 2s Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Strike an opponent to implode part of their mana reserve in addition to the physical effect of the strike. Applies an instance of [Broken flow], a stackable affliction that reduces mana recovery. Effect - Bronze: Applies an instance of [Broken form], a stackable affliction which lowers damage resistances by a small amount. Effect - Silver: Applies the [Stunned] affliction, with effect increased proportionate to the amount of mana drained. [Stunned] (affliction, magic): The afflicted is briefly unable to move, use abilities or control already active abilities. Fully reactive abilities and effects can still be triggered. The duration cannot be refreshed by applying [Stunned] again and being affected multiple times in succession has diminishing returns.
While not integral to the ruler¡¯s defeat, the ability reaching silver rank had made sure that the process was a lot swifter. As with all rank-ups, the effects of chakra implosion was just more encompassing, adding direct disruption to the body of the target. Having a foe flinch for just a moment while having their mana drained could have dire consequences, especially as all combatants just grew faster as ranks increased, further decreasing all margins. And this cloud of darkness that was the ruler of the domain had not fared well when it temporarily lost control over its magic. ¡°Almost halfway there,¡± Kite continued, sending Glint a smile where she floated close to him. ¡°Trial-taker,¡± the officiator broke in, ¡°I will remind you that you have defeated enough rulers already in order to push for the end of the trial.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Kite said. ¡°But I would be a fool not to try and get as much as I can from this opportunity. Even though I suppose that others might call me a fool for not taking my winnings and leaving as soon as possible. It is just that this place you have built is amazing! And with all the quintessence I have gathered, I will make quite a fortune on the outside.¡± ¡°A fortune? As in monetary funds?¡± ¡°Yes. Much of the quintessence here is quite valuable outside, especially the concepts such as void, dimension and other more esoteric concepts. You will have to look far and wide to find reliable sources of lower-ranked quintessences of those kinds.¡± ¡°But- but trial taker, this is a challenge of the queen. You are supposed to temper yourself, not gather riches!¡± ¡°Officiator, I would protest that building one¡¯s path is quite the costly endeavor.¡± ¡°Nonsense! The only thing needed is the path and your insights into it.¡± The orb actually seemed kind of outraged that talk of money and riches had sneaked their way into its challenge of self-reflection. Not wanting a repeat of last time, Kite tried to placate it. ¡°But surely, there is merit in both. There is no questioning that the path itself is what is most important, but some aid can sometimes bring out even more from it. Yes, give you new nuances on which to reflect.¡± Kite felt like he was grasping for straws, but kept his humble facade as he tried to calm the agitated orb. It remained silent for a while longer, as if giving Kite a long look. ¡°There is¡­ merit¡­ in what you say, trial taker,¡± it eventually ventured. ¡°I will reflect upon it, but will also remind you that your conduct and insights will be impacting my review of your performance during this trial. Too much focus on certain¡­ gains¡­ might reflect poorly upon your dedication to your path.¡± ¡°Of course, officiator, of course,¡± Kite said, even bowing a bit in respect. ¡°I assure you that going after all the rulers I can is first and foremost a way to temper myself. Any resources and other things which I may gather is only an afterthought.¡± ¡°That is good, trial-taker. That is good,¡± the officiator said, obviously finished with the discussion. Kite sighed inwardly, while scrapping his budding plans. Emboldened by his recent successes against the rulers, he had been considering to start actually using Sage more and trigger more manifestations in areas which the quintessences would be especially valuable. But the officiator¡¯s words, combined with the earlier incident, had him choose caution. ¡°Better not prod this particular erratic sleeping tiger too much.¡±
¡°Curse these fickle heavens!¡± Kite inwardly swore as his spiritual perception started to pick up the incoming monsters. His staff clashed with that of the silver-ranker which he was currently engaging; a skeletal humanoid not much taller than him. The being had resided on a stone monument in the middle of the desert, seemingly built from bone and wearing oddly designed, angular robes made of flowing sand. Its deathly grin was very much that of a humanoid skull though, and it wielded a staff with several dark, rattling shells dangling from it. Things had started mostly as Kite had suspected, with the ruler attacking through waves of projected sand and bolts of deathly, venomous magic. Kite¡¯s suite of powers had seemed well equipped to deal with the variety of magical attacks, and he had also been elated to see that he could keep up with the being in more straightforward melee combat. This was especially true as the body of the ruler itself seemed to be emerging from the stone dais below, as if melded to its surface, giving Kite an advantage in footwork. The staff had been the odd thing out in what the ruler had shown so far, but after Kite had come victorious out of several engagements, the purpose of the thing made itself known. The shells had suddenly started rattling more intensely, and Kite had been able to sense it soon thereafter; the aura projection. One that had been answered by the surrounding deserts. If his spiritual senses weren¡¯t fooling him at the moment, swarms of the beetles common to this region had started burrowing out of the sand and were converging on the location of the battling pair. ¡°I do not relish the prospect of warding them all off while dealing with this,¡± Kite noted even as he exchanged a few more staff-strikes with the ruler. A pair of sand blades swept up against his back, only to shatter when they met the barriers of Heaven-and-Void warding. ¡°Glint, I will try the new stratagem. Please, stay ready to help me escape if it fails.¡± As he got a sense of reluctant affirmation from the carp, who was currently hiding in her bottle upon Kite¡¯s request, Kite went to work. He kept up the barriers as best he could while he started charging the Twofold Toll of the Bells. Both bracers started humming while he fought and feinted, and as soon as they were drawing close to their maximum charge, Kite broke the rhythm he had been deliberately building during the last few exchanges. He dodged the next pair of sand-blades, turning a solid hit into grazing slashes as he instead employed his barriers to ward of the descending staff of his opponent. This left both his hands free as he stepped in close and brought his bracers together, unleashing the twin tolls. The resonating force cracked the skeletal body while the ensuing kinetic force blew the sand robes apart, further damaging the ruler. To a silver-ranker, this damage was not insignificant but the payout compared to the high cost was quite questionable. The other times he had faced the rulers, Kite would not have bothered. But now he was on a timer, and as he had only himself and his path to rely upon, he had to develop a new strategy to use in a pinch. That was why the Twofold Toll of the Bells was only the opening shot. Next came Fulminating Sirocco, the head of the meteor hammer slamming into the flat stone structure to unleash its swirling storm. Both of his most damaging tools used, Kite switched to Carmin Sunrise, unleashing a slash powered by Void-Sunders-Firmament. Even before the rending damage had detonated inside his foe, his staff was whirling in to strike again. Throughout the relentless assault that followed, Kite really went all out on the offensive. Even as he dodged and blocked what he could, sensing that the swarms were closing in and seeing their dark masses coalescing as they drew closer, Kite accepted more hits from venomous spells and sand blades than he otherwise would. His mushroom cloak dropped to shed the poison, and Sage had blasted both its resonating force beams into the skeletal ruler as well. Immortality went off not long after, restoring Kite¡¯s flagging body and spirit as he continued, and it was when the first of the swarms started getting shred by the whirling area of Fulminating Sirocco that he knew that it was time for the final push, which would end in either victory or retreat, the latter in all probability being a painful one at best and truly dangerous at worst. ¡°Peony will probably hate this part of the ability,¡± Kite thought as he brought forth his staff, once more sacrificing the fragments of Something from Nothing into the weapon, which started shining with an inner light. The darkness of Void-Sunders-Firmament started to emanate from the staff, and a keen observer would note that the spatial tears looked even more jagged and lethal than normal. It would not be difficult to surmise that there was a reason for this change, even if it was not the power itself but the one supporting it which was the source of said change.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Potential of Stolen Power] has reached Silver 0. [Potential of Stolen Power] has received additional effects: - Potential of Stolen Power - Special ability. Cost: None. Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Gather charges each time an effect is dispelled or mana is drained. Use accumulated charges to give a potent boost to an ability, partially changing its scope and/or effect. Effect - Bronze: Generate additional stacks when dispelling more powerful effects or draining more mana in a single instance. Effect - Silver: If the boosted ability is a special attack or offensive spell, it receives the [Execute] trait, increasing damage dealt in proportion to the health already lost by the target. If the ability is a defensive or supportive spell or a special ability, it receives the [Counter-execute] trait, increasing its effect in proportion to health lost by the user.
From his time spent with his companions, Kite had always been rather envious of the execution abilities of their power sets; to be able to quickly deal a burst of damage which escalated with the damage already suffered by his foe. Even Serene had one, her discordant dirge, which had left Kite as the only one without such a power. But as Potential of Stolen Power had reached silver rank, he could now count himself as a proud equal to them, even if his ability had a bit of a condition to compensate for its increased flexibility. ¡°Fortune, may this be enough!¡± he shouted as he swung, barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding blocking out a torrent of venomous vapors which his foe had started spewing. The widened barriers winked out at the last moment, allowing the circular head of Immutable echo to connect with the side of the skull-like head. The jagged mass of spatial tears looked even more vicious than normal, having almost a hungry feel to them as they unfurled in a chaotic mess. All of Kite¡¯s more desperate measures so far had been to deal as much damage as possible to his foe in as short a duration as possible, to give the twice empowered Void-Sunders-Firmament at least a chance of finishing off this ruler. This was no optimal use of his path, and would have a low chance of working had his foe just been a bit more mobile or resilient. But from his many hours of training with Phiona Geller, she had time and time again urged him to find the ways to make his suite of powers do just that which it usually struggled to do. ¡°It does not always have to be efficient, stylish or pretty, and it might not work against every foe, but developing strategies for those rare moments will in all probability save your life one day.¡± As they had been prone to do, his mentor¡¯s words once more proved prophetic. In an instant, most of the creature¡¯s head and upper torso were sliced to bits and pieces. Each of the dark, jagged holes in the world seemed to devour the ruler¡¯s body with even more hunger than before, as if they were gorging themselves more on the weakened form. Amidst the swirling storm of Fulminating Sirocco, it was almost hard to make out the results at first as the silver-ranked foe had frozen in place. But a moment later it twitched, its staff blurring with speed as it prepared to strike again as more and more of the surrounding swarms had started to push through the shredding storm, apparently heedless to the danger when called by the ruler. ¡°Curses! Glint-¡± Kite had just the time to start preparing his escape in the face of his failure, calling on his trusty familiar, when the echo struck. It was as if a fading version of the strike impacted the ruler again, and while the effect of Immutable Echo delivered only a weakened version of the attack, it carried the same effects as the original. Execution-effect and all. More jagged pieces of the skeletal monster were thrown out to be consumed by the storm around them, its fury well on the way to peter out. But in contrast, the ruler¡¯s aura winked out like a candle blown out. Kite¡¯s exultant relief was immediately tempered by the fact that the swarms pressing in on him from all sides seemed in no way deterred by the demise of the silver ranker. And as the storm was fading, they would soon come crashing down on him from all directions. ¡°Wall! Glint, a little help?¡± A square wall sprang up around them, Kite stacking it as high as he could make it while leaving the roof open. He scooped up the reformed head of Fulminating Sirocco just as the silver-ranker¡¯s body went up in smoke. Even though he tried to stay away, reinforcing the nearby walls as best he could while pressing up against them to avoid the stench, Kite still got a lot more than he bargained for as the plume from a silver ranker was a lot more expansive than that of a bronze. Coughing and weezing, he still waded into the dissipating clouds to snatch up the scattered piles of quintessence and the weird, shifting orb of sand which the ruler had left behind. The walls around them were cracking, and Kite managed to coax Glint out from her bottle and assume her enlarged form even into the odor. ¡°They are coming soon. Are you ready?¡± Kite asked his familiar as he mounted. His weariness must have been obvious throughout their link, as the carp seemed to perk up a bit in response, sending sensations of encouragement. ¡°Then please, little beauty, take us out of here!¡± Just as the walls were about to crack, Kite swung his staff, projecting the strike into the surrounding barriers. They all exploded outwards simultaneously, sending ripples of resonating force to tear into the swarms. The mass of small bodies flung outward like a dark, scattered mass. And through that mass, a giant carp shot through like a falling star through a cloud. Two curved barriers hovered just in front of Glint, making sure that her rising momentum kept the swarm away from both mount and rider. In a blink, they were through, the billowing dunes like an ocean of gold beneath them. ¡°A ruler slain, a prize claimed,¡± the officiator orb declared somberly from Kite¡¯s side. ¡°I will admit that I thought that your path would have to give way here, trial-taker, but I was mistaken. This has been a more valuable learning opportunity than I had initially thought.¡± ¡°Such praise! Glint, I believe that we can stand tall after this day.¡± ¡°Victory is ultimately what matters,¡± the officiator retorted, oblivious to the irony in Kite¡¯s voice. ¡°That it is, my dear officiator. That it is,¡± Kite agreed, taking in the view. Battered and weary, but once more victorious. Over half of the rulers of the queen¡¯s gate had fallen before him and his rapidly developing path. The end of the challenge felt within reach now, even if there was more tempering to be had. ¡°And, hopefully, a few more victories to celebrate.¡± 129. Seize the skies ¡°I truly thank you for the hospitality, ladies. Spending some quality time with old friends and their little chick always warms this old man¡¯s heart.¡± Brave Walker of Paths was seated in a comfortable lounge chair in the apartment in which Dove, Crow and Raven were currently residing. Through the huge, circular windows, the city of Bastion spread out around the bay of the harbor, the early summer sun glinting on the water. ¡°I¡¯m sure that we will all be sad to see you leave, Walker,¡± Dove said fondly as she sat across from him on a couch next to her wife. ¡°Won¡¯t we, Raven?¡± The little girl, now one and a half years old, remained firmly seated in Walker¡¯s lap, as she had been during every moment in which the visiting pathfinder stayed in one place for too long. Her chubby little hands were still busy feeling the stubble on Walker¡¯s chin, small, dark eyebrows remaining knit in concentration. She did not say anything except for giving a few warning noises of displeasure every time Walker seemed to be preparing to rise from his seat. ¡°This little one is even more stubborn than Kite was,¡± Walker said fondly, conjuring a few tufts of fluffy dandelions which the curious toddler promptly scattered. ¡°I wonder who she inherited that particular trait from?¡± At his words, both women had immediately given the other a pointed look, the mutual accusation causing Walker to chuckle. ¡°A trait compounded, eh? Beware the fool who tries to stand in the way of this little lady.¡± This time, he actually rose, Raven¡¯s protests only marginally diminished by the fact that he still carried her. Only when Walker handed her to the waiting strands of Crow¡¯s animated hair did she squeal a bit in protest. It did not last long, however, as the onyx tendrils started to deftly tumble her around, the objections soon replaced by bubbling laughter. ¡°You said that you were heading south?¡± Crow asked, standing along with her wife to see their visitor to the door. ¡°Do you think it is time?¡± ¡°If Fortune has been kind and Warrior has guided his strikes, I think so. We are nearing the third month, and his tracking stone from the adventure society still indicates that our young Kite is alive and well. So I thought that I¡¯d best stay in the area for when it is truly time for him to emerge.¡± ¡°Thank you, Walker. For looking out for him,¡± Dove said. ¡°You have taught our oldest little chick so much, and we will ever be in your debt for taking care of him.¡± ¡°As you well know, my dear Dove, our little Kite has always been a giver; be it time, attention, dedication, affection or ideas. I am proud of the man we have all helped him become. I mean, just think of the reason for you being here. In Bastion of all places. Although it does seem that the city life is treating you well so far,¡± Walker finished, gesturing to the richly decorated apartment. ¡°Who would have thought that a pair of silver-ranked crafters moving into a city of this size would make such a stir?¡± Crow mused, shaking her head in wry disbelief. ¡°We¡¯re still having to deal with constant attention and the local families trying to tie us closer to them. One in particular, the Stoics, has been quite relentless. Polite and pleasant, but unfazed by any rejections.¡± ¡°Bastion might outsize Gilded, but the silver-rankers who stay around are still few in number,¡± Walker noted. ¡°I¡¯m more surprised that the city-lady herself hasn¡¯t come knocking at your door.¡± ¡°Walker, please do not tempt fate like that,¡± Crow chided. ¡°And besides, I find myself longing for a bit more peace and quiet. Kite¡¯s little idea has truly grown on me.¡± ¡°On all of us, dear,¡± Dove added. ¡°Just imagine it; our own compound. I can start to truly grow and design my own gardens. The soil down south should have plenty of interesting properties, with a higher magical density, and all.¡± ¡°Kite has shown himself to be quite industrious when he started getting the means to do so,¡± Walker agreed. ¡°The guild is operating quite smoothly. I can even stretch my legs and go on trips like this these days without Jarvan even grumbling. And you¡¯re both silver-rankers, with Kite soon joining you. It would be strange if you didn¡¯t at least have a proper estate.¡± ¡°But before we put the heidel before the cart, Kite has to return,¡± Crow noted. ¡°And I believe that we have kept you long enough, Walker. Please help bring him back safely.¡± ¡°Of course, dear Crow. This old man can be quite crafty, if need be.¡± Walker said, chuckling as both women rolled their eyes. They were both his seniors in terms of age, but Walker liked to use the moniker for himself. It just felt fitting, somehow. ¡°Take care, all three of you,¡± he continued, opening the door leading outside. Raven waddled over, looking up at Walker with somber onyx eyes, before raising her small arms. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t you worry, little chick,¡± Walker said, picking her up one last time before his departure, her little hands going back to his raspy stubble. ¡°I will do my best to bring your big brother back. But if I know him right, he¡¯s probably well on his way at this very moment. He¡¯s industrious like that.¡±
Kite could feel the blistering heat even through his layered barriers as Heaven-and-Void warding was protecting him from the disturbingly precise stream of lava which had been launched at him. The twin discs, layered as they almost always had to be when Kite fought the silver-ranked rulers of the jade-sky-gate, were angled to deflect the incoming molten rock away at an angle as the stream tracked his movements. ¡°Even though I remain confident in my path, having the ability to fire streams of lava would always have been a welcome addition,¡± he thought wryly even while he ran, dodging back and forth to avoid the brunt of the lava. The source of the attack was the huge silver-ranked toad which was one of the rulers of the challenge, its dark, craggy skin allowing it to almost perfectly blend in as just another boulder in the volcanic landscape. Like the last time, when Kite had stumbled upon it, the beast had initially remained mostly stationary as it started spitting gouts of molten rock towards Kite. Some of the projectiles were big globs which splattered outwards, leaving huge pools behind. Others were precise streams which it expertly trailed after him. All the while, it started conjuring a river of lava surrounding them, a river which grew by the second. Said river had almost caught Kite the last time he had been tangling with the ruler, but like so many other times since entering the challenge, he had been able to return; more powerful and better adapted to the task. Seeing the glowing lava right below him still gave Kite a bit of a knot in his stomach as he vaulted and sprinted to avoid the projectiles while returning the favor through projected attacks of his own. But each time he set his foot down or leapt to the side, thin, mostly translucent barriers appeared beneath his feet, hands, knees or any other point of contact which he wished for.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Leyline Warding] has reached Silver 0. [Leyline Warding] has gained additional effects. - Leyline Warding - Spell. Cost: Moderate mana/low mana per second Cooldown: 30s Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Create a solid, translucent barrier anchored to a surface. The length and height can be split among multiple sections. Only one casting of this spell can be active at a time. Strength of barrier increases with the [Power] attribute Effect - Bronze: Barriers no longer need to be anchored to a surface. Effect - Silver: This ability gains a separate, alternate mode of casting, which allows the user to continually create smaller segments of barrier around them without a chant, changing the cost to low mana per second. These barriers have good carrying capacity, but will immediately disperse when attacked and can only be conjured very close to the caster. This alternate mode may be used even while the original is in effect.
They were fragile, decidedly different from his other barriers, but Kite had nonetheless been ecstatic over the unexpected evolution. Because it had been what had taken him closer to the heavens in the most literal of senses. These new functions of Leyline warding essentially allowed him to walk on the air, creating steps beneath his feet as he ran. It was smooth and instinctual, but had even so still required over a day of intense training to start mastering the basics. And while they were limited in the way that Kite could not see himself extending the ability to others, they opened up at least part of the skies to him. Currently, said skies were only a few meters above the lava river, but to Kite, it made all the difference in the world. He leapt ahead, skipping across the air in even longer strides as the enchantments of his boots had become available again while constantly sending projected attacks towards the lava-spewing toad whenever he could. The silver-ranked beast was ponderous, but capable of small, jerking hops to evade some of the more potent strikes. It seemed especially wary of those carrying Void-Sunders-Firmament, but over the minutes in which the two had been skirmishing with one another, Kite had taken to using the subtle enchantments of the Veiled One¡¯s Decree for his more potent moves. While the higher-ranked monster wasn''t as easily fooled by the hidden sword as a bronze-ranked one might be, it was still unable to dodge all of the attacks, the dark spatial tears damaging the monster¡¯s body and keeping it from recovering. But in truth, Kite mostly employed them to keep the ruler on the back foot and anticipating attacks, while accepting more of the obvious ones. Its rough, stony skin was a great defense against the attacks, unbeknownst to the monster, Kite¡¯s goal was something else. Each of Kite¡¯s projected special attacks carried the mana-draining magic of Chakra Implosion. While draining away a monster¡¯s mana was always helpful, limiting its more magical attacks a little and often making it more sluggish once it was running low, there was also a limit to its usefulness. Unlike a person, who fainted when losing all their mana, the monster would still be a threat. But with each of Kite¡¯s strikes that failed to penetrate the rough exterior, more mana was stolen. And the following, faintly flickering silver-blue of transcendent light was growing stronger.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Undeniable] has reached Silver 0. [Undeniable] has gained additional effects. Undeniable Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Each time your effects are resisted or do not take effect, deal a small amount of transcendent damage to the target. Examples include an opponent being immune to one of your attacks or damage types, or one of your effects failing to dispel due to a lack of magical effects on the target. Effect - Bronze: The damage is now also dealt when one of your attacks are blocked, such as by a shield, interposed weapon or magical barrier. Effect - Silver: The damage is increased in proportion to the target¡¯s missing stamina or mana, whichever is lower. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
Over the last few minutes, Kite had been whittling away at the life force of the toad, each glow of transcendent light being just a little bit more prominent than that which came before. The latest advancement of Undeniable truly shored up another weakness of Kite¡¯s path, as it should allow him to better deal with higher-ranked monsters as both his dispelling attacks and mana-drain started contributing to his actual damage. ¡°They say that silver rank is where one¡¯s path truly starts to defy the heavens with its potential, the foundations made manifest.¡± Kite thought as the transcendent light flashed again and again. ¡°I can see why.¡± While he would never be the unending source of damage that was Dragonfly, this power alone should now make sure that he at least stayed a relevant threat, especially against more singular threats with potent defenses. And one of the strangest things with Kite¡¯s current battle was that his foe seemed to be unaware that it was dying. The transcendent light did not sunder limbs or cause the deep wounds of Void-Sunders-Firmament, instead harming the very life force of the target. And as the affliction from the Veiled One¡¯s Decree was long since in place from their extended skirmishing, the silver-ranker¡¯s senses of its own condition was muddled and ever-changing. For the first time since the battle had begun, one of the lava-streams faltered, guttering and dispersing before even reaching Kite. While its rocky exterior was hard to read, Kite thought that he could sense a note of frustration in its aura. The beast shifted and once more gathered to spit more lava at Kite, but this time, nothing came out at all. It hopped in place to shift out of the way from one of Kite¡¯s projected attacks, but stumbled slightly upon landing. ¡°It seems to finally be running low on mana,¡± Kite thought, relieved. Of all the rulers he had fought before, this had been one of the longest, most drawn out battles so far. But as the thing was reduced to a clumsily hopping boulder unable to properly close the gap towards Kite, the battle was already decided. Not even its long, red-hot tongue could help it strike at Kite efficiently enough, and with each of Kite¡¯s strikes failing to dispel or deal damage, the transcendent flashed within only grew stronger. At some point, even the toad¡¯s muddled mind had realized that something was wrong, but by that time it was too late. It tried a desperate last burst of violence, launching itself at Kite with as powerful a leap as possible. This basically turned it into a small comet, heat venting from the cracks between the armored scales, and Kite would not have liked to be on the receiving end of that particular charge. Fortunately, he had the means to make sure that didn¡¯t happen. ¡°Void!¡± The dark gate appeared between him and the charging toad. The aperture¡¯s form cracked and was almost entirely destabilized from the impact, but the silver-ranker did not fare too well either. It was launched away violently just a moment after impact, its rugged skin partially shorn off and more lava spilling out from within its body. Kite sent a projected attack into its prone form, and was just readying another when the transcendent light flashed again. And its aura winked out. The whole thing was a lot more abrupt than Kite had expected, with the monster seeming to freeze in place for a moment. Then it just fell apart; its body disintegrating into fine magical particles shimmering with transcendent light. There was no rainbow smoke or delay. It was just gone. ¡°I¡­ That was new,¡± Kite said, stopping in the air above the rapidly cooling lava river beneath him. Then, his eyes widened. ¡°Wait, what about its treasures?¡± His worry was short lived-however, as he caught a glimpse of the piles of quintessence neatly laid out as if arranged by an unseen hand. And on the top, a smaller version of the toad¡¯s glowing, flexible molten tongue rested. It seemed to emanate great heat, but the searing temperature was somehow contained by its nature and it felt only uncomfortably warm to the touch rather than the scorching hot that should have been the case. ¡°A ruler slain, a prize claimed.¡± The words of the officiator had been repeated often in these last weeks. Or rather months, as Kite believed that he should be closing in on the end of the third month by now. But he was also closing in on the end of the trial, his own goal nearly accomplished. ¡°That makes eleven,¡± Kite stated, mimicking the somber tone of the orb as he looked up to the skies. ¡°And one remaining.¡± ¡°I will admit that I had not expected any trial-taker to voluntarily take on all of the rulers. The treasures might even be a bit disproportionate. We will have to file that report and take it into consideration in the construction of future challenges.¡± Kite had a hard time figuring out if the officiator was disappointed or impressed, but chose to remain silent so as to not risk the orb to suddenly change its mind and take away the treasures Kite did not use at the end of the trial. ¡°Then let me at least say that I have been very impressed with the lands you have created, officiator. The different territories have truly tested my path in most conceivable ways, and Glint and I have enjoyed just traveling the expanses and taking in its wonders.¡± ¡°Your feelings on the matter are irrelevant, trial-taker. But still¡­ the statement will be noted,¡± the orb responded, a slight pause in its words which was rare for the otherwise self-assured construct. ¡°Will you be taking on the final ruler now? Or do you wish to end the challenge? You are well beyond the criteria.¡± ¡°No, on both accounts. I believe that I need to rest and take proper stock of things. Might as well enjoy what might be my last day inside this place and properly reflect on things.¡± ¡°You remain assured of your victory?¡± ¡°One can never be sure, but one thing I am certain of is that I have never before been as sure of my path and what it can accomplish. So, once more, thank you, officiator.¡± ¡°Well¡­ I¡­¡± the orb began, stuttering a bit before returning to its neutral tone. ¡°Your gratitude is irrelevant, trial-taker. But it has been noted.¡±
Ivory stood before the gate, breathing deeply. His token was in hand, its silver markings surrounding the emblem of the Queen of Jade and Sky. Ivory wanted to feel excitement and tried to muster his mental preparations as he looked up at the circular construct. He took one step, then two. And his third took him through the gate, his foot stepping down on the soft garden soil behind it. As it had on every day of the last two weeks now. ¡°Do it again,¡± mistress Pristine urged from where she sat on a nearby bench. ¡°Mistress, so far, no repetitions have made any difference.¡± ¡°Retainer. Do. It. Again.¡± Ivory sighed, a habit he still hadn¡¯t shaken since ascending to silver rank. He went through the gate two more times before the mistress finally relented. While it had been a long time since the embarrassment with the young mistress Pillar, the lady of the house had only grown more restless during the many weeks that had passed. At first, it was just the occasional test every few days, but things had escalated. Now, Ivory made the attempt at least three times each day. While this meant that he was not sent away on other contracts for the family, things started to get quite boring. ¡°Am I just wasting my time?¡± he thought bitterly, and not for the first time, looking to the gate again. ¡°Will a corpse come tumbling out any day now? Or a warrior crowned in glory? And if that was to happen¡­ what would the mistress do?¡±
What had started out as a collection of mottled leaves to protect from the occasional light rain had gradually shifted during Kite¡¯s stay in the challenge. Some of the great stalks were now bent down, having proved surprisingly flexible as Kite had gradually arranged them to form a more comprehensive roof over his head. Some tarps arranged on poles made up some impromptu walls, the ensemble creating a simple little hut which kept the weather out. Some concealing formations made it secure enough, even if Kite had been glad for Sage¡¯s presence many times as the unsleeping Astral Gatherer made a great sentry. At this moment, Kite had set up his heating lamp inside the hut, and eleven different objects had been laid out, with a space left for a potential twelfth addition to the collection. As he looked down at the different treasures, flashes of memory passed before his mind¡¯s eye. The black ice skull of the ruler of the glacier, fog still leaking from its mouth. The shard of crystal from the blue-skinned giant, all of its shifting time and relentless force seemingly caught within. A wreath of woven, purple leaves with small flowers which looked like motes of flame, claimed from the treant burning with the fires of life, the ruler of one of the forested domains. The ball of twitching antennae and chitinous legs left behind by the ruler of the metal hive, seeming ready to act in all directions at once A patch of darkness like the finest cloth which seemed to leave echoes behind its swaying motions. The round jaw of a grand lamprey, the ruler of the lake, its teeth seeming to emit an eternal hunger and thirst. Twin stars of condensed sound, somehow stable as they orbited one another inside a vortex of wind, from the dual sirens of the crags. The shifting orb of sand claimed from the ruler of the desert, seeming to call upon the concepts of expansive multitudes. A still beating heart of emptiness, like a void made manifest. That battle had been one of the oddest, details still fuzzy in Kite¡¯s memories as that ruler had seemingly absorbed all concepts it came into contact with. A piece of armor still seeming to reflect the sun and moon simultaneously, surprisingly unified in its duality. And last, the molten tongue of the ruler of the lava fields, hot to the touch and promising fiery demise. Each battle had been intense, as even the best of matchups still meant danger when reaching above one¡¯s rank. Some foes had been tough, and some had been swift. In certain rulers, there had been vicious cunning, while relentless bestiality had shown itself in others. Kite had been forced to use Immortality in all but a few in order to persevere, as well as reinforcing his equipment through Something from Nothing, bringing out all his powers. He had also needed to learn to master new abilities, from the more passive ones like the newest addition to Undeniable to the technically challenging new aspect of Leyline Warding, and relying on his equipment, both crafted and manifested. From the time Fulminating Sirocco had shredded the first swarm in the desert to all the times Eternal Quartz had helped him keep numbers of bronze-ranked monsters at bay, Kite was thankful for his preparations. And those who had helped him. ¡°There will certainly be debts of gratitude to be repaid after this,¡± he mused, thinking of all the assistance his friends and family had given him. ¡°But fortunately, I should be able to bring a sizable haul out of here. I¡¯m sure that there is something for everyone.¡± The piles of quintessence Kite had gathered during his stay would have been way too impractical to just pour out, so he let the shards of condensed magic stay in their dimensional bags. But he hadn¡¯t been able to stop himself from bringing out some of the more potent treasures that he had procured. ¡°Fortune be praised that I stumbled upon you,¡± Kite thought as he picked up the drop of amber which he had found beneath the dark caverns, encased in great roots. ¡°Without that, I might never have gone looking for the rest.¡± In total, Kite had found six additional treasures hidden among the territories. There were no doubt more, but Kite had to acknowledge that he had people dutifully waiting for him outside, and while he surely had taken his time going back and forth across the different territories, there was being thorough and then there was spending another three months to turn every rock and log upside down. Even if it pained him, these six would have to do. Next to Amber of the Frozen Moment lay the faceted orb which the officiator had named Marble of the Unified mind. All those small eyes seeming to look at him was still a bit unsettling, but the sense of vigilance which came from the orb was ever fascinating. The other gathered objects were dominated by a pair of swords, one gray like the stone while the other was blue like the sky. They were straight and single edged, their blades locked together as if in eternal conflict. The officiator had named them the Clash of the Horizon, representing the concepts of balance, conflict, sky, earth, vastness and resoluteness. Kite had found the pair on a secluded mountain peak, resting on the surface of a perfectly smooth lake whose surface seemed to create the image of an almost invisible horizon where sky and stone met and blended. Close to the blades was what looked like a simple seed, like a nut the size of an eye. Called the Singular Seed, it represented growth, harmony, nature, potency and eternity, and it felt like worlds within worlds were contained within its depths. Then there was the Unspeaking Chime, a bell the size of Kite¡¯s hand which gave no sound yet seemed to move the world through slight distortions when shifted. It represented the concepts of discordance, change, doom, depths and echoes. And finally, the last one which Kite had found beneath the stone dais where he had fought the ruler of the desert once he had returned to search for any treasurers which he had missed during his rather hasty retreat; the Visage Thrice Hidden. The plain, glass mask had seemed to only exist in Kite¡¯s periphery when viewed directly, and Kite would have guessed that actually managing to reach the elusive object without his expanded vision would have been many times harder. The officiator had almost seemed a bit upset at the ease in which Kite managed to reach out and snatch it from seemingly out of nowhere, but eventually told him that the object kept the concepts of dimension, mirages, dust, magic and the visage. ¡°Quite the trove, if I may say so myself,¡± he said aloud, Glint already fast at work floating among the different treasures while inspecting them. ¡°The queen instructed us to be generous to those who proved themselves in the challenges,¡± the officiator answered. ¡°As instructed, you have been put through tribulations. It is only fitting that fortune will follow.¡± ¡°If only that was the case in the outside world, a lot of people would be a lot less miserable,¡± Kite said, before looking to the final spot; the one left empty in the circle of treasures left behind by the rulers. ¡°But I still have one left to complete the set, and with that, my trials.¡± ¡°Trial-taker, it still is not necessary.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Kite said, looking at the orb. ¡°You have been kind enough to inform me that often. If I didn''t know better, I would have thought that you were actually worried for me.¡± ¡°Such unnecessary sentiments are beyond me,¡± the orb replied haughtily. ¡°I am merely pointing out the rules and reminding you. And besides, wouldn¡¯t it be a waste if all of this treasure went unclaimed in the end as you stumbled and fell right at the final chapter of your trial?¡± ¡°It would indeed,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°But I might have to stand by some words which I spoke to a friend, not long before arriving here.¡± ¡°And what were those?¡± ¡°She said that I was not a prideful man, and while I would like to think that she was correct, I will also admit that it is only partially.¡± Pausing, Kite looked up at the hazy skies above. Even though he saw nothing among the clouds, he could imagine any one of them suddenly shifting to attack through vicious wind and freezing ice; an ambusher just waiting to strike at anyone foolish enough to venture into its domain. ¡°Because I will not refrain from just one more attempt to seize the skies.¡± 130. Lend a hand Kite was currently very thankful for his bronze-ranked body, whose strength and endurance was closing in on silver rank. During his childhood, he could remember his legs burning and feeling exhausted only from trekking up the stone path to Starberry peak. As he was currently striding upwards straight into the sky of the miniature world that was the queen¡¯s challenge, his goal a floating platform a thousand meters up in the sky, he could just imagine making such a climb during normal rank. ¡°Even though a normal-ranker would not be able to conjure their own stairs,¡± Kite thought, looking down at the small squares of almost translucent force which appeared beneath his feet every time he put it down, creating a personal stairway to the heavens. At least the literal heavens, but he felt that the evolved ability would help his path greatly. And its current function would be what he needed to actually allow him to face the skies¡¯ ruler in its own domain, with Glint being unable to float that high into the air. While the cost of the new ability was ongoing, he would be able to keep it up for hours when outside of combat, and probably the same while fighting as long as there was an enemy to drain of mana. While he hadn¡¯t been able to test it yet, Kite suspected that the ability¡¯s light drain on his resources meant that it would be transportation for him and him alone. While the climb wasn''t entirely effortless, it did not distract Kite from the amazing view which was spreading out beneath him. He had seen all of the different territories before, but as he had spent the last three months traveling between each of them while testing himself and gathering quintessence, he felt a distinct connection to each one that hadn¡¯t been there when first entering the gate. Having been there, fought there and bled there made it all seem so much more significant. ¡°It¡¯s actually quite sad for this to all go away once the challenge is over,¡± he said aloud to the officiator orb that hovered next to him. ¡°It is such a wondrous place. Had it been stable, there would probably be sects waging war to control it and use it as a training ground.¡± ¡°It was always meant to be a transient place, trial-taker; a small world manifesting near our own only to vanish after a few days. But the queen, in her vast power and great wisdom, created the means to harness them and make sure that they could leave something more behind. A foundation of growth for those confident enough in their paths.¡± ¡°Would it not have been better to stabilize it for longer and allow people to leave? Victory or death will undeniably lead to fewer attempting the challenges,¡± Kite noted, knowing that the high death-rate of the gates was the sole reason why they could remain in place for so long. One¡¯s path needed to be self-sufficient enough to even attempt it. ¡°The strongest, most hardiest flowers need adversity to grow, trial-taker, not a greenhouse. The real threat of death will be what makes a person strive to the very peak of their capabilities.¡± While Kite did not necessarily agree with the philosophy, he did not put it into words. For one, his last debate with the orb had caused it to have some kind of malfunction, and he did not want to risk it again. Second, one of the many low-hanging clouds in the sky had gradually drifted closer as he climbed, moving just a little bit out of sync with the surrounding haze. Kite walked on, trying to not give off any sign that he had noticed. ¡°Well, officiator, I will cast no aspersions on you in that regard. This trial has been one true test, driving me to my limits,¡± he said, mentally sliding into his combat meditation. ¡°And I believe that the last chance to do so is about to announce itself.¡± As if it wanted to prove Kite right, the cloud behind him suddenly vanished. ¡°Ward!¡± The twin barriers of Heaven-and-Void warding appeared behind him, one layered behind the other as Kite turned, already swinging his staff. The cloud appeared again just a few meters away, which took less than the blink of an eye to cross for the silver-ranked ambusher. A tendril lashed out from the cloud, cracking the first barrier and damaging the next as frozen spikes immediately started shooting out from within the roiling mass of white. Kite had already caught a glimpse of the majestic beast beneath during their last encounter, and knew a lot more of what to expect this time. And most of all, he could now stand in the skies to meet it. His own counterattack impacted, the creature trying to sway out of the way from the projected attack but failing due to the close proximity. Disrupting Strike and Chakra Implosion connected, partially dispelling the cloud cover and showing the scaled dragon-bird beneath. As the new stunning effect of Chakra Implosion caused it to twitch, Kite even got the opportunity to strike again, Carmine Sunrise carrying Void-Sunders-Firmament. The spatial tears carved some damage into the ruler before it managed to disengage, and Kite¡¯s attempt at pursuit was hindered by another barrage of ice spikes, which he realized must be the icy feathers of the beast. They splintered across a freshly conjured ward, chips of ice tumbling towards the ground below. Kite managed to project another attack towards it, but the monster juked to the side and vanished, the cloud becoming almost invisible against the sky. Three heartbeats later, it struck again, appearing to one side. A more significant chunk of ice was forming in front of the cloud. Realizing what was about to happen, Kite¡¯s shield appeared on his arm even as Eternal Quartz dropped into his hand. The chunk suddenly cracked violently, sending a spray of jagged ice towards Kite all at once; a clustered burst as opposed to the streaming barrages from before. The shards of ice collided with the expanding fan of quartz as Kite¡¯s sword matched the conjured ice of his foe. There was a loud smattering as projectiles met, creating a chaotic mess of ricochets and tumbling debris. Smaller chips of ice still sprayed over Kite, but his counter had done its job to deny most of the powerful burst. Then another chunk of ice formed above the cloud, repeating the process. This time, the attack met the barrier of Heavenglass protector even as Kite¡¯s made a quick thrust towards his foe with the Veiled One¡¯s Decree. The veiled attack was noticed too late, and it too drained more mana and stunned the ruler enough to allow Kite to move. He circled around and slightly upwards, small squares of force appearing beneath his feet to carry him around the skies. Without the combat meditation, Kite assumed that he would have felt more vertigo, but his mind stayed clear as the combatants circled one another. The flying monster moved with a lot more grace and flexibility through the air, sometimes making literal laps around Kite while pelting him with projectiles and the occasional snapping strike. Kite, on the other hand, stayed defensive. Each time the ruler¡¯s attacks impacted his defenses, more of Spiritual Retribution¡¯s affliction was stacked upon it, further lowering its impact. And each of Kite¡¯s strikes did not only drain its mana while damaging its body, but also whittled away at the rank disparity little by little. Compared to the first time Kite had faced this particular foe, ambushed and reeling, the calm he now felt was almost eerie. ¡°Spending three months battling silver-rankers and their minions seems to have been tempering indeed,¡± part of his mind idly thought while the pair exchanged attacks. Once more, the Veiled One¡¯s Decree proved its usefulness as it allowed more attacks to land, robbing the ruler of vital resources and momentum both. Apparently not satisfied with the current predicament, the ruler of the skies channeled more mana. Larger clusters of ice spikes started to form all around Kite, turning the skies into a field of expanding death. From his earlier experience, he knew what would happen next. And this time he knew how he wanted to deal with it. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± Just as his dispelling wave left him, Kite also activated the speed-enchantments of his boots, sprinting across the air in the ripple¡¯s wake. Wherever the dispelling wave hit, the conjured ice dissolved. And Kite had been bold in his choice of direction. Even as the field of icy spikes exploded behind him, Kite leapt towards the ruler, having made a straight charge towards the monster while leaving destruction in his wake. He felt his back being pelted with ice shards, some stinging slightly while most were harmlessly deflected by his armor. Mid-leap, Sage flew in front of Kite and unleashed a pair of blue beams straight into the cloud, the disrupting force carving holes through the flowing cover, a projected staff-swing impacting just after. Chakra Implosion once more provided a brief window of opportunity as the ruler was once more stunned, and Kite¡¯s leap took him just far enough to land squarely on the cloud. Carmine Sunrise plunged downward, Void-Sunders-Firmament doing wonders for cutting through the sudden resistance beneath before the rending damage shook the creature. It gave off an actual cry this time, a screeching like a dozen lyres being mangled by frenzied cats. Another detonating chunk of ice formed next to Kite, but a casual backhand supported by disrupting strike gave him yet another opportunity. The thing bucked and shuddered beneath him before suddenly disappearing from view once more. Up close, Kite could see the faint shimmering of the magical cloaking effect, but not seeing the creature made it that much harder to stay atop it as it suddenly shot out from beneath him. Kite felt himself falling for but half a meter before a panel of force appeared beneath him, allowing him to swiftly bounce to his feet and sprint in the general direction where he had felt the ruler moving. It soon appeared again, streams of ice shards flowing towards Kite, who in turn just ran onwards. Twin wards appeared in front of him, projectiles crackling like the sound of breaking glass as they broke upon Kite¡¯s ward. A few more exchanged attacks, and the ruler disappeared again. And again. And again. The ice field appeared once more to the same effect. And the next time the shrouded ruler appeared, it did so just as Kite¡¯s projected attacks impacted it, Void-Sunders-Firmament carving yet another series of grooves into the clouds. ¡°I¡­ can predict it. At least somewhat,¡± Kite thought in slight disbelief. Answering its moves and taking the higher physical prowess into account felt like it had become second nature now after the series of grueling duels with more powerful opponents, and Kite now felt that he was closing in on their realm of possibilities. ¡°My path will not be cracked by the world, but tempered by it.¡± Even as the part of his mantra passed through his mind, the ruler had apparently had enough and decided to prove to Kite that it would not remain predictable for long. A burst of aura heralded the cloud cover blowing outwards, Unyielding making sure that he was not sent tumbling too far away. A pair of shimmering wings spread outwards, catching the white light above into myriad little pinpricks of shifting facets. The ruler of the skies unraveled its long body, blue scales resplendent. The beaked head at the end of a long, supple neck seemed to glare defiantly at Kite as it opened its beak and shrieked. Meanwhile, the scattered clouds coalesced again, but not into a covering shroud. Instead, the white mist formed a huge circle hovering behind the back of the monster, not unlike how Sage usually hovered behind Kite. And from the rise in its aura, Kite could discern that the ruler was done hiding. Which fit him perfectly. ¡°My name is Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, and I thank you for assisting in tempering my path!¡± His words seemed to be swallowed by the expanse of the skies, but it had felt good to state them nonetheless, as if in tribute to the trial as a whole. Because even as the ruler of the skies unveiled its power, shifting from subtle ambusher to a majestic onslaught of icy death which came at him like a wall, Kite had to admit that the prideful side of him reared its head once more. Because even in the face of the new onslaught, the very air itself seeming to gather to tear him to pieces with the ruler towering above him, Kite felt that he would win.
Officiator number thirty-three hovered in the empty air, its expansive consciousness focused on the trial-taker as he strode through the air, stepping on small shards of force to carry him aloft while he used the barriers of his path to barrel through the ice storm of the ruler of the sky domain. All of it, from the trial-taker¡¯s motions to his mana fluctuations to the shifting in his aura; all of it was taken in and recorded. This was both part of the grand purpose, the very purpose for which the officiator existed, as well as to help evaluate the outcome of the trial itself. ¡°Begin compilation of possible options based on available concepts.¡± The command went through the officiator¡¯s ¡®mind¡¯ faster than any mortal thought, yet it still took time as the possibilities were simply so many. This trial-taker had surely taken his time, gathering almost all of the available concepts of the trial. The officiator had even factored in the remains of the sky-ruler, because based on the accumulated observations so far during the trial and the trial-taker following the projected curve of growth that had been established, the officiator felt sure enough of the outcome of this battle that it might as well save itself the time. ¡°It is a shame that this is not a silver-ranked trial. A final, spectacular tribulation based on his performance would have been most appropriate,¡± it thought, almost lamenting the insufficient ambient magic and difficulty in balancing such a foe to the frail physique of a bronze-ranker. Almost. Lamenting what could not be was a mortal frivolity, after all. Thirty-Three had to grudgingly admit to being a bit impressed. The trial-taker was in some ways rough around the edges. His style of fighting seemed to be a project still underway, his equipment was varied and looked almost mismatched and his path lacked some offensive options that the officiator would have thought necessary to perform as well as he had. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. But the young human had fought his way through the trial like the very epitome of his resolute essence, leaning into the growing strengths of his path as he adapted. Thirty-Three had thought that the trial would end at several points, but the human had still managed to persevere through both skill, adaptability and, most of all, patience. The trial-taker had studied, learned, retreated and retried, his defensive options allowing him to disengage at times. Thirty-three also had to admit that this particular trial-taker¡¯s path made designing appropriate challenges a different prospect. While he would struggle more against pure physical specimens, other more complex foes would be picked apart with surprising ease as the powers of his negation confluence removed their advantages. Thirty-three was well versed in the index of available essences, but the statistics clearly labeled the negation confluence as rare. Rare enough that it had barely been factored into the design. Another point of data which the officiator would make sure was included in its report with the departing gate. Because from what it saw in the distance, its own physical form would be drastically changed in the near future. The trial-taker¡¯s staff was aglow with the more recently acquired enhancement, which had so far always meant that a conflict was drawing close to its conclusion. Thirty-three looked at the spectacle in the distance, the pale light from above reflected in the plentiful ice-based attacks which the sky-ruler launched at its foe. It looked as if the trial-taker was fighting amidst a rain of rainbow sparks, as if he was proving himself towards the golden heavens and the tribulations they rained down upon him. Ever since its reboot, Thirty-three had gotten more comfortable with the metaphors and symbolism. It might be a mortal frivolity, but the idioms had grown on the officiator. Seeing that it was indeed soon time, Thirty-three began hovering towards the trial taker. The great beam of refracted light which was the ruler¡¯s most powerful attack had just been swallowed by a dark gate, and the officiator could feel the ruler¡¯s imminent demise. It did not fear what was to come. To eventually change and become part of a trial-taker¡¯s path was its purpose, and a fine one at that. But Thirty-three did allow itself a moment of bittersweet satisfaction as it spread its senses through the world it had created. ¡°It was an acceptable trial. And fine work,¡± the construct mumbled to itself as a strike from the trial-taker sent ripples through the air around it, leaving the ruler falling dead towards the ground. ¡°Even if speaking such a sentiment out loud will ever remain a mortal frivolity.¡±
Kite sat back and just existed for a moment. All around him was empty air, the miniature world that he had just conquered spreading out beneath him where he sat on a pane of force. He felt how things could change over the course of three months. What had begun in dreadful defeat now ended in triumph. The sky-ruler had been both spectacular and magnificent, its rain of ice a constant pressure. And it had also been one of the few rulers where Kite had not been forced to use Immortality. He would not stretch so far to call the fight easy, but ¡®under control¡¯ would be a more apt description. And a proof of Kite¡¯s growth. ¡°A ruler slain, a prize claimed,¡± the officiator intoned from Kite¡¯s side as he sat looking at the long feather made of ice which the ruler had left behind. Kite had been thankful that he had thought to create a platform with leyline warding as the corpse of his foe plummeted to the ground, because going all the way down after making this climb would just have been embarrassing. ¡°Trial-taker, there are currently no rulers left within the trial. All of them have broken before your path, and you stand victorious. Would you like to return to the gate platform?¡± ¡°I¡­ I would,¡± Kite sighed, feeling both weary and immensely satisfied. ¡°But once up there, I would also like some time to recuperate, if that is allowed. Because if the end of the trial is similar to the last one, I will need all the strength I can muster.¡± ¡°That is acceptable, trial-taker. Ready yourself for transportation.¡± The view disappeared, only to be replaced by the hazy skies beneath the platform upon which the gate rested. It was the same as when Kite had left it, completely free from dust and debris. Over the edge, the territories below were now barely visible, and he gave them one last look before going back towards the center of the platform. Even though part of Kite wanted to continue right away, anticipation burning hot within his chest, he still took a few hours to properly rest and meditate, recovery pills aiding in bringing him back to peak condition. ¡°Officiator, may I ask a question?¡± Kite asked from where he sat meditating. ¡°You may, trial-taker.¡± ¡°When I entered, you said that there would be additional difficulty added due to me having cleared an earlier gate. May I ask what changes were made?¡± The officiator seemed to ponder his question for a while, but eventually gave an answer. ¡°All of the rulers and monsters below were provided with a bit more magic in order to increase their complexity. Overall, I would estimate between a ten to thirteen percent increase in overall capabilities.¡± ¡°I¡­ see¡­¡± Kite said, having expected something a little bit more spectacular. Not that he complained though, having just cleared said trial. ¡°As you seem to be in acceptable physical and spiritual condition, would you like to proceed towards the end of the trial, where you will make your choices and receive my verdict?¡± Looking around one last time, idly stroking the fins of Glint who floated nearby, Kite turned back to the officiator. ¡°I would.¡± ¡°Understood, trial-taker,¡± the officiator acknowledged. Then, a moment later, Kite felt a familiar pulse as the world around him seemed to rumble in its very foundations, the officiator¡¯s voice rising to echo across the whole trial space. ¡°Accessing gate matrix. Realm reconfiguration initiated. Power flow opened. Designation; Stairway to heaven. Initiating the final forging - rank: Bronze¡± Far below, the landscape seemed to ripple and shift while rainbow smoke started drifting up from a multitude of places beneath. Colors bled away and the haze below thickened until nothing more could be seen beneath it. It felt like the world was shrinking in upon Kite, but this time he felt a lot calmer than the time he had experienced the process during iron rank. On the platform, a dais rose from beneath the hovering gate as the construct settled down upon it, and two more platforms rose; a pedestal in the very center of the round foundation beneath them and another wider one opposite the gate. Around the platform, the white light seemed to gradually dim, and the haze pushed in closer and closer, until there was only a cylinder of clear air around the gate platform. The officiator hovered over to the central pedestal and settled down, the action throwing Kite back to him taking farewell of Third. But the words spoken were different this time. Because he had choices to make. ¡°Trial-taker, you have successfully gathered the concepts of the world, enough to let this trial empower your path. Present the quintessence which you have chosen.¡± The orb¡¯s voice was now entirely formal, with a certain ring of authority to it. Kite stepped forth, kneeling before the pedestal as he produced the six hundred pieces of quintessence he had chosen for the purpose; three hundred pieces of myriad quintessence, a hundred and fifty pieces of adept quintessence and a final hundred and fifty of echo quintessence. ¡°State the purpose of your choices. Why do you feel that these concepts are worthy of becoming part of your path?¡± ¡°My path needs to be able to do more than it is currently capable of; to assist more people and to strike out at more enemies. I need to become the eye of the storm, to reach out and lend a hand to any and all around me, be it a hand offered in assistance or a fist raised to strike. As such, I have chosen the myriad quintessence to symbolize the multitude of actions I will need to undertake in order to realize this dream and the adept quintessence to provide the skill and potential for growth needed to truly take my path to the heavens and beyond. And finally, the echo quintessence, with the hope that my actions will echo across any situation where I may find myself. And as an homage to the prize I received at the end of my last challenge. These are my choices for you to judge.¡± Kite had already spoken with the officiator orb at length about these choices, but the tone of its voice gave a great gravitas to him stating his purpose once more. Part of Kite still wondered if it would have been better to go with some other combination, such as vast and potent, in order to almost surely get some kind of area effect. But after much deliberation, he had grudgingly come to the conclusion that it would mean trying to spread himself too thin. He wanted to widen his path, true, but that meant trying to allow his strengths to grow in complexity and scope, not tack on something external which did not mesh with what he already did well. Hence, myriad had felt the most appropriate, with adept and echo in support. Now, Kite could only pray that the officiator judged him worthy. ¡°Well spoken, trial-taker. And which three remnants of this trial¡¯s rulers do you wish to add to your path?¡± This choice had been a lot harder, as each of the rulers¡¯ treasures was more complex, their concepts more mixed up and nuanced. He had only confirmed his final choices the evening before, as he felt that it was unlikely that the ruler of the sky would resonate any better with the goals he had in mind. Kite produced three items; a ball of twitching antennae and chitinous legs, a shard of blue crystal thrumming with relentless momentum and a shifting orb of sand, forming and reforming in perpetual motion. They came from the ruler of the metal hive, the blue giant on the grand plateau and the ruler of the shifting desert. ¡°Why have you chosen these, trial-taker?¡± ¡°Of all the rulers, I believe that these ones best resonate with the concepts I have chosen; multifarious in purpose and relentless in application. I hope that they may further strengthen and shape my path in my climb towards the heavens.¡± The ball of antennae and the shifting ball of sand had been the easiest choices. Kite hoped that the first would lean into his expanded awareness somehow, and that the other would contribute its adaptability. It had been the third treasure that had kept him thinking and rethinking, the choice standing between the crystal from the blue giant and the heart of emptiness. The void-aspected treasure was tempting, and might merge well with those aspects of Kite¡¯s own path. But there was still the part of Kite which longed for something more external; to better act in the outside world rather than absorbing it. Be it aspects of might, time or momentum, either one would be a welcome contribution. So the crystal shard of the giant had become his third choice, which also somewhat soothed the part of him which still chafed at passing over the vast or potent quintessences. ¡°Your choice has been noted, your reasons remembered,¡± the officiator stated. ¡°Are there any additional treasures which you want to add to this collection?¡± ¡°I do,¡± Kite said, producing two more items. From his discussions with the orb, he had confirmed that the additional treasures would only add to the potency of the potential reward rather than add more concepts in and of themselves. But they would help shape the concepts that were already being added into the mix. ¡°I have chosen the Marble of the Unified Mind and the Clash of the Horizon.¡± As he spoke, he laid the multi-faceted orb and the pair of swords locked in conflict next to the other treasures around the officiator orb. ¡°This is done in the hope that they may further bring expansive awareness and the potential to retain balance and equanimity in any situation in which I may find myself.¡± ¡°Your choices have been noted, and your reasons once more recorded,¡± the officiator said. ¡°Do you stand by these choices?¡± ¡°I do.¡± ¡°Then there is a final question for you to ponder; an option given as reward for testing your path on both iron and bronze rank. As you may have surmised from prior experiences, we shall soon begin the final forging where this physical vessel will gain new purpose and become part of your path. And this time, you have a choice; one of freedom or permanence.¡± ¡°Would you please provide a bit more explanation?¡± Kite asked, mind abuzz as he tried to interpret the alternatives. ¡°With freedom comes versatility; an object set free can accomplish more but will ever remain a separate thing. And with permanence comes reliability; to never again be separated from this part of your path, its power always available at your beck and call.¡± Hearing the alternatives, Kite took some time to think. The officiator did not seem to be in a hurry, so he let the minutes pass as he reflected. And reached a conclusion. ¡°I will choose permanence,¡± he eventually said, feeling secure in his choice. ¡°Walking a path such as mine and where I hope to take it, reliability will be key to mastery. The tool always in use will have the most potential in a life that may stretch towards eternity.¡± In his mind, he added; ¡°And it would be a heaven-sent blessing to not have to worry about losing a priceless artifact in the heat of adventure.¡± ¡°Your choice is noted, trial-taker. Assume your position on the dais, and prepare yourself to receive your verdict.¡± Taking a deep breath, Kite sat down in a meditative pose, steadying his mind as he awaited the result of these months of tribulations. ¡°Trial-taker. You walk a path of negation, one that strips your foes of their strength while retaining your own. You are a resolute force of attrition, using unconventional means to bring your opponents low through ways they do not expect and therefore cannot counter. The void makes your mere presence a constant drain on those who stand before you, and your barriers turn said presence into something implacable. But there are ways in which your path falls short. When faced with overwhelming numbers or pure durability, you need to use other means than your path to compensate, even if that can be a hollow strength. And you are the bulwark, not the cavalry; the battle will revolve around you, not the other way around. Yet even with this defensive path, you adapt and conquer, turning weakness into possibility and your foes¡¯ very essence into strength. And you take great care in reflecting on your path, choosing the tool best suited rather than the one most spectacular. Therefore, I declare your choice of concepts a wise one; one of which the Queen of Jade and Sky would approve. Through her endless generosity and skill, this trial will strive to make your wishes into reality.¡± As the orb spoke, the gate behind it started to emit a gradually increasing glow; a glow which Kite knew would soon shoot toward him like the strike of an enormous hammer, his soul the anvil. But before the gathering energies had reached their climax, the officiator spoke one last time. ¡°This is the end of duty for officiator Thirty-three. For what it¡¯s worth, trial-taker, it feels suitable to have this vessel become part of your path. The design is finalized, and the final forging can begin. During the trial, you have often leaned on metaphors and symbols, trial-taker. And while they remain mortal frivolity, I will stoop to using one of those which you have used the most.¡± The glow from the gate was almost blinding at that moment, the air thrumming with barely contained power. ¡°You often said that you wanted to lend a hand to your allies in need. So, in that regard, I thought it fitting to make sure to include an increase in profusion.¡± As the officiator¡¯s words registered, Kite¡¯s eyes widened in bewilderment. And a bit of concern. ¡°Wha-¡± Then, like the hammer raised above the waiting anvil, the gate gave off a loud, low thrumming which shook the platform as its energy was released. And the final forging began. 131. Hundreds of them ¡°That¡­ was¡­ just like I remembered it,¡± Kite groaned as he eventually managed to force his eyes open. Outwardly, he was fine and in peak condition, but on some deep, unseen level he had felt every bit the anvil to the gate¡¯s hammer. Each pulse of energy had sent dull pain through all of his soul, Kite feeling like he had been about to burst apart with every strike. But like the last time, he had endured, preparations and higher rank aiding greatly. As his bleary eyes took in the surroundings, little had changed. The platform was still surrounded by the white haze, and Kite was now left alone in the eerie remnants of the astral space that the gate had suborned for so long. If he remembered correctly, it would soon gradually fade away in the way that the temporary space had always been meant to. But one thing had changed, something which immediately drew Kite¡¯s attention. Straight ahead of him on the dais where the officiator¡¯s orb had once rested, now lay a shifting sphere of what looked like liquid metal. It had the same pale color and otherworldly look like the gate itself, and Kite¡¯s magical senses could feel budding power and potential from the orb. ¡°Is¡­ this my reward?¡± he asked aloud to no one in particular. Glint flew out from her bottle, joining him as he gingerly walked up to the pedestal to inspect the object. Once he focused, he could indeed feel the echoes of his chosen concepts and treasures from within, as well as something else; a connection. It was as if the orb just waited for a conduit to continue some kind of process integral to its very existence. And Kite had an inkling that he was involved in said process. He carefully reached out a hand, and as he drew near, his mind gradually started picking up more from the thing; a sense of permanence. If Kite went through with whatever process it offered, there would be no turning back. But with that sense also came part of the instinctual knowledge of what the rippling orb offered. And as Kite started processing that knowledge, his eyes widened in marvel. ¡°This¡­ Now this is not what I expected,¡± he said, still a bit stunned. But he had sensed it correctly; the potential. Deviously simple at a glance yet staggering in what it could mean if one mastered it. ¡°Fortune, you have my thanks. And you too, officiator Thirty-three,¡± he murmured, bracing himself. ¡°I will not forsake this opportunity.¡± With a clear mental assent, Kite thrust his hand towards the orb, the questing connection of the item finally finding what it was searching for. And just a moment after, a different kind of pain started anew.
¡°Mistress! Mistress!¡± The first instinct Pristine Flower of Eternal Youth, mistress of the Pristine family, felt when she heard the banging on her door was to use her aura to let it be thoroughly known what she thought of being awoken in the dead of night. But her rational thoughts caught up to her a moment later as her mind processed what might cause such a thing to even occur. And the words which followed confirmed it. ¡°The gate! It''s activating!¡± Not wanting to waste time, mistress Pristine wove illusions around her, creating clothes and giving her every impression of having been awake and ready all this time. Her visage essence lent itself very well to the task, after all. Only a minute after being woken up she appeared at the gates leading to the inner garden. Ivory, her current retainer, was already waiting for her. The inner disciple of the Wandering Wind sect looked a bit hesitant, as if in thought, and mistress Pristine snapped her fingers to get his attention. ¡°Retainer, open the door!¡± Ivory¡¯s gaze did linger on her a while longer, but he eventually did as asked. As the doors swung open, the darkness of night was bathed in light. They had all seen it pulse upward at regular intervals, gathering strength only to swiftly dim again as if discharging the gathered power. And as they stepped into the garden, mistress Pristine couldn¡¯t help but to be impressed. She had never seen anything exude such a feeling of power while simultaneously not even registering to her magical senses. It was as if the power itself melded with the world around it, forming a unified whole. The light was a contradiction as well, as its pale glow should be blinding in its strength yet remained pleasant to the eyes even to the bronze-ranked guards peeking in from the garden gates. Mistress Pristine turned back to them, barking a command. ¡°Well, what are you waiting for? Activate the array!¡± The two women eventually hurried to obey, rushing into the garden, where a ring of newly laid stones encircled the gate where it hovered. One of the guards used a keystone and a stack of spirit coins to activate the containment array, and a slightly shimmering gold barrier shaped like a half-dome sprung up around the jade-sky gate, whose glow had started up again. ¡°Whoever is inside will not find me unprepared,¡± mistress Pristine thought, her jaw clenched. When the gate had deposited remains of earlier trial-takers, there had been no glow such as this. Which most likely meant that whoever was inside had actually managed to pass the challenge. This would have a lot of consequences for the Pristine family, reaching both near and far into the future. And the family meant to extract ample compensation from whomever had dared to break into their compound and circumvent their stewardship, even self-imposed as it was. Then, the waiting began. It was well past midnight, the only light being the pulsing gate and the glow stones along the garden walls. Shadows played across the darkened gardens, and mistress Pristine couldn¡¯t help but feel as if myriad eyes were watching her from every nook and cranny. ¡°The tension must be getting to me,¡± she thought, before turning as she felt another aura enter the garden. ¡°It took you long enough, uncle,¡± she called to the other silver-ranker who came walking in while still working on tying his robes shut. Like all silver-rankers, he was muscular and well built, his dark hair combed back and impressive mustache well oiled. ¡°My apologies, mistress,¡± the older man said unrepentantly. ¡°There are certain activities which a man of culture must not let anyone interrupt. Besides, I still look to have made it in time!¡± The mistress of the house just rolled her eyes, not deigning to rebuke the man for his escapades. Not when the mystery of their saboteur was soon to be unraveled at last. And besides, having another silver-ranker present would do well for their position in the interrogation which would follow. Pristine Show of Prowess was a core-user like herself, and was, no matter what his name implied, not a fighter. At least not an experienced one. But it was still one other to their ranks. ¡°So, time to teach someone a lesson in provoking the Pristine family,¡± uncle Prowess said with a cocky grin as he conjured a pair of flaming gauntlets before crossing his arms; all for intimidation-factor of course. ¡°Who do you think it is?¡± ¡°We still have no clue,¡± she answered him, looking back to the gate. ¡°But it is safe to assume that it will be a silver-ranker. I can see no one else capable of infiltrating our defenses, and a gold would not have seen the need to. Besides, we know that the space within is too weak to create a gold-ranked challenge.¡± ¡°It has been a long time since my fists got to deliver some punishment,¡± uncle Prowess grinned, and mistress Pristine had to keep very hard from rolling her eyes at the boast. ¡°We have the barrier in place, uncle,¡± she replied instead. ¡°Just stand back and let me do the talking. That goes for both of you, retainer. I will-¡± While she spoke, the gate had charged up another of its bursts of light, which abruptly dimmed like those that came before. But this time, no new glow was accumulated. The gate was silent, and still. ¡°Be prepared,¡± mistress Pristine ordered, adjusting her illusory clothes to include some tasteful additions of armor. The tense wait continued for one minute, then two. Then ten. And twenty. Silver-rankers could be very patient, their ascended spirits adaptable. But when half an hour had passed and one of the guards was forced to feed the array another stack of spirit coins, the silence started to really grate on their nerves. A servant snuck in to deliver refreshments to her uncle, and the wind started to pick up slightly. ¡°What is taking so long?¡± mistress Pristine thought, not for the first time. ¡°Have we been mistaken?¡± But a minute later, something finally happened, Merchant be praised. One moment, there was nothing. And the next, a young man stepped out of the gate. There was no ripple or anything else heralding his arrival. He just walked out as if from nothing, stopping to take in the barrier that surrounded him and the group of three silver-rankers and five bronze-ranked guards waiting for him. Mistress Pristine took in his appearance and noted that he must be an adventurer. He wore a motley mix of equipment with his pale teal armor, a strange off-white cloak and a wide-brimmed conical hat which was hanging against his back in its straps. He was young, not more than a few years above twenty, blue eyes flecked with gold taking in the people awaiting him. The oddest thing about his features were the tattoos that stood out against his skin, seeming to emerge from somewhere beneath his armor. Several lines of a kind of weird gray traveled up the young man¡¯s throat, two of them tracing his jawline before rounding the rest of his face and coming together in the middle of his forehead. The rest seemed to converge somewhere behind his head. ¡°Those markings sure stand out,¡± mistress Pristine thought, but quickly moved on from the tattoos and to the most important part, which brought both great relief and gave rise to a lot of new questions; the young man was bronze rank. The very peak of bronze, but bronze nonetheless. It was also the bronze-ranker that was the first to speak, although it was more a murmur which mistress Pristine would not have caught if not for her silver-ranked senses. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if the heavens are this fickle, or if I am destined to always have a welcoming-committee? Fortune, I will do my utmost to weather this trial as well.¡± Uncle Prowess seemed to have heard him as well, lashing out with his aura like a whip towards the young man as he snapped; ¡°Silence, bronze. You stand before Pristine Flower of Eternal Youth, mistress of the Pristine family, and you will speak when asked a question. Answering each and every one will only be the first of many, many steps you will have to undertake to even begin to atone for your crimes.¡± The silver-rankers were surprised when the young man didn¡¯t seem overly affected by the lashing aura. His own was a strange contrast; like a bastion which seemed to erode the sharp edges of the world around it. ¡°I greet the mistress of the Pristine family,¡± the young man responded, giving a polite bow, albeit one that was the bare minimum of propriety. This further angered uncle Prowess, but the man continued. ¡°However, I fail to see any crimes which I might have committed. Passing through your complex was necessary in order to access the queen¡¯s trial, after all. A trial which her decree has declared open to any and all who bear her token.¡± ¡°Alas if just anyone would be worthy of the queen¡¯s gifts, we would gladly relinquish our charge,¡± mistress Pristine said, stepping in before her uncle¡¯s rage might derail the conversation. Besides, it was best to offer a contrast to the furious man with the burning gauntlets, so she adjusted her illusions to thoroughly convey her stoic acceptance and righteous concern. ¡°But such is not the world, and we have taken it upon ourselves to properly judge those seeking her legacy. A charge which you seemed to have ignored, trampling all over our family¡¯s honor. While it pains me, I agree with my uncle¡¯s words; the karma between us is well and truly unbalanced by your actions.¡± ¡°Believe me when I say that I have it on very good authority that the Queen of Jade and Sky¡¯s servitors would be most displeased with your actions here,¡± the man countered, showing no deference. ¡°Have you not heard what happened to the Victorious Sunset sect when its members interfered?¡± This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. ¡°Bah, baseless rumors. No truly civilized person would take heed of prattle from a backwater such as the Autumn lands,¡± uncle Prowess snorted. ¡°While we will need to go to great lengths to determine your reparations, we will begin with questions,¡± mistress Pristine said, taking back the reins of the conversation. ¡°And the first one is simple; who is your sponsor? Which of the families aim to undercut us through such low and dishonorable means?¡± ¡°While I am quite sure that you would wish for answers to your questions, mistress, I see little reason to entertain you. No matter what reasons you spout, I am well within my rights to be here. And me just stepping back out through this gate should give you a hint about me being worthy or not.¡± Inwardly, mistress Pristine frowned at the discourtesy, but even more at the pensive look on retainer Ivory¡¯s face. Then, her uncle spoke again, the lack of respect too much to let slide. ¡°You are nothing but invading vermin, bronze,¡± he shouted, putting extra emphasis on the rank. ¡°Had this barrier not been between us, I would have struck you down for your insolence here and now.¡± ¡°But as things are-¡± mistress Pristine interjected, ¡°- this interloper will stay here until we are satisfied with the answers he is giving us. Only then will we move on to the further reparations needed-¡± ¡°I believe that you are once again mistaken, mistress,¡± the man said politely, albeit with a bit of steel in his voice. He even dared to interrupt her. ¡°This barrier will not be up for long, of that we can be sure.¡± ¡°Young man, if you believe that a mere bronze-ranker can hope to break through our formations, I will ask you to reconsider-¡± ¡°And yet I am sure,¡± the adventurer interrupted again. Uncle Prowess felt like he was about to explode into another outburst, and mistress Pristine had to admit that the defiance was proving more and more annoying. ¡°But as we seem to be at a diplomatic impasse, let us see if you are as devout to the queen¡¯s decrees as you seem to falsely proclaim.¡± ¡°You dare-¡± ¡°I, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, also known as Pathbreaker, challenge any one of you to a clash of paths. When I defeat your chosen, you will let me leave in peace and not hinder my departure in any way.¡± His statement was met with stunned silence at first, none present seeming to believe their ears as the bronze-ranker issued such an open challenge in the face of three silver-rankers. Mistress Pristine did not like the pensive look on retainer Ivory¡¯s face, and was just about to speak when her uncle once more couldn¡¯t hold back. ¡°The squeals of a caged rat fall only on deaf ears, boy! Your challenge means nothing when you are already our prisoner!¡± The young man did not answer, but his slight smile had mistress Pristine suspect that he knew something. She was just turning to send a glare towards her uncle when something indeed did happen. Out of nowhere, the gate flashed again and a barrier sprang up around the circular construct. Then, it started to ascend. The motion began slowly and had not sped up overly much when it reached the barrier of the containment array, but the golden half-dome still burst like a frozen bubble of water hit by a sledgehammer. The young man met her eyes through the dissipating shards of golden magic, not even looking behind him at the sudden development as he repeated; ¡°My challenge stands. Will the Pristine family answer, or will you prove to be as honorless as everyone knows you to be at heart?¡± All of the bronze-ranked guards around him seemed frozen in indecision, and mistress Pristine could feel the hesitation and doubt in their auras. ¡°In hindsight, it would have been best to bring as few witnesses as possible,¡± she inwardly lamented, the guards present making some less palatable avenues unlikely to remain a secret. So instead she answered quickly in order to forestall further words from her uncle. ¡°You keep questioning our honor, bronze, but your words will soon enough be proven to be just those of a criminal venting his frustrations into the wind. As you challenged any one of us present, I will name our retainer here as our champion. You will face Whistling Ivory, inner disciple of the Wandering Winds sect. He is a man of honor, who has properly strived to prove his worthiness to challenge the queen¡¯s gate rather than skulk in the shadows to steal opportunities that were not his to even touch.¡± The young man looked to Ivory, who had taken a step forward, although the disciple¡¯s bearing still remained neutral. ¡°I see,¡± the interloper noted. ¡°Do you wish to stand as their champion?¡± The question was directed towards Ivory, the fair-haired warrior meeting the bronze-ranker¡¯s gaze. ¡°I am afraid that honor demands it,¡± he noted, doing little to hide his reluctance. Mistress Pristine would make sure to properly evaluate his conduct after this was all dealt with. ¡°That would indeed be very dedicated of you,¡± the bronze-ranker noted, his tone remaining polite. ¡°But will you truly do so even after the gate, which I assume was your sole reason for remaining in the service of the Pristine family, has just returned to the queen?¡± His comment once more had all three of the silver-rankers freeze, albeit for different reasons. ¡°Curse it, I lost the momentum,¡± mistress Pristine inwardly swore. She had hoped to continue driving the conversation forward to gloss over this fact for just a little bit longer by keeping it all centered around bronze-ranker. It had always been clear that Ivory would leave if the opportunity was truly lost, and she had hoped to extract a final ounce of service from the man, who seemed to have more honor than wits. But as she saw the look on Ivory¡¯s face, she knew that his use as her tool was now well and truly gone. The younger man turned to her, keeping a neutral facade even if she could sense his elation and frustration warring inside him at the reminder. ¡°This man speaks the truth, mistress Pristine. With the completion of the challenge and the gate¡¯s departure, our agreement is null and void. I regret to inform you that I will not stand as your champion.¡± ¡°I see¡­¡± she began, projecting as much mournful disappointment as she could through manipulating her exterior. ¡°I would have hoped for you to at least show some modicum of benevolence in the face of this travesty, but I will assume that the Wandering Wind sect has simply sunken beneath such ideals as of late.¡± It was a desperate gamble, and she knew it. And Fortune seemed to have decided to curse her that moment, because it failed. ¡°Mistress Pristine, I would suggest that your family would refrain from casting aspersions on my sect, or you will find me in line to challenge any of you soon enough,¡± Ivory spoke, calm voice seeming to hide a storm just beneath the surface. ¡°It speaks well of you, Whistling Ivory, that you retain your self-control even after being used like this,¡± the bronze-ranker said, giving a nod of respect to the inner disciple. ¡°I will even offer you some reparations of my own in exchange for a favor. Remain here for the duration of the clash and escort me out of this compound. In exchange, I will tell you some things about the jade-sky gates which you might find helpful. Us trial-takers must look out for one another, no?¡± Ivory regarded the younger man in silence for a while before giving his reply, with mistress Pristine using her aura to keep uncle Prowess from venting his growing frustrations then and there. ¡°Pathbreaker, was it?¡± ¡°That is what they named me, but Kite will do just fine.¡± ¡°An ambitious name,¡± Ivory noted. ¡°I was surprised that you did not ask me to fight in your stead.¡± ¡°There should be no need. I believe that my path is up to the task.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Ivory said, nodding. ¡°And you would truly share information about your trial?¡± ¡°I swear it, on my name and my path.¡± ¡°In that case, we have reached an accord. I will admit that I am curious to witness what will come of this.¡± Ivory¡¯s smile had only grown during the exchange, and he nodded again to the pair of Pristine family silver-rankers. ¡°Mistress. Master. I will step aside now, as I believe that you still have a challenge to answer.¡± With that, he took a simple step, gliding through the air to lean against a nearby tree with his arms crossed, eyes watching expectantly. ¡°My challenge stands, Pristines,¡± the bronze-ranker repeated. ¡°Choose now, or let me leave in peace.¡± Mistress Pristine pretended to consider his words while she was inwardly thinking a lot wider in scope. ¡°He is too confident. What does he know? He still hasn¡¯t answered the question of backing either. Should we just let him go and cut our losses? But when this is found out, the loss to our reputation will be significant¡­¡± However, her thoughts were interrupted as uncle Prowess took it upon himself to make that choice. ¡°Bah, I tire of this charade. We don¡¯t need any outsiders to defend our own family¡¯s honor!¡± ¡°Uncle-¡± mistress Pristine began, to no avail. ¡°I, Pristine Show of Prowess, accept your challenge. When I crush you, you will answer each and every one of our questions, as well as serve us as a retainer for the upcoming decade to make reparations for the damage you have caused us!¡± ¡°Quite the lopsided terms,¡± the bronze ranker noted, giving a rueful shake of his head. ¡°But I will admit that I expected no less. I accept your terms.¡± While speaking, the young man stepped forward. Uncle Prowess did as well, flaming gauntlets smoldering as his familiar manifested out from his body. It was a flaming lantern, which mistress Pristine knew would support her uncle through flaming projectiles as he fought. ¡°It has been too long since I got to pummel some insolent whelps into submission, boy,¡± the older man noted, thumping his fists together which sent sparks billowing outwards. ¡°I hope you will excuse me for not sharing the sentiment, master Pristine,¡± the bronze-ranker replied politely. ¡°Because it has not been overly long since I fought something a lot more dangerous than you.¡± ¡°With the way you are courting death, boy, you will have to properly thank Fortune that we want you alive and talking,¡± uncle Prowess snarled. ¡°Ivory, officiate this. And bear witness.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± the inner disciple nodded, his eyes not leaving the bronze-ranker. ¡°Then by the grace of the queen, I declare this clash of paths as valid. The weaker party has issued the challenge and set the terms, and no aspersions will be cast upon the Pristine family to answer with someone of higher rank. Pristine Show of Prowess, are you ready?¡± ¡°I am,¡± the older man said, the flames of his gauntlets intensifying.¡± ¡°Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, are you ready?¡± ¡°I am,¡± the younger man replied, adding; ¡°And I will admit that I look forward to testing out the next step of my path.¡± At his words, three dark vortices appeared around the bronze-ranker; one over each shoulder and the last above his head. And those weird tattoos of his started glowing as well, a glow which mistress Pristine realized that she recognized. ¡°It looks just like the glow emitted by the gate,¡± she realized, finally recognizing the oddness of the color; it was as if the otherworldly metal of the gate had been inlaid into the bronze-ranker¡¯s skin. ¡°Is that something caused by the gate? Or made by it? What will it do?¡± While she tried making her predictions, a staff dropped into his hands as the bronze-ranker assumed a combat stance. The weapon was clearly not a caster¡¯s implement, but one of combat even though its circular head and chiming rings gave it a ritualistic feel. It too seemed to be made of the same material as the gate itself. ¡°Begin!¡± Ivory called from the sidelines, a pulse of aura sending both combatants into motion.
¡°Oh! Ooooooooooooooooh! That¡¯s new~!¡± one of Wander¡¯s bodies squeaked excitedly where it sat on Braid¡¯s shoulders outside the Pristine family¡¯s compound. ¡°Well, out with it, Wander. When you called me over here, I thought that Kite was about to emerge and needed our help. Instead, I have been standing here for close to an hour and I know about as little as I did upon arriving,¡± the weaver complained. ¡°Oh, yes, sorry. I thought so too. That he would need our help right away, that is. But so far, he¡¯s doing pretty great~.¡± ¡°I believe that I am due a little more information than that.¡± ¡°Well, you see, there was a containment array and three silver-rankers-¡± ¡°Three?!¡± ¡°Yes, yes, three. So I thought that there¡¯d be a problem and went for you. But Kite went out and was all nice and polite while telling them that they were immoral hypocrites. They didn¡¯t like that, but then he was all like ¡®I challenge you, honorless scum!¡¯, and they were like ¡®You can¡¯t do that, you¡¯re stuck in our array¡¯. But you should have seen it, Braid! Kite acted all calm and controlled and went ¡®Am I really?¡¯ after which the gate activated and just flew off, blasting their array to kingdom come! So they got back to the thing with the challenge where the Pristine tried sending their little minion to fight Kite, some inner disciple of some wind sect~¡± ¡°The Wandering Wind sect?¡± ¡°Yes, that was the one. But Kite was like ¡®The gate is gone, they don¡¯t own you anymore. Help me instead and I will tell you its secrets while naked in bed~.¡¯ ¡° ¡°Kite did not say that.¡± ¡°Well, no, but he should have. They would be so cute together. But he did say the thing about the secrets, which the disciple agreed to, and now Kite is fighting another of the silvers in a clash for his very freedom~!¡± Braid let the silence hang between them for a dozen seconds, clearly expecting something. ¡°What? That is what happened~,¡± Wander eventually squeaked. ¡°And you don¡¯t think that Kite fighting a silver-ranker in single combat is a good reason for intervening?¡± ¡°Well, he seems to be totally thrashing that old man. Which is suuuuuper satisfying, as the guy seems to be a bit of a lecher. And besides, he is a core-user that seems to really like bragging about his combat skills more than actually practicing them. Kite, on the other hand¡­ Kite really seems to have practiced. And you should see the new things he¡¯s doing! But don¡¯t worry Braid! I¡¯m keeping an eye on it. Hundreds of them, in fact. I¡¯ll tell you if something goes wrong~.¡± ¡°I¡­ see¡­¡± Braid said, absorbing the statement. The pair remained silent for a while longer before he murmured; ¡°Curses, now I want to see it too.¡± 132. Sage Asura At that moment, his aura clashing with that of his opponent as sparks and cinders burst out into the garden as they were born from violent collisions, Kite had to allow himself a moment of smug satisfaction, feeling both elation and a bit of pride. First of all, he was pleased that his judgment had been correct; neither of the two core-using silver-rankers seemed to be too much of a fighter. Much like mistress Withers, who he had fought during his stay in Bastion, Pristine Show of Prowess lacked the flow that Kite had come to expect from decently experienced essence users. The older man, his mouth curled in a snarl beneath his impressively pointy black mustache, fought much like a brawler. The punches he delivered with his flaming gauntlets were no doubt powerful, and the bolts of fire from his floating lantern were plentiful. But they all felt surprisingly predictable to Kite, and with each moment of their clash, the silver-ranker¡¯s advantage lessened as the effects of rank disparity were equalized. And unlike the time when Kite had fought the mistress of the Withers family, he was a lot closer to silver. There was still a notable difference in raw power, but this time it seemed like skill and experience was easily able to close that gap. And secondly, Kite was very much enjoying his latest, permanent addition to his arsenal, wrought from the final forging to become what the officiator deemed would complement Kite¡¯s path, channeled through the concepts he himself had chosen. He struck out with his staff again, but this time the blow was accompanied by another as Carmine Sunrise was also drawn from Kite void sheath, the blows simultaneously striking high and low at the same time to further put the silver-ranker on the defensive. The blade had been drawn and swung by a pair of spectral arms which had manifested upon the start of the clash. Each of the phantom limbs hovered behind Kite¡¯s back, seemingly disconnected, but as one traced their fading forms it was clear that they would have sprung from their wielder, acting as additional limbs rather than flying constructs. The appendages were the same odd gray of Kite¡¯s new tattoos, clearly connected to the glowing light of the markings, and looked like well-sculpted, partially transparent humanoid arms with armored bracers covering the forearms, the ends of their fingers trailing off into strands like wispy smoke. And while they looked spectral, their impact on the world was anything but ethereal. ¡°Lend a hand, indeed¡­¡± Kite thought wryly, the officiator¡¯s final words echoing back to him. He had not expected that his prize from the jade-sky gate would come in this particular form, but Kite was not in any way disappointed.
WWJS: [Item] Prescient Mantle of the Sage Asura Magical tattoo Bronze rank - [Growth] Legendary Soulbound The Sage Asura sees all, each of its myriad arms reaching out to change fate. Through the forging, let its mantle be bestowed to the one whose path might one day do the same. [Effect] For an ongoing mana cost, manifest a set of spiritual arms at will. These arms may draw weapons from the wearer''s dimensional spaces, and are freely controlled by the wearer. The manifested arms may also use the wearer''s special attacks. Attacks delivered through the arms deal slightly reduced damage, but each set of arms has their own cooldown for said special attack. Destroyed arms may be manifested anew for a cost of moderate mana. [Effect] Gain increased cognitive processing speed and capacity for simultaneous action. Once infused into the wearer and bound to their soul, this item cannot be removed or unfused. No other magical tattoos may be added to the wearer, but this item will persist across ranks and can be upgraded like any growth item through absorbing the right materials.
¡°You brat!¡± the silver-ranked man swore, not for the first time during their engagement. His mounting frustrations were made clear as he leapt back, unleashing another gout of flames from an outstretched hand while his lantern familiar sent a new flurry of fire bolts towards Kite¡¯s side from a rather transparent attempt to flank. Heavenglass Protector appeared on one of the spectral arms, projecting its glass barrier to keep the man¡¯s jet of fire at bay, with the barrier of Heaven-and-Void warding appearing to intercept the volley of projectiles from the familiar. At the same time, Kite swung his staff once more while the other hand drew Carmine Sunrise, both of the attacks projected towards the floating familiar. Twin Chakra Implosions and Disrupting Strikes impacted the flaming lantern a split second later, draining mana while dealing both disrupting force damage and a bit of transcendent damage after the lantern¡¯s lone boon was extinguished. As this was not the first hit the familiar sustained, the concerted effort finally broke apart the flying spirit. Spinning in place, Kite relinquished his shield to instead swing both weapons toward his foe, who had leapt towards him with a furious shout upon the sundering of the familiar¡¯s physical form. The Pristine elder - at least that was what Kite assumed the man¡¯s title to be - was forced to abort the leaping attack, turning into a wisp of flame at the last moment. While Kite¡¯s three vortices were hindering him from teleporting as part of the skill, it still allowed him to escape being hit by more than a grazing blow, the strike flashing blue as more mana was drained. The elder did falter slightly as the stun of Chakra Implosion took effect, leaving less power in the downward, double-handed strike he attempted upon resuming his physical form. The strike met Kite¡¯s raised staff, the odd metal barely shuddering even as the ground beneath Kite cracked and splintered from the redirected force. Even so, his spectral arms were already moving, once more drawing Carmine Sunrise from the void to slash at the elder¡¯s now very exposed midriff. Kite let the attack impact the physical, Void-Sunder¡¯s-Firmament tearing deep gouges in both the man¡¯s fine robes and the body beneath. A moment later, the rending detonation from within drew a pained gasp from elder Pristine as he stumbled back. ¡°Yield, and let me leave in peace. Your surrender will only mean less trouble for you down the line,¡± Kite said, spectral arms disappearing as he spoke even if they remained ready to return at a moment¡¯s notice. ¡°Bah, as if I would need to do so for a brat like you, a mere bronze! My pride would never allow it. I will give this my all, boy! You will regret the day you crossed the Pristine family!¡± ¡°From the way this is going, I believe that your struggles will only lead to further injury to your precious pride,¡± Kite remarked, spectral arms appearing a moment later as the silver-ranker came at him again. Inwardly, he once more marveled at the clarity with which he now took in the world, which had almost been a little disorienting at first once the final forging had been complete. While they were manifested, the use of the phantom limbs was instinctual and natural, and the added mental prowess helped to keep them all coordinated. Even so, Kite was still glad that he had taken an hour before exiting the gate to get used to actually moving the arms around, performing some basic maneuvers and katas to see if he could manage without getting weapons tangled up in one another. As he once more clashed with elder Pristine, Kite felt like he could do so much more. Combined with his equipment and other powers, he felt like his presence was doubled as the extra set of arms lent so much flexibility. And as they could also use his special attacks with cooldowns separate from his own, the effects were already showing staggering flexibility even though it had been a mere hour since he acquired them. ¡°Just imagine the potential of this¡­,¡± Kite marveled as he went on the offensive, his barriers blocking a forceful swing while while he countered with his staff and his war fan appeared in a spectral hand to intercept a fiery projectile which the older man had sent flying towards Kite in a wide arc. There was a downside to it all though, as just having the arms manifested took a noticeable toll on Kite¡¯s mana, and that was before taking into account that he could effectively deliver double the amount of special attacks against his target. To most other fighters, the arms would have become something akin to a berserking power; a potent way to increase your offense for a time. But to Kite, with his mana-draining attacks and the three vortices, its duration could be a lot longer. While he wasn¡¯t entirely sure, he believed that if he continued to land his attacks with Chakra Implosion continuously enough and did not use any of his other mana-sinks or had his mana otherwise impaired, duration would rarely even be an issue. Performing more actions at the same time, be they to attack his foe or aid his allies, would let Kite become so much more. He had hoped for potential, and the Queen¡¯s trial sure had delivered. Kite continued clashing with his foe in the dead of night, lit only by the nearby glow stones and witnessed by the mistress and guards of the Pristine family, Whistling Ivory of the Wandering Winds sect and, Kite assumed, the manifold eyes of Wander. And as the indignant protests of the older man became fewer and further apart, the likely victory passed into the realm of certainty. ¡°Be judged beneath the Efreet''s throne!¡± Flames rose from elder Pristine, rising upward to assume the shape of a grand throne where a vague, fiery silhouette stared down with eyes ablaze. ¡°You little mongrel, forcing me to go all out. But this-¡± ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power.¡± Kite¡¯s dispelling wave washed over the garden. Whatever flaming judgment that had been on its way was torn apart, but everyone present was taken aback by another, sudden shriek. As the wave did no damage, Kite had not been too particular of the direction in which he had aimed the Ripple of Cancellation. But as the wave had washed over the onlookers, he was a bit dumbfounded as it also seemed to sweep away the clothes of mistress Pristine. Like smoke caught in a sudden gust, the fine attire dissolved into nothing. The mistress shrieked in surprise and outrage, throwing the onlookers into chaos as she used her considerable speed to try and simultaneously conjure new illusory garments while trying to rip the cloak from a nearby guard to preserve her already lost modesty. It did not help the situation that Kite¡¯s dispelling wave kept her from instantly reactivating the power. As one might expect, this did not improve the already irate mood of Kite¡¯s opponent, who turned to him with eyes promising absolute murder. ¡°You¡­ you scoundrel! I will not forgive this!¡± He dove at Kite, but was almost directly put back on the defensive as he was met by the strike of a staff and a slashing sword while his blow was harmlessly deflected on a conjured barrier. Then two attacks came his way, then three more as each of the spectral hands drew individual weapons to tear into the elder. In Kite¡¯s magical perception, he saw the elder attempt to channel a burst of mana to one of his flaming gauntlets, as if he was looking to overload the magical construct to deliver a potent attack. But the buildup suddenly stopped, like a river which had run dry in an instant. Pristine Show of Prowess seemed quite bewildered at his faltering spirit, which was not too odd as the Veiled One¡¯s Decree had long since scrambled his internal senses. Therefore, the clash in the Pristine¡¯s garden ended with a look of focused consternation turning into surprise as the older man tried to unleash another kind of costly special attack, only for it to consume the absolute dregs of his remaining mana. ¡°Wha- Why- You-¡± he managed to groan before his eyes rolled back, unconsciousness claiming him. ¡°And I believe that this concludes the clash, with Kite as the victor,¡± Ivory said from where he leaned against the wall, politely not looking at the mistress of the house who was busy tying a guard¡¯s cloak around herself. Mistress Pristine seemed as if she would very dearly have wanted to do something more in this situation, but it also seemed that she was wise enough to know that she and her five bronze-ranked guards would not make much of a difference to Kite and the ally he had gained in Ivory through their deal. ¡°Well, mistress Pristine,¡± Kite said, giving a polite bow. ¡°I believe that this concludes our business together. As agreed, I will now take my leave. May our paths not cross again.¡± ¡°The Pristine family will abide by the terms of the clash,¡± the woman answered him stiffly, eyes blazing with indignant fury as she was finally able to start to reconstruct her personal illusions. ¡°But I will also note that our memory is equal to our name. Certain things will not be forgotten, and there are members of the family who will not suffer insults such as these lightly. Members with true power.¡± Kite was about to retort when he noticed something through his expanded vision, the sharper words replaced with a smile. ¡°Oh, I believe that there might be a reason to eventually bury this particular incident.¡± At his words, a lone rat came scurrying out of the shadows. It moved faster than anyone might have expected, scurrying up his legs and perching on his shoulder. Wander handed Kite the source of the gleam which he had noticed; a recording crystal. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°It would seem that my friend made sure to record all of this for posterity. I wonder just how much she¡¯s got in here.¡± ¡°Oh, Kite, you should see it! There are soooooo many naked people. And a few very interesting discussions~,¡± Wander began, before seeming to remember something. Perched on its hind legs, it turned to mistress Pristine, who had frozen at seeing the crystal and heard the implications. Wander¡¯s body bowed deep as she continued; ¡°I almost forgot to thank the Pristine family for its hospitality. The sweetmeats were especially splendid~.¡± Her little squeaking voice was surprisingly formal, but Kite thought that it might also have helped that she chose to unveil her aura at that time as everyone in the garden was suddenly very aware of the rats surrounding them which they had previously overlooked. ¡°Do you know the way out?¡± Kite asked her, getting an affirming squeak in response. ¡°Then, inner disciple, I believe that it is time for us to take our leave. Farewell, mistress Pristine,¡± Kite said, turning around and departing before the head of the local Pristine family branch could unscramble her mind from the recent revelations. Inner disciple Ivory appeared at Kite¡¯s side a moment later, accompanied by a surge of wind which had allowed him to cross the distance in a single step. He fell in step with the younger man, stopping only once to bow with the bare modicum of politeness to the mistress of the house before shutting the doors to the garden behind him. ¡°Well, junior brother, it would seem that I owe you a debt of sorts,¡± Ivory eventually said when they had put some distance between themselves and the garden which had housed the jade-sky gate for so long. Unsurprisingly, the former retainer knew the compound well, and Wander barely had to give any instructions. ¡°These last two and a half months have been a study in patience. Had the Pristine family not had such political connections, I may have considered challenging them myself for the humiliation they put me through. Seeing their faces and you actually striking down one of their elders a rank above you, even if he was a core-user, will be a memory which I treasure to the end of my days. And that whole thing with the mistress of the house¡­¡± ¡°Thank you, senior brother,¡± Kite said, following the silver-ranker¡¯s example in using the informal title. ¡°I must admit that I was worried that you might see it the other way, claiming fell karma between us for the opportunity that I cost you, at least in a sense.¡± He ignored the comment about the unexpected dispelling. The whole thing felt just a bit too embarrassing. ¡°You need not worry. I respect the queen¡¯s decree in that the gates should be open to anyone with the prowess to possess a token. While most only view them as a keepsake, there are still some of us who are grateful for the opportunity which the queen left for us. Even in spite of the dangers.¡± ¡°Oh I can confirm that the dangers are very real,¡± Kite said. ¡°And that they are something which we should discuss in a more¡­ private setting,¡± he finished, nodding to the compound around them. While the two of them could probably sense any person nearby, Kite still wished to be out of there as soon as possible. ¡°Of course, of course,¡± Ivory agreed. He then directed his gaze more firmly at Wander, one of her rat bodies still seated atop Kite¡¯s shoulders. ¡°And you, honored expert, were you meant to bring our young conqueror out of here if his own means failed?¡± ¡°Oooooh, ¡®honored expert¡¯! I like the sound of that. It sounds so professional! Kite, I like this one~! And yes, I was meant to help bring Kite out in case things turned sour, but he solved it splendidly on his own. Great new arms, Kite, by the way! It¡¯s great to hear that I didn¡¯t snoop around this place for three months for something minor.¡± ¡°I will be ever in your debt for the assistance, Wander,¡± Kite said, the rat preening with pride. ¡°And I will admit that I am a bit apprehensive as to what this ¡®favor¡¯ which I now owe you will prove to be.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it! I just felt like you didn¡¯t have too much I needed at the moment, and are the type of guy who I¡¯d like owing me a favor~. Oh, don¡¯t look so scared, Kite! You¡¯re a friend! I promise I¡¯ll be gentle¡­~¡± Ivory came to Kite¡¯s rescue at that moment, his brow having gradually creased while listening to the pair talking. ¡°Please excuse me, honored expert, but did you say that you have been here for three months? In a nearby village then? Or in Orchard maybe-¡± ¡°Oh, no no no. Here! I made myself a nice little burrow beneath the gate. You know, you shouldn¡¯t underestimate a good burrow. They really get the job done with that whole sense of security. And then I spent my day enjoying the hospitality of the Pristine¡¯s while doing what I do best.¡± ¡°Which is?¡± Ivory asked, seeming to dread the answer. ¡°Well, spying on people, of course. Some people call it peeping, but it¡¯s not my fault that so many just waltz around naked or do other naughty things without even properly checking their surroundings. As they say, you never know who might be watching~!¡± ¡°But- but I lived here for over two months. And I am a silver as well. You mean to say-¡± ¡°Yep! But don¡¯t be too hard on yourself. I am very sneaky. And I try not to peak tooooo much on the people that seem nice. Did you know that one of the bronze-ranked guards - you know the one who wore a flower in her hair every time she thought that she¡¯d be around you - totally has a crush on you? And, I mean, a girl can understand. You sure do not skip your physical training, and the whole ¡®training shirtless in one of the gardens among the early summer flowers¡¯ really works for you~.¡±
¡°Braid!¡± Kite couldn¡¯t help the exclamation upon seeing the weaver waiting for them close to the gates of the compound. The departure had been a quiet one, but it was still a relief when the group stepped out into the open fields surrounding the Pristine family compound. ¡°Braid, this is-¡± ¡°Whistling Ivory,¡± the other man filled in, giving a polite bow. ¡°Our dear Wander here has already filled me in. I am Braid Spun from Honesty, but Braid will do nicely.¡± ¡°Another expert?¡± Ivory asked Kite after greeting the weaver. ¡°Your backing must be deep! But I don¡¯t recognize your family name?¡± ¡°Apologies, senior brother, but I have none.¡± ¡°Then which sect are you all from? I know that certain activities may call for not displaying the sect colors.¡± ¡°Once again, apologies senior brother, but we have none.¡± ¡°So you, an outcast, have just conquered the queen¡¯s gate, and have a pair of silver-ranked experts assisting you?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! We are the fondest of companions~!¡± Wander chimed in, leaning casually against Kite¡¯s head. ¡°And besides, this is Kite¡¯s second time. He¡¯s an old hand at these gates now~!¡± ¡°Second? Junior brother, is this true?!¡± ¡°It is, but as I said it will best be discussed in a more comfortable setting,¡± Kite replied, keeping his voice down. ¡°Kite is right. Wander, gather yourself. It is time to go!¡± ¡°You got it, Braid!¡± A few more rats exited through the open gates. Then more. And more. And more. They started coming from the compound, burrowing out from the ground, running in from the fields or simply leaping down from the walls in a brown tide. Hundreds of them. Well over a thousand. Some started merging together, and the swarm gradually shrunk until the number of rats surrounding the group like a wide scouting screen were a lot less mind-boggling. The group started down the road, their passage lit only by the moon above. Ivory had been thoroughly silenced by Wander¡¯s words, and seemed content with taking in the group and casting the occasional assessing glare towards Kite as they walked. ¡°It is a rather odd sensation,¡± Kite reflected aloud after they had covered a few kilometers. ¡°When I entered the gate, spring had just rolled in. And as I emerge, summer has taken its place.¡± ¡°You sure were in there for a long time, Kite. Almost thought that we¡¯d have to come in and drag you out. Was it only sunshine and rainbows in there which kept you? A snug little vacation?¡± ¡°All in due time, Wander, all in due time,¡± Braid broke in, saving Kite from having to once more remind his friend that they should cover a bit more distance before speaking of the details. ¡°As things happen, we should reach our agreed-upon meeting place with Walker in a few hours at most, especially if Kite would not mind riding Glint for a while so that we can keep up the pace?¡± ¡°Oh, you¡¯re right. Sorry,¡± Kite said, a bit abashed as he realized that his walking probably slowed them all down considerably. He had just been a bit lost in the pleasant sensation of being among people again. The carp was more than happy to oblige, and soon the grassy plains dotted with plantations and orchards were zooming by at a blistering pace. Kite rode on Glint¡¯s back, the carp¡¯s pink scales glittering in the early dawn light. Braid had produced nothing less than a flying carpet on which he rode with Wander, who had assumed her human form so as to not overload the woven construct. It turned out that Ivory was the only one of them who needed no mount, easily keeping pace as he flew alongside them. After the wing essence, the wind essence was one of the most common sources of flight powers, after all. ¡°Wow, this sure looks like a nice place! Good choice! A little remote, sure, but still~!¡± Wander exclaimed as their destination finally came within view; a picturesque orchard of fruit trees with an accompanying small complex of houses. In the early morning light, the summer breeze warm against their skin and carrying the scents of the trees¡¯ flowers to them, it almost looked too idyllic to be true. ¡°I did ask Braid for something remote, and I will admit that you have exceeded my estimations,¡± Kite said honestly. ¡°How did you even find this place?¡± ¡°A man of class knows how to find just the right place. I¡¯ll have you know that this place produces both fine beverages and very nice bronze-rank silk, and they were more than happy to rent their guest house to us,¡± Braid said proudly. ¡°Pardon me, junior brother Kite, but why did you feel the need for such secrecy? Conquering one of the queen¡¯s gates should be a great source of pride, no? Surely, any sect in the area would have been pleased to host you,¡± Ivory asked curiously. The inner disciple had not protested the trip even once, unconcerned with the detour, but apparently did not understand the need for it. Kite glanced a bit awkwardly at his companions, before he ventured; ¡°Ah¡­ I have a bit of a¡­ contentious¡­ history with sects and the gates. While I do not wish to cast aspersions on the Wandering Winds sect, my experience does not make me inclined to view them as sources of shelter. As most adventurers are part of one, this also made me choose not to go to the city looking for a portal courier, as I did not know what kind of alliances that the Pristine family might have.¡± ¡°I¡­ see. It sounds like you have plenty of stories to tell then, junior,¡± Ivory replied, clearly not understanding what might create such hesitations. ¡°Is this the location where you will portal out instead?¡± ¡°Not quite, but it is where we agreed to meet up with my uncle who will help us return north. Lacking access to water link chambers made us have to go with a more old-fashioned alternative.¡± ¡°Which is just agreeing on a place and waiting around until the other party shows up~,¡± Wander added helpfully.
As it turned out, Braid had not just rented them the guest house of the plantation, but had actually made a significant investment into the business. From the way the local family, who was led by a bronze-ranked woman, almost stumbled over themselves to express their gratitude to the weaver, Kite felt no worry in regards to their choice of meeting spot. ¡°Ah, excellent as ever,¡± Braid said after taking a sip from a mug of the local brew; a cider made from a blend of fruits that was the local family secret. While Kite had expected to maybe catch a glimpse of the man¡¯s face as he drank, it turned out that Braid had continued to add enchantments to the cloth covering every inch of his body. He just lifted his glass and drank through the cloth mask, leaving no stains on the fabric. ¡°The privacy formations are in place, Kite, so feel free to tell us as much or as little as you want of your adventures.¡± The group had settled down on a veranda in the early day shade, each occupying their own set of pillows around the low table. Kite looked to Ivory, the blonde warrior regarding him with clear anticipation. So far, the man had seemed straightforward enough, but Kite still wanted to give voice to his concerns. ¡°Senior brother, I hope you will forgive me for asking, but would you mind to promise not to divulge the details about me in this story? I did offer some of the secrets of the gates to you, but will admit that I am reluctant to divulge my own as well.¡± The man had already seen him fight, but there was only so much which could be deduced from that. ¡°It is no trouble, junior brother Kite. A warrior should be entitled to keep parts of their path to themselves. For what it is worth, you have my word as an inner disciple of the Wandering Winds sect,¡± Ivory said solemnly, laying his aura plain for Kite to sense as he spoke. While words were only just that in the face of greed and auras could be manipulated for those truly skilled, Kite still chose to follow his gut feeling about the man¡¯s sincerity. It did help that there was a rat perched on a railing behind the disciple who gave a pair of small thumbs up towards Kite. When you couldn¡¯t trust your own senses, bringing a friend with sharper ones felt like the way to go. So Kite started his telling of his adventures inside the gate, adding most of the information which he and Brook had inferred from the manuscripts that she had procured. He only left out the exact amount of treasures he had been able to gather and the nature of his prize at the end, only hinting that it was something which became bound to one¡¯s soul, useless to anyone else. Ivory asked many questions during the telling, while Wander mostly added dramatic ¡®ooooohs¡¯ and ¡®woooooaas¡¯ in the appropriate places. Braid seemed content to sip his drink and listen, giving off a contemplative feel even through his mask. ¡°- so while this is only my experience, each challenge being unique, I hope that it can help you in some way,¡± Kite finished, the final statement directed to Ivory who had gotten more silent and somber towards the end. The man answered by rising suddenly enough that one of Wander¡¯s bodies, who had idly been playing with his long, blonde hair, was thrown off with a squeak. Ivory then bowed to Kite at the waist, speaking while facing the ground. ¡°Junior brother Kite, this has been beyond what I expected in worth, and my meager contributions at the Pristine family estate does not come close to balancing out our karma. On my honor as a warrior of the Wandering Winds sect, I cannot let this stand. Please tell me what I may do, be it recompense or service, for me to sever the karma between us.¡± Kite regarded the man for a while, thinking. Part of him wanted to write it all off, but Ivory seemed to be the type of man who would not let such a thing go no matter his protests. And as uncle Walker had not yet arrived, his arrival date still unknown, they also had some time to spend however they wished. He had thought that the inner disciple would be leaving soon, but the tried and tested idea struck him, that might prove to not be the case. ¡°Well, senior brother, while I would not want to be too presumptuous and monopolize your time, your junior brother would always appreciate what advice you can give me. May we trade pointers, so that I may learn from your path?¡±
¡°Any word from our people in the city?¡± mistress Pristine asked her servant, the man bowing as he entered. ¡°No mistress, and neither from the inquiries we sent to the Wandering Winds sect. The inner disciple has yet to return.¡± ¡°I see,¡± she replied, her curt tone making sure that the man did not stay a moment longer in her presence than he needed to. Pristine Flower of Eternal Youth sat back, sighing in exasperation only once the servant had left. The illusions covering her face would not have shown her scowl, unladylike as it was, but she had a hard time feeling anything else. This whole travesty was becoming more and more a stain on the family¡¯s prestige, and would cost them a lot of face once it spread. As for the stain to her personal pride... The mistress shuddered, thoroughly shoving the memory away. ¡°And he still has the recording,¡± she muttered. While she hadn¡¯t confirmed what it had captured, she would have to assume it was genuine. And that tied her hands, as taking more action towards this young man might lead to even greater loss of face. But doing nothing would harm them as well. ¡°There is nothing more to it. I will have to contact Pristine Mirror. Even while she tends to not care too much about things like this, she should be able to see that the family¡¯s reputation is at stake. Even though her path is her singular focus, there are still things which the family requires of her.¡± And so, mistress Pristine started writing a letter which would be sent south. Towards the capital. 133. Who would I be to oppose her will? ¡°The Brights¡¯ orchard? I¡¯m sorry master, but then you have gone too far. This is the Luminous fields plantations. The Brights have their lands situated to the north of here. Maybe a day or two by wagon.¡± The man Walker had stopped to ask for directions looked very apologetic, as if worried that Walker might take his displeasure out on him, so the pathfinder tried to look as unthreatening as possible when he answered. ¡°Ah, no problem, no problems, good man. I am ever grateful for the directions. You know what they say, the mind starts wandering when you get older,¡± he said, scratching the back of his head in chagrin. The other man, looking to be in his upper thirties, was already wrinkled and worn from the hard labor of working the land, and he gave Walker an odd look even as he smiled politely. ¡°I- ehm, just so, master. Just so.¡± It took Walker a moment to realize that while the pair probably were around the same age, with Walker probably having four to five years on the man, they probably looked little alike. Silver rank did wonders for the complexion, after all. ¡°Ah, ehm, well-¡± Walker floundered before deciding on as swift a retreat that was possible in the awkwardness that followed. ¡°I better get back to it then. Not even a diamond ranker can stop time, after all. Or can they? Either way, thank you kindly. May the heavens treat you and yours with kindness.¡± Before the man could respond, Walker turned back north. Trees and bushes started springing up around him and his pace sped up; each step taking him further and further as his favored terrain sprang up around him. What looked like a decent walking pace turned him into a blur, and onlookers would mostly see a trail of greenery spring up only to wither and dissolve again seconds later. ¡°You have to stay in touch with things like this, Walker,¡± he chided himself. ¡°And stop being so bloody proud of your grand wayfinder skills and actually use the heaven-cursed tracking stone.¡± Retrieving the object in question, the small dot was indeed pointing north now rather than the steady south which it had been locked to for the past three months. And as he saw it, relief washed away the remaining self-recrimination. Kite had emerged, and was alive. ¡°At least that is something to put a spring in the steps of this old man,¡± Walker chuckled, and sped up. The man had said a day by cart. Walker¡¯s pride would suffer indescribable damage if it took him more than an hour.
Dragonfly lay sprawled along the roof ridge of the Autumn Wanderers¡¯ guild hall, staring up at the clouds. That roof had been their usual spot back at iron rank, when the building beneath them was an ordinary apartment complex. There was still plenty of activity there, especially during the time when most members were present. But as the guild had stayed true to the idea behind its inception, that was rarely the case; its members walked the Autumn lands to hunt monsters, heal diseases and injuries or to make sure that deliveries found their way to far-off villages. Will and Serene also had their own duties at times, leading to some downtime every once in a while during their three-month intensive contract-clearing regimen. Besides the guild¡¯s administrator - a stern older woman who was a recent hire - only Gold was currently in the complex. And while he was a solid dependable man, being a great conversation partner was not his strongest of suits. So Dragonfly lay atop the roof ridge, thinking. About herself. The future. The cloud which looked like a bird. About Kite. And silver rank. Having seen the light again when her latest power crossed the boundary, Dragonfly¡¯s impatience grew. It felt so close, but she knew that was an illusion. The monster surge had allowed them to power through most of bronze rank at a good pace, but now things had slowed to a crawl. ¡°Persistence is the only guaranteed way forward, Dragonfly. And patience.¡± Master Force had often spoken those words to her, and Dragonfly knew patience, much like Gold and talking, wasn¡¯t her strongest suit either. ¡°Still, I think I¡¯m getting better at it. Is this what getting older is all about? Becoming more accepting of time and its passing?¡± she thought, before chuckling. ¡°Heh, it seems like Kite has rubbed off on you, Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s reflection.¡± Her musings were interrupted as a presence suddenly made itself known to her; a directed burst of aura, the spiritual equivalent of calling a greeting. And a moment later, deputy director Rupert landed next to her on the roof, his passage completely silent. The rust-colored leonid looked much the same as he always had, which was unsurprising as silver-rankers did not tend to change much. He was short for a leonid, but that was something Dragonfly only knew in theory since it meant that he still towered over her where he stood, arms behind his back in his usual, dignified pose. ¡°Deputy director,¡± she greeted, sitting up. ¡°Good day, Dragonfly,¡± he replied. ¡°I am sorry for interrupting you, but I happened to sense you as I was passing by, and there is news which I thought you would like to know. Kite seems to have emerged from the gate.¡± The leonid was merciful in that he did not leave Dragonfly hanging, and relief washed over her, like she had been half holding her breath for three months and only realizing it just now. ¡°He- he has? How do you know?¡± she asked, curiosity still finding its way through her elation. ¡°His tracking stone,¡± Rupert explained. ¡°While in the gate, it would only ever point toward the aperture. But now it has shifted ever so slightly. We probably would not even have noticed if Jarvan hadn¡¯t put the stone in a small ritual circle to sense any change, no matter how minute.¡± ¡°Heavens, that is great!¡± Dragonfly exclaimed, before a puzzled look came over her. ¡°But, why would the director do that? Go through that trouble?¡± ¡°I do not think it too much of a secret that the director is fond of Kite; all of you, in fact. Your tireless work has significantly eased his running of this branch. And¡­¡± the leonid started, hesitating. ¡°Kite is his most reliable source of decently priced essences and stones,¡± Dragonfly said, completing the sentence with a smirk. ¡°I do think that might be a contributing factor, albeit only a minor one,¡± Rupert admitted. ¡°Still, I thought that you might want to know. I am all too familiar with the feeling of worrying for someone close to you.¡± And with that, the leonid was off, disappearing in a blur. Dragonfly did not lie back down, instead standing up and looking southward, as if her gaze could pierce through the mountains and forests as well as cross all the distance down to Orchard.
As Walker crested a hill, he knew that he had found the right place this time around. While the orchards and accompanying houses did not differ too much from others he had passed on the way, this one sure was as remote as the people he had met had said. The tracking stone pointed him straight towards the group of houses, but Walker didn¡¯t need it at that moment as he could feel him. His boy had returned, and stronger too. Even at the distance, Kite¡¯s aura felt very close to silver, like a flower who seemed just a hair¡¯s breadth away from finally blooming. At that moment he could also feel the surge of combat in the younger man¡¯s spirit, but as there was no hostility or other flaring auras nearby, Walker wasn¡¯t worried. Two other auras unveiled themselves as well, as if to greet him by announcing their presence. This did cause Walker to raise an eyebrow for two reasons. First, there was a third silver-ranker present. And second, a fraction of one of the unveiled auras was right beside him. ¡°Hello Walker~!¡± Walker knew who that squeaking voice belonged to even before he looked, but he still turned and bowed politely to Wander. One of her bodies had popped up from the grass nearby, and was waving cheerfully. ¡°Wander, good to see you,¡± Walker said, returning the greeting. The strands of grass around the rat started emitting a slight glow, growing to carry the rodent up into Walker¡¯s waiting hands where she quickly scurried up his arm to perch at his shoulder. ¡°From the relaxed greeting, I trust that everything went well enough?¡± ¡°Oh, they¡¯re fine! We snuck Kite into the gate and waited around for three months. Then he emerged, gave some pointed comments to the mistress of the Pristine family about them being shady, beat one of their silver-rankers in a duel and left. Things went surprisingly smoothly~!¡± ¡°It is interesting how one¡¯s level of power gives perspective to such statements. But as he seems to be well enough, I would expect that the consequences won¡¯t be too severe?¡± ¡°That depends on the grudge carried. We do have some dirt on the Pristines now, and from what I dug up, any of their more active adventurers are quite removed from family politics. But we shouldn¡¯t expect them to view Kite or anyone associated with him in a favorable light. On the other hand, the Pristine¡¯s aren¡¯t that impressive a family, at least not on a national scale. Now if they would have raised a gold ranker, it would have been a different story~.¡± ¡°Praise Fortune that they are yet to do so, then,¡± Walker replied. ¡°Do you think that he has time to see his old uncle?¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sure. He¡¯s training with Ivory now. That¡¯s a random silver-ranker we kind of picked up, and he has been training Kite for a few days now while waiting for you.¡± ¡°Has he now? Our little Kite is never one to sit around without finding one teacher or another,¡± Walker chuckled. ¡°Sit tight then, Wander. Time to go see my little chick.¡± Some small trees grew up around Walker, and he took one step, and then another. It took no more than six to find himself standing among the houses, close to where he was sensing Kite¡¯s aura. His young proteg¨¦ was indeed training, standing on one of the sloping hills a few dozen meters away from the houses. Outwardly, Kite looked about the same as when Walker had seen him last, with the exceptions that his hair was a bit longer and more unkempt and that his spirit felt almost close to bursting. And, of course, the pair of extra spectral arms. Kite was currently whirling in place, fully focused on defense. All around him, lances of compressed air manifested to strike at him from every angle, their caster being a blonde warrior dressed in robes with distinct colors, probably from some local sect. Kite¡¯s staff was in his hands, lashing out to dissolve one of the incoming projectiles while taking a measured step to one side. One of the spectral arms carried his glass shield to cover another of his flanks while the other additional limb flicked out to dissolve yet another lance of force. The pace kept increasing, but Kite seemed to have eyes at the back of his head as he continued his measured dance. ¡°Quite a spectacle,¡± Walker remarked as he appeared close to some of the local kids, keeping his aura close so as to not startle them too badly while giving them his best smile, practiced after many a trip to far-flung villages. It had its intended effect, as the closest of the children, a girl about seven years old, quickly recovered from her surprise to give him a toothy grin. ¡°Uncle, it''s so cool! They¡¯ve been doing this every day now, and Kite is just getting better. It¡¯s just like in the stories grandpa is always telling us.¡± ¡°I think Ivory is the strongest,¡± a nearby boy added, nodding along with his sage opinion. ¡°Well, duh, he¡¯s the teacher,¡± the girl shot back. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be weird if you knew more than mom?¡± ¡°I will, some day,¡± the boy protested, their squabbling continuing while Walker took in the rising tempo of the practice. Kite had to add his own barriers by now to keep up with the barrage, and Walker noted that there were now two of them appearing with every casting. Walker could understand the sentiments of the young ones. With the three vortices hovering around him and the additional, spectral arms, Kite was surely starting to look like a creature of myth. A fledgling one, but nonetheless. The practice went on for a surprising amount of time before the older man, which Walker assumed was the sect disciple Wander had mentioned, decided to end the practice. ¡°Junior brother, you are performing admirably. My thousand lances will not be able to overcome you anymore,¡± the man said, Walker¡¯s silver-ranked hearing easily picking out the words. ¡°Are you quite sure that I cannot persuade you to at least try out for joining the Wandering Winds sect? I am sure that we would be of equal rank in no time!¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°Thank you for your assistance in tempering my path, senior brother Ivory,¡± Kite responded, bowing politely. ¡°But my answer remains the same; my path would not flourish within a sect at the moment, even though your Wandering Winds sect does sound like a grand place.¡± ¡°So you say, junior, but you will have to forgive me for not giving up hope,¡± Ivory said, returning the polite bow. ¡°As for now, I believe that you have a visitor. The long-awaited uncle, maybe?¡± ¡°It is indeed,¡± Kite said, turning to Walker and raising a hand in greetings. ¡°If you knew, how come you didn¡¯t choose to end our session early?¡± ¡°It is embarrassing to admit, senior brother, but most of it was pride. It is not every day that you get to show off a little for your mentors, no?¡±
¡°Well, Kite, once more you impress this old man,¡± Walker said, leaning back into the grassy slope where the pair had remained seated for most of the afternoon, enjoying the summer breeze while Kite once more told the story of his adventures within the gate. ¡°And your prize¡­ Truly, it''s a shame that my path isn¡¯t one which to take on the queen¡¯s trial, as such heavenly treasures would surely give anyone the chance to grasp the heavens. And now you, little Kite, have two of them.¡± The spectral arms flashed into existence, Kite holding out the pale, semi-translucent arms to regard them. ¡°I had hoped for potential, uncle, and the queen of Jade and Sky sure delivered. But from training with Ivory, it feels like I have also added yet another mountain to climb. While they are instinctive enough to use, actually incorporating them properly into my path will take a lot of time and work.¡± ¡°Most worthwhile things do, little, Kite. From the way you told things, one might almost be deceived to think that the challenge of the gate is an easy one.¡± ¡°I feel very fortunate that my path has been able to hold up, but had I not had the fortune of having Immortality available, I would not have been able to conquer it all. A few of the rulers that were a favorable matchup, maybe, but a silver ranker is terrifyingly resilient to one such as I. My path is one of endurance and attrition, after all.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t forget annoyance,¡± Walker added, the pair chuckling as they remembered auntie Crow¡¯s declaration from way back. ¡°And do not get me wrong, little Kite, you have fought hard to earn each and every victory in there. You making it sound almost easy is just your uncle fawning over the growth of his little boy. And speaking of fighting hard, how would you deem the chance of success for our dear disciple here? From what I gathered, he is also looking to challenge the gate.¡± Walker nodded back towards the house, where the pair could see Ivory going through his own practice. The inner disciple moved as if weightless, leaping and bounding while carried around on shimmering, heavenly winds. All around him, the air itself struck alongside him, lances of compressed air accompanying his conjured, ringed sword which chimed loudly with each movement. ¡°While it would be presumptuous of me to claim I know fate, as I do not know the whole of his path, senior brother Ivory would probably stand quite a good chance of passing the queen¡¯s trial as he is now. Especially with the adjustments in preparations which he has done now after our talks.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Walker said, looking back towards the inner disciple with an evaluating glance. ¡°What makes you think that? Do you know his essences?¡± ¡°I do, actually. Wind, harmonic, renewal and resonating.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that the same as Serene?¡± ¡°Had she not taken the divine essence, yes,¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°But where she became the supportive anchor of any group, Ivory is a self-sufficient mobile warrior. His winds aid both in mobility and offense, he has a good array of different attacks and his renewal essence lets him keep on fighting even when things get heated and plans fail. We already knew that the same essences may lead to vastly different paths, where one is looked down upon while the other is praised. But actually seeing it does get me thinking as to why. I know that culture is complex, but to have some of us actually look down on those like Serene who are reliant on cooperation? That does seem odd.¡± ¡°Your uncle hasn¡¯t walked far from these lands, little Kite, but I have heard of many strange customs and ideas. Maybe ours is just one more in a long line of ideas sprung from people being people.¡± ¡°It might be,¡± Kite acknowledged, looking pensive. ¡°But I¡¯m wondering if it has to keep being that way. Still, back to your question, it is my humble opinion that senior brother Ivory would have a good chance at conquering the queen¡¯s trial. From our few days together, he seems to be a decent man. I will pray to Fortune for his success, should he find his way to one of the gates.¡± ¡°And you, little Kite? Will you be looking to conquer one again in the future?¡± At his uncle¡¯s question, Kite reached into a nearby pouch, producing a small token the size of a coin. It too bore the seal of the Queen of Jade and Sky, its borders lined with silver. ¡°At least the queen seems to have given her blessing. Who would I be to oppose her will?¡± he answered with a smile, which eventually turned a little bit crooked. ¡°Even though it was clear that it was not her will for people to ride the gate back to her abode. The gate actually pulsed out a barrier before leaving this time around.¡±
¡°Farewell, junior brother Kite. Even though I might have despaired that Fortune had abandoned me when I had to enter the Pristine family¡¯s service, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise,¡± Whistling Ivory said, bowing to Kite in gratitude where he stood at the border of the Bright orchards. ¡°Farewell, senior brother. I do hope that Fortune continues to favor you, and thank you for your guidance these past few days. I have learned much, and it has greatly helped me consolidate my path.¡± ¡°Our karma is still out of balance, and I will ever strive to find equilibrium,¡± Ivory replied. ¡°But duty calls, and I have been away from the sect for long enough. I hope that our paths may cross again in the future.¡± ¡°If it pleases you, consider aiding any outcast you find worthy as aiding me,¡± Kite replied. ¡°Karma is a vaster concept than just between two people, or so the priests of Fortune say, at least.¡± ¡°I will reflect on your words. Take care, all of you. May the heavens keep you.¡± ¡°And may your path allow you to one day reach them.¡± It did not take long for Ivory to disappear from view, crossing the formation-enhanced border of the orchards as he flew southeast. Kite and Walker stood alongside Braid and Wander, each of them ready for departure as well. While the stay at the orchard had been pleasant, Kite longed to return home. Or at least to the people who made up that concept. Braid exchanged a few more words with the bronze-ranked matron of the family, arranging for future business before eventually saying his farewells as well. ¡°While it has been pleasant, I believe that there are many up north who would be glad to see us return,¡± Walker noted. ¡°From what you¡¯ve told me, the guild has been keeping busy, and my friends as well,¡± Kite said. ¡°The final push towards silver rank awaits, so I assume that there won¡¯t be too much rest in stock for me.¡± He turned to Braid and Wander as he continued. ¡°What will the pair of you be doing now?¡± ¡°Well, this has been quite the relaxing trip. Plenty of rest, good food and just the bare minimum of spying. I think that I¡¯m ready to actually get back to work~¡±! Wander said with a grin, enough of her bodies having come together to form her human body. ¡°There is a certain project underway, after all. One which I have heard that you might be joining, should you reach silver,¡± Braid said meaningfully. ¡°While the scope of it is ambitious, it is a good opportunity for us. As for deployment, we will see. Most of our work in Bastion should be completed, but the adventure society will never lack more contracts for us. I almost dream of just staying here and focusing on my craft for a few more months, but I am afraid that some branch director would come knocking sooner rather than later.¡± ¡°They really like Braid~,¡± Wander added. ¡°Must be all that thinking, which he seems to be so good at. Connecting threads, you know~?¡± She looked expectantly at her companions, deflating as no one gave much of a reaction. ¡°Really? Nothing? It was a thread-joke! Regarding Braid! Bah, I always remain unappreciated~.¡±
When one followed someone like uncle Walker, the distance literally seemed to vanish beneath their steps in what felt like a trek through an infinite forest, the world beyond having only been glimpsed through the conjured plants that surrounded them. Walker¡¯s power, aptly named Verdant Wanderer, allowed him to move with greatly increased speed and ease through his domain. And as he could choose to include others as well as conjure said domain these days, this meant that a trip of several weeks was cut down to days as Kite, Braid and Wander had followed Walker on the trip to Bastion. The only downside to the power was that it only took effect if one actually walked the ground of the domain, meaning that Kite couldn¡¯t ride Glint to make up for his lacking speed compared to the silver-rankers. Still, the trip was surprisingly nice and leisurely, and had been a good way to further relax and unwind from the trials of the gate. Their first destination was Bastion. Not only was it closer than Gilded, but it was both where Braid and Wander were going to tie up some loose ends of their own and where Kite would find his family these days. That was why Kite found himself leaning in and smelling the little tuft of onyx hair of the toddler in his lap for what felt like the hundredth time, while listening to his aunties tell him about their new life in the city. Both auntie Crow and auntie Dove had, of course, been overjoyed at his return, while Raven, true to her age, had been a bit hesitant and shy for a little while before eventually stomping over on her little legs and lifting her arms towards him with a somber expression, her demand made clear. ¡°I still find it a bit hard to adjust to seeing you here,¡± Kite noted, sitting in a room of mostly familiar furniture and decoration, but arranged in new, unfamiliar ways in the fine apartment his aunties rented in Bastion. ¡°Not that I mind it! It will just take some time to adjust,¡± he hurriedly added. ¡°While it took some time, it has been rather novel,¡± Crow noted, sipping her tea with her usual dignity. ¡°Although I believe that my dear Dove is starting to long for some more space and greenery.¡± Kite¡¯s visit had, also unsurprisingly, begun with another telling of his adventures within the gate, but he found himself relieved when the conversation had moved on. Not that he minded sharing his trials, but rather that he had other things of which he wanted to discuss with his family. ¡°Speaking of space, have you been able to go and take a look for yourselves?¡± he asked, the question causing auntie Dove to brighten. ¡°Oh Kite, we did. It''s a wonderful place! Compared to the Autumn lands, the magic feels denser. And from my cursory examination of the local flora, there should be enough variety of growth-conditions for a proper garden!¡± ¡°And with ¡®proper¡¯, my dear Dove means a garden bigger than the whole village up north. By several times,¡± Crow chimed in. ¡°Well, from what Kite told of his ambitions, we could surely treat ourselves to enjoying all the room,¡± Dove retorted, defending her ambitions. ¡°Can¡¯t you just imagine it? Our own family compound?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure it will be wonderful, dear. But you will have to be patient for a while yet. I¡¯m sure you can feel how close our little Kite is to joining us at silver rank, but you also know that the final stretch can take more time than one would like. You were terribly restless there at the end.¡± While auntie Dove gave an indignant blush, Kite spoke again. ¡°While I am looking forward to it as well, auntie Crow is right. I will have to look to properly consolidate my path too, as I have my new additions to work into it,¡± he said, his spectral arms appearing to play some more with Raven. The toddler had not batted an eye at the new addition to Kite¡¯s arsenal, thoroughly inured to magical shenanigans such as her older brother suddenly having metallic tattoos trace his face and sprouting a new set of limbs. ¡°Now I am suddenly the only one without additional appendages,¡± Dove complained, looking with jealousy at Kite handling the toddler while still having a pair of hands free. ¡°I might just have to grow some of my own. I wonder if there are any plants suitable?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure you can do anything you set your mind to, love,¡± Crow consoled before turning back to Kite. ¡°From what I gathered, this will only be a short stop before continuing up north? Anything else you need done while in the city?¡± ¡°I will stop by Peony to drop off more materials, and also take a trip to the Relentless family. As I hope that silver rank is drawing closer, it is time to decide on the item I have held off on commissioning from their crafters. With these -,¡± he said, inspecting one of the spectral appendages, ¡°- I have some more ideas to work with. But yes, I will then continue north. I promised Dragonfly, Will and Serene to make the final push towards silver together. And I freely admit that it feels good not to have to take on every upcoming challenge alone. Apologies, little beauty.¡± The last statement was added in response to what felt like a pointed look from Glint where she was enjoying being gently stroked across the fins by auntie Dove. ¡°With everyone and their neighbor knocking at our door these days, your aunties will not sit idle, little Kite, of that I assure you,¡± Crow replied with a nod. ¡°Send us word when you can. We will assist in preparation in whatever way we can.¡± ¡°Oh, and bring your friends again! I¡¯m sure that Raven would love to meet them!¡± auntie Dove added. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you, little chick?¡± Raven only gave her a somber look in response, before returning to feeling out Kite¡¯s spectral arms with chubby little hands.
Dragonfly tried to keep her steps measured as she walked through the streets of Gilded, but the way that other passersby half dove out of the way from her passing, she suspected that she did a poor job of it. In her hand, she kept a small note which she had found waiting for her at the guild hall, completely forgetting about it after reading its contents. As she finally drew close, feeling the familiar aura, Dragonfly decided that walking around the fence to the actual gate of her garden was quite unnecessary. With a burst of strength, she leapt into the air, plowing through parts of the foliage of a tree in her garden before landing in stride at the graveled path leading up to her house she had been gifted by master Force. Kite sat waiting for her on the small porch at the front door, clearly having sensed her as well. His face, now lined by streaks of pale metal, brightened and he bowed ever so slightly in a playful formal greeting. ¡°Greetings, Dragonfly. The staff at the guildhall thought that you would be back soon, so I took the liberty of procuring something to eat.¡± His eyes twinkling, the odd streaks of metal lit up slightly, and a half-transparent arm of the same color appeared, reaching down and procuring a basket filled to the brim with meat skewers, a simple formation keeping the food as fresh as if it had just been taken from the grill. Dragonfly paused, the scene stirring some memories from way back, albeit the backdrop had been the view from up at the adventure society campus. But even through the odd, new additions, her response was similar. ¡°You planned that out in advance, didn¡¯t you?¡± Kite¡¯s grin turned a bit more sheepish. ¡°I¡­ may have rehearsed it once or twice¡­¡± Dragonfly didn¡¯t feel the need for more words. She walked up to him, taking the basket of skewers in one hand and taking Kite firmly by the arm with her other, and led him into the house, closing the door behind them. A perceptive observer would have made out Kite saying; ¡°I¡¯ve missed you too,¡± just before the wooden door slid shut. 134. Good for them Kite awoke to the sensation of Dragonfly tracing the metallic lines on his back, seated next to him. Her pink hair was a cloud of frizzy curls in the morning lights, and she looked part fascinated and part concerned as she, not for the first time since his return, took in the magical tattoo stretching over most of Kite¡¯s body. ¡°It¡¯s still a bit weird, seeing you so same yet so different,¡± she mused. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t call them pretty, but they¡¯re very striking. Did it hurt? When you got them?¡± Kite sat up next to her, looking down at himself and his changed exterior. The lines of his prize from the jade-sky gate weren¡¯t the swirling embellishment of a piece of art, but rather looked more utilitarian; like the veins of a very complicated leaf if it only had sharper angles rather than organic curves. The metal looked to be the same kind as Kite¡¯s staff and that of the gate, but was completely smooth and easily followed the movement of his skin and muscles. But Kite knew that they went deeper in places, the pain of the metal threading itself through his body vaguely echoing through his mind. ¡°It was¡­ not pleasant, I will admit,¡± Kite said. ¡°Even so, it is marvelous. To think that this is accomplished by a person, no, accomplished by something built by a person.¡± ¡°You said that you gathered lots of different quintessence and other things too. Did you ask for additional arms, of all things?¡± Dragonfly asked, a bit incredulous. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, they seem great. It was just a bit more¡­ direct, than I would have expected from you.¡± Kite chuckled at her words, extending one of the spectral arms to inspect. ¡°It certainly wasn¡¯t something which I was expecting, but I knew that I would not get to just choose every detail. It felt a bit like designing your own essence power, adding aspects and seeing what came of it. But¡­¡± ¡°But?¡± ¡°I have this creeping suspicion that part of it might have been how the officiator interpreted things I said. It seemed to have troubles with some metaphors, and may have taken me saying that I wanted to be able to better lend a hand to my allies a bit too literally¡­¡± It took a few minutes before Dragonfly¡¯s giggling subsided. ¡°How about you then? It was hard to get too many words from you yesterday,¡± Kite eventually asked her. ¡°From your spirit, it feels like you have worked hard. Very hard.¡± Dragonfly puffed up at the comment. ¡°We have indeed. Been traveling all over the place and even spent some time taking contracts near Convergence. While it might not hold up to your little retreat inside the gate, I don¡¯t feel as far behind you as I did back at iron.¡± ¡°I do hope that you have left some contracts for the future, though. Because I haven¡¯t forgotten our promise.¡± ¡°Kite, monsters are literally popping into existence every day. If we can have Walker ferry us to the right area, I bet that you and Sage can help push us there in no time.¡± ¡°And with no time, you surely mean several weeks, if not months of work?¡± ¡°With silver so close, we can assume that we will live long lives, Kite. What are a few more weeks? Better allow ourselves to enjoy it a bit too, now that you¡¯re back and we don¡¯t have to strive as hard to keep up.¡± ¡°Dragonfly, I didn¡¯t mean-¡± She hushed him with a meaningful glare. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that, Kite. We just didn¡¯t want to fall behind, that¡¯s all. Even though I know you won¡¯t just stop caring about us if we advance slower than you, being silver rank will mean changes in all our lives. Now that we¡¯re all here, we can work toward it together. Hence, we can enjoy it even more.¡± ¡°My ardent Dragonfly, you sure are wise,¡± Kite complimented, a bit relieved. ¡°Of course. I have always been good at enjoying myself even while climbing towards the heavens, have I not? And speaking of enjoyment, ¡° she said, giving him a very meaningful glance, ¡°I informed the others that I had called dibs on you and that we would not be back at the guildhall until noon. So there is still plenty of time for some more.¡±
¡°To the twice-conqueror of the queen¡¯s gates!¡± Will called, raising his cup of sap wine in toast. The gesture was quickly mirrored by the rest of those seated along the tables arranged in the guildhall¡¯s yard, glow stones and paper lanterns lighting up the summer evening as the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild celebrated Kite¡¯s return. The months spent apart had melted away in dear reunions and new introductions, and Kite had noted that there were three new iron-rankers in their roster. True to their original recruitment, the ages of the new members varied, as essences had the chance of rejuvenating almost anyone. Still, it felt a bit odd for a man twice Kite¡¯s age to act all nervous as he was introduced to him, scraping his feet and bowing more than Welcome Plum Blossom had done when the teenager had first joined the guild. Apparently, Will had spent some of Kite¡¯s absence by regaling them with tales of his exploits. The son of the city lord was in fine form this evening, toasting and cheering. Kite was struck by how much more socially adaptable Will had become. While his speech was still formal and proper, he did not otherwise stand out in the small crowd of adventurers. Dragonfly was there too, of course, as was Serene and Worth Transcending Gold. The huge man had given Kite his usual curt greetings before returning to Serene¡¯s side, where he had remained all evening. Noticing him watching the pair who sat serenely next to each other, Dragonfly leaned in for a whisper. ¡°Serene and Gold are definitely a thing now.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Kite asked, looking at her. ¡°From your wording, you still sound a bit unsure.¡± ¡°Well, I am almost entirely certain. Probably,¡± she ventured, giving off a frustrated sound. ¡°Kite, you should have seen them. They are just so¡­ synchronized. I have yet to catch them in any overt romantic actions, but the way they act and are almost always together, I swear that there is something going on.¡± ¡°Still, couldn¡¯t it-¡± ¡°They¡¯re singing together, Kite. And Serene even said that she really enjoyed his songs. Serene, Kite.¡± ¡°Oh. Oooooooh!¡± Kite said, realization. ¡°You mean what she said back when we first-¡± ¡°Yes! ¡°And now they are-¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°Huh.¡± Kite said, looking at the pair again with new eyes. There was indeed something there, a kind of harmony. ¡°Well, good for them, if that is the case.¡± ¡°I know! They are so cute together! I just wished that they¡¯d dare to be a bit more open about it. This world needs all the love it can get.¡± ¡°Auntie Crow used to say that relationships are as varied as the clouds in the skies; ever shifting and changing. We should let them work out what suits them best, should they wish to continue intertwining their paths,¡± Kite said sagely. ¡°I suppose we aren¡¯t to judge,¡± Dragonfly agreed, leaning against his side. ¡°But Kite?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°I am so glad that you are back. I have only had Will to talk with about this. And he remains as clueless as ever.¡± Kite winced at her words, looking towards the cheerful elf spearman who was animatedly talking with branch director Jarvan, the latter having showed up unannounced to the gathering. ¡°My sympathies, my ardent Dragonfly. My sympathies, indeed.¡±
One moment, the heavy, two-handed axe was beginning its vicious arc, a surge of mana accompanying the strike. Then an almost unseen blade flicked, held by a spectral hand as the projected attack snuck by Dragonfly¡¯s guard. It was but a small cut, one that she would normally welcome as it would only bring her strength. But when facing Kite in a spar, even small cuts meant that she risked having to start all over again, her inner flame doused by his dispelling attacks. And now¡­ Now things would get even more annoying. Supremely, unfairly so. The greataxe wobbled as Dragonfly felt the strength fleeing her arms like a water skin with its bottom torn open, a strength that had constantly been with her since absorbing her first essence. One that she now found herself missing dearly. ¡°Oh cursed heavens- how is that fair?¡± It had only been a quick exchange, the group spending the morning after Kite¡¯s welcoming party by taking turns to demonstrate some of their recent power advancements in one of the practice squares of the adventure society campus. Those gathered had been thoroughly impressed by Kite being able to materialize additional arms, and during their short spar, Dragonfly had quickly come to despise the additional, ridiculous versatility it would give him when he learned to master it. But the power advancement demonstrated now took the prize in her books, even if she knew it to be mostly an emotional response.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Disrupting Strike] has reached Silver 0 [Disrupting Strike] has gained additional effects. - Disrupting strike - Special attack. Cost: Low mana Cooldown: 2s Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Strike an opponent to attempt to cancel an ongoing magical effect and deal disruptive force damage. The latter is increased if an ability or effect was affected. Some ongoing or very powerful effects might not be able to be negated entirely, and will instead be suppressed or reduced for a short duration. Effect - bronze: Dispelled effects suffer an increase in cooldown in proportion to their cost and original cooldown. The minimum cooldown for such an effect is 10s. Effect - silver: This ability gains an alternate effect, with its own cost and cooldown separate from the original. May increase cost to moderate mana to instead target a special ability of the target, suppressing it for 30 seconds. This effect may not target aura or familiar abilities. Cooldown: 30 seconds. A target may have only one of its special abilities suppressed by this power, regardless of source.
As Dragonfly had never worn a suppression collar in her life, this was the first time she had felt her Mighty Strength ability being taken away, suppressed by Kite¡¯s negating magic. As a peak bronze-ranker, she was still strong, but suddenly losing that extra strength completely caught her off-balance. The blow she had begun was easily blocked by Kite¡¯s shield carried in one of his spectral arms while his staff swung towards her, stopping an inch from her neck. Dragonfly slumped as the spar ended, giving Kite a sour glare. ¡°Kite, did anyone ever tell you that you are annoying? How long will this last? I feel as weak as a kitten.¡± ¡°Then welcome back to the humble level of the rest of us, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite shot back, not helping Dragonfly¡¯s grumbling. ¡°As to your questions, around half a minute, I believe. I can do it again after an equal amount of time, but it will at most allow me to keep one ability suppressed if I can continue to land the strikes.¡± If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Kite, you have four arms now. I don¡¯t think landing strikes will be a problem.¡± ¡°You would be surprised,¡± he mused, thinking back to his sparring sessions with inner disciple Ivory while waiting for uncle Walker. That had been like trying to strike the wind, Ivory giving off a similar feel as mistress Dew in that he was a very-well trained veteran warrior. He continued. ¡°I will have to expect that most enemies may compensate quickly, but you did prove that the surprise can provide valuable moments to strike.¡± ¡°Remind me not to fight you in any real duels,¡± Dragonfly noted, rising to her feet. ¡°I, on the other hand, would love to!¡± Will exclaimed from the sidelines. ¡°Time to get a proper feel of the Pathbreaker and his gains!¡± They continued like that during the day, enjoying each other¡¯s company and strategizing further. While Serene stayed at the sidelines, using her healing magic to patch up scrapes from the sparring, Gold did join in the spar even if he clearly had a great respect for Kite in regards to dueling. Dragonfly showed off how her animated axe could now perform special attacks on its own with even greater control, and Will had proudly exclaimed how his main weapon conjuration, The Spear Perfected, could now infuse its power into any spear he touched, reinforcing and adding its magical abilities to it. ¡°The Saint of Spears should not be limited to one specific weapon, after all, only by the concept of the spear itself,¡± he said, nodding sagely along with his own words. ¡°Will this mean that you will actually start a collection of spears now?¡± Dragonfly asked. ¡°Why, of course! I have long since started saving pieces which I felt resonated with me.¡± ¡°So you can go about admiring your grand collections of firm shafts standing on display?¡± she continued innocently. ¡°A sight to behold indeed!¡± ¡°But whatever will you do with so many implements of penetration? Can you really handle them all yourself?¡± Kite was both pleasantly surprised and a little disappointed that Will¡¯s eyes had thinned while Dragonfly last spoke, his proud answer dying at his lips. ¡°Wait, just wait a moment. You are once more back to your base innuendos? For shame, Dragonfly, for shame! Undignified peasants, the lot of you!¡± he added, seeing the rest of those gathered politely trying to stifle their smiles. ¡°But speaking of the future beyond collections- ,¡± Kite broke in, ¡°- this would be an excellent time to plan for us traveling south for a while. From what you have told me, all of us reaching silver would take at least another year if we only went looking for contracts around Gilded due to the rather low rate of silver-ranked manifestations.¡± ¡°That is true,¡± Serene agreed. ¡°Convergence had quite a lot more of them, enough so that even us outcasts could manage to pick up some of the contracts.¡± ¡°And while I believe that Vista is probably sweeping through the lands around Bastion like a hurricane, it should be worth our time to travel there as well,¡± Kite added. ¡°Oh, and maybe see the ocean?¡± Dragonfly asked excitedly. ¡°Master Force and I never went to the coastal regions, and neither did the rest of us while you were inside the gate.¡± ¡°I have also heard that the mountains around Boundary have become more dangerous as of late. Maybe we can check in with the adventure society¡¯s administration to verify-¡± As such, they took on planning in earnest, speculating and assigning different tasks within the group. It was only when they were about to go their separate ways for the day that Gold gave Kite a long look, indicating the wish to speak privately. Kite slowed down a bit, falling into step beside the large man as the others pulled ahead. Kite had not had many conversations with the former inner disciple of the Descending Star sect, even after he had officially joined the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild when his contract with Kite had run out. But one thing they had all had in common was that Kite had found it best to give Gold the time to gather his thoughts, waiting in silence until the large man spoke. ¡°Pathbreaker, is my presence still acceptable?¡± Gold eventually asked in his deep, resonant voice. Kite pondered his words, trying to deduce the correct meaning behind the statement. ¡°You mean with us? As a group?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± As Kite had guessed, this was about Gold stepping in when Kite had been away in the gate¡¯s trial. With his armor, bone and resolute essences, Gold was a defensive powerhouse who, according to Dragonfly, had been able to mesh well with the team. While their paths were very different, both Kite and Gold could act as a defender, engaging enemies which were more likely to be of greater threat to other companions. How they did this was quite different, however, with Kite being able to engage that role at a distance with his barriers and projected attacks while Gold was a lot more direct; charging left and right across any battle in his empowered armor. Instead of directly answering the man¡¯s question, Kite asked one of his own. ¡°Have you enjoyed your time with us? Or rather, with them?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Do you think that you work well with the group?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Do you believe that my presence will diminish that, or that yours will diminish mine?¡± At that question, Gold stopped to think for a short moment. ¡°More people. Slower pace.¡± ¡°Of course. But other than that?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then, Worth Transcending Gold, you are free to stay with us. I have already asked the others, and they have enjoyed your company. And while I do not know you very well, I look forward to doing so.¡± ¡°I see. Good. Thank you, Pathbreaker.¡± His stern face did not reveal much, but Kite thought that he picked up a great deal of relief in the man¡¯s aura even though he was not trying to pry. Serene seemed to have picked up the shift as well, turning her head as she walked. She met Gold¡¯s eyes for a moment, and Kite had to admit that he had never seen Serene truly beam like she did at that moment. Her eyes then turned to his, and a moment later, a chiming whisper manifested close to his ears. ¡°Thank you, Kite. You have both our gratitude.¡± Kite only smiled, giving her a nod and a wink in way of response. ¡°So that is confirmed then,¡± he thought as he saw Gold rejoin the rest, stepping up next to Serene. They walked at a chaste distance from each other, but as he stretched his aura senses just a little bit more, he got a faint feeling; as if their spirits were reaching out to each other, intertwining slightly. ¡°Good for them.¡±
¡°So, little Kite, you¡¯ve barely arrived and now you are leaving again? In that much of a hurry to catch up to your old uncle, eh?¡± Walker asked over his cup of tea, the pair once more back in their little loft. ¡°I have been back two weeks, uncle. Surely you are not yet an old ancestor who can snooze away a year or two?¡± Kite shot back. ¡°No, no, I suppose that you are right. And both me and the guild have been happy to have you all gathered. It warms an old man¡¯s heart to see what you have made possible. The Autumn lands will be in good hands when you leave, little Kite.¡± ¡°You make it sound like I¡¯m leaving Gilded for good, uncle.¡± ¡°I know you¡¯re not, but when one really reflects upon your plans, it is quite clear that little Gilded isn¡¯t enough for your path. Probably hasn¡¯t been for a little while now. With silver rank on the horizon, I believe that our little Kite will need to widen his horizons.¡± Walker¡¯s word left Kite a little taken aback. ¡°Uncle, it¡¯s not like that. I-¡± Walker interrupted him by holding up another finger. ¡°You need to go south, and pretty far too, in order to keep up the stream of contracts.¡± He held up another finger. ¡°You are actively planning on buying land and setting up a permanent dwelling south of Bastion. Like before, that is one decent trip south of the city.¡± Finally, he held up a third. ¡°And you aim to take an active part in the next venture planned by the local adventure society. One whose scope encompasses the whole region, if not the whole country.¡± At his uncle¡¯s words, Kite leaned back in his chair. What Walker said made sense, it was just¡­ he hadn¡¯t really thought of it like that, and things had just gradually kind of grown on him. But his uncle was right; Kite was leaving Gilded. Not for good, but as his base of operations. His home. ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t think of myself as the kind of adventurer that just left it all behind to keep searching for power,¡± he said, feeling a bit ashamed. ¡°I suppose that I was mistaken.¡± He was surprised when uncle Walker only snorted a bit at his words, shaking his head theatrically as if disappointed. ¡°Ah, little Kite, it warms this old man¡¯s heart that you, an earnest young man who is reflecting beyond his meager years, can still sometimes prove that you still struggle with the perspective that only experience can bring. Then I won¡¯t have to be too ashamed of the comparison to how I thought and acted when I was your age.¡± At Kite¡¯s questioning look, he continued. ¡°Ponder, for a moment, a comparison between you and every other young soul who has left the Autumn lands quicker than a spring flood when even sniffing the barest hint that silver rank is possible for you. What have you done that, to my knowledge, very few have done before? Something on a scope which, I do dare say, is unsurpassed within local memory?¡± Kite mulled the question over, his gaze wandering over the room until it finally stopped. Not on any particular object, but rather the wall itself. Part of the house. The house which was¡­ ¡°The guild,¡± Kite said, looking back to Walker. ¡°As I said, almost painfully wise beyond your years. What in the heavens did your aunties feed you? Yes, Kite. While I have heard many a local family rising in prominence on the shoulders of a young talent sending back resources, I have yet to see or hear of someone leaving such a mark. You have literally invested in the region itself before moving on, even if you didn¡¯t have to. No one would bat an eye had you not, not me or your aunties. But you saw what you could do and did it because you wanted to. And the Autumn lands will be left better for it even should you, merciful heavens forbid it, perish tomorrow. So, little Kite, you more than anyone else should be allowed to move on with a clear conscience. But know that your uncle might become cross with you unless you come visit from time to time.¡± In way of response, Kite rose from his chair and went over to his uncle, embracing the older man in a fierce hug. They stayed like that for a little while, before Kite eventually manage to choke out; ¡°Thank you, uncle Walker. For everything.¡± ¡°Thank you too, little Kite. This is not farewell, but the wise wanderer learns to recognize when one must seek the horizon. This old man will always have a place at his campsite for you.¡± Walker said, his voice carrying a bit of emotion as well. Then he shot Kite one of his signature smiles, a mix of smug boisterousness and attempt at sage wisdom. ¡°But let us not be hasty, young one. Only the fool celebrates before he has actually crossed the river, no matter how close the shore seems to grow. Go, and come back to show us what you can do as a silver-ranker.¡±
¡°I must admit that I thought that you would be more distressed, Jarvan,¡± deputy director Rupert noted as the door had closed behind the departing bronze rankers. ¡°While the adventurer in me thinks that it is very appropriate that Kite and his companions start seeking new horizons, the deputy director in me is loath to see them leave. Since the unfortunate end of the Descending Star sect, we need all the reliable locals we can get.¡± ¡°Why Rupert, do you think me so selfish that I cannot see what an asset that group can be to the local adventure society? That I am such a miser that I would not share them across the branches, so that all my fellow branch directors may be blessed by their presence? If nothing unexpected happens, they should be able to reach silver in a few months. I have even sent a letter of recommendation to the other branch directors of the northern regions. Besides, they are all aiming to participate in the upcoming ventures in regard to our¡­ suspicions. With the resources we are to receive, discreetly of course, there might even be time with a portal courier for some pleasant reunions every now and then. And the continental council liaison sounded quite interested when I described Kite¡¯s recent developments. Should he accept, I am very sure that a spot in task force Gauntlet will be open to him once he reaches silver.¡± ¡°And that he might not be around to sell you as many essences or stones?¡± Rupert asked, getting to what he thought would be the heart of the matter. To his surprise, Jarvan remained relaxed where he sat in his chair. ¡°While it pains me, such is life. I will have to thank Fortune for our time working closely together and what Kite had so graciously provided.¡± Rupert gave his friend a long look, which eventually flattened. ¡°You already have something planned, haven¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Why Rupert, such an accusatory tone!¡± Jarvan protested. ¡°Just because my son will probably be chosen to head the Autumn Wanderers guild¡¯s expansion to Bastion, leaving me with a standing reason to go visit and a growing network of couriers, you start throwing around such allegations? For shame, Rupert. For shame!¡±
¡°Thank you, honored functionary. We will return once the contracts are completed,¡± the local bronze-ranker said, bowing politely with hands cupped to Marten from across the counter. He gathered up the stack of contracts, now all signed and checked out by Marten himself, and turned to leave, a tiny, glittering carp in tow who floated on a cushion of water. Desdemona leaned in as she passed him, her functionary¡¯s robe always seeming too small for her leonid frame, looking at the departing adventurer. ¡°Was that one the new ones from up north that the director told us to be extra helpful towards?¡± ¡°It was. A team headed by a-¡± he began, leafing through the documents,¡± - ah, here it is. Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. Gods above, this is really how they name people around here.¡± ¡°Ah, that¡¯s right, you¡¯re a new transfer. You¡¯ll get used to it,¡± the leonid woman said patiently. ¡°I have even found myself liking a few of them, at least those that doesn¡¯t sound as pompous. I could never call myself Brilliant Victory of Perfected Form with a straight face.¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t that the bast- I mean- young mistress who was in here earlier today?¡± ¡°She did indeed ¡®bless us with her presence¡¯, ¡°Desdemona noticed sourly, her fur seeming to stand on end at the memory. ¡°How was that guy then? Someone recommended by a branch director would even get to act a bit high and mighty in my book.¡± ¡°He was¡­ decent, I suppose,¡± Marten admitted. ¡°And they did grab a lot of contracts out west too. I haven¡¯t been here long, but those don''t seem to be the most attractive ones.¡± ¡°West? Ah, no. Terrain is apparently very annoying out there, so most stay away. But a lot, eh? You think they¡¯re pushing for silver?¡± ¡°Probably, but they¡¯ll have to be at it for a while in this mana-sparse backwater.¡± ¡°This place being what it is is what gives us the sweet transfer deals. Besides, we¡¯re irons. What would we do with more mana.¡± ¡°My privacy screen doesn¡¯t even work properly.¡± Marten grumbled, Desdemona shaking her head. ¡°You¡¯ll have to become very honest then, Marten, or a very good liar.¡± ¡°Even so,¡± Marten continued, choosing to ignore the leonid¡¯s comment, ¡°I will have to admit that they¡¯ll at least keep a decent pace if they can keep it up. Gods know that we could use more reliable silvers around here, not all mixed up in local politics. So I actually wish them luck, and hope for as speedy an advancement as providence will allow.¡± 135. Hearts song As Triumph of Indomitable Will moved, he strived to become the spear. To align his body, his corporeal form merely the extension of the weapon, his spirit guiding the whole to singular focus. Each moment had to be balanced, each thrum of the weapon felt and interpreted as it moved through the air, giving the feedback needed to reach perfection. And that his heaven-cursed foe kept growing those crystalline patches where needed made it all a study in frustration. Will was currently in glorious battle against a crystalmoss lurker, or at least attempting glory. The thuggish silver-ranked monster constantly kept growing patches of crystalline moss where Will tried to deliver his more decisive special attacks, which made what could have been the future Saint of Spears in making look like an amateur wailing against a surprisingly intelligent training dummy. He knew that he was too harsh on himself with that likeness, but having each and every proper attack you made only crash into resilient crystal had steadily caused Will¡¯s mood to sour. It did not help that the creature¡¯s own potent regeneration made overwhelming it with lesser strikes less effective as well. Will knew that for a fact, having plowed a veritable monsoon¡¯s worth of conjured javelins into the monster. ¡°Heavenly shaft; Darkness penetrat- Oh, heavens curse this. Fine! Kite, would you kindly lend some help to your dear friend in need?¡± ¡°What about the rest of us?¡± Dragonfly called back, eagerness clear in her voice. ¡°Just Kite at first, please. Let me keep at least a little bit of dignity,¡± Will retorted, getting a sour grumbling in return as he felt Kite draw closer. The monster, of course, did not just stay idle as the adventurers redeployed themselves. It had the home ground advantage within its cavernous lair, and tried its best to inexorably chase down Will while he spoke, delivering sweeping strikes with its long arms and crystalline claws. But in this case, Will could at least prove his proficiency as he danced among his spears, often using the conjured weapons to step through the air or spring into vaulting leaps. In the midst of one such attack, Kite appeared next to the monster, having charged in with the help of his enchanted boots. Will¡¯s friend and his path might lack personal mobility, but his taste in equipment at least compensated for that somewhat. The elven spearman readied himself to break the rhythm of his dodges, because Kite had not charged in close just for the fun of it. He wanted to clearly telegraph this particular attack as he made a vicious swing with his chiming staff, its head trailing dark tears in reality. As expected, the monster grew a thick patch of crystal to intercept the blow. Those crystals were more than just hard structure like armor, but had a magical quality akin to many essence powers Will had heard of; the monster''s act of actively intercepting did much to negate most, if not all, effects of the attack. It was only by the grace of the heavens that the crystalmoss lurker could not cover all of its body with the stuff. But where Will¡¯s own resonating force attacks had failed, his friend managed a result. The crystalline structures were sundered, leaving behind a slight wound which seemed to carry remnants of nothingness within it; the attack clearly weakened by the defense but not entirely negated. Just as planned, Will had changed his stance just a moment before, and what would have been another dodge became a twisting lunge, his spear aglow with one of the special attacks of his pure essence as it closed in a mere second after Kite¡¯s strike. The monster tried answering it as usual, and Will couldn¡¯t help the glee leaking into his smile as the crystalline growths only flickered at the edges of the wound, unable to grow there as they once had.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability, [Void-Sunders-Firmament] has reached Silver 0. [Void-Sunders-Firmament] has gained additional effects. - Void-Sunders-Firmament - Special attack. Cost: Moderate mana Cooldown: 3s Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Surround your melee weapon or unarmed attack with spatial tears, dealing high damage and resonating force damage. Can be used either as a wide, sweeping attack or as a more focused, directed attack. Effect - Bronze: Cooldown reduced to 3s. Suffuse the target¡¯s wounds with remnants of the void, inflicting the [Vitality-tear] affliction which negates a certain amount of healing before being consumed. Effect - Silver: This attack partially bypasses areas of localized damage negation, turning complete negation into increased damage resistance, and inflicts the [Sundered meridians] affliction in that area. Very powerful effects or effects of a higher rank may not be entirely affected. [Sundered meridians] - Wounding, magic - Local mana flow is disrupted, decreasing effects that affect the location of damage.
Will had known that he might need to call upon Kite to assist him with this foe, his friend¡¯s new advancement making him a perfect tool to help against creatures such as the crystalmoss lurker. Kite¡¯s new ability was not as niche as Will had once thought that it sounded, either. If he injured a leg with this ability, a magically empowered jump would be similarly weakened, but Will had so far found that it made the biggest difference against more extreme defenses such as the silver-ranked lurker. With them hunting silver ranked foes, the monsters started to become more and more complex beings, and more niche powers had started shining ever more where before pure damage had been a simpler solution. With Kite now fighting at his side, the slow foe became easy prey for Will¡¯s path of the Heavenly Shaft. With his spectral arms working alongside the corporeal ones, Will¡¯s friend started poking more and more holes in the lurker¡¯s defenses. Not every application of sundered meridians stuck to the higher-ranked creature, but as the seconds ticked by, that resilience lowered steadily. More and more weak points presented themselves, and as Kite¡¯s void-afflictions also hampered the monster¡¯s healing, Will could finally bring the battle with the crystalmoss lurker to a satisfying conclusion. ¡°Heavenly shaft; lancer¡¯s judgment delivered!¡± All of his remaining conjured weapons streamed in towards the lurker, Will guiding as many as he could to strike the vulnerable areas, even though the sheer number of projectiles in itself would have been enough to finish the weakened monster. As Will felt its aura wink out, his shoulders sagged a bit in disappointment. ¡°Still not close enough,¡± he murmured in frustration. ¡°Reaching across the ranks is hard enough in and of itself. If the matchup is bad, calling for help is the wise choice,¡± Kite said from beside him, clearly trying to placate Will in his self-recrimination. While part of him was grateful for the attempt, part of him only became more frustrated. ¡°I know, my friend. I do. But¡­¡± Will sighed. ¡°Isn¡¯t reaching towards the heavens to try and overcome those limitations as well? Who could you ask, inside the gate?¡± ¡°Maybe, but doing it at bronze rank may be too much to ask even from the future Saint of Spears,¡± Kite retorted. ¡°But as for the gate¡­¡± he began, trailing off with the ensuing silence acknowledging Will¡¯s point. The spearman knew that their paths were very different, with Kite not coming close to the level of damage and mobility Will¡¯s path could muster. But Will couldn''t reach Kite¡¯s pure resilience and attrition either, and between the two of them, it was obvious who had the best chance in going in blind and alone against unknown foes. Still, Will tried to look encouraged as they returned to the others, with Dragonfly already planning to take on the next of the crystalmoss lurkers reported to have manifested inside the cave system quite far to the west of Convergence, but inwardly he let the frustrations further temper his spirit and dedication. The future Saint of Spears would find a way to overcome this obstacle as well.
Serene let herself be swept even deeper into the song of her goddess, its absolute purity bringing the very same concept to her mind. Ahead of her, Dragonfly, Gold and Will all fought against a pair of silver-ranked caterpillars, each of their long, vibrant green bodies having a diameter close to the height of Dragonfly. The monsters were also completely and utterly covered in bristles of varying lengths and coloration, creating a psychedelic rainbow of sorts as they repeatedly shot said bristles from their bodies in chaotic salvoes. To Dragonfly, this was her ideal opponent; something rather slow and bulky which tried to kill by death of a thousand cuts. While she had needed more of Serene¡¯s attention at the beginning of the fight, the feisty woman was now a beacon of inner light where she fought, healing as quickly as the monster she was facing could damage her. Will and Gold, on the other hand, needed to work together to create openings. Gold¡¯s doubly reinforced armor was able to become a moving bulwark for the nimble elf as he conjured more of his spears with which to return fire. As usual, Serene stood removed from the rest, her aura veiling her from immediate attention as she kept her friends alive. She should have been in constant danger though, both from the pair of indiscriminately firing silver-rankers and their bronze-ranked brood which surrounded the sides of the ravines, the smaller larvae nesting along the cliff walls as they fired thorns of their own. Most of the air was indeed covered in flying thorns, but Serene felt very much her namesake as she was untouched, courtesy of Kite. ¡°Will you be able to continue keeping them up?¡± Serene asked her friend, who stood nearby with a look of focus on his distant gaze. She could understand that his answer was slightly delayed, as Kite was currently surrounding them with angled barriers, protecting himself and Serene from the wild attacks of the silver-rankers and all of them from the gathered iron- and bronze ranked larvae. ¡°The ones keeping the silvers¡¯ attacks at bay need my constant attention,¡± he answered her, his focus obvious in his distant voice. ¡°But the heavens saw fit to give me tools to compensate, the gods be praised.¡±
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability, [Spiritual futility] has reached Silver 0. [Spiritual futility] has gained additional effects. - Spiritual futility - Special ability (Mana drain). Cost: None. Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Opponents who make a melee strike against or come into contact with your barriers have some of their mana drained. The drain is continual if the opponent remains in contact with the barrier. Effect - Bronze: Mana drain ramps up when an enemy has extended contact with the barrier. The rate of drain is gradually reduced back toward initial values during moments not in contact with a barrier. Effect - Silver: The mana drain triggers from ranged attacks as well, as long as they are made from within short enough range. Any magical attack striking your barriers without breaking it will have some of its magic absorbed, replenishing some of the barrier¡¯s integrity over time.
From what Kite had explained to Serene, the advancement of Spiritual Futility might seem like a small one, but one that would have a huge impact in any situation where his opponent¡¯s tried using multiple, smaller attacks to whittle down his barrier. Any magical attack, projectile or not, would have some of its magic drained along with the attacker¡¯s mana, the stolen magic actively rebuilding the damage. This wasn¡¯t instantaneous, but unless said foe coordinated attacks well enough, each new attack would need to contend with the buildup of replenishing energies from those that came before. The scattered larvae on the walls were either iron rank or the lower end of bronze rank, and from what Serene could glean from Kite¡¯s barriers through her magical perception, courtesy of the power ascending to silver rank, the barrage of weak attacks had built up such a level of replenishments that it would probably hold for a dozen more minutes. The panes of force facing the silver-ranked caterpillars were a different story, however, and Kite constantly had to use his racial gift to reinforce the force walls. ¡°At least there is no shortage of creatures to drain of mana,¡± Serene mused to herself, casting her simplest wind spell to shove the caterpillars into the more powerful attacks of her friends or to help drag said friends out of the way. Dragonfly repeatedly used her leaping attacks, trusting that it would either end with Serene pulling her back at the last moment or plenty of more stacks added to her inner fire as she landed on the bristles. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Carried by the heavenly wind.¡± Serene chanted, a sigh almost making its way into the chant as she once more stopped her friend from impaling herself onto the silver-ranked monsters. Even so, Serene¡¯s mouth was quirked up in an amused smile. ¡°To be so trusted¡­ The Serene of four years back would scarcely have believed it.¡± ¡°Then it might be appropriate for you to trust your bond with them as well, little singer? Isn¡¯t telling them your plans long overdue?¡± the voice of her goddess echoed in her mind, its melody effortlessly inserting itself into Serene¡¯s sung spells. ¡°It is, my Lady. Soon. Please let this young one have a few more weeks free from life¡¯s complications.¡± ¡°Of course, little singer. Enjoy yourself in the harmony you have helped create. And know that your voice can become powerful enough to reach them no matter where in the world that any of you may be.¡±
¡°Greetings Dessie. Did you hear? One of these bloody locals apparently threw a fit that another wouldn¡¯t back down on a contract and just fought a duel over it,¡± Marten called as Desdemona entered the office that the functionaries shared at Convergence¡¯s adventure society campus. ¡°Hey there Marty! It¡¯s called a clash, not a duel.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°A clash of paths. As decreed by the last diamond ranked queen, way before she abdicated the throne to go and do whatever diamond rankers do.¡± ¡°I know what a clash of paths is, Dessie, I read the briefings before accepting this position. I was more surprised that you felt the need to specify. It¡¯s just two meat-headed adventurers duking it out no matter what you call it.¡± ¡°Marten, just because you have only non-physical essences doesn¡¯t make you any more sophisticated than those ¡®meat heads¡¯. Using your elemental essence kills things dead just as much as someone using their conjured axe,¡± Desdemona said, rolling her eyes as she sat down in her chair, which was sized to be comfortable even to the huge leonid. ¡°Also, the clash is a bit more regulated. I would know, as I officiated it myself.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°One would almost think that you had the echo essence, the way you repeat yourself.¡± ¡°You know what I mean,¡± Marten grumbled. ¡°Why would you of all people officiate a clash.¡± ¡°Because I was nearby, and the Pathbreaker asked very politely.¡± ¡°It was that guy? Is he the one causing trouble?¡± ¡® ¡°No, no. It was the other one, some self-proclaimed young mistress. She threw a fit about how he had apparently taken a contract that was ¡®rightfully hers¡¯ as she had apparently intended to pick it up that afternoon. And instead of backing down, the Pathbreaker just firmly but politely challenged her to a clash and proceeded to beat the stuffing out of her.¡± ¡°I thought that these clashes were supposed to be civilized. That sounded rather gory.¡± ¡°Eh, it was just an expression. The whole thing was actually entirely bloodless, if you don¡¯t count the conjured stuff of the woman¡¯s blood essence. The Pathbreaker just picked her apart. I could barely follow it, between the many barriers and strikes, weapons flickering in and out. Did you know that he has four arms? Or that he can at least conjure an extra set? I didn¡¯t think that his essences would produce those kinds of power, but there they were, appearing and reappearing as he needed them to. Anyway, each of his strikes just glowed blue and passed through her. You should have seen it, Marten! One moment, she¡¯s delivering haughty insults and the next-¡± Desdemona described, pausing to play at falling limp across her desk,¡±- it is as if all her strings were cut. Just, poof, she¡¯s unconscious and out of mana. Didn¡¯t even seem to realize it herself.¡± ¡°Well, if he¡¯s so great, why are you here then instead of out there fawning? You said you were looking for someone, so why not Mister Local Champion?¡± ¡°Eh, too little hair. It just looks weird, you know. When things get good, a girl likes a little mane to hold onto. Still, the guy can conjure more arms. Now that is something to consider¡­¡± ¡°Desdemona! Be professional!¡± ¡°What? You asked!¡± ¡°I did not ask for so many¡­ mating-related details.¡± ¡°Oh, come on. It¡¯s not like you haven¡¯t wondered. It¡¯s something we all think about. I¡¯m still curious what draconians have in their pants. Or how most of you other races get anything done with so little hair on you.¡± ¡°Either way, are there any other consequences or fallout from the challenge of which the adventure society should be made aware?¡± Marten asked, changing the subject with all the subtlety of a landslide redirecting a river. ¡°Unless said young mistress had some competent silver-rankers owing her favors, which is quite unlikely, I¡¯d say that this is nothing for the adventure society to concern themselves with.¡±
Inner disciple Iridescent Bell made her way through the streets of the Perfected Step sect, keeping her poise even though her insides were still churning with shame and anger. She was supposed to have embarked on a contract by now, one that a sect initiate she was mentoring had reported of that very morning. Hunting down the Striped Dawn Striker would have brought her much glory as she was yet far from silver rank, but Bell studied diligently. Her path would be a perfect counter to the beast. But not only had it been claimed mere minutes before by some outcast nobody, but said nobody had refused to give it over. And then, when Bell had insisted and warned of the consequences, he had the gall to challenge her. And win. Her memory was still a bit fuzzy, but she clearly remembered it feeling all foggy inside as she fought. Had she been poisoned? But her crystal spirit should have warded off such attempts. One moment, she had defended herself against his two-pronged assault, and the next she had woken propped up next to one of the notice boards, an officiator¡¯s note in her lap. ¡°The humiliation,¡± she fumed, her face enough to send a pack of initiates scurrying out of the way. ¡°But that Pathbreaker - such a ridiculously supercilious name - will not be the one who ends up laughing.¡± Bell schooled her expression once more as she drew close to one of the private residences awarded to the elders of the sect. Or, in this case, to outstanding students. Bell could feel a powerful aura from the training area behind the lavish house, its silver rank on full display for everyone to feel. It had been that way ever since a month ago when inner disciple Soul had ascended, and the woman who emanated said aura had not shown any signs of stopping her tireless work since then. ¡°It is not hard to see why my father has been in favor ever since discovering her talent,¡± Bell thought, mixed emotions of pride and a bit of jealousy warring inside her as she stood on the stairs outside the house, projecting her aura to announce herself. ¡°Even though Warrior showing himself to acknowledge her should have made it obvious for any to see.¡± A moment later, the aura out back flared in response, so Bell entered, crossing the open living space of the entry hall to the back yard. As she emerged, she could barely make out the blur that was inner disciple Soul as she was darting between projections of glowing discs that were projected anywhere within the yard. ¡°One moment, Bell. I¡¯m soon done.¡± At the words, Bell righted her robes and sat down at the edge of the porch, as the area lacked any proper seating arrangements. A minute later, a nearby glowing cube chimed and its light dimmed as the training regimen came to a close. Inner disciple Soul came to a halt, her poise perfect. ¡°As always,¡± Bell thought wryly, but Soul always managed to steal her breath away. The celestine¡¯s skin was like luxurious pale porcelain, her amethyst hair and eyes the perfect complement. But to Bell, the perfection was marred by the rest of Soul¡¯s attire; a pair of pale silk trousers fitted way too close for modesty and just a few layers of wrappings around her chest. There were not many of Soul¡¯s toned muscles that weren''t on full display for the world to behold. ¡°Had she actually cared to dress for it, she would have stood out even on the streets of the capital. But as things are, she would probably have preferred to fight stark naked to preserve maximum mobility. Not an ounce of care for propriety, that one. Not one bit,¡± she thought while she stood up and bowed as was proper to those of higher rank. ¡°Inner disciple Soul, blessed of Warrior,¡± Bell greeted as the woman ignored her bow and sat down on the porch next to her, going through some stretches. ¡°Bell,¡± Soul said in way of greeting. Bell knew that it was not said in disrespect, as Soul had always been painfully disinterested in formalities, but it still chafed that Bell lacked the personal power to force just a little bit from her. ¡°Weren¡¯t you going out on a contract?¡± ¡°I was, but fate saw fit to test me. And I was found wanting.¡± Bell began. She wanted to rail and claim injustice, but she already knew that Soul wouldn¡¯t care. If she wanted the result she hoped for, Bell would have to go about it another way.¡± ¡°Oh? Someone beat you to it?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°And you didn¡¯t do something about it?¡± ¡°I tried, but he challenged me. And I lost.¡± ¡°I see. Well, loss and adaptation are Warrior¡¯s best teachers. You should thank him.¡± ¡°I suppose so. And he was rather skilled too. His powers were frustrating, I could barely slip a blow through his defenses, and had lost before I knew what happened. It hurts to admit that he was probably among the top bronze-rankers I have ever witnessed,¡± Bell said, throwing out the hook. Soul did not bite at first though, continuing her stretches. ¡°Warrior would be proud of your clash then. Maybe you could find him and challenge him again? Prove to the gods that you don¡¯t give up. Did he use weapons?¡± That question meant that her interest was at least a little piqued, but Bell remained patient. ¡°He did, but none of his essences seemed to revolve around them. Still, those additional arms and the plethora of equipment¡­ Maybe an arsenal confluence.¡± ¡°Those tend to be boring though, all caught up in their fancy weapons,¡± Soul remarked, and Bell felt that she was almost about to forget about the hook. ¡°Time to skip to the finish then,¡± Bell thought as she spoke.¡± Maybe so, but I suppose that one isn¡¯t named Pathbreaker for nothing.¡± As Soul halted ever so slightly, Bell knew that her lure had already been swallowed, hook, line and sinker. ¡°Pathbreaker, huh. That sounds¡­ like a challenge. The very name wants me to test mine against his, to see how I hold up. Where is he now?¡± ¡°In the lands around Convergence,¡± Bell said, a sense of gleeful triumph rising in her chest. If Soul would seek out this man and fight him, he would know true strength and suffer the same humiliation she had. He- ¡°But you faced him, so he¡¯s a bronze, right?¡± ¡°I- yes, but-¡± ¡°That¡¯s a shame. I¡¯ll have to wait until he¡¯s silver then. Sounds interesting though, so send word to me if you hear that he has advanced. Thank you for the tip, Bell.¡± Before Bell had the time to say more, Soul went back to her training. While her metaphorical fish had bitten, the lure simply wasn¡¯t tasty enough. Still, when dealing with one such as Soul, one had to take what victories one could have, even ones that were delayed. ¡°You don¡¯t know it yet, Pathbreaker, but you will soon face your match.¡± Bell thought as she left Soul¡¯s garden. And you will learn why crossing anyone in the Perfected Step sect will only bring harsh retribution.¡±
Worth Transcending Gold watched, in silence, as was his way. Or at least it used to be. These days, you would often find him carrying a slight tune, a gentle hum in concert with a song wreathed in splendor. He didn¡¯t need to even glance towards Serene, their embrace public for anyone with ears. These last few months had been like taking a step into the world after learning to see color; everything was the same, yet carried more depth and meaning. And it had all been thanks to the person who was singing. Gold stood alongside Serene, Kite and Will, watching Dragonfly take on one of the silver-ranked monsters alone. The Striped Dawn Striker unfurled its golden frills and hissed again, and the glow looked very much like the dawn the monster was named after. It darted forward, and Dragonfly dodged, already empowered by the swirling streaks of gold that flew through the air around the lizard-like monster. Most moved while some of the searing motes hung in place, creating a tapestry like fireflies around the embattled pair. Only Serene¡¯s touch was upon Dragonfly; Gold¡¯s very own little goddess impacting the fate of her friend and companion through just existing. To him, Serene was creation and life, of finding new beauty and purpose even though the world around hadn¡¯t changed. But another force was upon the battlefield as well, as many of the motes of light seemed to be struggling to retain their cohesion. Here and there, some even winked out, as if eroded away. And the source of that force stood at Gold¡¯s other side, his eyes fixed on the battle ahead. Should the need arise, Kite would intervene with a barrier at a moment¡¯s notice. But as things stood, there should be no need. Still, the man¡¯s spiritual presence was felt, one of the four sub-notes to Serene¡¯s splendor.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability, [Discarnate Erosion] has reached Silver 0. [Discarnate Erosion] has gained additional effects. - Discarnate Erosion (Erosion) Special ability, aura. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver 0 Effect: All hostile magical effects affected by your aura start to erode, reducing the duration of ongoing effects and lessening the impact of spells and special attacks within the area. Effect increases the longer the hostile effect remains inside the aura. Effect - Bronze: Increases the casting times of hostile spells within the aura. Effect - silver: The eroding effect becomes greatly increased against hostile solid manifestations of magic, such as conjured matter, equipment and barriers. Higher rank effects will take longer time to be affected, and some powerful effects might not be entirely eroded, instead leaving them weakened.
When Gold had first heard of Kite, he was described as this great villain; a knave who used underhanded means to win at any cost and take the treasures of his betters. Gold had not taken too much stock in the description as he knew the likes of Soar and Mist. But as he had seen the young man burst through the door to their gathering and brazenly challenged them all, Gold had to admit that he was a bit shaken, searching to see if there was any truth to the claims of the other men. Since then, Gold¡¯s mind was at ease. In a way, Kite was much like his aura, at least to Gold; a stable presence which would steadily work to break down bits of the world around him that weren''t to his liking, protecting those he held dear in the process. Said breaking down could be smooth and gentle, or harsh and unforgiving, and Gold could appreciate both. Kite was somehow a good counterpoint; the gentle destruction to Serene¡¯s careful empowerment, and Gold could appreciate how the pair simultaneously strengthened and renewed a battlefield while also breaking it apart, dissolving the hostile magics into mere motes of dust before the heavens. ¡°In a way, it is a shame that this harmony will soon be split apart,¡± he thought. Gold knew of Serene¡¯s plans for the future, of course, and when she had asked if he wanted to come with her, it had been one of the happiest days in his life. ¡°But the goddess teaches that harmony in purpose can create bonds that transcends both time and space,¡± he thought. ¡°In that way, none of us will truly be apart from one another, not in a life where time started to lose its meaning the higher you climbed through the ranks on your way to the heavens. Gold did not doubt for a second that Serene would make it to the very top, proving to a nation whose warriors had spurned her that they had made a grave mistake. And if he had any say in it, Worth Transcending Gold would be with her every step of the way. Without saying a word, he could feel Serene¡¯s spirit embrace him just a bit closer, sensing his surface thoughts. With her at his side, Gold didn¡¯t need to say almost anything, after all. Serene Breeze heard his heart¡¯s song anyway. 136. You were already one of them Marten truly tried to focus on the adventurer in front of him. He really did. Even so, he found himself constantly sneaking glances to his left where, two booths over, Desdemona was chatting with the Pathbreaker. Marten couldn¡¯t hear them over the crowds, as it seemed that every adventurer in the region had suddenly decided to turn in their contracts at the same time, but from the way the leonid woman smiled and laughed, the local man was apparently making a good impression. In the end, the man smiled and bowed, taking the rewards for the contracts and returning to four other bronze-rankers who were waiting for him. For the last two months, Marten had seen the group often enough; a pretty Celestine priestess wearing the colors of Song, a blonde elf spearman with the air of local nobility, a shorter, fiery human woman whose passionate presence seemed both infectious and a bit dangerous, and finally, a hulking man with shaved head and square jaw. Marten had never seen the last one say a word, but he did greet the returning Pathbreaker with a nod as the younger man rejoined his group. ¡°At least that is something close to a proper team, compared to what I usually see around here,¡± Marten grumbled, snapping back to attention at a rather impolite nudge of aura from the woman in front of him who was waiting her turn. A few hours later, Marten did get his update about the Pathbreaker. At length. ¡°-and they have apparently reached the stage where they send in as few of them as possible against a silver-ranked monster according to the matchup. When I pried a little, Kite even confirmed that he only has one ability left to reach silver, so he only fights when it is needed or when he will get a good chance to push it, ¡± the leonid woman said happily between slurps of noodles, while Marten had already wolfed down his during the lengthy telling.¡± ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s just Kite now?¡± ¡°He seemed more uncomfortable that I kept calling him Pathbreaker.¡± ¡°Which is reasonable, as that isn¡¯t a name.¡± ¡°Marty, that¡¯s how names work around here. Sometimes they are given new ones, which seems to work both a bit like a name and a title, depending on how the person wishes to use it. Some take their own names, but apparently it isn¡¯t regarded with the same status.¡± ¡°Still sounds stupid¡­¡± ¡°And Marten or Desdemona is that much better? Aren¡¯t those just random syllables that have mutated from other words or meanings over time?¡± As he had no response to that, Marten kept slurping his noodles in sour silence.
Kite looked down into the gorge, surrounded on two sides by steeper cliff walls with some scraggly trees lining the ridges above. They were quite far to the west of Convergence, near the mountains of Hua-Xi¡¯s western border. Here, the stone had a slightly more blue tint than the gray of the autumn lands, and the whole floor of the valley had great swathes of pale moss covering it. ¡°This does sound like the place described in the contract,¡± Kite said to the rest of the group who stood to his side. ¡°We¡¯ve cleared the surroundings quite thoroughly. If they are still in the area, this has to be it.¡± Serene acknowledged. ¡°And you¡¯re sure that you want to go at them alone?¡± Dragonfly asked, looking disappointed to lose out on the action. ¡°Please do not hesitate to step in should the need arise. But please also remember that I will need to push myself thoroughly. I trust in your judgment,¡± Kite said, looking to each of them. While Dragonfly always hated being out of a fight, she still gave him her best grin of encouragement, as did Will. Gold, on the other hand, nodded sternly as usual, and Serene¡¯s smile was a bit more strained than that of the others. ¡°May the gods and the heavens keep you, Kite. If fate will it, this might be your last battle as a bronze-ranker,¡± the priestess said, her wispy voice prevented from carrying by her usual sound-dampening bubble. In response, Kite reached down his armor¡¯s collar, retrieving Fortune¡¯s token, the little object unblemished by the passage of time since he had first gotten it three years ago. He rubbed it with his thumb, saying a short prayer before returning it, turning back to his friends. ¡°Another tribulation might be upon me, then. Thank you for standing witness.¡± With that, Kite stepped out over the edge of the ravine, small squares of force manifesting beneath his feet to carry him downwards like a stairway. Glint floated at his side, making excited turns and pirouettes through the air, trailed by a little tail of droplets like a liquid comet. And Sage manifested from within him, hovering behind Kite¡¯s back as usual. But these days, the astral gatherer was clearly visible behind Kite, its silver rank vessel having added a distinct ring of smaller symbols as an outer boundary to the increasing diameter of its form. Even as the dark symbols shifted within, the outer ring remained firm. ¡°Patience. Growing. Thin. Time. For. Ascension.¡± Each of the formed words sent a little ripple through the world, allowing the familiar¡¯s meaning to be felt in addition to seen as long as one stood close by. ¡°So impatient. Maybe promising to buy you that calligraphy collection when I reach silver wasn¡¯t the best idea. But help carry me through this, and I will be good to my word.¡± ¡°Excitement.¡± Kite¡¯s armored boots crunched as he landed on the bottom of the gorge, his stride unfaltering. As he touched down, he also stopped retracting his aura, letting his presence unfold into the surroundings. Nothing changed, at least not anything Kite could see. Even so, his hairs stood on end. ¡°So, we seem to have been correct,¡± Kite noted as he walked, talking to relieve the building tension within him while his mind started to slide into his combat meditation. ¡°Let us hope that the report was correct in regards to their numbers as we-¡± In the middle of the sentence, Kite¡¯s expanded vision revealed a blur shooting towards him from above, cutting off his words as he spun to face the incoming threat even as another flicker of motion moved in from his left side. The tattoos that were his mantle lit up, spectral arms flickering into existence at the same time as three vortices started draining the mana from the pair of creatures which revealed themselves. The glass shield of Heavenglass Protector appeared just in time to have its conjured barriers suffer deep, glowing rents from five claws while Kite swung both his staff and the hidden blade of the Veiled One¡¯s Decree up toward the other assailant. The descending shape managed to twist away from the staff with an impossible motion, but the edge of the subtle sword managed to find its mark. A gargling voice screeched in pain, and a moment later a tail capped with a scythe-like blade of glowing magic swept at Kite. Unyielding already had plenty of stored momentum, and instead of staying sandwiched between his twin opponents, Kite leapt back a few meters. For a split second, the combatants regarded each other. Kite¡¯s foes were beings called Paleclaw Wraiths, but contrary to the name, they were not undead monsters. Each of the monsters would stand a meter taller than Kite should they stand on their hind legs, but they mostly moved on all fours. Their bodies were lean to the point of being skeletal, with long, five-fingered hands at the end of each leg. What stood out most were their heads; larger than was proportional for the thin bodies, and dominated by rictus grins filled with crooked teeth, not unlike that of a demented monstrous baboon. Then the pair of foes shrieked. Blades of white magical light formed at the tip of each of their fingers, along with scythe-like blades at the end of their sinewy tails, as they dove for Kite, who should have been slower to react in the wake of the debilitating sonic affliction which the shrieks carried. Should have.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Implacable motion] has reached Silver 0. [Implacable motion] has gained additional effects. - Implacable motion - Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Increased resistance to effects that hinder or impair movement. Effects that take hold will have significantly decreased duration, depending on the rank of the effect. Effect - Bronze: Movement may break through inanimate objects up to a certain threshold of durability based on your rank and the rank of this ability. Mana may be paid to temporarily increase the threshold based on mana spent. Intent is needed for this ability to take effect, and it does not increase potency of attacks. This ability may not damage vehicles, equipment or similarly wielded objects. Effect - Silver: The increased resistance is extended to additionally cover all effects that lower the [Speed] or [Spirit] attributes.
As of reaching silver rank, Kite¡¯s first ability awakened from the resolute essence had become more encompassing, now protecting his clarity of mind as well. From prior research, the group knew that Paleclaw Wraiths would use sonic shrieks to inflict a short-lived but potent decrease to one¡¯s spirit attribute, slowing cognitive function, multitasking and reaction speeds before they struck. While the effects of the higher-ranked foes still broke through, Kite could blink away the daze before the silver-rankers had closed the distance to him. One of them only got part way, however, as it was swallowed by a globule of water which caught the beast, courtesy of Glint. The other was impacted by twin projected attacks mid-air, Kite swinging both Immutable Echo and Carmine Sunrise, both trailing the spatial tears of Void-Sunders-Firmament. While the attacks forced the foe into an awkward twist, it still had enough remaining resistance born of rank-disparity to only suffer light damage before slashing down with one claw towards Kite while its tail lashed in through the side. ¡°Ward!¡± The tail met twin barriers, while the claws aimed to rend Kite¡¯s whole torso, only to meet the return stroke of Immutable Echo. Mossy ground was torn up in a small cascade behind Kite as he stood firm, but that was not all. The shimmering claws were forcefully shattered, to the sound of an ephemeral mirror breaking. And accompanied by a flash of transcendent light, the white and silver coursing through the beast¡¯s arm like a spark of lightning from within.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Pattern-Shattering Counter] has reached Silver 0. [Pattern-Shattering Counter] has gained additional effects. - Pattern-Shattering counter (Shards) - Special attack (Mana drain, stamina drain). Cost: Varies Cooldown: Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Strike an opponent¡¯s active attack or magical effects in an attempt to negate it and drain an additional amount of mana and/or stamina, depending on which energy that was fueling the attack. Some ongoing or very powerful effects might not be able to be negated entirely, and will instead be suppressed or reduced for a short duration. Cost increases with the cost of negated attack. Effect - bronze: Dispelled effects suffer an increase in cooldown in proportion to their cost and original cooldown. The minimum cooldown for such an effect is 10s. Effect - silver: The target suffers transcendent damage proportional to the potency of the dispelled magical effect.
As he had fought through the trial of the Jade-Sky gate, Kite had reflected that his path might be one of the few that actively benefited from the increasing magical complexity that monsters showed at higher ranks. All of the silver-ranked ones he had so far encountered had demonstrated at least a handful of active magical effects. And with the advancement of Pattern-Shattering counter, said magic became the weapon which Kite used to bring them low. The Paleclaw Wraith rocked back from the sudden jolt of pain, shrieking at Kite again as the other three sets of claws started flailing against him in a flurry of frenzied strikes. The first pair met the raised bulwark of Heavenglass Protector as well as Kite''s staff, all while a spectral arm once more drew the red blade of Carmine sunrise to project a strike straight into the monster''s face, Chakra Implosion interrupting the onslaught. The shield was replaced with the subtle edge of the Veiled One¡¯s Decree, and Kite managed two more attacks in the split moment of the stunning effect before his foe¡¯s companion had broken free of Glint¡¯s restraint to come diving in at Kite, only to crash head first into a cage of force which appeared around it. Letting it spend precious seconds tearing asunder the barrier, Kite once more went on the defensive, shattering another set of claws from his current target while a spectral arm managed to land another attack in between the rapid exchanges of strikes. ¡°Fortune, please bless the Queen of Jade and Sky, because by the heavens, did she provide me with a fine gift,¡± part of Kite¡¯s mind thought, marveling once more at the potential of the spectral arms of his mantle. It was Braid who had named the item in the end, coming up with the most fitting one. While this might not say much as his counterpart had been Wander, whose suggestions had been nothing but a constant stream of innuendos, Kite had still felt that the weaver had given it some thought. Prescient Mantle of the Sage Asura, or ¡®his mantle¡¯ as Kite mostly thought of it, was named after the multi-armed, power-seeking legendary creatures said to roam the astral, with the ¡®Prescient¡¯ and ¡®Sage¡¯ parts adding a more sophisticated tone to it. And it was better than ¡®Supreme Fingerer¡¯, as had been Wander¡¯s most enthusiastic contribution. Now that he had thoroughly started practicing with the arms during this push towards silver rank along with his friends, the mantle had already shown its worth. As Kite used the extra limbs to augment both his offense and defense, or even mix them both as he was prone to do, he could still feel that he had merely started scratching the surface of what he could accomplish. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Taking two steps, each atop a small square of force carrying him higher into the air, Kite just about managed to gain enough height to move above the second wraith who came rushing for him. The other one, which he had been engaging so far, leapt after him. Kite managed to deflect and shatter another set of freshly conjured claws, but took a raking slash along one leg where the tail of the beast darted in around his barrier. An empowered leap gave him some space, but there was barely time to use one of Sage¡¯s charges to give himself some healing before the pair was upon him again. Individually, Paleclaw Wraiths were considered to be weak silver-ranked monsters, the only reason why Kite could even consider taking on the pair. But as he brought all of his barriers and additional limbs to bear in order to both defend and attack, dispelling as many conjured claws and blades as he could while tensely holding on, Kite had to admit that he surely didn¡¯t feel said weakness from the furiously attacking monsters. But this whole ordeal was about pushing himself, maybe even all the way to silver rank, Fortune be willing. So when the pair disengaged simultaneously, only to shriek at Kite before conjuring all their magical claws back before re-engaging, Kite countered. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± The dispelling ripple emanated from him like an unseen wave, but this time it was not in the widening cone that had been its shape ever since Kite awakened the power. Instead, the ripple burst out from Kite in all directions; a sphere of dispelling force.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Ripple of Cancellation] has reached Silver 0. [Ripple of Cancellation] has gained additional effects. - Ripple of Cancellation - Spell. Cost: High mana Cooldown: 30s Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Release an expanding wave of magic-canceling energy. Creatures or objects hit by the wave will have one random beneficial magical effect canceled. If that effect came from a magical ability, the ability will be unavailable to activate again for a short duration. If multiple targets have the same kind of magical effect active, there is a higher chance that it will be the one which is canceled. Magical projectiles hit by the wave will be negated. Projectiles of a higher rank might not be entirely negated. Effect - bronze: Attempt to dispel two additional beneficial magical effect Effect - silver: The spell may instead be released as a spherical burst with lower maximum range. When using this mode, the caster may pay additional mana to exclude an individual from its effect. The cost ramps up with each additional creature excluded.
The new and improved Ripple of Cancellation added flexibility as well as the means to work around one of its greatest weaknesses; affecting friendly targets. Now, Kite had been able to use the spell much more frequently when fighting alongside his allies, but it was still not without limitations. The cost increased quickly with each friend that he wanted to exclude, making it almost prohibitively expensive if there were more than two or three allies within range. But as things stood, Kite did not need to worry about that part, instead only taking advantage of the fact that both monsters instantly lost their freshly conjured claws. Directly afterwards, the least damaged of the pair was enveloped into another sphere of water from Glint while Kite went on the offensive against the other. He could not hope to whittle them both down simultaneously, his path combined with Glint¡¯s efforts let him retain his focus. New claws replaced those lost, and Kite made a few furious exchanges, the arms of his mantle working furiously to keep up the attack. He still felt that the new appendages weren¡¯t nearly as coordinated as he would like, but there was no use worrying about it in the present. The extra utility they added would have to be enough. Warrior did seem to smile upon Kite¡¯s efforts though, as his improved pace in both attacking and dispelling seemed to have drained the Paleclaw Wraith at an impressive speed. While monsters didn¡¯t fall unconscious when low on mana, they did get a bit more sluggish. This also meant that the transcendent damage from Undeniable had started growing from the minor flashes to dealing damage that was beyond noticeable. As the second monster broke free once more just as the first, injured one threw itself into a reckless lunging charge towards Kite, he saw his opportunity. ¡°Sage!¡± Kite called, dodging to the side as the astral gatherer remained in place. In its dark depths, pinpricks like stars shone for a brief moment before a storm of blue and silver slivers erupted from the familiar. The cascade hit the leaping wraith squarely in the torso, myriad flickers of transcendent damage lighting up its inside in the span of the blink of an eye.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Astral Gatherer] has reached Silver 0. [Astral Gatherer] has gained additional effects. - Astral Gatherer (Gathering) - Ritual (Familiar). Cost: Extreme stamina, Extreme mana Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Summon an astral gatherer to become your familiar. The astral gatherer is an incorporeal creature without physical substance. While manifested, the astral gatherer accumulates small remnants of mana each time mana is spent in its vicinity, which is substantially increased if the skill in question drains or destroys mana. Amount of remnants gathered will vary in accordance with the amount of mana spent or drained. When enough remnants have been gathered, it can unleash the stored power in one of the following ways:
  • A destructive beam of energy, dealing resonating force damage or disruptive force damage.
  • A burst of mana recovered for the summoner or a chosen ally within range
When subsumed into the wearer''s body, the astral gatherer becomes an incorporeal vortex resting beneath the summoner¡¯s sternum. As long as it remains subsumed, the gatherer exudes a subtle pull on the ambient mana in an extreme radius. This may trigger magical manifestations that were already on the brink of manifesting. Effect - bronze: Familiar can store additional energy, enough for another unleashing of stored power. Adds the following options when unleashing stored power:
  • A potent, short lived boost to health regeneration
  • Attempts to cleanse all hostile afflictions of the magical, curse, wounding, bleeding and poison categories from a target.
Effect - silver: Familiar can store additional energy, enough for a third unleashing of stored power. Add the following options when unleashing stored power
  • A stream of transcendent damage. Consumes three charges
The materials for Sage¡¯s silver rank vessel had been very costly, but as the astral gatherer had proudly displayed its new, spectacular attack, Kite had to agree that it had been worth every coin. The Paleclaw Wraith barely had the time to shriek in agony before the transcendent light did its work, dealing damage that ignored it¡¯s tough exterior. What had been a heavily damaged monster a moment ago was now on the very brink of collapse. It was a testament to the durability of a silver ranker that the wraith kept coming, even keeping more of its momentum than Kite had expected. Searing pain erupted in his right thigh as the creature¡¯s claws - its physical ones rather than the now dispelled magical extensions - ripped through half of it. Back at iron rank, the injury might have sent Kite stumbling blind with pain, but his peak bronze rank body and thoroughly entrenched combat meditation kept him lucid. ¡°Underestimated it. Focus, Kite,¡± he mentally berated himself. His shield appeared on a spectral arm to interpose itself in front of the body of the monster while Kite used both of his own hands to brace his staff against the ground to keep the strain of the impact from his injured leg. This did leave one arm, however, and Kite¡¯s new mantle once more proved its worth as that spectral hand drew Carmine Sunrise from his void sheath. With the proximity, no projection was needed as Kite plunged the blade down into the monster¡¯s skull even as the absorbed impact created another small geyser of dirt behind him. The curved saber, surrounded by the darkness of the void, pierced a good decimeter into the monster''s head before the chaotic mess of spatial tears unfurled from the blade, further empowered by Potential of Stolen power as Kite did not want to leave this up to chance. The execution of the boosted attack proved to be enough, as the first Paleclaw Wraith fell dead with most of its head and shoulders torn to fleshy shreds. ¡°Ward!¡± Through this finishing exchange, part of Kite¡¯s now improved perception had kept track of the second, incoming monster. The two barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding appeared in the last possible moment, the wraith¡¯s claws leaving glowing marks across both as they each intercepted a separate hand. ¡°This is actually going better than expected. I had counted on using Immortality before downing the first of the beasts,¡± part of Kite¡¯s mind cheered as the liquid lightning of said power washed through Kite¡¯s body, pain and weariness swept away by overflowing vitality. His staff and two swords were already finishing their swings as the barriers disappeared, a trio of attacks crossing the distance in a heartbeat. The monster managed to skitter out of the way of two of them, but the third, carrying the stunning Chakra Implosion, caused it to stumble slightly as its limbs went limp for a fraction of a second. Kite tried pressing the advantage, but the flickering tail of the monster sent him back on the defensive. But with only one opponent, the battle shifted. The Paleclaw Wraith was a lot more cautious, making feints and probing attacks now that it had no companion with which to distract its intended prey. And while that was intelligent enough, the monster had not seemed to grasp that time would almost always be in favor of Kite and his path of attrition and negation. One set of claws were shattered, then the next and the one after that. Kite even mixed Ripple of Cancellation into the mix to force the wraith to reset all of its magical augmentations and drain even more mana. With every ounce of mana drained, the transcendent light of Undeniable grew just a little bit stronger. The next minute of skirmishing left the previously undisturbed moss floor of the valley in complete disrepair, unlike Kite¡¯s mental calm which felt as clear and serene as an undisturbed pond. ¡°Or maybe like the void?¡± part of him mused, even while the rest of him prepared for the final clash as Kite sensed the beast¡¯s growing agitation. The monster finally seemed to snap after the first time it stumbled in stride, as if its almost empty mana pool was just then registering to its senses. The Paleclaw Wraith shrieked again, and charged. No magical extensions, just its ascended strength and speed as it leapt for Kite, claws extended and jaws open wide. ¡°Ward!¡± The monster crashed into the twin barriers, tearing through the first and stopping at the second, the ground behind Kite being torn apart by the redirected forces. But Kite did not let it disengage this time. ¡°Wall!¡± The cage of force was small this time; about as small as Kite could make it around the beast while leaving the side facing Kite open. His bracers started humming even as his spectral arms struck with Kite¡¯s two blades in quick succession while his staff started shining with an inner light as the charge of Something from Nothing was channeled into the weapon. Boxed in with nowhere to dodge, the wraith tried to go on the offensive, but with it¡¯s rank disparity worn away it was beaten back by each of Kite¡¯s swings, then caught in Glint¡¯s restraining water globe for another split second which in turn allowed Kite to deliver a mighty overhead swing with his staff as he took a step up into empty air to further add to his downward momentum. Void-Sunders-Firmament once more tore through its body echoed again with the powerful swing which seemed to crack the air. This left the beast thoroughly stunned as Kite¡¯s bracers connected, and twin bells tolled. The first pulse seemed to crack all the bones in the creature¡¯s weakened face, the horrific grin broken asunder by the second as the kinetic force followed. It bounced back into and through the force wall behind it, leaving a furrow in the torn soil. The monster was still for a second, but as it twitched once there was a flash as a lance of resonating force was fired from Sage. And the twitching did not repeat. Kite felt surprisingly detached as his mind started cataloging and dismissing what little injuries he had accumulated since Immortality had done its work. While he had spent most of his cards and suffered more than his share of injuries, Kite felt¡­ fine. This caused some conflicting feelings in Kite, but there was little time to consider them as the ground beneath him was once more torn apart by a sudden impact, even if this was Dragonfly crashing into his arms at the end of one of her empowered leaps. ¡°Kite, you did it! Heavens above, that was brutal in just the right ways!¡± she exclaimed before starting her own narration of the fight while still clinging to his torso, legs wrapped around his waist. ¡°Dragonfly, you might want to consider stopping and actually ask how Kite is feeling,¡± Serene commented as the rest of the group joined them as well. ¡°Because while I agree that it was a most impressive showing, I also sense that you seem a bit conflicted, Kite.¡± At the priestess¡¯ words, Dragonfly paused and leaned back to look at Kite. ¡°But, why? You won! It was awesome!¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Kite began, trying to put it into words. ¡°I agree, part of me is beyond elated. But another¡­ It feels like this was too easy. Do not misunderstand, it was not easy in the actual sense,¡± he hurriedly added, seeing Dragonfly¡¯s incredulous look. ¡°Rather¡­ I felt strained, but somehow kept a semblance of control over my actions. I think it worries me a little that it wasn¡¯t enough of a challenge to push me across the threshold.¡± This had his companions nodding along, with the exception of Will, who crossed his arms and shook his head, while smiling. ¡°Kite, my friend, you¡¯re thinking about it the wrong way. You being strained but in control of yourself should prove exactly that silver is where you belong. You weren¡¯t just fighting against the silver-rankers, you were fighting them as if you were already one of them. Already used to their strength and speed and able to match it through the power of your path and the skill with which you wield it. The world just needs to catch up and acknowledge the fact. Mark my words; I¡¯ll fight with a sword for the next month if you haven¡¯t reached silver rank before the sun rises tomorrow.¡±
That evening, as Kite sat down to meditate in the camp of the group, he did so a bit removed from the rest. The area west of Convergence was quite mountainous, with peaks of a size way beyond what Kite had seen in the Autumn lands. But with his peak bronze-rank body and the conjured platforms of Leyline Warding, it was not too challenging to hike up to the top of one with a suitable ledge close to its jagged tip. As he looked out to the west over the lands barely visible in the evening gloom, he still couldn¡¯t shake a bit of awe at how far he had come. Even though he knew that what he had seen of the world was but the tiniest of fractions, it was still magnitudes more than he could have imagined growing up in Starberry Peak. Glint settled down in his lap, and Sage hovered at his side, keeping watch. ¡°Fortune, may I take the next step on my path with your blessing.¡± he said in silent prayer. Then, Kite gently guided his mind into the meditation which he had performed so many times by now. His aura started to slowly spread and mingle with the surroundings, but true to its nature it remained a bulwark of spirit in his vicinity rather than the diffuse mesh which Serene stretched far and wide. The mental image of the path came easy to him, as it often did these days. The mind-construct gave off a solid feel, as if it was implacable and inevitable, yet shrouded and protected by nothingness around it. It was his path, and where there had earlier been glaring holes, there were now only the most minute of gaps; more the final touches still needed to be undertaken rather than anything major. He did not know how long his mind wandered, but Kite did not force it. He reflected upon everything he could remember from the past day, be it conversation or conflict. And as he did, a familiar feeling started making itself known to him. It was faint, as if barely congealed enough, but each moment Kite managed to keep track of that particular mental strand, the thread grew into something. Something substantial. And from the way it suffused itself through every minute crack in Kite¡¯s path, hiding just beneath the surface, he felt that it was something unchangeable. Even something immortal.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Immortality] has reached Silver 0. [Immortality] has gained additional effects. Immortality (Phoenix) - Special ability (healing, recovery). Cost: None Cooldown: 24 hours Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Instantly restore a large portion of health, mana, and stamina. Amount restored is based on how depleted health, mana, and stamina are when the ability is activated. Effect - bronze: Gain ongoing health, mana, and stamina recovery effects. The strength of these effects is based on how depleted health, mana, and stamina are when the ability is activated. Effect - silver: Gain a long cooldown purgation ability that removes all afflictions from the user ignoring any restrictions or immunities to purgation.
Kite could feel the light erupting from within him, the final streak of bronze gradually replaced with silver. He basked in the feeling; a sense of fullness and completion. Then that sensation started to feel insufficient; as if it was no longer enough to contain him. Power started leaking through, growing surges throughout Kite¡¯s body. They were all intolerably strong yet intoxicatingly powerful, and Kite sent one last thought of prayer out into the world before allowing himself to be lost in the transfiguration of his whole being; ¡°Thank you, gods of the heavens. And thank you, my friends and boon companions. The bonds between us have brought me here, make no mistake. I will forever treasure them, no matter what future awaits us.¡± Then, Kite let go of such conscious thoughts and just existed in the sensation of the world washing through him, leaving him stronger than ever before. When he opened his eyes once again, it was to a sky painted in the colors of peach and lavender, dawn mere minutes away. He was floating about thirty centimeters into the air, kept aloft by his aura alone. And Kite felt amazing, even more nuances of the world seeming to unravel before his questing senses, his every motion, no matter how minute, seeming to contain unprecedented power and precision. While that was all well and good, the forces inside him calling for action; to be unleashed upon the world and have it bend before him, Kite took it with equanimity. And reached to ready the bottle of crystal wash already waiting beside him. And as the sun had just started peeking above the horizon, washing the lands in its lustrous gold, Hua-Xi¡¯s newest silver ranker descended from the peak and rejoined his companions. 137. Fortune preserve me As Kite sat atop the boulder, he was currently quite busy marveling at the world around him. Even two days after reaching silver-rank, his senses still felt so keen and fresh. That he took in everything all around him at once probably helped to add to the intensity of the experience, but unlike when he was back at iron rank and trying to get used to his newly advanced perception power, this time his mind could process the impressions with ease. Be it the wind dancing across the scattered boulders of the area, the silky sensation of Glint¡¯s fins as he idly played with the silky membranes or his friends doing battle a little bit away. He could sense the question through his bond with Glint as she too was regarding them; Dragonfly and Gold working in brutal tandem to deal with the ferocious feline monster they were currently fighting. ¡°No, little beauty, they are doing just fine. And believe it or not, we could reach them quite fast now, should we prove to be needed.¡± Kite noted. If he focused, it was almost as if his companions moved slower as Kite¡¯s own perception sped up somewhat. Since Kite¡¯s ascension to silver rank, he had been thoroughly relegated to observer and emergency assistance, as he both needed to consolidate his new state of existence and leave as much challenge to his friends as possible. ¡°Still, it is a bit boring not to be in there with them, close to the beating heart of the battle,¡± he mused, returning his focus to the carp. Her scales had always been lustrous, but these last two days, her beauty had reached ridiculous proportions. While Kite knew that his own appearance had improved markedly with the rank up, Glint¡¯s change had gone from anyone with eyes calling her pretty to her glittering motions almost gaining a hypnotic feel, such was their grace and luster. But while the carp had ranked up alongside him, as was only proper through their bond, there was still something incomplete about her aura. The rank itself was there, but Kite still got the sense of a vessel waiting to be filled. That Glint¡¯s appetite for the scales of her ancestor had reignited with a fervor was clear indication as to what was missing. ¡°I suppose that we both shouldn¡¯t be too complacent. I have powers to master and equipment to upgrade, and you, little beauty, have scales to find. What wonder will you show me, once we find enough of them?¡± Kite mused, remembering the startling transformation at iron rank when Glint had gained the ability to change her shape. Kite¡¯s bond with Glint was in some ways an ordinary one and in others a bit unique, probably due to it being an ability granted by a racial gift evolution rather than an essence power. Unlike those with said powers, Kite¡¯s ability conferred the ability to bond with what he assumed was any magical creature eligible, but did not otherwise facilitate this bonding in any other way. Someone with an essence power could use a ritual to call appropriate partners, and said partner would grow along with them as they advanced. While he hoped to never find out, Kite had so far theorized that, should tragedy strike and Glint perished or chose to leave him, he would have to befriend another familiar the old-fashioned way. And while Glint ranked up along with him, she still seemed to need the scales through which her species usually progressed to empower and awaken her innate magic. While this left quite a lot of work ahead of them, Kite did not fret overly much. They should have time, after all. Quite a lot of it, in fact. ¡°Might have to issue a proper bounty with the guild though. And ask Walker to keep an extra eye out.¡± There was quite a lot Kite wished to do now that he had reached the vaunted silver rank, after all. The climb towards the heavens never ceased, and neither did his mortal projects these days. But those would have to wait as well, because if the gods were kind, he would not be the only silver-ranker returning to Gilded after this trip.
¡°So¡­ the Pathbreaker actually went ahead and did it,¡± Marten said to Desdemona after watching the fresh silver-ranker leave the administration building. The pair had even heard the rumor before the group¡¯s return from their latest set of contracts, as word traveled quickly. While there were many more silver-rankers in Convergence than up in backwaters such as Gilded, it still wasn¡¯t enough of them to allow a new one any measure of anonymity. The leonid woman looked pleased, giving Marten a grin that told him that she had indeed told him so. ¡°So?¡± he prodded her, ignoring the jibe that Desdemona¡¯s gaze had contained. ¡°You talked for a bit. What did he want, except for more contracts?¡± ¡°What, you think my charming company is not enough?¡± the leonid asked, mock hurt playing over her features. Marten¡¯s flat look was apparently answer enough, as she continued with a snort. ¡°Kite wanted to order some materials. Silver-ranked quintessence, to be specific. Echo, myriad, adept and might, among others.¡± ¡°Pricey.¡± ¡°Well, you know what silver-ranked contracts pay. He can afford it. I¡¯ve heard that ranking up does mean a lot of costs, especially for those with familiars. Or maybe a growth item?¡± ¡°I did hear something about him having a looting power as well,¡± Marten admitted. ¡°So you have been listening!¡± ¡°Hard not to. Once he hit silver, rumors started going wild that he was some kind of epic duelist too.¡± ¡°Ooo, that sure will have the locals in a hurry to challenge him. I wonder if I¡¯ll get to officiate some more of those clashes?¡± As they returned to work, Marten still couldn¡¯t help but feel that Desdemona was way too excited about the prospect.
¡°I still have trouble getting over how you look now,¡± Dragonfly noted, reaching out to poke Kite¡¯s nose where he lay beside her. The group being back in the city meant that they treated themselves to some proper lodgings, with no one raising any complaints after weeks spent out in the wilderness. While the magical pavilions sure made camping convenient, they were still a far cry from a proper bed. At least in the price range of the group which had previously contained only bronze-rankers. ¡°I admit that it is still odd to see myself in the mirror these last few days,¡± Kite admitted. ¡°Especially the eyes, I¡¯d say.¡± ¡°Oh, I agree,¡± Dragonfly said, leaning over to properly look at them. ¡°You always had this brown areas around your pupils. Back at iron, it gave them a nice hint of gold. Now, they seem to be almost gleaming in their intensity.¡± ¡°Is it that bad?¡± ¡°Kite, you know how silver-rankers look. By now, you probably wouldn¡¯t be able to look bad even if you actively tried. Gods know that I¡¯m not complaining. Or anyone else with eyes. Didn¡¯t you see how the maids almost collided with each other while staring at you?¡± ¡°I thought that was them looking at Glint.¡± ¡°Well¡­ You have a point. But you were both there, so the poor girls can¡¯t really be blamed. I wonder how I will look at silver.¡± ¡°Is the world really ready for my ardent Dragonfly ascending?¡± Kite asked pensively, earning himself a playful swipe. ¡°What? I have to consider public safety. With greater ranks comes greater responsibility. It would not be fair to the public if your inner fire stole so much attention so as to start causing major incidents.¡± ¡°Well, a girl can hope. Especially when traveling with Serene. Gods know that those celestines don¡¯t make it easy for the rest of us.¡± ¡°Trust me, Dragonfly. Your presence has always been a beacon to everyone with eyes and sense. You don¡¯t have to be a celestine to look as if you have been wrought directly from the heavens.¡± ¡°Kite! That¡¯s still¡­ Gah! Unfair. I hope blushing goes away at silver rank.¡± ¡°I, for one, do not. The look has always suited you.¡±
Iridescent Bell, inner disciple of the Perfected Step sect, waited as patiently as she could as Soul sat meditating in her garden. Bell knew that the celestine had noticed her, but apparently she wasn¡¯t yet done. From most other higher rankers, the gesture would have been a clear show of dominance; to force even the daughter of a sect elder to wait until she deemed the moment fit to address her. But Bell had known Soul for a long time now, and this was truly only what it looked like; Soul wasn¡¯t done yet, and would address Bell when she was. Progression and improvement in every way would alway remain her priority over social niceties. So the bronze-ranker waited patiently, even though the news she had received that morning left her tense with anticipation. ¡°You¡¯re excited, Bell,¡± Soul noted, breaking open an eye as she started to slowly rise from her meditation. ¡°Are you really that eager to have me defeat someone for you?¡± ¡°I- Soul, it is for the good of the sect. Our reputation-¡± ¡°Bell, don¡¯t bother with that. You and your father have been good to me and let me do my thing in peace. I don¡¯t mind showing the world a bit of the ¡®might of the sect¡¯ if that makes life easier for you.¡± Bell¡¯s first impulse was to once again object, especially at Soul¡¯s clear sarcasm when speaking about the sect''s might and reputation. But she was her father¡¯s daughter, and knew when to ignore a jibe as the result seemed to be what she was wishing for. ¡°The sect will look fondly upon your contributions. And you will have my gratitude,¡± Bell said, unable to help her smile. This Pathbreaker might think himself high and mighty, but Soul of the Perfected Step sect, blessed by Warrior, will show him the humility he had so thoroughly been lacking.
¡°Once more, I am impressed by all of your hard work,¡± Kite noted when the group gathered outside the administration hall. ¡°So far, it still looks to be a close one.¡± Another three contracts for a silver-ranked monster had been completed, and Will had made a particularly good showing against one of them; a kind of flying toad which had suffered quite a lot from the elf scion bringing plenty of sharp, pointed object against its vast, bulbous membranes with which it flew. ¡°Can¡¯t let you stay ahead of us for too long, mighty Pathbreaker,¡± Dragonfly retorted. ¡°But know that I will definitely be the next one to ascend.¡± ¡°Pah, as if I would be outdone by a commoner once more? Kite is at least a bit famous, so being outdone by a twice conqueror of the Queen¡¯s gate won¡¯t lose me any face. But losing to you? Inconceivable,¡± Will countered. ¡°I, for one, will follow the song of the goddess at the pace that was meant by the heavens,¡± Serene said primly. ¡°Which, as you can hear, means that I will be victorious.¡± As one, the group turned to Gold, the stoic man having remained silent. At their attention, he looked as if to think for a moment before giving his reply. ¡°Serene.¡± Kite could only chuckle at Will¡¯s and Dragonfly¡¯s looks of indignation as the huge man actually broke the stalemate instead of coming up with a boast of his own. His new, improved aura senses had also taken a while to get used to during these last two weeks since his rise to silver rank, but he could sense his friends¡¯ progress more clearly, and thought that he knew who of them would be the first to silver rank. But telling would be ruining the fun of their little bet. ¡°Know that I will vouch for each and every one of you,¡± he instead declared, assuming his most magnanimous look. ¡°Being second to the Pathbreaker himself, twofold champion of the Jade-Sky gates is no small feat, after all.¡± His attempt was met by a gratifying amount of eyerolls and protests, including a passionate vow of vengeance from Will, before the group went their separate ways for the rest of the day. Will would draft some correspondence to send home to his family while Serene and Gold would visit the local temple of Song again. This left Dragonfly as Kite¡¯s lone, humanoid companion as they, accompanied by Glint, steered their steps towards the trade hall as Kite had gotten the word that the materials which he had ordered had arrived. ¡°Any good prospects for new equipment yet?¡± Dragonfly asked him where she walked at his side, finishing off a drumstick the size of her forearm. ¡°Some, but I will admit that gearing up for silver rank has been harder. Each instance of my loot power takes longer if I want to charge it fully. And, well¡­¡± Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ¡°You using all that sweet treasure to hit things instead must really take its toll, no?¡± Dragonfly noted, filling in the gap. ¡°The ability has swung the balance of a fight quite a few times so far, so I regret nothing. Except the scolding I might get from Peony when she learns of it.¡± Kite admitted a bit sheepishly. They passed the rest of the way pleasantly chatting, and Kite took the moment to really enjoy the late summer day along with his friend and lover. His silver-ranked perception let him appreciate it all the more, and his expanded vision was completely without strain these days even in the crowded city of Convergence. Simultaneously, he was taking in the nearby crowds, the mighty, shining spire of the city lord, boat traffic on the river which split the city. Further away, he could even see a procession of some local sect, the full display of uniforms and a banner hinting at official, important business in the city. Convergence was a lot, but unlike the overwhelmed iron ranker who had stumbled through the gates of Gilded those years ago, Kite realized that he had come to like ¡®a lot¡¯. But not even the trade hall of the mercantile city had been able to accommodate the different types of quintessence and materials which Kite had needed to order. From his adventures within the gate, Kite had buckets and buckets full of bronze rank quintessences, but the silver-ranked ones left by the rulers were a lot fewer in number. As such, he had needed plenty of silver-ranked echo, myriad and adept quintessence to upgrade his mantle, as well as more echo, might and resonating quintessence to improve his staff. Even his most forgettable sword, the Veiled One¡¯s Decree, was a growth item, although it didn¡¯t come close to the quality of his prizes from the gate. To upgrade it to silver rank, which would be its last unless seen to by the original forger or another crafter of appropriate skill, Kite had needed additional discordant, shimmer and smoke quintessence. ¡°Fortune be praised that I have a lot of quintessence to sell,¡± he thought, still wincing at the cost of it all. Each ranking might feel like a new world, but it also meant a new level of expenses. ¡°Any thoughts on your own preparations?¡± Kite asked Dragonfly as they entered the multi-winged building that was the local trade hall, crowded with adventurers. The vast majority were bronze, but Kite¡¯s aura picked out five other silver-rankers in the building. There might be more present, who kept their aura tightly withdrawn, but Kite would need to project quite rudely to have a chance to notice. ¡°Well, thanks to a certain someone, I won¡¯t need to worry about a weapon for the near future,¡± Dragonfly noted, indicating the axe Kite had gifted her earlier. The weapon in question, Piece of Heaven, had been the hereditary weapon of the leader of the Descending Star sect before its fall. ¡°But heavens, there is a lot to consider. Armor would be logical, but I keep going through mine so quickly.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure that there will be something worthy of your path,¡± Kite consoled when they drew close to their destination. The runic woman behind the counter looked very happy to see Kite as she started producing different boxes, neatly labeled for convenience. ¡°- and I do hope that benefactor will accept the small gift I took the liberty of including, and remember my family¡¯s humble emporium for your future needs,¡± she said as she finished making one final inventory. Kite had indeed noted the small voucher for a meal at some restaurant labeled the Shimmering Chair. ¡°Oo, I¡¯ve seen that place. Guess we know where to go for lunch,¡± Dragonfly said as she read the small card. ¡°If you can hold off on upgrading, that is.¡± ¡°No trouble. It took a few hours for the staff to absorb the materials last time, so I imagine that this will be something similar,¡± Kite said as they made their way out. ¡°I will admit that I am most curious to see what will come of it.¡± But as they exited, one particular thing caught both of their attention at once. At the plaza ahead of the trade hall, the sect procession which Kite had noticed earlier had stopped. All of the disciples present, clad in dark green and black, seemed to scan the crowds, but one woman at the front noticed Kite and Dragonfly immediately. She did not share the sect uniform, but the person she was currently helping to spot Kite and Dragonfly did; a silver-ranked man who looked to be in his thirties. He had short-cropped brown hair, a neatly trimmed beard and wore an impressively tall hat which looked very formal. At his sides stood two younger women; one bronze-ranker whose brown hair and certain features matched the older man¡¯s, and a celestine with amethyst hair. The former wore proper robes while the latter only had a cloak in the sect¡¯s colors swept around her. And as each of the leading trio followed the guide¡¯s gaze to lock onto Kite, he realized that he recognized the bronze-ranker, and his heart sank. ¡°I believe that lunch might get a bit delayed,¡± Kite sighed, as the sect procession once more started up, making its way straight towards them.
¡°Bell, is that the one? With the tattoos?¡± Soul asked as the procession of disciples crossed the final stretch of the plaza before the trade hall of the local adventure society. ¡°That is him,¡± Bell confirmed. Laying her eyes upon him immediately confirmed that this Pathbreaker had indeed just reached silver rank. He had been decently handsome before, but silver rank had a tendency of taking people¡¯s looks slightly into the surreal. ¡°Hmm, I like the feel of his aura. Solid, but with a hint of subtle bite to it. I already look forward to seeing how it will hold up,¡± Soul noted, her amethyst eyes now having gained another sliver of focus. ¡°Remember what I told you about the arms,¡± Bell counseled, but Soul waved it away. ¡°I know, I know, but testing it out thoroughly for myself will be the only way to really get to know them. Or him for that matter. Speaking of which; looks like your father is about to address him soon. Did he really have to come?¡± ¡°He insisted,¡± Bell said, a bit frustrated at the decision herself. This would only dilute her personal involvement as the one who used her influence to make this happen, but her father was one of the sect elders, so it was not her place to deny him anything when it came to the standing of the sect. Having crossed the plaza, the procession came to a halt about ten meters away from the Pathbreaker who, to his credit, had remained where he was after noticing their approach. While Bell could have enjoyed a scene where he fled, that was in the end not the spectacle she was hoping for. Her father took a step forward and projected his aura outward enough to make sure that no one would overlook his power, but not enough so as to risk startling the lower-rankers too badly. ¡°I am Iridescent Glass, elder of the Perfected Step sect. We come seeking the one called the Pathbreaker,¡± her father called, his voice easily carrying across the plaza, which had fallen silent at the feel of his aura projection. ¡°Then you have found him. How can I be of assistance to the elder?¡± the young man replied, giving a polite bow. Bell thought that she saw a hint of resignation in his face, as if he knew what was to come. ¡°Excellent. You have recently clashed with an inner disciple of our sect over a contract, a clash which we feel reflects poorly on our reputation and capability. The disciple in question, my daughter, has come seeking the chance to prove to you and the world that our sect is better than that temporary lapse.¡± Bell drew herself up at the words, all part of the agreed upon script. The Pathbreaker, on the other hand, surveyed the gathered sect students warily. ¡°I¡­ see. But as you can no doubt sense, elder, I have since advanced to silver rank. As your daughter has not, it would hardly be a fair clash for her to prove herself again. I mean no offense, but that would in all probability leave both of us without any additional insight or experience,¡± he said, apparently sensing that there was more to the sect¡¯s intentions. The Pathbreaker even projected his aura a little bit further, the solid feel of his aura gently pushing outwards. Some of the crowd gasped, and the murmuring of the bystanders rose in volume. Still, he did not try to flee or otherwise evade, for which Bell was thankful. ¡°Ah, then congratulations are in order,¡± Bell¡¯s father acknowledged. ¡°That will indeed mean that my daughter¡¯s claim on a rematch will have to wait until she too ascends.¡± Most onlookers present did seem to take this as the end of the exchange, but neither the Pathbreaker or the sect procession had moved, and the elder continued. ¡°However, the competence of my sect is still in question, and we lose face unless we try to rectify it at once. While the difference in your power is unfortunate, the goddess Fortune has apparently seen fit to bless us with another opportunity.¡± Bell had to give it to her father and his acting skills; to her, he sounded as if this new idea had indeed just struck him. ¡°There happens to be another inner disciple here, newly ascended to silver rank just like you. Inner disciple Soul is like an adopted daughter to me, you see. Surely, she would be a good replacement to prove our worth?¡± At the elder¡¯s worth, Soul stepped forward, eyes trained on the man that was their quarry. From the looks of things, he had resigned himself to play along. ¡°So, you would wish to challenge me in place of your fellow disciple?¡± Bell noted that Soul¡¯s interest had only seemed to increase as she had gotten more time to study the man, who looked quite exotic with those odd metal tattoos. ¡°I, Soul, inner disciple of the Perfected Step sect and blessed by Warrior, challenge you to a clash of paths,¡± the celestine woman said in way of answer, her gaze even starting to look a bit eager. ¡°Direct, as always,¡± Bell thought at the sudden declaration. ¡°I see,¡± the Pathbreaker said. ¡°And what prize would you wager in such a clash?¡± ¡°When I win, you will publicly profess the strength of our sect.¡± ¡°That¡­ is that all?¡± The man seemed almost perplexed, apparently having expected more. Bell had wanted to demand more as well, to get some thorough retribution for the lost contract. Some resources, at least, but Soul had insisted. ¡°I may be willing to fight your battles, but I¡¯m not willing to go further than an acknowledgement. Want more? Then become stronger,¡± had been her exact words, and not even Bell¡¯s father had been able to change her mind. Not that he had seemed to try very hard, though. Just showing off that the sect was not something to be pushed around while defeating some outcast upstart was plenty, with the added angle that their sect was too wealthy to need the scraps of some sectless loner. ¡°That is all.¡± Soul confirmed. ¡°Then, I, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, also known as the Pathbreaker, accept your challenge. Should I win, I would like a week of your time for sparring and mutual tempering, to be claimed in the future.¡± His demand had all participants in the sect procession start slightly. ¡°What kind of demand is that?¡± Bell thought. ¡°What would be the point of it? Is there another game played here?¡± Still, she already knew what Soul¡¯s response would be. This was just her kind of thing, after all. ¡°Then we are in agreement!¡± the celestine exclaimed quickly, before anyone could interrupt further. ¡°Come! We go to the sparring areas at once.¡±
¡°Kite, you seem to find yourself in these kinds of situations way more than is reasonable for one person,¡± Dragonfly said to him as she walked by his side. The pair was currently trailing in the wake of the sect procession, with not a small number of curious onlookers trailing them in turn. ¡°As soon as I saw them, I figured that something like this would happen,¡± Kite said a bit helplessly. ¡°Their demands weren¡¯t completely unreasonable, and they kept things public. So at least there shouldn¡¯t be too much risk of foul plots.¡± ¡°Too reasonable. It¡¯s suspicious in and of itself,¡± Dragonfly grumbled. ¡°When did sect people start to focus on reason?¡± ¡°There is a first for everything?¡± ¡°Not this time, I think,¡± Dragonfly continued, looking suspiciously towards the procession in front of them. ¡°They¡¯re up to something.¡± ¡°Then may Fortune keep me. And allow me to break through any foul intent this time as well,¡± Kite said just as they reached the part of the adventure society campus which housed the different sparring areas; walled off arenas covered in protective arrays and with some space for a small number of onlookers. While Convergence was wealthy enough to afford a small mirage chamber, it was still rarely used for spontaneous clashes such as this, both due to cost and the fact that making a reservation at the chamber required good, and often expensive, connections. The sect elder sent a pair of disciples off to make the arrangements, and not long after they returned with an adventure society functionary in tow. One that Kite recognized. ¡°Desdemona,¡± he greeted, causing the functionary to perk up. ¡°Oh, hello Kite! It¡¯s you again, huh? Maybe you are a troublemaker after all?¡± ¡°Goodness, I hope not,¡± Kite replied, and was about to continue when the sect elder stepped into the conversation, apparently not one for waiting. ¡°My disciples said that you have volunteered to officiate the clash, functionary,¡± the older man said, giving only the barest of recognition to the iron-ranker¡¯s status within the society. ¡°I have, elder. It will be my pleasure,¡± Desdemona agreed happily, not noticing or not caring about the attempted slight. ¡°If the clashing parties would please take their positions and announce themselves, we shall begin.¡± The sect procession gathered at one side of the sparring arena, the biggest one available to this campus so as to facilitate the potential of a pair of silver-rankers, while Dragonfly went to the other side as Kite¡¯s lone supporter. As he took his position, having taken some time to don a set of armor, Kite took some time to truly get a look at his opponent. The celestine woman shrugged out of her sect cloak without any further fanfare, revealing her unarmored form. Her porcelain-white skin was only covered by a simple chest wrapping and a pair of very form-fitting silk pants, leaving little of her lean, muscled body to the imagination. Amethyst eyes had fixed themselves to Kite¡¯s all the while she started stretching, her aura questing outward to his. Kite couldn¡¯t help but shudder slightly at the feel of it; carrying the sense of a sword raised to strike, the creaking of a bow drawn to its limit and the surge of motion as bodies moved into conflict. ¡°I may be the armored one, but somehow I get the feeling that I am the one underdressed,¡± Kite thought to himself, looking down at the rather plain suit of silver-ranked armor his looting power had produced. The half-plate suit was nothing special enchantment-wise, but had a combination of additional durability and good self-repair which had made Kite use it until something more suited to his path could be produced. At that moment, the armor felt inadequate to the extreme. Looking back up, he saw his foe smirk in amusement, as his thoughts must have been clear on his face. Kite had expected a bit more haughtiness, but saw only expectation in those intense eyes. And he was unsure if that was better or worse. ¡°So, the participants are gathered!¡± Desdemona called with gusto from where she stood to the side in a booth with additional protective arrays as she would be closer to the actual combat. ¡°Will the clashing parties confirm their will to fight?¡± ¡°I, Soul, inner disciple of the Perfected Step sect and blessed by Warrior, challenge the Pathbreaker to a clash of paths. In victory, I will claim his official acknowledgement of our sect¡¯s might,¡± Soul said, almost blurting it out as if eager to get on with what was to come. ¡°I, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, also known as the Pathbreaker, accept said challenge. Should I win, I will claim a week of sparring and learning from my opponent, to be called in at a future date.¡± ¡°Great! Then may you both find the tempering you are looking for in this conflict!¡± Desdemona called, the leonid really seeming to be getting into the spirit of things. She made a dramatic pause, looking between the duelists, before finally continuing. ¡°Let this clash of paths¡­ begin!¡± ¡°Ward!¡± A pair of silver-ranked auras clashed a mere moment before the actual contenders did; a spiritual detonation followed by a crackling sound like glass shattering. One moment, Soul had stood at her starting position, and the next she had almost been upon Kite, only his silver-ranked perception further augmented by his mantle allowing Kite to react properly. Now, the pair stood frozen for a split second, the faint shimmer around Soul¡¯s right arm having just unraveled after the limb had pierced through both of Kite¡¯s barriers in a flash. It was only the touch of Pattern-Shattering counter which had finally dispersed the transcendent light which her fist had emanated a mere instant before. As Soul¡¯s smile only widened a bit in response, Kite once more got that sinking feeling. ¡°Fortune preserve me. Because I might be in trouble.¡± 138. Fight your own battles Triumph of Indomitable Will had no difficulty in finding his companions in the crowded mercantile plaza. Even when Serene did not sing too loudly, there was still this constant, soothing hum surrounding her as she spread her goddess¡¯ purview. As expected, Gold was at her side as well, the mere presence of the large bronze-ranker enough to make sure that the crowds did not stray too close as many stopped for a while to listen. Will made his way over, nimbly weaving through the crowds to sit down next to the pair atop a low wall surrounding one of the decorative trees which lined the river. It was a fine summer day, with plenty of boats and ships on the river, many streaming colorful strips of cloth. ¡°I would have expected Kite and Dragonfly to be here first,¡± Will noted as he enjoyed the view. There weren¡¯t any major rivers flowing through Gilded, after all, so the concept of living so close to so much water remained exotic. ¡°We did as well,¡± Serene noted, Gold nodding along. ¡°Maybe they went back to the inn to start the process of improving Kite¡¯s equipment?¡± ¡°Ah, to have so many growth items. While the cost is felt, the potential is ever worth it,¡± Will sighed jealously. ¡°Whatever is keeping them, I sure hope that it is something as pleasant as this view.¡±
As it turned out, having transcendent damage course through your left arm was a decidedly unpleasant experience. The pain was white-hot yet icy cold at the same time, and seemed to strike at something deep inside Kite on a level beyond the physical. Still, he felt a bit of satisfaction as the accepted strike led to his own attack landing. During their brief, intensive exchanges after the initial clash, Kite had quickly noted several traits of his opponent which felt quite alarming. First of all was her pure, straight-forward power. Kite did not know for sure, as she hadn¡¯t stayed still enough for him to get a proper glimpse of her magic, but he suspected that she had something akin to Dragonfly¡¯s mighty strength for all of her attributes. The celestine woman just seemed stronger, faster, more perceptive and having a stronger ability to recover than him, and he had glimpsed no active boons during most of their fight. Second was her actual skill. Soul fought unarmed, and seemed to have a deep understanding of several different styles which she smoothly switched through. Her initial burst of straightforward speed had been followed by flowing, snaking motions which had soon been changed up to a more controlled, reactive set of strikes as Kite had tried to regain the initiative. And third, her power set seemed to be one that was quite problematic for one such as Kite, and one that was rather rare among essence users. So far during their clash, Soul had mostly shown off a single special attack which seemed to deal both transcendent and disrupting force damage, as well as the ability to temporarily speed up which seemed frequently available. She could also intercept and block Kite¡¯s attacks with her bare hands while blocking the magical effects as well. Finally, there was a supremely annoying ability which let her shift around her special attacks. One moment, her magic would gather in one fist only to flow back and change to another limb as Kite managed to intercept, therefore avoiding Kite¡¯s dispelling counters and always keeping him guessing where she would hit next. This had led to a new level of split-second strategizing, where the pair had to try and read each other as Kite had tried to begin feinting with his powers as well. And work up to a little surprise which Kite wanted to show his foe. That was why Kite had accepted this hit, one he knew would plow through his barriers. His spectral arms were already busy, one wielding his shield to block a simultaneous kick while the other projected a slash towards his foe in the hopes that she would be forced to abort the attack. Unfortunately, Soul had pushed through, angling to dodge by the breadth of a hair while plowing through Kite¡¯s dual barriers to strike his left arm. But as she raised her other hand to block his strike again, Kite¡¯s little surprise actually worked. Since advancing to silver rank, Void-Sunders-Firmament now weakened the magical channels of struck locations. While she had blocked out most of the first strike, her innate deflecting magic was too slow to respond the second time her hand met Kite¡¯s staff in short order. Instead of deflecting harmlessly, the spatial tears dug into her hand, splattering blood. The celestine disengaged in a blink, backing up with a short leap. ¡°Huh, better than I thought. Nice,¡± she said as if to herself when she looked at the injury. While Kite had hoped that the ensuing affliction would block further attempts at healing, his magical perception revealed that it was soon washed away by her inner magic, the hand knitting together at a troubling pace. ¡°In battle, I have found it helpful to surpass expectations,¡± Kite retorted even as both his own and the spectral arms of his mantle each swung to attack, the strikes projected through the void. He had staggered them slightly so as Soul dodged to the side in one flowing motion, the next struck her in mid-air. Or it would, had she not blurred with speed and stepped off the empty air, much like Kite himself could these days. ¡°Wall!¡± Needing another second to prepare his next attack, Kite brought forth the walls of force to encircle his foe and have her waste some more mana and time. Soul took a split second to take in her new surroundings before she thrust one foot down to arrest her momentum, the stone cracking beneath her as she pushed off in a new direction. Kite¡¯s barriers broke like utterly mundane glass before her charge. Another pair of projected attacks were sent her way, but a diving corkscrew had the celestine woman twirl past both ripples in the air and somehow return to her feet without losing momentum. ¡°Almost-¡± Kite thought with gritted teeth as Carmine Sunrise appeared in his hands, the comforting bulwark of Heavenglass Protector thrust forward by one of his spectral hands. It did not feel as comfortable any longer as Soul¡¯s fist battered the shield aside with a bone-creaking jolt, her other hand outstretched to connect with Kite¡¯s chest. The impact shook his whole being, and hitherto unseen cascades of stone were launched behind Kite in a spray as the force was channeled into the floor of the sparring yard. The taste of blood filled Kite¡¯s mouth even as his opponent readied herself to deliver another strike, hand flat and fingers pointed towards her target. ¡°You¡¯ll have to show some more if you really want to-¡± Soul said, but her words were suddenly clipped off as a blade, one hard to notice as if it encouraged both eyes and spirit to pass it by, pierced into Soul¡¯s chest in return. Or at least tried to. Kite felt some dismay as the Veiled One¡¯s Decree failed to pass more than an inch into the body of his foe, her skin, bones and muscles stopping even his silver-ranked strength when delivered through a weapon which was still bronze rank. But it did not stop the burst of dispelling force and the stunning, mana hungry magic which the thrust unleashed within her. The latter¡¯s effect was always a contribution to any battle, but this time, Kite placed his hopes in the first; Disrupting strike. More specifically, the new feature which the power had acquired once advancing to silver rank. A pulse went through Soul¡¯s body, the surprise instantly registering in her eyes as part of her strength left her, what Kite assumed was Mighty Strength being suppressed by his power. Together with the momentous stun from Chakra implosion, it was enough for him to land a second hit as she tried to disengage. Immutable echo clipped Soul¡¯s side, Void-Sunders-Firmament dealing some additional damage before she snapped back to attention, pushing off the air to dodge a few more attacks Kite projected towards her. Landing nimbly, she looked back at Kite and met his gaze. And Kite had to admit that he was a bit taken aback by the sheer ferocity of the excitement that shone within. Soul suddenly looked as if Kite had presented her with a marvelous gift, one that she had never thought to wish for but whose appearance had suddenly revealed something missing all her life. ¡°Y- you can suppress it? My strength?¡± she asked, as if in wonder. ¡°I-¡± Kite began, even holding his next strike as he stared blankly at his opponent. He did not get the chance to continue as she spoke again. ¡°Could you do that with my speed? Any special ability?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think that telling my foes such details during a duel is the wisest course of action.¡± ¡°Gah- but this is important! I know, I¡¯ll tell you something of mine. Anything you ask. You can even have two for one.¡± Still taken aback by her sudden intensity, Kite still hesitated. ¡°Please!¡± Seeing the look in the woman¡¯s eyes, it then became clear to Kite that her questions actually had little, if anything, to do with this duel. Curiosity joined the war inside him, allying with his drive to cease any advantage and overwhelming his doubts in short order. ¡°Then, what do you mean with ¡°blessed by warrior¡±? And what is it that allows you to redirect your channeling attacks?¡± Kite had many, many more questions which this first part of the duel had awoken in him, but these seemed the most pertinent to his current predicament. They could both feel an angry silver-ranked aura probe against Soul¡¯s at the exchange, with the sect elder apparently none too happy that she might just divulge her secrets like this. Soul completely ignored him, even looking elated at Kite¡¯s questions. ¡°Oh, good choice. The short of it, Warrior appeared to me as he approved of my path. This triggered an evolution where none of my abilities can reach beyond my body, but they are all strengthened. As for the second, it¡¯s a power from my mystic essence. What was it called¡­ Oh yeah, Inner Force Redirection. A bit boring, but that¡¯s what it said in the magic society index. Some foreigners probably named it. It lets me move charging special attacks around in my body or weapons, even letting me hold onto them for a little while. Ranking up also lets me continue to pump strength into them for extra effect.¡± ¡°I¡­ see,¡± Kite said, trying to process what this would mean for the rest of the duel, and if he could use it to his advantage. ¡°So¡­?¡± Soul prompted him, having delivered her end of the bargain. ¡°My power can indeed suppress the special abilities of others. Only one at a time though, and not auras or familiars. But all others.¡± ¡°Can you keep it suppressed?¡± ¡°As long as I can continue landing strikes, yes.¡± ¡°This¡­¡± she said, her elation rising even further. ¡°This is great. Beyond great. Warrior be praised for this meeting.¡± ¡°I¡­ am pleased that you approve¡­¡± Kite ventured, still not knowing what to make of this sudden pause. Soul didn¡¯t even seem to care that his three vortices where happily eating through her mana. ¡°Your meeting with Warrior and your path¡­ That does sound like quite the story.¡± ¡°The best day of my life,¡± Soul agreed. ¡°But we¡¯ll get plenty of time for me to tell it properly soon.¡± ¡°We will?¡± Kite asked, but Soul had already turned to Desdemona, who in turn seemed very intrigued by this development as well. ¡°Officiator, I would formally like to change my demanded prize for my victory.¡± Her words caused plenty of murmuring to spread through the gathered onlookers, and few who looked would miss the warning glare that the sect elder sent the way of the celestine, only to once more be ignored. ¡°I¡­ You can, if I remember correctly. But your opponent will have to agree, otherwise the previous declaration stands. And I may deny it if I feel that you are further threatening or coercing your foe.¡± The leonid woman talked as if reciting something from memory, and Soul nodded. ¡°Good. Then I wish to change my prize to the same as my opponent; a week of sparring and training, to be claimed at a future date.¡± ¡°You do?¡± Desdemona asked. ¡°You do?¡± Kite asked, simultaneously. ¡°Soul!¡± The elder roared, only to once more be ignored. ¡°I do,¡± the celestine confirmed. ¡°Because you, dear Pathbreaker, have turned out to be something which I have never fought before; someone who can actively force me to fight without parts of my path. This will be just what I need to push my path of the Perfect Self. And besides, you¡¯re resilient enough. The perfect sparring partner. Will you agree to this change?¡± Kite knew that his deal was almost too good to be true; a win for him either way. But even as he nodded his agreement, he inwardly noted that his pride did wince a little. For him, who had received the budding reputation of an undefeatable duelist, being reduced to what felt like a practice dummy did sting. Still, a win was a win. Because how things had looked for the last, intense minute before this unexpected development, Kite was pretty sure that he would lose. And he was admittedly also very curious to learn from the path of this¡­ monster. ¡°Then I agree to this change,¡± Kite said. ¡°It will be most interesting to temper our paths against one anothers. Do you still wish to continue this clash, if the result is already set?¡± ¡°Dear Pathbreaker, one should never pass up on an opportunity for proper tempering. And by now, you should have been able to drain enough of my mana to compensate for that outdated equipment of yours. More fun that way. Ready yourself!¡± ¡°Oh dear¡­¡± was all Kite had the time to murmur, before the battle began anew. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Dragonfly watched the other half of the duel in rapt attention. While some of the onlookers nearby seemed to feel that a lot of the tension and excitement had left the clash with the celestine woman changing her demanded prize, that very fact had immediately fled Dragonfly¡¯s mind when the combat ensued once more. ¡°Kite sure is doing an admirable job,¡± she thought as she watched her friend and lover fight what anyone with eyes would call an uphill battle. While it had been hard for Dragonfly as an onlooker to identify it at first, she soon came to realize that this woman, Soul, was probably one of Kite¡¯s worst possible opponents. Not only was she skilled, almost terrifyingly so as she flowed through several different styles of fighting which Dragonfly couldn¡¯t grasp, but she seemed to have mostly different kinds of self-improving special abilities with a few exceptions of more active ones. This left Kite¡¯s dispelling attacks with painfully little to negate, letting her keep most of her options while his did not contribute as much. ¡°Had it not been Kite of all people, I would have gladly cheered at them getting a taste of their own medicine,¡± she thought, watching Kite put up a brave fight while Soul gradually worked to disassemble his defenses. She was surprisingly unaffected by Kite¡¯s recovery-hampering afflictions, so Dragonfly assumed that she had some kind of self-cleanse as well. Even so, the process was not without its challenge for the amethyst-haired celestine, and even through her efficient self-healing, the transcendent damage and mana drain from Kite was making itself known. But the attrition that was Kite had not worked fast enough, and Dragonfly thought that she could see the end approaching, especially when she started threatening Sage enough to force Kite to absorb the familiar back into his body. That prediction came true when Soul suddenly shifted stances, flowing movement turning into rigid as one strike broke through his barrier while she whirled to avoid attacks made by spectral arms. Said whirl took her inside his reach, and she accepted a glancing blow from the end of Kite¡¯s staff before her palm shot up, catching Kite in the jaw. His head snapped back, and while he wasn¡¯t launched backwards he staggered in place, swaying. As if by some unspoken agreement, both combatants relaxed their stances at that moment, even though Dragonfly winced as she saw Kite¡¯s legs trembling. Still, he gave an unsteady bow to his opponent, hands cupped. ¡°Thank you for the assistance in tempering my path!¡± ¡°I¡¯m a bit surprised that this bout really did help with mine as well,¡± Soul replied as she returned the bow, eyes glimmering. ¡°And as I am due my prize, I look forward to many more, Pathbreaker. Make sure to get some decent equipment before then. You¡¯ll need it if you are to keep up. Find me at the Perfected Step sect¡¯s compound in a month.¡± And with that, the celestine turned and walked away after sending Kite another almost wolfish smile. A disciple from the sect came running over with her cloak, and the rest of the procession joined the departing silver ranker. As Dragonfly walked up to stand beside Kite, she paid extra attention to the elder and his daughter. From what Kite had told her, it was not difficult to piece together who had been the initiators of this little clash. But from their faces, the first looking as if he had swallowed a thundercloud while his daughter looked more troubled and dissatisfied, things had not turned out as they had imagined. At least not entirely. While the other observers streamed out of the arena, some calling encouragement to Kite, Dragonfly leaned in and spoke softly. ¡°You didn¡¯t use Immortality? But it didn¡¯t look as if you were holding back.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think it would have mattered as things stood,¡± Kite replied, looking at the departing sect members with a mix of weariness but also a little bit of fire in his eyes. ¡°She had not shown any of her more potent cards yet, and with the battle decidedly not in my favor, it didn¡¯t feel worth dragging things out.¡± ¡°You did get something out of it either way, true,¡± Dragonfly said, her heart lightening a bit as she saw Kite looking steadier by the second. ¡°But heavens, Kite, you silver-rankers are durable. I think that a few of those blows you exchanged might deck most bronze-rankers real quick.¡± ¡°But not you?¡± Kite asked, smiling at the tone of her voice. ¡°I¡¯m the avatar of inner flame, unless you have forgotten. I¡¯m made of sterner stuff. And just wait until I advance.¡± ¡°As I said before, my ardent Dragonfly, I¡¯m not sure if the world is ready for it. But I will do my best to keep up.¡±
¡°Disciple. What. Was. That?¡± The whole procession from the Perfected Step sect had ended up at their small compound within Convergence, where sect members could find temporary lodgings during their stay in the city. Soul had barely had the time to enter the more lavish room reserved for the elders before the privacy formations on the door activated. ¡°So, the old man is trying to go with the silent fury,¡± she thought idly, unflinching as his silver-ranked aura tried to bore into hers. Bell was there too, sitting off to one side with a complicated expression, but apart from the three of them, the suite of rooms was empty as far as Soul¡¯s aura perception could gather. Meeting his dark eyes with a steady gaze, Soul replied; ¡°I fought a clash and saw other terms I deemed more favorable to me. As I thought that my opponent would agree, I proposed it. And then I won.¡± ¡°That was not the plan, disciple, nor the purpose.¡± ¡°No, elder, that was not your purpose. But I didn¡¯t see you in that arena fighting.¡± ¡°Such insolence. Is this the gratitude you show to the sect and family who has taken you in? Have I not treated you like a daughter, letting you eat at my table and used my influence to shield you? You may be a silver-ranker now, but there are still leagues of difference in experience between us.¡± ¡°You have delivered the resources you promised me back in the day, and I have delivered more than my share of the glory to you as my ¡®teacher¡¯ in return.¡± Soul remained outwardly calm as she spoke, but inwardly she was growing a bit annoyed. ¡°That is not for you to decide. And after today, our karma remains more imbalanced than ever.¡± ¡°Oh? Is that so? From where I stand, the only thing I actually owe any of you for is for Bell coming to drag me off to this fight because she was too weak to do it herself even when they were both bronze. Because it looks to have given me a sparring partner of my own advancement who can actually temper me.¡± Bell flinched at her words, while elder Glass was growing angrier by the second. ¡°Disciple Soul, this is no way to speak to your elders or your fellow disciples. Apologize, or there will be consequences. It seems like we may have been too lenient with you, so there will be the need to teach you some humility either way,¡± he said, raising his voice and adopting his ¡®harsh elder tone¡¯ which Soul had seen him use so often. But ever since advancing to silver rank, Soul no longer cared. He was just about to continue when his words were interrupted by something flickering towards him in a lazy arc, as Soul¡¯s sect medallion, the proof of her membership and status, came to a halt in his hands. ¡°It would seem like this would be a perfect time for me to leave, then,¡± Soul noted, still calm. The elder was about to retort, but she continued in spite of his efforts. ¡°I was always clear, elder, that my own loyalty is to my path and to Warrior. That you and your sect have always been the means to that end. Do not think that years of subservience during my lower ranks have changed that. I am Soul, and my path will temper my physical form to match that name.¡± It did give her some satisfaction to see his anger halted in his tracks, and the elder had to visibly and forcefully calm himself down. Soul gave him that time. ¡°Disciple, that decision would be most unfortunate. You are already part of our lineup for the upcoming inter-sect tournament, after all, and you know the prizes at stake there. Perhaps we should both take some time and calm down, and continue this discussion at a later time when our minds have cleared?¡± The older man spoke with forced calm, his aura no longer pressing against Soul¡¯s, but it was clear that he was by no means pleased with the turn of events. ¡°I am perfectly calm, elder, and see no need. Either you continue to uphold your end of the bargain, or I leave. Continue to throw accusations of our karma being unbalanced, and we shall have to even it out as true warriors do; through a clash as the queen has decreed.¡± The elder continued to regard her, but his anger was apparently cooling down. After a few more moments of silence, he held out the sect medallion to Soul. ¡°Disciple, I believe that you accidentally misplaced your badge.¡± ¡°It was no accident, elder. But you are free to come over here and return it.¡± Bell visibly cringed back at Soul¡¯s words, and elder Glass looked as if he had swallowed something that did most decidedly not agree with him. But eventually he strode over and held out the medallion. ¡°I do not believe that it belongs in my hand, elder,¡± Soul said, not moving. Elder Glass looked as if he was to say something, but with a visible show of self-restraint, he reached out and hung the medallion back over Soul¡¯s head. ¡°I believe that we are done,¡± was the only thing the man said, before walking past Soul and exiting the room. ¡°Soul, you¡¯ve pushed him too far. He did not deserve that!¡± Bell protested after the door had closed. ¡°And I found that he did. Posturing like that is for the weak. Our agreement stands for as long as he holds up his end and I hold up mine. If he aims to subvert that meaning, it is all null and pointless.¡± The bronze-ranker looked at her for a while, before asking her next question, voice small. ¡°But¡­ would you really have left? Just like that?¡± ¡°There is no point to empty threats, Bell. Posturing is not part of my path, nor is politics. I have grasped the strength to choose for myself. If he is not willing to match it, he will not dictate my actions.¡± Bell wilted a bit at her words. ¡°This is not how I imagined all of this going.¡± ¡°Then you should grow strong enough to fight your own battles,¡± Soul said, before she turned to leave the room. ¡°But you did set me up for an opportunity here, Bell. I¡¯ll repay you for that some day.¡± Then the door to the suite slid shut once more.
¡°I can still scarcely believe that Kite actually lost a duel,¡± Will said while he was lounging in a chair in the suite of rooms which the group stayed in between contracts. ¡°A sentiment you have repeated a lot these past few hours. We all know that I am not invincible,¡± Kite said from where he sat on the floor with piles of quintessence dissolving around him and flowing into his staff which lay across his lap as the weapon¡¯s magical presence was steadily increasing. ¡°That was not what it looked like in the recording of you completely crushing all those disciples of the Descending Star sect. No offense meant, Gold. You were the pinnacle of honor among that group,¡± Will said, hurriedly adding the last while nodding in apology to the big man who sat meditating next to Serene on the floor nearby. ¡°Truth is truth,¡± Gold said in simple acknowledgement, not even opening his eyes. ¡°Still, do you think that there will be trouble if you go there? From the looks of it, the rest of the sect didn¡¯t much approve of the changes she made. Which was a weird one. Was more training time with you really worth it to her?¡± Dragonfly asked incredulously, before adding; ¡°Not that I mind training with you, Kite. It¡¯s just¡­ as a prize?¡± ¡°You wound me, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite said, voice full of mock hurt. ¡°Am I not the paragon of all sparring partners? In all honesty though, I am a bit unsure. But from exchanging blows with this Soul for a while, I did get the feeling that combat is important to her. Really, really important.¡± ¡°You said she was blessed by Warrior? Our world is full of those who fight, so she must really have impressed him for Lord Warrior himself to make an appearance. And to impress him, you would need a lot more than just a will to fight,¡± Serene noted. ¡°In that, priestess, I will take your word for it,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°I suppose I will find out in a month. I¡¯m glad that she chose that time though, as I would be loath to leave you without at least another silver ready to step in should things go awry when there are less of you present. But by then, I suspect that we will not have that problem.¡± As if to make sure, Kite let his spiritual perception brush against his companions. He was still too close to them to properly assess their progression in great detail, but Dragonfly, Serene and Will were all close even though he could still not determine who would be able to push through first. Gold was getting there as well, but still had a bit longer to go. Ascending a growth item took some time, and most of Kite¡¯s companions eventually drifted off to do their own things, be it rest, meditation, practice, shopping or just taking in the sights. A few hours later, well after dusk had fallen, Dragonfly returned to where Kite sat, fresh from a sparring session against Will. She sprawled onto a nearby couch and after wrestling her hair, a great mass of pink curls, out of the way, she looked at Kite. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re doing the tattoos now?¡± ¡°What gave it away?¡± Kite asked with a smirk surrounded by the steadily glowing metallic lines on his face. ¡°Does it feel weird to improve something which is essentially a part of you?¡± ¡°Rather the opposite, actually. After ascending to silver, the tattoos have felt almost¡­ How to describe it? Drab? Stagnant? As if the mana I¡¯m sending through them doesn¡¯t move as fast as it should. But that is probably because my silver-ranked mana is more potent. And with every breath now, it''s aligning itself again.¡± ¡°And literally eating your money,¡± Dragonfly pointed out, nodding toward the vanishing piles of silver spirit coins.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a good thing that essences sell well, and that I had all that quintessence lying around,¡± Kite agreed with a slight wince. ¡°If need be, I can probably get a lot for the treasures which the rulers left behind, as they should be unique and potent materials for powerful silver-ranked items. But as I¡¯d rather hold on to those until Peony gets to silver as well, I shall make do with only parting with the others. Then- oh, I think the advance is nearing completion.¡± The last dregs of spirit coins and quintessence had dissolved, and Kite took over command of the ritual to help guide it to a close. With the items gained from the queen¡¯s trials, that process had always been a lot easier than Kite had expected; as if the items themselves were already so closely bound to him and had such potential that it felt more like filling a magical vessel rather than shaping and guiding it much. Upgrading the Veiled One¡¯s Decree had been a lot more strenuous, as Kite had been forced to wrestle with the discordant concepts within. As the glow from his tattoos faded, Dragonfly gave off a soft ¡®OOooohh¡¯ and pointed to his face. Looking in a nearby mirror, Kite saw that the metallic lines had sprouted smaller, intricate offshoots, like swirling veins growing out from the wider stem of the tattoo¡¯s main lines. And he agreed with Dragonfly; it did not look half bad. More artistic. ¡°So, what does it do now?¡± she asked him curiously. Kite focused inward for a bit, gently guiding his mana through the new circuits. Then he let it flow freely, the lines lighting up. A pair of spectral arms appeared behind him as before. And then came another pair.
WWJS: [Item] Prescient Mantle of the Sage Asura Magical tattoo Silver rank - [Growth] Legendary Soulbound The Sage Asura sees all, each of its myriad arms reaching out to change fate. Through the forging, let its mantle be bestowed to the one whose path might one day do the same. [Effect] For an ongoing mana cost, manifest a set of spiritual arms. These arms may draw weapons from the wearer''s dimensional spaces, and are freely controlled by the wearer. The manifested arms may also use the wearer''s special attacks. Attacks delivered through the arms deal reduced damage, but each set of arms has their own cooldown for said special attack. Destroyed arms may be manifested anew for a cost of moderate mana. [Effect] Gain increased cognitive processing speed and capacity for simultaneous action. [Effect] Silver - Conjure an additional set of arms. Once infused into the wearer and bound to their soul, this item cannot be removed or unfused. No other magical tattoos may be added to the wearer, but this item will persist across ranks and can be upgraded like any growth item through absorbing the right materials.
Both Kite and Dragonfly looked at them in astonishment, as the now four additional arms turned around for them to inspect. The two new ones looked much like the initial pair, composed of semi-transparent energies the same color as his tattoos. ¡°Ooooooooooohhhhh¡­.¡± was the only sound that escaped Dragonfly, and Kite could only laugh as he remembered the words of officiator Thirty-three. ¡°An increase in profusion, indeed¡­¡± 139. Paying his dues ¡°Marten? Did you hear? Dragonfly reached silver rank three days ago!¡± Desdemona said as she happily greeted her friend. They were both sorting documents to get ready for yet another day of adventurer-wrangling, dawn having just crept over the horizon. ¡°Dragonfly? Is that the priestess?¡± Marten asked in return, trying to muster more disinterest than he really felt. ¡°No, silly. The one with the pink hair.¡± ¡°Oh, I must have forgotten. Still, what is that? Five weeks behind the ¡®famous¡¯ Pathbreaker?¡± ¡°Four and a half,¡± Desdemona corrected. ¡°And Kite looks to have earned his title the hard way. His loss to Soul of the Perfected Step sect does seem to have brought many a challenger to him, especially since they¡¯ve remained in the area. While some have been more challenging than most, I haven¡¯t seen him lose since. Those four extra arms sure seem to help.¡± ¡°Four? I thought there were two.¡± ¡°They¡¯re four now. Keep up, Marten! I don¡¯t know why, but I¡¯ve officiated enough of the clashes to be quite sure. And that staff of his seems to have caught up to him as well. Trust me, you don¡¯t want to be hit by that thing.¡± ¡°I¡¯d prefer not to be hit by anything wielded by a silver-ranker. And besides, once I get my own team, me being hit will mean that meatheads like that Pathbreaker have failed their job.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fortunate for the rest of us that you won¡¯t be finding yourself on any team with that attitude,¡± Desdemona jibed, before going back on topic. ¡°I wonder who will be next? I bet Serene will be super gorgeous.¡± ¡°I thought you said that us non-furred humanoids weren¡¯t your type.¡± ¡°No¡­ I guess I did¡­¡± Desdemona said a bit abashedly, before adding. ¡°But celestines¡­ celestines are a special case. Apparently.¡±
¡°Well, oh mighty Pathbreaker, how does it feel now that I have caught up to you? Does it feel like you can handle my newfound power?¡± Dragonfly asked coyly where she stood in the room she was sharing with Kite, still admiring her new form. ¡°Only barely, and with great effort, ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite agreed, doing quite a lot of admiring himself. He had always found Dragonfly pretty, and much like with every other silver-ranker, her traits had been heightened. Now, said prettiness had reached a new level which met in a weird kind of contrast with the passion and strength that seemed to roll off her, joining into a contrasting appearance which she definitely made work. ¡°But it is a good thing that this inn caters to silver-rankers rather frequently, lest the bed might have been one of your first casualties.¡± ¡°All of this new power sure is something to get used to, that¡¯s for sure,¡± she agreed while slipping into her clothes. ¡°With this pace, maybe Will or Serene will have reached it too before you leave to give that Soul woman her dues.¡± ¡°While I am still hesitant, I will admit to being a bit excited too. There should be a lot I can learn from her.¡± ¡°Well, just don¡¯t come back with a fancy new sect badge and new allegiance. You would be way too nice and dependable as a sect elder Kite. Would totally ruin the look for all those schemers.¡± Dragonfly paused as Kite gave her a questioning look. ¡°What? You know how they are,¡± she said, but was avoiding his gaze just a little bit. ¡°Dragonfly, is there something on your mind?¡± Kite asked, once more taking the direct route. She froze, and for a second it looked like she was debating what to say. Then she deflated, sitting down next to him on the bed and leaning her head against Kite¡¯s side. ¡°No, not really. Or- well- it¡¯s stupid.¡± Kite only remained silent, which as usual led to her continuing with whatever was actually on her mind. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ those celestines. Not only do they look the way they do, but here comes one who is apparently some kind of genius talent too. Blessed by Warrior, and all that. You know that I don¡¯t mean to claim you as mine alone, but¡­ Getting shown up in both looks and brawn? Now that would sting, even for me.¡± Kite let her pour it all out. And when she had reached her conclusion, he laid his arm around her. ¡°While I do not know her well, I would hazard a guess that any would-be suitor to this Soul would be deserving of our pity. I don¡¯t know if you saw her eyes as we fought, but when I could actually pressure her a bit¡­ That look, along with her aura, told me a lot. I would be surprised if that woman would show an ounce of interest to anything less than Warrior himself coming to court her.¡± Dragonfly giggled in response. ¡°I¡¯ve seen him in the temple squares. It¡¯s hard to imagine him all groomed, flowers in hand and a song of professed love on his lips. I¡¯m sorry, Lord Warrior, for said blasphemy.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure that Jarvan is already in way more trouble than any minor slights we could deliver,¡± Kite said, chuckling. Then he looked at Dragonfly, properly meeting her gaze. ¡°And as for your worries, I hope to alleviate them when I say that the level of battle-madness I saw in Soul would not be what I hoped for in a lover. I do like a bit of personal safety, after all.¡± ¡°Hey, I¡¯m plenty battle-mad,¡± Dragonfly protested, but did not shy away as Kite held her closer. ¡°And just the right amount, too, my ardent Dragonfly.¡±
¡°Hey, Dessie. It¡¯s¡­ The celestine priestess, you know the one with the Pathbreaker? She¡¯s advanced to silver. I¡­ thought you¡¯d like to know,¡± Marten said, hating how awkward he sounded. Still, he felt a bit better as he saw Desdemona perk up at her desk. ¡°Really? I gotta see that. Thanks, Marten!¡± The leonid woman hurried from her desk to exit the small office that the pair shared. She brushed past Marten, but eventually stopping at the door to look at him. ¡°So¡­.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°On a scale from one to ten? What can I look forward to beholding?¡± Marten was silent for a while, before finally sighing, resigned. ¡°A nine.¡± ¡°That¡¯s generous, coming from you.¡± ¡°Well, I guess that you¡¯re right in that celestines are¡­ well¡­ celestines. Even I cannot deny that there is just something about them.¡± ¡°See, I knew that you¡¯d-¡± ¡°I am a man of exquisite tastes, after all. When I have my own team, I¡¯ll make sure that only celestines join it.¡± ¡°Aaaand there you went and ruined it,¡± Desdemona sighed, closing the door behind her.
¡°How do you feel, little singer?¡± ¡°Closer, my lady. To everything.¡± Serene was seated in a private chamber within Convergence¡¯s temple of Song. It helped to shield her from the world, and partly to shield the world from her. While closing in on silver rank, it had become harder and harder to wrestle with her fourfold aura, as the gradually more powerful spiritual presence wanted to spill out into the world around Serene like a glorious wave. Now, she was well underway to get it under her firm control once more, and Serene had to marvel at its potential. The things she should be able to accomplish with said aura in the future felt marvelous indeed. ¡°And you are coming closer every day to stepping out into a wider setting, little singer. It will not be long until the world itself will be your stage, from where you may spread your gifts to everyone.¡± ¡°I am sorry, my Lady, but to me, six months still feel quite long. And while I remain ever grateful for the opportunity, I still want to cherish the moments we have left now. After all, it might be a while before I return. But I thank you for accepting Gold within your clergy¡¯s service. He means the world to me.¡± ¡°The two of you sing in the most beautiful harmony, little singer. You did well in noticing his song, however faint it once was. And as you see more of the world, having a steady companion is always good for the spirit. Parts of a choir may change, but as long as it retains its steady core, its harmony will remain.¡± Serene thought to her friends and companions, imagining the different futures which might await them. And hopefully many reunions during the long lives of silver-rankers and beyond. ¡°Let us hope that will remain true for those I leave behind as well.¡±
Since ascending to silver rank, Kite had gotten a new appreciation for many things as his senses grew sharper as well as able to better filter and differentiate between all the impressions of the world. Be it the special, hitherto unnoticed scent of the morning dew in the grass starting to evaporate in the morning sun or being able to almost completely ignore the fishy smell from the city districts near the river which flowed through Convergence, this was one of the phenomena which led to ranking up feeling like stepping into a new iteration of reality. This also let Kite fully appreciate how fast he was currently traveling as he sat atop Glint¡¯s back, the landscape around him providing surprising detail that would previously have been a blur. While the carp had not unlocked any new magical abilities immediately upon silver rank, needing more of the scales of her ancestor, the abilities she already possessed had all been improved drastically. Kite thought that the trip out to the Perfected Step sect¡¯s compound in the fields south of Convergence would take the better part of the day, so he had set out early. At the pace Glint was zooming just above the treetops, he would be surprised if he wasn¡¯t there before noon. Sensing his elation and wonder, the familiar bent her head to give him a smug look. The earlier Glint would have been unable to do so, as her enlarged form had changed as well. Back at iron rank, it had been a simple transformation of size, with Glint looking very much like the fish Kite had met in the streams of the Autumn lands but expanded to beyond the size of a heidel. At bronze, her features had elongated slightly, becoming just that much more serpentine but mostly still looking like a carp. Now, at silver, the draconic ancestry which the old scroll had hinted at was more apparent than ever before. Glint¡¯s enlarged state was longer, with a distinct supple neck and tail. Her head was definitely that of a serpent, but so far there were no hints of legs or arms, and there were still plenty of shimmering, billowing fins trailing her length like pink, transparent silk around the pearlescent shimmer of her body. One could definitely liken her to some kind of sea serpent, but not without also adding that it had to be the prettiest sea serpent in all the lands. ¡°Well, little beauty, let no one doubt your swiftness,¡± Kite said, trusting that the familiar¡¯s improved senses would allow her to hear him above the roaring winds. In response, he got a sense of excitement as well as the distinct wish to go higher. ¡°I know that you can truly fly now, Glint. It was hard to miss your most enthusiastic demonstration,¡± Kite responded, chuckling at the memory. ¡°Still, I do not wish to draw the attention of anything too high in the skies. Down here, we can be sure that a silver-ranked monster or two is the worst thing that can ambush us. Up there, the faster we travel, the more attention we¡¯ll draw. I¡¯d prefer not to risk ending up as a snack until we know more.¡± While Glint gave a disappointed shake of her long body, accompanied with the mental equivalent of ¡°I¡¯d like to see them try¡±, she shifted her focus back to maintaining her current speed and swerving out of the way of some bronze-ranked flying worms which tried to intercept them before getting a proper feel of their auras. It was indeed well before noon when the sect compound became visible in the distance, and Kite had to admit that it was the largest and most affluent he had seen so far. Many complexes of wooden buildings were connected by roads and walls, forming a network of bustling activity. Kite even saw what looked like some kind of semi-permanent traders outpost near the northernmost gate which he was approaching. Green and black banners were prominent everywhere, proudly displaying the sect colors. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. As Kite drew closer, Glint started to slow down in a spray of water which turned to fine mist in the summer sun. And Kite felt a few auras lock onto him and start moving in his general direction. Not long after, just before the last stretch to the northern gates of the compound, a group of sect disciples coalesced in front of Kite in a rough line. Some flew in on the wind, others ran while others teleported or came riding in on familiars. A dozen bronze rankers, led by a single silver. While Kite met only stern gazes, at least there was no overt hostile motions. ¡°Yet,¡± Kite thought to himself as Glint came to a halt, her glittering majesty somewhat easing the sternness in some of the faces, replaced by ill-hidden awe or admiration. The silver-ranker, an elven woman with braided auburn hair, did step forward seemingly unfazed by the spectacle, and spoke. ¡°Identify yourself, silver. With what intentions do you close in unannounced to the lands of the Perfected Step sect?¡± In response, Kite bowed politely from where he sat among Glint. ¡°My name is Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, also known as the Pathbreaker. I come at the behest of inner disciple Soul, to pay the debt I owe in sparring and tempering as requested. May I know how to address you, fellow silver?¡± In response, one of the bronze-rankers stepped forward. ¡°You are in the presence of Keen Heart of Valor, elder of the Perfected Step sect and guardian of the compound.¡± ¡°Then I greet the honored elder. Inner disciple Soul should be expecting me, as it was she that chose this time of my arrival,¡± Kite said. Elder Keen¡¯s eyes thinned at his words before her face became neutral once more. ¡°I have not been informed of your arrival. But I have heard of you, outcast,¡± she said, almost spitting out the title. ¡°No uninvited silver-ranker may simply step into the Perfected Step sect. Come, we shall escort you to the council of elders where you will once more get to state your reasons. Kite hesitated a bit, brow furrowing. Apparently, this did not agree with the elder, who scowled at him. ¡°That is the demand of the sect, outcast. If you do not like it, feel free to turn back this instant. Your hesitation does not speak well of your intentions, even though one should never take the words of an outcast at face value.¡± ¡°I believe that you misunderstand me, elder,¡± Kite said, maintaining his equanimity. ¡°I was more confused by your words, as there seems to have been a misunderstanding. Because I believe that the one waiting for me has come to greet me personally.¡± As he finished, he nodded towards the wall to the sect compound. All of the bronze-rankers turned to look, with only the elder keeping her gaze locked on Kite. Whispers of ¡®Soul¡¯ and ¡®inner disciple¡¯ spread along the line, as they had seen what he had; a figure with amethyst hair leaping onto the top of the closest wall, obviously looking their way. A moment later, she flickered, becoming a blur through the air before landing between Kite and the sect defenders with a surprisingly soft motion, barely rustling the tall grass beneath her feet. ¡°Pathbreaker! Good of you to come. We have not a moment to lose. I already have several scenarios which I would like to start with-¡±, Soul began, a bit of the spark in her eyes seeming to re-ignite. But she paused and looked back to elder Keen. ¡°Elder,¡± she said, nodding once before turning back to Kite. ¡°Trust me that I will work you harder than you have ever been strained. Losing a clash should come with some demerits, no? Come along, I will show you the way.¡± Soul then turned to walk back, but stopped as the elder did not move out of her way. ¡°Elder Keen, I will take it from here. The Pathbreaker is my guest, here on my behalf.¡± ¡°Inner disciple, allowing a silver-ranker into the compound requires me to receive the notice from one of the other elders or to be personally informed beforehand.¡± ¡°Well, as elder Glass seems to have failed to give you that information which I specifically told him, consider this me informing you.¡± ¡°You are not an elder, inner disciple Soul.¡± ¡°That is true. And if things are starting to be this tedious all of a sudden, maybe that should change, if only to let me receive my visitors at my leisure. If I remember correctly, the allotted time to challenge you for your seat is coming up in a month, no? While I think I would hate being an elder, your position is at least the one with the most time for combat training.¡± The elven woman¡¯s eyes thinned once again, but she remained silent as she gave Soul a calculating look. Then, she spoke aloud, addressing all of those gathered. ¡°I will consider this as being informed then, and will note the breach in protocol. Inner disciple, this visitor will be your responsibility, his actions reflecting on you in all matters. Perimeter guard, back to your stations. There is nothing for us to handle here this day.¡± Without further words, elder Keen turned into a blur of motion as she sped away, the bronze-rankers following her example, even though some lingered for just a while longer to gaze up at Glint. ¡°Come on, Pathbreaker. We lost some precious sparring time while getting that nuisance sorted out,¡± Soul said before even the last of the bronze-rankers had departed. Then, without further preamble, she turned and set off towards the sect compound. Kite was glad that he had Glint, since he would otherwise have been unable to catch up to the celestine. ¡°Are you sure that was wise?¡± he asked Soul once they had passed through the gates of the sect and were making their way along the winding roads and boulevards which separated the different districts. ¡°From experience, sect elders tend to be proud and slow to forget.¡± ¡°I do not fear them nor their petty politicking. The sect has too much to gain from me at the moment, even more since I reached silver rank. Which also happened to coincide with no one in this sect being able to actually force me to do pretty much anything anymore. Unless some former sect leader comes back at gold rank all of a sudden, that is.¡± ¡°Would you really have done it, then? Take the elder¡¯s position?¡± ¡°Pathbreaker, I don¡¯t make false promises. Had she or the other elders continued to try and pester or hamper me, I would have done what was needed for that to stop, be it leaving the sect or becoming an elder myself. But now they didn¡¯t continue the foolishness, which is much better for both parties. I get to continue progressing with their support and they get to use my strength for certain sect matters.¡± ¡°I¡­ see¡­¡± Kite said, taken aback by Soul¡¯s rather cavalier attitude. Not that he didn¡¯t find a certain bit of satisfaction in how she had resolved the little incident, but there was still something about it which rubbed Kite the wrong way. It turned out that Soul¡¯s residence was a large house close to the central hub of the sect, one that Kite would have assumed belonged to one of the sect elders. With his aura, he noticed a pair of normal-rankers inside, probably servants, but they didn¡¯t seem to care much when Soul didn¡¯t even spare them a glance, the older man and woman just continually going about their business in silence. ¡°A room has been prepared for you upstairs. Drop your things and meet me behind the house,¡± Soul called to Kite while walking through the common area of the ground floor to exit onto a backyard clearly modeled as a training area. It did not take long for Kite to join her, his eyes taking in the different types of training equipment and multiple kinds of artifacts whose purpose he had a hard time figuring out without closer inspection. ¡°Well then, inner disciple-¡± ¡°Just Soul will do, Pathbreaker.¡± ¡°Then feel free to call me Kite.¡± ¡°Pathbreaker will do. We are here to fight, and that is your warrior¡¯s name, no?¡± ¡°I¡­ suppose it is,¡± Kite said, thoughtfully. ¡°Then, Pathbreaker, I have lots of things I want to try out, so we better get questions out of the way at once. Most of you people seem to have no end of them. Warrior does not look down on the thoughtful, but his blade won¡¯t wait for those too slow to act either. So go ahead and get any off your chest.¡± ¡°Speaking of Lord Warrior, are you part of his clergy? They say that you are blessed by him, after all,¡± Kite asked, the question brought to the surface as she mentioned the popular deity. ¡°No to the first. But back when I had just absorbed a single essence, the resolute essence, he appeared to me as I made a vow in regards to my path, and he blessed my efforts.¡± ¡°That sounds like quite the story.¡± ¡°Too long to tell now. Maybe later. Still, I venerate him as every warrior should. He is the measure who we are all compared to and found wanting, after all. Next question.¡± ¡°I¡­ see. Then about your path. You called it the Perfected Self. Anything I should know, if I am to help you practice it?¡± ¡°I would rather show you, and will as soon as these questions are done and over with. Let¡¯s just say that it is the sole focus of my life, and my dedication to both myself and Warrior,¡± she answered. Kite could see some slight annoyance at the continued delay, but also the faintest hint of that spark which he had seen as they had fought in their clash. And as Soul seemed to answer his questions as curt as possible, Kite let the next question die on his lips. Instead, he walked out into the practice yard, facing Soul and assuming a ready stance. ¡°Then I suppose that the best way to get to know you would be for you to show me more of this path of yours. Because I do not think you truly let loose in our clash before, even if you came close.¡± Soul looked at Kite, still clad in his more plain, placeholder armor, clearly skeptical. ¡°I could, but I had hoped that you would actually have gotten some better gear by now. Your path seems reliant on it, too reliant if you ask me, and it wouldn¡¯t be a proper tempering if you couldn¡¯t step up. Don¡¯t get me wrong, what you showed in the clash was better than I expected-¡± Her words were interrupted as Kite¡¯s staff fell into his hands. While the metal seemed unchanged, it exuded a different level of power than before. And a third ring, one of silver, hung from its circular head. Soul scrutinized it for a while, before she nodded in approval. ¡°A step in the right direction. That staff was pretty annoying. But I hope you¡¯ll have some more if we¡¯ll-¡± Kite¡¯s tattoos started glowing, and not long after, a pair of spectral arms manifested behind him. And then another, all four additional limbs joining into Kite¡¯s combat stance. Soul stared blankly at Kite for a short moment, and then it happened; that gleam in her eyes was kindled and grew along with her slowly surging aura. ¡°Oh, Pathbreaker, that will do. That will do nicely.¡± Then she was upon him, and the week of Kite paying his dues began in earnest.
¡°Dessie, anything wrong?¡± Marten asked his colleague where she stood sorting papers with a forlorn look, the contracts hall just having emptied as the administration was closing up for the day. ¡°Huh? Oh, hi Marten,¡± the leonid said, shaking out of her ponderings. ¡°It¡¯s just that I haven¡¯t seen Kite, you know, the-¡± ¡°- Pathbreaker, yes. I am quite familiar by now. Didn¡¯t think they would stick around for that long, honestly. What about him?¡± ¡°Well, I haven¡¯t seen him for a few days now. His team, yes, but he seems to be missing. I just hope nothing has happened.¡± ¡°Dessie, he¡¯s a silver-ranker. Unless a gold randomly drops out of the sky on him, he¡¯s more likely to return than not.¡± ¡°I know, I know. But still, it just feels like part of their little group is missing when they return.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t that elf, the spearman, hit silver yesterday? I thought that would cheer you up.¡± ¡°Oh, it did, it did¡­ It¡¯s just- eh, never mind. You wouldn¡¯t understand. Sorry for bothering you, Marten.¡± The human stopped for a while to look at the leonid as she was once more distracted by her thoughts, papers forgotten in her clawed hands. ¡°Then¡­ Why don¡¯t you join me for dinner and tell me more about it? If you¡¯re so fascinated with them, maybe you¡¯re seeing something which I¡¯m not. And I¡¯d- I¡¯d like to understand you- I mean, a functionary has to constantly train how we judge people and-.¡± The words turned into a blur as Marten scrambled to clarify, even reaching out and gathering the papers for Desdemona as he started to order them into neat stacks. The leonid woman stopped to look at Marten blankly, before her features softened a bit. ¡°Thanks, Marten. That¡­ I think that would be nice.¡±
¡°To our latest silver-ranker! May he penetrate any and all evil-doers in the upcoming years of his glorious rise!¡± Dragonfly cheered as she raised her cup in salute to Will. ¡°Subverting the noble word penetration to your base humor has to be the cruelest of punishments to proper vocabulary. It feels like almost whatever I say, you find a way to turn it into a joke about coupling,¡± Will shot back, even though the freshly ranked-up elf looked mighty pleased with himself in his seat at the restaurant. ¡°It should say something about my company that I cannot even talk about a fine, glossy shaft without-,¡± he said, trailing off as Dragonfly dissolved into snorting laughter. ¡°Even so,¡± Serene chimed in over Dragonfly¡¯s barely contained giggles, ¡°the congratulations-part is a sentiment we share. The iron-rankers who joined up before the expedition against the fallen sect feel very, very distant at the moment.¡± ¡°Ah, we were so young,¡± Will said, reminiscing. ¡°Wasn¡¯t that only just shy of three years ago?¡± Dragonfly asked, having suppressed her giggles of the moment. ¡°We aren¡¯t that old yet. And anyway, we still have one more to join our lofty circles,¡± she finished, looking at Gold who remained stoically silent as always. ¡°You¡¯ll have to do a lot of heavy lifting now, big man.¡± Gold only nodded in acknowledgment at the jibe, taking a delicate sip of the tiny cup in his hands. ¡°Then what do you hope that silver will bring? It¡¯s a long rank after all, assuming we can even get through it at all,¡± Dragonfly continued. ¡°At least it¡¯s nice to know that we¡¯ll all be together, bringing the fight to a certain task. That this is merely the beginning of our¡­¡± She trailed off after noticing a look flicker across the faces of both Will and Serene, one which they quickly tried to hide. But not in time. ¡°Wait¡­¡± she said, scrutinizing them. ¡°What¡­ What was that just now? That look?¡± ¡°I¡­ ¡° Will began. ¡°We should probably wait until Kite is back before¡­¡± Serene said, her words manifesting at the same time as the elf. Dragonfly looked at them both in stunned silence for a while, the gears of her mind whirring. And a silver-ranked mind worked a lot more swiftly and efficiently. ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re leaving?¡± she finally asked, sitting down heavily in her seat. ¡°Both of you?¡± ¡°Where Serene goes, I follow,¡± Gold added, unhelpfully ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t believe this¡­ When? Why? What about¡­ you know? The thing we talked about at the temple?¡± Serene and Will exchanged a look, their respective decisions apparently being news to each other as well. ¡°After you, priestess,¡± Will eventually said, and Serene looked at Dragonfly, her expression complicated. ¡°I¡­ have been offered the position of high priestess within the clergy of my Goddess. One that would have me touring the world, spreading her song of hope and unity to anyone who would listen. It¡­ has been on my mind for a while, and it feels like the opportunity truly is calling to me. And that I can¡¯t just let it go unanswered. As for the¡­ investigation, I stand by my decision. I will help in what way I can, as I will return. Not just once, but every so often. But this¡­ Dragonfly, I¡¯m sorry, but this is something I need to do. To serve my goddess. And myself.¡± Serene was clearly pained as she spoke, the words having lost that usual perfect chiming harmony, as they were bound to do when she was distressed. ¡°As for me, it was actually a demand from my father,¡± Will said, taking over. ¡°That, should I want to join the glorious purpose of which we were informed of in the temple of Knowledge, I needed to both reach silver rank and then truly find my path as an adventurer. And to my father, this cannot be done just within the confines of Hua-Xi. He feels that I need to broaden my horizons significantly. Meet new people, fight alongside many others; all to really find my place. It will be temporary, and I will return to join you again. But as things stand¡­ It will be a while.¡± Dragonfly kept looking helplessly between the two of them in the silence that followed. Eventually she sighed deeply, more out of habit than any actual need. ¡°Heavens¡­ Now that is a pair of proclamations that will need a few more drinks to swallow.¡± 140. I... guess you would know As the punch closed in, fist glowing with transcendent light, Kite did not even try to dodge as that option had been taken from him the moment he failed to predict the attack of his much faster foe. Instead, he counterattacked. Not just once, though. No, the days of singular action were now behind Kite, eroded away during the time it took for metallic tattoos to spread throughout his body. ¡°Ward!¡± He struck out with a fist of his own as if to dispel it with a Pattern-shattering counter while two of his spectral arms angled their own attacks towards his opponent. That was all a ruse, however, as his main defense was the subtle, easily overlooked blade of the Veiled One¡¯s Decree. It flashed downward towards the knee which was also snapping towards him in an attack while a barrier appeared to intercept the fist instead of Kite¡¯s own hand. The last few days had been¡­ intense. Kite had thought his days spent training beneath mistress Dew had been strenuous, but the short time spent with Soul had managed to prove that even his silver-ranked body had clear limits. And while that strain felt like it would be with him for weeks to come, it had also given results. As Kite had predicted, the special attack charged into the fist vanished, transferring through Soul¡¯s body while gaining more power. The spark of transcendent light had just begun to emanate from her incoming knee when the concealed blade struck it, Pattern-Shattering Counter sundering her special attack. Her relentless attack having failed, Soul retreated, turning into a flickering blur as she appeared a step back in a casual stance, making Kite stay his prepared follow-up attack. His mantle dimmed, the four arms fading and allowing his mana to start recovering properly. ¡°I should have figured that you¡¯d go for mind games with my spirit suppressed. And you¡¯re getting better at using all those arms of yours too,¡± the celestine woman said, and Kite couldn¡¯t help but feel satisfied at the praise. The staple of their practice together was Kite trying to suppress her different special abilities, forcing her to adapt without any knowledge beforehand. He usually fared best when aiming for either her increased speed or the ability to shift her attacks around, but this time suppressing her increased reactions and perceptions had paid better dividends than expected. ¡°But I know you can do better, Pathbreaker,¡± Soul continued. ¡°Show me an impenetrable wall, with no options. Force me to wade through cursed depths and back just to attempt to hit you. Push my path with all you have.¡± One would think that Kite steadily getting better at pressuring the celestine would have disgruntled some foes, but not Soul. Quite the opposite, actually. The first of the, admittedly few, times where Kite had managed to outplay her in a few engagements in sequence, her expressions had been brighter than the sun. And then she had proceeded to bring out even more of her path, as if slowly shedding weights which she had voluntarily donned so as to challenge herself. ¡°As I said before, I will do my utmost, senior sister. Forgive me for lacking your speed of comprehension. Not everyone can be¡­¡± ¡°A monster?¡± she filled in, eyes twinkling. ¡°I would have gone with supreme talent, but I will not dispute my senior sister¡¯s words.¡± ¡°Again with the ¡®senior sister¡¯, Pathbreaker. Would it kill you to use my name more often?¡± ¡°While you handle your sect with a quite¡­ direct¡­ touch, as an outsider I thought it best to keep to the formalities a bit more. I do not relish the thought of leaving only to be cornered by disgruntled elders.¡± ¡°Heavens, that was one time. Do I need to actually clash with someone for us to have some privacy so that I can temper my path properly and in peace?¡± ¡°Maybe some diplomacy would take senior sister further?¡± ¡°Bah, I will not waste words where my path can show that I am right. You know how they are.¡± ¡°I do, and that¡¯s why I choose not to live among them. Even though I can see the benefits. Senior sister is most well funded,¡± Kite said, eyeing the expensive training equipment. ¡°And literally having contracts delivered to your doorstep sure is convenient,¡± he finished, eyeing the small pile of notes which had grown steadily throughout the five days he had spent with the sect. ¡°Eh, I can get to those later. Not every day I have you here to actually pressure me. Come on, it¡¯s time to get back to it.¡± With those words, Soul attacked instantly. Having weathered such abrupt changes before, Kite at least managed to put up a proper defense this time, even though he wasn¡¯t finished with his line of thoughts yet. ¡°Why won¡¯t someone else do the contracts then, if you¡¯re busy?¡± he asked, sending three projected attacks in sequence towards Soul. In reality, it was four, one more subtle than the others when made with the concealed blade of the Veiled One¡¯s Decree. ¡°Because they thought I was the most fit to do them. Bring honor to the sect, and all that,¡± Soul answered, while ducking through two attacks as she whirled, shattering one more against her palm. ¡°Also, I think they are adding extra in order to pressure me to abandon this week and go and do my ¡®duty¡¯ ¡°. ¡°A duty which does involve protecting people from rampaging monsters.¡± ¡°Oh, please. Not even the elders would leave a monster actually close to going berserk on my table to languish. Besides, silvers stay around for a long time. In the end, it¡¯s my path that is important.¡± While speaking, Soul had sped up once more and was currently using her superior speed to dance around him, raining blows upon Kite from every angle. She was especially keen on breaking the manifested arms, so Kite had quickly been forced to learn not to overextend them. He could replenish them, but landing a steady stream of hits upon Soul was not a likely prospect, meaning that he couldn¡¯t afford to repeat that drain too often. ¡°I¡¯m once more struck that our lives and minds are quite different, senior sister,¡± Kite remarked, sacrificing one of the conjured arms of his mantle to actually land a hit on the celestine. Disrupting Strike clamped down on Soul¡¯s power which passively increased her speed, making keeping up a much more likely prospect. Even though she instantly shifted stances, working through one of her many martial styles to compensate somewhat for the lessened raw speed, it still allowed him to try an offensive. ¡°That¡¯s true, Pathbreaker. Maybe you should lean a bit further into the ¡®breaker¡¯-part of your name and learn a bit from me. You¡¯ll find that a bit more directly applied power will do wonders.¡± They continued to push against one another, Kite using every trick in his gradually developing book to keep Soul¡¯s speed suppressed. It allowed him to keep his grip on the conflict longer than ever before, but a slightly fumbled attempt at an attack from three angles at once left him with a shattered barrier and with his head ringing from the blow. Many more such abrupt losses followed, but also a lot more learned. Soul¡¯s almost frightening ease at which she took to mastering new ways of fighting or compensating for lost powers forced Kite to adapt as well. He also got a good demonstration of how little silver-rankers needed to sleep, as Soul meant what she said that she would push him hard.
¡°Senior sister, in regards to your evolution that occurred when Warrior blessed you¡­¡± Kite ventured, seated next to the other silver-ranker at the edge of the terrace behind Soul¡¯s house as they ate dinner. It was usually a quick affair, so he had thought to make use of what little time he had. ¡°What about it? I told you what it did, no?¡± ¡°I just wanted to know a little more. You said that it meant that none of your powers could reach beyond your body?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± the celestine said between wolfing down her food. ¡°One of my powers, you know the one which increases my resilience to damage for a while? For most, that power is a boon one grants to others. For me, it just helps me become more perfect.¡± ¡°But isn¡¯t that inconvenient? Surely there are times when reach is paramount?¡± ¡°Not if you¡¯re fast enough. And you¡¯ve seen how fast I can be.¡± Kite nodded, acknowledging the point, and Soul continued. ¡°Besides, it rhymes well with my path,¡± she said, looking at her hand where transcendent light flickered beneath the surface. ¡°I¡¯ve always thought that flashy spells and emissions of energy just feels a bit like a waste of potential. As the magic leaves your body, it is already diminished, spending its potential for the mere concept of reach or flashy lights. Me? I keep it all inside. And by doing so, I will one day become perfect. Needing no weapons or armor. No allies or protectors. Nothing but me and my path. Then I might one day be able to face Warrior properly, and show that he did the right thing in blessing me.¡± Kite was about to ask more, but Soul¡¯s chopsticks landed in her empty bowl with a light clatter. ¡°Well, Pathbreaker, enough break. Try to push me a bit more reflex-wise now. I think there are some inefficiencies in my stance-changes that I need to work through.¡±
The final two days of sparring and practicing turned into a blur, and it was Kite who eventually stopped them after a particularly long bout, looking at the setting sun. ¡°Well, senior sister, while this has definitely been the clash I have been the most content with having lost, I do believe that our karma is now in balance. You asked for a week, and I believe I have provided.¡± ¡°It seems that I should have asked for a month,¡± Soul noted sourly, apparently still enjoying herself even though the week of constant sparring had started to wear down even Kite¡¯s patience. ¡°Say, you wouldn¡¯t want another clash? Me asking for the same price? You can even have something proper if you win. The sect has a lot of stuff lying around.¡± Kite could almost imagine that somewhere, the sect elder in charge of their treasury had a sudden bout of inexplicable dread. He bowed to Soul, hands cupped. ¡°I am sorry, senior sister, but I need to return to my friends, and then we will return north once we have all advanced. I imagine that I will have a few busy months ahead of me, too, as I¡¯m looking to build a proper compound for my family.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not slowing down, are you?¡± Soul asked, concern clear. ¡°Your path is way too useful for you to languish at silver rank the rest of your existence. I didn¡¯t picture you as the complacent sort, Pathbreaker. Someone like that wouldn¡¯t earn that name.¡± ¡°I believe that our paces towards the heavens are already quite a bit different,¡± Kite said with a helpless smile. ¡°And ones of differing means. I have some ambitions too, and each moment spent working towards them rather than on my path will be just that; time spent on something else.¡± ¡°Sound like you lack focus then,¡± Soul noted, blunt as usual. From their days spent together, Kite had gotten his guess confirmed in that Soul rarely bothered to dig too deeply into the perspectives of others. She continued; ¡°Well, you know where to find me if you come to your senses and want to give some proper focus to being a warrior.¡± As she finished she waved towards the north. ¡°Your debts are indeed paid, Pathbreaker. Our karma is balanced.¡± For a moment, Kite was a bit taken aback by Soul¡¯s sudden terseness, before his mind managed to come to a conclusion. And one that he at least hoped to alleviate somewhat. ¡°Then I will take my leave,¡± he agreed, half-turning towards the door to her house before he stopped. ¡°Would the mighty Soul, blessed by Warrior, be offended if this junior brother came by from time to time, begging for her pointers? Even if he lacks the focus of a proper warrior?¡± ¡°Why? Our debt is cleared, and you said you didn¡¯t have time for another challenge. Or have you changed your mind?¡± Soul looked almost a bit hopeful at the last part. ¡°No, but I make the request nonetheless. You are truly impressive, Soul, and while we are very different as people, I believe that I can learn a lot from you. Would a warrior, even one lacking focus, need more reason than that?¡± ¡°Well, then I suppose that should be no problem. I¡¯ll make sure to inform the sect elders properly this time. They better treat you as an honored guest the next time. Farewell, Pathbreaker.¡± As Kite turned his back to her and left, he couldn¡¯t help but smile slightly. While her words at the end had carried their usual bluntness, some of the terseness had definitely left, the hint of a glimmer even returning to Soul¡¯s eyes. ¡°I suppose that one of auntie Crow¡¯s sayings was proven right again,¡± he thought as he left her house and the compound of the Perfected Step sect. ¡°Sadness wears many, many masks. One for each person.¡± Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
Marten was just about to engage the magical locks of the contracts hall when a voice from outside interrupted him. ¡°My apologies, functionary¡­ Marten, was it?¡± Marten squinted outside, the gloom of dusk and the light from within making it hard to make out much of the plaza except for the glow stones at their posts and the lanterns of the city. Then, a pink, glimmering carp swam into view, her amber eyes scrutinizing him from just a few centimeters away. ¡°Uuuuhhh¡­¡± was all that left Marten¡¯s mouth as he stared at the downright disgustingly pretty fish in slack-jawed incomprehension. It took a few seconds for his brain to connect the dots and realized that he recognized the fish in question, and that the voice had to come from its bonded companion. ¡°Oh, um¡­ Pathbreaker. Sorry, I didn¡¯t see you there.¡± ¡°It is quite alright. Glint here tends to catch the attention of anyone with eyes,¡± the armored man consoled with a chuckle. ¡°Then¡­ Can I help you? As you see, we are closing for the evening.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. I don¡¯t want to inconvenience you too much, and as you are closing you might not be able to check but¡­ do you know if my teammates are out on contract? I just returned to the city, you see, and this was the closest stop. They¡¯re a blond elf, a jade-haired celestine who is a priestess of-¡± ¡°Song, a huge bald man and a perky one with the pink, curly hair,¡± Marten finished. ¡°Trust me, they¡¯re hard to miss when you keep the company I do.¡± ¡°Oh, so you know about them? Then would I be so fortunate that you also know of their whereabouts?¡± Either the Pathbreaker hadn¡¯t noticed Marten¡¯s dry tone or simply did not care. ¡°They left on a contract to hunt down some ridge crawlers and one of their brood mothers. It was two days ago, so unless something has gone wrong, they should be back relatively soon.¡± Marten knew this quite well after listening to Desdemona¡¯s constant updates. And he had to admit that he didn¡¯t find them as annoying as he used to. ¡°Fortune has blessed me then in that it was you who was closing up today. Thank you, Marten. I wish for you a pleasant evening. Come on, Glint. Let us go back to our lodgings. We did find a scale for you on the way back, after all, so it¡¯s time for you to enjoy it.¡± And with that, the man and his fish turned and departed, a spectral arm appearing to wave over his shoulder to Marten who simply stood and looked after them. ¡°Well, can¡¯t fault him for not being polite at least,¡± he eventually muttered, and closed the door.
¡°Aaand there. What do you say, Glint? Do you think that they will approve?¡± Kite asked the carp who hovered at his side as he made the finishing touches to a preservation formation lining the biggest table of the suite of rooms the group shared. The table in question had a veritable buffet lined up, with food from every nearby restaurant and street vendor just waiting to be devoured. The simple formation made sure to keep the food fresh and hot as long as Kite kept feeding it the necessary spirit coins, which made the rather simple magic a bit too expensive for most ordinary households. ¡°Celebrating with one¡¯s friends should allow some excesses, no? Wouldn¡¯t you agree, Sage?¡± Glint bobbed happily in the air beside him while the astral gatherer floated nearby, engrossed in a brand new collection of calligraphy. Kite could feel the flicker of its attention, but apparently the food failed to catch its interest as the familiar didn¡¯t emote anything in response. It did turn out that the preservation formations were necessary. As he didn¡¯t want to miss his friends¡¯ return by going out, Kite spent the night in meditation, a bit of sleep, some weapons training in the yard outside, sorting through his dimensional bags and void sheath as well as practicing more with the arms of his mantle. It was maybe an hour after noon the following day when his group entered their communal living space to find Kite in a bout of intense concentration as he kept three different kinds of quintessence in as many whirling loops as all of his arms, conjured or not, were juggling them with gradually increasing speed. Dragonfly was first in through the door after veritably slamming it open, having sensed Kite¡¯s aura inside. As Kite had been too absorbed in the threefold act of juggling pieces of manifested magic, he didn¡¯t notice until it was too late as the manyfold actions were pushing even his enhanced silver-ranked cognition to its current limits. This meant that the new arrivals were showered in quintessence, like a colorful rain of treasure from the heavens, as the surprised Kite lost control of the constant motion. ¡°W-welcome back,¡± he managed to sheepishly stammer as everyone stood frozen in stunned silence. Will was the first to break said silence, stepping and looking approvingly on the glittering crystals spread all over their common room. ¡°Well, my friend, I know you are ecstatic over my rise to silver, but even I am humbled by this excess. It¡¯s not every day even a city lord¡¯s son can walk into a room covered in jewels.¡± As if to prove his point, he reached out and plucked a piece of light quintessence from a nearby potted plant. ¡°Well, I think that it is the least he can do as he missed the occasion,¡± Dragonfly said jokingly as she went over and gave Kite a hug. ¡°Indeed. I am sorry for missing it, Will. It is not unexpected, however, that the look suits you.¡± The lean, handsome blonde elf bore the beautifying effects very well, but like many of those already considered attractive before the changes, they were more subtle as they brought the symmetry of Will¡¯s features and the luster of his golden hair to new heights. The group chatted amicably as Serene and Gold joined the conversation, albeit that the latter stayed true to himself that he mostly nodded along here and there. Dragonfly dug into the prepared food with gusto as Kite got to tell them of his week spent at the Perfected Step sect. However, there was something Kite noticed not long after the merriment began; something unspoken which lent the interactions a little bit of tension that wasn¡¯t there before. A glance here and a slightly strained smile there was enough for Kite to start worrying. ¡°My friends, is¡­ is there something wrong?¡± he eventually asked after his own story was finished. The silence which followed confirmed his suspicions, and Kite did his best to let patience be his guide as he waited for one of his friends to answer. Dragonfly was giving pointed looks to Will and Serene, who were both giving off the looks of people bracing themselves for something uncomfortable. ¡°Kite, me and Gold are going away for a time,¡± Serene eventually said, her wispy voice sounding torn. ¡°I have been offered the mantle of high priestess, and the opportunity to tour the world in my goddess¡¯ service. It won¡¯t be forever, and I will visit¡­ But¡­¡± ¡°But it won¡¯t be the same,¡± Kite filled in. ¡°You¡¯ll have responsibilities here too, I gather?¡± ¡°In all probability, yes. I have come so far now¡­ Further than I ever imagined that I would, back when I was an iron-ranker without a voice on a supportive path shunned by most. Things would have been very different if a certain outcast hadn¡¯t come knocking at my door those years ago, and I hope you do not think me ungrateful to either of you. Time with you has let me gather strength and purpose that I would not have found had I stayed within the bounds of the temple, singing my days away. But now, my goddess is calling. And it is a call that I want to answer. Need to answer.¡± As the priestess spoke, Kite stayed silent, only nodding occasionally. When the words stopped coming he gave her a reassuring nod, before he turned to Will. ¡°And I will hazard a guess that it is the same for you?¡± ¡°You heard my father at the meeting within Knowledge¡¯s sanctum,¡± Will said awkwardly. ¡°I am free to choose, but if I am to go out into the world with the family¡¯s blessing, I must do it properly. Truly find my path and test it. So my father has arranged for me to go abroad for a time, far from the family¡¯s resources. To try myself as an adventurer all around the world, stepping out from the zone of comfort that is my culture and home. While they can¡¯t force me to, I trust my father, Kite. He is a patient man, and while we have had our disagreements, I know that he will act in ways which will help me succeed, lopsided path or not. His words, not mine. I think I have to trust him in this.¡± ¡°Do you know how long you will be gone?¡± Kite asked, keeping his voice stable as he looked at the elven scion. ¡°Honestly, I do not know. One year? More? I suppose that will depend on when I feel that I have learned enough.¡± Kite nodded at Will¡¯s words, looking between two of his oldest friends who were now about to leave. Even if only for a time, it was still a time that would no doubt be measured in years. Then he rose and crossed the room, wrapping one arm around each of them into a fierce hug which lingered for a while. ¡°It¡¯s good that Will has had plenty of practice with hugging by this point,¡± part of his mind idly noted even as Kite¡¯s eyes were turning a bit misty. Eventually he eased up somewhat, leaning back enough to look at the two of them. Will¡¯s eyes were brimming with tears as well, while Serene kept her expression in check with a sad smile. ¡°Oh you can¡¯t expect me to stay out of a hug this long,¡± Dragonfly eventually said, crashing into the trio while Gold and Glint looked on in stoic silence, leaving the friends some space to grieve the upcoming separation which suddenly loomed on the horizon. When they eventually broke apart and returned to their seats, Kite spoke again. ¡°Then what about the upcoming¡­ event? The one of which we spoke in the temple of Knowledge?¡± ¡°I will still contribute what I can, even if that is to act with the purpose of Unity and Harmony,¡± Serene said, the first to answer. ¡°And when I said that I will return from time to time, I meant it. The goddess knows of and agrees with our plans, and I have her blessing to take part when the time is right.¡± ¡°Besides, from what I gathered from director Jarvan, this will be an undertaking beyond the scope of weeks and months. Who knows, maybe we¡¯ll all be gold rank before I can drive my spear through the last of our enemies,¡± Will mused. ¡°And besides, would it not be fitting for me to leave the groundwork to the commoners, allowing the Saint of Spears to come charging in when there is a charge to lead and evil to dispatch?¡± ¡°Or penetrate?¡± Dragonfly added innocently, earning herself a withering look. ¡°What? If you¡¯re going out into the world, you¡¯re going to hear plenty of that. I¡¯m just helping you acclimatize.¡± ¡°I suppose that this just stands to prove that with increasing power, life becomes more complex,¡± Kite mused aloud, looking to his gathered friends. ¡°Now we have the power to actually affect the wider world around us to some extent, and the lifespan to see it done even if it takes decades. We will have to trust in the words of our elders and in the bonds we have forged, so that our friendship will stay strong in the decades to come. Whether there is a world between us, or nothing at all.¡± He then turned his gaze to Gold, who had remained silent as he sat next to Serene. ¡°Then I suppose that all we have left is for our final member to join us at the lofty heights of silver rank, no?¡± Gold¡¯s brow creased at his words. ¡°Still a while left. No need to-¡± ¡°Dear Gold, please let Kite finish,¡± Serene gently admonished, and the huge man fell silent, looking to Kite. ¡°As I said, we still have one left. I can imagine that it would be easy to feel left on the outside, Gold. You haven¡¯t been with us as long, and haven¡¯t yet had the time to make as many memories together. But you have clearly shown all of us, and Serene in particular, that you are a man to be trusted and that your path is strong. I said before that we have decades ahead of us now, be it together or apart. So there is plenty of time left to make more memories, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡± The question hung in the air between them for a while, and eventually Gold nodded. ¡°I do.¡± ¡°Excellent! Then it is settled!¡± Will exclaimed. ¡°Let us rest and talk, finishing up this finely decorated feast which Kite has so graciously provided for us. And then, we will make sure our dear friend Gold here experiences the progress he deserves. As one of us, together or apart.¡±
Marten looked up at the huge man in front of him, his wide frame further accentuated by the heavy suit of armor with bone seemingly grown over and fused into the metal. The looming man didn¡¯t say anything, so Marten swallowed once before looking down at the papers in front of him. ¡°So¡­ eh¡­ Four silver-ranked contracts, huh?¡± The man nodded. ¡°You sure are working hard,¡± Marten continued, his hands moving of their own accord to give the contracts the proper stamps and seals to mark them as taken. The man nodded again. ¡°A-arent you the one on the same team as the Pathbreaker?¡± A slight pause. Then the man nodded once more. ¡°I¡­ see¡­ So, is he always that polite?¡± A nod yet again. Marten guessed he should have expected that by now. ¡°Then he is an odd one. Not too many of the locals keep being so polite even at silver.¡± Marten, expecting yet another stoic nod, was surprised as the man actually spoke, and equally surprised at the rich, smooth basso of his voice. ¡°Kite stays true to Kite. Forges bonds.¡± Even though he had no idea what the taciturn man meant by that, Marten still nodded. ¡°I... guess you would know. Well, these are all done and accounted for. Good luck, and thank you for your hard work.¡± A final nod was given in way of farewell, and then the armored man turned and left.
Gold came marching back towards where the rest of the group had gathered to watch his battle with the mudlord river drake; close enough to intervene if necessary yet far enough so as to keep the drake¡¯s attention on the huge bronze-ranker. The river bank behind Gold was in ruins, deep furrows left in the soil and mud by the recent conflict, but he marched back towards them uncaring of the dirt and grime which stuck to every inch of him and his armor. While Serene quickly went to work, her song carrying spells of healing and renewal, Gold continued to march up to Kite. Or rather, to Glint. Wordlessly, the armored bronze-ranker held up a gauntleted fist to the little carp, where he held a pair of shimmering, pearlescent scales with surprising gentleness. The little carp was, understandably, ecstatic, turning into a small glittering streak around Gold as she made merry loops and twirls. Then, Glint unceremoniously gobbled up both scales, her own becoming more lustrous with ease. ¡°Glint does convey her deepest gratitude,¡± Kite said, looking at the satisfied fish. ¡°Although I think that was obvious from context. Would you like for her to wash your armor? That fight sure was¡­ messy. In the most literal sense of the word.¡± Gold looked to himself and then to the frolicking little carp who seemed to be in her own little world as she digested the scales. Then, he turned to gaze at the river next to which he had fought. Finally, he nodded to himself and turned back to the group. ¡°No need. Plenty of water nearby.¡± Looking to Serene, he continued. ¡°Help me soar?¡± Kite was as lost as Dragonfly and Will seemed to be at the request, but Serene quirked a smile. ¡°Carried by the heavenly wind.¡± As the chant completed, Gold stretched out his arms as if accepting what was to befall him. Then, with a rush, Serene¡¯s wind spell launched him towards the river like a mud-trailed comet. ¡°I have seen it many times, but the range of your spells has become quite impressive, Serene,¡± Kite noted. ¡°Is it just me, or does Gold seem to like it?¡± Dragonfly asked. Just shy of a hundred meters away, an armored man landed in the river with a mighty splash, a burst of joy rippling through his aura as the spray of water glittered in the summer afternoon sun. 141. Warrior approved ¡°You don¡¯t have to be here. Messy,¡± Worth Transcending Gold said where he sat in a meditative pose, clad in his conjured armor. The solidity and weight had always helped him achieve the calm needed, and today, his body alight with barely contained power, it felt more important than ever. ¡°You were present all through mine, love,¡± Serene Breeze replied, her amusement like the tingling of bells. ¡°Our song won¡¯t be marred by a little shared tribulation.¡± Gold didn¡¯t really want her to leave, but he still felt an instinctive sense of wrongness that his Serene, a being of harmony and beauty unlike anyone else, would be forced to witness the mess that would follow. Apparently sensing his thoughts enough to get a hint of his feelings, Serene wrapped her aura gently around his; intangible comfort bringing calm. ¡°Thank you, love,¡± Gold said, his aura conveying what his words, curse them, would not. ¡°Sing with me,¡± Serene urged by way of reply, and took the lead. Gold joined his voice to hers, finding harmony in the joint meditation even as his soul overflowed and his body started to change.
At the feeling of a transforming aura washing out from the building next to them, Kite, Dragonfly and Will halted their three-way spar. For an onlooker, it almost looked like time stopped as their silver-ranked bodies could halt at a moment¡¯s notice. Will was extended in a lunge blocked by Kite¡¯s barrier while Dragonfly was just about to swing low, the axe¡¯s frozen trajectory already intercepted by Kite¡¯s staff. ¡°Oh, he¡¯s doing it!¡± Dragonfly exclaimed happily, before looking down at the length of pale metal which her axe would soon have collided with. Her face soured as she continued. ¡°It might be best that I stopped here anyway. I don¡¯t know if anyone has told you, Kite, but you¡¯re a pretty annoying guy to fight.¡± ¡°Whatever do you mean, my ardent Dragonfly? Surely, you¡¯re not casting aspersions on an implement made by the Queen of Jade and Sky?¡± Kite asked asked innocently. ¡°Oh hush, you. How would you like it if you tried to hit someone only for them to parry, dispel your special attack and then drain your mana? And then it happens again. And again! Transcendent damage just feels creepy, you know?¡±
WWJS: [Item] Immutable Echo Combat Staff Silver rank - [Growth] Legendary Forged through unyielding reverberations of inner strength, this staff heralds an immovable path. [Effect] Greatly increased striking power [Effect] Echoes the effect of special attacks delivered through this weapon once. The echo deals only half the damage of the original attack, but any other effects are undiminished. Can occur once every five seconds. [Effect] Absorbs a part of the physical force behind intercepted strikes, if any, lessening the remaining physical force to be endured by the wielder. After absorbing force in such a way, the next attack delivered will deal additional resonating force damage. The damage increases with the amount of physical force absorbed from the blow. [Effect] Vastly increased durability [Effect] Bronze - Pay a cost of moderate mana to detonate one of your barriers struck by this weapon, creating a wave of resonating force. The damage of the wave scales with the mana cost of the barrier destroyed, and size of the wave increases with the size of the barrier. Remaining integrity of said barrier does not affect the potency of the damaging wave. [Effect] Silver - Add another echo to special attacks, dealing further reduced damage. This item is bound to [Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune] and cannot be used by anyone else.
The silver-ranked upgrade to Kite¡¯s staff had been straightforward and oh so useful, adding another echo to the enchantments. And Dragonfly clearly did not approve, which Kite thought to be fair. Having sparred with Soul for most of his waking hours for a week had left him with plenty of experience with the unpleasant feeling of transcendent damage. ¡°While I am sorry for your discomfort, my trust in your ability to handle it is unflinching,¡± Kite assured his friend and lover. ¡°Then maybe you should just let me hit you a time or two for fairness sake.¡± ¡°Oh I wouldn¡¯t go that far. That axe really looks like it would sting.¡± ¡°Ah, to have a wonderful, heaven-crafted weapon,¡± Will said wistfully, looking down at his beautiful conjured golden spear. ¡°At least you can conjure yours. I can confirm that to keep changing up arsenals like this is expensive. I am already dreading the price-tag for all that silver-ranked equipment,¡± Kite winced. ¡°Doesn¡¯t Peony fix your things for free as long as you give her the materials?¡± Dragonfly asked pointedly. ¡°Well, yes. But there is often a lot of materials we need to buy if we want just the right effects and-¡± ¡°Kite?¡± Will interrupted. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Even I can understand that that was your cue to perhaps cease your current line of explanation.¡± Through his expanded vision, Kite saw the simmering spark in Dragonfly¡¯s gaze. Dragonfly, the only person present without a looting power or wealthy familial backing. ¡°I believe that I see the wisdom in your words, Will,¡± Kite agreed.
¡°So, I guess that was it then,¡± Desdemona said a bit dejectedly as she watched the group of five silver-rankers depart after having turned in their final contracts and announced their intention to return north. ¡°And I was just getting good at that whole officiating thing.¡± Marten looked after them as well, awkwardly returning a wave as the Pathbreaker turned and waved them farewell before the doors closed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dessie. The locals fight each other all the time. I¡¯m sure that you¡¯ll have your fill if you keep an eye open for members of different sects going into the same noodle shop,¡± he said in an attempt at consoling her. ¡°Yeah, I suppose so. It just won¡¯t be the same.¡± the leonid woman said a bit sadly. Marten thought that would be it, and that he would have to deal with a sulking leonid for the rest of the day. Or week. But Desdemona surprised him as she turned to him and regarded him. ¡°You know, Marten, seeing them making something close to a team even here in Hua-Xi has gotten me thinking. Our tenures sync up, right? Maybe we should actually try teaming up once we¡¯re done? Find some more people and try to do the same? Kite and his group really kept up their share of contracts, after all. If you¡¯d like to be on the same team as a ¡®meathead defender¡¯, that is?¡± she finished, eyes twinkling. ¡°Oh, uhm¡­¡± Marten floundered, stunned for a moment. ¡°Well, of course, Dessie. That¡­ that would be nice.¡± ¡°So does that mean that the ¡®only celestines-rule¡¯ is out?¡± ¡°Well, yes. Maybe just one? Or none. We¡¯ll see who we can find. Team synergy and rapport is way, way more important, after all,¡± he hurriedly added upon seeing Desdemona¡¯s raised eyebrow.
Kite looked out across the stunning view of Convergence in the midday sun, the river splitting the city looking like a trail of shimmering stars only disturbed by the multitude of river boats plying their trade below. Around the city, the plains between the many different villages and farming communities were still a lustrous green, he knew that it would remain so for a few months more even though autumn was soon approaching. ¡°We were here for so long, and I never thought to see if you would actually be allowed up here. To think that you just had to pay a small fee,¡± Dragonfly said in awe as she took in the view from atop the city lord¡¯s spire beside the rest of the group. ¡°It does feel fitting to have visited at least once, even if it is just before we depart,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°While there were certainly some adventures to be had, I would say that Convergence has treated us all well.¡± ¡°Not much choice with a group of silver-rankers,¡± Will noted. ¡°Silvers may be a lot more common here, but the five of us working in unison could surely make some trouble if need be. That is, if our intentions were anything but noble and righteous. The future Saint of Spears would not abide by the company of knaves and rogues.¡± ¡°Or baseborn rubes with less than pure humor?¡± Dragonfly asked, eyebrows waggling. ¡°Those just don''t know better, through no fault of theirs. It will be up to me to keep our dignity intact, as has always been my duty,¡± Will retorted with a smile. ¡°I still feel like this is only the first stay of many here. It feels like the world is opening up somehow. I mean, the three of you are already planning to go abroad and see new horizons,¡± Kite said wistfully. Leaning against the railing, he raised a cup to his friends. ¡°To new horizons and making memories. Gods know I will miss you when you leave, but that should be all the more reason to find joy in both the moments we have and the reunions that await us down the line.¡± Dragonfly, Will, Serene and Gold all lifted their cups in turn, the toast marking the end of their stay in Convergence, but also the end of their time as bronze-rankers. Adventure, responsibility, conflict, scrutiny; Kite was sure that their futures would only grow more complicated, especially with the cult of Discord hiding beneath the surface, unseen but not unfelt. But for now, the trip back north awaited them. Back to Gilded, and then onward.
Soul of the Perfected Step sect did not sleep much. This was normal for her, the lessening need for regular inactivity something which she had very much looked forward to as she rose in ranks. That, and the freedom to do as she wished; to focus on her path and perfect herself. As Soul awoke to the feel of a metal collar being slipped around her neck, part of her mind noted that she apparently had some more examples to set before said freedom would truly be hers. That part was only a small, stray one however. The rest of her being was already acting. Just before the suppression collar could click shut, Soul hand blurred, interposing itself where the ends of the torque would have met. The man above her cursed and tried forcing it together by force, but even his silver-ranked strength did not avail him, especially not as Soul¡¯s foot connected with his temple in a burst of transcendent light while she yanked the collar free from the one who would assault her. ¡°She¡¯s awake! Hold her down!¡± a feminine voice called, as she and another person blurred toward Soul¡¯s bed and the struggle atop it. ¡°Elder Keen,¡± Soul thought, her mind working with crisp, clear speed to take in her surroundings. The female voice was indeed the guardian of the sect, the elven woman currently charging toward Soul along another of the sect elders. ¡°And then the one who wished to collar me would be-¡± If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Elder Glass, Bell¡¯s father, had quickly righted himself from the kick, eyes ablaze as he snarled; ¡°Surrender to the justice of the sect!¡± ¡°Justice carried out hidden by the shadows of night?¡± Soul asked pointedly even as she sprang up and kicked off into the room to move past elder Glass, her first target someone else. ¡°Slumbering land, rouse your fury an-¡± *Click* Activating her burst of speed, it was no trouble to shove the still open suppression collar around elder Keen¡¯s neck. ¡°Wha-¡± was the only thing that the elder had time to protest, eyes bulging in horror before Soul grabbed her and shoved her into the sword slash from the final elder, who had drawn a thrumming falcata to attack Soul. While he did manage to abort the attack, it left the pair tangled up for a brief moment as Soul¡¯s hand snapped around to flick at a smoky tendril which had reached for her from behind. Elder Glass conjured more of the grasping tendrils, but Soul had taken his measure during the years she had stayed with the sect, her path finding his wanting. It had turned out that she shared an essence power with the Pathbreaker, and Implacable Motion allowed her to shrug off the reaching tendrils as she herself struck, the heel of her palm hitting her ¡®benefactor¡¯ squarely in the nose. While such a blow did not stun a silver-ranker the same way as a bronze or iron, ignoring the psychological effect of such a thing as a blow to the face required practice. Practice which the elder seemed to have skipped lately, as he flinched back more than the blow required. Another burst of speed took Soul behind the man, her knee driving into the small of his back with another burst of transcendent light. The sudden jerks of momentum had elder Glass stumbling forward once more, albeit in a lot more pain than a moment ago, which had him stumbling straight into the path of the sword-wielding elder who this time chose to leap over his fellow instead of getting tangled up once more. ¡°Leaping in combat without aerial motion? How did this man reach elder?¡± Soul thought with some scorn. She knew this man¡¯s path of sword and sound, and him being airborne meant that she knew exactly where to strike. Much like a strike to the face, a special attack delivered directly to a man¡¯s groin usually caused even silver-rankers to seize up unless they had been practicing rigorously. Soul accepted a glancing strike of the man¡¯s blade to allow her to strike with the full, empowered force of her path, the flash of transcendent light combined with the physical force all but annihilating the leaping elder¡¯s nethers. His momentum stopped, he fell in a pile on top of elder Glass who had finished his stumble while elder Keen was fiddling with a small key. Her dimmed senses meant that she noticed Soul¡¯s approach too late. One hard strike to the elder¡¯s wrist sent the small crystal key flying upward for a split second before Soul snatched it and jammed it into the elven woman¡¯s eye in one swift motion; another thing which those lacking proper focus tended to find very distracting. Soul did keep her grip on the key though, once more speeding up to drop an axe kick down onto the two prone men to further drive them into one another. Then, Soul proceeded to beat them both into the ground. ¡°While I stand by my path, I certainly would not say no to some area damage at times like this,¡± she thought while she was relentlessly raining kicks and punches down onto the two men, accepting lighter blows and attacks to keep up her offensive while trusting in her greatly enhanced recovery. Unsurprisingly, the Thunderous Avalanche style, one of the many in which Soul had sought tutelage, lent itself well to keeping prone foes down. She did speed up again to dodge one of elder Glass¡¯ more potent special attacks, her retaliatory kick plowing his head down through the floorboards. While this happened, elder Keen had stumbled towards the door, clawing at her ruined eye and making a general mess. She would no doubt come to her senses soon enough, and Soul didn¡¯t feel like allowing her to escape just yet. Just as the elven woman was fumbling at the sliding doors, she felt a hand land at her shoulder. ¡°Please, honored elder. Stay a while longer,¡± Soul, blessed by Warrior said. Then, elder Keen was thrown across the room, colliding with the sword wielder who had managed to find his feet again. And in her wake, Soul followed. It was a few minutes later until Soul eventually stopped, the magic which coursed like lightning through her veins eventually fading somewhat as her foes moved no longer. ¡°That¡­ was close. Those cowards. Those heaven-cursed cowards,¡± she all but growled as her mind tried to play out how this battle would have gone had they actually managed to collar her. But they hadn¡¯t, and in the close quarters of the house and while initially having tried to keep some semblance of stealth, even their united paths had not stood a chance against Souls. ¡°I guess that means it is time to leave,¡± Soul muttered, looking around the house. Most of the fine interior wasn''t something which she cared much about, but there were other things to be gathered. ¡°And I suppose I¡¯ll have to get some clothes too. Such a bother,¡± she mused, looking down at her naked form. She had been sleeping, after all. While Soul stuffed her belongings, resources, and all the expensive training equipment down into a few dimensional satchels, she also had to keep a keen eye to the auras of her assailants. Keeping a silver-ranker knocked out wasn¡¯t easy, but Soul also had to admit that killing the three would bring even more trouble down upon her in the long run. Not that this altercation would go unavenged, but something embarrassing like three elders getting beat up after failing to ambush a single inner disciple wasn''t something which they would like to spread around any time soon. Still, the recovery of the silver-rankers were starting to really bother Soul by the time she was done. ¡°As I would like a bit more of a head start, I will have to do something about it,¡± she muttered to herself while she was relieving the elders of their own dimensional storage items. And as she retrieved the collar from elder Keen and stored it as well, Soul¡¯s eyes landed on the falcata of the third elder, discarded at the unconscious man¡¯s side. Soul thought for a while, then smiled. Silver-rankers were very durable after all. Not long after, Soul, formerly of the Perfected Step sect and blessed by Warrior, flew west seated atop a glass bird construct, a flying mount which she had conveniently found in the bags of elder Glass. None of the sentries had tried to bar her exit, something Soul had no doubt would come back to bite them when the elder¡¯s were found or managed to break out from the impromptu bindings in which Soul had left them. But by then, she should have a decent head start. ¡°I guess that it is time to find a new place in which to properly temper my path and find some calm. The families around Boundary are always said to look for competent fighters, so that is a place to start at least,¡± she mused, feeding another spirit coin into the construct mount. For a brief moment as she flew through the early dawn sun, Soul closed her eyes. And prayed. ¡°Warrior, I dedicate that battle to you, as I have done my path. I will ever continue to strive towards the perfection I promised you, and no one will stand in my way for long.¡± She heard no voice in answer to her words, no divine proclamation or decree. But Soul did, for a split second, feel the touch of something divine and powerful upon her mind, and thus she knew. That Warrior approved.
As the older couple who managed the house of Inner Disciple Soul arrived that morning for their chores, they found that they had a bit more cleaning to do than expected. In what used to be the young mistress¡¯ bedroom, which in itself was destroyed almost beyond recognition, three elders of the sect sat bound together, wrapped in silver-ranked chains that used to be part of the mistress¡¯ training equipment. While the tangled mess looked escapable given the amount of time which must have passed, each of the three elders were missing their hands and feet, one bare foot from each of them shoved into said individual¡¯s mouth. The old caretaker took one look at the horrid mess and the furious, indignant and pained eyes of the elders as they struggled, before he dropped his broom and ran for help as fast as his old legs would allow. He could only pray to any god that would listen that he and his wife would manage to remain unnoticed in whatever mess would come of this.
Brave Walker of Paths moved through the dense forests south of Gilded like he was part of them, every step moving him forward in leaps and bounds. While it was rare for him to actually need to go on contracts these day, the growing Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild having taken up much of the strained logistics of the sparsely populated region, he still took his fair share. The woods was where he had earned his power, after all. And the Autumn lands were his home. Even the mighty should remember to take care of the place that nurtured them, after all. Walker suddenly froze mid-step as he felt a ripple of disturbance throughout his sensory network. In the dense woodlands, Walker¡¯s perception could reach a lot further than his own spiritual senses, and something powerful was moving fast just above the dense layer of foliage, its course a straight line towards Gilded. Brows furrowed, Walker sped up before vanishing into a nearby bush, only for his momentum to shoot him out from the top of the tallest tree he could find that was somewhat in the path of whatever was approaching. Conjured vines quickly shot out from below for Walker to hold onto, and he hung out from the side of one and peered south into the distance. It turned out that noticing the disturbance wasn¡¯t hard. A boat, an honest to gods boat, was zooming along the treetops, held aloft on a cushion of water which left a misty trail in its wake. It wasn¡¯t an overly huge craft, but enough to have what looked like a finely crafted cabin, complete with tiled, curved roof and all, covering almost its whole deck. There were no masts or sails, the vehicle obviously magical in nature, but its means of propulsion was quite obvious nonetheless. In front of the boat, wearing a harness of thick, red ropes, swam a giant carp which shimmered in the colors of pearl and pink. Or rather, a carp mixed with the longer, sinuous body of a dragon. Carried upon another cushion of water, Glint looked more majestic than Walker had ever seen before, scales resplendent in the sunlight. And from her proudly displayed silver rank aura, Walker also knew that Kite, and hopefully his friends as well, had managed to reach their goals. ¡°You have to give it to the little chick, he has learned to travel in style,¡± Walker said with a rueful chuckle, projecting his aura as widely as he could to catch the attention of the incoming vessel. A familiar, yet changed aura responded in kind, and the floating carriage started slowing down. But with the speed Glint was traveling, the vehicle had to swerve widely and loop back around before actually coming to a stop with some semblance of control. Walker met them at the top of another tree, manipulating the leaves to form a platform for him to stand upon as Glint and the carriage came to a halt in the air next to him, the wiggling mustaches of the carp eagerly reaching towards Walker, who stroked them fondly. ¡°Oh how you have grown, little beauty,¡± he chuckled, having adopted Kite¡¯s pet name for the familiar. Raising his voice, he continued. ¡°But I assume that Glint here is not the only one who has seen some advancement. Couldn''t let me stay ahead for long, little Kite?¡± The door to the little fancy cabin atop the boat opened, and Kite leaned out with a smile. ¡°The impatience of youth knows no bounds, uncle. And, Fortune be praised, it¡¯s good to see you. May we offer you a ride back to Gilded in my new, humble means of conveyance?¡±
¡°Little Kite, it seems like we cannot let you go anywhere without you getting the attention of some young master or mistress,¡± Walker sighed before taking a sip of his tea. ¡°And it seems I cannot go anywhere without returning to find the guild having grown in leaps and bounds,¡± Kite retorted, gesturing to the member list which was splayed open on the table between them. ¡°I do approve of promoting Second Spring to head of this guild hall. From what you tell me, she has done more than her share of good work.¡± ¡°Ah, yes, she¡¯s almost too hard a worker. Some time spent organizing things might do her good, get a new perspective. You should see her at bronze-rank though, little Kite. We had a good idea that her squirrel essence would work out well in these lands, and I think we underestimated it. Should she reach silver rank, she might even start outpacing this old man.¡± ¡°And the new members? Are most here to accept the terms for their essences?¡± ¡°Mostly, but we have had a few outcasts and other former sect members who seemed to want a change of pace and the support the guild can offer.¡± ¡°Any troublesome ones?¡± ¡°So far, none that has made it into the guild. We¡¯ve had a few loud complainers who weren¡¯t accepted, but this old man showing up and flexing my silver-ranked aura a bit tends to have those problems go away.¡± ¡°And with me at silver, I believe that our planned expansion to Bastion is reasonable, even though we¡¯ll have to slow down a bit after that and take our due time. While I have gathered some more, I still need to replenish our stock of essences and stones to keep up the pace. It¡¯s hard to imagine that we started with those three that we happened upon during the surge now that there are suddenly twenty-five of us.¡± As he spoke, Kite discreetly sent his spiritual senses out through the building, sensing the few iron and bronze-rankers currently in the guildhall. A few seemed to shudder in response, proving that he still had some work to do in regards to the fine control of his ranked-up aura. ¡°I agree. To think that one initiative and a bit of generosity from a local lad would cause such change so quickly,¡± Walker agreed. ¡°We have even needed to branch out. While our main focus will remain deliveries and prioritizing far-out settlements, we have also been able to arrange our fair share of contracts in escorting travelers and researchers from the magic society.¡± Before Walker could continue, there was a bronze-ranked aura which flared politely outside the door to announce themselves. A moment later, Second Spring, former initiate of the Descending Star sect entered. Bronze-rank had been kind to the petite young woman, letting her keep her delicate features while also lending her presence a bit of power. As she entered, Spring wore light armor beneath a traveler¡¯s cloak, her brown hair kept in a bun by two long hairpins. ¡°Guildmaster, senior brother,¡± she said, bowing to each of them before looking at Kite. ¡°Congratulations to your advancements, senior brother Kite. There have been many mugs raised in your name across the guild when word spread that you were back a few days ago.¡± ¡°And a belated congratulations to you as well, junior sister,¡± Kite said, returning her bow from where he was seated. ¡°I heard from my uncle, but contracts have kept us apart during my recent visits. ¡°Thank you, senior brother. I still have a long way to go, but I am honored by the trust which the guild has shown me. Speaking of which, guildmaster Walker, may I have a moment of your time once you are finished here? It is soon time for the meeting with the city lord, and we need to go over the agenda.¡± ¡°Of course, Spring. I¡¯ll be with you in a moment,¡± Walker replied. The young woman bowed again, before closing the door. ¡°So¡­¡± Kite began, feeling the need to put words to the obvious. ¡°Is she still¡­¡± ¡°That is indeed so,¡± Walker said, shaking his head. ¡°She actually straight up told me at the beginning of summer. I tried to explain that she was way too young for me and let her down gently, but she seemed to have taken it as a challenge. Told me that this meant that she would just have to prove herself in the years to come, and show that she could grow into a woman which I could come to love.¡± ¡°They do say that the heart wants what the heart wants,¡± Kite said with a helpless look towards the door. ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, you handled it well, uncle.¡± ¡°As if I need a youngling to tell me that,¡± Walker said with snort. ¡°I was wooing ladies before you were born, little Kite.¡± ¡°Then how come I have never seen you with someone?¡± Kite retorted, eyebrow arched. ¡°Well¡­ I¡­ There were all these deliveries and¡­¡± Walker began, floundering a bit before giving Kite a withering look. ¡°Look at you, all snide with your poor old uncle. Silver rank seems to have gotten to your head already.¡± 142. A place to return to It had been a long time since Kite last entered the temple of Fortune in Gilded. While he had often invoked the goddess¡¯ name during his whole career, he realized that the last actual visit was before he set out to conquer the Jade-Sky gate at iron rank. ¡°Hopefully, the goddess will not feel too scorned,¡± Kite thought to himself as he bowed in respect to a priest in the temple, symbols of bounty, affluence and prosperity decorating its interior, even if it was with the worthy austerity of generations building something grand upon the work of their ancestors. Like the last time, he was shown into one of the many private alcoves for prayer, and sat down in a meditative position on the mat in front of a statue of the goddess. This particular sculpt was carrying a basket overflowing with fruit while a golden cat perched at her shoulder. Before closing his eyes, Kite brought out the goddess¡¯ token; still unmarred and looking exactly like the day he received it those years ago. Keeping the token in his hand, Kite began his prayer. ¡°Lady Fortune, I come to you in gratitude. Recent years have been kind to me and mine, your providence a great part in our prosperity, which I will never forget. As I set out to new horizons, expanding the guild and building myself a home, I hope that you will continue to have a kind eye towards our efforts. And please let us carry your blessing as we seek that which might lay beneath the surface, ending strife and replanting those fields with your bounty.¡± He fell silent, thinking of what to say next, when a pleasant female voice echoed gently through his mind. The goddess did not manifest, yet her presence was both vast and subtle as Fortune once more answered Kite, like she had done those years ago, the sliver of her attention highlighting his very existence in a way unfelt outside the touch of the divine. ¡°Your gratitude has been heard, little one, yet partially misguided.¡± ¡°My apologies, Lady, I did not mean to exclude your fellow divines. Surely, they have shown me kindness as well,¡± Kite began, but halted his words as he felt, rather than saw, a smile from the goddess¡¯ ¡°While I am sure that they will appreciate your earnesty, I was not referring to my brothers and sisters. But I will take a cue from Knowledge and instead present to you a question, little on. Why is there no luck essence?¡± The question left Kite quite taken aback, not expecting that avenue of inquiry. But when a goddess asked you something, it was best to assume that there was a meaning behind it. So he gave it a good thought, taking his time as he did not want to risk giving offense with an off-hand answer to a deity. ¡°I¡­ am unsure. There is the prosperity confluence, no? But that isn¡¯t really luck, not exclusively. I am sorry, my Lady, but this humble one does not know,¡± he eventually admitted, choosing honesty. Even at silver rank, his mind felt abuzz just with that tiny shadow of the deity¡¯s attention, which wasn¡¯t the best foundation for philosophical discourse. ¡°Prosperity is indeed close, maybe the closest you come to it in this world. But circumstance and happenstance will ever be the tricksters, beyond even the gods to banish. Some say that fate is fickle, others that it is absolute. Me? I call it the boundaries within which we may play our hands, build our foundations and try to tilt the scales of karma and happenstance to our favor. Think about that as well as my aspects, little one; of prosperity, bounty and affluence. And of my sister, Karma. And ponder my question again.¡± Not wanting to disappoint a goddess, Kite did his best, even sinking into the patterns of his combat meditation to bring clarity even when his mind was abuzz. This might have caused more of his aura to slip from his control, but hopefully it would not frighten anyone nearby too badly. The seconds ticked by, turning to minutes. And there, in the relative calm of his mind while he basked in the divine attention in all its terrifying glory, Kite believed that he had found an answer. ¡°Is¡­ could it be that there is no luck, at least not in the way we speak of it? That such happenstance is not affected by magic, but rather the choices we make up to that point? To build good karma, to lay the foundation for future success, to cultivate connections, make preparations and seize opportunities? To share bounty and thus receive bounty in turn?¡± While he felt that this was only part of something larger, much more abstract and even beyond him, Kite still felt relieved when he felt the goddess smile once more. ¡°That is certainly an answer worth some more pondering, little one. I suggest that you keep it in your thoughts as you go about all of these projects of yours. And know that you, by spreading what you have earned in order to build something for the future, have continued to earn my approval. Walk with Fortune, little one. But with your given name, I suppose that you always have.¡± With those words, the world came crashing in upon Kite again, that deep sense of existence replaced with the impressions of the mundane. Kite¡¯s whole body still felt tingly, but something deeper felt almost exhausted. Rising to his feet, Kite bowed again towards the statue before leaving. On the way out, a young acolyte bowed to Kite. ¡°I hope that you may continue to feel our Lady¡¯s gaze, honored silver-ranker.¡± Kite stopped, turning to the young man. Maybe seventeen years old, a single essence colored his spirit with the feeling of thriving plants. ¡°I hope so too,¡± Kite said. Then he reached into a pouch at his side and layed a round stone the size of a fist in the acolyte¡¯s hands, still cupped as he was straightening out of his bow. ¡°She has ever given me good advice, after all.¡± Then he departed from the temple, his expanded vision revealing the stunned young man staring at the awakening stone of growth which Kite had given him, one that should resonate well with the plant essence as well as his divine calling. Then the acolyte fell to his knees in grateful prayer on the spot.
¡°Glint, you are an absolute treat. And so pretty. Who is the prettiest fish-dragon in the lands? You are!¡± Kite smiled at Dragonfly¡¯s cooing over the preening carp while he watched the enchanted boat finish the process of shrinking down to the size of a toy at the side of the road. The process had been going on for a few minutes, but when he sensed the magic inside wind down, Kite bent down and picked it up gingerly. While not as heavy as the full-sized one, a normal-ranker would probably be unable to budge the nifty construct. ¡°I am still amazed at how quickly we can make this trip now,¡± he said aloud. ¡°Back at early bronze, it was well over a week, albeit with some stops for monster hunting. Being able to make the trip between Gilded and Bastion within a day is very convenient. That means that we¡¯ll be back well before Serene and Will are departing.¡± ¡°I only stopped briefly at Bastion with master Force back in the day,¡± Dragonfly said, looking over towards the city walls in the distance. ¡°It will be nice to actually get to explore the city, too. Once I¡¯m done lending some extra weight to you during your meeting with the city lady. I¡¯ll do my best to be very intimidating.¡± ¡°While I appreciate the gesture, I hope that it won¡¯t be needed,¡± Kite said with a chuckle. ¡°With Vista lending his support as well as my aunties, I¡¯m sure that she will be quite amenable.¡± ¡°Five silver-rankers with a united purpose does seem like a rather intimidating prospect,¡± Dragonfly agreed. They entered the city in short order, Kite sharing what he knew of the different neighborhoods. Outwardly, Bastion looked thriving, but from what Braid and Wander had told him during their more recent time spent together, the small internal trade war had been quite vicious at times. It was calming down now, however, and had left some changes in the local power hierarchy, noticeable in that the Relentless family compound had expanded quite a lot since Kite¡¯s first time visiting. As it turned out, Vista had too. As they met the young master of the Relentless family, having pushed into silver rank a year before, Kite could feel Dragonfly stiffening slightly at his side when they were led into the room where the famed Whirlwind Warrior waited for them. Vista had always been a very beautiful man, with finely sculpted features, black hair and slightly slanted eyes. As was common with reaching silver-rank, he now had an intensity to him which was compelling to most who laid eyes upon him. And as a woman favoring male company, Dragonfly was hit a bit harder than Kite. She did her best to hide it, but when she noticed Kite¡¯s teasing smile, her glare could have ignited a less powerful man on the spot. ¡°Vista. It is good to see you again. And you too, Whimmy!¡± Kite called in greeting across the lush garden where the young master awaited within the shelter of a stone gazebo. ¡°Kite, or should I say Pathbreaker?¡± Vista called in turn while finishing off a snack in one dignified motion. ¡°The rumors were only in their infancy when you were last here to grace me with a visit. From the sound of things now, you might as well have reached gold rank already. To think that I would have an unbeatable duelist as company all this time without knowing. Were you going easy on me all the time I won our spars?¡± ¡°Just Kite will still do fine, thank you,¡± Kite replied as he and Dragonfly sat down. ¡°As of my dueling¡­ I¡¯ll have to introduce you to Soul sometime. It might do the great Whirlwind Warrior some good to have a humbling experience or two. But as for a more prompt introduction, my companion here is Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s Reflection.¡± ¡°Greetings, young master,¡± Dragonfly intoned in turn, sounding almost distracted as she tried not to look too closely at the man. ¡°Ah, Kite has told me a lot about you during his stay. He speaks highly of you, too.¡± Vista noted, even though Kite noted that the young master¡¯s habit of categorizing people still remained as he quickly shifted his attention back to Kite, having probably sorted Dragonfly in as some kind of hanger-on to Kite. While it grated on him a bit, Kite did have to admit that it might be for the best, at least while Dragonfly got used to the aesthetic appeal of the young master. ¡°It¡¯s good that you reached out, too, Kite,¡± Vista continued. ¡°Through my connections, I have done what I can to make sure that the land around the astral space remains available. But as usual, someone noticed the attention, and the opportunists came crawling out to see if there was a prize to snatch.¡± ¡°Should we expect trouble tomorrow then?¡± ¡°Some, I expect, but nothing a little show of force can¡¯t solve, I am sure,¡± Vista said, waving the question off. ¡°Remember the Stoic family?¡± ¡°Has Stoic Boar been interfering again?¡± Kite asked, incredulously. He had thought that he and the enterprising young master wouldn¡¯t have to cross paths again, but perhaps he had counted his blessings too early. ¡°No, but their patron has,¡± Vista explained. ¡°The Stoics have long served the Lustrous family, with the young master Stoic actually being allowed to marry into one of the more removed family branches in the wake of your stay here. While the man himself isn¡¯t involved, the main branch of the Lustrous family has been entreating with the city lady to purchase the land in question recently, probably out of nothing more than curiosity and wanting to seize any opportunity that my family may have glimpsed there.¡± ¡°But so far she hasn¡¯t allowed it?¡± ¡°No, not since we started dropping hints of whose interests me and my family were truly representing. Apparently, city lady Cyan has been quite curious about you, and it sure helped that your two most esteemed foster parents have arrived ahead of you.¡± ¡°Then I have more reason to thank your family,¡± Kite said, bowing. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be too grateful. Father hasn¡¯t even protested me spending time and clout on this project, which leaves me suspicious that he will have ambitions of his own. Probably sees this as cultivating connections and strengthening us. If you go unmarried for too long, Kite, you might start receiving proposals from some cousin of mine.¡± ¡°While I hate to disappoint my allies, I do not foresee myself becoming an eligible bachelor any time soon,¡± Kite said, while reaching out beneath the table to gently squeeze Dragonfly¡¯s hand. ¡°But let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves. I assume that you have a suggestion for how to go about tomorrow¡¯s meeting? I will be in your care once more.¡±
Flourish of Cyan, city lady of Bastion, was a woman who had always valued a respectable distance to the players around her; remaining aloof from most of the games and politicking in her city to retain her bird¡¯s eye view over goings on and arranging for the long-term pieces to fall the way she hoped or to prepare to adapt for shifts beyond her control. But during the last few months, she had been constantly pulled off her metaphorical lofty perch as the Lustrous and Relentless families had both started throwing their weight around in regards to a piece of land in the city¡¯s southern territories. Said land was rather unremarkable except for the astral space, which was in turn mostly a nuisance. The city lady¡¯s initial response had been to just distance herself from the matter entirely and let the families fight it out however they wished, but when it came to her knowledge that the interested party was in truth the rumored adventurer responsible for Kite¡¯s Refuge, foster child to not one but two skilled silver-ranked crafters who had moved to her city and named the Pathbreaker at bronze rank, Cyan had to admit that even her curiosity was piqued enough for her to actually officiate in the matter. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. This had led to said meeting, and Cyan had to admit that it was amusing to see the delegates from the Lustrous family start squirming a bit when it turned out their opposition brought five silver-rankers to their one. Lustrous Blade, oldest son of the master of the family, didn¡¯t look quite so self-assured any more when young master Relentless, the Pathbreaker, one of his companions and the two craftswomen Dove and Crow all sat lined up across the long meeting table. All of this, Cyan saw through one of the invisible eyes from her vision confluence, and after letting those gathered stew for another minute in silence, she gestured for her guards to slide the doors open. ¡°We rise to greet Flourish of Cyan, city lady of Bastion!¡± One of the guards called in a formal voice as Cyan entered, with the gathered people all rising and bowing in greeting. ¡°So¡­¡± Cyan began, drawing out the pause as she sat down in her high-backed chair at the end of the table. ¡°You are the parties in contention for the lands around the southernmost astral space? The one with the purple desert?¡± ¡°That is right, honored city lady,¡± Lustrous Blade answered quickly, trying to seize the initiative. ¡°My family has long had plans for the region even though the recent trouble has left us unable to expand like before.¡± Cyan knew for certain that the statement was a bold-faced lie, but that was of little consequence. Either party could claim ancestral intent to the place for all she cared. She was more interested in what she and the city could gain from showing favor to either party. ¡°I find this an apt moment to point out that the Lustrous family¡¯s attention seem to have been quite lacking then, as me and my dear friend Kite here found the place overrun with blood cultists when we visited during our contracts a while back,¡± Vista noted, the accusation veiled in a pleasant tone. ¡°My friend here found that he quite enjoyed the lands and the astral space, the latters isolation being an excellent way to mute one¡¯s senses in order to reach deeper into meditation. As he is a skilled warrior and dedicated adventurer, I have no doubt that the presence of him and his most competent family and friends here would ensure the safety and prosperity of our southern territories from this day and onward.¡± While Cyan remained neutral, she inwardly nodded. ¡°Straight to the gains for me and the city rather than claiming personal rights. Young master Relentless remains a direct one,¡± she thought, before speaking. ¡°That does sound like it would calm the minds of both me and my subjects. I assume that the honored Pathbreaker here has the funds available as well?¡± ¡°Honored lady,¡± Lustrous Blade broke in, ¡°when it comes to funds, surely you know that my family would be able to vastly outbid a trio of adventurers, no matter how skilled they might be in their trade. If it pleases you, I could have our scribes draft an offer straight away-¡± Cyan silenced him with a wave. ¡°While funds are always welcome, young master Lustrous, running a city means that I need to take more into consideration. The defense of the land, both in ordinary times and especially during the surges, will always remain a priority. What would the Lustrous family offer in way of protection?¡± She wanted to see if she could force their contention into the martial realms, as it led to more interesting outcomes for Cyan¡¯s own long term goals, especially if the Lustrous family had to spread its resources thinner in the years to come. And she had to admit that this rumored Pathbreaker intrigued her. ¡°Lady, do not doubt that the Lustrous family would protect our own lands and do our duty. Surely you witnessed my own uncle do battle in the harbor during the last surge?¡± Cyan had indeed seen it, as she could see most things within the city if she only knew where to look and could be bothered to do it. The uncle in question, Lustrous Shield, was a former adventurer who had indeed done his duty. But he and Lustrous Blade were currently the only two silver-rankers who came close to active adventurers within the family, the rest being core-users. The Pathbreaker himself took this opportunity to speak, his tone polite even though their contents were less so. ¡°While I cast no aspersions on the former career of Lustrous Shield, I would stand by the claim that the region would be better served by actual, active adventurers. Not only would the compound we build be a home for me and my family, but also for my visiting companions and the adventurers of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild, which I had a part in founding.¡± ¡°We have heard of your guild, outcast. The Lustrous family is not impressed,¡± the young master countered with a sneer. ¡°Such outlander concepts should do well to stay where they belong. Our family has connections within the local sects, and could easily match any warriors you would bring, brought up in the true way of warriors. Surely you must not allow this erosion of tradition, city lady?¡± Cyan noted that, while the man¡¯s words were harsh, he was floundering. It was at least two generations ago since members of the family had joined the local sect, and their ties would not be as deep as he claimed. But there was an easy way to test this, and Cyan would prefer that alternative as it both left her more removed from the actual outcome, both alternatives being something she could work with, as well as letting her view this Pathbreaker in action. ¡°If that is the sentiment of both sides, then why are you here using words?¡± Cyan said, looking to both sides of the table. ¡°It is clear that this conflict lies more in your claims of being the most competent protectors of said land rather than your resources. Let your paths decide, as decreed by the queen. Choose three warriors to represent the Lustrous family, as will the Pathbreaker choose those to represent his interests.¡± ¡°If I may be so rude to interject, city lady, there is no need,¡± the Pathbreaker said with a respectful tone. ¡°Oh?¡± Cyan asked, curious once more. ¡°The Lustrous family should indeed choose three, but I need no more than my own path. I will even let them choose the order in which they will face me,¡± the young silver-ranker said. His voice was still calm, but Cyan could feel that his aura was like an impenetrable wall, solid to the point that it was the world around it which started to break down instead. And his words seemed to have the intended effect, as Lustrous Blade scoffed. ¡°See, city lady, such insolence and bravado. The Lustrous family will show you the truth of his hubris. I¡¯ll even take the first bout myself. There won¡¯t be a need for a second. Blades at dusk, Pathbreaker. Be glad that the city lady is watching, since you are already courting death with your lack of humility.¡± As the delegation from the Lustrous family left, no doubt to arrange for the participants of the upcoming bouts, Cyan did note a slight smile from both the Pathbreaker himself and young master Relentless, while the young woman at the Pathbreaker¡¯s side couldn¡¯t contain her grin. ¡°Well, Kite, at least there¡¯s only three of them this time.¡± Dragonfly said, obvious before she seemed to remember herself, bowing towards Cyan. ¡°City lady. Please excuse us.¡± The five silver-rankers left as well, and Cyan was left alone in the meeting room, where she cast her sight outwards and followed the two parties as they made their way to prepare. And she was quite certain that the Pathbreaker had gotten just the outcome which he had hoped for.
¡°Dear?¡± Dove asked her wife where they both stood at the side of an open stretch of beach outside Bastion. The young master Relentless and Dragonfly were there with them as well, along with a small contingent of the Lustrous family. ¡°Yes, love?¡± Crow retorted, eyes flickering to keep track of all the attacks and barriers which flickered across the stretch of beach which was the dueling grounds suggested by the Lustrous family. Silver-ranked combat needed more space than the city could readily offer, after all. ¡°I think it is time to properly admit that our little Kite has surpassed us.¡± ¡°I believe so too. His martial technique has grown beyond my ability to properly evaluate, much less provide advice.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you think it more pertinent to start with those arms of his? Because it certainly looks like young master Lustrous is having a rather bad time at the moment. Can you imagine trying to keep up with all those attacks while simultaneously fighting to get past the barriers?¡± ¡°Our little Kite sure has grown. I would bet that this will be over in two minutes at most.¡± ¡°I think it will be less than that. Just over one,¡± Dove countered, ignoring the foul looks cast their way by the contingent of the Lustrous family. The pair were talking softly, but as all present were at least bronze rank, that didn¡¯t mean that the conversation remained a private one. ¡°Winner gets to design their part of the compound we will build first?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a deal!¡± Dove confirmed. One of the nearby bronze-rankers, some outer member of the Lustrous family, had apparently had enough at that moment. ¡°I would recommend the two of you to show some respect, or you might find your businesses struggling in the future. This duel is far from over,¡± the woman said haughtily. ¡°I would, in turn, recommend that you reassess that statement,¡± Crow said, not even looking at the woman. ¡°Because I believe that I just lost our bet. Seems that little Kite has become bolder. Off in the distance, all of Kite¡¯s arms became a blur, launching a flurry of dispelling and mana-draining special attacks. Lustrous Blade, still thoroughly on the defensive, did an admirable job of deflecting some of the projected attacks, but there were less and less of the fancy defensive powers shown with each second. Then, in a spray of sand reaching tens of meters behind him, Kite suddenly shot forwards in a blink, using the stored momentum of his foe¡¯s attacks. Walls of force suddenly appeared to box in his opponent as not one, but three weapons trailing blue-tinted dark voids struck simultaneously. From afar, it looked as if young master Lustrous was brutally impaled, his body stiffening before falling limp. This caused cries of outrage and alarm from the gathered bronze-rankers, with only the young master¡¯s silver-ranked uncle and cousin remaining stoically calm. ¡°Little Kite sure is merciful,¡± Crow noted, loud enough for everyone to hear. ¡°While the young master will probably be rather sore for a little while, mana fatigue is rather easy to shake off with a pill or two.¡± The older silver ranker only snorted in response, hefting his heavy axe over one shoulder as he made his way over towards Kite. A few attendants came along to drag the unconscious silver-ranker away from the battle, while Kite remained. ¡°Do not get all arrogant, outcast,¡± Lustrous Shield called, loud enough for all to hear. ¡°You will soon face me, Lustrous Shield. I¡¯ve been defending these lands for longer than you have been alive. There will be a lesson here in the impassable gulf between us carved by the experience of decades.¡± ¡°Although the last three of those decades have been spent managing the family¡¯s business here in the city,¡± Vista half-whispered as he leaned over to his companions. ¡°Still, Lustrous Shield will be in his favored environment here.¡± As the older man with the long, pale beard assumed his ready stance, Vista¡¯s words were proven right as the water of the ocean swirled into a protective quarter of a dome. At the same time the sand of the beach rose and gathered, forming a floating gargantuan axe with looked like a mix between a weapon and an anchor. ¡°Sand, water and shield essences,¡± Vista specified, in case anyone had any doubts about it. ¡°I will admit that it is an impressive axe,¡± Dragonfly said approvingly. ¡°Young master, do you think this will mean trouble?¡± Dove asked, looking to the younger man as the clash began in the distance. ¡°Lustrous Shield is indeed more experienced, but so far, I am not worried. His path might be in its favored environment, but I have learned first hand that trying to fight Kite with magical conjurations is¡­ unwise.¡± ¡°Are you- oh! Ooooh!¡± Dove began, words turning into an excited cheer as there was a cracking sound which echoed out over the beach. ¡°Crow, did you see the chunk Kite tore out of the axe? It had to be bigger than a heidel!¡± ¡°Love, a heidel¡¯s shape is most irregular. It is a terrible unit of measurement.¡± ¡°Oh you know what I mean!¡± ¡°I do. Sorry, love,¡± Crow apologized, reaching out to pat her wife¡¯s hand.
¡°Thank you for the assistance in tempering my path,¡± Kite intoned, even though the unconscious Lustrous Shield would not hear him from where he was being dragged away across the beach. He then turned to the other young man who had stepped up to meet him, although with decidedly less enthusiasm than the two before him. ¡°Greetings,¡± Kite said politely. ¡°My name is Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune.¡± ¡°And I am Lustrous Shell,¡± the other man said. He was built much like the two which had come before him, but had decidedly less of a hard air around him, both in look and spirit. Kite suspected that the man was merely brought in as a token presence, with the adventurers of the family clearly having expected to be able to manage. ¡°I assure you that I mean no disrespect when I ask you this, Lustrous Shell; are you sure you want to do this?¡± Kite asked, keeping his tone as polite as possible while nudging the other man¡¯s core-laced aura with his own. ¡°I-¡± he continued, before he stopped, eyes going wide. ¡°Wait, Lustrous Shell? The calligrapher?¡± The other man seemed quite taken aback by this sudden development. ¡°You- you know of my work?¡± ¡°I am quite familiar. I even went to one of your exhibitions a few years ago, even though my familiar became a little too fond of your art. Which meant that we had to leave. Your third collection of conceptual signs is its absolute favorite. I¡¯m not sure how many times I¡¯ve had to help it turn the pages.¡± ¡°Your¡­ familiar¡­ is a fan? Of my calligraphy?¡± ¡°Indeed. Sage, why don¡¯t you come out and introduce yourself?¡± What followed was a surprisingly endearing exchange as the Astral Gatherer got to meet one of its heroes. While Lustrous Shell was, understandably, quite skeptical, Sage¡¯s enthusiastic emotes eventually won him over. Instead of a duel, the now very flattered artist spent some time drawing flourishing symbols in the sand with a conjured brush the length of a person, Sage obviously being over the moon with getting to see the creative process in real time. One of the family members tried to call for Lustrous Shell to stop being a disgrace and get on with defending the family interests, which instead just led to the man¡¯s formal surrender. ¡°I am an artist, not a fighter. If you¡¯re so eager for some pain, come face this monster - no offense meant, Pathbreaker - yourselves!¡± had been Lustrous Shell¡¯s exact words.
¡°So¡­ This will be our home,¡± Dove said a bit wistfully as the four of them exited the aperture of the astral space, Raven quite reluctantly as she had been very fond of the purple sand. ¡°It will require a lot of work, but I believe that we should be able to turn this into something lasting,¡± Kite said, adjusting the cranky toddler in his arms as he looked to the forested lands around the tunnel. ¡°Still, looking out over green foliage will be novel,¡± Crow noted. ¡°I will miss the autumn colors though. But I agree with you, Kite. This should be able to become a home for us if we give it time. There is a lot of potential here.¡± ¡°And it¡¯s remote enough for some actual privacy. The city is nice, but you can never get some peace and quiet with all those auras around,¡± Dove said with a satisfied sigh. ¡°And the weaker magic of the astral space will be perfect for you to practice monster-hunting when you come of age, little chick!¡± Kite cooed enthusiastically to his pouting little sister. ¡°Oh no, young man. Don¡¯t you go poisoning her mind with violence too early,¡± Dove protested. ¡°While you know that we love and support you, I¡¯m still holding out that Raven will grow up into a fine little alchemist!¡± ¡°Or maybe a proper woodworker? To widen our collective toolbox?¡± Crow suggested. ¡°But love, the art of alchemy has much more depth that I am unable to explore. Surely-¡± Kite let the pair of them bicker fondly, instead turning to Raven. ¡°Let¡¯s take a better look, shall we?¡± A few steps later, conjured squares of force allowing them to ascend a few meters up into the air, Kite turned Raven in his arms so that she too could get a proper look of the forests, hills, cliffs and plains visible all around them. ¡°There isn¡¯t much here yet, little sister,¡± he said, taking it all in along with the somber toddler. ¡°But this is where we will make our home. A fine place for all of us to grow. And, when you have stretched your wings and explored the world like your older brother, a place to return to.¡± 143. Wherever you may be Khana was forced to admit that silver rank did not completely inure one to pain. It lessened, sure, becoming more a signal rather than something debilitating. But as she was currently facing down the elusive chain bitch halfway into the escape tunnel, this experience had so far let her rediscover the concept. ¡°Tread the path of Destruction!¡± The god-touched power washed through Khana, and she charged at the scrawny woman with the terrifying aura. Each step and motion cracked the stone and sundered the walls, dealing further damage to the beleaguered tunnel. And each step also caused her to come into contact with another chain, glowing links sprouting from the walls, roof and ceiling. The first dozen broke easily, but each sting of contact robbed Khana of some of her momentum. ¡°Not this time, bitch!¡± she roared, consuming some more of her own vitality to power the charge further. As before, the pale-haired woman moved like a wraith, retreating before Khana¡¯s charge while conjuring more and more chains. But unlike before, one of Khana¡¯s fists closed on the shoulder of her foe, the armor creaking beneath her grip. ¡°I got you,¡± she smiled through bloodied teeth, and started punching. Each strike caused explosive detonations to echo through the tunnel, even if they should be far enough away from anyone still alive to actually be heard. The bitch tried to avoid and dodge of course, but Khana¡¯s grip was strong. At least one in three blows hit, and by Destruction, did that feel good. ¡°You thought you had me, huh?¡± Khana growled as she continued attacking. ¡°You thought you were beyond me, just because you could clear out some useless acolytes?¡± Another punch landed, cracking armor and maybe even bone beneath. ¡°You thought you were beyond pain?!¡± Then, Khana¡¯s next punch simply stopped mid-swing, its destructive attack punishing only air. ¡°Huh?¡± Khana thought, even looking over to see what was keeping her arm. She shouldn¡¯t have been surprised that it was chains. Loops and loops of them. While she had been pummeling away at her target, more of them had crept close, hovering just above her thrashing limbs before finally contracting. Khana was stuck, and apparently the bitch knew it too. ¡°Pain can be the perfect distraction,¡± the pale-haired woman finally spoke, voice chilly and flat. ¡°Whether it is you who suffer or you who inflict the suffering, it does narrow the mind. Bring that focus, to the exclusion of all else.¡± All of the chains groaned as they emitted a reddish-purple crackling glow, and Khana did not just stop there. She howled in agony, her spasming hand falling away from the armored shoulder of the woman. The bitch in question didn¡¯t even move, confident in her position. ¡°And you fell to lord Pain¡¯s ministrations, and thus will get to suffer through even more of them. Tell me, Khana Brax, why did your cell enter Hua-Xi? Who called upon you? Who sponsored your passage?¡± Another bout of pain had Khana wheezing out breaths she should no longer need, mind falling back to base bodily functions. ¡°Go strangle yourself!¡± she managed to groan, but further words were stolen from her as that was obviously not what the woman wanted to know. ¡°Why did your cell enter Hua-Xi? Who called upon you? Who sponsored your passage?¡± And so they continued. Khana lost all track of time almost immediately, but worse was that she felt her resistance slipping. The pain from those chains was becoming too much. ¡°Go forth, my herald! Show the world my purview, as you were always meant to do!¡± As her god¡¯s words echoed in Khana¡¯s mind, the haze cleared somewhat, and Khana managed another grin, this one even more bloody than the one before. ¡°Destruction is inevitable!¡± she called as the light within her started glowing, her vitality consumed to bring forth even more of her god¡¯s grace into this world. The last thing Khana Brax, devout of Destruction, felt was chains contorting around her, before the world was consumed in hallowed conflagration.
The chains of Dancer on the Broken River, disciple of Pain, contorted as one, sharp ridges slicing the detonating cultist of Destruction to pieces. Still, the light kept coming, gathering magic already having reached a critical limit. With an inward snarl of frustration, River had her chains throw the overloading body parts as far down the corridor as possible, but a silver-ranker using Destruction¡¯s power to kill themselves would always create a most spectacular explosion. River did not look back as she ran along the escape tunnel, mustering all the speed she could manage, but when the shockwave funneled along the tunnel caught her, she still blacked out for a moment. That moment was enough to wake half buried in rubble, body screaming in pain. But pain was a constant companion and an excellent tool for tempering, so River only thanked her god for the ministrations as she turned intangible for a moment, shooting up from beneath the debris to continue her escape. The whole escape tunnel was falling apart, finally unable to handle the punishment, but with her current speed, she should make it. ¡°I should have known that Destruction-cultists are never worth the time,¡± she chided herself as she ran. Still, the lead had been too tempting. Swearing vengeance on a god as subtle as Discord had proven to be a study in futility, and upon gleaning that another cell of Destruction¡¯s clergy were being called to Hua-Xi, River had to investigate. Even if said lead was now crumbling to pieces behind her. Unsurprisingly, Destruction¡¯s clergy was also quite proficient in explosive traps and rituals, making sure that there was rarely anything of worth left by their presence. ¡°The pain of disappointment is ever sweet. Will you continue to endure the pain of grit and patience as well, my child?¡± ¡°Always, my god.¡± River whispered in reply to her deity¡¯s words. Because there was at least something which she could take with her from this whole endeavor; that everything about the hideout which she had worked her way through indicated that it had been done and ready when the cultists arrived. That meant that there might be a trail, no matter how faint. And River would follow it, as she had done since the fateful encounter at the collapsing Descending Star sect. ¡°I will bear any pain if it means that the followers of Discord will suffer the same.¡± River spoke the words aloud as she ran, dust billowing up from the tunnel behind her. A closed stone door loomed ahead, but River sensed no protective formations, only concealing ones, so she turned intangible once more and passed through, into the fresh night air. Speaking aloud to herself had become more common in the years that had passed. Even her ascension to silver rank had not alleviated the habit, an ascension which had been hard fought through working her way through any and all unsanctioned work that could be found, or even pretending to be an adventurer and clearing out contract boards in far-out settlements. ¡°It is embarrassing. And unnecessary,¡± River once more chided herself, this time in her mind. ¡°The pain of loneliness is a creeping one, an erosion of the mind. Subtle and flavorful, wouldn¡¯t you say, my child?¡± ¡°While I am loath to contradict you, my Lord, I am not lonely,¡± River protested vehemently. The mere thought was absurd. Even so, all she got in response was her god¡¯s patient chuckle; like a parent taking his time with a clueless child.
¡°Again, thank you for taking the cores to Peony while I go to meet with the director,¡± Kite said as he handed Dragonfly a wooden box. ¡°And again, no worries, Kite. Peony and Sun are really nice, and I never mind planning out some equipment for the future once our dear crafter hits silver. You sure know where to find them, Kite. That woman is fiendishly good at working with what she¡¯s got,¡± Dragonfly replied cheerfully. ¡°Still, that messenger looked to have been searching for you for some time. I wonder what the director, - Dobrazza, was it? - wants.¡± ¡°With the amount of time we spend going back and forth between the city and the construction site, I¡¯m not surprised that it has been hard to pin me down,¡± Kite said a bit sheepishly. ¡°I would have thought that it was related to ¡®you know what¡¯, but as the messenger stressed that it was private, I¡¯m not so sure.¡± ¡°Nothing else to do than show up then. And proceed to tell me all about it later,¡± Dragonfly said with a wink as she bumped her hip into his. ¡°Meet you at Peony¡¯s later. Brook and Bloom are coming too.¡± With those words, Dragonfly set off, easily outpacing the rest of the crowds. Kite would not be surprised if she would traverse the stair-like city by leaping across the rooftops, enjoying her silver-ranked capabilities quite a lot. What did surprise Kite was the portal which appeared at the plaza which he was currently crossing in order to get to the administration building of Bastion¡¯s adventure society, a portal arch of glass which Kite was very familiar with. ¡°-at¡¯s that, Rupert? I couldn¡¯t hear you, probably interference with the portal?¡± Jarvan LanCaire, Gilded¡¯s adventure society branch director, called over his shoulder into the still open dimensional archway. He then froze as he sensed Kite, completely shifting gear from his obvious charade. ¡°Fanciful fanfare for Fortune! Kite! My favorite adventurer! I know we were bound for the same meeting, but you didn¡¯t have to go through the trouble and wait for me at the plaza,¡± the regal man said with a brilliant smile. ¡°Greetings director,¡± Kite said, trying his best to adjust to the development. ¡°Pardon me, but¡­ the same meeting? I was called by director Dobrazza.¡± ¡°Oh I know. I¡¯ve corresponded with her rather frequently these past months,¡± Jarvan said, sweeping Kite up in his wake as he started to make his way towards the administration building without pause. ¡°But¡­ how did you know that the meeting would be now? I just got back to the city from the construction site. The messengers had been keeping an eye out for days.¡± ¡°Oh that? Sheer happenstance, actually. In my case, one could even call it bad luck. You see, I had this perfect reason to go ahead to Bastion for a few days while waiting for you to eventually get back and let Rupert hold the fort. A little vacation, of sorts. Say, you wouldn¡¯t be amenable to going back out there and returning in three days? Or a week?¡± Kite couldn¡¯t help himself smiling at Jarvan¡¯s shamelessness. ¡°And here I thought that you were coming for those essences we discussed before I left for Bastion.¡± ¡°Now that you mention it, this would be a good time to discuss that!¡± Jarvan, true to form, quickly changed tack once more as he smelled the opportunity to procure some condensed magic. ¡°You did hint that you had something more exotic that you found within the queen¡¯s trial.¡± The pair had just been admitted into the inner corridors of the administration building which led to director Dobrazza¡¯s office, so Kite felt a bit more secure in flaunting a valuable thing or two. He reached into his most well-hidden dimensional pouch and produced a cube of golden, fervent light with shimmering specks of silver seemingly stuck in a forward motion no matter from which angle you looked at it. ¡°One zeal essence,¡± Kite announced, Jarvan¡¯s eyes instantly glimmering with greed. ¡°It was a bit odd to find the concept of zeal related to one of the domains within the queen¡¯s trial where the gods cannot reach, but I assume that it doesn¡¯t have to be religious fervor.¡± ¡°Oooohh¡­ That, Kite¡­ That¡¯s a good find,¡± Jarvan said hungrily. ¡°It¡¯s the most direct route to the Wrath confluence too¡­ Oh that¡¯s a good one indeed¡­ But¡­¡± Jarvan seemed to almost forcefully tear his gaze away from it, dramatically looking the other way. ¡°It¡¯s too expensive for me. I couldn¡¯t give you an honest offer and while holding the budget for the rest of the children. We knew from the start that we¡¯d have to work with mostly common and uncommon ones. Praise the gods that it doesn¡¯t give worse sets of power at least.¡± ¡°Then I am sorry for tempting you. It¡¯s an honorable sentiment, providing for each and every one in your rather¡­ numerous¡­ flock,¡± Kite said empathetically, putting the zeal essence away. ¡°But I do have a set of needle, dust and venom which should be decent together.¡± ¡°Kite, did I ever say that you were my favorite adventurer?¡± Jarvan said happily. ¡°That sounds like an affliction specialist in the making. It should be perfect for little Madelle. She¡¯s only twelve, but the girl has a devious and patient mind. Quite the prankster too and- Oh, it seems like Dobrazza has noticed us.¡± These days, Kite could also feel the spiritual attention of the other silver-ranker as Dobrazzas aura, its smoldering intensity a lot clearer now that he was also silver rank, swept across the pair when they had reached the doors to her office. Both men flared their own spirits slightly in the way which essence-users announced themselves, and another pulse from within let them know that they were welcome to enter. ¡°Kite! Jarvan! How good of you to come!¡± Carmella Dobrazza called from behind her desk, the tall, broad smolder woman even more intense to look at now that Kite¡¯s silver-ranked perception was up for the task. ¡°You look well, Carmella, especially for one who was trying to poach a person of interest from me just now. You taking the time to invite me to this meeting does lessen the sting somewhat though. A little,¡± Jarvan called by way of greeting. ¡°Is your regard for me really so low that you suspect me of such schemes, Jarvan?¡± Dobrazza ¡®tssked¡¯. ¡°It¡¯s not like the council hands out rewards for the recommendations.¡± ¡°No, it''s just¡­ a matter of pride,¡± Jarvan grumbled, before mumbling. ¡°And I did call dibs.¡± ¡°Directors, I would very much appreciate a bit more clues as to what you are referring to,¡± Kite noted, breaking into the conversation. While the pair still had their official titles, being the same rank made the more casual interaction feel quite a lot easier. ¡°Ah, of course, of course,¡± Jarvan said, waving Kite towards the seats in front of Dobrazza¡¯s desk. ¡°Let¡¯s sit down and have this properly sorted out.¡± ¡°Let me just say that I was ecstatic to hear that our up-and-coming silver-ranker would eventually choose to settle within my district,¡± Dobrazza all but purred. ¡°Not one but three silver-rankers making permanent residence sure did shake up local politics.¡± If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°I suppose this is life managing a wayward branch. Raise them up only to see them run off to fancier cities,¡± Jarvan said, voice full of mock sadness. ¡°Directors, please, show mercy upon this young one. I would not have assumed that you called me here to discuss my living arrangements,¡± Kite pleaded, trying to bring the conversation back on track as they were finally seated. ¡°Well, Kite, our actual topic was at least tangentially related to that. You¡¯re a silver-ranker now. While they are much more common in some parts of the world, they are still exceptional individuals, wielding more power than normal-rankers can dream of,¡± Jarvan said, gesturing towards Kite. ¡°Just look at yourself; from an iron-ranker of relatively humble beginnings, you made it to silver in just over four years. Sure, the surge helped a lot, but even without it you would have made good time for someone beginning their journey up in the Autumn lands. This takes a certain kind of drive, but you¡¯ve also made some interesting decisions along the way, be it wrangling young sect disciples or founding the first guild in Hua-Xi in I don¡¯t know how many years. Or decades. All under the guidance of a most competent and handsome branch dire-¡± ¡°What Jarvan is trying to say -,¡± Dobrazza broke in, ¡°- is that you¡¯ve stood out, Kite. You can make a bright future for yourself, be it through further work as an adventurer or if you settle down and wield your growing power and influence in the local setting. We already know that you¡¯ve expressed your¡­ enthusiasm¡­ for partaking in the little investigation we are to undertake in the upcoming years, but other than that; what are your plans for the future?¡± Kite took a while to ponder their question. It was obvious that the two were leading up to something, and as his curiosity nagged him onward, the honest reply came easily. ¡°Honestly? Contracts. The path to gold isn¡¯t a mountain that will climb itself. But from what I gathered, silver-rank is long even for the world elites. So I had hoped to work more to further the guild, maybe even travel some more to find more mentors to help develop my technique. As you might know, Will and Serene will both be leaving for a time, but me and Dragonfly will remain quite the pair of vagabonds if things fall out the way we hope.¡± He did omit the mention of the seed beneath the astral space. Not that he didn¡¯t trust the directors in most regards, but that particular matter still felt like something which he wanted to explore on his own. The two directors gave each other a look, before Dobrazza shrugged. ¡°You go ahead and tell him, Jarvan. You¡¯ve known him the longest.¡± This caused the other man to smile widely as he turned to Kite. ¡°While your words would no doubt bring a tear to the eye of any hard-working branch director out there, I - we - would like to add another option to that future. Or rather, quite the opportunity, if I may say so myself. Say, Kite, have you heard of Task Group Gauntlet?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry to say that I have not,¡± Kite admitted. ¡°Is that something related to the adventure society? The name doesn¡¯t strike me as local.¡± ¡°So the lack of poetic meaning gave it away,¡± Jarvan chuckled. ¡°But you are correct. Gauntlet is one of several forces organized by the adventure society, where they gather suitable prospects to handle more niche, high-stakes tasks. While their purpose varies, they all aim to cultivate elite forces with members from the different corners of the world. And Gauntlet, in particular, is all about hunting down essence-users operating outside the laws and restrictions of the world.¡± ¡°The Red Table, the churches of the shunned gods, users of restricted essences who have avoided conventional contracts of capture, convicted criminals in hiding, smuggling rings carrying restricted magical resources; all of those might be the targets of Task Group Gauntlet,¡± Dobrazza filled in, counting off each of the categories on her fingers. ¡°And both Carmella and I have recommended you to the continental council¡¯s administration for consideration to join said group,¡± Jarvan continued. ¡°You¡¯re a dedicated adventurer Kite, with far more experience than most your age at handling other essence users. How many duels have you already fought? How many local criminals have you hunted down? And most of all, your power set should be supremely useful for the task group. Because when people are the target, taking some alive might be a key opportunity for getting even more information out of them. But combat between essence users is most often a very deadly affair if both parties are out for blood, so it is less common than what you¡¯d think.¡± This turned out to be a lot to take in, even for Kite¡¯s silver-ranked mind. He sat back in his chair, processing. ¡°I.. I¡¯m honored for your consideration. Thank- thank you. But would such a group even consider someone like me? You know my origins. I¡¯m sure that there are plenty of young masters and mistresses, or whatever those are called in other parts of the world, who are more suitable.¡± ¡°Oh, they would indeed. We have already received word that the application is approved. Should you decide to accept, you will have a spot in their next batch of recruits,¡± Dobrazza said. ¡°I am? But-¡± Kite began, but Jarvan broke in. ¡°Kite, the task group is looking for potential most of all. Should you accept, you will go through rigorous training. If you were already set in your ways, that would be a more difficult process. But you¡¯re still young and have displayed remarkable adaptability. Those managing the task group found your resum¨¦ and powers a good fit.¡± ¡°It shouldn¡¯t hurt to add that the pay is¡­ Well, let us just say that the adventure society is a very wealthy organization, and when it wants specific people for specific tasks, it can afford them,¡± Dobrazza said, eyes twinkling. ¡°This¡­ this is a lot to take in, but only a fool would discount the opportunity. When do we-¡± Kite began, but stopped himself. He had thought to ask when he and Dragonfly needed to give their answer. Only, that nowhere in this conversation had anyone been mentioned but him. Even the meeting itself had come with an invitation for him only. It made him realize how much he had assumed that at least the two of them would be able to stick together when the others left. And how much the thought of leaving her behind, even for a time, wrenched at his heart. Apparently, some of his emotions leaked to the surface of his aura, as both directors gave each other a long look. ¡°Think about it,¡± Jarvan urged, tone uncharacteristically gentle. ¡°Joining the task group would not mean that you leave for good, but a time of training followed by being occasionally portaled in for contracts where your power set is most needed. And remember that the life of a silver ranker is a long one. Finding strength in time apart is something which we all must become used to, sooner or later.¡± Kite left the meeting, feeling a bit dazed as excitement and guilt warred inside him as he considered this new opportunity. That was why he only realized that an unknown silver-ranked aura had locked onto him when the owner of said aura had already crossed half the plaza outside the building. ¡°You there! Are you the one called the Pathbreaker?¡± a silver-ranked human woman called. She was clad in the robes of some sect Kite didn¡¯t remember the name of. ¡°Intrepid sword?¡± he thought as she approached, continuing to speak. ¡°You humiliated my junior brother and my sect with your honorless path back at bronze rank. Now that you have managed to claw your way to silver, it is high time someone taught you your place, outcast. Just needing to travel so far to find you has been a stain enough on my pride already. I, Cord of Diamonds, challenge you to a clash of paths!¡± ¡°I suppose that director was right in one thing,¡± Kite thought wryly to himself as he prepared to answer her challenge. ¡°I do tend to find myself in these situations a lot, don¡¯t I?
¡°Dragonfly, can we talk privately for a moment?¡± Kite murmured where he sat beside her on a couch inside the house owned by Peony¡¯s family. Bloom was currently regaling them all with a most fanciful reenactment of a fight against a grass fisher, using his glittering dust to create a very lifelike illusion of the monster. At least if you discounted the fact that the original sinuous green body of the reptile was now made of shining motes of gold. She nodded, and the two slipped out into the garden, unnoticed by the others present. Neither had Serene¡¯s expert aura control, but they had trained enough with the priestess to at least avoid casual attention as the others were distracted. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Aren¡¯t you ecstatic? This whole ¡®task group¡¯ sounds like an opportunity made for you,¡± Dragonfly asked as she settled down next to Kite at the edge of a wooden porch. The clouded evening sky overhead did little to chase away the gloom, but the few lanterns scattered across the garden lent at least some level of comfort to the atmosphere. ¡°It is. But that is not what pains me,¡± Kite said, turning to her. ¡°It¡¯s more the feeling that I¡¯m leaving you behind. That silver rank and all the ambitions of each of us just keep pulling us apart.¡± From his companion¡¯s blank expression, the one she always got when she was processing something she hadn¡¯t considered, Kite could glean a bit of her thought and he couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°See? You hadn¡¯t even considered that part, no? You were happy for me from the moment I told you. That¡¯s who you are, my ardent Dragonfly; passionate and excited, always ready to support those who matter to you and that¡¯s why the thought of leaving when the others have already done so makes my heart ache. Don¡¯t misunderstand; I have full confidence you will thrive while I¡¯m away - the world isn¡¯t ready for a silver-ranked Dragonfly after all - but that isn¡¯t what the feeling is about. You deserve companionship and opportunity as much as the rest of us.¡± The words had come spilling out, as they often did when the pair talked of more serious matters. But Kite held true to their first promise; to be honest. And as they had practiced plenty over the years, he felt mostly relieved to have his thoughts out in the open. ¡°Now that you mention it¡­ What will I do?¡± Dragonfly eventually ventured, her voice pensive as she leaned against his shoulder. ¡°I was so caught up in things that I didn¡¯t even consider that. All of you are leaving, at least for a time¡­¡± The pair sat in silence, Kite reaching out and laying his arm around her. ¡°The thought is kind of sad,¡± she eventually continued, voice small. ¡°It is,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°It most certainly is.¡± ¡°And even when you return, which wouldn¡¯t be too long if I understood things correctly, this might still be something that will continue to call you away. I don¡¯t think that there is any lack of work for this task group, especially if it caters to the whole world.¡± She straightened a bit, and looked up toward him. He met her eyes, heart warming a bit at the hint of a spark in her gaze. He had seen it many times before, and so far, nothing had made it truly wink out. ¡°You know what this means?¡± she eventually asked. ¡°Please tell.¡± ¡°This means that it is high time for me to really think about the future as well. I should have, long ago, I suppose. But ¡®killing all the monsters in the world¡¯ was the dream of a child. It sounds like I have to keep a lookout for opportunities to temper that into something more befitting of where I am today. Don¡¯t get me wrong, I will miss you terribly when you are gone,¡± she continued, rapping his chest lightly with her knuckles. ¡°Even if I had been offered, your opportunity would not have been a good fit for me. Can you imagine me trying to act all professional and take down scum while keeping some of them alive? But you better try and remember some great places if we eventually leave this country together. Preferably with great food and lots of monsters to carve through. Even better if there are swarms. I love fighting swarms. So satisfying.¡± As she spoke, Dragonfly kept her aura bare for him. Kite could easily feel the worry and sadness which she was wrapping in excitement and bravado. But he also knew that if Dragonfly wanted to cry, she would have. And if she had been angry, she would have shown it. So he supported her choice of coping, and squeezed her closer. ¡°With the right dimensional bag, I can even bring you back some fresh samples. Of food, that is. The monsters will have to wait for you to come to them.¡± ¡°Heavens as my witness, come to them I will,¡± she swore, voice full of mock solemnity.
The pair of practice spears clashed with force that would easily break mundane stone. Will immediately changed his grip, spinning the butt of the weapon towards Kite¡¯s head while already stepping to prepare for his next attack. ¡°When you said that you wanted a moment of private farewell, I will admit that this was not what I expected,¡± Kite said, fending off the incoming spear and positioning himself to avoid the next. ¡°Well, what did you expect then?¡± Will retorted, pushing hard. Kite was beyond decent with a spear these days, but the singular focus of his friend meant that he still couldn¡¯t hope to prevail on martial skill alone. ¡°A drink? Reminiscing of fond times? Speculating about the future? Vowing to see each other again?¡± Kite fired off, slowly but surely getting pushed more and more onto the defensive. ¡°Bah! Those are all given things. We will see each other again, Kite, heavens as my witness. You know what task we will undertake in time. The evil we will dispatch,¡± Will exclaimed, pushing forward with a barrage of thrusts which turned his practice weapon into a blur. ¡°Besides, what better farewell than to measure ourselves against each other, keeping it in our memories so that we can clearly measure our growth when we reunite?¡± ¡°I suppose that is true,¡± Kite said, getting an idea. ¡°Then I also suppose that I have to unleash my full potential. ¡®No powers¡¯ does leave me some room, after all.¡± At his words, Kite¡¯s tattoos lit up. Four more arms appeared, each pair armed with another short spear. This allowed Kite to step into Will¡¯s next strike while blocking it, a move that would have left someone wide open. At least someone without another two pairs of arms and enough mental processing to compensate. Will was forced to leap back to avoid a pair of one-handed thrusts from the lighter weapons, and this time it was Kite¡¯s turn to go on the offensive. Kite had practiced quite a lot with his new arms, and quickly came to one easy conclusion; the additional limbs would most often be left with one-handed weapons only. It was already quite a challenge to find both angle and leverage enough to make efficient attacks, and the thought of swinging three heavy weapons two handed at the same time was not a feasible one except in very specific circumstances. His ability to project the strikes did help, as well as many of Kite¡¯s special attacks not requiring very forceful strikes to take effect, but Kite still felt like mastering his prize from the queen¡¯s trial would still take time. The sparring continued at a frantic pace, Will adapting to leverage Kite¡¯s incomplete fighting style, trying to get the arms tangled up in one another. Eventually the pair disengaged, the standstill having continued for long enough. ¡°My friend, I hope you know that I will miss you,¡± Kite said as they leaned the practice equipment toward the trunk of the lone tree in Will¡¯s personal garden. ¡°I will miss you too. You, Dragonfly, Serene¡­ Even Gold, our latest addition. When I first set out on this path, I had assumed that the path towards the heavens had to be a lonely one, as the saying often goes. But the heavens would curse me for a liar if I said that I wasn¡¯t pleasantly surprised with how things turned out.¡± ¡°From where you¡¯re going, it sounds like teamwork will be something for you to continually get used to. I¡¯ve only heard a little about the Storm Kingdom, but it sounds like their local adventuring culture is as far from ours as one can come.¡± ¡°Father did point that out to me, which was why he suggested it,¡± Will agreed. ¡°I suppose it will be a novel experience too. It feels like the world now lies before me. But it is also a comfort to know that the road, should I prove strong enough to walk it, will eventually also take me back home.¡±
Even after years of knowing her, it was still hard to not get distracted while talking to Serene. With her increasing power, she seemed to subconsciously weave more and more layers into the subtle song which constantly surrounded her. Mostly, she contained it through her powers of sound manipulation, but as she sat next to Kite at a bench in the temple square, she let it leak out into the surroundings. Most passersby didn¡¯t seem to consciously take note of it, but they all seemed to get more of a spring in their step. And those perceptive enough to notice often directed a respectful glance or nod towards the priestess. ¡°Do you know where you will head first, high priestess,¡± Kite said, emphasizing the new title. Serene¡¯s inauguration had been a formal affair and, unsurprisingly, filled with song. ¡°The church will send a portal courier to Convergence. From there we will head west to Estercost. After that¡­ We will go where the goddess and the church sends us for a time. Song may be viewed as a frivolous goddess by some, but I¡¯d say that they underestimate what her power can achieve.¡± ¡°As someone who has seen and felt your presence for years, my friend, I do not doubt it for a second,¡± Kite said, looking around at all the people invigorated by Serene¡¯s mere presence. ¡°And I am very glad that Gold is with you. I will admit that it was not what I had imagined when first meeting the man, but with the connection the two of you seem to have, I am glad for the lesson. But I will miss you, Serene. I hope you will return, be it for the upcoming investigation or just to visit. There will always be room for you. I made sure to have a lot of them built, after all.¡± ¡°I will miss you too, Kite. Life has not gone the way I imagined, but that has been for the best. And with your opportunity, I am sure that you will stay busy as well,¡± Serene said, turning to regard him as she continued. ¡°How did Dragonfly take it?¡± ¡°Better than I expected. I would have understood if she had been disappointed in me for also considering leaving for a time. But she was genuinely happy for me. And even though I could feel the sadness too, the happiness was no mask. Still, she has felt just a little bit more lost lately. And a bit more¡­ vigorous¡­ in terms of intimacy.¡± Serene giggled at Kite¡¯s slight fluster, the sounds like wind chimes playing in the breeze. ¡°That does sound like her in all respects; driven by her inner fire but still unable to help clutching what is dear to her just a little bit closer while there is still time. She will no doubt find her way. Dragonfly feels like a person who will inevitably stumble upon meaning through sheer force of passion.¡± In the distance, the pair could see Gold walking up the steps towards the temple square. He nodded to them and remained at a distance, giving the friends their space. But his presence indicated that it was now time for Serene to depart. ¡°I see that we will not be able to steal any more time from the inevitable march of the world,¡± Kite said, rising along the priestess. ¡°May your path take you to the heavens and beyond, Serene. And hopefully also back here.¡± ¡°The same to you, Kite. Walk with the song of the goddess clear in your heart. I will try to sing loud enough for the winds to carry mine to you all as well. Wherever you may be.¡± 144. A proper test As the slight tingle of a headache started making itself known, a symptom which should be almost impossible for a silver-ranker to experience under any other circumstance, Kite sighed and let his hand fall from the seed. Like every time before, the huge thing beneath the astral space had hungrily devoured everything Kite was willing to give. Even with his much more expansive mana pool, he still found the feeling akin to filling up a lake with only a bucket. ¡°I suppose that this will try my patience for - what? - years? Decades?¡± Kite mused aloud, with nothing but the purple stone walls and the slight glow from the pinpricks dotting the seed to hear his ponderings. ¡°What are you hiding?¡± he continued, rapping the thing with his knuckles. ¡°I have always had a good feeling about you. But maybe that is just youthful fancy? Something which my descendants will try and sweep under the rug as a rash act of impulse? Surely, our elder - may he rest in peace - did not base the location of our ancestral family compound on a mere wim and a ¡®good feeling¡¯?¡± As neither Glint nor Sage were present to appreciate his wry sarcasm, Kite could only smile and chuckle to himself, shaking his head as he left. The astral space was much like before; a separate space of purple sand which dampened one¡¯s senses. Even Kite¡¯s ascended ones did not reach that much further than they had at bronze rank, but other than the occasional iron and bronze manifestation, the astral space was calm. Eventually, he passed through the aperture, still not having grown entirely used to the feeling of temperature, humidity and general magical levels suddenly shifting from one step to the next. The uniform light of the astral space gave way to a stone tunnel, now lit by rows of glow stones set into the walls at intervals. Following the trail of illumination, Kite soon reached another new addition; a wooden gate covering the mouth of the tunnel. Walking through the passage, Kite had already heard the small thuds of tiny hands slapping the gate repeatedly. Thus, he took extra care to disengage the magical protections of the gate and open the heavy wooden door very carefully. The small assailant tried to waddle out of the way, only somewhat succeeding as she eventually plopped onto her butt. ¡°Sorry, little sister. Did I keep you waiting?¡± Kite asked the toddler, onyx eyes looking reproachfully at him from where she sat. A moment later, a glob of water formed around her and lifted the little celestine into the air. Auspicious Winter Raven, Kite¡¯s younger sister, took all of this with equanimity as she only held out her arms towards Kite in somber silence. Settling the little one in his arms, Kite nodded gratefully to the glittering, beautiful carp who had come zooming up behind the toddler. ¡°Thank you, little beauty. It seems even your lustrous company wasn¡¯t enough to distract her today. But you remain an ever diligent babysitter.¡± Glint preened at the praise, even though Kite could feel a little bit of exasperation from the carp. Glint loved to keep Raven company, but even a silver-ranked being could have trouble keeping up with the silent little child¡¯s impulses. The little group began walking along the now stone-laden path which led down into the construction site that was well on its way to becoming a proper home. Where there had only been lines on a blueprint three months ago, a sprawling estate was taking place. The main house was already all but finished, but there were still plenty of empty stone foundations dotting the landscape, hinting of future projects. His aunties had been the ones taking the lead in the actual design, and Kite could only smile as the main housing complex so strongly resembled the style of his childhood home; a building of wood which had more an organic feel to its structuring rather than the fanciful, immaculate estates of the more prominent families of Bastion. There were plenty of nooks and crannies, inner gardens and smaller additional floors rising from the building¡¯s roof, and Kite could just imagine his childhood self running across the tiles of said roofs to find his favorite spots. Admiring the progress, Kite took the opportunity to pay his respects as he drew near to a bronze-ranked elven woman who stood directing a small crew of workers. Her fine clothes might have led one to think that she was merely overseeing, but Kite knew that couldn¡¯t be further from the truth. ¡°Mistress architect, I remain impressed by your progress. Having stepped out for a while has let me see what you have accomplished in a mere two months with so much more clarity.¡± ¡°Ah, honored patron. Your words humble me,¡± the architect, Quick Quill, responded. ¡°By the grace of the heavens, things have progressed smoothly. And, if I may say so, you are paying for Bastion¡¯s best. It would be a terrible stain on our reputation if we hadn¡¯t gotten at least this far¡± While she spoke, Kite could still see that she was channeling her magic, wood splitting into planks almost as if they had always been meant to grow that way. Off in the distance, a stone shaper and his assistants worked on more of the foundations and other such constructions, and Kite knew that there were plenty of magically talented tailors and carpenters still at work in the city with his family¡¯s commissions. ¡°I suppose that the privilege of comparable wealth is making itself known to me,¡± Kite thought. Not everyone would have the coin to so readily hire this amount of magical crafters. But three silver-rankers could earn quite a lot even without the lineage of a prominent family to fall back upon. He gave some more praise to the craftswoman and her crew before entering the main house. Throughout all this, Raven had sat quietly as she was prone to do. Kite knew that she could speak a few words, but seemed to remain convinced that poking and a good stare would get things done just as easily. ¡°Come, my little chicklets. The tea is almost done!¡± auntie Dove called from further into the house as they entered, having sensed their auras as they approached. As promised, the arrivals soon found themselves seated next to the alchemist at a low table, Kite enjoying the scent and taste of the brew. A quirk of silver-ranked was that he could now enjoy the beverage scalding hot, his body requiring much higher temperatures to actually be harmed. Many blends were even said to only unleash their full potential that way. ¡°As always, auntie, you spoil me with the finest beverages. Both Raven and I will forever be spoiled rotten by having a herbalist and alchemist brewing for us,¡± Kite praised, the words having their usual effect. ¡°Oh, little Kite, we truly raised you to be such a nice young man,¡± Dove chuckled, as easily swayed by the flattery as she had always been. ¡°I believe that Crow, Raven and I are only glad that you¡¯ve stayed a few days this time. You¡¯re sure that you have to go back today?¡± ¡°Indeed I am, auntie, even if it isn¡¯t lack of good company which drives me back to the city,¡± Kite said, patting Raven¡¯s head where she still sat in his lap, eating a steamed bun. ¡°But I also want to spend some more time with Dragonfly and sort out what business I can before it is time to head to the capital.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. That task group. I should have known that Jarvan¡¯s attention would spell trouble,¡± auntie Dove grumbled. ¡°Do not get me wrong, little Kite. I¡¯m very proud that you have been selected as a candidate. I just wish that it didn¡¯t have to spirit you so far away. And just as we are getting the compound done too.¡± ¡°Then there will be all the more for me to come home to, auntie dearest,¡± Kite said, reaching out to pat the woman¡¯s hand. ¡°But I will miss you all, as I always do.¡± In his lap, Raven paused from her eating to look up at Kite, somber gaze demanding. ¡°And I will, of course, miss you too. But your big brother won¡¯t be gone for more than a few months. Even less if I fail to meet the standards of the Task Group. Being accepted for admission is one thing. Actually making it into the group is another, if the directors are to be believed.¡± Raven seemed mollified as a spectral hand manifested and patted her on the head while Kite took another sip of his tea. ¡°Well, I hope that whatever you have the Relentless family make you will help keeping you safe,¡± Dove said. ¡°That¡¯s what you are picking up in the city, no?¡± ¡°That, and a couple of other errands,¡± Kite said, counting off on the fingers of one hand. ¡°Vista will probably want a spar, and I have some more cores to give - sorry, invest - to Peony. I haven¡¯t checked in on Brook for a while, and it would be good to meet up with Bloom too. I have some things to discuss with him as Noel should arrive from Gilded any day now. Then there are some orders waiting for me at the trade pavilion, a meeting with the carpenters who are doing the delivery and, finally, seeing if I can¡¯t find Braid and Wander before coming back here.¡± As the fingers of his own free hand had proven insufficient for the task, one of the spectral ones from his mantle had picked up the slack. Dove couldn¡¯t help but giggle in response. ¡°Well, little Kite, you sure keep busy. A lot of people tend to settle down at silver rank, you know. Will there even be any opportunities to spend that time with Dragonfly?¡± ¡°She¡¯s been out doing contracts until today, if everything went well. I¡¯ll ask her to see if she wants to tag along. And besides, we always have the evenings and nights to-¡± he began, but froze as he realized that his mouth had run ahead of his thoughts. There was a moment of silence before auntie Dove, true to form, blushed a deep crimson, the physical reaction apparently ingrained enough into her being to subsist even at silver rank. Kite suspected that he too had flushed a bit. ¡°Well, little Kite- I- ehm, I mean we- Your auntie and I that is- it¡¯s good to hear that you¡¯re not- ehm- I mean- Keeping company is always good and-¡± What followed was Dove gradually descending into flustered murmurings, as she was always prone to do when more intimate affairs became the topic. Kite was just about to try and move the conversation forwards when his auntie actually managed to compose herself enough to form something coherent in the shape of an actual question. ¡°But are you happy, Kite? With the way things are between you?¡± Kite was a bit surprised at the question, and took a moment to ponder it. His and Dragonfly¡¯s kind of quasi-relationship had been going on for quite some time now. They spent a lot of time together, talking and enjoying each other¡¯s company. Many hours had been spent in more intimate ways, sometimes practicing the aura techniques which had been the start of their deepened connection, but mostly it was just that; finding pleasure and comfort in one another. ¡°I believe that I am,¡± Kite said after thinking it through. ¡°We have actually talked about it every now and then over the years. Since opening up, Dragonfly has been very keen on honesty. In truth, it¡¯s quite refreshing. To have someone regularly ask how you are and how you feel about things, and being able to give an earnest and honest response. I think that she sometimes worries that she¡¯s been leading me on though, even though we have always been clear so far. The lives we want to lead don''t feel like stationary ones, hers even less than mine. Me being admitted to try out for the task group. Will spending some time abroad. Serene working closely with the church. They¡¯re just more evidence that none of us are settling down right now. Dragonfly is also looking for more, she just hasn''t found it yet.¡± ¡°But in the future then?¡± Dove pressed. ¡°Where do you see the two of you?¡± ¡°Honestly, auntie, I don¡¯t know. Maybe we will have gone our separate ways if things change? Or maybe we will both want something more stationary, settling down? Or maybe we¡¯ll be doing just what we are now; finding care, comfort and happiness in each others¡¯ company when we can? Just a bit over four years ago, I could hardly have imagined where I would be today. And just from the little time I have spent as a silver ranker, it feels that even more possibilities are opening up. ¡° He gave auntie Dove a helpless look. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I can¡¯t give you more than speculation, auntie. Life has simply proved to be¡­ Well, a lot.¡± Dove leaned back in her seat, giving a rueful shake of her head. She did smile though, and Kite could sense that her aura was a bit relieved. ¡°Well, little Kite, it seems like you have really thought this through. The both of you. I suppose that your auntie cannot fault you for that. It¡¯s just a bit hard to imagine for me. When me and Crow got together¡­¡± she said wistfully, blushing at the memory. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I could bear being away from her for so long, even less now. I suppose that it proves that Crow¡¯s saying has its merits.¡± ¡°The number of correct paths in life is always higher than the number of hearts attempting to find them,¡± Kite said, knowing exactly which proverb she was thinking of. Dove giggled again at his interpretation of auntie Crow, her precise, controlled manner of speech unmistakable. ¡°As long as you keep taking care of each other, Kite, I hope that the two of you will continue to find comfort in one another for as long as your paths are meant to intersect. Because you are right in regards to the future,¡± Dove said, looking at Raven who had nodded off to sleep in Kite¡¯s lap. ¡±There can always be new wonders waiting for you around the next bend, Fortune be willing.¡±
As he walked through the reception area of the adventure society campus in Bastion, Kite¡¯s attention was grabbed by two things at the same time. One was that a clerk which he recognized had noticed him and was trying to get his attention. The other was that there was something akin to a comet, its tail a mass of pink curls, which was about to impact him in a mere moment as she had sailed over the thin crowd through an enhanced leap. Turning, the arms of Kite¡¯s mantle appeared as he caught the assault-grade hug in a six-armed embrace of his own while noting with some chagrin that the impact was great enough for his Unyielding ability to cause some cracks to spread in the wood floor. ¡°Sorry, Felicity!¡± Kite called out apologetically to the functionary who was closing in on his and Dragonfly¡¯s reunion. ¡°Please deduct the repair cost from my next contract.¡± Winter Morning Felicity, functionary of Bastion¡¯s adventure society branch and now fianc¨¦e to Brilliant Bloom, looked at the cracks in the floor and smirked. She was a human woman maybe a year or two younger than Kite, with a cheerful look almost always coloring her features. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be the first over-eager adventurers here, Kite. The branch actually makes sure to hire at least one would-be wood-shaper as part of the administrative staff. The amount of practice they get is more than you¡¯d think, although I would be happy if more of the wear and tear was from happy reunions rather than entitled people stomping their feet or otherwise trying for a show of force.¡± If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°And besides, it was probably my fault,¡± Dragonfly admitted as Kite set her down. ¡°I might have overdone it a bit. It¡¯s too easy to want to show off in these parts where there are a lot less silver-rankers around.¡± ¡°I will have to take your word for it,¡± Felicity shot back with a jealous look. ¡°While being iron is more than most in my position could hope for at my age, knowing the two of you just shows that the heavens are even further up than I could have imagined. Besides, I¡¯m still not sure how we¡¯ll ever be able to balance out the karma between us, Kite. While the light essence was absolutely perfect, I still don¡¯t think Bloom has gotten over being gifted it as an engagement present.¡± ¡°I have it on good authority that prosperity is best invested into what changes you hope to see in the world around you. And your union most certainly qualifies in my book,¡± Kite said with a smile. ¡°Bloom has come quite far from the young master I met near that stream. Is it true that Dobrazza has taken a liking to him too?¡± ¡°While nothing official, she most certainly has,¡± Felicity said, beaming with pride. ¡°He¡¯s even gone along on contracts hand-picked for him by Azure Devil, her right-hand man.¡± ¡°And you¡¯re sure that you won¡¯t be joining him? Taking down monsters and baddies is quite rewarding.¡± Dragonfly chimed in. ¡°Oh, heavens no. I am more than happy to leave that to my husband-to-be. My career within the adventure society itself is plenty exciting. You should just know of the internal politicking. Such fun!¡± One might have taken Felicity¡¯s words for sarcasm, had both her cheerful face and exuberant aura not supported the truth of it. ¡°I¡¯ll take your word for it,¡± Kite said, inwardly shuddering at the thought. ¡°Oh, I actually forgot,¡± Felicity exclaimed, handing over a scroll bearing the seal of the adventure society¡¯s own courier system. ¡°This message for you arrived just yesterday. That¡¯s why I made sure to come over when I saw you.¡± Kite looked it over. The scroll was plain, the stock model used for such communications. On the stamps, he could see that it originated from the adventure society branch in Boundary, a city far to the west. Unfurling it, he read its rather brief content. Pathbreaker I left the sect as things weren¡¯t working out anymore. It¡¯s probably best if you keep your wits about you if you¡¯re near Convergence, because I left the way a proper warrior would. Found a new place to keep improving in Boundary. So you know where to find me if you want some actual training. Soul He showed it to Dragonfly as well, who chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m most curious what ¡®leaving the way a proper warrior would¡¯ means. Probably not with tea and nostalgic talks of times past.¡± ¡°From what little I know of Soul, I would imagine that she left many a shattered pride in her wake,¡± Kite said, agreeing. He took some time to dictate a response, confirming that he had received her message and that he would visit, albeit some time after his return from going abroad. With the letter finished, he turned to Dragonfly. ¡°Well, my ardent Dragonfly, do you wish to accompany me?¡± ¡°That depends, where are you going? Because I do not find meeting with carpenters that exciting.¡± ¡°As I surmised,¡± Kite replied, chuckling. ¡°No, I am going to the most honorable and affluent Relentless family. Because I have gotten word that a certain weapon they had commissioned for me has now finally been delivered.¡± Dragonfly only needed to hear the word ¡®weapon¡¯ to grab Kite by the hand, dragging him off towards the doors even before he had the time to finish his sentence.
¡°And thus, the karma between the Relentless family and you, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, is finally severed,¡± Vista intoned formally as he slid the long box across the table toward Kite. At Kite¡¯s raised eyebrow, the young master chuckled. ¡°You should know by now that my family, as most others of our station, take karmic debts very seriously. Our reputation and face are integral for our prosperity, and our elders have lamented that you did not immediately claim what was owed you. And then, when you actually made the request, grumbled that it was so specific.¡± ¡°Then you have my apologies. I did not aim to inconvenience you too much-¡± Kite began, but Vista waved the comment away. ¡°You can never satisfy the elders, Kite. Everything we young ones do is either too much or too little. It is never what they would have done, had they still possessed the momentum and ambition. From what I hear from my fellow scions, this holds true no matter the family. I pray every day that I will keep my perspective as I grow older.¡± ¡°Well, if the enchantments are indeed as the notes say, then I will let it be known far and wide that the Relentless family settle their debts and then some,¡± Kite said, looking down at the contents of the box. ¡°This is perfect.¡± ¡°Take it from a fellow warrior; when choosing your equipment, you shouldn¡¯t settle for anything that doesn¡¯t resonate fully with your path.¡± ¡°While I can share part of the sentiment, I would also like to point out that most adventurers, who are already quite privileged, would not be able to put it into practice,¡± Kite shot back. ¡°Then they just lack the proper drive,¡± Vista deflected. ¡°Still, this one should resonate with yours quite well. But I will note that it was not an actual commission, as my family simply couldn¡¯t find a smith within our net of contacts who could make it. Fortunately, a fortuitous find at an auction in the capital let us secure this antique. I made the winning bid myself. It is a rather niche piece too, so Fortune smiled on both of us as I got it for a good price.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been to Heavenward, then?¡± Kite asked, while he slid the box over to Dragonfly who also peered curiously at the contents. ¡°Indeed. Father took me there on a trip last month. He has always meant to take me once I reached silver.¡± ¡°Then¡­ would you mind telling me about it? ¡°Not at all. It is a grand place, truly,¡± Vista said, getting a forlorn look in his eyes. ¡°The architecture is magnificent, and there are so many people there. Silver-rankers are a lot more common too, and I even met a gold ranker; an acquaintance of my father. It feels like there is nothing which you can¡¯t get there as long as you have the coins or connections. And the hunting possibilities, Kite¡­ You wouldn¡¯t believe it. Silver-ranked manifestations are common enough even for a visitor like me to find contracts with ease.¡± ¡°Sounds quite grand,¡± Kite agreed. Convergence and Orchard had both been cities larger than Bastion, so he did his best to imagine even more buildings, people and splendor. ¡°Anything I should be expecting then? Or be wary of?¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Vista said, snapping out of his reverie. ¡°You''re going?¡± ¡°If all goes well, I depart in two weeks,¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°It will only be a short stay, until the adventure society¡¯s portal courier arrives.¡± ¡°Now this sounds like something which you have neglected to mention,¡± Vista noted.¡± Please, do share why an outcast from the northern territories would be called there by the society? No offense meant, of course.¡± As it wasn¡¯t a secret, Kite told Vista the broad strokes of his invitation to apply for Task Group Gauntlet. This left the young master sitting back in his chair, a thoughtful look. ¡°Well, Kite, I would be lying if I said that it didn¡¯t fit you and your most annoying path. But if you¡¯re going to the capital, I would keep this particular purpose close to heart. The tensions between the three peak sects are at an all-time high, but that is nothing compared to the animosity towards any attempt by the adventure society to impact the Hua-Xi ¡®way of life¡¯, as they say. You being a silver-ranker should at least protect you from most who would gladly drag a newcomer into their own conflicts and vendettas, but saying that you are aiming to work directly for the adventure society might have some act against you just to sabotage the work of the organization itself.¡± ¡°I¡­ see. I had heard that things were tense, but I didn¡¯t imagine it to be that bad.¡± ¡°As long as you keep as low profile as possible and go about your errands, there should be little trouble. Silver-rankers aren¡¯t immediately people of note there as they are up here, and as I said, the three sects are mostly at each other''s throats as they wrestle for glory and resources. I would definitely recommend going to their trade pavilion though. The adventure society brings in impressive things as an incentive to keep working within the bounds of their rules. But speaking of impressive things,¡± Vista said, eyes venturing back to the box which still lay open on the table. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you say that a little spar would be an excellent way of giving your recent addition a proper test?¡± ¡°In that, I definitely agree with the young master,¡± Dragonfly added, chiming into the conversation for the first time. Looking at each of his eager companions, Kite sighed with a smile. ¡°Now, how could the Pathbreaker say no to that?¡±
While Vista was every inch a young master of a prominent family, he was also probably the most active adventurer in the city when it came to monster slaying. This meant that he had plenty of goodwill with the local branch, enough so that when the young master came looking for a spot in a private sparring arena, he and his company did not have to wait long. ¡°This feels rather nostalgic,¡± Kite noted, looking around the familiar room. ¡°I don¡¯t know how many spars against you I¡¯ve lost in this very hall.¡± ¡°And yet I still remember the first one with intense clarity,¡± Vista shot back from where he took the proper position. ¡°It¡¯s starting to feel a little cramped these days though, but for our purpose here today, it should be satisfactory.¡± The young master reached into his dimensional space and pulled out a pair of curved falchions, finely crafted spares for those times when conjured weapons wouldn¡¯t be advisable. Such as when facing Kite, as he had been taught that first time the pair had crossed swords. ¡°We¡¯ll see if we can make this bout as memorable as the first then,¡± Kite noted, as three mana-hungry vortices appeared behind and above him. Sage manifested as well, the familiar¡¯s expanded silver rank form almost wide enough to touch the spiritual maelstroms. ¡°Begin!¡± Dragonfly called from the sidelines, projecting a gout of flame up into the air as a spectacular starting signal. Vista moved instantly, sending sword-waves of differing elements and properties toward Kite, all the while keeping a measured stance with a foot touching the floor at all times to avoid the tactic his foe had used their very first time. ¡°Is the young master truly afraid to take to the air?¡± Kite called, absorbing the attacks on barriers or sidestepping the different projectiles while he was inwardly trying to get a grasp on his latest addition to his arsenal. He knew that Vista could fly since silver rank, an advancement of his slow-fall power. ¡°And make sure that my mana disappears all the faster?¡± Vista shot back, skillfully weaving the sword waves into unpredictable patterns to further strain Kite¡¯s defenses. ¡°But come now, Pathbreaker. Time to show off what my family so painstakingly sought out for you, no?¡± ¡°As the young master wishes,¡± Kite said, smiling as he had finally gotten the right ¡®feel¡¯ for the enchantments and what was to come next. A moment later, the tattoos of Kite¡¯s mantle lit up as the four additional arms of the sage asura manifested. Even while appearing, each limb was already in motion, and each limb was wielding the latest addition to Kite¡¯s collection. Or rather, its ¡®descendants¡¯.
WWJS: Matra, Mother of the Bladed Brood Sword Silver rank - Legendary [Effect] When deposited into a wielder¡¯s dimensional storage, the wielder may pay a cost of low mana to manifest a descendant of Matra in an empty hand. The descendants are identical to Matra in most ways, with the exception that they are magical conjurations and that they may not use any activated effects of the enhancements. A descendant blade will disappear if it leaves contact with the wielder for a few seconds, or if it gets too far away. [Effect] Increases the effects of any special attack channeled through Matra or its descendants. [Effect] Increases the duration of any afflictions delivered through Matra or its descendants. [Effect] Each time a descendant blade is used to channel a special attack, Matra gains an instance of [Matriarch¡¯s Legacy]. The wielder may pay mana to activate this enchantment consuming all instances of [Matriarch¡¯s Legacy] to unleash an area attack of sword echoes. Cost and effect increases with the number of instances gathered, to a maximum of very high mana.
All of the weapons which appeared in Kite¡¯s many hands were identical; a short sword whose edge curved in a distinct wave pattern as it tapered off to a thinner point at the tip. Vista had called the weapon a kris, and told Kite that it apparently had some kind of cultural significance far back in the history of lands to the south. Six swords moved as one, slicing through elemental projectiles with the help of Pattern-Shattering Counter while other attacks were projected in a return volley toward the nimble young master. ¡°I still claim that those arms of yours are pure cheating!¡± Vista called as he felt the mana-drain and ever so slight transcendent damage from Kite¡¯s counterattacks, now much more numerous than ever before. ¡°And yet you found such a perfect blade to complement them,¡± Kite retorted as the pair continued to exchange attacks at range; Vista¡¯s sword waves screaming through the air while Kite¡¯s slashes and stabs crossed the distance more discreetly, simply appearing at the point of intent. ¡°Or rather, blades. One, yet many. Beautiful enchantments.¡± ¡°Well, I thought that you¡¯d need something short and thrust-focused, else those arms are going to limit each other¡¯s movements too much!¡± Apparently finding that range was not going to give him any advantages, Vista closed in as a blur. His twin falchions danced and feinted, unleashing whirlwind strikes whenever they could. Having fought Kite many times, the young master had become quite apt in baiting out Kite¡¯s dispelling counters and saving his strength for when he wouldn¡¯t just lose more than he¡¯d bargained for. But that had been before the latest jade-sky gate and Kite¡¯s mantle. The minutes of ensuing melee was furious, but for the first time since his initial clash when he could take the young master Relentless by surprise, Kite found himself steadily gaining an advantage. His training with Soul and time spent trying to master the complex enchanted tattoos showed itself time and time again, attacks and counters layered with a pair of barriers to create a true hazard for Vista to contend with. ¡°No staff? Are you going easy on me, Pathbreaker?¡± Vista quipped, even though a slight bit of strain was leaking through to color his beautiful face. ¡°I thought that - ward! - a blade such as this deserved proper time and respect before trying to mix things up. You don¡¯t approve? I am sure that I can find a moment to bring them out.¡± ¡°I seem to have spoken in haste then,¡± Vista said, backpedaling as he was forced to disengage when three attacks trailing the darkness of the void erupted at his position, the projected thrusts erupting in chaotic spatial tears. Kite did not let up, continuing to harass the young master further to back him up towards the wall. Vista was a canny foe though, and managed to slip through the tightening web Kite attempted to weave around him. But as he emerged from a speed-boosted sprint in the middle of the arena, the swordsman relaxed his stance, signaling an end to the spar. ¡°Well, I do agree that finding this antique was most fortunate for you,¡± Vista acknowledged, saluting Kite before stowing his blades. ¡°It is a gift I will cherish. Silver rank is a long one, after all, and this will ensure that I will never find myself with empty hands unless I wish for it,¡± Kite said, bowing respectfully. ¡°Thank you, Vista, to both you and your family.¡± ¡°Our karma is indeed severed, but I would be a liar if I claimed that this bout was only about your new weapon, Kite,¡± Vista said, tone somber. ¡°They say that silver rank is when a path truly shows its worth, and from our exchange here today, it is clear to me that I will continue to struggle in any duel between us. Both your powers, equipment and skill has grown beyond what I had expected of a former no-name outcast from the Autumn Lands.¡± ¡°You humble me, Vista,¡± Kite responded. ¡°But I have yet to meet someone of your skill and talent with the blade.¡± ¡°Then that will be another revelation within the capital, should you witness some of the sect students there,¡± Vista said, shaking his head. ¡°Should you enter the dueling arenas, you will find plenty of opportunities for tempering. But while I still take pride in my swordsmanship, I meant my path as a whole. After all, I am first and foremost a hunter and slayer of monsters. Give me a horde of them any day, and I will thrive better than ever. But give me wily essence-users with too many arms for their own good¡­¡± The young master smiled wryly. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing that dueling is only one part of the Grand Proving.¡± ¡°I would say that the world benefits more from monster hunters than duelists though. So the people of these lands probably thank the gods ever so often that the Whirlwind Warrior roams the wilderness around them.¡± Kite remarked. ¡°That¡¯s damn right! Monster hunters will ever remain the best!¡± Dragonfly called to the pair as she joined them. She had gradually started getting over her initial flustered reaction to Vista, and Kite was glad to see her join in more. She sidled up to Kite as the trio left the sparring arena, bumping her hip into his. ¡°But I will admit that these defenders-turned-duelists do have their uses. At times. Once in a blue moon. And, Fortune be praised, that this particular one isn¡¯t too bad to be around either.¡± 145. Stepping stone ¡°Fascinating. Astounding, really,¡± Peony muttered, taking another long look at the curved sword on the table in front of her before flipping away the multiple magical lenses which were hovering in front of her eyes. ¡°What¡¯s so special about it, love?¡± Sun asked from her side where he had been inspecting the weapon along with his wife. ¡°Do not mistake me, it looks stunning. That slightly blue tint to the steel and the pearls at the crossguard make for a most pleasing combination. But I suppose that my most illustrious crafter wife can see a lot which I cannot.¡± ¡°Not as stunning as you since rising to bronze rank, dear husband,¡± Peony cooed, happy with the praise. Sun had reached bronze rank about half a year after the monster surge, the man keeping his leisurely progression with focus on gathering resources for the family rather than pushing himself at every opportunity. But as ranking up tended to do, Sun¡¯s pleasant features retained that quality to a greater degree than before. Kite had rarely seen someone who looked so approachable. ¡°But you are right in that it is not the outside that is the most fascinating part with these. The enchantments are old,¡± Peony continued. ¡°I would bet that these were as customized as they come too. Although it almost feels ridiculous in how well they fit you, Kite. Are you sure that Fortune isn¡¯t smitten with you or something?¡± ¡°Vista actually told me a bit of the history when I received them,¡± Kite supplied from where he sat next to Dragonfly in the other couple¡¯s living room. ¡°Apparently, their original wielder was a priest of Ocean who lived somewhere far to the south. He was a kind of affliction-based warrior with the squid essence, apparently using his multitude of limbs to deliver nasty poisons and curses. Since his passing, his family apparently had none suited to wield the blade, and it was bought and sold between collectors for a few decades before eventually ending up at the auction where Vista procured them.¡± ¡°Well, the amount of echo quintessence which must have gone into this¡­ Not just that either. I believe that plenty of more exotic materials will have gone into them too. Oh, just imagine what I¡¯ll be able to do once I reach silver. That trove of strange treasures you brought from the gate still keeps me up at night,¡± Peony lamented. ¡°It¡¯s true. I¡¯ve caught her mumbling in her sleep on which aspects of the¡­ the¡­ something-amber- ¡° Sun began, trailing off as he struggled with the treasure¡¯s name. ¡°Amber of the Frozen Moment, dear,¡± Peony supplied, giving Sun a consoling peck on the cheek. ¡°Oh, speaking of progress,¡± Kite said, retrieving a pouch from a dimensional bag. ¡°Some more silver-ranked cores. From what I feel from you, Peony, you are close. Believe me when I say that investing in you reaching the same rank as me is worth every coin. I will need plenty of equipment in the years to come.¡± ¡°Thank you, Kite, for your continued patronage,¡± Peony said, putting a finger over Sun¡¯s lips to hush her husband¡¯s inevitable protests. She reached into the pouch and picked out one of the cores, which looked a lot like an uncut gemstone, and promptly started absorbing it. Through his magical perception, Kite could see the flakes of magic breaking off from the object before melting into the crafter¡¯s hand. The process would take some time though, and Peony kept it in her hand as the conversation continued. ¡°Speaking of patronage,¡± Kite said, straightening a bit in his seat. ¡°I would like to extend an offer to the two of you. How would you like to become official members of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild?¡± ¡°Oh? Oh!¡± Peony exclaimed as she processed his meaning. ¡°Really? You¡¯d want us to join? I will assume that you¡¯d welcome crafters then? Because you of all people, Kite, should know that I¡¯m no courier.¡± ¡°Also, we¡¯re quite well entrenched here,¡± Sun added. ¡°I just can¡¯t see us moving to Gilded, even if it would be a nice opportunity.¡± ¡°Indeed I do,¡± Kite confirmed, looking at the pair. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t ask for you to uproot your life here in Bastion. In fact, I¡¯m even hoping for your continued stay for the foreseeable future. One of the members, Noel, is actually on his way here as we speak. He will become the hallmaster of the Guild¡¯s Bastion branch.¡± ¡°You¡¯re expanding then?¡± Sun asked. ¡°I would assume that the city lady has approved of this, then?¡± ¡°Both Lady Cyan and director Dobrazza have both approved of the guild¡¯s presence,¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°Bloom has already agreed to join, and I would be happy to have the two of you in our ranks as well. We hope to recruit at least a couple more, even though I will leave it to Noel to select the candidates. I may be blessed with Sage as a way of finding resources, but even we can¡¯t just deliver essences and stones reliably enough to do any major recruitment drives just yet. And it might also be best to keep a relatively low profile and mostly stick to the far-flung contracts others tend to overlook. If you join, you could more easily work towards stones and essences for other members of your family. And I¡¯m sure that neither of you would complain about having yet another group of reliable customers.¡± As Kite mentioned other members of the family, an odd look flickered across the faces of both Peony and Sun. While Kite refrained from peeking at their auras, such spiritual means were not necessary for him to be able to deduce a potential reason for their reaction. Still, he let them get to it at their own pace. And since one of the pair was Peony, it took all of three seconds. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be perfect, Sun? Then we don¡¯t have to start saving at all for essences for the baby!¡± she cheered, her outburst as sudden as her joy was exuberant. Sun, the more private and reserved of the pair, got a bit of a strained expression at his wife¡¯s words. Still, his smile gradually brightened with pride as he apparently chose to lean into the sudden announcement. ¡°Love, maybe you should have begun in the other end and actually tell Kite and Dragonfly that we are expecting?¡± ¡°Dear, they are quick-witted adventurers. I¡¯m sure that they got that from context!¡± ¡°We might indeed have gotten a slight hint. Right Dragonfly?¡± Kite said, smiling as his suspicions were proved correct. His smile widened even further as he saw the wide, glittering eyes of his companions, who held her hands to her mouth. ¡°Really? You¡¯re having a baby? That¡¯s wonderful!¡± Came the second outburst in short order, Dragonfly easily clearing the table in a single vault to land beside Peony, wrapping her up in a fierce hug. The pair became a squealing, happy mess, and Kite turned to Sun. ¡°My deepest congratulations, Sun. To the both of you.¡± ¡°Thank you, Kite. We¡¯ve been talking about it for so long, and with the way things have been going lately, we thought now was the time. The church of Fertility was quite expedient with it too, so the little one is happily growing in his vat, healthy as can be.¡± ¡°I wanted to shout it from the rooftops the very first day, but Sun managed to keep me down,¡± Peony added from where she was still hugging Dragonfly. ¡°It¡¯s almost inconvenient not out-ranking my husband anymore.¡± The meeting devolved into an impromptu celebration, Dragonfly rushing off to get food and drinks for a much grander lunch than what they had previously planned. As the eating was finished, Kite interrupted the conversations by raising his cup. ¡°In light of the good news, and the soon-to-be newest members of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild, I would like to propose a toast. May Fortune bless your little one, and all your endeavors. I may be going away for a while, but with this news, I will do so with an even lighter heart.¡± ¡°And while you are away, I will make sure to cram as many cores into me as I can. Those ideas you told me about earlier are way too good to just leave waiting,¡± Peony answered, clinking her cup to Kites. ¡°And I will make sure that my dear wife absorbs cores within the recommended limits according to the magic society guidelines,¡± Sun added, clinking his cup to the pair. ¡°And I-¡± Dragonfly began, but halted as her cup touched the other three already raised. ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sure what I¡¯ll do yet. But heavens as my witness, I will do my best to make it something impressive.¡± ¡°To the future, then. May Fortune bless us all in whatever trials awaits us,¡± Kite finished. Then, all four of them drank as one.
¡°Are you sure about this, senior brother?¡± Noel LanCaire asked where he stood next to Kite, gripping the handle of his sheathed sword as if his life depended on it. ¡°Oh, I would not worry. A little paint and attention from some carpenters will do wonders,¡± Kite tried to reassure the man, looking at the building in front of them. The would-be guildhall was a former merchant family¡¯s townhouse, sold as the family was one of those who had fallen on harder times in recent years¡¯ financial chaos. It was located up at the Fifth step, a lot closer to the adventure society campus than Kite had expected to find. Still, the building hadn¡¯t been properly maintained for at least a year, which was definitely showing. ¡°Not that, senior brother,¡± Noel clarified, the overly serious young man¡¯s brows knit in concern. ¡°This whole endeavor. Me, leading a branch. I am still supremely honored by your faith in me, but I can¡¯t help thinking that there should be others more suitable than an early bronze-ranker like me.¡± Kite turned to the young man and clapped a hand to his shoulder. ¡°Junior brother, may I ask you something?¡± ¡°O-of course, senior brother.¡± ¡°Just Kite will do fine, Noel.¡± ¡°I see¡­ Then¡­ Kite, what did you want to ask?¡± ¡°What did your mother counsel when your departure drew near?¡± Noel seemed a bit taken aback by the question, nervously attempting to push a strand of blonde hair back into his topknot as he answered. ¡°Well, she¡­ She told me that she was proud of me. And she really seemed to mean it too. That she was happy that I had found my place here, and that this was something important which I could dedicate myself to. And that I should take my time and properly spread my roots here, not expecting a forest to grow in a single night. She also told me that she and dad would always support me, and help in whatever way they could.¡± The younger man blushed a bit as he spoke, yet he powered through. ¡°I see. That is both touching and true,¡± Kite said, easily imagining the maternal Fantina wrapping her son in the most comforting of hugs, stroking his hair as she praised him. ¡°And what about your father? What did Jarvan say?¡± ¡°Dad? Well, you know how he is¡­¡± Noel said, looking away. ¡°Oh I know indeed. Would you mind sharing?¡± Kite pressed gently. ¡°Well, he said that he always knew that I would go native, and that he really approved of at least one of his children assuming a position of leadership. ¡®Following in the footsteps of your most illustrious, handsome father¡¯,¡± Noel said, giving a spot-on imitation of Jarvan. ¡°But he also said that I would always be able to lean on them for help, and that I shouldn¡¯t be afraid to do the same on others that I trust. That the adventure society was built on such trust, and that it is in other people we find true purpose and the drive to do what is right.¡± The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°That¡­ is quite-¡± Kite began, but was interrupted as Noel blurted through the rest. ¡°Then he said that he would bring Rupert along to beat up anyone who made trouble for me, throwing them so far into the ocean that even a bronze-ranker would pass out from exhaustion before they could get back to shore. And his curses included at least five different deities. I chose not to include them.¡± Kite couldn¡¯t help himself as he burst out laughing. ¡°Noel, your father is an impressive man in many ways. I think that his advice is worth heeding as well. And your mother¡¯s too,¡± he said, trying to reassure the other man. ¡°And trust me in this; it never, ever hurts to have a higher-ranker or two who are willing to back you up,¡± Kite finished with a wink. ¡°Still, I will not just leave you here,¡± he continued as Noel seemed to relax somewhat. ¡°Me and Dragonfly will help you out during the final week before my departure, and she will check in with you from time to time. Bloom, Sun and Peony will also be here, and I will make sure that you know them before I leave. I believe in you too, Noel, much like your parents. You are honorable and earnest, and have a deep respect for the customs of this land. If anyone can bridge the gap that more conservative minds will attempt to put between themselves and the guild, it is you.¡± For a moment, the younger man almost looked to be on the verge of tears, but he took a steadying breath and truly looked Kite in the eyes for the first time during their conversation. ¡°Thank you, sen- Kite. I¡­ needed to hear that. We have a lot to do in the upcoming week, then. I will make sure to make you proud of what you see upon your return.¡± He turned back to the building, then paused as he seemed to remember something. ¡°Heavens, I almost forgot,¡± Noel said as he rummaged through one of his dimensional pouches. Eventually, he produced a small box, which he held out to Kite. ¡°What is this then?¡± Kite asked curious, but got his answer even before opening it as Glint shot out from her bottle, just managing to stop herself before colliding with the wooden container. Opening it revealed the expected result, as a dozen glittering scales were laid out in a small pile, along with a tiny note. ¡°Oh? It seems like I have some bounties to pay,¡± Kite said with a laugh as Glint happily began to dig in, sending small, joyful sprays of water into the air in gratitude. The note turned out to be a list of which members had contributed and what kind of remuneration they wished for. ¡°You¡¯ve found five of them yourself, Noel? I¡¯m impressed.¡± ¡°Well, I am the one who moves the most along the streams, so I tried to stay vigilant,¡± the young man said, a bit of embarrassment warring with pride on his features. ¡°Then compensating you should be a simple task. A sword, was it?¡± Kite asked. ¡°Nothing more specific?¡± ¡°The lotus has myriad petals, and I will wield myriad blades,¡± Noel responded somberly. ¡°Anything you feel fitting will be a fine addition.¡± Kite knew that Noel¡¯s sword essence had not yielded any sword conjurations, instead leaving him with a passive ability which strengthened and enhanced any sword he wielded. Much as Kite himself had to rely on different weapons, Noel too would stand to benefit from a bit of an arsenal to handle different threats. And, having sparred enough times with the younger man to know his power set, Kite believed that he had just the thing. ¡°Then I believe that I have an offer for you right away,¡± Kite said, holding out his hands as a saber and sheath fell into it, its handle made of reddish metal. ¡°Unless you disapprove of not being its first wielder, Carmine Sunrise should serve you well. It was my constant companion during bronze rank, and I believe it should pair well with both your Sun breaks Horizon and Split the River.¡± Noel didn¡¯t answer as he reverently held out his hands. He drew the blade and moved through a few slow, deliberate motions while Kite explained the enchantments of blade and sheath both. Kite let him take his time, having met enough swordmasters during his adventuring career to know that they needed their time to show proper respect to their new implements. Then, with a swift, fluid motion, Noel sheathed the sword before turning to Kite and bowing. ¡°Thank you again, Kite. I will treasure it, and together we shall make sure that my path forges ever onward.¡± ¡°Spoken like a true native,¡± Kite said with a smile, nodding. ¡°I¡¯m glad you liked it Noel. May you both take care of each other. The road towards the heavens is a long one, after all. But I have found it to be a lie that it has to be climbed alone.¡±
Kite took a long look out over his burgeoning family compound in the morning light. This was already a much larger home than his previous, and construction wasn¡¯t even near finishing yet. ¡°When I return, it might just be done. I wonder how long this will take? The few months they described? Or will I return home bearing the shame of rejection after just a week or two?¡± From where she was tied to the small ship-chariot which had become Kite¡¯s more recent means of long-distance travel, Glint sent him some feelings of encouragement. She had been more restless since her last influx of scales, as if she felt close to something other than their upcoming departure. ¡°Thank you Glint. I¡¯m sure that they will have scrounged up some more scales for you when we return. The bounty still stands after all,¡± he said, stroking the scales of her semi-draconic form. ¡°Are we ready then? Nothing forgotten? It always feels like I have forgotten something when I¡¯m about to leave for a longer trip like this.¡± Glint seemed to disagree, sending him sensations which seemed to say ¡°Let¡¯s just go already!¡±. And Kite did have to agree. With the exception of packing and the material, he had set things in motions and tied up loose threads. Noel was in place and the new guild hall was being renovated. Essences and stones remained deposited in the adventure society vaults. He had met up with Brook, both to catch up and properly thank her for her assistance leading up to the gate. Everything was on par for the continued construction of the family compound, and Peony had plenty of cores and new materials for some of the projects they had discussed. There had also been a good few relaxing days spent with Dragonfly, taking a pair of contracts and just existing together, before spending some time with his family while trying to imprint himself on little Raven in the hopes that she wouldn¡¯t forget about him. And during all of this, Kite had even managed to track down Braid and Wander when they visited the city, catching up with the pair. ¡°Still, I ought to check the pack for stowaways again,¡± he mused. ¡°Wander seemed to be really jealous of me going abroad like that.¡± He realized that he was stalling, and turned back to Glint and his transport. ¡°I suppose that it is time then, Glint. To new horizons undertakings. But only for a time, if all goes well. We have a lot of reasons to return, after all.¡±
Pristine Mirror, disciple of the Heavenly Shadow sect, had just returned to her chambers within the sect compound. The contract, while successful, had felt rather tedious and boring. At least up until she had been able to not only find the information which she had been looking for, but also make sure that the fools from the Thunderous Soul sect were properly shown up. They had been hired to guard that particular shipment where the information crystals had been hidden, after all. ¡°Only more proof that brute force will be forever trumped by finesse and skill, at least in anything that really matters. Let those oafs keep on vaporizing monsters like the thugs they are,¡± she said with a smirk, already thinking about what she would spend her newly earned sect contribution on when she noticed the missive which waited on a table in her quarters. ¡°When did this arrive?¡± Mirror asked aloud. ¡°Two days ago, disciple,¡± came the reply from the normal-ranker who acted as her servant. The young man only had a single essence so far, and aimed to earn the rest through menial service to the sect. Even though his role was subservient, everyone knew him to be of a privileged few. Earning a set of essences, even cheaper ones, through a measly five years of servitude was way better than almost everyone else could expect. ¡°The sect is nothing if not generous,¡± Mirror thought, turning to the younger man. ¡°Understood. Prepare a bath for me, then you are dismissed for an hour. You may use my access key to the library while I clean up.¡± ¡°Th-thank you, disciple. I am both unworthy and grateful for your generosity,¡± he replied, bowing furiously before hurrying off to do her bidding. ¡°Now, let¡¯s see what this is about then,¡± Mirror mused, feeling good at sowing yet another seed of karma in her favor. That young man would be an iron-ranker and probably a member of the sect in but a few years, after all, and having him remember her favorably would only help down the line. Reading the missive, Mirror raised an eyebrow. ¡°Huh. So the Pathbreaker really did come here to the capital after all. One would think that he would know better, after humiliating the mistress and an elder of the family¡¯s Orchard branch. Such a preposterous name too. Do they give out grand meanings to just anyone in the backwaters up north?¡± With a sight, Mirror folded the paper and returned it to the table. She¡¯d rather just focus on her own contracts and advancement within the sect, but familial ties were an important cornerstone of the culture her sect was so diligently guarding against the outside forces. The mistress of the Orchard branch had been most irate in her communications regarding this Pathbreaker too, and Mirror had to do something to at least dilute the stain on the family¡¯s pride. ¡°But it can wait until after the bath,¡± she thought, hearing the flow of water cease from the bathing room in her quarters while picking up the pleasant scent of floral oils added to the waters. But her mind was already fast at work thinking which proxies or other fools she could leverage into doing her work for her. ¡°The perfect act of the Heavenly Shadow sect is only felt but never seen, after all.¡±
Even with Glint¡¯s great speed zooming over forests, hills and rivers, the trip to the capital had still been a lengthy one. Having the small vessel all to himself had let Kite spend plenty of time reading and meditating, the memory of his meeting with the directors often in his thoughts when he had returned to them to accept a day after receiving the offer. ¡°Splendid! I knew that you would see the opportunity for what it was,¡± Jarvan had said happily. ¡°I take it that you managed to resolve what caused your earlier¡­ hesitation?¡± ¡°I did,¡± Kite had said, not doubting that Jarvan had long since picked up on his and Dragonfly¡¯s closeness. They had met him while still at iron rank, after all. And from experiencing silver-ranked perception and aura senses first hand, Kite now knew that detecting the affections or lust of iron-ranked teenagers was something that you just couldn¡¯t miss, whether trying or not. ¡°Then, we need to send word to the administration of the continental council,¡± Dobrazza had chimed in. ¡°With communications being what they are, you¡¯ll receive a rough estimate at best of when you need to be at the capital. It¡¯s probably best to be there early too, but a canny adventurer surely would not mind to get some time to peruse its trade halls and see the sights?¡± Kite had planned his departure with those words in mind, and as the trip had been blessedly free of misadventures, he was bound to arrive well ahead of when the portal courier was to be expected. And as he was currently leaning out of an open window on his vessel, looking out over the sprawling cityscape before him, Kite quickly realized that even though he would have at least a week to spend here, it would only let him scratch the surface of what the city had to offer. Heavenward, the capital of Hua-Xi, sprawled out between a pair of rivers among the lush and fertile plains of the kingdom¡¯s heartlands. Even from this distance, Kite could see several different estates and palaces larger than any he had seen before, and they were still utterly dwarfed by the most dominating feature of the city; the mountain. In the westernmost parts of the city, a distinctly stair-shaped and rather oblong mountain stood in stark contrast to the rather flat lands around it. Each ¡®step¡¯ was big enough to house at least three city blocks, and the gargantuan stairs followed a winding path up towards the top, where the palace complex of the royal family took up every inch of available space.There were no doubts in Kite¡¯s mind that the edifice was entirely natural, but that didn¡¯t leave it any less impressive. From what he had learned from Vista, only a fraction of the city¡¯s inhabitants lived on the steps of the ¡®heavenly stairway¡¯. Each step housed citizens of a higher station than the next, allowing one to literally look down on one¡¯s inferiors. ¡°As Vista advised us to try and keep a low profile, it is safe to assume that we won¡¯t be visiting it anyway,¡± Kite murmured. Neither the adventure or magic society had their compounds on the stairway, and given that the majority of the city resided at ground level, there would be little point either. ¡°Let¡¯s set down here, Glint. We better travel the last stretch on foot. Wouldn¡¯t want your beauty to garner too much undue attention.¡± He could sense Glint¡¯s consternation at not getting to show off, but she still slowed down next to the well-traveled road which they had been flying above. They drew many a fascinated stare from other travelers or merchants while Kite let the enchanted boat shrink down to the size of a toy which he put into his dimensional bag. Walking along the road, the city getting closer at a much more sedate pace, let Kite get a better appreciation for just how big it was. ¡°And to think that even he wouldn¡¯t be able to hold a candle to the adventuring capitals of the world,¡± Kite said to Glint as he fed snacks into her bottle. ¡°I am truly a frog in a well. But I suppose that if things go well with the Task Group, there will be plenty of time to widen my horizons.¡± After crossing a massive bridge which stretched across one of the two rivers, Kite also got a new appreciation for just how many more adventurers that were around. He sensed dozens of iron and bronze rankers, and at least ten silvers while he stood in the line for new arrivals. Most of the essence users quickly passed him, wearing unknown sect colors or already having been cleared for entry due to other reasons. Kite half expected trouble upon entering, and while his adventure society badge earned him a scowl from the gate guard inspecting it, he was ushered through in short order. Inside, everything Kite had expected and more awaited him. Throngs of people walking back and forth, plenty of street vendors harking out their offers. A plethora of impressions greeted him, and he was thankful for his silver-ranked spirit attribute which helped him filter and sort all the sensation. ¡°This does make one feel quite small,¡± he murmured to Glint, who was peeking her head out of her bottle next to him. Feeling another sense of reassurance from the carp, as well as a thrum of impatience from Sage, Kite gathered himself, and stepped into the crowds. Heavenward awaited, and it was only the stepping stone, after all. 146. Lofty places ¡°Did you hear about the outcast silver-ranker who arrived? The one with the outrageous name?¡± ¡°Why would I care enough about an outcast?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you even curious about the name then?¡± ¡°Well, you seem eager to share. Spit it out.¡± ¡°Apparently, he is called Pathbreaker. Can you believe it?¡± ¡°What in the cursed heavens? Do they just let anyone take any name? That would be like naming you Immortal Conqueror.¡± ¡°Hey, just because the last few clashes haven''t gone well doesn¡¯t mean that you have to go and insult me. I swear, if we weren¡¯t sworn brothers¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re right, I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Still, Pathbreaker? That one needs to be taught a lesson in humility. And an outcast no less. Maybe I should go challenge this so-called Pathbreaker myself. Where did you hear about it?¡± ¡°It was just rumors among some of the initiates. I don¡¯t know where it started. But as for lessons, you will probably have to wait in line. Some disciple of the Thunderous Soul sect has already claimed rights to the first challenge. You¡¯ll have to fight him or her if you want to cut in line.¡± ¡°Nah, then things should work themselves out. I guess that there is no response from the Silent Horizon sect?¡± ¡°Those sticklers? No way. Only the other sects acting out can ruffle their robes. You know how they are.¡± ¡°Figures. Still, what if it turns out that the name was actually an earned one then? Wouldn¡¯t that be something to see?¡± ¡°Oh please. Your last loss seems to have scrambled something in that head of yours if you¡¯d think that to be the case. Come, let¡¯s go get some noodles. My treat today.¡±
¡°I know that I should hold off on making too many purchases here, but heavens, they sure are making it hard to resist,¡± Kite mused to himself, his smile strained as his insides warred between frugality and the set of armor in front of him. It was one of many suits on display at an armorer¡¯s shop within the Heavenward branch trade pavilion. Kite had only barely been in the city a full day, having registered his presence with the functionaries of the adventure society and found lodging relatively close by, and he already felt a bit overwhelmed by the size and scope of it. He had thought that he would have a good grasp of things, having spent some time in Convergence and Orchard, but Heavenward wasn¡¯t called the heartlands for nothing. Finally able to drag his eyes away from the armor set, Kite bowed to the sales clerk after paying for some materials he knew that Peony would want for the armor set they had planned out. While his current ones looked rather unassuming, it had a decent amount of quality enchantments. Nothing that synergized with his path per se, but enough durability, mobility-enhancing and self-repair that splurging on another set now just didn¡¯t feel warranted. Through his expanded vision, Kite had already noticed that he seemed to have garnered some slight attention from a man skulking about the trades hall. Information brokers were everywhere in cities as large as Heavenward, but Kite had thought it suspicious that the man would have continued to hang around him, as the city should be large enough for a new arrival to not stand out too badly. Those assumptions were quickly crushed however, as he saw the man nod to someone off in the distance and subtly nod towards Kite, leading the small group of essence-users straight towards him. ¡°Cursed heavens, really?¡± Kite murmured with a sigh as he noticed the accentuating colors of bold orange and the sect medallions on prominent display among the group, which consisted of a pair of silver-rankers and three bronze rankers. One of the silvers, a statuesque runic woman, took the lead as her aura homed in on Kite¡¯s own. It didn¡¯t actively try to suppress, but was more the spiritual equivalent of a purposefully rough handshake. The others joined the aura efforts of the lead woman, projecting their spirits enough to clear a path. ¡°Make way for the Thunderous Soul sect!¡± one of the bronze-rankers bellowed, gathering even more attention from a, by now, quite curious crowd. ¡°You there!¡± the runic woman called, clearly directing her call towards Kite. ¡°Are you the outcast called Pathbreaker?¡± ¡°That is the name which was given to me,¡± Kite acquiesced, keeping his voice in the tone of normal conversation. ¡°And who might you be, senior sister?¡± he asked, trying to keep the tone polite and respectful even if he knew that it would probably be in vain. ¡°I am Joy of the First Moon, disciple of the Thunderous Soul sect,¡± she declared proudly. Kite recognized the name of one of the three great sects of the heartlands, which might keep even silver-rankers as mere disciples. Still, her presence raised questions of their own. ¡°Then I greet the disciple,¡± Kite said, bowing politely. ¡°May I ask for the reason behind this most public greeting. I have been here just shy of a day, and must admit that I am surprised that someone from such a grand sect would know of me.¡± ¡°Word of you and your pride started spreading fast, outcast. It is quite daring to claim such a name, after all, and as soon as I heard, I felt that it was my duty as a warrior to see if such a grand claim had any merit. One needs to be careful, after all. Perhaps it would be best to choose another title for yourself, one that better matches your station?¡± Her words were, as Kite had come to expect, loud and boisterous, but Kite thought that he could see a calculating gleam in the runic woman¡¯s eyes, her face covered by softly glowing pale white marks. ¡°Alas, the name was given to me and not one I intend to relinquish,¡± Kite answered honestly. While it had felt a bit boastful at first, he had to admit that he had come to like the title. ¡°As expected from one such as you,¡± the disciple replied, disapproval clear on her face. ¡°Then I have no other choice but to challenge you to a clash of paths, outcast. Neither me or my sect will be satisfied until your claim has been verified.¡± No one, neither the group from the sect nor the onlookers, seemed surprised in the least when the challenge was delivered, instead murmuring to one another with a modicum of excitement. Part of Kite wanted to just brush the matter off and be done with it, but he knew from experience that the woman wouldn¡¯t back down. And he had to admit that he was curious to test himself against someone trained within the grand sects of the capital. ¡°You would lay down a challenge without asking for a prize?¡± Kite instead replied. ¡°What would you wish to claim through such a challenge?¡± ¡°Bah, I have no need for whatever poor means an outcast such as you carries,¡± she snorted. ¡°When you lose, it will show the world that you are just a jumped-up nobody, lacking both sect and foundations. That is enough for me.¡± ¡°So, a bout of tempering then?¡± Kite said, nodding to himself. ¡°In that case, I accept. But you will have to forgive this ¡®jumped-up nobody¡¯ for asking for a prize for himself. I am without sect or sponsor, as you said, and have only my good name. Should I win, I ask for two awakening stones, trusting the disciple¡¯s honor in choosing which.¡± Kite didn¡¯t know if asking for sparring and tutelage would even be a good option in the unknown waters of the capital, and if his guess was correct¡­ ¡°A mere pittance, as expected,¡± the disciple said, waving off the request. ¡°Then follow me. A sparring arena has been prepared.¡±
As the so-called Pathbreaker accepted the offered duel and left, following the disciple of the Thunderous Soul sect, one of those present in the crowd had to suppress a smirk, thankful that the crowd of people should make it hard for even the silver-rankers to pick out any spikes of emotions among those gathered. ¡°The plan of the mistress worked perfectly,¡± Sprig of Prosperity thought as he followed in the wake of many other curious would-be onlookers. When he was assigned as a personal initiate to Pristine Mirror, Sprig had been a bit worried. According to the rumors, the experiences of such initiates varied wildly. Still, five years of service for his essences and stones should be bearable, and so far his daily life beneath the mistress had been much more than that. Not only was she surprisingly nice in their dealings, but even sent him out on tasks that were actually achievable for someone of his rank. Spreading some rumors had been the simplest of tasks as there weren¡¯t even any lies involved. Merely telling certain initiates and other gossips about the name of the outcast had been enough, and it had paid dividends so soon, too. ¡°Now, the only thing that¡¯s left is to make a recording and bring it back to the mistress. If she¡¯s in a good mood, maybe she¡¯ll even reward me.¡± Sprig had a good feeling. Pristine Mirror seemed smart, careful and cunning; the very epitome of a member of the Heavenly Shadow sect. Tying himself to her ship now could only mean that his rise in the future would be all but guaranteed. ¡°And maybe I¡¯ll even be able to earn myself the standing to take a new name,¡± he thought, longing to be rid of the one of his birth, only sounding childlike to his own ears. Sprig made sure that he had the recording crystal ready, then increased his pace. He needed a good place among the onlookers, after all.
¡°So much for keeping a low profile for a week,¡± Kite thought with an inward sigh as he took in the forty-odd people gathered within the dueling arena. Even though Heavenward was affluent enough to have its own set of mirage chambers, they were rarely free on short notice and pricey enough that many bouts were still fought within the cheaper facilities. There were even plenty of warriors who shunned the dangerless experiences, writing them off as crutches as opposed to the mental acuity born from a bit of risk. His opponent had assumed a ready stance on the other end of the arena, the pair starting around fifty meters away from one another as was common during silver-ranked clashes. Joy of the First Moon had donned a suit of medium armor consisting of ruby scales as well as brought forth a round metal shield which looked surprisingly plain and unadorned in comparison. ¡°But I suppose that I have more pressing things to worry about,¡± Kite mused as his focus came to rest more firmly at his foe. Her aura was condensed and well-controlled, giving off the feeling of a thundercloud about to erupt with barely contained power. ¡°I wonder if I will be able to hold back any of my tricks at all?¡± While the powers of well-known fighters became common knowledge soon enough, Kite still knew the value of keeping at least some metaphorical cards close to his chest. Feeling that his opponent was a competent one, she should be a good benchmark for what to expect in this foreign city. ¡°Still, stumbling into a duel within a day? Almost feels like home,¡± Kite thought, unable to help a slight smile. ¡°Is this what my life has become?¡± However, it became obvious that the slight quirk of his lips was interpreted differently by the disciple across from him. ¡°Smiling, outcast? Are you that assured of victory?¡± the runic woman called out to him, her voice mostly silencing the crowds. ¡°Only idle musings, disciple. I meant no disrespect,¡± Kite replied, assuming a ready stance as he could feel his opponent¡¯s aura tightening even further in readiness. ¡°Then you will soon come to regret not giving me your full focus,¡± she countered, looking for all the world like a spring wound tight, ready to uncoil into violence at a moment¡¯s notice. In the short silence, the officiator stepped up to speak. Unlike most, if not all, of Kite¡¯s earlier clashes, this one was almost as close to a professional as one could find. A tall elven man wearing the robes of Warrior¡¯s clergy had appeared to officiate the bout, apparently one of several who were constantly stationed near the many dueling arenas of the Hua-Xi capital. ¡°In the eyes of Warrior and the heavens, I declare this clash legitimate,¡± he called with easy confidence. ¡°Joy of the First Moon, disciple of the Thunderous Soul sect, faces Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, also known as the Pathbreaker. The terms have been agreed upon, and the queen¡¯s decree has been upheld.¡± Seeing that each combatant acknowledged his words, the priest straightened. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°Then¡­ begin!¡± he shouted, his words accompanied by a burst of his bronze rank aura. ¡°Step into the clangorous domain!¡± Disciple Joy did not spare even a moment, casting her opening spell immediately. Mana flowed from her, and just a moment after, the air of the sparring arena was filled with floating metal discs. Or rather, as Kite realized upon seeing their curve and ornamental symbols, gongs. ¡°Wall!¡± Having seen the conjurations for what they were, Kite could guess what would come next, and thus chose his most encompassing defense. A layered cube of barriers appeared just as the disciple sent another pulse of mana through the area, causing all of the gongs to reverberate as if struck. Even through his protections, the outer layers bursting instantly, Kite felt as if he was struck by a clap of thunder. Protective arrays lit up across the arena floor to prevent it all from disintegrating beneath the resonating force. ¡°At least this is a dance I know,¡± Kite thought, already moving to counterattack. He held back from deploying the arms of his mantle for now, Immutable Echo appearing in his hand as he struck out against his own barrier. The tremulous thunder around the arena was undercut by an even deeper reverberation as force walls exploded outwards in turn. The air rippled and shook as resonating ripples clashed into a chaotic mess, some of Kite¡¯s own counterattack damaging nearby gongs. Still, that was only the opening salvo for both combatants. His opponent was already casting another spell when Kite made a two-pronged follow up. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± While Kite¡¯s aura was an excellent tool for wearing down magical conjurations such as the gongs, he needed something more immediate. Ripple of Cancellation burst from him in all directions, swallowing around half of the gongs along with the streams of sharp metal discs which disciple Joy had sent flying his way. But what might look like his only one was actually second in turn, as an almost unseen blade had appeared for a brief moment and sent a flickering cut crossing the space between the combatants. The Veiled One¡¯s decree nicked the disciple¡¯s right upper arm, the woman having sidestepped only as she belatedly sensed the attack. The hidden strike drew only mana, but Chakra implosion was not its main purpose, but rather the affliction of the blade itself. Sensing the obfuscating curse take hold, Kite had no time to smile as yet another pair of metal gongs had appeared. These were much more detailed and potent as they manifested to each side of him, and Kite was forced to whip up the barriers of Heaven-and-Void warding towards one of them while a quick Disrupting Strike sundered the other. This left his ears ringing only slightly after another series of shockwaves erupted from the fresh conjurations, the intention no doubt being for the energies of the two-pronged spell to collide in the middle to some devastating effect. As only one gong remained, it was not enough to break through Kite¡¯s ward. But it was enough for his Unyielding to have accumulated enough stored momentum, and Kite took the opportunity. A couple of panels of force appeared beneath his feet as he stepped into the air thrice before unleashing the stored momentum into an empowered dash. Behind him, even more cacophonous spells erupted, but the disciple did not seem perturbed by Kite closing in even as she blocked a pair of projected strikes with her shield. Having her gongs dispelled and having been rather ineffectual overall so far seemed to have little effect on disciple Joy¡¯s composure, and the runic woman instead took a thunderous step of her own to meet Kite. A crystal wand decorated with several dangling chimes was conjured into her hand, and the silver-ranker struck out with her shield to meet Kite¡¯s swung staff while said wand projected several bolts of magical force at once. Most, however, weren¡¯t directed at Kite but rather the floating gongs around them, creating further resonating cascades as they impacted. Joy¡¯s second strike with her shield was foiled however, as Kite¡¯s left hand let go of his staff to conjure a short sword with a wavy blade. The descendant of Matra flickered, and Disrupting Strike caused the wand to crack and dissolve while the Pattern-Shattering Counter delivered through his staff did the same with the crackling resonance that had built up within the shield. Even here, Kite had to admit that the sect disciple showed a lot more composure than many of his foes so far, swiftly moving on to send another series of sharpened metal discs toward him instead of freezing up as her conjured equipment disappeared. She did try and create some space however, leaping back with another thunderous shockwave that sent Kite¡¯s bones creaking with resonating force. The shockwave was no doubt meant to force Kite back as well, and so Kite did get a slight satisfaction at seeing the surprise in her eyes as the ground beneath him absorbed the knockback instead. This left her sailing in a decently predictable trajectory against an opponent who had already projected two attacks towards where she would be. Joy managed to turn and absorb one on her shield but the other, Kite¡¯s staff strike, hit her full-on in the side. Three times did Chakra implosion eat through her mana reservoir and three times did boons get dispelled or transcendent damage delivered. Kite was forced to abort his third attack however, as the ground beneath him bucked and rippled before erupting into yet another resonating detonation, Matra lashing out to deflect a few razor metal discs which curved their way around his barrier even as he was dodging and attempting to counter at the same time. While performing the next few ranged exchanges, Kite had to accept a few more waves of resonating force from the surrounding gongs until his aura had finally broken them down enough that they shattered one by one by the force channeled through them. Less than half a minute had passed, yet so much had happened as both Kite and the disciple transitioned from one attack or spell into the next, the intensity truly showing off both the physical power and mental acuity of a silver-ranker. With the greater reserves and capabilities as well as more evolved powers, it became more a race to see who could force the other to make faulty judgments in which attacks to avoid or defend against and which one would be forced to accept. But while the disciple was indeed skilled and in many ways overwhelming as she turned the world around her into a cascade of resonating doom, she was not Soul, blessed by Warrior. Compared to the faster and stronger celestine, the potent spells of the runic woman felt so much simpler to predict. One by one, Kite cut through her spells and defenses, his combat meditation keeping his mind steady and assisting him in processing each and every ripple in the air around him. The distinct shift in the battle came when Kite had to make an awkward side-step, and his opponent saw her chance. ¡°Strike, and announce the ruler of thunder!¡± The chant of his foe was cut off as yet another metal disc appeared before her, wide enough to obscure her whole form. This gong was even more decorated and charged with potent magic, and a split second after it was struck from behind, turning everything in front of it into a mess of roiling destruction. However, this also meant that Joy of the First Moon, disciple of the Thunderous Soul sect, did not see what became her downfall. A small panel of force appeared beneath Kite¡¯s seemingly stumbling foot, turning the awkward side- step into a steady stance as Kite countered. The charge of Potential of Stolen Powered was poured into his Pattern-Shattering counter, and Kite¡¯s staff swung upward to meet the roiling tide of resonating ripples which blurred the air enough to distort visibility. And said swing cleaved the spell in two. The destruction parted before Kite, his empowered dispelling counter thrice echoed leaving his foe actually staggering back as the costly spell meant that the returning mana drain took an even greater toll. A single empowered step left Kite standing just before the runic woman as her gaze seemed to clear, and another swing trailing the darkness of Void-Sunders-Firmament swept through Joy¡¯s form. The duel ended like so many others for Kite, his opponent¡¯s last dregs of mana cut away by his mana-draining powers and the deceptive Cleave the Spirit. But unlike most other times when Kite had faced someone of his rank, his body was hurting all over. Sure, he had been able to hold his most spectacular advantages in reserve, but the disciple in front of him had shown true skill only rarely seen up in the northern provinces. And Kite suspected that this disciple was not the best that Heavenward had to offer. ¡°And knowing my countrymen, this will probably be just the beginning,¡± he thought as he laid the head of his staff on the shoulder of the wobbling woman in front of him, who was barely holding onto consciousness. ¡°The Pathbreaker is the victor,¡± the officiator stated matter-of-factly. ¡°You have both performed well, and Warrior is pleased. The prize is to be delivered to my church when ready, and we shall make sure that the victor receives it wherever he may be.¡± Then, the priest left as the crowd exploded into conversation. Many gazes rested on Kite, ranging from surprised, to curious, to greedy to hostile, and the voices only grew louder as another figure entered the arena from one of the side doors. The elven man had deep blue hair which hung in a thick braid almost down to his ankles and cheekbones so sharp it felt as if you might cut yourself on them. He was dressed all in black, his clothes a cut unfamiliar to Kite with their straight lines, and the pin of an adventure society official was prominently displayed on his stiff collar. But it was most of all his spiritual presence that was a kind of incongruity; while it was immediately apparent that he was a powerful being, Kite still couldn¡¯t sense his aura at all at first. Only when meeting the elf¡¯s ocean-blue eyes and sensing a wisp of aura which the man must have purposefully let leak, did it finally click in Kite¡¯s mind that he was in the presence of a gold ranker. The man completely ignored the crowds as he stepped up to Kite, hands held behind his back. ¡°Adventurer,¡± he said, voicy surprisingly melodic. ¡°Follow me to your scheduled meeting.¡± Kite, very confused but also knowing better than to start arguing with someone of such power, felt himself giving a bow of acquiescence, following as the elf turned and left without so much as a glance backwards. Only when the doors to the dueling arena shut behind them did he muster the courage to speak. ¡°If you would excuse me, honored elder, I was not aware that I had meetings of any kind scheduled, at least not within the upcoming-¡± ¡°The meeting was scheduled just now, in fact, when we learned of your little confrontation,¡± the man said, interrupting Kite with a nudge of aura that felt much like a slap on the hand. ¡°Most days, duels between you natives wouldn¡¯t be any cause for concern. You can¡¯t seem to help yourselves apparently. But since you are a candidate for Task Group Gauntlet, things are more complicated. So the director saw fit to bring you in and get a look at you for herself.¡± ¡°I¡­ see¡­¡± Kite said, getting a sinking feeling. While he knew that there were gold-rankers in the capital, there still weren¡¯t that many. Even his preliminary research before traveling south had let him get a grasp of the ones which were more or less constant presences. And as there were only two working directly for the adventure society, one of them being the director, he also knew who he was speaking to. ¡°I¡¯ll be in your care then, deputy director Brackenstar. ¡° Upon the mention of his name and title, the elf glanced back at Kite, face still impassive. ¡°You already have been. Me revealing myself let you avoid at least three more challengers who were just waiting to get their chance. After this little display today, I would expect many more.¡±
Pristine Mirror looked up from her meditations as the initiate servant returned. The younger man did his best to keep his composure, but she barely had to glance at the surface layers of his aura to see his distress. Worry, disbelief, and quite a bit of fear. ¡°Probably directed at me,¡± she thought as initiate Sprig knelt in front of her meditation mat, presenting a recording crystal. She could sense him steeling himself before speaking. ¡°Mistress, I regret to inform you that things did not go according to your wishes. I spread the rumors in what I thought were fertile soil, and initially, I had hoped to reap your intended harvest. Joy of the First Moon was the first who found him, and he accepted her challenge.¡± ¡°From your tone, I would imagine that things did not go well for disciple Joy?¡± Mirror asked, picking up the recording crystal. ¡°No, mistress. While she did put up a fight, to say that the result was a close one would be a lie.¡± Mirror looked thoughtfully at the crystal in her hands, now even more curious to glean its contents. ¡°I see. Isn¡¯t disciple Joy placed squarely in the middle of the local dueling rankings?¡± ¡°Yes, mistress.¡± ¡°Huh.¡± Mirror said. ¡°And here comes our outcast and actually defeats her in front of witnesses. Maybe it isn¡¯t that weird that he was able to beat uncle Prowess while still in peak bronze rank? Still, it shouldn¡¯t affect my plans too much. Rather the opposite, as I imagine that our little outcast will barely be able to get a moment''s rest from here on with the line of would-be challengers. I would assume that he was challenged again right afterwards?¡± ¡°That¡¯s the thing, mistress. I thought so too, but deputy director Brackenstar showed up from nowhere and brought the Pathbreaker along to some meeting.¡± This had Mirror straighten suddenly. ¡°Brackenstar? Came personally?¡± ¡°Yes, mistress.¡± ¡°Then that is proof that there is something more going on here. You have performed as asked of you, initiate. I will take it from here. My sources at the adventure society will talk to me and me alone. Feel free to use my token to the training facilities when I am gone. Laying a foundation at normal rank is important.¡± Mirror held her expression in check when she felt the relief almost pouring off the man, Sprig thanking her profusely as she left her quarters. ¡°It takes so little to make the less fortunate so very happy. And such loyalties may become very useful down the line,¡± she thought as she walked through the corridors of the sect compound towards one of the many terraces where people could take off with flying artifacts and powers. ¡°As for you, Pathbreaker, let us see if we can¡¯t find the reason for your contacts in such lofty places.¡±
¡°Well, out with it!¡± Soul eventually said, unable to ignore the servant woman who had patiently been waiting for her to finish meditating. For the last half an hour. It wasn¡¯t that the young woman had been noisy or irksome in any other way. Even her aura had been clean and controlled, which Soul had rarely felt in a normal ranker. But essentially having an incarnation of the dedication to service standing beside you had not really been the most relaxing experience to her warrior¡¯s heart. ¡°Mistress, there is an adventurer at the door who has asked for you, apparently having traveled far.¡± ¡°Did this adventurer wear any sect colors?¡± Soul asked suspiciously. ¡°No, mistress. Apparently, you yourself had sent a letter-¡± The woman didn¡¯t get the chance to finish before Soul sped past her, crossing the grounds and gardens of her patron family at top speed. Still, she was careful so as to not wreck anything. The Eden family had so far lived up to their promises, both in stipend and that Soul was left to her own devices outside of the contracts and services they provided. And with the fierce inter-family rivalries of Boundary, that meant plenty of chances at beating up other silver rankers. It was only once she had flung open the main gates to the family¡¯s compound and actually laid eyes on the person outside that her spiritual senses caught up to her. ¡°You¡¯re not the Pathbreaker,¡± she said dumbly, looking at the woman with the long, curly pink hair who had been leaning against a long, heavy axe while idly playing with a straw of the long grass which was plentiful in the mountainous region. ¡°Hi! I¡¯m Dragonfly!¡± the shorter woman said cheerfully. Soul, disappointment churning her stomach, was just about to turn and slam the door shut when Dragonfly¡¯s next words registered. ¡°I challenge you to a clash of paths!¡± 147. It was fun while it lasted Before this day, Kite had visited the office of two different branch directors of the adventure society. Both were ostentatious in their own right, with Jarvan¡¯s collection of memorabilia or Dobrazza¡¯s fashionable onyx interior design. Actually visiting such offices multiple times was not what most local adventurers did while still at iron rank, or even at bronze, and Kite thought that he would have known what to expect by now; something very personalized. He was proven both correct and wrong as he entered the office of Heavenward¡¯s branch director, and thus the leading adventure society functionary of the country. The office he entered in the wake of deputy director Brackenstar was surprisingly native in its design, with a plethora of masterful woodwork on display as well as decorations of jade and plenty of ornamental fans and weapons adorning the walls and pillars. But it was also absolutely covered in hints that this space was of the adventure society, its insignia on prominent display almost everywhere he looked. The sum of all those parts was somehow paradoxical, screaming both of being of Hua-Xi while, in no uncertain terms, showing that this was a place where the organization itself would ever be in dominion; a throne of their presence in a foreign land, partially assimilated yet also distinctly its own. It was also by far the largest, as befitting the grandeur of the capital, with at least twice the ceiling height from the rest of the building. At each end of the office was a mezzanine level, one housing what looked like a library and the other several seating areas and long tables for formal meetings. And while she was not a very large woman, the branch director herself remained the most prominent and domineering presence in the whole space. Like the deputy director, she was an elf, but where he was tall and imposing, she was petite; her features channeling the absolute perfection of gold rank into a delicateness beyond what Kite had seen before, even if he suspected that this was something akin to what Second Spring would look like, should the squirrel-shifting young lady reach gold rank. This association was further boosted by the director wearing robes in the Hua-Xi style, her rich chestnut hair gathered in a bun held in place with a series of long hairpins. But where Spring was still a bit flustered and often shy, the branch director clearly was not. Kite almost flinched back from the hint of her gold rank aura, the steel within it almost enough to make him taste blood. As the director leveled her brown eyes at him, Kite was unsure if he was an invited guest or a prisoner who might end up on the chopping block at any time. He could feel her spirit scrutinizing his, and almost let out a breath as her spiritual touch softened somewhat after a few moments. While the dangerous undercurrent remained, it was now only a whisper. ¡°Welcome, adventurer,¡± the branch director said once Kite and deputy director Brackenstar drew closer, her voice carrying not a hint of remorse for the spiritual intimidation earlier. ¡°My name is Anasta Temren, and I am the director of the adventure society¡¯s efforts to keep the people of this country safe, as well as head of the local branch. You have already met my deputy, and as you can imagine, my time is rather limited. Sit, and let us have a proper look at you.¡± She indicated a lone chair in front of a large desk, where she took her place in the elaborate main seat with deputy director Brackenstar standing behind her right shoulder. Kite sat down as instructed, very aware of how small he felt in front of the two gold-ranked elfs. ¡°And here I thought silver was grand progress,¡± he thought wryly, still a bit in awe of the power he felt from the other essence users. ¡°The heavens sure have a way to remind one of all the reasons to be humble.¡± ¡°So, you are the one of which Jarvan and Dobrazza have kept singing their praise,¡± branch director Temren noted after taking a few seconds to size Kite up. ¡°Reports describe you as a reasonable young man, a bit ambitious yet kind while still showing enough decisiveness in action. While still just scraping the surface, you have shown potential in leading and coordinating groups, as well as an actual interest in teamwork. You have also founded the first guild since gods know how long in this country, and remain a sponsor even though you keep your own path of improvement.¡± While the words themselves might be seen as praise, the branch director¡¯s voice was neutral enough to add some ambiguity to all of it, and Kite mostly felt unnerved by the list which she ticked off. ¡°Do you have anything to add to that, adventurer? Anything else which might have made two branch directors impressed enough to recommend you for Task Group Gauntlet?¡± the director eventually finished, her eyes locking onto Kite once more. Kite took a moment to compose himself before responding, gathering his aura while bowing slightly in his seat. ¡°The branch director is well-informed. It is humbling that one of your station has taken the time to take note of me. I would only like to add two things; my path - or as you might prefer, my power set - and that I have conquered not one but two of the Queen¡¯s gates.¡± ¡°Ah, yes, the gates,¡± branch director Temren noted, her tone making it clear what she thought of them. ¡°I will be frank adventurer; voluntarily entering deathtraps which won¡¯t allow you to bring a team in support is not a mark of accomplishment in my books. Quite the opposite. You should thank Fortune that you are still here today, and keep your so-called success quiet. The last thing I need is more locals seeking death instead of doing their actual job as adventurers.¡± Kite tried to keep the wince out of his expression even as the director¡¯s words cut into his pride, but he also bore it in silence. The way director Temren had comported herself throughout this whole meeting had already made it very clear that this was not a social call, and Kite was not foolish enough to start protesting. At least not until he was a gold-ranker himself. So he said nothing in response as director Temren continued, apparently expecting none either. ¡°But as for your power set, I will agree that it is worth noting. While a bit generalistic, the negation confluence is still quite rare as few willingly seek it. And yours is a bit of a different spin on it too. We mostly see it among control specialists rather than defenders,¡± the director noted. ¡°It might even be the main reason for the other directors¡¯ recommendations, although I would not count on getting accepted into the task group just by having the right set of powers. The task groups of the adventure society are our elites, trained ¡®in-house¡¯ to be able to act when the organization needs it the most to curtail the activities of restricted or unsanctioned magic. So tell me, adventurer; why would someone like you, who is under such consideration, find yourself fighting in a public duel within a day of arriving in the city?¡± Once more, her gaze bored into Kite, compelling an answer out of him. Fighting the urge to squirm within his seat, Kite once more gathered himself and formulated an answer. ¡°It is due to my name, director. I assume that you are familiar with our naming conventions?¡± ¡°I have been managing this branch for two decades now, adventurer. You assume correctly.¡± ¡°For my actions in Gilded, I was named Pathbreaker. And even though I did not present myself with this name since entering the capital, word of it must somehow have reached people here anyway. As a sectless outcast, they seem to take it as an affront to their own pride, and naturally seek to prove me wrong.¡± ¡°I see. From the file on you, such duels seem to be rather commonplace, correct?¡± ¡°Yes, director.¡± ¡°And even though you tried to lay low, it still got out somehow, ending up with you fighting the disciple of the Thunderous Soul sect?¡± ¡°Yes, director.¡± ¡°Then, adventurer, I find a question most pertinent. Why didn¡¯t you just decline?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡± ¡°Decline it. The duel. Say no, and go about your business. Then you wouldn¡¯t have ended up in that sparring arena today, making ripples which are sure to only land you in yet more such trouble. So why didn¡¯t you, one who has been praised for his judgment, decline?¡± As she spoke, director Temren¡¯s words seemed to gain a slight intensity, her spirit gradually growing even more still. Kite¡¯s first response was, well, nothing. There were a few seconds of silence, both gold-rankers regarding him. So, fighting against the instinct to quickly give them some kind of answer, anything at all, Kite sat back in his chair. And thought. A minute went by. Then two. But only once Kite felt that he himself felt satisfied with his answer did he straighten to speak again. ¡°I will once more make an assumption, director, that you want my honest answer. And as usual, the truth is full of nuances and forking paths. First of all, I do not think that declining would have helped me in the long run. As you have been here for so long, you should know that the powerful people of this society treat cowards even worse than they treat enemies. While I surely could have declined, that would not have stopped people from coming after me. I would even dare to venture that it would have prompted more of them. Second, I wanted to try crossing swords with a member of the infamous sects of the capital; to measure and temper myself and my path. As you already know of it, you know that it is one well suited for such bouts. Knowing as many kinds of opponents and power sets as possible will only help me in the long run, be it my personal endeavors or during certain contracts chasing down bounties and criminals. Is this prideful? Perhaps a bit. I cannot claim to stand entirely above it. But a name given is something important, director. And while Pathbreaker might sound a bit presumptuous, it was what they started calling me. And, I suppose, what I have tried to become. And finally, the most basic of reasons; resources. I have a budding guild to sponsor, after all, and those essences and stones won¡¯t just appear out of thin air. Or, well, my familiar does do that, but I believe that you understand my sentiment. Call it my pride showing itself again, but while troublesome, all those people seeking to test themselves against me¡­ They¡¯re an opportunity. For me, my path, my guild. And for me to gather all that I need to impact just a little bit more of this world.¡± As Kite finished, silence once more reigned. Both directors looked at him with their stern gazes, neither showing any response to Kite¡¯s words. He himself felt almost a little spent, but also, oddly, a bit satisfied. He had not given this matter proper thought lately, and looking at himself in the mirror that was his own words was eye-opening. Eventually, branch director Temren gave a single, curt nod. ¡°I see. You are very much a native of this land. I believe that with just a few changes in the overall culture, that drive could produce a lot of great adventurers. It is yet to be seen if you are one of said people reaching greatness, but I will agree that Task Group Gauntlet might even be a good fit for you. But I will also counsel you to tread carefully. What might look as an opportunity to you might well become your downfall, as the mighty drops those pretenses of ¡®honor¡¯ which you seem to hold so dear as soon as the eyes of the public aren¡¯t upon them. Because I have found that most of them do, as soon as a nuisance becomes great enough. At least the family of assassins in these parts are of a surprisingly public sort, and will introduce themselves properly before striking at you. I would also recommend that you stay within the adventure society campus for the rest of your stay in the capital, until the portal courier arrives. For your own safety.¡± ¡°Director, I-¡± ¡°That is not an order, adventurer. There is no contract between us, so I can only counsel. What you do is up to you, as adventurers of your rank are ultimately responsible for your own fates,¡± the director said, rising from her chair, the dismissal clear. ¡°Good day, adventurer Kite.¡± Then through a flick of her wrist and a ¡®snip¡¯ of her fingers which seemed to slice some particular thread of reality, branch director Anasta Temren disappeared.
¡°That was quite the pressure you put on him, Anasta,¡± deputy director Brackenstar noted once he joined the branch director in her study. It was only around ten minutes ago that the pair had met with the young silver ranker who was showing promise enough to warrant further training. ¡°You know how the locals usually are, Maximilian. I did tone it down once I got a good read on the boy,¡± the branch director defended herself, looking up from the stack of documents she was currently working through. ¡°And Jarvan¡¯s warm recommendation wasn¡¯t enough to make you give him a tiny sliver of the infamous benefit of the doubt?¡± This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. ¡°As his presence started stirring up trouble the moment he got here, I would say it was warranted. And besides, what is up with this offensive? Have you taken such a liking to the boy? That is not like you.¡± ¡°Perhaps it is just me being unused to actually having the softer touch for once,¡± deputy director Maximillian Brackenstar countered. ¡°And don¡¯t try to deflect this onto me, Anasta. You essentially goading him into continuing to be a target with that ¡®recommendation¡¯ of yours wasn¡¯t very subtle.¡± ¡°If the bait willingly declares its intent to seat itself onto the hook, who would I be if I didn¡¯t at least try to go fishing? Seeing something stir up the locals which isn¡¯t us for once will be a great opportunity to glimpse some more of the current playing field. Our agents can only tell us so much, especially as we are trying to keep up a facade of normalcy. Better to have Jarvan and the other more wayward branches start investigating their little theory. If there are actually unwanted divine fingers in the pie that is Heavenward, we should not act too early.¡± ¡°And with one sentence, your commoner heritage is laid bare without a doubt,¡± Maximilian teased as he sat down next to his superior. ¡°You¡¯re the only one in this bloody country with whom I can actually let loose a bit, you know? Gotta take any shot I can. But, back to the little silver ranker. Let him run around and fight his duels and make a nice little splash to make the fishies come looking. He¡¯ll probably get taken down a notch soon enough and that will be that. It will give him some contrast as to the instructors of the task groups. He may think he faces the elites here, but they¡¯ll surely give him something to remember.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be too sure, Anasta. I saw the duel earlier today. He was definitely holding back some rather potent advantage, and still he performed so well. What if the splash he makes is big enough for one of the actual powers of this little pond to take an interest?¡± ¡°Then our little volunteer worm will have given us a mighty good catch, wouldn¡¯t you say?.¡±
¡°I thank you for your assistance in tempering my path,¡± Kite said, bowing to his fallen opponent and to the acolyte of Warrior, the very same one as last time no less, before leaving for the exit. Behind him, he could see the same plethora of gazes as the last time, having fought the first duel merely three hours before. But this time, curiosity held an even greater share of the emotions held within the eyes that followed him. This foe had been another disciple of the Thunderous Soul sect, the man waiting outside the administration building with the challenge as Kite exited after his meeting. While this one had been skilled as well, relying on a conjured glaive and ramping strength-boons had brought his foe down even swifter than disciple Joy. ¡°I will admit that it was satisfying to see the look on his face once his increased strength was suppressed, but I need to be careful. They will swiftly grow wiser to my tricks,¡± Kite told Glint, hastily turning a corner and pulling the brim of his hat even lower as he saw yet another group of sect students in the distance. ¡°I will also admit that I did not expect this level of intensity. Perhaps the branch director was onto something, after all.¡± Thankfully, the streets of Heavenward were crowded, and that, in addition to the veils which Braid had made for Kite¡¯s hat long ago, helped to shield him from immediate recognition. He managed to make his way back to his lodgings, ordering dinner which he ate in his rather modest room. ¡°So, we just have to make it through six more days if the timetable holds, while extracting what we can from the opportunities that both the city and its people provide,¡± Kite said, Glint serving as an ever stoic sounding board. ¡°There should still be quite a lot of interesting stores and craftspeople here worth meeting. Maybe we could even see about finally upgrading your bottle to something more fitting?¡± At this, Kite received Glint¡¯s full interest, the little carp making joyous, sparkling laps around him. ¡°Unnecessary Frivolities.¡± Sage¡¯s projected meaning was filled with the closest thing the familiar came to a dry tone. Admittedly, this was pretty much the norm for the astral gatherer, but Kite still shot Sage a smug smile. ¡°Oh, be nice, Sage. Don¡¯t think I¡¯ve forgotten about you. Apparently, there is a renowned calligrapher here in town who works with enchanted ink to create permanent, three-dimensional pieces. I had planned for us to-¡± Kite stopped, as Sage had suddenly appeared close enough to his face that most of his ordinary field of vision was but a dark, inky void. It had happened in a literal eyeblink, the familiar moving faster than Kite thought it capable of. ¡°There Is No Time Like The Present!¡± The projected meaning hit Kite almost like a shout, an odd sensation in the actual silence of his room. ¡°Sage, most of us humanoids have certain opening hours for our businesses. I am quite sure that going to see the artist¡¯s gallery now would require us to perform quite a few criminal acts.¡± Kite¡¯s eyes then narrowed as he got a way too calculating feeling from his familiar, and decided to nip any ideas in the bud. ¡°Sage, I will not commit any crimes for this. We will wait until tomorrow. That is the end of it,¡± he said, trying his best auntie Crow imitation when she was using that stern but frustratingly reasonable voice. It still left Sage sulking in a corner and watching a lone moth circling a paper glow stone lantern outside, and Kite couldn¡¯t help but shake his head with a smile. ¡°Still, something the branch director said also gave me an idea for something to add to our list tomorrow. There might be some distant, adopted relatives for me here, after all.¡±
Pristine Mirror sat back, a thoughtful expression on her face. Initiate Sprig was still out trying to gather what information that he could on the current progress on the Pathbreaker¡¯s movements, but Mirror suspected that he would have plenty of company after the deputy director showed up. That was not what had created her pensive mood, however, but rather the short note which she had received from one of her best contacts at the adventure society administration; a contact which she would not be able to use again in the future after having them dig out this particular snippet of information. The note was short and succinct, carrying only two pieces of information; a confirmation of the Pathbreaker being accepted to try out for something called Task Group Gauntlet as well as the order for a portal courier. Mirror did not know what that particular task group did, but the confirmation was enough for her to know one thing; she would need to at least inform the elders of the sect about it. It would be out of her hands, the Pathbreaker becoming merely another piece in their little games against the adventure society, but it was for the best. Mirror was not fool enough to gamble on her own schemes in these matters, as the consequences of failing and not having told the elders were not a pleasant line of thought. ¡°Well, Pathbreaker, it was fun while it lasted. At least I can write to my aunt and tell her of your troubles,¡± Mirror thought, leaving her quarters and making her way to the heart of the sect compound.
¡°This¡­ I¡¯m not sure if this is what I expected,¡± Kite thought as he stood in front of the rather sizable city compound. The estate looked old, its design almost antique with a lot more little embellishments and varied colors than what most families preferred these days. And it was situated at the second plateau of the heavenly stairway, marking the owners as both old money and affluent. The functionary of the adventure society which he had asked for directions had looked at him very oddly when Kite had essentially strolled up and asked for directions to a famed family of assassins, but had easily been able to provide directions. From what auntie Crow had told Kite, her extended family lived entirely out in the open while plying their trade mostly as adventurers. The venerable building that was the Heavenward residence of the Tengu¡¯s clan was proof both that they had been there for a long time, as well as their continued affluence. ¡°I guess that there isn¡¯t much more to do than to announce myself,¡± Kite said to Glint, who was peeking out of her new and much more fancy dimensional bottle. It had only required two hours of work of modification for the silver-ranked craftsman to adjust the container to Kite¡¯s needs and Glint¡¯s most discerning specifications, and the carp now had plenty of space inside if she wanted to stretch her fins. He had offered her to change the bottle for something more dignified, but Glint had only wanted more embellishments while being happy with the format. Kite reached out to tug at the surprisingly beautiful braided rope next to the decorated wooden gates, but his fingers only had time to briefly brush its fibers before he froze as a powerful aura locked onto his. It felt as if shadows had stretched across all of his body, their touch soft but carrying a distinct promise of death should their controller wish for it. A nearby stretch of darkness beneath a decorative bush undulated slightly, before a pair of humanoid eyes with onyx irises emerged from its depths. ¡°What business do you have to come uninvited at the Tengu¡¯s doorstep?¡± The voice was like the soft whisper from someone standing just behind Kite, even though his expanded vision revealed it to not be the case, and he was unsure if he actually felt the slight sense of light breathing close to his ear or if it was only his mind making things up. Even as he took a steadying breath, Kite was very careful not to make any swift movements, be it in body or spirit. ¡°I came here at the behest of my auntie, or rather, my adopted mother. Curious Crow flies Swift. She sends her regards, and advised me to introduce myself to you, should I have the chance. My name is Kite Flo-¡± ¡°Your reasons are noted,¡± the voice interrupted him. ¡°We will ascertain your name and reason, and will contact you again, should we find it pertinent. For your sake, I hope that our investigations won¡¯t turn up something that disappoints us.¡± Then, the aura vanished in the blink of an eye, the shadows returning to normal. Kite remained frozen for a while, eventually relaxing slightly as Glint once more poke her head out from the bottle. ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize, little beaty,¡± Kite murmured, sensing her projected shame and apologies. ¡°It was wise of you to hide. That was someone far beyond us, so we can only hope that something good will come of it. Auntie Crow sent us here, after all, and her judgment has never been hasty or prone to risks.¡± He looked around at the lavish houses of his surroundings. ¡°This, and the fact that we managed to avoid the would-be challengers this morning as they got into a fight about first rights, means that we just got some more time than expected. I suppose that we could take some time to find that calligrapher-¡± ¡°Jubilations! Let Us Make Haste!¡±
A fist glowing with transcendent light impacted the face of Soul¡¯s opponent, turning the other woman into a pink-tailed comet as Dragonfly was launched away from her at great speed. While many silver-rankers might have been dazed by the impact, the glow within the passionate axe fighter only intensified as her animated axe intercepted her trajectory. Dragonfly shot out a hand, gripping the handle and letting the momentum take her through a tight turn as she swung around the now stationary fiery axe to launch herself back at Soul. ¡°I have to give it to you, you sure don¡¯t quit,¡± Soul noted as she sidestepped out of the way of a series of powerful swings, the light steps of her Water strider stance enabling the small, minute adjustment to flow around the potent attacks. ¡°And you keep accepting - kyaaaaaaaaahh! - every time!¡± Dragonfly retorted, accepting another one of Soul¡¯s quicker jabs on her rapidly regenerating and, by now, quite empowered body. ¡°One could almost think that I¡¯m wearing you down.¡± Soul¡¯s first response was to bend beneath an attack only to transition the motion into a swift leg-sweep. Dragonfly fell, but the animated axe came in swinging and bought the young woman a second to spring back to her feet. Her second response was to actually ponder the other woman¡¯s statement. ¡°Am I?¡± Their first bout had been rather uninteresting, with Soul venting a bit of her disappointment at the woman who had shown up at her door and had dared to get her hopes up. But to her surprise, Dragonfly had been back that very afternoon, repeating the challenge. They had reached the fifth day of that little routine by now, and Soul had to begrudgingly admit that she had almost started looking forward to the annoyingly perky woman standing at her doorstep. ¡°I suppose that tenacity does have some appeal,¡± Soul conceded, wanting to lash out in a flurry of blows to properly capitalize on an opening, but adjusting last minute as she had to take the ramping glow of her foe into account. Instead, she feinted, baiting out the swings of both axes before hitting Dragonfly with a descending elbow, sending the other silver-ranker staggering and creating yet another small crater in the soil of the sparring garden Soul had been assigned. One of the Eden family¡¯s youngest iron-rankers already stood ready to use his budding essence powers to clean up the place. ¡°And if I can hold myself back from crushing you quickly, you are actually becoming a bit of a challenge.¡± The clash continued for a while longer, Soul working hard to balance herself and her approach to Dragonfly¡¯s ramping capabilities, walking a tightrope of challenging herself which was ever-shifting. But when the pair finally wound down, the conflict ceasing, Soul also realized that her opponent was still on her feet. There wasn¡¯t any question of who had won the bout, but as she hadn¡¯t struck early, Soul realized that she had also lost the opportunity for a decisive and swift victory. ¡°Wow, you sure are something,¡± Dragonfly said, chopping her axe into the ground and sitting down while using the weapon as a backrest. ¡°I can totally see why Kite learned so much after a week with you. Still, his path is more annoying. At least you fight more directly.¡± Soul looked at the other woman for a while before coming to a decision, allowing herself to plop down on the ground opposite Dragonfly. ¡°He is the best sparring partner I¡¯ve met so far. Nothing to actually force you to progress than to have parts of your powers suppressed. My only disappointment is that he has so many entanglements to distract him. I hope he will come to his senses and embark on a more singular path towards the heavens.¡± ¡°Hey, don¡¯t you dare try to ruin him. Have you seen how earnest he can get with others he cares about? The world needs a lot more of that,¡± Dragonfly shot back with a smirk. She looked up at the approaching dusk, rising to her feet. ¡°Well, it¡¯s time to be off I suppose. Think that you¡¯ll accept my challenge tomorrow morning too?¡± Soul rose as well, shaking her head. ¡°Eh, don¡¯t bother. I have a contract tomorrow.¡± ¡°Oh, I see. Will-¡± ¡°So you might as well stay here so that we can get some sparring in before I leave. You¡¯ll be of more use to me if we can beat some better early-fight moves into you anyway.¡± Soul almost immediately changed her mind as Dragonfly¡¯s look of joy and victory at the other woman¡¯s invitation. Almost, but not really. 148. Admirably ¡°Hey, what are you looking at?¡± ¡°The dueling rankings. Haven¡¯t you heard?¡± ¡°No, what?¡± ¡°That guy we talked about yesterday? The Pathbreaker? He¡¯s on it now.¡± ¡°What? I thought he was an outcast?¡± ¡°He is?¡± ¡°Then how in the heavens did he end up on the dueling rankings of Heavenward¡¯s sects?¡± ¡°I honestly have no idea- Oh, greetings Grass!¡± ¡°Greetings to the both of you! Are you talking about the Pathbreaker?¡± ¡°We are. Somehow, he ended up on the rankings.¡± ¡°I just overheard some Heavenly Shadow students talking about it. Apparently someone decided to unofficially add him in order to lessen the amount of fights that were breaking out among students who wished to take him down a peg.¡± ¡°With that name, I¡¯m not surprised. So, what? Now only those in the vicinity of his ranking can challenge him?¡± ¡°You¡¯re right on the money. I heard that he¡¯s closing in on the top quarter of the list already, as people have been almost throwing themselves at him these last three days. But it should stop soon, because inner disciple Shard of the Heavenly Shadow sect has announced his intention to challenge him. The one who manages to get the best recording of this one should make a killing.¡± ¡°Heh. Poor guy. I saw inner disciple Shard at the last inter-sect tournament. Definitely wouldn¡¯t want to face all those bolts.¡±
¡°Sweet heavens- Wall!¡± As his opponent had blurred with motion yet again just before another of those accursed portals opened, Kite had no choice but to properly bunker down. The walls of his force cage had barely formed when a small aperture opened from yet another angle, joining the other two from which streams of glowing crossbow bolts were already pouring out towards him. At the other side of the force barrier, Kite could make out the focused face of his opponent as he infused mana into his crossbow yet again, reigniting the glow of the strange cartridge on top of it. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if that odd weapon should even be considered a crossbow in anything but form,¡± he swore. Taking on the first rapid-fire streams of bolt from the weapon had been easy enough, but his opponent, apparently an inner disciple of the Heavenly Shadow sect named Shard of Decreed Truth, had shown Kite why he was indeed highly ranked in the local dueling scene. Through powers relating both to time and dimension, and Kite suspected echo as well, his foe shot storms of bolts through varying dimensional rifts which in turn appeared to spit out an even greater number of bolts toward Kite from any angle. Harassing him with projected attacks had worked, but the man was simply too nimble and quick to be caught by Kite¡¯s singular strikes. Even a few minutes in, Kite had actually yet to hit the man, while even Kite¡¯s own substantial defenses would not be able to keep up for much longer, especially as the small portals that transmitted the attacks had proven surprisingly resistant to dispelling effects. ¡°I suppose that with the frequency of the challenges, this became inevitable,¡± Kite thought with a sigh, as he prepared. He could sulk later over having to reveal a bit more of his powers, because with the speed his barrier¡¯s were cracking, the time to act was sooner rather than later. ¡°One more piece to add to their puzzle. Warrior, witness me. And Fortune¡­ please, be kind?¡± Then, Immutable Echo appeared in Kite¡¯s hands and he made a wide sweep. A moment later, what remained of Leyline Warding detonated outward. The waves of resonating force broke the streams of bolts like a wave crashing against a hidden wall, but the momentum of the shockwaves was quickly being overcome. Still, Kite needed only a moment. And a word. ¡°Void!¡± The small apertures seemed to shift and shudder as something much greater opened above, a dark circle facing downwards to cover a surprising amount of the sparring arena. And while the small gates held firm, the streams of projectiles did not. A split moment after the dark gate opened, each and every projectile seemed to slow, halt and swerve, before being yanked upwards. Kite himself felt only an echo of the gate¡¯s pull, a feedback as his own power demonstrated its effects, but his opponent was not as unaffected. Inner Disciple Shard suddenly seemed to slow down, his nimble movements and dodges becoming somewhat sluggish, as if his momentum was being suppressed. Or devoured.
WWJS: Congratulations! Your ability [Gate of Nihility] has reached Silver 0 [Gate of Nihility] has gained additional effects. - Gate of Nihility - Spell. Cost: High mana/Very high mana Cooldown: 1h Current rank: Silver 0 Effect - Iron: Bring forth a short-lived wall of nothingness, up to five meters wide and three meters high. You have some control over the overall shape of the barrier. Any projectile or spell effect striking the wall is absorbed into the void and negated. Any being that comes into contact with the wall suffers a high amount of damage as they are forcibly ejected from the barrier. Attacks of higher rank may not be entirely negated. The barrier cannot move once created and cannot be summoned into the space of any creature. Effect - bronze: Gate exerts a pull on projectiles and other conjured or created magical effects in a wide area in front of it. Effect - Silver: You may increase the cost of the gate to very high mana in order to increase the pull of the aperture. This will greatly increase its effects on enemy projectiles and effects, as well as their momentum, lowering the [Speed] attribute for nearby enemies while the power is in effect. Additionally, any projectile or other effect absorbed will replenish some of your mana, proportionate to the power of the absorbed effect. This effect will allow you to temporarily exceed your maximum mana pool. Stored excess mana will bleed off in one hour unless spent.
To his credit, inner disciple Shard was only taken aback by the sudden development for a moment before he started adapting. ¡°Speed of the zephyr!¡± Kite could see the hastening spell spread through the man¡¯s body, pushing back the drain on his speed, further empowering it instead. And he could also see the moment an almost unnoticeable flickering slash grazed the inner disciple¡¯s side, snuffing out the boon in its infancy. ¡°Thank Fortune for fortuitous loot,¡± Kite thought as the Veiled One¡¯s Decree vanished back into his void sheath, its perceptual influence having let him land the projected attack even while he started his sprint. Mana filled him to the brim and beyond, but Gate of Nihility wouldn¡¯t last for long, and Kite meant to take advantage of the opportunity. Using both stored momentum and enchanted boots, Kite finally closed the distance to his slightly reeling foe, inner disciple Shard finally having been sent just a bit of balance as his speed rapidly shifted again. Matra¡¯s descendants had already appeared in Kite¡¯s hand to rain further attacks down on his foes, one wavy blade after another appearing to keep the projections going and his opponent off balance until, finally, he was within striking range. Immutable Echo swung down toward his foe, and Kite noted that Shard would rather accept the blow than to block with his weapon. Perhaps the odd artifact crossbow was fragile, at least for a silver-ranked item, or perhaps it was just sentiment. Still, a week of non-stop training with Soul let Kite instantly pick up on the openings that his foe¡¯s hesitation led to. Over the next minute, his attacks drank freely of the inner disciple¡¯s mana as Kite managed to keep dispelling or blocking the man¡¯s attempts to create further distance. Inner disciple Shard seemed especially frustrated when Kite finally managed to suppress his passive speed increase, and the bout proved to soon be over. ¡°I concede.¡± The words came mid-swing, Immutable Echo stopping just a few centimeters from the disciple¡¯s head, its remaining force sending cascading ripples throughout the dust and glittering motes of dissolving magic stirred up by their fight. His opponent held his head high even in defeat, having raised his arms as he surrendered, apparently not favoring having to be dragged unconscious from the arena. ¡°Then I thank you for your assistance in tempering my path,¡± Kite replied, nodding in respect to both his foe and the acolyte of Warrior watching over the proceedings. ¡°You should watch yourself, Pathbreaker,¡± the other man said stiffly. ¡°Heavenward isn¡¯t a place where outcasts like you will ever thrive.¡± The words were mostly proud bravado, but Kite still had to recognize that there was some truth to them. During the days of his stay in Heavenward so far, the number of people seeking him out had only kept increasing as news of his presence and recent exploits spread. The sect students had even seemed to start fostering some kind of collective pride, as Kite saw less and less animosity between the locals for each day. The rivalry of the different main sects and their subordinate organizations were still quite obvious and present, but his continued success putting a dampener on the contention between them filled Kite with both a bit of pride and concern. ¡°Then you will be pleased to hear that I am not intending to stay for long,¡± Kite replied evenly. ¡°Thus, there really isn¡¯t any more need to-¡± he began, but was interrupted as yet another group of sect students had emerged from the onlooking crowds, a silver-ranked leonid man marching proudly at their head. ¡°Pathbreaker! I, Strides of Conviction, challenges-¡± However, even before Kite had the time to turn towards the new arrival, another lone figure had flickered out onto the dueling arena. A draconian with golden scales clad in robes of black, grey and blue bowed politely before Kite, her face placid as she blocked his view of the approaching leonid. ¡°Pathbreaker, I would request a moment of your time,¡± she said, voice smooth. However, not even her tall form could block out the increasingly irate calls from behind her which drew ever closer. ¡°Wait! Heavens curse you, I said wait!¡± The leonid eventually arrived as well, stepping into the conversation. Kite did note, however, that he did so at a respectable distance from the draconian. ¡°Inner disciple Stride,¡± the draconian said politely, feigning ignorance at having stepped into what the leonid seemed to regard as his opportunity. ¡°Inner disciple Chime,¡± the leonid shot back, his acknowledgement terse. ¡°You are interrupting my challenge, as is my right due to my standing in the dueling ranking.¡± ¡°Ah, then I regret to point out that the right was yours, inner disciple.¡± ¡°What?¡± the leonid growled, aura flaring slightly. But before he could say more, a bronze-ranker wearing the same sect robes as the irate man came running over, waving a piece of paper in his hand. Strides of Conviction snatched it, brows furrowing as he read. Meanwhile, the draconian lady, Chime, leaned conspiratorially toward Kite while not diminishing her smooth, polite voice in the slightest. ¡°As the esteemed inner disciple Stride here will soon notice, your victory here today will have moved you up enough in the rankings to make me eligible to challenge you. And as the higher-ranked duelist, I have first pick.¡± Kite¡¯s confusion only grew along with Stride¡¯s obvious frustration as the leonid bent to have a harshly whispered conversation with the initiate at his side. ¡°Wait? Ranking? Pardon me, senior sister, but I don¡¯t-¡± You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. ¡°Then I would say we have all the more reason to talk properly before any arrangements are made, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± she replied, giving Kite an indulgent smile. ¡°If it pleases you, I have some time to spare right away, and know of an excellent restaurant where we can get some refreshments too.¡± ¡°Now wait just a moment-¡± the leonid began, but an arched look from inner disciple Chime silenced him. He gave them both a glare which told, in no uncertain terms, that this matter would be revisited in the future, before striding off along with his fellow sect members. The small crows were abuzz with murmured conversation, and Kite¡¯s silver ranked hearing allowed him to notice the term ¡®Silent Horizon sect¡¯ being mentioned quite a lot. Turning back to the draconian, Kite bowed politely. ¡°Then it seems I will be in senior sister¡¯s care. Would it be too bold of me to inquire about the senior''s name?¡± Compared to the other challengers who had pestered him for his stay, turning what he hoped would be a good opportunity into something closing in on constant interruptions, being offered food and conversation before a potential fight at least sounded a lot nicer. ¡°Oh, you are right. Where are my manners?¡± the draconian said, not seeming to feel the slightest bit of actual shame. ¡°My name is Chime of Morrow¡¯s Bounty, and I am an inner disciple of the Silent Horizon sect. And I believe that I have a few proposals for you, Pathbreaker.
¡°Disciple Mirror, please sit,¡± grand elder Slate said, and Mirror hurried to obey, bowing deeply before sitting down in the indicated space. ¡°Relax, child. You are not in trouble. Quite the contrary,¡± the gold ranked elf said placatingly. ¡°Due to your efforts in following the sect¡¯s ideals and diligence in reporting your findings, we have been given an opportunity.¡± ¡°Your thanks are unnecessary, grand elder. I will ever strive to follow the sect¡¯s tenets,¡± Mirror replied, bowing again. She held back the question burning in her chest, but grand elder Slate seemed to pick it out of her aura with ease. Mirror almost felt like a child again in front of the gold-ranker in all of her pale perfection. ¡°Curiosity of said opportunity is only natural, child. And it is important that you know, as this is an opportunity that will be shared with you.¡± Slate said, a hint of amusement in her voice. ¡°So, ask your questions.¡± ¡°Thank you, grand elder, for indulging me,¡± Mirror said, bowing deeply enough for her pale hair to fall like a curtain in front of her face. ¡°I did indeed want to inquire about the opportunity. The Pathbreaker, while slightly troublesome for the pride of us in the younger generation, shouldn¡¯t be considered so important on his own. Yet we have all been instructed to report any deeper ties to the adventure society that we can find. Why is that? And what is Task Group Gauntlet?¡± ¡°Task Group Gauntlet is an internal force within the adventure society specially trained and suited to take down or bring in rogue essence users or similarly magical beings,¡± grand elder Slate answered, her tone that of a lecturer. ¡°And while it is not the group¡¯s purpose in itself that is troublesome, the Pathbreaker¡¯s admission to their trials is a herald of worrisome developments. The Adventure Society is in some ways a great boon to the civilized lands, or at least that is what they want most to believe. But you should be old enough now, child, to see that their true purpose is to contain and control us, bringing their foreigner notions of how this country and its warriors claim our paths towards the heavens. If we let them, they will gradually tighten their noose of rules and ideals around us. So far, our noble kingdom has been able to resist much of that, using them as the administrative servants they should be to organize contracts for our warriors in their tempering. But it is a constant struggle, and that this Pathbreaker is now invited to try out for their inner circles means that they are looking for yet more ways to subvert our young generations and turn them into their weapons. Weapons that could very well be directed against us in the future. So, you see, it is not the Pathbreaker himself, but what his joining would represent. There are many who would not go beyond calling him a traitor to this kingdom for even considering going.¡± ¡°And you, grand elder?¡± Mirror asked, daring to look up at the gold-ranker. ¡°Me? My sentiments aren¡¯t so drastic. The boy comes from the backwaters, a rough gem of talent who has made it surprisingly far. But he is still so very young, and I can hardly fault him for being misled. Youth has fooled many of us into actions we later regret.¡± ¡°What should we do, then, grand elder? What is the wish of the sect?¡± ¡°We need to help him, of course. To make him realize the way he has been misled, and to deny the adventure society the opportunity they are looking for. The Pathbreaker is but a small, unwitting piece in our games against them, but one we can¡¯t just let those foreigners convert. That is why the sect wants to give you the opportunity to convince him, and if that remains impossible, seize him. We can hold him until he comes to his senses. Who knows, maybe we can even show him enough of our greatness to convince him to join our glorious ranks? I have seen some of the recordings, and a path such as his might be an excellent way of improving our standings here in the long term. Bring two other disciples of your choosing, and rest easy that I will personally oversee this and make sure that any undue outside interference is kept at bay.¡± ¡°I see. Thank you, grand elder. When do you wish for us to perform this task?¡± Mirror said, mind already abuzz with what this could mean for her and her rise within the sect. ¡°The day after tomorrow, one day before the portal courier is scheduled to arrive. Best to make sure that the adventure society is robbed of their opportunity but with as little time as possible for them to try and work against us.¡± ¡°And if they do, grand elder? Retaliate, that is?¡± Mirror asked, deciding to give voice to one of her worries. ¡°Then they show their true nature most openly, which in turn allows us to act more openly against them. While it carries risk, this outcome could also prove to be quite beneficial. But do not worry about that, child. The sect leader would step in and take care of things, should this come to pass. Now, consider yourself dismissed. I have other duties to attend to. Perform well in this matter, and plenty of opportunities will await you in the future, Pristine Mirror.¡±
It turned out that Chime of Morrow¡¯s Bounty had indeed been correct when she said that she knew an excellent restaurant. Even so, Kite had trouble focusing on the exquisitely cooked river fish in his bowl, the topic of conversation feeling a bit more pressing. ¡°So someone just added me to the rankings?¡± he asked, repeating himself as he still found it hard to believe. ¡°Yes. You may not be of the sects, but with the stir your name and subsequent skill has caused so far, someone apparently thought it relevant to be an exception. Maybe it was some elder, wanting to spur us all on?¡± Chime mused, already having finished her meal. She leaned back against the seat in their private booth, feeding her privacy screen another small spirit coin to keep its effect up. ¡°But¡­ why? I would have thought that the novelty would have passed by now. I¡¯m just one silver-ranker among many. Do not misunderstand, senior sister, facing your peers has been an excellent opportunity for tempering and profit.¡± ¡°Oh, I can imagine,¡± Chime said with a polite smile. ¡°And had you lost by the first or second duel, maybe even the thirds, then the matter would soon be forgotten as another upstart outcast who was taught his place. But you have been here for soon to be five days now, and fought in many more duels than that. And so far, you haven¡¯t lost. Not even barely, even though I must say that I believe that I can start to notice a slight strain in your victories. This is quite galling for the sects, as you can probably imagine. Our standing and perceived power are as important as our actual capabilities, after all.¡± ¡°As I said, all my opponents so far have been skilled, even though my path has proven itself stronger in the end.¡± ¡°Do not sell yourself too short with humility, Pathbreaker. You have garnered more attention than any outcast in the last dozen years here in the capital. I would rather see that you stepped up. Which happens to be connected to one of the opportunities I was speaking of earlier.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Kite asked, indicating for the draconian to continue as she got to the heart of the matter. ¡°So this admittedly lovely lunch wasn¡¯t just a nicer way to deliver a challenge?¡± ¡°Indeed it was not,¡± Chime said, letting the slight barb in Kite¡¯s word slide. ¡°But first, I would like to ask you something, Pathbreaker; what do you know of my sect? The Silent Horizon?¡± ¡°Admittedly, only the name,¡± Kite confessed, absently feeding some pieces of fried bread in a sweet sauce to an enthusiastic Glint. ¡°Compared to the Thunderous Soul sect or even the Heavenly Shadows, you seem to stay quite removed from things. I suppose I could have found out more had I attempted to actually look into the matter. But as things have been the last few days, there has honestly been little time for that. I¡¯ve had to change lodgings twice now to avoid being woken up by a challenger knocking on my door. Or hovering outside my window,¡± he finished, wincing at the rather awkward start of the current day. ¡°Then allow me to enlighten you,¡± Chime said, placing her sect¡¯s insignia at the table for Kite to inspect. It was a simple round badge, a stark, clean black line separating it into two halves; the upper one being sky blue and the lower half being the same gray as the inner disciple¡¯s robes. ¡°Our sect, like most others claim to be, is a place of learning and of finding strength. We have a martial heritage stretching back almost all the way back to the kingdom''s founding, centered around our delvings into combat meditations. The tenets of the sect is to constantly strive for insight and enlightenment by gazing towards the horizon and the heavens above, taking each step towards that goal through improving ourselves and our paths. However, the reason that you did not immediately know much about us is that we try to stay as removed as possible from the politicking and intrigue, each member trying to dedicate as much time as possible to their paths. For some, this is done through hunting monsters while others strive for martial perfection through dueling. We have several renowned crafters and scholars as well who share our path of contemplation.¡± ¡°And how has trying to stay out of politics gone for you so far?¡± Kite asked, a bit of his skepticism leaking through. ¡°It is an inevitable part of society, but ever since our current sect leader ascended to his seat just shy of two decades ago, it has gone better than expected. Although I suppose that our members making up over half of the positions in the top quarter of the dueling ladder does help. Our sect may be the smallest in number, but not in the strength of our paths,¡± Chime said, her voice filled with obvious pride. ¡°Mostly, we try to stay out of as many worldly matters as we can. Me stepping in today was an obvious exception, of course. But that is because you, Pathbreaker, might be a good fit for joining our ranks.¡± While Kite had suspected that recruitment might have been Chime¡¯s objective, having heard more about the Silent Horizon sect and their seemingly exacting standards still left him a bit surprised that this was actually the case. ¡°You did not expect the offer?¡± Chime asked, one scaled eyebrow raised. ¡°It is not only my decision, of course, but one of the elders gave me permission to approach you if I thought that we could benefit from it. And you could as well, Pathbreaker. You seem to have a lot of talent and a rather odd, if effective path. With some legitimacy of membership behind you, I know that you could find both the opportunities of tempering and the peace to reflect and improve here in the capital.¡± Kite leaned back in his seat as well, ostensibly giving the matter some thought even though he inwardly knew what his answer would be. Still, he tried to fight through those feelings and truly reflect upon it. Chime¡¯s pitch wasn¡¯t too bad, but those were only her words in the end. And heaps of experience dealing with the sects so far still left enough of a bad impression in the end. Kite just couldn¡¯t imagine himself thriving in such an environment, especially not with all of his other projects. ¡°The offer is generous, senior sister,¡± he began, bowing politely where he sat. ¡°From what you describe, your sect sounds like the one most suitable for me among all the ones I have encountered so far. But there is much you don¡¯t know about me, too. I have other obligations that I have imposed upon myself, both in the near future and further down the path.¡± ¡°Are you sure, Pathbreaker? I assure you that the offer isn¡¯t extended to just anyone,¡± the draconian pressed, but sat back as she apparently felt the resolve from Kite¡¯s aura. ¡°I see that you are. It is a shame, but I suppose that you cannot force such decisions. And the elder in question did instruct me to deliver another offer in case of your refusal; come and visit us and see for yourself. You may even work and train along with our members for a time, no strings attached. While our inner teachings would be beyond you, it should be enough to prove the truth of my words. What obligation outside of the capital could trounce such an opportunity?¡± While inner disciple Chime did not seem angry, her frustration and incomprehension was at least clear enough. ¡°It does seem like the sect means a lot to senior sister, at least,¡± Kite commented, trying for his best apologetic smile. ¡°That is because it is a marvel; a bastion of integrity in a world of chaos. Even when forced to nudge the games of our surroundings, we always return to what truly matters; our paths. Our sect leader, Ardent Horizon Seeker, is an example for all the warriors of Hua-Xi to live up to, the most powerful gold-ranker of our country after the king. Step by step, he has shed his worldly dealings for insight, even able to move past the scandal all those years ago.¡± As she spoke, Kite saw the pure conviction in the draconian¡¯s eyes. Sure, there was pride in there. No small amounts. But somehow, Kite felt that it wasn¡¯t pride in herself and the status she got from associating with the sect; Chime of Morrow¡¯s Bounty truly meant her adoration for the organization and its leader. And while he doubted that he would share it to that extent, Kite had to admit that it made him curious enough to want to know at least a bit more. ¡°I truly believe that senior sister¡¯s dedication is beyond reproach,¡± he said carefully, weighing his words. ¡°However, I will only stay in the capital for two more days before leaving, not knowing when I will return. But if the offer is an open one¡­¡± Kite ventured, gauging the draconian¡¯s reaction. ¡°The elder gave no instructions that it was not,¡± Chime confirmed, seeming pleased that Kite had not rejected this offer as well. ¡°You are free to come and witness our purpose for yourself upon your return. I am sure that you will not regret it.¡± ¡°Senior sister¡¯s words were indeed moving,¡± Kite agreed. As they had both finished their food and tea, Kite looked around. Catching his meaning, inner disciple Chime smiled again. ¡°As for the final topic I wanted to broach with you¡­¡± she began, and the distinct lack of the word ¡®offer¡¯ gave Kite a rather clear idea as to what she was after. ¡°You would like to challenge me into a duel,¡± he noted, her pleased smile all the confirmation he needed. ¡°How could one not want to see what opportunity for tempering you and your odd path can offer?¡± Chime asked innocently. ¡°Although I would like it to be an actual private affair. Just you, me and the officiator. No stakes, only tempering.¡± Seeing the expectant look on the draconian¡¯s scaled features, the tip of her tail twitching slightly in anticipation, Kite sighed inwardly. He had to admit that he was curious as to what path might earn itself the position of inner disciple in a sect such as hers. And the lunch had been quite excellent. ¡°Lead the way then, senior sister. I will be in your care.¡±
¡°Was it really that bad?¡± Dragonfly asked incredulously, wrapping herself in a towel after having enjoyed the excellent bathing facilities of Soul¡¯s patron family. The Eden family had been over the moon with another silver-ranker staying with them, extending every courtesy as Dragonfly had joined Soul in her training as well as the other matters in which the family required their assistance. ¡°I know you like fighting people more than monsters, but clearing those contracts is important for the people. And it''s not like we don¡¯t get paid well either.¡± As usual, Soul had foregone the bath as a waste of time, using crystal wash to quickly get back to training. While she was speaking with Dragonfly, the celestine woman was also eyeing a new martial arts manual, idly copying some of the motions depicted in the instructions with her left hand. ¡°Meh, it was decent. But monsters are just so¡­ boring. Sure, there are tons of varieties, and silver-ranked ones are at least a lot smarter. But I¡¯m a warrior, Dragonfly. To truly excel and actually test myself, other warriors are what I need to focus on.¡± ¡°Or maybe you are just grumpy that I killed more of them.¡± ¡°I am not.¡± Soul¡¯s reply was terse and swift. Too swift. ¡°Oh, really? Because from my count, I did at least three of them in by the time you did one.¡± ¡°And I was untouched, while you were covered in wounds.¡± ¡°Which is kind of the whole point of my path. Not a valid argument.¡± ¡°Bah!¡± Soul snorted, trying to dismiss the question. But found that Dragonfly¡¯s victorious smirk in her periphery grated on her a lot more than she would have liked to admit. She ignored it for one minute, then two. The third minute of silence only got to live half of its shuddering, frail lifetime before it was shattered by Soul cursing. ¡°Heaven¡¯s take you! Fine. We¡¯ll do another few tomorrow. And I will show you that today was merely happenstance. There is no trouncing perfection.¡± But, contrary to her words, it seemed that Dragonfly¡¯s silent smile had done the job admirably. 149. Misled son ¡°I will admit that I thought that I had you there for a moment, Pathbreaker,¡± Chime of Morrow¡¯s Bounty said after collecting herself. ¡°You actually possessing the famed power of Immortality was a rather unpleasant surprise.¡± Kite thought that he could detect a bit of a sour hint in the draconian¡¯s otherwise perfectly pleasant demeanor, one which Chime had kept all throughout their bout in the private sparring arena. It had been an odd experience to feel such outward equanimity from a person while she was showing off a brutal yet surprisingly sophisticated fighting style. Kite suspected that Chime possessed both the claw and tail essences, as her dragon-like body was empowered in a way akin to Soul¡¯s. And much like when sparring with said celestine, many of Kite¡¯s dispelling powers had less to work with, robbing him of his usual advantage in leaving his opponent floundering without parts of their powers or turning their powers into a trap. ¡°Senior sister is most skilled,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°Fortune smiled upon me that I recently had the chance of training quite rigorously against someone with a slightly similar power set. It let me shore up some weaknesses in my technique.¡± ¡°Oh? Anyone that you think would be a good fit for the sect? With your recommendation, I¡¯m sure that we would at least consider meeting them,¡± Chime said, once more pouncing on the chance of improving the strength of her organization. ¡°In some ways, she would probably be the most perfect student you could imagine,¡± Kite said as he thought about it. ¡°Almost too perfect. Soul seems dedicated to her path to an even greater extent than what you have described. She¡­ doesn¡¯t seem to do too well with people. Unless she is fighting them.¡± ¡°Well, at least send this Soul our way, should you have the chance. And I assure you that you too will find even stronger opponents from my sect. Of our inner disciples, I am only of middling ranks,¡± Chime assured. Kite felt a mix of anticipation and trepidation at the thought, especially as Chime herself was in the top quarter of the city¡¯s silver-rankers already. ¡°In regards to that¡­ This junior might be presumptuous, but I do hope that the details of my little fallback might be kept between us?¡± Kite asked, knowing that the answer probably wouldn¡¯t be what he hoped. ¡°In that, junior brother, I can at least partially acquiesce. Only my fellow sect members will partake of the information, as doing anything else would be breaking my oaths to them,¡± Chime said, looking thoughtful before her fanged mouth turned upwards in a grin. ¡°However, we have no compunctions in letting the Thunderous Soul or the Heavenly Shadow find out in their own time.¡± ¡°Then I thank senior sister for the courtesy,¡± Kite replied, bowing as he decided to be content with what he had. ¡°And I repeat that you are most welcome to take us up on our offer any time, Pathbreaker. You were leaving soon, no?¡± ¡°The day after tomorrow,¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°Then I shall work hard and look forward to our rematch,¡± Chime said as they stopped outside the sparring arena. They could both sense several curious eyes upon them, would-be onlookers who had not been allowed in. Kite would have expected some prying eyes, but Chime had insisted on the privacy arrays of the private sparring halls. Not wanting to broadcast one¡¯s rarer techniques to the world was not entirely uncommon, after all. The draconian bowed politely to Kite, who returned the gesture. ¡°Take care, Pathbreaker. Until we meet again.¡± Then, she was off, ignoring the questions of some of the people rushing up to her as she crossed the small plaza outside. Kite also took the chance to duck behind a corner. ¡°Let us see if we can find some peace and quiet, Glint,¡± he murmured to the carp peeking out of her flask. ¡°The day after tomorrow, we will hopefully be on our way. It has been profitable, true, but even I am getting a bit tired of duels. Let us do our best to actually keep our profile low, move to a new hotel so as to not be disturbed, and have an enjoyable last day in Heavenward.¡±
¡°Tell me what you have found out, child,¡± Slate of Absolute Intent said as Mirror entered her study. While the gold-ranked elder was sitting idly sipping a cup of tea, Mirror herself was dressed for the upcoming task; combat robes, the protective version of the Heavenly Shadow¡¯s sect medallion and all of the other things she would need stored in her personal storage space. ¡°At once, elder,¡± Mirror said, bowing. ¡°My sources managed to track the Pathbreaker''s latest change of lodgings, and Fortune is smiling upon us as he chose to spend this night at the Vibrant Verse.¡± ¡°And why is that fortunate, child?¡± elder Slate asked indulgently. ¡°The Vibrant Verse has a secluded garden that should be perfect for our purposes. Their owner is a local who has been ever supportive for our cultural independence. I believe that he has soon even saved up enough for essences, hoping for his oldest daughter to join one of the sects in the future. Having that assistance should make it easy enough to get the Pathbreaker where we want him.¡± Elder Slate nodded in agreement. ¡°It seems that your preparations have gone well, child. While probably unnecessary, I will make sure that you are not disturbed. We can always hope that the young man can be convinced to see what he has no doubt been manipulated and groomed into, but I will trust that you have chosen your support with his path in mind?¡± ¡°I have, elder. He may be skilled, but he is only one man. With disciples Reed and Surge alongside me, subduing him should only be a matter of time if it proves necessary.¡± ¡°Then things are in place. Take pride, child. While this blow will be but a minor one to the adventure society here in Hua-Xi, it will still be felt. And perhaps even more important; we also get to liberate a misled son of our kingdom.¡±
As the sun streamed in through the wide windows of Kite¡¯s suite, he was lost in concentration. From where he sat, slightly hovering above the floor as he meditated, Kite tried to see everything. Some might have said that he already did, his perception power allowing for the ever-useful all-round vision. But much like with the perception of a normal ranker, keeping everything clear was quite taxing. Even so, Kite took some time most days to practice, emptying his mind as he tried to widen his field of absolute focus and attention, from the slightest gleam of the sun in polished wood the the light motions of the thin curtains, he did his utmost to actually take it all in rather than let his brain filter. That gleam he would have overlooked could prove to be the blade of a stealthy opponent, after all. And the clarity also just felt right somehow. Kite¡¯s serene state was broken, however, as his aura senses picked up the aura of a normal-ranked woman getting close to this door, her intent to announce herself clear in her aura. Even without prying deeper, Kite¡¯s spiritual equivalent of a passing glance revealed a bit of flustered nervousness and attraction in her aura as well. He put it aside, however, as it wasn¡¯t something personal toward him, but rather an involuntary reaction many normal rankers had when encountering those who had undergone the magical perfecting process. ¡°Still, imagine what this must be like for Serene?¡± Kite mused to himself as he sunk to the floor, rising just as the light knock came at his door. ¡°As a quite pretty celestine with a fourfold aura, sensing the lust of others must be a near constant.¡± It was indeed the hotel owner¡¯s daughter on the other side, who bowed politely. ¡°My Lord, as the day is a fine one, we took the liberty of arranging breakfast for you in the secluded garden. I am sure that you will find it most pleasing.¡± The woman did her best to keep her eyes averted, and Kite did not call her out on the few glances that strayed his way. Instead he nodded, agreeing with her statement. ¡°A pleasant surprise indeed. Lead the way, and give my regards to your father for the consideration.¡± She led him through corridors of the finely crafted building, keeping demurely silent. Kite¡¯s mind wandered as he trailed her, thinking about how to spend what might as well be his last day in the capital. Those thoughts were scattered as his guide opened a door out to a surprisingly spacious inner garden, with plenty of decorative trees and sculpted bushes to provide privacy. But it was the slight tingle of the privacy array he passed through that had him the most surprised. ¡°This does explain the rather steep cost of the establishment,¡± Kite thought, only picking out part of the formations involved. ¡°I bet that Braid would dismiss them, though. He-¡± He was interrupted as he felt another presence in the garden; a silver rank aura which was tightly controlled but not hidden. It gave off the feeling of the sun reflected back at him from a chamber of mirrors, each image differing from the one before. ¡°Will I have company?¡± he asked, turning around to look at the owner¡¯s daughter. She looked confused, barely seeming to have heard Kite¡¯s question as she was instead focusing on another person who had approached her in the corridor. ¡°Father? What-¡± she asked, but the rest was cut off as the owner of the hotel stepped out, bowing briefly to Kite before sliding shut the door leading out. Kite was just about to step back inside and demand an explanation when another voice called to him from the center of the secluded garden. ¡°Pathbreaker, please join me for breakfast.¡± The voice was feminine and polite, its source the same reflective silver-ranked aura Kite had felt before. ¡°And its owner¡¯s presence here means that I probably was not as circumspect in my change of lodgings as I thought. Seems like there will be at least one duel today too,¡± Kite thought helplessly. He did consider just leaving, but decided against it. The owner and his daughter were probably going to lose out if he didn¡¯t meet whoever set this up, and Kite hoped that they at least stood to gain something from being dragged into the games of the mighty. A human woman waited for him at a table in the garden¡¯s midst, laden with food and surrounded by pleasant greenery. She was of silver rank, and a bit more advanced than Kite himself. Her carefully arranged ringlets of dark hair indicated that she had put some thought into her appearance for this meeting, shining silver earrings complimenting her looks nicely. But the white and gray combat robes she was wearing with the sect medallion of the Heavenly Shadow sect on full display quashed any lingering hope Kite might have that this was merely a social call. Kite also had an eerie sense of slight familiarity, as if he had met someone similar to his unbidden companion. ¡°While I had hoped to spend the last day in the capital in relative peace, it seems that the heavens do not wish for me to go without a duel today,¡± Kite said in way of greeting, sitting down across from the woman. While the thought of facing yet another opponent was still a bit exciting, it warred with the weariness the constant challenges had left in him during these past days. ¡°May I inquire the name of my would-be opponent?¡± ¡°I think you misunderstand the purpose of this meeting, Pathbreaker. I do not have the qualifications to challenge you, as my ranking is not sufficient,¡± she answered, taking a sip of tea with delicate precision. ¡°As for my name, you might recognize it in part. My name is Pristine Mirror, disciple of the Heavenly Shadow sect.¡± Kite froze slightly at the mention of the Pristine family name, his surprise obvious. ¡°I¡­ see¡­¡± he said, suddenly even more wary that he was not wearing his armor. While he had splurged on Braid weaving lighter protective enchantments into the loose blue silk jacket and dark pants that were one of his casual outfits, Kite knew them to be quite insufficient should any real combat break out. Apparently picking up on the tension, Pristine Mirror waved a hand as if to dismiss something unimportant. ¡°While I admit that I have been tasked with balancing out the stain on our family name your interference brought, that is a task beneath my purpose here. Whatever you did to have my aunt and uncle up in arms is not relevant to me being here.¡± While this did put Kite slightly more at ease, it also gave rise to questions. And further worries. ¡°Then may I inquire as to why the disciple is here, if not to attempt to set right the grievances of your family? Because heavens as my witness, they were and remain in the wrong.¡± ¡°I am here because you are about to do something foolish, Pathbreaker, enough so that the elders of my sect felt that we needed to intervene. You should not, under any circumstance, leave for this Task Group Gauntlet,¡± Pristine Mirror said severely. The mentioning of Kite¡¯s destination, undisclosed to anyone but the directors of the local branch and their staff, was unexpected enough that it took a second for Kite to center himself again, implications of her statements buzzing around his mind. ¡°To know of that, you must have some very good sources,¡± Kite responded, taking the time to gather his aura into even more of a wall than before. The conversation had not gone how he expected, and the change was not for the better. ¡°Even so, I fail to see the relevance to either you or your sect, disciple.¡± ¡°It is of the greatest relevance to us, Pathbreaker. To all of the sects, in fact. I¡¯d even venture so far as to say to every citizen in this kingdom. Whatever the society has told you, of opportunities or rewards, you have been misled. They claim to bring stability and security, but we have long seen the poison in their words. Through that stability, they mean to suffocate what makes our culture and our warriors unique, molding young prodigies away from the culture in which they were born. You are being misled and deceived to serve them directly, or even worse, to return as a weapon directed against our throats¡­ It cannot be allowed to stand.¡± Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Kite couldn¡¯t help his growing incredulousness as she spoke, as from what he could gather, Pristine Mirror was serious. ¡°Disciple, I knew that there has long been tension between the sects and the adventure society, but from your words¡­ I truly had not fathomed that it was to this extent.¡± ¡°Of course you would not. They would not let you know, the adventure society that is. Molding a warrior is not always an overt process, and I am glad that you can at least see your own lacking knowledge,¡± Mirror said. ¡°One should always strive to reflect upon one¡¯s self, as many of us are just proverbial frogs in our well,¡± Kite acknowledged. ¡°But you misunderstand me, disciple. I believe that the one deepest in their own well here is you. Because while I aim to widen these horizons of mine, your words make it seem that both you and your sect just wished to close yours off, claiming the walls of the well to be the only true and immutable state of things,¡± he said, raising a hand to forestall Mirror¡¯s protest. ¡°I am aware that the adventure society isn¡¯t without its complexities as well, as no institution seems to be able to avoid politicking and only stay true to its purpose. But I have met plenty of good people both inside it and outside of it, and their contracts and structure has guided me to protect and help many. That is more than can be said of many of the sects I have encountered so far. You paint a picture of a world of absolutes, disciple. I may still be young, but I have found that through accepting the scales of gray, I can find purpose. Your warnings will be noted, but this is something which is up to me and my path.¡± Kite suspected that this argument could have become a lengthy one had he let it, so he chose the more direct route. The disciple was at least there talking to him, but he got the creeping feeling that he should try and leave the capital as soon as possible. ¡°I might even have to crawl back to the director and take up her offer of lodgings,¡± he had time to think in the silence which followed him, in no uncertain terms, renouncing the disciple¡¯s view of the way things were. He sensed a ripple in Pristine Mirror¡¯s aura as she seemed to be steeling herself. ¡°That is a shame, Pathbreaker. Apparently, it will take a much longer conversation for us to undo the way you have been led to think.¡± ¡°I believe that we are done here, disciple,¡± Kite said, rising to his feet. And just in time, too. Through his expanded vision, he noted a rustle of leaves and a streak of motion aiming straight for his back. It moved fast, too fast for him to turn and even too fast to finish his chanted ¡°ward¡±. But not too fast for his thoughts, and the surge of mana which followed. Metallic tattoos lit up all over Kite¡¯s body, and four semi-corporeal arms formed in an instant. One reached back and clasped the wrist of the outstretched arm of his swift would-be assailant, another grasped the still open suppression collar in said arm. In one smooth motion which Kite thought would have made Soul proud, the other two of his conjured arms reached back and yanked the approaching assailant out of her trajectory, dragging her into the spin he had already begun. The surprised sect disciple was swept around in a swift arc, used to intercept a trio of stone slugs shot at Kite from another direction before thrown directly towards Pristine Mirror. The woman looked dismissively at the human projectile, and Kite felt her mana surge before whatever teleportation she was attempting was cut short by the trio of vortices suddenly directing their focus against her. This gifted Kite a pleasing look of surprise before the thrown disciple collided with her, sending them both staggering backwards rather indignantly. Still, silver rank gifted them reflexes and balance enough to quickly right themselves, landing steadily just a split second later as the third assailant came hovering out of the nearby bushes, stone spheres spinning around him. Three silver-rankers; Pristine Mirror, the elven woman who had tried to collar Kite and the smolder with the stone powers. All wore the sect robes and medallions of the Heavenly Shadow sect. Feeling the remnants of two dissolving concealing formations led Kite to think, or at least hope, that there weren''t more of them hiding in the secluded garden. Especially since he felt the arrays surrounding the gardens intensify, a layer of protection coming alive. It was only a civilian building, and Kite suspected that he could break through them with a bit of effort and time. But with three hostile silver-rankers surrounding him, time to expend such effort was not something he expected in the near future. ¡°So you would resort to kidnapping those who do not share your worldviews, disciple? You are going quite all-in on proving me right,¡± he said, gauging the situations while trying to formulate some kind of plan. ¡°We will do what is needed to save Hua-Xi and our way of life, as well as a wayward son,¡± Pristine Mirror shot back. ¡°Don¡¯t make this harder on yourself than it has to be.¡± Kite looked at the collar still held in one spectral hand, yanked free when he threw the disciple trying to clasp it around his neck. ¡°It seems like self-delusion runs in the family, Pristine Mirror. Your aunt was also quite adamant in telling herself that she was just ¡®guarding the queen¡¯s trial¡¯.¡± ¡°He¡¯s draining our mana,¡± the elven woman hissed as vigorous green energies started sparking through her body, her outline blurring. ¡°Don¡¯t let him stall!¡± ¡°Wall!¡± Her lightning-quick charge was interrupted by the sudden appearance of the force walls from Leyline Warding in the usual forest of segments which had long become Kite¡¯s go-to tactic when facing multiple opponents. The segment cracked ominously by the impact, the elven disciple having caught herself on hands and knees while more launched stone spheres were already mowing into another set of barriers. As he retreated a bit further to see if he could bait his swiftest opponent into following him deeper into the labyrinth, Kite saw that Pristine Mirror herself had not started toward him. The reason why became clear as he saw her lips move, and the painful unease of an ongoing, damaging affliction started spreading throughout his body. ¡°That.. is bad.¡± Kite thought as it was suddenly not only him that had put a timer on the battle. Retreating had also just become a trap, so he changed directions and started to move in a curve around the garden''s outer edge to once more get closer to the affliction-user. Pristine Mirror needed to be taken out before she would end his chances herself. Apparently, his opponents knew this too. Both the elf and the runic disciples stayed together as they moved to intercept. Not able to bait one out, Kite faced the duo together, even as he felt more of the afflictions joining the first. While some movement-restricting ones slid off his increased resistances, the sense of impending doom was still all too prominent. ¡°Surge of emerald vigor!¡± The elven woman became a green streak as she charged, zigzagging through Kite¡¯s hindering barriers. With her came a small wave of roiling destructive energies, unleashed as the tip of her long, straight sword impacted the barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding. Kite grit his teeth through the pain as he redirected his twin wards to swerve around, intercepting a cluster of stone projectiles which were sent ricocheting wildly around the garden. And, for the first time since arriving in Heavenward, Kite started to fully employ the conjured arms of his mantle. The elven disciple had just prepared for a follow-up thrust when she was suddenly forced to sway to the side to avoid a projected stab from one of Matra¡¯s descendants, the conjured copied sword held in an equally conjured arm. Then came another, and another before Kite¡¯s staff caught her in the side. She managed to turn with the blow enough so that she was not sent flying, but the other two projected attacks from the opportunistic additional arms were enough to send her scurrying back. Kite would not let her, however, an empowered step carrying up to her yet again where she had landed in an intersection of force walls. She gasped in discomfort as another of Kite¡¯s staff-swings caught her, the strike and chakra implosion ripping mana from the elf while Disrupting Strike once more scattered the gathering vital boons which she used to empower herself. He had just managed to deliver another series of attacks, their angles trying to box his foe into a corner, when Kite was forced to abort the offensive and dive to the side. A moment later, spheres of stone shot through the air where he had just been, their force cracking and sundering nearby force walls. The smolder disciple came charging after his attacks, hovering through the air with great speed while surrounded by even more solid projectiles. Kite had initially thought about trying to shatter some of the stone orbs using Pattern-Shattering Counter, but his magical perception had warned him that while the stones were shaped through magic, soil and gravel ripped from the earth before being condensed and fused, the end result was not inherently magical enough to disperse through such means. And the force they carried damaged his barriers with concerning efficiency. ¡°They planned this well,¡± he thought, gritting his teeth as he was once more forced to switch approaches, abandoning his approach towards Pristine Mirror, the other disciples being enough of a threat and hindrance to make his pace feel glacial. Gathering his will and condensing his aura, Kite made some choices. ¡°It is time to try and live up to the potential Soul tried to bring out in me.¡± He danced in behind yet another set of force walls, stone projectiles trailing while the elven disciple tried for a flanking maneuver as she gathered power. Kite suspected she possessed the hunt essence and that her purpose there had mainly been the ambush, with skirmishing as a secondary role. But the smolder man; that was where the real threat to his approach to Pristine Mirror was. ¡°Glint, it is time,¡± he murmured, before striking out thrice. Two of the projected strikes from his spectral arms were directed at the elf to keep her further skittering back, and the third, using Immutable Echo, struck the barrier segment in front of him. It shattered, the wave of resonating force turning stone projectiles into unstable gravel stinging where it hit but not enough to break the skin. The wake of the resonating wave, Kite sent another trio of projected attacks towards the smolder. The disciple ripped sheets of stone from the ground to block the attacks, but that was of less importance as it gave Kite a moment to chant a spell. ¡°Dissolve the Patterns of Power.¡± Force walls winked out of existence before the conical ripple that heralded Kite¡¯s advance. While it didn¡¯t remove the stones of his foe, it ripped apart the magic controlling them. And left them crumbling to nothing as Kite ran straight through the stone, Implacable Motion sundering the obstacles and turning them into a burst of shrapnel that shredded the greenery around the garden. The smolder man looked suitably surprised when Kite came charging through his defenses, but quickly tried to muster a response. Stone chains burst from the ground only to flail ineffectually against Kite¡¯s form before being ripped apart as the dark trail of Void-Sunders-Firmament sheared through the stone links before it struck the smolder man as well, Cleave the Spirit allowing him to target his foe¡¯s mana reserves to add further pressure. The disciple tried to mount a defense again and again, but the arms of Kite¡¯s mantle were in constant motion. Matra¡¯s descendants appeared in spectral hands to deliver flickering strikes to further box the man in, ripping more mana from him or delivering more special attacks whenever possible. The elven disciple tried to intervene multiple times, but the barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding and the occasional projected strike kept her at bay. Kite tried to ignore the mounting disruptive force damage within him as Pristine Mirror¡¯s afflictions kept stacking up. ¡°I must be the relentless attrition and the impenetrable wall,¡± he thought, remembering Soul¡¯s words. ¡°Weather any cracks and let them show only determination beneath.¡± Then, an opportunity showed itself, and Kite chose. Just as the smolder had chosen to accept a pair of hits to create a modicum of distance, the elf struck. A flash of green sent her flying out from what little remained of the nearby decorative garden just as the smolder cast what Kite felt was a potent spell. ¡°Collapse of the Imperial Mountain!¡± Stone, earth and debris started rising from below, condensing into a white boulder of stone in the air above. It took only a split second, magical seals forming on the boulder only to burst apart, the stone shattering alongside it to create a torrent of white shards launching downward, their pressure something way beyond what nature alone could manage. Caught between two serious attacks, one would normally find it most meaningful to try and escape. But as he was, with his path and the tools at his disposal. Kite attacked. With some help. The elven disciple¡¯s momentum was suddenly arrested by a globe of restraining water, Glint having stayed in reserve until a moment such as this arose. While the woman immediately tried to work herself free, the seconds that would take cost her the opportunity and much more. Kite stepped down hard as he leaned into his swings, arms a blur for a moment as three simultaneous attacks were projected outward, the call of ¡°Void!¡± his battlecry. Kite¡¯s staff shimmered with blue cracks as he used Potential of Stolen Power to empower Chakra Implosion, the swing seemingly breaking the air like a thin mirror torn to pieces. This was accompanied by another two instances of the same mana-draining special attack, all three of the projected slices impacting the smolder man at the same time. A total of five mana-draining attacks struck the beleaguered man at once while the dark aperture of Gate of Nihility appeared in the air above them, greedily devouring the torrent of white stone. At the same time, one of Kite¡¯s spectral arms not part of the attack on the smolder had swung a single, wave-bladed kris toward the restrained elven woman. And unlike the other times during this fight, this one was no mere conjuration. Matra, Mother of the Bladed Brood, swung once, and that unassuming swing unleashed an echo of all the attacks her descendants had delivered during Kite¡¯s many duels since being called out in the trade pavilion. Waves of ethereal sword slashes, twisting arcs and whirling points of cutting and piercing intent, burst outward in a growing cone. The caught elven disciple could not move or dodge as they cut through the water and tore into her. This left her flying away from Kite like a bloodied comet carried upon the crest of the unfurling wave, her momentum both devoured and reversed by the actions of Matra¡¯s ever hungry brood.
¡°Devouring light within!¡± Pristine Mirror cast yet another of her damaging afflictions. Normally, she would have already complemented this with others that hampered or debilitated, but those had rolled off the outcast called Pathbreaker like mist before the first breeze of dawn. Mirror was a skirmisher, a warrior of elusive grace who danced around her foes while watching them grow more sluggish before succumbing. And she was currently conflicted due to two reasons. First, if she kept going much longer, the Pathbreaker would probably die no matter the outcome of this battle. The notion that she could even doubt said outcome would have felt absurd before their attempt at subduing the outcast began, but here she was. Mirror had to choose; to continue to lay on the afflictions on a man who had so far not shown any consistent way of removing them during his duels so far. While his dark familiar could do it sparingly, that would not be enough to hinder the amount of afflictions Mirror could lock onto the man with just one more spell. But her mission was to subdue and capture him, not obliterate him. Would the face of the sect be deemed more important than a wayward son of Hua-Xi? Mirror did not know, and grand elder Slate had not sent her any more instructions, even as her predicament should be obvious to one of the grand elder¡¯s station and wisdom. Second, Mirror was starting to wonder if the name Pathbreaker had in fact not been as filled with ridiculous levels of hubris as she had initially thought. Neither of her two fellow disciples had been able to land substantial hits through the defense of the man, especially with the addition of those previously unseen spectral arms. All of their significant attacks had either fallen flat or been subverted by the man¡¯s dispelling effects. And when the Pathbreaker had taken that step to counterattack just now, rippling attacks shooting out to each side like cataclysmic wings while the dark gate appeared above him like some halo of nothingness, Mirror couldn¡¯t help but admire the indomitable decisiveness in the aesthetic of that moment. It was with that image clear in her mind¡¯s eye that Mirror made her choice, further driven home when disciple Cipher¡¯s rotating stones fell to the ground below as the smolder man slumped, barely conscious. This could not go on. ¡°Fractured mirror, bring manifold misfortunes!¡± A tall, full-length mirror appeared at her side, but its shimmering surface only showed the form of the Pathbreaker as he spun towards disciple Singer, the elven woman trying to slink away behind what scarce cover remained to regain an opportunity to ambush. In the mirror, the glow of the afflictions suffusing the Pathbreaker shone like blue and purple light, plenty left even after his familiar¡¯s ministrations earlier. Then the surface of the mirror cracked into three pieces, each showing the same image before the images flowed together, their identical forms overlapping seamlessly. But the glow of the afflictions was not similarly affected. They were instead added together, leaving the Pathbreaker a bonfire of her power as it ate him from within. With the amount of afflictions now tripled, locked behind other illusory afflictions which needed to be cleansed before one could get to the damaging ones, the outcast¡¯s fate was sealed even as he seemed to be dealing with disciple Singer rather handedly when all of his limbs could focus on the singular target. ¡°I hope this was along your wishes, grand elder. I chose this for the sake of the sect,¡± Mirror murmured aloud, hoping that grand elder Slate would hear her. ¡°If that was for the sect, it only means that your sect isn¡¯t very nice,¡± a male voice suddenly said from behind the mirror, even though nothing nearby had previously registered to her senses. ¡°And neither was that spell of yours. But I believe that little adopted brother over there will have some way to surprise you. He seems to be pretty good at that, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± 150. Clan ¡°- But I believe that little adopted brother over there will have some way to surprise you. He seems to be pretty good at that, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± Pristine Mirror whirled at the sudden voice, a pair of kamas made from reflecting light manifesting in her hands. But while he had sounded close, the speaker turned out to be standing around two meters away. It was another silver-ranker, a celestine man with onyx hair and eyes, even if the latter were thin enough to give him a rather mischievous look. Otherwise, he looked quite out of place, dressed in colorful robes of bright orange and green with a parasol across his one shoulder. ¡°Oh? Such hostility from an idle comment?¡± the celestine man remarked, glancing down at Mirror¡¯s conjured weapons. His posture did not change, but a ripple across his aura gave him the sense of a thundercloud about to burst out in storming rage. ¡°Who are you? Allies of the Pathbreaker? His fate is already sealed, and I would advise you not to cross the Heavenly Shadow sect in this matter,¡± she said tersely, even as the sounds of violence continued behind them. ¡°It did not seem like you were listening, Pristine Mirror,¡± the man countered. ¡°I do believe I wagered on the Pathbreaker¡¯s resourcefulness in this matter. Me and two cousins came over here to pull him out of your little bind. But it looks like we got a show instead, as he seemed to perform above expectations.¡± ¡°Then name yourself, fool, so that the sect may know who creates such fell karma between us.¡± ¡°A fool too? Such vitriol for stating some facts?¡± the man ¡®tssked¡¯. ¡°If you must know, my name is Little Crow Plucks the Moon.¡± When hearing the name, things clicked into place for Mirror. She should have guessed as much just from the man¡¯s appearance. ¡°The Tengu¡¯s brood would intervene here for this outcast?¡± she asked, tension rising. ¡°This is an operation sanctioned by the sect, overseen by a grand elder. Not even you are protected from what might befall you, should you overstep here.¡± ¡°That might have been the case,¡± the man agreed before gesturing with his parasol towards the hotel¡¯s southernmost roof. ¡°Fortunately, senior brother agreed to come along and have a nice chat with the venerable grand elder Slate, allowing them to catch up. They have known each other for a long time, after all.¡± Mirror couldn¡¯t help herself, and glanced to where he was pointing. She had previously been unable to locate the grand elder, but now she saw her clear as day. The elven woman had a terse smile plastered onto her face as she seemed to converse with a man who stood at her side, his face covered by a scowling mask painted a bright red. While it looked cordial, Mirror felt that it was anything but as she sensed a hint of the masked man¡¯s gold-ranked aura, rich and overwhelming. ¡°This is bad," she thought, looking back to the clash in the garden. Even glowing severely from within, the Pathbreaker fought with controlled precision as his three pairs of arms worked with furious momentum. Attacks and defenses were executed simultaneously, giving the ambusher no quarter. Disciple Singer was trying to make a frantic retreat, but as she was suddenly enclosed within a box of force walls along with the Pathbreaker, Mirror realized that what should have been a nice and simple strike had been turned on their heads. ¡°He¡¯s doing surprisingly well, isn¡¯t he?¡± the man from the Tengu¡¯s clan noted, following Mirror¡¯s gaze. ¡°For a rather unknown outcast to come here with such a path¡­ Truly, the heavens can be quite mischievous. While he looked to be handling himself rather well, making sure that this was left to the younger generations to settle was the least we could do for our little adopted brother.¡± ¡°The Pathbreaker is one of yours? Then why would he not say so? What trickery are you up to?¡± Mirror demanded. ¡°Still, unless you have a cleansing power potent enough, he is already finished. But I could cleanse the afflictions myself, if you agree to my terms. Just let us retrieve him. We will not harm him. It¡¯s even for his own goo-¡± Mirror was interrupted by yet another wave of tension from the man¡¯s aura, violence simmering just beneath the surface. And given the powers which the Tengu clan tried to awaken in their young, she did not want to be on the receiving end if she could help it. ¡°I did say, adopted, no? If you must know, he was taken in by one of our lost eggs. But he is an interesting one, so helping him would be fun.¡± ¡°As I said, the terms-¡± ¡°Are irrelevant,¡± the man interrupted as a bright light filled the inside of the force cube even as disciple Singer¡¯s aura lapsed into the fitful instability of unconsciousness. Mirror felt it too, as that light burned away her afflictions, searing through the layer of illusory ones which locked the true dangers beneath the surface. From having an aura tinged with slight exhaustion of both the physical and spiritual, the Pathbreaker was suddenly a bonfire of excess energy waiting to be spent. A bonfire who turned towards Mirror. ¡°Immortality. Heavens curse his fortune,¡± Mirror thought at the revelation of a previously unrevealed power. But the Tengu clansman had known, so it must have been demonstrated during at least one of the clashes the Pathbreaker had fought in recently. ¡°I believe he will be able to finish up himself,¡± the smiling man noted. ¡°It was a nice try, disciple, but carry word back to your sect that the Pathbreaker is affiliated with us. And that my family would be grateful if people kept it civilized in their dealings with him.¡± Then Little Crow Plucks the Moon made exaggerated motions of stepping out of the conflict, clearly indicating that he was not part of things. Mirror turned to the Pathbreaker once more, and saw only flat, implacable steel in his gaze as he was closing in on her, spectral arms readying themselves to strike on a background of three swirling vortices and the disc of odd, shifting symbols that was his familiar. In the corner of her eye, Mirror also noted the gaze of her grand elder as she readied herself to meet the oncoming outcast. Grand elder Slate seemed to sense Mirror¡¯s hesitation and, after another curt nod as part of whatever conversation she seemed to be having with the Tengu clan gold-ranker, had her aura touch upon Mirror¡¯s in the agreed upon signal. Gratefulness welled up within Mirror as she sent a few light-based attacks and afflictions toward the Pathbreaker. She winced slightly as his manifold arms blurred, cutting the projectiles from the air while dragging even more mana from her followed by the sting of transcendent damage, but it had the intended effect. As the Pathbreaker¡¯s step halted for just a moment as he defended himself and sent counterattacks her way, Pristine Mirror turned and fled, the wardstone she carried allowing her to pass through the protective arrays surrounding the garden. Fortune seemed to favor her in that the outcast was either unwilling or unable to conjure those force walls to hinder her retreat. The corridors of the Vibrant Verse hotel blurred past her, as she left, the stinging shame of failure burning hot within her chest.
When Pristine Mirror turned tail and ran while using every movement trick available to her, Kite was torn. Part of him wanted to march after her, track her down and shove that suppression collar around her throat instead. Another part, in clear majority, guided the flinty dedication back beneath the surface. While the man with the colorful robes and parasol was certainly eye-catching, he did not emit even an ounce of hostility. Seeing that the threat of the ambush did indeed seem to be over for now, the harder part of Kite¡¯s inner self agreed and receded. It had been some time since he had to bring out that side of himself, the one whose foundation had been laid during the war against the fallen sect and the aftermath, but today was definitely a good reminder of why such steel in one¡¯s soul was needed at times. His introspection was interrupted by a soft clapping as the other man approached. He too was a silver-ranker like Kite, and his rather mischievous face showed a wide grin. ¡°Well, done, Pathbreaker. Well done indeed! While I had hopes for a wayward adopted brother, I will admit that my expectations were thoroughly surpassed!¡± ¡°Adopted brother?¡± Kite asked, before his mind managed to process the implications of the statements. ¡°Wait, you are-¡± ¡°Little Crow Plucks the Moon, proud son of the Tengu¡¯s clan, at your service. But please, call me Little Crow,¡± the celestine man said, bowing in greeting. While Kite had to admit to having been somewhat distracted before, he should have noticed the stark similarity of the hair and eyes between this celestine and auntie Crow. ¡°We were curious of your visit, and after having verified your claim, decided to have a proper look at you. It has been an interesting two days, seeing your duels. Even the old man Tengu might have given a nod in approval had he seen. But then we saw the sect making their little ambush here, and felt that enough was enough.¡± ¡°I¡­ Wha-¡± Kite began, taking it all in. ¡°You have been following me? I¡­ didn¡¯t sense a thing,¡± he admitted abashedly. ¡°Now, now, don¡¯t feel bad. Some of my siblings and cousins can be very subtle when we put our mind to it,¡± Little Crow said with a consoling pat on Kite¡¯s shoulder. Kite almost twitched to defend himself, as the man closing in had been done with such a smooth motion that his brain had barely comprehended it before the contact was made. ¡°I¡­see¡­¡± was all Kite could get out. ¡°Part of me coming here was also to invite you to stay at our family compound, although I suspect that it will only be for one night until your planned departure? And trust me, it will be a better place to talk. This garden used to be rather decent, but I would say that it has seen better days,¡± Little Crow noted. ¡°And besides, I believe that senior brother has soon finished catching up to the honored grand elder up there. You did handle this little incident surprisingly well, but I don¡¯t think adding a sect gold-ranker into the mix would have been in your favor.¡± Seeing the talking couple on the roof for the first time, Kite swallowed heavily, nodding. He had never seen a gold ranker in action, and did not fancy being on the receiving end of it either. Noting the elven woman¡¯s presence sent a chill up his spine, as the reality of his situation became a lot more complex. A silver could fight however valiantly they pleased, but alone against a gold ranker¡­ The divide was not something one easily reached across. ¡°Then it seems that I am in your care. And your debt,¡± Kite said, bowing in respect. ¡°Worry not, dear adopted brother. The foul play was theirs, not yours. Bringing a gold against a silver is just poor form,¡± Little Crow said, putting his arm thoroughly across Kite¡¯s shoulders as he started leading him away. ¡°But come, let us continue this discussion in comfort.¡± As the pair neared one of the doors, the array covering the building flickered and dimmed, allowing them passage. On the other side, the hotel¡¯s owner and his daughter both knelt on the floor, foreheads pressed to the ground. Neither spoke, and Kite just glanced at them, feeling the outright terror in their auras. Both seemed to be expecting death at any moment, but Kite felt no spite towards them. While the owner was surely directly complicit, it was not like he could have refused the sect¡¯s demand of assistance. Still, it did lessen the slightly guilty conscience Kite felt for ruining their prized garden. ¡°Still, it is a rather odd world we live in, where I feel a lot safer leaving in the company of an infamous family of assassins than anything previously felt in the capital,¡± he mused to himself as the pair left the Vibrant Verse.
Anasta Temren, director of the adventure society¡¯s Heavenward branch, felt her eyebrows climb ever higher as she read the report in her hands. It had been delivered just a moment before by a shadowy bird pecking at her office window, the little umbral avian having bowed somberly to Anasta after delivering the scroll before gliding off on silent wings. ¡°Anasta, you are a gold-ranker. I know you read the entirety of the letter in a few seconds. Don¡¯t keep your deputy in suspense,¡± Maximilian complained, leaning forward in his chair. ¡°It seems like our little fish played his role splendidly,¡± Anasta noted, folding up the scroll before teleporting it over to her deputy with a ¡®snip¡¯ of her fingers. Maximilian started reading while she continued, easily able to process both text and conversation. ¡°It seems like it was the Heavenly Shadow who took the bait first, although it would have been better if the little fish hadn¡¯t wiggled as ferociously, or been picked up by a murder of curious crows. If it had been us who had to kick in the sect¡¯s door and retrieve him, it would have given us more to work with when requesting more resources from the continental council.¡± ¡°At least the Tengu¡¯s clan continues to hold up their end of the bargain. I don¡¯t think any other group of adventurers are as diligent with their reports,¡± Maximilian noted approvingly. ¡°It says here that the Pathbreaker is affiliated with them and that they expect everyone in the city to treat him accordingly. Somehow I get the feeling that is directed towards us as well.¡± ¡°The Crows are a difficult bunch in some ways, and surprisingly easy in others. But a family such as theirs wouldn¡¯t have survived unless they knew how to keep a proper balance. With how they seem to have the ears of more than one person within the royal family and the looming threat of that ancestor of theirs, I¡¯ve found their presence to be more a boon than a hindrance.¡± Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. ¡°Still, to dictate the society¡¯s actions-¡± ¡°Let it rest, Maximilian. Compared to the rest of this place, the Crows are downright fawning over us,¡± Anasta said, sighing. ¡°Still, this whole little debacle with the Pathbreaker at least let us know that we have more leaks to shore up within our organization. According to the Crows, the Heavenly Shadow sect seemed to know of the Pathbreaker¡¯s being considered for Task Group Gauntlet. And it should let me make some quite pointed insinuations the next time I¡¯m in a meeting with one of the sect¡¯s grand elders making demands. Quite a useful little fish, that Pathbreaker. I¡¯m curious to see what he will stir up for us in the future.¡±
It turned out that Little Crow was quite an enthusiastic guide as he and Kite walked through the city, the slight shimmer of a privacy screen surrounding them to make sure that only the most powerful could listen in to their conversation. That the gold-ranker in the red mask walked ahead of them in silence probably also helped, with no one crowding in close. ¡°-and see the tower up there in the second district on the Stairway? That was also made by the Queen of Jade and Sky, rather early in her reign.¡± Looking at the colorful building before glancing at his tattoos, Kite couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°The queen¡¯s creations I have encountered haven''t been quite as¡­ vibrant,¡± he remarked, comparing the monochrome, pale metal of the gates to the plethora of colors visible in the distance. ¡°Oh don¡¯t sell yourself short, Kite. Those markings of yours are quite striking,¡± Little Crow consoled, having easily accepted Kite¡¯s request for using more informal names. ¡°The queen left long before my time, but I heard that her style has changed a bit over time. Maybe she wanted the gates to symbolize something more somber? Tempering one¡¯s path is important, after all.¡± To Kite¡¯s surprise, Little Crow had been able to deduce the origin of his tattoos rather easily, waving off his inquiries in the matter while referring to his family having records of most things worth knowing. ¡°Ah, we¡¯re here!¡± the celestine said when they finally arrived at the very same gates where Kite had been standing a few days prior. This time, the venerable wooden gates swung open as they arrived, the gold-ranker walking in front of them flickering and disappearing into nearby shadows as his charges reached the compound. ¡°Thank you, senior brother!¡± Little Crow called out into thin air, before turning to Kite while gesturing to the estates around him. ¡°And welcome, adopted one, to the Heavenward seat of the Tengu¡¯s clan!¡± While Kite had seen the old wooden buildings from outside, they were even more impressive up close. Their design felt archaic yet impeccably maintained; like monuments of history still in full use. Kite could feel the hints of auras from most parts of the complex, indicating that it was a lively and inhabited place, but there was also something muddling the sensations. Apparently noticing the slight crease of Kite¡¯s brow, Little Crow chimed in; ¡°I believe that you have sensed the arrays. Some of them are as old as this place, but we¡¯ve added more over the years as the art of formations and array-making has progressed.¡± They started a meandering pace, walking between the multitudes of separate buildings which made up the complex, connected by gardens and wooden walkways. Little Crow led the way with the surety of someone who had lived within the place their whole life, and just as he was about to gesture to a smaller, separate building surrounded by a serene garden complete with a fish pond, a younger celestine man clad in more simple silken garb walked up to them. He bowed once to Little Crow before presenting a rather sizable lacquered box to Kite and retreating before Kite could ask more about it. ¡°Ah, your spoils,¡± Little Crow said as he continued to guide Kite towards the smaller building. It turned out to be a comfortable guest house, and the celestine silver-ranker immediately made himself comfortable in one of the couches. ¡°My spoils?¡± Kite finally managed to ask, opening the lid slightly to peek inside. There he saw a pair of dimensional bags as well as a series of rings, necklaces and charms. Kite recognized one in particular on sight; a necklace of large, polished stone beads of a rose-tinted white. Said necklace had been hanging around the neck of the smolder disciple who had been part of the ambush team. ¡°Oh, I see¡­ Are they¡­?¡± he ventured, thinking of the pair of disciples which had been left lying unconscious in the aftermath of the failed capture attempt. ¡°Dead? Heavens, no. That would cause too much of a stir. Not worth it at all,¡± little Crow said, waving the thought away like a particularly annoying fly. ¡°Still, your way of fighting them is rather clever. Using their mana as a trap and all. Unconscious and dead are about the same in a fight with lethal stakes, after all.¡± ¡°Ah, I see. That is¡­ I mean, I thought-¡± Kite began, floundering a bit around the metaphorical elephant in the room. ¡°You assumed that we would kill them, given our family¡¯s ancestral profession?¡± Little Crow asked, an eyebrow raised. ¡°Well, yes- but- I assure you, I meant no disrespect-¡± ¡°Do not fret, Kite. You are forgiven. Had the claim come from someone who knew about us, we might have raised an issue about it. Can¡¯t just have anyone insult us after spending such a time in finding a balance where we could coexist in the open, now can we? But I understand that it is confusing, so let me pose a question for you; what is required for a family of assassins to be able to live in the open?¡± ¡°I will admit that I have wondered about it,¡± Kite said, thinking back to how easy it had been to locate the clan¡¯s compound by simply asking. ¡°I suppose that power is a main factor? But still, I would imagine that assassinations would garner quite a bit of fell karma with any other powerful actors within the city? Or even the kingdom?¡± ¡°Well, it does certainly help,¡± Little Crow admitted. ¡°We have two gold-rankers connected to the clan¡¯s main household here in the city. But while they are powerful, it wouldn¡¯t be enough should the sects band together. No, it is the threat of the Tengu himself that gives us a proper edge in that regard.¡± ¡°Oh? Is your ancestor still here?¡± Kite had not heard anything mentioned about it during his time in the city, but with all the duels, he hadn¡¯t exactly had too much time to dig for information either. ¡°Heavens, no,¡± Little Crow laughed. ¡°Diamond-rankers don¡¯t have time to just sit around and babysit their families. I have seen him twice in my life though, as he still visits from time to time. Just those visits sure help against other power players getting funny ideas.¡± Kite heard what Little Crow said, but his mind was stuck at a particular detail. ¡°D-diamond? But¡­ I thought- at least heard- that the Soaring Soul, the Queen of Jade and Sky, was the only diamond ranker to come out of Hua-Xi.¡± ¡°Well, she¡¯s the only native to have ascended as far as I know,¡± Little Crow agreed. ¡°The Tengu isn¡¯t from this land, but he came to like it here and established his power base here later in life. Apparently something about the region reminded him enough of home, wherever that is.¡± ¡°Home? I do not understand,¡± Kite said, confused. ¡°While I have not studied much geography in recent years, I thought that this region of the world had a rather unique culture not found anywhere else in the world.¡± ¡°Then I hate to confuse you a bit further, dear adopted brother, but you are right. And still, the Tengu found familiarity. Because he is not of this world, but an outworlder.¡± ¡°Outworlder?¡± Kite had never heard the term. That there was something beyond this world was not news, even though his astral magic theory was as rudimentary as it could be. Auntie Crow had only taught him the barest of basics along with some surface levels of knowledge regarding astral spaces. This rather sparse level of teaching was not given out of Kite¡¯s ineptitude or any other such sentiment, but that auntie Crow simply did not know more of the matter. And whatever an outworlder was, it was certainly not a term Kite had heard before. ¡°Ah, I forget that you are basically from the middle of nowhere. Still, outworlders aren¡¯t that common knowledge, so it¡¯s hard to fault you for not knowing,¡± Little Crow said. ¡°While I only know the basics, an outworlder is someone who is ripped from one world to another, often through sheer magical happenstance. They are unique in many ways, their heritage and race overridden to better adapt to their new circumstances. And while they are very, very uncommon, essence-user longevity means that there are more than a few still running around. I mean, the onyx hair and eyes of the Tengu clan is a result of our dear ancestor making babies with another outworlder, hence a new lineage of celestines.¡± Kite sat back, head swimming even as his much increased cognition did its best to incorporate this with his knowledge of the world while simultaneously fighting off the slight feeling of existential dread that came with the thought of being randomly spirited away to another world. ¡°This is quite a lot to take in, Little Crow. I will have to once more place myself in your care and take your word for it,¡± Kite said, choosing to put the thoughts of other worlds and such cosmic knowledge aside, even if he suspected that it would pop up again in his dreams. Or maybe nightmares? ¡°But back to the topic at hand; I can understand how the clan can prosper under these conditions. Still, personal vendettas and wounded pride are not uncommon, I¡¯d imagine?¡± ¡°You are correct, dear adopted brother, but it isn¡¯t as bad as you think. We are still assassins, sure, but there are only so many contracts of that nature coming our way. Most of us are almost exclusively adventurers, even though the family custom in choosing essences remains to this day.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Kite said, the curiosity clear in his voice. ¡°While I won¡¯t tell you too much, it is a rather open secret that those remaining in the clan are required to take on power sets to fit the role of assassin. A proper Crow of the Tengu clan needs to be able to do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Essence users of silver and above are not that easy to put down, after all, and those below that rarely if ever find their way to the receiving end of one of our contracts. We do a fair bit of work outside the kingdom too. Less local politics to take into account then.¡± ¡°Auntie Crow did tell me that much, and that she received other essences as she did not wish to remain within the clan¡¯s business.¡± ¡°The Tengu has always decreed that every member needs to choose for themselves. Still, we will help our little lost eggs when we can. And their offspring too, adopted or not,¡± Little Crow finished. ¡°So with your station cleared, you will always find safe haven with us here in the capital. We won¡¯t always keep you under watch though, but the affiliation should be enough to ward off such attempts as you saw today. Any trouble within the legitimate and public domain though, you will have to deal with yourself. The Tengu has always appreciated the cultivation of one¡¯s own path, as there will often be times when no one else can fight your battles for you.¡± ¡°Duly noted, and thank you once more, Little Crow. It will be nice to at least rest easy for my final night here before portaling out.¡± ¡°It was nice meeting a wayward adopted brother, and flicking the sects'' noses is always appreciated,¡± Little Crow said, rising to leave. ¡°Take a look through your spoils. We have already picked out the pieces which were too politically volatile and made sure to send them back to the sect in a nice little package, silk ribbon and all. Anything else you want to send back can earn you a bit of good will, or at least lessen bruised prides somewhat. But don¡¯t be too nice about it,¡± Little Crow said, a shade of anger bleeding into his voice for the first time since Kite had met the man. ¡°What they did was dishonorable and cowardly. It should be beneath them, and they need to feel the cost of their transgressions.¡± ¡°I appreciate the advice,¡± Kite said, nodding as his eyes were already drawn back toward the box. He did not know what disciples of a sect in the capital kept on them, but so far most of his dueling opponents had been quite cavalier in regards to the asked prize of essences or awakening stones. Even if it was not much for him personally, the guild merit exchange always wanted for materials and items. For the first time in days, Kite felt himself truly start to relax as he started sorting through the items with the help of Glint. With the exception of this last debacle, it hadn¡¯t been too bad with the duels at first, but the constant stream of challengers had apparently taken more of a toll than he had thought. ¡°However, tomorrow it should be time to finally leave and step beyond the bounds of this kingdom,¡± Kite thought, looking at Glint. The carp had lost herself in some piles of particularly shiny quintessence, completely forgetting the world around her. ¡°Still, we should enjoy the calm of this moment too, I suppose,¡± he thought, idly stroking her silky fins. ¡°The wider world awaits, after all. Who knows when we will next find a moment of calm like this?¡±
When Pristine Mirror returned to her quarters, she couldn¡¯t help herself. All poise and decorum fled her when she leaned back against the wooden door, letting out a long sigh even though the act was a purely psychological impulse rather than actual need for breathing. ¡°Mistress? How are you? Is there anything I can do for you?¡± Sprig asked as he exited the other room where he had been sitting and studying a combat manual. The aspiring initiate both looked and felt truly worried, and Mirror couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit grateful at someone actually worrying for her in the otherwise cutthroat culture between the sect disciples. ¡°A bath, please,¡± she said, the ¡®please¡¯ at the end escaping unbidden through her lack of proper facade. Sprig did not comment, however, the young man instead leaving to do as told. When Mirror had slid into the bubbly waters, he was about to leave when she spoke again. ¡°The meeting with the grand elder went well, all things considered,¡± she said, words spilling out as she would have no one else to speak to about the topic. Not unless she wanted to give them leverage on her. ¡°She was quite disappointed in our performance, but the hitherto unseen arm-power and the fact that the Tengu¡¯s Crows came calling at the end mitigated things quite a lot.¡± ¡°I¡­ see¡­¡± Sprig said, unsure of where to stand or look, before deciding to gaze out the window. ¡°I was even put up for personal tutelage under one of the inner disciples, as grand elder Slate said that she saw potential in me. This will mean that I will be around less for a time, but I hope that you will keep up your studies as well in my absence.¡± ¡°Of course, mistress,¡± Sprig said, hurriedly bowing. ¡°Do you want me to continue and track the Pathbreaker¡¯s movement if I am able?¡± ¡°No¡­ No, you should not,¡± Mirror sighed. ¡°He is leaving tomorrow, after all, and his affiliation with the Tengu clan closes off many avenues of revenge. Should he return, we will have to consider things. But honestly, I just hope that he leaves and never returns, so that I can start to forget the shame of this day.¡± Sprig apparently did not know how to respond, so he chose to remain silent. ¡°A smart man,¡± Mirror thought to herself, which only cemented her following decision. Speaking aloud, she said; ¡°Also, would you please retrieve the white dimensional pouch from my attire?¡± ¡°Of course, mistress,¡± the young man said, walking over and returning with said container, looking anywhere but at Mirror, even though her modesty was still preserved by the lush layer of bubbles. ¡°Open it,¡± she commanded, leaning back and closing her eyes. As such she could only hear the slight intake of breath and feel the confusion and hope within Sprig¡¯s aura, the latter kept on a tight leash. Mirror couldn¡¯t help but smirking as she continued. ¡°You have performed well these last few days, and the failure of today had nothing to do with you or the information you found and spread. So I took the liberty of adding some of my sect contribution to that which you had already invested. The knife essence you had your eyes on should complement your snake essence nicely, so it only felt appropriate that you got it as early as possible.¡± Mirror¡¯s smile widened as the young man started sputtering his thanks, overcome with emotion. ¡°There was at least some good that came of this,¡± she thought to herself, luxuriating in the warm water around her. ¡°But I will have to be wary of the Pathbreaker, should he return with vengeance in mind. Preparations will have to be made should he decide to move. And I will have to write a certain letter which will make my aunt ever so disappointed.¡± 151. Recruit ¡°There, that should settle it. You are fortunate, adventurer. With the scheduled deliveries northward, your items should reach the Gilded branch in just a day or two. Is there anything else?¡± ¡°No, that will be all. You have my thanks, and I hope that Fortune will smile upon you,¡± Kite said, bowing to the adventure society functionary behind the desk. He left the small booth in which one could deposit deliveries between branches, Glint hovering beside him on her usual cushion of water. ¡°I believe that was it. I am quite sure that uncle Walker can put them all to good use,¡± he told the carp, who eagerly bobbed her assent. Exiting the building, Kite looked up at the sun. It was just a few hours after dawn, and if he wasn¡¯t mistaken, it should be just about time. ¡°Let us return to the portal plaza. Master Vihaan did not seem like a person one should keep waiting.¡± His last day and night in Heavenward, the capital of Hua-Xi, had been as restful as Little Crow had promised. The celestine had checked in with Kite every now and then, and had taken the opportunity to introduce some more cousins and other relatives. Kite had shared a pot of tea with Valorous Crow, been shown around the family complex by the older, venerable Finicky Crow and even gotten an unsolicited but not unappreciated impromptu lesson in herbalism by Desirous Crow. All of them had been surprisingly colorful individuals, and Kite still smiled at the memory and how at odds it was when the kindly old Finicky Crow had talked about her assassination contracts carried out in foreign lands with a wistful expression. ¡°I suppose that auntie Crow would be called Curious Crow if she returned home,¡± he mused to himself. ¡°How else would they keep people apart? I should-¡± ¡°Pathbreaker!¡± Kite¡¯s thoughts were interrupted by a loud call, and he couldn¡¯t help but sigh as his predictions from the tone alone came to pass. A silver-ranker wearing the colors of the Thunderous Soul Sect, the leonid he had seen before, was making his way towards Kite with a gaggle of initiates in tow. ¡°This time you cannot escape me, Pathbreaker! I, Strides of Conviction, challenges-¡± ¡°I am sorry, disciple, but I cannot accept¡± Kite said, calling loudly while holding up his hands as if to ward off the other man. ¡°Bah! Do not try to blame the dueling rankings, Pathbreaker. We both know that you aren¡¯t truly a part of them, and that there is nothing to hinder me from proving your inadequacy here and now!¡± ¡°No, you misunderstand. I literally do not have the time. I am bound to leave by portal within a few minutes, and I really would not counsel you to keep me.¡± Strides of Conviction would not listen, however, waving away Kite¡¯s words as if they were irrelevant. ¡°This will not take more than a few minutes anyway. I don¡¯t care if some portal courier has to wait. I will have my-¡± This time it was the leonid¡¯s turn to be interrupted as a hand landed firmly enough on his shoulder to cause the silver-ranker¡¯s legs to buckle. A man had walked up behind Strides of Conviction, and It was a rather odd sight to see the tall leonid brought low by the hand of a person who needed to actively reach upward to place said hand on his shoulder. The result was unmistakable, however, and much more understandable as the newcomer let his aura leak out just enough to have the surrounding sect initiates go from scowling and forming outraged words to scrambling back as if they had been physically slapped. ¡°Some portal courier, eh?¡± Vihaan Shapravati mused. He was a rather short human man whose skin was a deep brown hue, with black hair and a prominent mustache and beard which stood in contrast to his very colorful and boldly patterned suit of cyan and orange. Vihaan stood calmly for a moment before shaking his head. Then, with a swing and a heave which caused cracks to form in the stone beneath him, he pivoted on the spot and threw. Strides of Conviction went from dazedly trying to figure out what was going on to trying and failing to choke off a panicked scream as he was launched in an arc above the city. From the direction and trajectory, Kite suspected that the silver-ranker would leave a mighty furrow in the lush farmland outside. ¡°Master Vihaan, I¡¯m sorry for the delay,¡± Kite said, bowing politely. ¡°I was just coming to see you since the allotted hour was drawing to a close and-¡± ¡°Yes, yes, I heard,¡± the gold-ranker said, waving Kite off while he turned to the fleeing sect initiates and calling; ¡°Tell your flying friend that he should try and find a lesson in this!¡± Kite did his best to mask his slight wince as the directed attention of a gold-ranker caused one of the bronze-ranked initiates to drop unconscious in a quite undignified way, and chose to stay silent and wait for further instructions. Vihaan might be a core-user, but as he had shown off quite convincingly, the man was still able to throw you across the city and then some. ¡°Maybe I have time to- Ah, but alas, the waiting time is over,¡± Vihaan said, mumbling to himself as if Kite wasn¡¯t even present. ¡°You have everything?¡± ¡°Yes, master Vihaan. Thank you for the opportunity.¡± ¡°Bah, I needed to wait for the power to become available anyway, and you were at least waiting for me at the allotted time. And I got to show some brat how we gold-rankers usually treat upstarts like him. But let¡¯s be off. I have plenty of other routes to open today.¡± With those words, he clapped his hands together before making a fist. As he opened them again with palms facing upward, Kite could see a small pile of glittering dust in each. Vihaan leaned forward and blew a gentle stream of air at the glittering motes, the small particles quickly whirling out into the air to form a shimmering, opaque disc. ¡°After you,¡± he said, gesturing for Kite to enter. Kite did not even have to turn his head around to take a final look at the kingdom of his birth, his encompassing vision letting him see the crowds, the buildings, the clothes, the small mannerism; all the things that made Hua-Xi into what it was, and the only home he had ever known. And while leaving felt like a great adventure in and of itself, it was the knowledge that Kite would be back that let him step forward without hesitation. Sage subsumed in his aura and Glint snuggled up inside her bottle, Kite stepped through the portal. Just a moment later, he would take his first step on foreign soil, as the world opened up before him.
¡°So, brother, back from babysitting the little adoptee?¡± Valorous Crow called as Little Crow returned. She too was a silver-ranker, sharing the onyx hair and eyes of the Tengu¡¯s clan while sporting a much more powerful physique than most other clan members of her rank. ¡°If that is your way of asking if Kite departed safely, I can confirm it,¡± Little Crow retorted, gracefully sidestepping and catching a thrown gourd. He took a polite sip as he joined the other celestine, his suddenly tense face causing Valorous Crow to laugh uproariously. ¡°It still hasn¡¯t put hair on your chest after all these years?¡± ¡°If you must know, all my companions seem to like me not being a hairy oaf,¡± Little Crow said, turning his nose up at his sibling. ¡°But with Kite gone, we can go back to business. The elders are hinting at more contracts coming up. If he returns, maybe we can even have him help us?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, Little Crow, he didn¡¯t seem like the sort.¡± ¡°Ah, you are quite right, I suppose. But just imagine it; you have just sent your Skybreaker towards your foe and ¡®poof¡¯ their defenses are dispelled by a supporting little adoptee just before it hits. It still makes me think that we should hope to recruit Kite in the future.¡± ¡°How about you focus less on such daydreams and more on becoming good enough not to need help like that, hmm?¡± Little Crow¡¯s sister jibed him before turning serious. ¡°Still, these hints of more activity, even more of it being local¡­ What do you think it means?¡± ¡°That trouble is brewing, of course. But isn¡¯t it always, sister dear?¡± Little Crow said, leaning back on his couch. ¡°And our dear adopted brother seemed to be quite the trouble magnet too. Which always means opportunities for us. That he was well-mannered, skilled and quite interesting sure helped too. I get the feeling that our paths will cross and intertwine many times in the future. Or that we should at least endeavor to make it so.¡±
¡°Guild master Walker? What is the matter?¡± Second Spring, Hallmaster of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild in Gilded, sat straight as the older man¡¯s eyebrows seemed to be attempting to climb up his face and ascend to the heavens all by themselves. She couldn¡¯t help herself, noting that even when looking utterly baffled, the rugged handsomeness of the guild master made her heart flutter. ¡°Patience, Spring. You need to reach his level so that he can finally see you as an equal,¡± she told herself while Walker gathered his composure. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Hallmaster Spring. It was just¡­ Well, I just got a missive regarding little Kite.¡± ¡°Oh? Is something the matter? Has he sent word? Does he need our assistance?¡± Spring asked, curious and eager to prove her decisiveness. ¡°No, no, not like that. It was actually from the adventure society. We received an updated inventory of our local stores. Here, look for yourself.¡± Walker put the missive down on the table and slid it towards spring. She gestured, and a gust of wind carried the document to her waiting hand. Spring didn¡¯t need to do more than skim through it to notice the rather distinct difference. ¡°But¡­ guild master, these numbers. Surely there has been a mistake?¡± ¡°The adventure society doesn¡¯t tend to deposit troves of awakening stones and essences into our care by accident, hall master.¡± ¡°But senior brother should have spent - what? - a week in the capital? What did he do over there to earn such riches? Even his familiar shouldn¡¯t give even close to this amount in that time even when he is out on contracts.¡± ¡°That, I do not know, hall master,¡± Walker said, glancing back at the guild''s new and much improved inventory of stones and essences before giving that rakish smile that did weird, warm things to Spring¡¯s insides. ¡°But whatever little Kite has been up to, he has clearly entrusted us to keep up the good work. Let us make him proud when he returns.¡±
The first thing which struck Kite when he stepped out of the portal of glittering dust was, unsurprisingly, the air. It pressed in on him like a cloying blanket, carrying both heat and moisture to a degree beyond what Kite thought would be possible. As a normal-ranker, he would probably have found it bothering him a lot. As a silver, however, it was more a novelty; a distinct first impression telling him that he was far, far from home. A second later, his magical senses caught up, and Kite couldn¡¯t help taking the magical equivalent of a deep breath. The ambient mana was rich, beyond even the capital and heartlands of Hua-Xi. It was invigorating and energizing, allowing Kite¡¯s more magical body to regain any mana spent a lot quicker. ¡°Welcome to Pranay,¡± Vihaan said as he stepped out of the portal behind Kite, the shimmering surface collapsing into a dispersing cloud of dust. ¡°Port Singhni is not its biggest city, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find it plenty exciting.¡± Kite couldn¡¯t help but agree, finding it an understatement. He stood at a portal plaza surrounded by a bustling port city. Pranay was an island nation, even though the size of its main island was enough for it to feel like a pseudo-continent, and Port Singhni was located at its southwestern edge. Kite had read up what he could, even though the information he had gotten indicated that he would spend little time in the city itself during the upcoming weeks. The architecture was not entirely alien, although the houses around Kite differed from home in many ways. For one, their roofs did not curve as much, and each of the mostly wooden structures seemed to be built with rain and storms in mind. Kite could see plenty of drains and other solutions to channel off the water which the ocean storms could bring in, even though magical protections would make sure to ward off the brunt of it. ¡°As the delivery is complete, I bid you farewell,¡± Vihaan said from Kite¡¯s side, snapping him out of his thoughts. ¡°Of course. Thank you, master Vihaan. May your path take you to the heavens and beyond,¡± Kite said, bowing respectfully. The older, bearded man gave Kite a smile and a nod, before he turned and left. A vortex of similar swirling, glittering dust formed over his lower body and with a gust of wind and discharge of mana, the gold-ranker flew off. Looking around the unfamiliar plaza and crowds, many people sporting darker complexions and a lot less clothing than he was used to, Kite couldn¡¯t help the excited smile. Glint seemed to feel his mood, and flew out of her bottle to look around. Similar sensations of excitement started flowing along their bond, and even Sage sent sensations to express some curiosity from where the astral gatherer was subsumed within Kite¡¯s aura. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°While exploring would be nice, I believe that we should find the local adventure society branch first and report in,¡± Kite mused as they walked down one of the ramps leading to the portal platform. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t do to be tardy, but if we see an artificer''s shop, I should go look for something to help with translation. I can¡¯t trust to always get by with the trade speech.¡± However, Kite did not even have the time to cross half the plaza before he heard someone call out, his expanded vision revealing it to be a tall, bronze-ranked man making his way through the crowds toward him, dressed in what Kite assumed was the local fashion of an official. Kite¡¯s first instinct was to tense up as he expected trouble, but as he soon noticed the pin of the adventure society fastened to the man¡¯s open loose, sleeveless shirt, he let the impulse pass. ¡°Kite Flown in on- Eya kumakda¡­ Ah, ov! - Fortune! Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune!¡± the man called, seemingly relieved as Kite turned to look at him in response to his calls. The bronze-ranker became an intangible streak as he phased through the final stretch of crowds appearing before Kite. He was indeed tall, sharing a darker complexion and the dark hair of most humans Kite had seen so far. ¡°That is me,¡± Kite confirmed, bowing politely. The man was busy rummaging through a pouch at his side, however, and finally produced a silver pin he held out to Kite, gesturing for him to put it on his clothing. It was a rather plain affair without much embellishment, but when viewed in the right light, one could notice a faint engraving of an armored gauntlet, its palm open. Kite nodded and put it on, looking questioningly at the man who gestured to him and spoke. ¡°Mana!¡± he urged, and Kite understood. He channeled a bit of his mana into the pin and felt a connection establish, first between him and the item and then between the item and the society pin the other man was wearing. ¡°Oy¨¡?a t¨¥re?-derstand me now? The translation works best if we are both wearing the pins, but you can channel more mana into it to try and translate on the fly, even if the results are less than optimal,¡± the man said, seeming relieved when comprehension dawned in Kite¡¯s eyes. ¡°Ah, I see. Good and bright young man, yes? Welcome, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. My name is Charat Charatsiri, and I have been sent from the adventure society to act as your liaison during your stay.¡± ¡°That is very kind of you, as I was just pondering where to find the society and report my presence,¡± Kite said, bowing again to the man, only for him to quickly take a step forward and ease Kite back upright. ¡°Please don¡¯t, adventurer. It is not proper for you to incline your head to a lower-ranker in public. People might be getting the wrong idea of our¡­ relationship,¡± Charat said, looking a bit flustered. ¡°I mean no disrespect, of course. You understand, yes?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ Oh!¡± Kite said, feeling foolish. His first impulse was to bow again in apology, but managed to stop himself. ¡°I see that local customs might be something to prioritize learning,¡± he thought to himself before speaking. ¡°I apologize for the misstep, then. Would you please lead the way?¡± ¡°Certainly, certainly. Follow me, yes? You are among the last to arrive for this batch of admittance tests, so there shouldn¡¯t be much of a delay.¡± Kite followed Charat through the streets and did his best to take in what the man pointed out to him. It turned out that just over half of Port Singhni was actually built out on the water, buildings and roads floating gently atop the calm waters. Further out, Kite noticed a distinct line where most waves seemed to end, proof that the magical infrastructure of the city did not only include the weather. It also turned out that Kite would have found the adventure society campus easily enough had he needed to find his way on his own. The complex was built on land and was one of the tallest series of structures he could see in the skyline. Admittedly, said skyline was also half-shrouded by the constant air-traffic, with everything from larger wagons and luxurious vehicles to personal discs carrying only a single passenger floating along semi-ordered lanes above. ¡°You are from Hua-Xi, yes? Then you don¡¯t get to see too many flying transports?¡± Charat asked, following Kite¡¯s gaze. ¡°That is true. While there are plenty of flying means of transport, it is mostly available to silvers and above. And never in these numbers.¡± Kite said, taking it all in. ¡°Well, it is good you got to go here and feel some proper ambient mana, then,¡± Charat laughed, before halting. ¡°But I am sure that your homeland has plenty of wonders. I hope you understand that I meant no disrespect, yes?¡± ¡°It is quite alright,¡± Kite said, looking around. ¡°There¡¯s no denying that more mana allows for a lot of wonderful things.¡± ¡°If you will spend more time here, you should consider getting a flying permit if you have the means. And some way to navigate the channels. The floating part of the city is quite the maze otherwise.¡± ¡°In that, I am at least blessed with means already,¡± Kite said, stroking Glint along the billowy fins. They finally arrived at the local campus of the adventure society, and while the structures looked different there was a sense of familiar order to them which Kite found reassuring. Like every other campus Kite had visited, there was a central administration building to which Charat led him, which was followed by them passing through a reception area and eventually into an empty conference room. ¡°Please get comfortable while I will report your presence. It is best to take any chance at rest one can though, yes?¡± Charat said before closing the door. The room was nice, with one side seemingly open out toward a lush garden even though Kite could see the faint shimmer of a barrier close to the wooden beams which divided the opening. A long table took up most of the space in the otherwise unassuming space. Kite let Sage manifest, the astral gatherer immediately floating off to inspect the minimalistic artwork adorning the walls. ¡°Then I suppose that we wait,¡± Kite said, sitting down in one of the chairs. ¡°After all that excitement in the capital, another few minutes shouldn¡¯t be too bad.¡±
¡°The others are ready. How is our little would-be recruit doing?¡± Ryker asked, shrugging into his cloak as he finished donning his armor. ¡°He¡¯s waiting in the conference room where I left him. Nice and polite too. That¡¯s good, yes?¡± Charat answered, looking over the shoulder of a fellow functionary who was watching the projected screen. ¡°The candidate has so far meditated, played a bit with his familiars and is currently doing some kind of slow combat kata. Also meditative, from the looks of it.¡± the woman answered, keeping her eyes on the screen. ¡°No complaints, then?¡± Ryker asked, looking over her shoulder and studying the slow, meticulous motions of the young man. ¡°None so far. It has been three hours now, give or take. And I must say, that familiar of his is one beautiful fish.¡± ¡°Then we shall have to pop in and burst his little time of peace and quiet,¡± Ryker said with a smirk, ignoring the comment about the familiar as he turned to walk away. Christine and Mtanga joined him, both donning the thin cloth masks which hugged their faces and erased their features. Ryker donned his own mask as well, the trio crossing a few corridors until they emerged onto a hidden balcony which gave ample view over the inner garden outside the conference room where they had made all potential candidates for the task group wait. And as they had done this little dance more than a handful times before, neither of them needed to speak. Ryker and Christine stepped up to the balcony¡¯s railings and leapt while Mtanga conjured his bow and fired in one smooth motion. Ryker could only see the arrows curve and turn to strike the silver-ranker below, the man still being out of sight. So far, none of the candidates had fallen to that first barrage, but given that this one was a Hua-Xian, Ryker wondered if this would not be the first. ¡°Fortune, please make it happen and make my day?¡± he thought silently as he fell, but his silver-ranked hearing allowed him to pick up the chanted spell from below. ¡°Ward!¡± ¡°No luck, huh,¡± Ryker thought. And then he landed, mana coursing through the cloth fibers of his pants as they strengthened him. The next moment he shot off towards the conference room where their little prospect was using a pair of barriers to ward off Mtanga¡¯s little probing attacks. ¡°That won¡¯t be enough,¡± Ryker thought as he dove through another of the flimsy environmental barriers which kept the elements out of the combat room. His cloak was already coming to life as he landed near the guy, separating into a multitude of strands which snaked out toward their target. Christine should be right on his tail, and- ¡°Wall.¡± New barriers appeared at the openings in the conference room wall, more opaque and definitely sturdier than what had been there before. Christine slammed into one with a dull thud, righting herself so that she could try and break them down. Seeing the isolation-tactic for what it was, Ryker snorted. ¡°That won¡¯t be enough either,¡± he thought, diving in for a series of empowered punches as his enchanted clothing started to try and snag limbs or wind itself around as much of the other guy¡¯s body as possible. However, said cloth tendrils failed to find purchase, but that was only the start of Ryker¡¯s problem. He got one good swing in which the would-be recruit blocked on a forearm, but instead of transmitting all that additional force from the special attack, Ryker felt something pop as mana left him, replaced by the icy sting of transcendent damage. Not a lot, but enough to make one want to avoid a repeat experience. To make matters worse, the guy¡¯s weird tattoos lit up and four more arms joined the defense as wave-edged blades started to cut into Ryker¡¯s animated cloth. Isolated with his quarry, Ryker still grit his teeth and redoubled his assault. More cloth strips started moving to replace those that were severed or fell limp under some kind of dispel effect. The pair exchanged a furious series of attacks, double barriers and all those arms annoyingly effective at warding off Ryker¡¯s multi-pronged assault. With each hit, even the glancing ones, Ryker could feel more of his mana being drained away. He leapt away, trying to create some range, but ended up having to cut himself out of a restraining globe of water instead. A solid hit from some kind of staff connected a moment later, stealing more of his magical strength. ¡°Shit,¡± Ryker thought, annoyed at having to bring out one of his high-impact powers as he just couldn¡¯t seem to get away. A moment later, enchanted cloth ribbons exploded out from him, way more than could ever fit on his body. They started to fill the room, their passing shifting furniture and ripping art from the walls. Through his senses that extended through them, he could even feel some finding a slight purchase on the man¡¯s body, and Ryker pounced on the opportunity. Teleporting through the outstretched cloth, he- The teleport did not work, stopped by some unseen pull. By instinct, Ryker channeled a few more special attacks through the mass of cloth tendrils as he felt that the initiative he had tried to seize was negated, breaking like glass thrown upon a stone floor. And a moment later, his instincts were proved correct as he heard a muffled chant. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power.¡± An unseen pulse tore through his conjured cloth, tearing it to dissolving magical confetti. The room was suddenly visible again through normal senses, and Ryker turned to dodge a trio of attacks, the one impact ripping even more mana from him and stunning him for a short moment. Frustratingly enough, the only mana-restoring power Ryker had going was giving him less and less as some kind of affliction was building inside him. But seeing that Christine and Mtanga were almost through, Ryker needed to buy her a few more seconds. Loops of cloth wound themselves around his arm, twining together as they gathered strength. Ryker dodged another attack before he leapt, the power from his might essence letting him close the distance in a blink before unleashing his most potent special attack, Hammer of the Weave. A pair of barriers appeared, but Ryker¡¯s spike-like appendage of enchanted cloth punched through. Still, the discs of force slowed his arm down enough for one of those accursed extra arms to flick his way, a small ripple slashing across his arm. And Hammer of the Weave dissolved, dragging even more mana with it. ¡°Fuck!¡± was all that Ryker had time to think before the return strike took him in the chest, his own momentum turned against him as the butt of a staff was driven into his abdomen. Staggering backwards, the potential recruit stepped forwards to attack again. But this time, it was his turn to be interrupted. Ryker felt a bit of relief, and shame in that relief, as Christine finally burst through the barrier. It hadn¡¯t been more than twenty seconds, but it had felt a lot longer when stuck with whatever this Hua-Xian had going for him. But with Christine also came Mtanga¡¯s arrows. The archer had saved his strength, and the living storm of arrows which followed in the woman¡¯s wake was a beautiful show of magical archery, the swarm of projectiles closing in on their opponent like a fist grasping against a fly. ¡°Void!¡± Said fly apparently had more tricks up his sleeve though, as a dark aperture appeared between him and the incoming reinforcements. Ryker could feel it pull at his speed even from across the conference room. It wouldn¡¯t keep Christine or him for long, but Mtanga¡¯s arrows seemed to have a rougher time of it as they were devoured. He readied himself though, as such a potent power was no doubt one of the man¡¯s aces. ¡°When he comes for me, I¡¯ll need to expend what I can to keep him. He-¡± The prospective hire leapt forward through some kind of enhanced leap of his own, and Ryker readied himself as cloth unspooled from his reserves. However, the attack never came as their quarry didn¡¯t cross the entire room. Instead of crashing into Ryker, he stopped halfway and swung. ¡°At the door.¡± Ryker finally registered, his body still moving as through molasses due to the dark gate¡¯s pull. ¡°Oh no, you¡¯re not getting away like that. Not after this. I¡¯m not done with you-¡± ¡°I believe that this little introduction is done,¡± a calm voice said, cutting through the noise. The prospect¡¯s strike had frozen in place, staff gingerly held in one scaled hand. Said hand belonged to a towering draconian with stark white scales clad in a finely cut dress suit who stood straight-backed with the other hand resting behind his back as he surveyed the conference room. A gold-ranker like him was quite at ease when surrounded by silvers, after all. Ryker¡¯s blood, still boiling from the short but intense combat, demanded that he continued and brought the younger man down into the dirt, but a patient look from the draconian had him quell such ambition. Christine was quicker on the uptake though, and relaxed her posture. ¡°Sure thing, sir,¡± she nodded, apparently not sharing Ryker¡¯s sentiment. ¡°But she didn¡¯t have to trade blows with the fucker either,¡± Ryker thought sourly, but forced his bruised ego aside to nod at the draconian. ¡°What she said, Sir Darnos.¡± The would-be member of the task group seemed to have deduced the purpose of this little incident, as he too straightened and bowed to the gold-ranker. ¡°Of course, master.¡± He even let his staff hang in the grip of the draconian, who took a moment to look at it curiously. ¡°Hmm, this is not a metal I¡¯ve seen before. Curious weapon. It¡¯s always nice when the recruits bring something new to rattle this old brain of mine,¡± he said, voice filled with amused joviality as he handed the weapon back. ¡°Recruit, sir? I take it that he passed, then? I will admit that I didn¡¯t see too much through the barrier, and it was over quickly,¡± Mtanga asked as he too dropped down to join the gathering, taking off his mask to reveal his ebony skin and pearly grin. Ryker bit his teeth in frustration, but did not voice the sentiment. He couldn¡¯t drop the fact that this man was a Hua-Xian, but he too knew that enough criteria had been met. ¡°He fought off the ambushers for long enough to hamper your abilities to take him down, and gave a rather good show too, and then bought even more time to try and stage a retreat. Only my intervention saved this poor door from becoming part of our little test, and even the society¡¯s coffers aren¡¯t endless. Call a dragon a miser, but it just felt like a waste,¡± Darnos said, chuckling as he turned properly to the young Hua-Xian. ¡°Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, wasn¡¯t it? My name is Darnos of the Rending White, overseer of the eastern branch of Task Group Gauntlet. Allow me to formally welcome you, and confirm your status as a recruit. It will be quite interesting for us to see your capabilities in the weeks to come.¡± 152. Enjoy the ride Kite¡¯s body was still tingling with gradually decreasing tension as he walked through the corridors of the adventure society¡¯s lower complex. Darnos, the draconian gold-ranker who apparently oversaw the Task Group in this part of the world, walked at his side and had talked amicably of his impressions of the short but intense combat in which Kite had suddenly found himself just a few minutes before. ¡°-and since a few too many recruits having made their way here through more nepotism than actual merit, we felt that a bit of an ¡®organic¡¯ scenario was appropriate to prove that you were not just some greenhouse flower. We need people with actual experience in the task group, people who have met the worst kinds of essence users and not just survived, but thrived in such opposition. I tend to oversee recruitment personally too, but I am unsure if that truly helps, as I believe that some are willing to go quite far to make a connection.¡± As Darnos, apparently fond of talking, continued to explain the purpose of said trial, Kite couldn¡¯t help but keep part of his attention on the three silver-rankers who accompanied them. In front walked the man who Kite had actually been fighting. He was a human man with a swarthy complexion and short-trimmed curly dark hair. During his brief introduction where he had given the name Ryker, Kite got the distinct impression that the man didn¡¯t like him very much. Behind Kite and Darnos came the other two. Christine was an elf with pale skin, blonde straight hair and a casual attitude almost boarding on insubordinate, giving off an utterly relaxed feel as soon as the short conflict was over. Walking beside her was Mtanga, a heavyset man with ebony skin and a shaved head. Even though Kite did not look directly at him, Mtanga seemed to notice the scrutiny as he smiled brightly and waved to Kite¡¯s back. Apparently Darnos had noted Kite¡¯s partly wandering attention too, as a nudge of aura brought Kite back to their conversation. ¡°I hope you understand, recruit, that their actions were not personal. As I said, we do this test to everyone, albeit under varying conditions depending on where they apply. The test is meant to test your reactions and quick-thinking, as well as to show off the importance of teamwork and coordination through putting you on the receiving end. Even if the latter fell a bit shorter than usual this time, wouldn¡¯t you say, Ryker?¡± The man in front only grunted in response, causing Darnos to smile. ¡°Their goal was to get a suppression collar on you as quickly as possible, you see. As long as you put up an adequate fight and made sound decisions, being collared wouldn¡¯t have meant losing your chance at becoming a recruit for the task group. Three on one when ambushed are simply odds that one rarely beats, but some, like you, can do well enough to at least have a chance at escape. As I said, well done, especially for an outsider.¡± ¡°Thank you, master Darnos,¡± Kite replied after some hesitation. ¡°But I must admit that I am unsure if that last statement is praise or derision.¡± ¡°Oh? Oh, the outsider part? Sorry, I forget that you haven¡¯t got much insight in the greater adventure society. It was praise, recruit, and some well-earned at that. With outsider, I mean that you have no parent or other close relation working within the society. A lot of our members have, making their whole adventuring careers center around the society¡¯s workings, be it through the task groups or other projects. Both Ryker and Christine have basically grown up within the adventure society, and thus we know them well. But we also need outside perspective, and that is where recruits like you come in.¡± ¡°And like senior Mtanga too?¡± Kite asked, turning to give a nod to the man, whose smile only widened. ¡°A truthful deduction,¡± Darnos nodded in agreement. ¡°But their origins isn¡¯t why either of the three are here. They are assistant supervisors for these trials, and will help train and evaluate this batch of recruits in which you are part. As I have duties elsewhere most of the time, I will leave you in their capable hands. But trust that I will be informed of all of your progress, and I hope to work with you again in the future, should you pass.¡± The draconian turned around, nodding to each of the silver-rankers. ¡°Gentlemen. Lady. I bid you a good day.¡± With a small surge of mana, space folded in on the draconian for one mind-boggling moment, and then he was gone. Neither of the silver-rankers broke their stride, even Kite having seen plenty of magical departures in his adventuring career so far. Instead he chose to address the other three. ¡°Then I suppose I will be in your care, seniors. May I ask what is next?¡± ¡°As assistant supervisors, you will address us as sir or ma''am, depending on the preferences of the individual,¡± Ryker said curtly without looking at Kite where he walked ahead. ¡°You are in the wider world now, and need to adapt your speech to better fit-¡± ¡°What would you have called me back home?¡± Christine said, interrupting Ryker with a question brimming with curiosity. ¡°Well, that depends. In this case, it would probably be senior, or senior sister if I knew you better. Or mistress, had you status akin to master Darnos,¡± Kite answered, carefully schooling his features into that of thoughtful deliberation as Ryker now actually did turn, leveling a glare at the elven woman. ¡°Oh, that sounds pretty nice, actually. Recruit, I hereby want you to call me senior sister.¡± Christine stated as Ryker¡¯s glare intensified. ¡°It would be my honor, senior sister. Please, call me Kite. And add a ¡®junior brother¡¯ when you feel like it.¡±
¡°Before you ask, things went splendid. A nice and polite young man,¡± Darnos said as soon as he appeared in the office where an elven man with a blonde side-cut and eyes like glowing blue orbs had just looked up and opened his mouth to speak. ¡°Sir, I know that you like observing for yourself, but it really isn¡¯t necessary for you to waste your-¡± ¡°Ilmaril, you know that we gold-rankers rarely do things we don¡¯t want, like or find necessary,¡± Darnos interrupted with a raised eyebrow. ¡°And you know that you can call me Darnos. You¡¯re a gold too now.¡± ¡°I understand, sir, but with your seniority, it just isn¡¯t prudent,¡± Ilmaril deflected, changing the subject. ¡°But you found the candidate to your liking?¡± ¡°At least he gave a good initial impression. Isolated himself and Ryker, fighting him off for a while and positioning himself to escape when Chirstine and Mtanga broke through. I suspect that Ryker¡¯s pride took a bit of a hit, which might cause his loyalty to the adventure society to escalate a bit in their future interactions. The recruit is a Hua-Xian, after all.¡± ¡°I read his file,¡± Ilmaril confirmed. ¡°While his heritage might give pause, he wouldn¡¯t be recommended by two branch directors for nothing. From those of his powers that were described in the report, I can see him slotting well into most configurations, but pairing him up with recruit Steiner should be an obvious synergy. I will talk with Ryker and make sure that he lets his displeasure be shown within reasonable limits.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t believe that will be needed. Better to try and let the young work it out between themselves first, or you might just dig a chasm between them,¡± Darnos counseled. ¡°Just keep an eye on things. But you are the supervisor of this batch of tests after all, so I suppose that is advice most unneeded.¡± ¡°I will continue to do my best, sir Darnos,¡± Ilmaril said, back straightening. ¡°I don¡¯t doubt it,¡± Daros responded, clapping the other man¡¯s shoulder as he passed. ¡°Send me the reports of the recruits after the testing is done. There seem to be some interesting sets of powers among this batch, some which might be able to give even an old drake like me some inspiration.¡±
That same evening, Kite let out a groan as he lay down on his bed. The adventure society had assigned him a modest but comfortable room in which he would stay during the tests that were to come. And from what Ryker, Christine and Mtanga had informed him, there were a lot of them. ¡°I may be a silver ranker now, but even my head can go spinning trying to comprehend all of this,¡± he muttered, thinking of all that was to come. Even so, he got up a little while later. His mind may have been a bit exhausted, but there was still plenty of restlessness left in his body, so he left his room to visit the small training area which he had been told was free to use for all of the recruits. As he walked along the tunnel outside of his little room, he saw several similar doors which indicated that there might be up to a dozen recruits present. While the training complex was all underground, there were plenty of skylights providing glimpses of the sky above, in this case showing the deep purple of dusk. Following the signs, it was easy to find his way to the robust training area; essentially a blocky stone room. Still, it was sizable enough to accommodate a silver-ranker¡¯s needs, especially one like Kite whose powers usually did not need much space. ¡°Wall.¡± A moment after having muttered his spell chant, the room was filled with a rather chaotic and complex series of force walls, the panes having different angles and configurations. They filled out a lot of the spacious chamber, and Kite was already starting his run into the impromptu obstacle course. Smaller, more fragile squares of force appeared beneath his feet, and he lost himself in navigating as much of the complex environment he could while retaining as much speed as possible. Since its ascension to silver rank, the additional flexible mobility which Leyline Warding now offered was something Kite was still working on utilizing properly. His week spent with Soul had given him some ideas, but also the stark reminder that he needed to incorporate altitude more into his thoughts on positioning. Silver-rank meant that powers like flight or the like were a lot more common, and while projecting his attacks through his intent helped somewhat, Kite knew that he needed to give himself even more options. That was why he was quite engrossed with trying out different rolls, sudden turns and other maneuvers when another aura flared in greeting at the entrance to the training hall. Kite was a bit proud that he managed to come to a somewhat dignified stop, having just come out of a mid-air roll across some conjured platforms ending in a crouch. The newcomer was a fair-skinned human woman with wavy, strawberry blonde hair who stood looking up at Kite with an amused expression. She was a silver ranker like him, dressed in a simple blouse and pants which looked like something Kite would have expected Rachel or Phiona Geller to wear on a leisurely day. The woman''s aura gave off the feel of a sharp, almost suffocating force even though Kite sensed no hostility from her. ¡°That looks rather fun. Mind if I join in?¡± Kite had first expected some kind of snarky comment from her posture and expression, but the questions seemed genuine enough. ¡°Of course,¡± he answered. ¡°Tempering oneself is always best done in company.¡± His words got a raised eyebrow in response, but she soon stepped forward and lifted into the air as a slight ripple enveloped her body. While she did so through some kind of flight power, she followed Kite¡¯s lead as she started navigating the odd angles of Kite¡¯s barrier-maze at what speed she could, emulating his way of kicking off some barriers or shifting the magic that carried her body more abruptly. While their mutual training was done in relative silence, Kite looked her way as he shifted up the configuration of the barriers, getting a smirk of what he suspected to be approval in return. He did not know exactly how long they practiced like that, caught up in the slight competitive spirit that started to grow as they both raced to find more efficiency and beat each other¡¯s time. In an open environment, there was no question that the woman would beat him handedly, but the complex maze of obstacles gave him what he needed to keep up. At least to a point. ¡°I believe that senior sister has me beaten,¡± Kite eventually said, touching down on the ground. Even his enhanced body had started to feel a bit exhausted after the rising tempo, but that had been just what he was there for, after all. ¡°Senior¡­ sister?¡± she asked, still smirking as she touched down next to him. ¡°Ah, my apologies. In my homeland, it is an honorific added when addressing someone of similar station who is still more experienced. Would you prefer - what was it? - ma¡¯am?¡± At that, she actually laughed. Kite felt a bit sheepish but did his best to hide beneath a mask of politeness. ¡°Ah, sorry, sorry,¡± she eventually said, wiping imaginary tears from the corner of one eye. ¡°It¡¯s just that ma¡¯am sounds like you¡¯re talking to my mother. I¡¯m not that old yet,¡± she said, eyes gleaming. ¡°Besides, just Amica is fine. Amica Steiner. If we are to be trained and evaluated together, best keep it simple, no?¡± ¡°That would be preferable,¡± Kite agreed, still confused about the whole ¡®ma¡¯am¡¯ title. There was apparently quite a lot of nuance to these foreign honorifics as well. ¡°My name is Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, but please call me Kite.¡± Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Your name is¡­¡± she began, smirk growing. ¡°You sure are an odd one. Oh, don¡¯t take it like that. Odd is nice. I don¡¯t think normal people end up where we are,¡± Amica said, adding the last part as she saw Kite¡¯s slight wince. ¡°Still, that name though. Is that the type of name most people get where you are from? And, speaking of, where are you from?¡± Amica¡¯s questions ended up leading to a rather lengthy explanation where Kite told her about Hua-Xi and its naming conventions. She had apparently never heard about the country before, and kept him on track with question after question. ¡°-and as such, she was named Auspicious Winter Raven,¡± Kite said, finishing his telling of his rather unique family situation. ¡°How are things where you are from, if I may ask?¡± Getting his own questions in had been decidedly challenging, and Amica proved as evasive now as before. ¡°You may, but I believe it is an answer you will have another day. We¡¯d best get some sleep. You can expect quite a lot of testing tomorrow if my experience is anything to go by,¡± Amica said, winking at Kite as she floated up in the air and started back towards the corridors housing their quarters. ¡°Thanks for the exercise, and see you soon.¡± As Amica left, Kite couldn¡¯t help but smile a bit as he thought back to their interactions. Maybe it wouldn¡¯t be so hard to make some friends in this foreign land as he had thought.
Amica Steiner kept her smile as she floated back to her room. Things were really going her way lately. She had worked hard, very hard, to get where she was now. Task Group Gauntlet would be the best chance she would ever have to realize her goals. Those cultists and all other scum like them¡­ Through the task group, she would have the chance to put them all down. The little cute foreigner with the fancy words was an added bonus, though. There was something innocent about him, even if she had felt plenty of steel in his aura too. Still, that slight naivet¨¦ and the way he looked at the world¡­ Amica just couldn¡¯t wait to see what kind of a playmate he would be, or could be molded into. ¡°But more testing first I suppose,¡± she muttered, sighing as her telekinesis closed the door behind her. ¡°The adventure society sure is thorough with their evaluations. Just grit your teeth and show them, Amica. Show them that you will always be the one ending up in control.¡±
The next morning, Kite had been served a nice breakfast by a functionary before being given some time to prepare himself. He was still mulling over the culinary experience as he meditated in his room, floating around half a meter over the floor. ¡°-and I wonder what kind of fruit was in that porridge. It was of the correct rank, so it can¡¯t just be grown anywhere? Or can it? The mana is so rich here, after all.¡± Glint seemed to agree with him, as she had dug into the portion offered her with great abandon. One could tell that the adventure society was used to dealing with exotic familiars and various dietary needs, even if they could always fall back to spirit coins if the need arose. Kite was brought out of his reverie by another aura announcing itself at the door. The functionary from before had returned. ¡°If you would accompany me, recruit, I will show you to the testing area. We would ask you to not venture there unless called upon, as the initial testing is intended to be without outside observation,¡± the bronze-ranker said while she started guiding Kite through a new section of the underground complex. There wasn¡¯t too much foot-traffic, but Kite did spy a glimpse of a silver-ranked runic man being led down another corridor by another functionary. This short look almost had him stop dead in his tracks. The reason for this was not that the runic had an exceptional aura or dressed in any particular way, nor that he gave Kite any obvious attention. No, it was the fact that he had hair. Most runics Kite had met or seen had bald heads, making their sigil-like glowing markings stand out even more. But not only did this runic have hair, but said hair turned out not to be of the conventional type. As the man had just passed, one of the thick, dark green strands on the man¡¯s head had raised itself from where it was gathered up in a low ponytail, locked eyes with Kite and hissed. Because it turned out that the runic had snakes growing out of his head where his hair would be. ¡°That¡­¡± Kite thought, a bit stunned. ¡°Had I not had the enhanced memory, I would surely have thought myself still dreaming.¡± The functionary ahead of him hadn¡¯t noticed, and Kite was forced to gather his wits again as he was led to an impressive set of doors. ¡°If you would please step through, the supervisors will instruct you from there,¡± Kite¡¯s guide said, gesturing towards the doors before leaving. Kite didn¡¯t even have time to thank the man, who had conjured a cloud beneath his feet which carried him off and around a corner in short order. Left with few other options, Kite steadied his spirit and entered the testing complex. What surprised him upon entering was that said testing complex was surprisingly small. The neatly clean room was dominated by some huge console facing a kind of glass pane, its purpose unknown to Kite. There were a dozen alcoves in the surrounding walls, each roomy enough for a person of any species to lay down on, as well as some rows of benches and tables also facing the console and glass pane. Four people awaited Kite. He immediately recognized Ryker, Mtanga and Christine, the former giving Kite a curt nod as he entered while the expressions of the other two were more friendly. There was also another man present, a gold-ranked elf with blonde hair and eyes like two glowing, blue orbs. He too had turned to Kite upon his entrance, and Kite could feel the elf¡¯s aura sweep through his in a thorough scan that would be considered quite rude under normal social circumstances. But as Kite found himself in an underground complex that housed some rather advanced magical infrastructure with the distinct purpose of being evaluated, he did not dwell on it, instead focusing his spirit to keep his aura as steady as possible. ¡°Greetings, recruit,¡± the gold-ranker eventually said. ¡°My name is Ilmaril Thenston, and I am the supervisor of this batch of recruitment of Task Group Gauntlet. While you will receive a dossier with the relevant details, I will also provide you with a brief summary as part of your introduction.¡± The supervisor spoke with the crisp discipline of a man who expected to be obeyed. His aura felt like something inescapable; like if you were caught in his grasp, there would be no means of escape except by his mercy. Kite chose to only nod in acquiescence, saving his words for later. The second nod he received from the gold-ranker gave the indication that this was a wise move. ¡°As you should already know, Task Group Gauntlet is one of the specialized collections of adventurers within the adventure society with specific expertise in handling other essence users, either to bring in alive or to take down permanently. I have served with the task group since silver rank, soon to reach my twentieth year of being part of Gauntlet. During this time I have faced the worst that people have to offer, be it ruthless bandits and pirates to cunning charlatans or those who use restricted essences. Most of them have been downright scum, but a lot have instead believed themselves to be the odd one out, the one who will not cause undue harm. The special ones. No matter their motivations, all of them have inflicted suffering and loss upon the people of this world, the people the adventure society exists to protect. Most members of Task Group Gauntlet are specialists called in for specific contracts where the adventure society deems their specific expertise necessary, with a few eventually moving onto a more long-term retainer. Only time will tell if this will be your path, but the evaluations that are to come during the following days will determine if you have what it takes, what further training you will need and if you have the mind and spirit to go up against some of the worst which the world has to offer. That is why we need you to be honest, recruit. With us in regards to your capabilities, powers and experiences. And to yourself. If you, at any time, find that this is not for you, then you are free to walk away without any repercussions. There is no shame in admitting one¡¯s limits. Have I made myself clear, recruit?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ Sir,¡± Kite replied, belatedly adding the honorific. ¡°Knowing this, do you wish to proceed with today¡¯s tests and evaluations?¡± As he had done many times before in his life, Kite took a moment to think. Then he nodded his acquiescence. ¡°Yes Sir.¡± Ilmaril gave Kite one long look with those glowing blue orbs, his aura washing through Kite¡¯s yet again. There were moments of spiritual pressure, gradually increasing in frequency and intensity. As this went on, Kite¡¯s spirit started straining more and more until his aura was eventually pushed back all the way to total suppression. With his increased aura strength in that regard, it had been quite some time since Kite felt the exposed, vulnerable feeling this always brought. Then, the gold-ranked aura retreated. ¡°Initial assessment would be eight points in spiritual defenses,¡± Ilmaril said, the assistant supervisors nodding. For a silver-ranker, no note-taking was needed for such basic information. Once more addressing Kite, he nodded. ¡°As you may have surmised, we will judge your abilities on a grade from one to ten. All applicants are expected to have a spread, and the highest score is very, very rare. Eight points is an excellent mark, recruit. We will see how you do in the tests that are to come.¡± Kite was about to ask a question when Ryker seemed to decide that it was time to break in. ¡°Lay down on that bench over there,¡± he said, gesturing to one of the alcoves. Kite started to walk over, but halted midway. ¡°May I ask what this device means to test? Sir?¡± he asked, adding the honorific after Ryker raised a stern eyebrow at him. Said sternness quickly melted away to disbelief, however. ¡°Are you serious, recruit? Don¡¯t you know what this is?¡± he asked, his tone grating on even Kite¡¯s patience. ¡°I believe that you are the first recruit to ever ask that question.¡± ¡°What Ryker should be explaining, junior brother,¡± Christine broke in, emphasizing the familiar term even though the elf¡¯s posture was as relaxed as before when she sent the barb towards her colleague, ¡°- is that this is a mirage chamber.¡± Apparently noting Kite¡¯s dawning understanding, her smile grew. ¡°See, Ryker. He knows what it is. Not everyone has all but grown up in them like we have.¡± All Christine got was a flat look in return, so she continued her explanation. ¡°We will use it to simulate scenarios for you where we can test your powers to their limits. It will start basic, very basic, but don¡¯t worry. Things will heat up in no time.¡± Her words washed away Kite¡¯s frustration, replacing it with growing excitement. ¡°Thank you, senior sister. While I believe that I will need some more guidance in how to use it, I am most looking forward to this.¡± ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t need to worry about that, recruit. Just lay down, and the chamber will do the rest. And I promise you that you have quite the experience ahead of you. Make sure to enjoy the ride,¡± Christine finished with a sly wink.
¡°I can¡¯t believe that I let you talk me into this,¡± Soul grumbled among the steaming hot water. ¡°And yet you haven¡¯t left for an hour,¡± Dragonfly teased from where she rested at the opposite edge of the hot spring. ¡°The poor Eden family had tried to offer you this comfort the whole time, and you denied them the opportunity to actually be proper hosts.¡± ¡°Well, they sure seem to like you. The master of the house seems to have not end of praise of our recent exploits,¡± Soul said sourly, while still not making any moves to escape the hot, soothing water which was not, by any metric, making its warmth seep deeper and deeper into her body, letting out tensions she didn¡¯t even know could exist. At least that was what Soul kept telling herself. ¡°Heh, yeah, it has been a fun few weeks. Decent monster hunting, and that little quarrel we had with those twins supporting the Ember family? Epic carnage. Who knew that a bit of directed training could make clashing with other essence users so much more fun?¡± ¡°Only every proper warrior to ever walk these lands.¡± ¡°It was a rhetorical question. Shut up,¡± Dragonfly countered, conjuring another burst of flame beneath the water to heat it up even more. Silver-rankers needed quite the scald to get that proper hot spring feeling, after all. ¡°But speaking of warriors, have you given any more thought to my offer?¡± ¡°To come and join that little guild of yours? I won¡¯t lie in that easier access to the Pathbreaker has its appeal, but otherwise I don¡¯t see the point. Better to work on my own path.¡± ¡°Well, I believe that your path has fared well from a bit of variety. Didn¡¯t you admit just the other day that the recent monster hunts has given you some inspiration?¡± ¡°I¡­ said no such thing.¡± Soul said, a bit too quickly. Still, by now Dragonfly knew better than to push it. ¡°Please think on it at least,¡± she pushed, deciding to go all out now that it was her final day staying at Boundary. ¡°Because you know what?¡± ¡°What?¡± Soul asked, sensing the trap but deciding to walk straight into it anyway. ¡°Typical Soul,¡± Dragonfly thought, the steamy waters hiding her smirk as she spoke. ¡°I think that even you get lonely.¡± ¡°What? That is-¡± ¡°I believe that you like the company, at least the right kind of company, and that you would thrive in a place where you could both train yourself and others while widening your views, ¡°Dragonfly pressed. ¡°And besides, it would be good to have allies if that old scumbag sect of yours came after you too. You¡¯re good, Soul. The best I have ever fought. But even you can¡¯t just smack down all of their elders at once, should they decide to throw honor to the wind.¡± ¡°A proper warrior-¡± ¡°I know, Soul, I know. But I also know that a proper warrior is still a person. You can be both. Please, for these weeks we have spent together, promise me that you¡¯ll at least think about it.¡± Silence reigned over the hot spring. Dragonfly was pondering if she should prepare herself for a naked wrestling match within a hot spring when Soul sank just a little deeper into the water. ¡°Fine. I promise to think about it,¡± came the surly, bubbled answer, making Dragonfly a bit relieved yet oddly disappointed at not having to play out some teenager¡¯s wildest fantasies. ¡°Thank you, Soul. You truly are the most thoughtful of warriors,¡± Dragonfly teased, earning herself a slight splash from the other woman. Silence reigned yet again, Dragonfly luxuriating in the comforts of the bath. This time, it was Soul who broached the next topic. ¡°What about you then, what will you do now that you are leaving?¡± ¡°Honestly? I don¡¯t know exactly?¡± Dragonfly said, laying back to float in the warm water while looking up at the overcast evening sky. ¡°Staying here with you has taught me a lot. Like, a lot of a lot. I can¡¯t wait to go out here and duel someone to keep working on all those pointers you have given me. But that still isn¡¯t the thing for me. Sure, you have many different things in your life, at least that is what master Force told me, and I still haven¡¯t really found my next thing yet. Well, I know one thing, but that is the thing I cannot tell you about.¡± ¡°That again?¡± Soul grumbled. ¡°Oh, well, keep your secrets.¡± ¡°So as to what I will do¡­ I guess it is still up to the future to show me. My path will climb ever onwards though, that is for sure. And I will miss you, Soul.¡± Seeing the other woman freeze at the earnest confession, Dragonfly couldn¡¯t help but smile inwardly. ¡°I guess that this is part of why Kite does it,¡± she thought as she witnessed the martial artist seeking to perfect herself wrestling with something as simple as straightforward affection. And it was on that fateful night that Dragonfly Over Sun¡¯s Reflection witnessed something hitherto unseen in the lands of Hua-Xi, and something which might never be seen again. On the eve before her departure, Soul, blessed of Warrior and seeker of perfection¡­ blushed. ¡°I¡­ Will miss you. Too.¡± 153. Quite busy, quite soon Another small opening appeared in the air around the lone stone platform where Kite was standing, joining the multitudes of other such diminutive gates which were already in place. Like all of its companions, it discharged a sizzling bolt of magic towards Kite. And like all others so far, Kite acted to defend himself. ¡°Ward!¡± The twin barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding reappeared, the last two discs of force having been cracked and almost broken. One intercepted the new incoming projectile while the other blocked three already en route. Meanwhile, the arms of Kite¡¯s mantle was a blur, intercepting what other projectiles they could via multiple applications of Pattern-Shattering Counter. All of the small openings occasionally launched their attacks of varying form and speed, and their number and the frequency of their attacks had only grown during the minutes - Gods knew how many - in which Kite had been subject to this particular trial. ¡°They are getting more and more devious with the angles too,¡± he thought, lashing out with his staff in one direction while one of Matra¡¯s descendants managed to disperse another just in time. ¡°Shame I was told not to use my stationary barriers. A few layers of force walls would have bought me a lot of time.¡± His thoughts were scattered as the first projectile of the trial hit him, searing pain blooming in his right shoulder as another gate had opened and fired a swift beam at him. Kite regained his equilibrium, but the number of attacks just kept on rising while his mana was actually flagging dangerously low. Without opponents to continually drain through Spirit Singularity, the mana-draining of his counters just could not keep up on their own through the cost of retaining Kite¡¯s mantle. Another projectile hit a short while later, then two more, and then three. Fighting through the pain was one thing, but when the arms of his mantle started flickering ominously and he felt the headache of mana-exhaustion coming on, his defenses were already crumbling. Five projectiles struck in staggered succession, and everything went white. A moment later, the low roof of the alcove in which his body had been lying came into focus, and Kite took a moment to steady himself and separate his mind from the illusory onslaught of the mirage chamber. ¡°Everything alright, junior brother?¡± Christine asked as she walked over from the control panel where she had been standing next to Mtanga and Ryker. The gold-ranked Ilmaril wasn¡¯t present at the moment, having come and gone during the past two days of similar tests. And heavens, had there been tests. ¡°I am well, even though this one was rather strenuous,¡± Kite said, sitting up carefully. ¡°At least you didn¡¯t sit up and bash your head into the ceiling of the alcove this time,¡± the elf woman teased. ¡°While we are still calculating the results, I believe that you scored very well in this. Lasting until your mana was almost empty is quite a feat with your power set.¡± ¡°Then I will hope that it is so. Compared to the test in area control, this one felt a lot more aligned with my strengths,¡± Kite said, wincing at the memory. He had thought that he had become a lot better in managing swarms and other such opponents. The tests of the adventure society had proved just how far he still had to go. ¡°But don¡¯t you agree that the dynamic, combined tests are a lot more fun than just testing the parameters of your individual power? Just wait until you get to do this in a moving, shifting scenario,¡± Christine said cheerfully. Her laid-back demeanor aside, the elf had turned out to be quite the expert at configuring and creating scenarios for mirage chambers, and she seemed as happy as one could be to see them all on display. ¡°In that, I do agree,¡± Kite said. ¡°Still, it was enlightening with those systematic tests you devised. I don¡¯t think I will ever get the opportunity to get such a precise feeling of just how much my barriers can endure, or how much mana my attacks drain.¡± Christine was about to answer, but a loud clearing of someone¡¯s throat followed by an equal nudge of aura cut her off. ¡°Ah, it seems that Ryker wants us to get moving so that you can rest for a bit before the next test. It will be something akin to the same thing, but while running through a dynamic environment while chased by monsters. Doesn¡¯t that sound amazing. Fair warning; I know that floating eyeball monsters are a bit clich¨¦, but it just felt so appropriate for this scenario.¡± ¡°I¡­ see. I sure have something to look forward to, then,¡± Kite replied, his smile growing a bit strained. It would be a long day, it seemed.
¡°Ryker?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± the man in question asked, attention mostly focused on the display screen where the Hua-Xian recruit was working his way through some of the last tests of the day. Most adventurers hated escort missions - Ryker sure did - but he had to grudgingly admit that Kite was at least good at it. ¡°Don¡¯t you think that you are laying it on a bit too thick?¡± Christine asked pointedly, her eyes also on the screen. ¡°We all know what countries like Hua-Xi can be like to the adventure society, and no one is saying that it is a good thing. But maybe try to judge Kite a bit less for his heritage and a bit more from his actual capabilities and mentality. His country isn¡¯t even the only one. You know as well as I do that there are many, many more out there who dislike the influence we have.¡± ¡°And you know just as well what would happen should they get exactly what they want; the mighty would love their so-called freedom - which they already have plenty of, I might add - while the people would suffer,¡± Ryker countered. ¡°Besides, you¡¯ve traveled the world plenty and should know that a fruit can look as nice and ordinary as it wants to, but if it grows on a corrupted tree, its own intentions matter little, and its origins will still show themselves. From what I¡¯ve heard, there are plenty in Hua-Xi and other countries like it that just spit on everything good that the adventure society tries to do for them.¡± ¡°While it is the answer I expected, you still manage to disappoint,¡± Christine sighed. ¡°And besides, you missed my whole point. Even you should see that your dear fruit analogy is holding less and less water for every test and evaluation we have made so far,¡± she finished, indicating the screen where a wide-scale blast was absorbed into the dark aperture of the power named Gate of Nihility as Kite brought his charge closer to the end objective. ¡°Bah. Why are you so impressed with him? He has gotten plenty of lower scores so far; area control, mobility, ranged capability,¡± Ryker said, checking each point off one finger. ¡°And his combat style is all over the place. Sure, his base technique is adequate, but it lacks the depth of a true elite.¡± ¡°And what about his scores on defense, suppression, isolating enemies, battlefield control and - soon to be - protection detail?¡± Christine countered. ¡°All that supposedly growing from some kind of ¡®corrupted tree¡¯, having managed to climb up from rather humble means compared to most of us. And that is even without mentioning the psychological profile. ¡± ¡°It was a very nice chat,¡± Mtanga chimed in, his pearly smile a stark contrast to his dark skin. ¡°Still not convinced,¡± Ryker said tersely. ¡°You know what the Task Group needs and their standards. I still believe that he won¡¯t make it in the end. Not with that background of his. The tests are only a small part of the evaluation after all.¡± ¡°While I have faith in junior brother¡¯s capabilities, and even more in his potential,¡± Christine said, not bothering to hide her smirk at Ryker stiffening at her use of the Hua-Xian honorific. ¡°I suppose we will just have to do the old ¡®wait and see¡¯. But I will not stop bothering you about this, either.¡±
¡°-so for the final stretch, I just chose to telekinetically grab the poor imaginary civilian and throw her into the safe zone. Which I don¡¯t believe scored me too many points,¡± Amica joked from where she sat across from Kite at the small table in her room. ¡°What¡¯s with that look? The imaginary woman survived too. I know my strength. She would have gotten a few bruises, sure, but better that than dying because I couldn¡¯t keep enough of the monsters off her there at the end.¡± ¡°Whatever senio- I mean, if you say so, Amica,¡± Kite said, still not entirely convinced. It was nice with some humanoid company though, as the other recruit had invited him to dine together when running into Kite in the corridor of their dormitory. ¡°One needs to be careful in handling lower-rankers, that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°I can be plenty of careful, trust me. You should just see what I can¡­ handle¡­ with my powers,¡± she said, wagging her eyebrows exaggeratedly at Kite, who laughed. ¡°I am sure that each and every one of your hypothetical partners have noted your proficiency, and that the ones from the early practice days are sworn into silence.¡± ¡°Hypothetical? You don¡¯t think I look good enough to land one? Or dozens?¡± Amica asked, her voice filled with mock indignation. ¡°I assure you that I meant no disrespect, but merely did not want to assume. Who knows? Maybe you have sworn an oath of celibacy to Purity in recent years?¡± Kite countered. ¡°Oh I assure you that I most certainly have not,¡± Amica said, eyes twinkling. ¡°But speaking of such matters, do you have anyone special waiting for you at home then? Any partner? Or partners? I won¡¯t judge. We high-rankers can sure get around if we put our minds to it.¡± ¡°Not a partner per se, but she is definitely special to me. We go all the way back to iron rank,¡± Kite said, realizing how long it had been since he and Dragonfly had first met. Sure, those four years would be next to nothing for a venerable gold-ranker, but Kite was not one. At least not yet. ¡°So no partner then,¡± Amica confirmed. ¡°But I get it. It¡¯s good to have reliable ¡®squeezes¡¯ when you feel like it, no?¡± ¡°In this, I must defer to your experience,¡± Kite said, starting to ponder about how to extricate himself from this particular conversation. While he had managed to move past the fluster of his teenage years in regards to the topic of sexuality, Amica had initiated and kept this particular topic for a while now. And while her words were casual, a banter easy to be swept up in, Kite¡¯s spiritual senses were picking up small hints from her aura; an intensity which made him slightly ill at ease. ¡°Well, don¡¯t you know what they say about experience? It-¡± Amica began, but was interrupted when she was suddenly sprayed by a quite generous stream of water from the side. ¡°Wha-¡± the blonde woman spluttered, turning to her ¡®assailant¡¯. Glint, who had been content with eating and then playing around the room while chasing a floating ball of water of her own making, at least had the decency to fake quite a bit of embarrassment. Kite had not focused his attention enough, but his silver-ranked memory came to the rescue as it helped him note how the carp seemed to suddenly have lost control over said globe of water as it instead shot over the room and hit Amica squarely in the side of her head. And he could easily see and sense the intent behind the action as not a bit of actual remorse could be felt through their familiar bond. ¡°Ah, Glint,¡± he said with a chastising tone even as he sent a pulse of gratitude through their bond. ¡°Amica doesn¡¯t know you well yet, and she isn¡¯t used to the games and pranks you usually play on my friends. Most people don¡¯t appreciate being soaked like that.¡± Glint¡¯s silken fins drooped even further in what to Kite was an impressive display of theatrics. ¡°Oh I don¡¯t mind a bit of a prank every now and then,¡± Amica said, smiling mischievously as the water started rising from her in an impressive show of telekinetic fine control. It formed a globe of its own, hovering next to her head. ¡°As long as a certain little fishy realizes that she can sometimes get a taste of her own medicine.¡± With that, the globe shot off towards Glint and what followed was a dizzying chase and magical wrestling match combined as the pair struggled to gain control over the water. It was all in good nature though, and Glint seemed to enjoy herself as she ducked, weaved and countered. This also, blessedly, shifted the mood in the room quite a lot, allowing Kite to finally give a slight bow as he rose to his feet. ¡°I believe that I need to get some meditation in before the next bout of testing. Thank you for the company, Amica.¡± ¡°You are welcome back any time,¡± she retorted, giving Kite a beaming smile as he closed the door behind him. He walked along the corridor and made the single turn back to his room before turning to the carp floating at his side. ¡°Thank you, little beauty. A most efficient distraction.¡±
¡°Tell me, recruit, how do you believe that you have performed in the initial testing?¡± Ilmaril Thenstone, the gold-ranked supervisor for the testing procedure asked Kite. They were both seated in an office, Ilmaril sitting behind his desk. The only thing which occupied its spotless surface was a stack of documents, and Kite had no doubts that they contained the results from the many tests he had undergone during the last four days. That the gold-ranker wasn¡¯t even opening the folder also indicated that the elf knew full well how Kite had performed. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°I can at least vouch that I have performed to the best of my abilities. The mirage chamber truly is a marvelous training opportunity,¡± Kite answered truthfully. Not that he had any lies to spin in this regard, and even attempting something like that in front of a gold-ranker was a study in folly if there ever was one. ¡°I believe that my strength lies in countering other essence users and defense, while I fall behind in actual damage and handling crowds of foes. This has been proven true many times so far since I became an adventurer, and while I have tried, and to some degree succeeded, to compensate with the proper equipment, I have yet to procure the right tools in silver rank. And while I have ways to intensify my presence in a fight, I will perform best and most reliably over time against foes relying as much as possible on magical tricks and powers.¡± Nothing of this was new to Kite, as it was something he had told himself many times during the self-reflective moments of his career. But he had to admit that he was curious if that assessment held up to the standards of the outside world. Ilmaril only nodded in response, his face remaining blank. ¡°Then I will summarize the most relevant parts of your assessment. You may read the rest at your leisure. Note that these are not open to debate or appeal, but also not that they won¡¯t impact your adventure society membership, star rating or other such records.¡± His somber tone kept Kite on the edge of his seat, even though he did his best to keep calm. ¡°Do I want this that much? To prove myself? Or is this something anyone in my situation would feel?¡± he thought to himself, but quickly snapped back into the present as the gold-ranker started his summary. ¡°While we have tested you on numerous capabilities, the assessment mostly agrees with your own summary. Your clear strengths lay in defense, suppression, staying power, small-scale combat, extended combat, civilian protection and non-lethal takedowns. Within these categories, you scored between seven and ten points out of ten possible. As I told you before the testing began, a rating of ten is most unusual. In your case, it was in the category of non-lethal takedowns. Your rating of seven was in defense, with your barriers being flexible and quick but lacking the width of different powers to be classified as a true defender. Thes rest was between eight and nine.¡± Sensing that the other metaphorical shoe was to drop, Kite tried to hold on to the sense of pride at the praise, even though it had been delivered in a deadpan voice. ¡°As for your weaknesses- ,¡± Ilmaril continued, the glowing blue orbs that were his eyes never leaving Kite, ¡°- you scored between two and four points in the categories of burst damage, area damage, sustained damage, damage flexibility, and personal mobility. The latter was your highest score among them, with your version of air-walking and situational burst of movement alleviating things somewhat. Scores like this would quite thoroughly eliminate any chance of a striker-role in this or any other task group. Or any role, for that matter. Eliminating opponents is usually the task of our specialized contracts, and everyone needs to be able to contribute. But Task Group Gauntlet is not just any such group. We are unique in that we deal the most with people. People that are both powerful and cunning, relying on their powers to both wreak havoc and escape. People that have sometimes eluded conventional bounty contracts for months or years. People that, if left to their devices, will continue to prey on society. And you, recruit Kite, should be quite good at decisively dealing with such people.¡± Kite sat back, surprised enough by the slight hint of approval in Ilmaril¡¯s voice that he barely registered the implications. ¡°There are still terms, as we present to all prospective members,¡± the elf said, holding up one finger. ¡°Because we have not only evaluated your power, but your skills. Here, your¡­ rural heritage shows. Your fighting style seems to be mostly self-taught, a mix not yet having come into its own. That needs to improve, as well as your knowledge of ritual magic, astral magic and formation magic. The latter was better than the rest, but as a member of Gauntlet, you will need to know what you will be encountering, even if it isn¡¯t your job to deal with them in the end. The adventure society will provide you with training opportunities for each of these, as long as you are willing to learn and prove to be the most dedicated of students. And, of course, as long as you accept our offer to proceed to the next step of the evaluation. Be advised, or warned, that this is next is training, evaluation and real life combined. While we offer individual training, we are not a school or an academy. We do not teach adventurers from the ground up, but refine those with potential. There has been misgivings about you from several in the decision-making committee, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. I will not hide that this is mostly due to your heritage. This means that you also have an opportunity here; to prove them wrong in those assumptions. To prove me wrong, because I have seen the arrogance of some of your countrymen first hand, even if it was many years ago. So, make your choice.¡± As it turned out, Ilmaril Thenston was one of those persons who could arrest a room while he was speaking. Kite had barely breathed during what turned out to be a small speech, and finally gathered himself as elation, relief, a bit of pride and some trepidation welled up within him. But in the end, the answer was easy. He had not come here to walk away from an opportunity of contracts that would widen his horizons and lean into his strengths as well as the welcome offer of additional training to shore up some of his weaknesses. ¡°And most of all, skills I can take home with me when we start to try and shed some light into those dark corners of my home to see just how far the roots of Discord have managed to worm themselves,¡± Kite thought, rising to his feet and bowing in respect to the gold-ranker. ¡°Then I thank you for your offer, as I accept,¡± he said, keeping his head bent for a few seconds longer before straightening. ¡°Good. While you may not yet be a member, you being here speaks well of the branch directors of Hua-Xi and their judgment. The continental council was wise in making sure that outsiders managed those branches,¡± Ilmaril noted before continuing. ¡°With your addition, we have enough recruits gathered to create a team for evaluation. Note that this is only a temporary one, both in that there are no guarantees that all of you pass or survive this evaluation, and in that most members of Gauntlet are called in for their specific power set for specific contracts. But it will do for now. This evaluation period will last for six months, so I truly hope that you set your affairs in order before coming here, recruit. As you will find yourself quite busy, quite soon.¡±
¡°So, Ilmaril, it seems that the initial evaluations bore fruit,¡± Darnos of the Rending White noted as he held up his glass of liqueur in toast while being thankful that there were no normal- or iron-rankers present as they might have fainted from the fumes alone. ¡°Another team of prospects who will need to learn how to fight by each other¡¯s side, to face down some of the worst people that this planet has to offer while seeing places both grand and foul. Ah, to be young again,¡± the draconian said wistfully. ¡°It is as you say, Sir,¡± Ilmaril confirmed, not letting go of his notepad while tentatively sipping his own glass. ¡°With the addition of Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune - gods, what a mouthful - we should have what we need to progress to the next stage.¡± ¡°And what about their role assignments?¡± Darnos asked, obvious curiosity filling his voice. ¡°That the Steiner girl is a controller is obvious, as well as Cardenco being able to fill the scouting role. But which others have you put in there?¡± ¡°You are correct, Sir. Gray Sky with his gorgon confluence will serve as another controller and damage dealer, with a more pure kind of striker added in with Sztyka. If you have read her dossier-¡± ¡°Which I have,¡± Darnos confirmed with a smirk and a nod. ¡°-then you will see the obvious synergy between her and having two controllers.¡± ¡°You are quite right. Thinking about being caught immobile in front of her makes my scales writhe.¡± ¡°With Kite Flown in-¡± ¡°I believe that he did say that just Kite was fine, Ilmaril.¡± ¡°With Kite added in as a suppressor and pseudo-defender, I believe that they have the chance to do good work even during their evaluation, as long as they can mesh well enough together.¡± ¡°Any expected difficulties?¡± ¡°While I would have imagined the Hua-Xian to be the source of such worries, he is actually near the bottom of that list,¡± Ilmaril stated, keeping his tone impassive. ¡°No, Cardenco and Gray Sky are up at the top, with Amica Steiner as being a bit of a wild card. Her¡­ history¡­ should make her a bit less predictable depending on their foes, but it is deemed to be within acceptable limits.¡± ¡°It sounds like we might just have another set of members on our hands. Gods know that we always need more,¡± Darnos said, emptying the rest of his glass. Sensing the dismissal, Ilmaril rose to leave. ¡°I agree, Sir. Is there anything else you need from me?¡± ¡°No, no,¡± Darnos said, before seeming to remember something. ¡°Oh, but do send my appreciation to your niece. Christine has done an excellent job with the local mirage chamber.¡± ¡°I will make sure to convey your words, Sir,¡± Ilmaril said, a hint of obvious pride playing across his aura as he closed the door.
As Kite walked through the now more familiar tunnels beneath the Port Singhni branch, he felt relieved and surprisingly relaxed. Back in his early days as an adventurer, the verdict of him passing the initial tests might have left his mind roiling enough to lay sleepless for quite some time, but a few more years of very frequent meditation made finding his calm second nature in those moments. But now, nearing what would be his fellow recruits and temporary teammates for the upcoming six months, some nervousness started simmering beneath the surface. ¡°Ironic that I am more nervous of this than some other silver-ranker challenging me to a duel back at the capital,¡± he thought with a wry smile. ¡°Kite!¡± The call brought him out of his reverie as Amica Steiner came floating up behind him. Her aura also leaked hints of excitement, which made her purpose there easy to deduce. ¡°Amica,¡± he greeted with a smile as the intense feeling from before was nowhere to be felt. ¡°Shall I take it that you too passed?¡± ¡°I did, of course,¡± she said with a confident smirk, turning to float in front of him even as they moved closer to their mutual goal; the mirage chamber. ¡°It seems like I will get plenty of chances to show off a bit more. You haven¡¯t seen all of me, after all,¡± she said, apparently not noticing that Kite¡¯s smile turned just a little bit more strained as the odd sensation returned, subtle and just out of reach. ¡°Well, I will admit that I have already thought of some synergy for us, should we work together,¡± Kite admitted, steering the conversation onto more professional matters for the final stretch. As they entered the control hub of the mirage chamber, Kite¡¯s attention was immediately drawn to the new person in the room. Ryker, Mtanga and Christine were all present, the former standing almost at attention and looking like the very epitome of a stern professional while the other two were tinkering with the mirage chamber controls while talking. The newcomer was meditating atop one of the flat slabs where one interfaced with the mirage chamber, her eyes closet. It was a rather slim leonid woman, with light gray fur broken up by black stripes. While many leonids around the world wore little in the way of clothing, this one was yet another exception to prove the norm as she was dressed in some kind of glass armor accentuated by long, flowing fabric of deep blue. The material was almost entirely opaque and a murky dark gray. From its construction, centered mostly around the torso, upper arms and upper legs, Kite assumed it to be of medium bulk, but the unknown material made it hard to guess. ¡°Kite. Steiner,¡± Ryker greeted. ¡°Please have a seat. We¡¯re waiting for two more to join us before we begin, and I always try to avoid having to explain things twice.¡± Kite did consider going over to greet the seated leonid, but something in her aura gave him the impression that she did not want to be disturbed. He instead settled down to follow her example, but Amica apparently had other ideas. Kite could see her consider the other woman for a while before Amica¡¯s aura surged slightly, pressing against the leonid¡¯s. To his surprise, the other woman gave way to the probing spirit, leading to Amica eventually having suppressed the still seated leonid, even though it was quite a gentle spiritual grip under the circumstances. But against a telekinesis user like Amica, allowing oneself to be suppressed was to be placed under her power. The human seemed quite surprised by the lack of reaction, and started to gradually lift the leonid into the air. Then shifted her from side to side. Then slowly spun her around. It was only when the still seated leonid where turned almost entirely upside down at a slight angle while Amica tried to tie the blue cloth of the other woman¡¯s armor into neat ribbons when the calm of the room was broken. Not by the leonid though, the woman still seated as calm as could be even at the odd angle. It was instead the doors opening again, admitting someone Kite did recognize; the runic with snakes for hair. His stride was swift as he walked into the room, the snakes of his low ponytail rising to curiously take in the room. ¡°Gray Sky, of the Regal Mountain Guild, has arrived as requested. It is both an honor, and expected that Gray Sky was admitted to further prove himself-¡± the runic began, but was interrupted by a shift in the air in front of him. In a blink, a slim yet well-built elven man had appeared, teleporting in with apparent ease as he struck a pose with a hand on each hip. ¡°Well, I¡¯m here. Is it finally time to get started?¡± the elven man asked in a strong voice. He had dark brown and rather short curly hair on top of his head, with the sides back trimmed almost all the way down. His bearing and posture was both demanding and impeccable, his aura shifting and elusive like something one could always try to grasp but never reach. ¡°At least it was efficient that the both of you chose to arrive at the same time,¡± Ryker remarked, the man¡¯s mask of stern professionalism not showing any signs of cracking. ¡°And as you are here, it is time to begin. But I will note that you, Cardenco, are late.¡± The elf, apparently named Cardenco, turned his head up at the shorter man while ignoring the jibe. ¡°Then get on with it so that we can at least get started. Six months still feels way too long. You know what I can do, so why not just admit me already and be done with it? I don¡¯t fancy being gone from the guild for that long and-¡± At that moment, the runic named Gray Sky clapped his hand on the other man¡¯s shoulder from behind, cutting him off in turn. The elf looked at the appendage as if its existence offended him, then turned to look at the runic instead. ¡°You interrupted Gray Sky. That was most rude,¡± the runic stated, his voice calm but the snakes of his ¡®hair¡¯ and aura simmering. The elf in turn remained silent for a while longer, almost seeming to have trouble believing the situation. ¡°Do you know who I am, runic?¡± he asked, voice tense. ¡°Gray Sky has heard of you, Emilio Cardenco. Neither Gray Sky or his guild is impressed.¡± At the words, a light seemed to dawn in the elf¡¯s eyes. ¡°Oh? Oh! You¡¯re of the Regal Mountain Guild? I should have figured it out just from your ridiculous way of speaking. It just oozes mediocrity.¡± Before Gray Sky could respond, Emilio Cardenco had teleported again, appearing closer to Ryker. ¡°You seriously expect me to work with a guy like that? The other nobodys I can understand, but someone from the Regal Mountain Guild?¡± ¡°As you have been well informed, Cardenco, the task group cares not for guild or lineage. While you are here, each of you are a recruit, maybe even a member in the future. So I expect you to show that you can be professional, and work with whoever we deem necessary for the contract at hand.¡± Even though Ryker seemed to grow more severe by the second, Kite couldn¡¯t help shake the feeling that the assistant supervisor had just been waiting to deliver that particular little speech. Looking around the rest of the room, Ryker continued. ¡°And as you are now all here, we can indeed get started. Take a good look at each other, because you will spend a lot of time together over the upcoming months.¡± 154. High time While Kite did not possess any particular skills in stealth, standing very, very still with his aura retracted behind a stone outcropping was at least within his area of expertise. Amica waited near another similar cluster of rust-red stone, leaning back and levitating a trio of rocks over one hand, the small chunks spinning through intricate formations. From their time spent together so far, Kite had learned to expect that something would always be floating in her vicinity if she had her way. Apparently sensing his attention even though Kite wasn¡¯t looking her way, Amica winked at him but at least remained silent. Kite knew that both Sztyka and Gray Sky were near as well, but his retracted aura kept him from knowing their exact locations. But his own aura perception was actually less important at the moment, as all of the group¡¯s focus rested on the bright mark which they could all feel from afar. ¡°It is rather strange that I cannot see the mark, but still have the distinct feeling that it is blue,¡± Kite mused silently, smiling slightly at yet another proof of the oddities of magic. Said mark came from one of Emilio Cardenco¡¯s essence powers, allowing both the elf and his teammate to feel the direction and relative distance of the target, as well as its general status. For now, the mark gave off a sharp, alert feeling. ¡°It is alert but unaware,¡± Kite thought, having learned to recognize the sensation over the past two weeks. ¡°But soon-¡± He had barely finished the thought when the sensation from the mark flared with alert and fury, all calm gone as a few hints of echoed pain followed shortly thereafter. As one, Kite and the other moved. Amica flew into the air, reaching out to grasp Kite¡¯s hand as he leapt toward her. He kept his aura retracted as her spirit enveloped his, clamping down as her telekinesis took hold of Kite to lift him along in her wake. It was a bit uncomfortable but necessary, as Amica could carry Kite a lot quicker than if he ran himself. ¡°See, it¡¯s not so bad? Even a bit exciting, no? You know the offer still stands. I have so many tricks I can show you with-¡± she began, but Kite quickly cut her off. ¡°This is clearly not the time,¡± he retorted, keeping his attention on the flashes of magical projectiles which could be clearly seen from between the craggy cliffs just ahead of them. Through his expanded vision, Kite saw Sztyka close on their heels, with Gray Sky not far behind her. The ever serene leonid woman, Sztyka Markow, was carried forth on a huge, conjured clawed hand of swirling dust, its color as gray as her fur. She easily kept pace, and Kite could see her conjuring more such floating appendages in preparation for what was to come. Behind her, Gray Sky was pushing himself not to fall behind. Like Kite, the runic man did not possess any innate flying power, but through his snake essence he transformed the lower half of his body into that of the essence¡¯s namesake. The transformation had proved to be able to reach impressive speeds, and would easily overtake Kite had he been on foot. Amica pouted slightly at Kite¡¯s rejection of her offer, one of many more such direct propositions in the past weeks, but she too shifted her attention to what was to come. ¡°Ready in one!¡± she called, and Kite braced himself. Soon after, the invisible force tugging him along instead launched him forward. Directly towards one of the rocky outcroppings still blocking line of sight to the fight ahead and the group¡¯s targets. Kite kept his composure as the stone rushed toward him, and didn¡¯t even blink as he impacted. A surge of mana left him as Implacable Motion carried him straight through the meter or so of stone, and Kite entered the small fight ahead screened by a barrage of stone ripped from his passing. The group¡¯s targets, a pack ten of Desert Devils, at least registered a look of surprise on their leathery and craggy faces. They were long, sinewy humanoid-adjacent creatures with long tails and horns as well as three pairs of multi-jointed arms and legs. The silver-ranked monsters were cunning, stealthy and ruthless. They were the next of a slew of such hunts Kite and the group had completed lately as the supervisors were upping the complexity of their targets. And the moment of slight hesitation cost one of them dearly as twin discharges from empowered wands hit the monster in the side of its face. Emilio Cardenco, serving as the group¡¯s scout and harasser, continued his onslaught by teleporting into the midst of the surprised devils, his arrival unleashing a dimensional distortion which slowed all nearby enemies for a short but critical moment. A glowing wand in each hand, the elf shot a barrage of blasts around him, dancing through the pack of monsters like a manic conductor before vanishing again in a similar burst. By now, Kite had learned to note that the torrents of projectiles weren¡¯t directed without care. While the burst may have looked haphazard and hurried, the elf had fired just enough to distract as many as possible while the bulk of the magical bolts had struck the most wounded of their number. The scout had moved away just in time too, as the stone shrapnel around Kite took on a life of its own as Amica caught up, speeding up greatly to further injure or stagger the pack of elusive foes which they had currently pinned down. One of the devils looked to have recovered its wits first, and its form started giving off a slight glow which Kite knew heralded trouble. So he stopped it. The trio of vortices from Spirit Singularity snapped their attention to the devil just before it tried to teleport away, stopping it in its tracks before one of Kite¡¯s own projected attacks hit it just a moment after. Another two monsters started preparing their own shifts, and Kite switched to block at least one of them, utilizing the fact that switching the vortices¡¯ attention was almost instant. This had been one of the first things which the supervisors and group had noted as an unused possibility, and Kite had to agree as he landed and started to block teleportations left and right. He could only target one at a time, so it wasn¡¯t perfect, but it at least left more than a few monsters hampered while their usual hit-and-run tactics were disrupted. The telltale glow and surge of mana before they teleported was enough to forewarn their intention and block them. A few managed to blink up onto nearby cliff walls, but six were still left in the open as both Sztyka and Gray Sky struck. The eyes of the runic and all of his snakes lit up in what Kite had learned was the iconic special attack of the gorgon confluence, based on a magical creature which was apparently quite well known in other parts of the world. The affected devils suddenly started slowing down greatly as stone started growing over their already craggy exteriors, the effect increasing as the monsters started to try and escape. Kite blocked what teleportations he could, with Amica throwing one monster at a time back into the petrification field along with Sztyka¡¯s dust hands doing the same. Then came the impromptu team¡¯s main attack, as the leonid chanted a spell, her voice calm. ¡°Exhalation of Wilting, thine Corpus consumed.¡± A fanged maw made from swirling, shuddering motes of darkness was conjured in the air above Sztyka, its jaws opening and exhaling a steady stream of death. The substance was like a vapor and light somehow mixed into one, and it spilled over the now almost completely immobile monsters. At first, the damage was minor for a silver-ranked attack, but Kite had already moved on to help Emilio and Damica hunt down the rest of the scattering pack, because as the Desert Devils were stuck as they were, their fate was sealed. Even while Kite sent rippling attacks out in all directions with the help of his mantle, his extended vision still revealed the rather disconcerting sight of the monsters withering into husks, the pace only increasing for each moment the leonid kept channeling her spell. While the attack could not be redirected once cast, having both Gray Sky and Damica there to help her keep her foes in place, Sztyka had plenty of time to bring down the otherwise elusive foes in short order. During their training together, Kite had learned little of the leonid as a person, as she had kept to herself and spoken little outside of training. But he did know that she possessed the dust, hunger and zeal essences, resulting in the desolation confluence. It was the latter which had given her the spell she had just used to finish off half their enemies, and that she had at least three other similar spells of different types made Kite glad they were on the same side. The remaining Desert Devils finally had time to scatter a bit and start mounting a proper counterattack. The slim, craggy humanoids partly scattered into swirling sand, lending them a semi-incorporeal state as they started to swiftly move around the cliff gorge to target the channeling Sztyka, but this was something which the group had prepared for. Both Emilio and Kite shifted targets, the elf teleporting back to join the two casters in sending barrages of attacks towards the incoming swirls of half-solid monsters. Kite brought up the rear, coordinating with the ever shifting mark of Emilio for targeting. When his Disrupting Strike hit one of the monsters, it was forced back into a corporeal state and much more vulnerable to most sources of damage, and as Kite¡¯s mantle allowed him to essentially harass three of them at once, sweeping up the rest of the monsters became a matter of swift, brutal work, the skirmishing devils not getting to employ their most potent means of fighting. Kite did draw an inward sigh of relief as the last devil fell and the battle calmed down. Keeping track of the combat, throwing out the occasional barrier, trying to launch attacks towards three shifting foes at once while blocking what teleports he could strained his mind to the limit, but it was with some pride that he could admit that this fight had been the most successful one yet in that regard. The world soon started brightening, fading into dull white as the mirage chamber¡¯s scenario came to a close. Having spent over two weeks in this training facility, taking on multiple challenges each day, Kite had quickly become used to the sensation of coming back to the real world even though he had technically never left it. He had also become used to what would come next. ¡°A bit slow on the uptake there. I thought that I would have time to pick all of them off myself,¡± Emilio called as he teleported out into the room to stretch. The words were technically directed at all of the others, but by now Kite knew who their intended target was. ¡°Then maybe we should let you take the next pack on yourself, and let Fortune herself be the one to knock you down a peg or two, as your imagined reality sure seems unable to do so,¡± Gray Sky countered, the guild rivals butting heads as usual. Ryker, Mtanga and Christine, their ever present overseers, had become quite used to it as well, as Ryker silenced both of them with a surge of aura. ¡°With the speed of which you cleared the scenario, it is clear that these will no longer be a productive challenge. It is time for us to move on to the essence users,¡± the dour supervisor said as he did his best to level a stern glare at each of them. ¡°We will take a day of rest, and I recommend that all of you take some time to wind down. Because while the Desert Devils are cunning monsters, they still aren¡¯t people. Not even close. What is to come will be something quite different, but at least you have the rudimentary team cohesion required to properly take them on. You are all dismissed, for now.¡± Amica, ever quick to leave the confines of the chamber, gave Kite a suggestive wink before floating out of the room, quickly followed by Sztyka and Gray Sky. The latter threw one last many-eyed glare at the elf before the doors shut behind him. Emilio made to leave too, but stopped and gave Kite a half-glance. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°I suppose that at least someone in the group did a good job,¡± the elf said, the compliment tumbling awkwardly from his lips. ¡°You performed very well yourself,¡± Kite said, bowing slightly to hide his slight smile. ¡°May your path continue to take you towards the heavens.¡± The elf remained awkwardly for another second before finally blinking away. Only then did Kite hear a snort from where the three supervisors stood looking at the screen of the mirage chamber, before Christine burst out into laughter. ¡°Oh, dear. Junior brother Kite, it seems that our little lordling doesn''t really know what to make of you now. I must admit, Ryker, having those one-on-one duels between the team a week ago sure made more ripples than I thought. Especially as you keep being so darn nice about it Kite,¡± she said, wiping at imaginary tears. ¡°I agree,¡± Mtanga chimed in. ¡°Had you gloated or acted superior, things would probably have ended up like between Emilio and Gray Sky. But all those bows and compliments you gave him afterwards¡­ Even his social training seems stumped. I am not sure if he is impressed, embarrassed or even a little afraid of you, Kite.¡± Said duels had taken place six days ago. The first week of training together had gone decently well, at least in Kite¡¯s estimates, but Ryker had seemed less than pleased. Emilio, though, had seemed especially smug when the supervisor had sprung the shift in exercise on them. The elf possessed the magic, dimension and hunt essences, resulting in the skirmish confluence, and his hit-and-run, hyper mobile fighting style let him run circles around most opponents. That was indeed what had happened, with only Amica threatening his dominance with her strong aura and telekinesis. And then, Emilio had faced Kite. It turned out that when the elf was robbed of most of his teleportation alternatives and was forced to evade both steady pursuit and projected attacks, battle became quite the different prospect. The skirmisher did have a boon which, among other things, increased resistance to anything trying to impede dimensional movement, but he was swiftly introduced to the rather lackluster benefits of magical improvement when facing someone like Kite. On his end, Kite had been expecting just what Mtanga had described as a result of the duel no matter what he did, and he was still rather surprised at the elf¡¯s shift in demeanor. This was made especially true after learning the Emilio was noble born from some prominent family. Sure, it was only when most of the others weren¡¯t around that Emilio spoke to him directly, and it was always quite awkward, but still significantly better than the result of most bruised prides which Kite had seen, or caused, during his adventuring career. ¡°I figured that it might be good to let them actually get a feel of things,¡± Ryker added, a hint of satisfaction to his dour tone. ¡°Bluster becomes a lot less relevant when you actually know the power dynamic.¡± He then looked to Kite, his semi-scowl returning. ¡°You should go too. We have things to prepare, and you have some rest to get to. Even we silver-rankers need to wind down, unless you hadn¡¯t noticed. So go, see the sights, sleep through it all or whatever else catches your fancy. Just be back at the usual time the day after tomorrow.¡± ¡°Understood, Sir,¡± Kite said, unable to help giving at least a short bow before leaving. As the doors closed behind him as well, he turned to Glint who had floated up from her bottle, stretching as she was usually a bit bored when not being allowed to join the mirage chamber missions. ¡°Well, little beauty. In some ways, this place sure feels just like home,¡± he said, thinking back to the way Emilio and Gray Sky continued to clash outside of their trials in the mirage chamber. ¡°But if I didn¡¯t know better, I might suspect that our dear master Ryker back there is actually starting to warm up to me a little.¡± Glint took some swirling laps around Kite, managing to give the impression of a questioning look. ¡°It¡¯s all in the scowl, little beauty. It was noticeably shallower today. At least by a full centimeter. It seems we might be doing something right. Now, if we can only manage to evade a certain persistent teammate, would you mind accompanying me out for a day of sightseeing and exploration? We have a whole new city we have barely set foot in up there, after all.¡±
¡°So,¡± Ilmaril Thenston, overseer of this current trial for Task Group Gauntlet, said as he stacked the report together. ¡°It seems that things are moving on better than expected. I would have expected at least another week to iron out proverbial wrinkles. Are you sure that they are ready?¡± ¡°As certain as we can be, Sir,¡± Ryker responded. ¡°Honestly, I personally deem it an even bigger risk for the difficulty to start dwindling. As things stand, we have been pleasantly surprised as both Emilio Cardenco and Gray Sky have kept their prideful verbal sparring to outside the missions, cooperating surprisingly well while in the thick of things. At first, their demeanor had me worried about the integrity of those that recommended them, but they have proven to be able to at least act professionally when needed. So I strongly suggest keeping them busy with increasing challenges so as to not leave room to think too much.¡± ¡°Some eccentricities are always expected when dealing with the elites,¡± Ilmaril agreed. ¡°From your report, those two should be able to work things out well enough. We don¡¯t need them to like each other, but do the contract and not let outside things such as guild memberships interfere. What about the rest? I saw nothing about the Hua-Xian causing trouble.¡± ¡°No, Sir,¡± Ryker agreed. ¡°Kite, along with Sztyka, has been the least disruptive. While the latter is a bit of an isolationist, the former is polite and respectful in most cases. Almost annoyingly so.¡± ¡°Which I may add is a rather excellent addition to take some of the strain from the rivalries of the others,¡± added Mtanga, the one supervisor working the most with the mental and interpersonal aspects of the trial. ¡°Both Emilio and Gray Sky are proud men, and Kite acting nice and polite actually mellows them down a bit as they are self-aware enough that acting out too much will look even worse by contrast.¡± ¡°And they haven¡¯t turned it against him? Insecurity is often remolded into directed ire,¡± Ilmaril noted, lifting a page to glance at that part of the report again. ¡°You might think so, uncle-,¡± Christine said, her eyes twinkling,¡±-but our dear Ryker here did have an idea which paid off. He made all of them face each other in duels within the chamber. To ostensibly get a better sense of each other. And it turns out that junior brother Kite is very scary in duels. Emilio Cardenco seems almost afraid of him now.¡± ¡°Junior¡­ brother?¡± Ilmaril asked, confused. ¡°It¡¯s a Hua-Xian way of address. Kite explained it, and I quite like it,¡± Christine said, completely ignoring the skeptic look of her uncle as she forged on. ¡°In regards to the team, I would say that the only proper wild card remaining is Amica Steiner. Because she seems to have the hots for Kite. And she¡¯s not subtle about it.¡± ¡°I saw the notes. Overt flirtatious behavior and sexual advances? Not that uncommon between silvers of these levels in tense situations,¡± Ilmaril noted. ¡°No, not in itself,¡± Mtanga agreed. ¡°But we¡¯re still monitoring it. You have read the dossier, Sir, so you should know of Steiner¡¯s background. Going through such things can leave certain lasting behavioral patterns. We¡¯re just making sure that it doesn¡¯t escalate.¡± ¡°Kite does seem to feel that something is off, too,¡± Christine added. ¡°As far as we know, he has deflected all such advances. Sure, he might be married or something, but Steiner is quite the looker. The whip of Lust can crack down on us harder than we know, especially when far away from home and therefore also far from consequences of any indiscretions.¡± ¡°Do you feel that this is something that needs dealing with?¡± Ilmaril asked, turning to Ryker. ¡°Not yet, Sir. We¡¯re ready to step in if the need arises, but otherwise we follow protocol and let them handle it themselves. As long as they remain professional in the trials, that is.¡± ¡°Good,¡± Ilmaril said, sliding the folded report across his desk. ¡°And good job. This is a promising batch. Keep me posted. Oh, and you can expect to draw upon the resources you need for the scenarios regarding essence users. We should have enough adventurers and staff on hand to create what you need.¡±
Watching the sunset had always been something Kite had enjoyed while growing up in Starberry Peak, the roof of their guest cabin offering a supremely good view as the autumn-colored foliage of the landscape was painted in a new palette of dusk. Having visited Bastion for quite some time, Kite had then been forced to acknowledge that the sunrise over the ocean had been even more spectacular, even though the dawn itself did not have the same sensation of eerie calm. And now he was forced to re-evaluate yet again. ¡°Little beauty, this¡­ I¡¯m not sure what compares to this,¡± he murmured as he had laid down along the slightly sloped back of Glint¡¯s larger form where she lay dozing in the shallows of the ocean just outside Port Singhni. To the west, the sunset was on full display on a level so far beyond anything he had ever seen. The vast, glittering calm of the ocean reflected the colors of peach and purple in ways that even boggled his silver-ranked senses, all of this further accentuated by the faint colorful swirls of the almost invisible barrier which kept out the worst of the ocean weather. And to top it off, a small crate was floating beside them, filled with local snacks and drinks of such variety that Kite had yet to go through half of them. ¡°Which reminds me that I need to save some to bring back to Dragonfly,¡± he continued, Glint only half listening. ¡°She would enjoy this. Quite a lot, in fact.¡± The thought of his friend and lover let his thoughts wander further on the path of home, and a slight melancholy came over Kite as he wondered what his aunties and Raven were doing, as well as uncle Walker and the guild. Even Soul came to mind, probably practicing to reach perfection even at this very moment. ¡°Is this what homesickness is like?¡± he wondered, mentally touching upon the faint feeling. It was not hard to imagine why, though. Port Singhni had been a wonder, and Kite had spent the whole day exploring. As it turned out, only half of the city was landbound, with the other half stretching out into the water on floating rafts connected by similarly buoyant walkways. And everything, from the buildings to the people to the sensation had been different in some way. Not completely alien, but different enough to drive home how far away Kite really was from those that he held dear. But he did his best to accept the feeling and let it nestle next to the excitement of seeing and experiencing so many new things. Both were valid after all. ¡°And I will return, but it looks like I have performed well enough for the stay to become more than just a short taste of the wider world,¡± Kite thought, leaning back and closing his eyes for a while. It was only when the last rays of the sun had truly vanished that he sat up, rubbing Glint along the glimmering scales of her neck. ¡°It¡¯s time to go back to shore, little beauty. Dinner and a comfortable stay awaits. We better put that retainer to use, no?¡± As it turned out, the adventure society did award compensation to the potential members of the task group while they were busy with the trials. A silver-ranker taking on contracts could make quite some money during a month, let alone six, and while the retainer wasn¡¯t quite that expansive, it was certainly more than enough to alleviate any sting in Kite¡¯s purse. Therefore, Kite had decided to forgo his humble lodgings at the society for his night on leave, and had rented a room at a nice hotel in the floating part of the city. Said hotel had a nice restaurant nearby, and Kite was quite full when he and Glint were finally making their way back to his room. Or rather, he was. ¡°You want to go explore the ocean some more?¡± Kite asked, getting a sense of confirmation from the carp as she swam excited circles. ¡°Well, of course. I can see why so much water would surely hold many treasures and adventures for you. Just be careful, little beauty. While gold-ranked monsters are very unlikely to be seen so close to the city, you never know.¡± Getting her mental affirmation, Kite waved Glint off before turning to resume his walk back. Even after nightfall, the streets were bustling with renewed life. Glow stones were brought out, cheap to both own and keep lit in the higher mana density of Pranay, and soon both the houses and the waterways formed by the floating city were glimmering with every color. Farmers, fishers and many other kinds of craftspeople came in with their boats, picking a spot near some walkway and started hawking their wares directly from their small crafts. To Kite, it was overwhelming, new, exotic, a bit stressful and mostly¡­ It felt like an adventure. It took well over an hour to actually get back to his hotel, as Kite couldn¡¯t help himself to stop and peruse wares, even being convinced to buy more than a few things by the more shrewd and daring salespeople who recognized the look of a bedazzled foreigner, even if said foreigner was obviously an essence user. Kite had just paid for a rather pretty carving of some kind of exotic bird when he felt a by now familiar aura nudge him. Paying the old woman in the boat, Kite stowed his purchase and rose from having crouched at the edge of the walkway. Amica Steiner was waving at him from across one of the nearby channels. While she was very much not from this part of the world, she had apparently chosen to embrace the local fashion of Port Singhni, wearing only some colorful silk wrappings to cover her chest and a loose skirt along with some glittering jewelry. While she was too far away, Amica was projecting a ¡®Well, fancy meeting you here¡¯-air. Kite did not know if it was feigned or not, but as she started heading his way, he inwardly steeled himself as he thought; ¡°I suppose that it is high time to have a proper talk and put this matter to rest.¡± 155. High Hopes ¡°Are you sure that you only had talking in mind? Bringing a girl up to your room like this¡­ Might start giving her hints that you had something else planned,¡± Amica Steiner said as she used her telekinesis to flick the door shut behind them while adding. ¡°Not that I mind, of course. As I have said many times by now, yet you always manage to change the subject. You tease,¡± she finished with a wink. Sighing inwardly, Kite gestured for her to sit down in one of the odd recliners of his room, the plushy seat suspended by ropes from the ceiling to gently shift with the small motions of the floating hotel. His mental sigh was not just due to her words, direct as they might be, but at that nagging feeling which had returned as his aura brushed up against hers. Something shifting with unease, the feel of it bleeding into his own. ¡°I am quite sure that words are the only thing we will exchange here tonight, Amica,¡± Kite said as he too sat down. ¡°And let me begin with the question; why?¡± ¡°Why? Why what?¡± she asked, obviously playing oblivious as she stretched out in the recliner, idly starting to levitate a few of the nearby decorative seashells and a fragile-looking glass vase, having the objects start to orbit each other in swirling loops. ¡°Why this pursuit? All of these propositionings and innuendo? Since that first training session, they have been constant, and while I respect people¡¯s attraction and sexuality, even I am not oblivious enough to know that this level of directness is not common in most of the wider world.¡± ¡°Maybe I¡¯m just a woman who knows what she wants?¡± Amica countered playfully. ¡°We¡¯re silver-rankers, Kite. We can do almost anything we like. There are very few things in this world beyond us. Things we cannot have or take.¡± ¡°And yet we¡¯re still people, Amica. With your senses, surely you would have seen my evasions for what they were. So I ask again; why?¡± ¡°Well, you said you weren¡¯t in a relationship, and what other reason would you have to actually mean that you weren¡¯t interested? Even guys can play hard to get, even if it''s rare, and I didn¡¯t mind some chasing for once. Is it still the telekinesis you¡¯re worried about? Many men are a bit hesitant at first, but they have all learned that relinquishing control can be quite rewarding. Exhilarating, even. Trust me, I¡¯m very good at-¡± ¡°Amica, you still aren¡¯t answering my question,¡± Kite said, brows furrowing in concern. ¡°Well, what is there to answer?¡± she said, finally dropping a bit of the smiling, casual facade. ¡°You never said no, so I went for it.¡± ¡°And if I say no, then?¡± Kite asked, keeping his calm even as he felt slight agitation fluttering across her aura. ¡°Then it is my turn to ask; why?¡± Amica said, rising to her feet. ¡°People like us don''t just say no to such things. Why not just take what you surely want from the opportunity? I mean, look at me,¡± she said, gesturing vaguely at her body. ¡°It is what we do. We¡¯re the powerful ones now. Why not let me take a bit of what I want when you surely want a piece of me as well? I mean, you still haven¡¯t said no. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m trying to force you to-¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± Kite asked, and at hearing his words, Amica froze, only just now seeming to notice her aura gripping at Kite¡¯s like a vice. Noticing the flutter of the looser parts of his clothing as her telekinesis was getting a partial hold. Noticing that Kite seemed to be on the verge of being lifted ever so slightly from the seat of his chair. And at feeling the slight unease and fear in Kite¡¯s own aura, under control but there. ¡°Good, at least she isn¡¯t entirely bereft of clarity,¡± Kite thought at her stunned realization, and continued to speak. ¡°I don¡¯t know you very well, Amica. But my auntie Crow - my adopted mother, that is - has given me much advice while growing up. And I will share a piece with you; When you find yourself doing the same thing over and over again no matter the result, it might be worth taking a long look at why you are doing it rather than what. Why is it important enough? And is it really? Is it what I want to do? Is it helping me take steps towards becoming the person I want to be? If you can truly face your own answers, you will know your heart. And in that lies the path towards the heavens.¡± He relaxed slightly as he felt the grip on body and spirit fade, even if Amica was still staring at him, her previous expression replaced with something blank and withdrawn. ¡°A bit of a monologue, for which I apologize, but I believe that it needed to be said. I may still be young and foolish, but I try to lean on the words of those I care about. And you, Amica Steiner, seemed to need to hear them.¡± Having said his peace, Kite just sat there and remained silent, letting her work through whatever his words - or her own actions - had stirred up in her. Eventually, she glanced at him and opened her mouth as if to speak, but her aura was unstable enough for Kite to know what would happen next. There was a light crash of broken glass as the levitating vase fell to the wooden floor, the accompanying shells clattering down around the brittle shards half-covered by the curtains left billowing by Amica¡¯s passing. Kite knew that she could fly quite fast through her telekinesis, but her rapid retreat had surpassed what he had witnessed before. ¡°At least there is only the environmental barrier,¡± Kite thought, looking out the panoramic opening over the sea of colorful lanterns. ¡°Because I¡¯m not sure if she would have stopped to open the window.¡± He sighed, already having lost track of her retreating form, and instead bent down to start picking up the broken glass. ¡°I do not know what will come of this,¡± Kite said to no one in particular, ¡°but I still believe that it needed to be said. Even though I still feel that she didn¡¯t actually answer my question.¡± Still, he felt good about his decision, if nothing else for his own sake. It had been uncomfortable, but necessary, leaving him more at peace. Resolute.
¡°They seem to be doing well in preparing for the initial breaching,¡± Christine noted, watching the screens. All five of the prospects lay on the stone slabs, their consciousnesses firmly in the scenario which the mirage chamber was currently projecting. ¡°But is it just me, or has something been different so far?¡± ¡°Yes, Steiner hasn¡¯t made any overt suggestions at all today, neither inside or outside the chamber,¡± Mtanga noted. ¡°At a glance, she is as casual as usual, but I think there is something more to it. Maybe I should have actually gone and become part of healer¡¯s clergy after all. The mind and interpreting it is fascinating.¡± ¡°As long as it doesn¡¯t impact their performance,¡± Ryker added. ¡°And, speaking of which, they are preparing to breach the walls now. Let¡¯s see how they¡¯ll handle the surprise at the end.¡±
Once more, Kite had to marvel at the level of detail which the mirage chamber could bring to life. He was currently crouching behind a low balustrade of a tall building, a foreign city spreading out beneath him. The architecture was a far cry from home; square sandstone homes with flat roofs often sporting different kinds of greenery. While not visible from here, he expected some kind of salt flats or other similar barrens around, but the simulated mana density was rich in contrast to the physical environment. On the streets below, crowds moved in the evening gloom and even scents of spicy, foreign food wafted up from the many different chimneys. ¡°Gray Sky sees that the sights of Canbagna are new to you. It is to be expected when first seeing its splendor. Had this not been a mirage, Gray Sky would have taken you out to show you some proper culture,¡± the runic murmured from where he was seated close to Kite. ¡°Is this where you are from? Or at least an image of it?¡± Kite asked in return. The proud runic rarely spoke to him outside of purely mission-related topics, but apparently the familiar environments had loosened his tongue somewhat. ¡°While it wasn¡¯t confirmed, just look at it; the magnificent architecture, the lively crowds, the food¡­ If this isn¡¯t an image of Canbagna, then it is as close as can be. Gray Sky swear upon it.¡± Kite only nodded in response, the attention of both men sharpening as they saw a flicker of movement on a nearby rooftop. A moment later, Emilio Cardenco appeared next to them in a silent shifting of space. ¡°We are in position. They have begun the ritual in earnest, so now is the time. We enter as planned.¡± He left immediately thereafter, and both Kite and Gray Sky rose to their feet, readying themselves. With a nod to the runic, Kite stepped up on the balustrade, then out to empty air. A rectangular barrier appeared beneath his feet, and Gray Sky stepped up right behind him as the pair walked out high over the bustling city below. Kite was stretching the alternate casting of Leyline Warding as much as he could, but with its limited reach he could bring at most one other person if they were willing to walk closely behind him. The pair walked out around a hundred meters, stopping below a seemingly ordinary housing complex below. From what Emilio had reported of the magical defenses on the doors and windows, as well as what he had been able to glean of its insides, it was anything but. But there was also another thing the elf had noticed while scouting; the occupants had neglected to fortify a rather crucial part of the building. The roof. ¡°Ready?¡± Kite asked softly. ¡°We shall be the vanguard,¡± Gray Sky said solemnly as he nodded, his lower body transforming into that of a snake while the hissing tendrils of his hair unwound themselves from the low ponytail in which he usually kept them. ¡°Then may Fortune favor us, and Warrior guide our strikes,¡± Kite said. At a signal conveyed through a gentle nudging of aura, Gray Sky sprung upwards. Not far, but far enough to give Kite some head start as he let the barrier beneath his feet disappear in a blink, the pull of the earth taking hold as he pushed his aura outward as far as possible in a brazen display of his spirit. The rushing air tugged at some loose strands of Kite¡¯s hair as he fell, the arms of his mantle manifesting just a moment before impacting the roof. Implacable Motion drained some mana in order to allow him to fall straight through, falling debris accompanying Kite as his landing cracked the floor of the living room-turned-ritual chamber. In that split moment impact, Kite had time to take some stock of his surroundings; five silver-rankers and around ten bronze had been gathered around a glowing ritual circle, with an emphasis on the past tense as all of them were currently busy raising magical defenses, applying boons, conjuring weapons or readying other form of attacks as Kite¡¯s aura display had not exactly been subtle. The magical diagram itself was half lit, surrounded by censers spewing foul vapors and other piles of materials required, as well as a dozen bound and gagged captives in its center. But while the defenses now being mustered might have looked quite troublesome, it was in actuality all according to the plan of the strike team. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± Kite finished the last syllable just as he struck the floor, and a wave of dispelling force burst from him in all directions. Projectiles were swallowed and scattered, boons winked out and other magical constructs wavered or shattered; the initial barrage of the defenders turning into a waste of resources and a distraction both. Kite had already paid the additional mana to exclude two others from its effects, which soon turned the ritualists'' day from bad to worse. Four bronze-rankers fell almost instantly from empowered wand blasts to the back of their head as Emilio Cardenco appeared behind them, magical implements drawing glowing arcs through the air. At the same time, all of the bound would-be sacrifices were suddenly bundled together and yanked straight up into the air by an invisible force, as Amica simultaneously extracted the prisoners while making sure to deflect the debris of the collapsing roof away from them. While the silver-rankers were core users, they still reacted to the shifting circumstances. Kite could feel more than one affliction take hold within him as his many arms blurred to start projecting attacks to where they could make the most difference. He didn¡¯t choose his targets based on damage done, but rather on disruption. Be it to dispel boons or projectiles or simply to knock weapon-wielding arms out of alignment, Kite tried to put his metaphorical weight on the equally metaphorical scales in as many places as possible during the intense couple of seconds before Gray Sky and Sztyka also arrived through the crumbled ceiling. Hands of dust swept out through the room to injure, wither and just grapple what they could, while ritualists started petrifying or were sent scattering from clouds of poison. One of the targets leapt out through a nearby window while another teleported away, and as per earlier agreement, Emilio vanished to track down the teleporter while trusting Amica to chase down the other. This left Kite, Sztyka and Gray Sky facing down the remaining three silver-rankers and the half-dozen or so injured bronze-rankers remaining. ¡°Wait! Stop! We can-¡± one of the ritualists began, but was swiftly interrupted as a clawed hand of withering dust closed over her face while snakes started emerging from the ground in a wide area to entangle and bite into all foes they could reach. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. One of the silver-rankers managed to escape the restraining spell through a burst of wind, making a beeline for another window, only to fall flat as a Disrupting Strike from Kite canceled the flight spell. The man was instead sent hurtling across the floor at high speeds, and seeing that his two colleagues were handedly taking care of the restrained and beleaguered foes, Kite saw his best opportunity to take a prisoner. Using the stored power of Unyielding to make an empowered leap across the room, Kite went on the offensive, both his staff, obscured blade and Matra¡¯s descendants striking while covered in the blue sheen of Cleave the Spirit. The man did his best to fight back at first, but was quickly forced to realize that the exchanges weren¡¯t going anywhere near in his favor. He then surprised Kite by accepting a trio of attacks to instead reach into a pocket, with Kite¡¯s improved hearing allowing him to pick up on the sound of something shattering. ¡°Glory be to Destruction! Let us fuel the pyre of his-¡± was all that the man had the time to wheeze while starting to activate the self-detonating power which seemed to be part of the power set of any follower of that particular deity. His words were cut short, however, as Kite¡¯s Disrupting Strike snuffed out the budding conflagration, much as he had done back at bronze-rank during the attempt on Vista¡¯s life. The second attack also drained the last of the man¡¯s mana, and the follower of Destruction. As this was also new information, Kite immediately called out to his allies. ¡°An adherent of Destruction. This was apparently not only Plague¡¯s doing!¡± ¡°A collaboration? Gray Sky will crush them no matter which fallen god they venerate,¡± the runic man called back while he was dismantling the resistance of the remaining, struggling cultists. The bronze-rankers were already gone, their limp forms buried beneath the snakes wrapping them, and the silver-rankers did not look much better off beneath his and Sztyka¡¯s ministrations. ¡°If it was truly Destruction, we need to prepare to leave,¡± Sztyka reminded them all calmly while draining the life from her foes. Remembering the cracking sound that he had heard from the man¡¯s pocket, Kite took a moment to start to properly sweep the room. There were only too many things which cracking something - say, a crystal - could trigger. While the remains of the fading ritual stirred the nearby ambient mana enough to cause some interference, he remained vigilant as his combat meditation helped him to filter out impressions. Kite idly sent out some projected attacks or barriers to help his two companions, but his focus remained on his perception. And eventually, he noticed something. ¡°We¡¯ve got a magical charge building beneath the floor!¡± Kite called, sensing the faint but now rapidly rising spike of gathering energies. He swiftly strode over, plunging one of Matra¡¯s descendants down into the floor, Void-Sunders-Firmament allowing him to easily carve a hole big enough in the seam between two stone tiles to shove a hand down and heave. The tile was ripped free with ease, and as he saw what lay beneath, Kite thanked Fortune that he had the sense to not just strike out against what turned out to be a buried artifact. ¡°Dear gods,¡± Kite breathed as he took in the thing. It wasn¡¯t spectacular in and of itself; a yellowish, cubical rock covered in magical scripts and sunk into the floor where some kind of small array was both protecting it and masking its presence. And with the lid removed, Kite was instantly made aware that the faint traces he had felt before was in fact a lot more potent energies leaking through the concealing arrays. ¡°We need to go! Now! I¡¯m no expert but this thing will devastate this house and probably those around it in short order,¡± he called, desperately drawing upon everything Braid had taught him to make sense of the thing and if there was anything he could do to disarm the device. ¡°But we need to evacuate the civilians. Call Emilio and Amica for that. Gray Sky will make sure that-¡± the runic began, but Kite had to cut him off. Because the artifact, as if to spite them and their well meaning efforts, seemed to consume some of the quintessence fastened to its surface. What should have been at least a minute until detonation was suddenly mere seconds, the final stretch overcome in a blink. ¡°Ohsweetheavensabove- Wall! Void! Ward!¡± Seeing that there was little time, Kite acted. He reached down and yanked the device from its resting place, the manifested arms touching the thing dissipating in moments. But it was enough to rip it from the ground and toss upward. A split chant later consumed a charge of Potential of Stolen Power to empower Leyline Warding. Such an empowering was nothing fancy, just greatly adding to the durability of said barriers, but right now durability was exactly what Kite needed. He did not shape the walls to merely protect him and his group, however, instead going for something more creative. The panes of force appeared to form a tall, vertical square chute which stretched upwards a good dozen meters above the roof of the house. It was layered with every centimeter of available barrier Kite could muster, and the detonating, airborne device had just reached the apex of Kite¡¯s hasty throw, which in turn left if temporarily suspended in the middle of the impromptu tunnel. With just a moment to spare, Gate of Nihility appeared in the chute¡¯s bottom, Kite praying and hoping for the dark gate to swallow at least parts of the blast before it started to consume the house¡¯s foundations. Having done what he could, he only had the time to start to leap away, the barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding appearing to shield him, when the device detonated. For a brief second, a small star was born inside the pipe of force barriers before it swelled outwards. Even Kite¡¯s silver-ranked senses were blinded, and what must have been a few moment¡¯s of strain felt like minutes before something seemed to snap. Kite barely registered the many impacts as he was flung through several walls, the pain of the detonation washing over him surpassing it by far. Only when he hit the outer wall of the neighboring building did he actually stop, and Kite¡¯s thoroughly dazed mind actually managed to catch a glimpse of a fading pillar of light reaching far, far into the sky. Around him, the civilians projected by the mirage chamber were laying scattered across the streets, some unsteadily regaining their feet while some did not move at all. But even with cries and groans of pains surrounding him, Kite couldn¡¯t help the short laugh that escaped his lips. The house where the ritual had taken place was collapsing, even more of the roof crumbling downwards and away from view. But the outer walls, at least those he could see, were intact. Which meant that the blast hadn¡¯t left the premises, at least not fully, with most of it channeled straight upwards before breaking through the barrier. And him, the one who had been closest, surviving, both Sztyka and Gray Sky should have made it. Which, in turn, meant that he had done it. Kite had just activated Immortality to get back on his feet when Amica came sweeping down from the skies, a broken but still living silver-ranker telekinetically in tow. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened, but that sure was some fireworks. That pillar of light was blinding even to me. Can you move?¡± she asked, her tone light but her gaze unable to really meet Kite¡¯s. ¡°I can, Fortune be praised,¡± Kite said, half tumbling out from the deep, Kite-shaped indent which he had left in the stone wall of the neighboring house. ¡°You can drop him off here before you go and help the others. We need to assist what civilians we can too.¡± ¡°You sure? I can carry him around if needed,¡± Amica said, but she was lowering their groaning captive to the ground even as she voiced the questions. ¡°Do not fear. I will be perfectly fine,¡± Kite assured her. ¡°Besides, leaning on something to catch my breath wouldn¡¯t be too bad,¡± he finished, conjuring the barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding before angling them downwards to pin the wounded man against the stone and let the mana-draining contact start taking effect. ¡°While I believe that my intended prisoner was lost, at least we got something out of this,¡± Kite said, speaking aloud to the soon unconscious man as Amica flew off. ¡°Now we can only wait and see how our dear observers will rate this little misadventure.¡± He didn¡¯t need to wait long either. Around two minutes later of standing there and getting a sense of the auras around him as the prisoner gradually sank into unconsciousness while Immortality continued to invigorate him, Kite saw the by now familiar signs that the simulation was coming to an end. And then, the world faded into white.
Ilmaril paused the recording, the image from the recording crystal projector showing a destructive pillar of light illuminating a cityscape beneath as it erupted from the broken roof of a townhouse. At its base, the perceptive observer could note the crumbling pipe-like barrier which had funneled much of the blast upward and downward before breaking under the force of the detonation. ¡°Well, Ryker, it seems like both you and me might have to face the facts and truly reconsider our little Hua-Xian,¡± the gold-ranked elf noted soberly. ¡°Because this is just the latest - if the most spectacular - piece of evidence that Kite is not the individualistic, egocentric and prideful person we suspected would start to leak forth once the trial started to truly put some strain on him. So far, I believe that it is moments like this-,¡± he said, tapping the explosion in the projection, ¡°-which show a glimpse of a person¡¯s true color. Had this been a real scenario, we would have thought him a hero. What were the simulated civilian casualties?¡± ¡°Three dead, uncle,¡± Christine supplied. ¡°Normal-ranked staff present in another part of the house. A multitude of injuries among bystanders, mostly scrapes, bruises or ruptured ears, but nothing that low-level healing ointment cannot correct.¡± ¡°But with respect, Sir, Kite also knew this to be a simulation,¡± Ryker added where he stood, arms crossed. ¡°I will reserve final judgment until we continue onto actual real life contracts. It¡¯s easy to forgo saving your own skin when you know it isn¡¯t actually in danger.¡± At Ilmaril¡¯s raised eyebrow, the stern supervisor shifted somewhat, adding; ¡°But you are correct. All data so far points to Kite not sharing his national stereotype to any disruptive degree. And besides, we wouldn¡¯t have failed any of them for trying to get away once they verified the nature of the magical explosive left behind by the followers of Destruction. It was meant to be an example; a learning experience that many of those we hunt will not take defeat just lying down.¡± ¡°In our records, how often does this scenario not end in either the death of the team or massive civilian casualties?¡± Ilmaril asked, Christine once more providing the details. ¡°Since the start of the records some forty years ago, thirteen outcomes similar to this have been recorded. As you might expect, this is a mere fraction of the total number of times this trial has been issued. Although the worst case scenario isn¡¯t overly common either. Most teams can mitigate the damage somewhat or extricate themselves to not suffer needless casualties on their side.¡± ¡°So, if this is anything to go by, Sir Darnos¡¯ enthusiasm about this batch seems well-founded,¡± Ilmaril said with a nod. ¡°Anything else to report?¡± ¡°Nothing more, sir,¡± Ryker answered, straightening. ¡°As they performed well despite our initial misgivings, we will spend another two weeks on scenarios within the mirage chamber before moving on to real-life contracts with individual training interspersed in between. Assuming nothing out of the ordinary happens, they¡¯ll be spending four months doing what members of the task group should be doing; rooting out all cases of mishandled magic our investigators manage to dig up.¡±
¡°-and I will admit that I had my misgivings about the plan at first, but heavens, you should have seen Amica go up against those two pirates. Even though they were both core-users, suppressing both of them at once is quite the feat, as well as using them both to bludgeon each other to death. Then-¡± Kite interrupted his retelling of the group¡¯s latest task in the mirage chamber, as he realized that Glint was no longer his sole audience. The pair had emerged onto a terrace overlooking the ocean, part of one of the taller buildings of the adventure society campus which the prospective members of the task group was given access to. Only belatedly did Kite notice Sztyka, the leonid woman seated in meditation in the early morning ocean breeze. Kite halted for a moment, unsure if they should turn back, but Sztyka waved a hand at them to come closer. ¡°Apologies, Sztyka. We did not mean to interrupt you,¡± Kite said, walking forward and leaning on the railing to look out over the morning sun glittering in the sea. ¡°It is of little matter. I have already harnessed myself and my instincts for the day to come,¡± the leonid said, matter of factly. As usual, she did not follow up with more conversation, but Kite couldn¡¯t help but try to scrape the verbal surface a bit. ¡°It¡¯s just two days left now, isn¡¯t it? Before they start sending us around where we¡¯re needed?¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°Any regrets or worries?¡± ¡°Many, but none of consequence. We will do the work of Justice, and thus I am content.¡± ¡°For a priestess, I will admit that I had expected you to be more¡­¡± Kite began, trailing off as he started to worry that his phrasing might cause offense. ¡°Verbal?¡± Sztyka supplied, remaining seated in her meditative pose, aura serene. ¡°That is one way to put it, yes,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°I will serve Justice best through deeds, not words. That is the part of his service and clergy I wish to distance myself from, channeling his more absolute aspects. When facing those detrimental to society, many scales of gray are shorn away, leaving me to better see the wrongs she wishes to right. Others of my faith are better suited to wrangle laws and bring forth interpretations.¡± At Kite¡¯s stunned silence, having heard more words from the leonid now than during the last week combined, she smiled a slight grin. ¡°When words are needed, I do not lack them. I just choose my moments.¡± ¡°I can respect that. And from what I have seen of you, I believe that you will do your god proud. I would not want to be found wanting before your powers,¡± Kite said honestly. ¡°But I will admit that I am most impressed by your calm around Amica. She seems to be quite relentless in getting on your nerves.¡± ¡°Amica Steiner or her antics are of no consequence to me. She will have to find her own way to face and deal with the restlessness in her soul.¡± ¡°Restless is¡­ one way to put it,¡± Kite said, thinking back. While Amica had avoided him since he had confronted her, she had otherwise been her normal self. Which meant that something was constantly moving, floating or otherwise in motion when she was present. ¡°How about you, Kite? I serve Justice, and will be content in that. Why do you wish to enter the wider world, hunting those who cross the line?¡± As she voiced the question, she actually turned and looked at him, blue cat¡¯s eyes scrutinizing him closely. That gaze somehow made Kite feel very, very young, and he realized he had no clue as to the leonid¡¯s age. Still, he gave the question some thought, before giving his honest answer. ¡°I have seen quite a lot of essence-users doing questionable things, often for selfish rather than directly hurtful reasons, mind you. And my path - sorry, my power set - has turned out to be most efficient when they are my foes. It feels like the task group will be my chance to truly temper myself and my powers against more than my home has to offer.¡± ¡°Tempering? To what end?¡± ¡°To reach the heavens. And also¡­ another matter. I am sorry, but it is not something I am allowed to speak of,¡± Kite said, thinking of the investigation into Discord¡¯s clergy that was probably underway even as they spoke. Sztyka kept resting her gaze at his for a while, silence reigning. But Kite also thought that he felt something. A hint of something more flickering across her aura as her gaze turned just a little bit vacant. Then, she smiled. Surprisingly wide, sharp teeth on full display. ¡°Well, Kite. My god has confirmed that your goals with these secrets of which you speak truly aligns with his own. And therefore mine. May she bless you in your endeavors, then, both now and upon your return to your home. And let us both do our best to make sure that we both comes through these upcoming months in one piece. Justice is watching, after all. And it seems that she has high hopes for both of us.¡± 156. Drop ¡°Welcome back, Amica. I will admit that I feared that you wouldn¡¯t return for some time after our latest session,¡± the bronze-ranker clad in the robes of Healer¡¯s clergy said as she sat down in the chair opposite Amica. The priestess must have been at least a century old, as she was showing clear signs of aging with only a few dark streaks left in her gray hair. Still, her inherent magic had made sure that it was a very dignified kind of aging, leaving her as the very epitome of the kindly grandmother with a soft smile and always ready to lend an ear to one¡¯s trouble. And as she was part of the local branch of Healer¡¯s clergy which specialized in treating issues of the mind, Amica had found it quite suitable. Annoying and frustrating at first, but the results argued for themselves. ¡°I didn¡¯t think so either,¡± Amica said, idly levitating a trio of decorative stone spheres. They hadn¡¯t been there the first time she had visited, but had somehow conveniently been on hand for the following three sessions. Each was enchanted to chime softly as they moved, making them the perfect thing for idle hands, tangible or otherwise. ¡°Talking about that time¡­ I get why I haven¡¯t,¡± she said. Outwardly she was relaxed, but she knew that her aura was trembling slightly. The priestess noticed too, even if she was of lower rank. One of the suggestions for talks like this was that one should keep one¡¯s aura open, both as the one seeking help and the one giving it. Hence the formations covering the walls to allow for spiritual privacy. ¡°So why do you think that you did return so soon?¡± the priestess asked with a soft smile. ¡°Well, we will start going out on contracts tomorrow.¡± ¡°Ah, so you passed the trials here you spoke of before?¡± ¡°Yeah. All of us, actually. I thought that either me, Emilio or Gray Sky would have been thrown out somewhere along the way. But we have done surprisingly well. Healer¡¯s he- sorry¡­ I mean, the pair of them are even starting to feel a bit friendly in their headbutting. Like the good kind of rivals.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear it. It sounds like you all could do some good. But back to my question; why did you going out on contracts cause you to come back?¡± ¡°Well, it wouldn¡¯t be right just leaving. We¡¯ll be here in between, but you never know if¡­ What I¡¯m trying to say is that you can¡¯t just leave.¡± ¡°Then you would be surprised how many still do. Facing yourself is often much more difficult than to face the monsters out there, at least to those of us with power. Then I take it that you have given some thought to my words?¡± ¡°I have¡­ And you might be right. About that whole thing with control. I haven¡¯t thought about it that way. Gods, talking about it even sounds a bit like nonsense. Exerting control now to compensate for the control I didn¡¯t have back then¡­ It¡¯s ridiculous¡­ But it also makes sense.¡± ¡°From what you have told me, Amica, your realization of this came before you actually hurt someone.¡± At Amica¡¯s raised eyebrow, the priestess quickly added; ¡°At least someone who wasn¡¯t your enemy.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think Kite feels that way. I don¡¯t blame him. The implications... Apparently I¡¯m kinda bad at control even if it is what I want.¡± ¡°Then perhaps you should talk with him about it?¡± ¡°Oh no. No, no. Things are fine now. We can work together. He¡¯s all polite as usual. Things are fine. Four more months, and I¡¯ll probably not see him again. No, it is best to leave things be. I¡¯ll do things like this to make sure things won¡¯t ever go so far again. And he can go on with his life too.¡± ¡°I¡­ see. Well, at least give it some thought, Amica,¡± the priestess said with that kind smile and slight knowing look that meant that they both knew that Amica would indeed think about it. ¡°Gods, you can be frustrating,¡± Amica said, giving voice to the feeling already obvious in her aura. ¡°In that, we can agree,¡± the priestess said, kind smile changing to a benevolent smirk. ¡°And as you seem to have given our past session plenty of thought, I suppose we best get to it then. Before you leave for your contracts, that is.¡±
¡°I will have to bow before your wisdom, venerable Glint. The ocean was indeed something else. To think that so much is down there,¡± Kite repeated again as they walked through the streets of Port Singhni. They had just finished a two hour tour of the ocean floor, guided by a local bronze-ranker with a power set well-suited to operating under water. Kite had needed to compensate with some rented equipment to get the needed maneuverability to keep up, but seeing all those colorful reefs and stunning amount of exotic marine life had been well worth it. Glint seemed to agree, spinning in excited loops next to him. It had been nice to enjoy one proper outing in the city, one of many in the past few weeks, because things would change after today. Because today, the group would be portaled out to take on their first, proper contract together as potential members of Task Group Gauntlet. Kite¡¯s things were already packed, and even though they would return to Port Singhni between assignments, it was hard to tell how long they would be back as there was no way of knowing what kind of contracts would crop up. Senior sister Christine had already told Kite of her own experiences where she had only had time for one protracted assignment, working hard over four months to find and root out a smuggling operation in a major city. They had turned out to be supported by not only criminal elements but also much of the local city parliament and the brother of the sitting duchess, and the assignment of Christine¡¯s group had become so much more complicated than expected. Kite was surprised that he was actually the last one to arrive for once. Ryker, Mtanga, and Christine were all present in the secluded smaller marshaling yard, with the addition of Ilmaril Thenston and Darnos of the Rending White. His temporary team were all there as well, all standing a bit straighter in the presence of the two gold-rankers. Even Amica seemed to limit her usual telekinetic shenanigans to only her own possessions for once, idly levitating a small halo of quintessence over her head. ¡°Sir Darnos. Sir Thenston,¡± Kite greeted, bowing to each man as he took his place next to the others. While he technically wasn¡¯t tardy, Ryker still gave Kite a slight glare at being the latest to arrive. Kite had noticed that Ryker had to focus his apparently permanent state of dissatisfaction on lesser and lesser things as of late, which was probably quite the roundabout compliment as it indicated the lack of actually significant things to criticize. ¡°Excellent, now we are all gathered,¡± Darnos said amicably, clapping his scaled hands together. The draconian wore a similarly elegant suit as the first and only time Kite had met him since arriving, and seemed to be in a very good mood. Ilmaril, on the other hand, remained neutral, the blue orbs of his eyes weighing the gathered recruits with somber professionality. ¡°I am pleased to have been following your progress, even if it was from afar. The weeks of evaluation you have gone through has no doubt been taxing, but I am pleased to see that your batch made it through the trials without any discharges or other incidents,¡± Darnos continued, seeming to work his way towards a full-on speech. ¡°To be a member of Task Group Gauntlet is to stand ready to be called in to face some of the most powerful scum of the world. For prospective outer members, such as yourself, you are valued for your competence, power set and, most of all, potential. We would be a foolish organization if we did not step up and contribute to see you improving, after all. Should you pass, you will find yourself acting as our blades, pointed towards whatever horrors are hiding in the less savory parts of society. It will be up to you to carve through whatever opposition you face, and it will be up to us to make sure that you are sharp enough and leveled against a foe where you can best do your part. For many, the adventure society is merely a convenience; a purveyor of contracts and opportunity. But for some of us, it is an ideal; an organization to gather the mighty to stand between the world and its horrors. Should you pass into our ranks, remember that you will be part of that ideal, no matter your own personal feelings on the matter. The four months that are to come is where both your work and ours begin. We have already determined your first contract, and you will be portaled out within the hour. Ryker, if you please?¡± At Darnos¡¯ words, Ryker produced a series of folders which he handed to each of the five recruits. ¡°These documents will give you an overview of what we are walking into. And I say ¡®we¡¯, as Christine, Mtanga and I will accompany you to continue our roles as observers but also as active participants. As we have said before; this is no simulation. No trial. Real people, both dangerous and innocent, will be affected by what we do here, and the adventure society won¡¯t risk complications by having us remain passive. I will have operational command, but I will also delegate other roles as I see fit. Any questions?¡± As none of this was much of a surprise to the recruits, only silence met Ryker¡¯s words. Neither Emilio nor Gray Sky protested in the slightest, but Kite suspected that the gold-ranker¡¯s presence was the greatest contributor to that. ¡°In your folder, you will also find a preliminary list of mentors and trainers which the adventure society will offer you in between contracts. Some of these might be extended beyond the four month trial period, depending on how we deem your further needs. Do note that the society only supplies the logistics and payment for you to meet such trainers. It will be up to you to actually make use of them and grow from what they have to show you. Ignore their advice at your, and your team¡¯s, peril.¡± ¡°Thank you, Ryker,¡± Darnos said as the human finished his explanation. ¡°Me and Ilmaril will take our leave, although we hope to see all of you in the future as members of the task group. Fight well, adventurers.¡± Darnos had barely finished before space folded in on him and Ilmaril both, and a moment later, the two gold-rankers were gone. ¡°Well, at least it will be easy to prove my superiority in actual combat,¡± Emilio snorted, immediately proving Kite¡¯s earlier assumption to be correct. ¡°Think that you can keep up? The Regal Mountain Guild isn''t exactly known for its speed,¡± he finished, raising an immaculate eyebrow at Gray Sky. ¡°Gray Sky is quite certain, foolish fop. The months ahead will make you eat your words, so Gray Sky swears,¡± the runic countered, and Kite zoned out from their continued bickering, even if neither¡¯s heart seemed to really be in it. He instead chose to open his folder, sitting down on a piece of conjured barrier to inspect its contents. ¡°A repeat of the rules of membership¡­ Possible admission into inner membership after exemplary service¡­ Expectations and code of conduct¡­ Compensation for- sweet heavens above!¡± Kite almost fell out of his impromptu chair as he took in the different sections listing how much he would be paid for contracts, unforeseen dangers, etc. And it was¡­ a lot. More than his earlier reference of a lot, even. ¡°It seems like I will have to update said references,¡± he thought, having to take a few more minutes to process before actually being able to continue. The contract itself was surprisingly straightforward; the adventure society had caught wind of a small stronghold set up by organized criminal elements in the country of Preza, southeast of the Boreal League. A twist to the story was that it had apparently been done with the assistance of a daughter of the local high magistrate, one of the most prominent families of the whole country. The contract in question was to assist in breaching said stronghold under the cover of a conventional raid by hired adventurers and retrieve the highborn daughter while also killing or apprehending as many of the crime ring¡¯s upper echelons as possible. While it was quite likely that the magistrate¡¯s daughter was indeed an accomplice rather than coerced or manipulated, her father was apparently influential enough to make sure that retrieving her alive for questioning was stressed as one of the main objectives. ¡°Gold-ranked presence; deemed unlikely,¡± Kite mused, only then realized that he had murmured it aloud. The others had followed suit in looking through their folders, but his murmur did not escape the hearing of silver-rankers. ¡°With Preza¡¯s mana density and the impacts on the local stability, it is indeed quite unlikely,¡± Ryker explained. ¡°The adventure society tries to keep track of every gold-ranker we can, given the chaos they can sow. But every now and then, some unknown appears on the map from the fringes of society, so we can never be entirely sure. There will be gold-ranked support ready to be portaled in, should the need arise, but the risk simply isn¡¯t deemed great enough to warrant an actual deployment.¡± Kite nodded in understanding. The gold-ranked population was a sparse one on a scale covering the whole world, with those powerful enough most often living their lives in high-magic zones which could more easily sustain them. Deploying one cost a lot, especially if it was into a zone of lower magic, as their operating expenses were almost always counted in gold spirit coins. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. He continued reading through the known details and expected opposition, being mostly a vague mix of core-users and some ex-adventurers. There were many unknowns, but so far Kite and the other recruits had been taught to expect such vagaries. If the enemy was an entirely known quantity, the expertise of Task Group Gauntlet was rarely needed, after all. Finally, Kite was just about to get to the list of his preliminary individual training regime when a swirling vertical whirlpool of water appeared in the air of the marshaling yard, forming a gate into empty air. ¡°It is time,¡± Ryker called, rising from where he had seated himself and gesturing to the gate. ¡°One at a time, then leave room for the others.¡± This gave Kite only a moment to glance over the list of unfamiliar names and designations. Or at least all except one. As Kite got up and walked towards the portal, he couldn¡¯t help but turn towards Ryker, the last one remaining on this side, and giving him a formal bow. ¡°It seems that I will be in your care, teacher,¡± he intoned. Off all the names and designations on his list there had indeed been one quite familiar; Ryker Lansar. Rank: Silver. Subject of training: Multi-limbed combat. Ryker, in turn, rolled his eyes in exasperation. ¡°Just get in the portal.¡±
Kite had a vague idea of where Preza was located in the world, as it was relatively close to the Boreal League. As Phiona and Rachel Geller had hailed from there, they had shown him their home and surrounding lands on a map. But as it turned out, even Kite¡¯s vague idea of what the place would be like was way off mark. It was currently early winter in this half of the world, which to Kite had only remained theoretical knowledge when staying in the tropical Port Singhni. He had thought that Preza might be more akin to his home in the Autumn Lands, with their relatively mild climate and beautiful autumns and early winters. As he exited the portal and was faced with the chilling, slight rain and dark, overcast skies with temperatures not that far above freezing, he was quickly proven how wrong his assumption had been. This wasn¡¯t made better by the city around him being built mostly from slate-gray stone; sturdy constructions that looked more to function than aesthetic sensibilities. The air itself felt both dry yet wet at the same time, with the smell of ocean brine being starkly different from Port Singhni. It was still only the earliest of morning, with the rays of the pre-dawn sun barely creeping over the eastern horizon. And Gray Sky was the first to voice his thoughts on their latest destination. ¡°Gray Sky is¡­ Not impressed.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Amica added. ¡°Feels not that far off from what I grew up in. Although early winter isn¡¯t the most charming of seasons to visit.¡± ¡°You¡¯re from around here?¡± Kite asked, Amica shaking her head in negative. ¡°No, but not too far away. Preza is a rather oblong country, and my home city is just south of it. Ztiegelfort, one of the smaller city states.¡± ¡°And, fortunately, it doesn¡¯t matter too much if you like it or not,¡± Ryker said, having just emerged from the portal behind them. ¡°We¡¯re here to do our contract, and then we¡¯re off again. You¡¯ll see plenty of places both fair and foul. But a word of warning; we¡¯re most often heading to the foul side of things. Ah, I see that our transport is on time.¡± Ryker gestured to a series of heidel-drawn carriages approaching, each of the scaled, two-headed beasts of burden a lot more pale in color than Kite was used to. The carriages themselves were of a different make than Kite was used to as well, being both taller and more luxurious than he had expected. As the group split up among the three vehicles, it felt like entering a foreign tea parlor. A very small one, but a tea parlor nonetheless. Kite made extra sure to sit down carefully at the lush, velvety seat, with Sztyka and Mtanga joining him. While the drizzle outside quickly started turning their view of the outside into a series of blurred lights passing by, the insides were lit by a soft, comfortable glow. ¡°We¡¯ll be heading for a briefing at the local adventure society branch,¡± Mtanga explained, his grin as pearly white as ever. ¡°While we are sometimes arriving straight into the thick of it, most contracts have at least a day or two of preparations where we coordinate with the locals before spells and special attacks start flying. How long it takes then varies more. I bet Christine has already told you of her four months of playing hide and seek with some local crime barons and their noble sponsors?¡± ¡°She has indeed,¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°Do you think it will be the same here? The daughter of the high magistrate is involved, after all.¡± ¡°Hmm, you can never be sure, but I don¡¯t think so,¡± Mtanga mused. ¡°Still, we have a lot of support here. Let¡¯s focus on what we know that we¡¯re doing and take the rest as it comes, yes? Gods be willing, we¡¯ll be in and out of that fortress in short order.¡± The local adventure society campus looked more like a dour fortress than hub of contracts and commerce with its towering walls and blocky structure. But as they were led inside, Kite was surprised yet again as the insides matched the style of the carriages; luxurious wood paneling, crushed velvet drapes lining each tall window and plenty of art and sculptures on display. The reception hall was just coming awake with functionaries readying documents at the different counters, only glancing at the group as they were led through the public areas and into the depth of the administration building. It was also with some curiosity that Kite could see how the locals seemed to have prepared for the frequent rains, as every drop left behind by clothing or shoes seemed to just slide off the fine floors and back towards the door as if by a will of its own. They eventually reached their destination; a conference room which felt more like the dining room of some noble or prominent family, the impression further added to by the small feast of different breakfast dishes that was already waiting for them. Kite was met with a lot of different kinds of vegetables and stews of a kind he had never seen before, noting that the color brown and gray was a lot more prominent here than at home. The coloration aside though, everything smelled delicious and hearty, and as the functionary who had escorted them encouraged the group to dig in, Kite did not hesitate. ¡°So, how long will we be waiting?¡± Amica asked the three supervisors, taking a bite from a piece of levitating bread while spooning stew into her mouth with one hand. ¡°As long as we need to,¡± Ryker responded, his approach to the food more measured. ¡°As you well know, timing these things with people on the other side of the world is no easy thing. I¡¯m impressed they had food waiting for us on what must have been short notice. Focus on eating up, meditating and going through the details of the contract. When they do arrive, I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll be staying for too long.¡± ¡°Oh? What gives you that idea?¡± Emilio asked, also eating with the measured grace of someone quite used to eating in prominent company. ¡°Call it a hunch based on experience,¡± Ryker said, leaning back in his chair. ¡°While many branches are happy to get the support of the Task Group, many of the actual adventurers are not. They feel that we are just glorified and overpaid, coming in and appropriating the locals¡¯ money and prestige. My experience with the adventurers of Preza is that they rarely view us too kindly.¡± ¡°Should we expect trouble, then?¡± Kite asked, once more getting the feeling of being back home with rivalries and pride flaring up to cause trouble. ¡°No, not really. Only some grumbling. Those worth a damn know that if they had people with the competence to strike like we plan to, they would have already and we would have been called off somewhere else.¡± The group only had to wait around half an hour before the local branch director arrived along with a trio of silver-rankers. She was the only core-user among them, as was common for many in the administrative part of the adventure society, but carried herself well and looked every inch the professional with her piercing blue eyes and honey-blonde hair fastened in a neat bun. ¡°Ladies. Gentlemen. My name is Inese Kantors, branch director. We are pleased that representatives of Task Group Gauntlet have agreed to come here and coordinate with us for the strike that is to come.¡± While it was rather obvious that the men and women accompanying her were less than enthused, Kite was pleasantly surprised to see Ryker¡¯s expectations prove true. All three of them chose to keep their gazes ahead after only passing glances, their disgruntled feelings only detected in their auras. ¡°Branch director. Task Group Gauntlet stands ready to assist you. We would be pleased to start the briefing and planning as soon as possible,¡± Ryker said, standing up as he nodded a respectful greeting, tamping down on his usual stern demeanor. ¡°Excellent. As things are already on the move, we shall begin at once,¡± branch director Kantors said. And just like that, the planning of Kite¡¯s first real assignment as a prospective member of the task group began.
A flurry of strikes came bearing down on Kite, animated strips of cloth separating to form claws which he knew from experience would rend him as well as most blades. In response, Kite tried to counter through strikes of his own, spectral arms accompanying his own two hands to grab and deflect. And falling short. He managed to hold his own for a while, but it only took around a dozen seconds for him to feel a hand of sharpened, stiff cloth resting at his throat. ¡°While it is obvious that you have some training, it is also obvious that it has been scattered and comes from many different sources of varying levels of competence,¡± Ryker stated, his tendrils and arms of animated cloth retracting back into his cloak. ¡°I state this as fact, not critique. We will need to go several more rounds for me to properly gauge your level. Judging you without other equipment or other essence powers isn¡¯t fair, but it is what I have been tasked with. As a negation confluence, you should be well aware that fighting fair isn¡¯t recommended if you can avoid it.¡± ¡°Then I will aim to learn all that teacher has to offer,¡± Kite said, bowing politely while hiding his smile. Ryker still seemed to expect Kite to protest or rebel against anything perceived as critique, and Kite in turn delighted to subvert those expectations. In a way, the situation felt rather comforting; like being back during his training beneath Phiona Geller. Ryker was a silver-ranker like him, but not an early one by any means. And from what he had shown Kite so far, he was very good at manipulating and attacking along multiple vectors simultaneously. During their first, short exchange, Kite¡¯s dispelling powers hadn¡¯t really let him bring those skills to bear, but in the sparring they had gotten done so far, the gap in skills was making itself known. His supervisor-turned-teacher only gave him a flat, stern look in response, but continued. ¡°Had I not seen it for myself, I would scarcely have thought that the arms came from an item. An odd item for sure, but an item nonetheless. And while the addition to your power set is great, it is something added far later than the rest of your powers. When facing someone with a similar essence power, such as someone with the spider or maybe hand essence, you will almost always find yourself at a disadvantage.¡± ¡°If I may ask, where did teacher learn how to control his own powers with such proficiency?¡± Kite asked, curious. He knew next to nothing of the man, even after having spent two months in evaluations. Ryker seemed a bit hesitant at first, but shook his head and sighed. ¡°As we won¡¯t set out until tomorrow, I suppose that we have plenty of time to kill. So why not. If you have to know, my parents as well as their parents were all adventurers. All began with an active career, while some later went on to join the administrative side of things. And like most such families, we have tried to find a niche to build upon so that each generation can better learn from the one before. In our case, we have tried to pick essences or awakening stones often leading to powers to generate additional limbs, physical or otherwise. As you may have noticed, having more vectors of attack than your opponent will often put you at a distinct advantage, and the Lansars - my family that is - have trained long and hard to learn how to use that advantage. ¡° ¡°I see. Then I am most grateful for you showing me even glimpses of your heritage,¡± he said, impressed. ¡°That¡¯s another odd phrase from you. You Hua-Xian and your poetics. Just complicates things,¡± Ryker muttered before continuing. ¡°They asked me to teach you, and I wouldn¡¯t be much of a teacher if I held things back. We Lansars are loyal to the adventure society and what it stands for. The society has tasked me with making sure you will realize as much of your potential as possible. If I tried keeping secrets, I would actively work against that task. Which I will not. There are plenty of families hoarding their so-called secrets for their own gains. I¡¯ll let you draw your own conclusions about what I think of that.¡± ¡°Then I am grateful nonetheless. You have made quite clear what you feel about my homeland and its culture. I appreciate that teacher is able to put those feelings aside.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s just get on with the sparring,¡± Ryker said after a moment of silence, eyebrows creased. ¡°It¡¯s at least a bit convenient for me too, as I throw in some sessions while we¡¯re out on contract. There¡¯s always a day or two of waiting here and there. And as you have a lot to work on, we might as well get started. Tomorrow, things are going down for real. So let¡¯s get ready.¡±
While a small cataclysm seemed to be unfolding in the darkness below as adventurer forces were moving in and starting to pressure the defenses of the supposedly hidden fortress of the local crime lords, Kite¡¯s surroundings were surprisingly silent. He sat crouched along with his group and their supervisors, all of them riding on the back of a gargantuan black Raven, its bonded companion another silver-ranker seated up near the avian¡¯s head. Kite would have expected the wind to roar around him and whipping at his hair, clothes and body, but everything was just¡­ quiet. After a particularly brilliant beam was discharged down below, punching great cracks in the barrier that defended the hidden complex buried into the side of a small mountain, Ryker spoke. Unlike their surroundings, his voice carried easily even as he spoke softly. ¡°That was the first breacher ritual. Two more, and the barrier should crumble for a few minutes. That¡¯s when we¡¯ll make the drop. Steiner, you¡¯re carrying Kite and Gray Sky. I will bring Mtanga, and the rest of you are fine on your own. You all know the plan. Now is the time to show that you belong here; that Gauntlet has made the right choice in making a spot for you.¡± As he spoke, another beam like the first flashed below, straining the beleaguered barrier even further. ¡°On my mark,¡± Ryker said, holding up a hand, eyes fixed on the ground far below. ¡°Ready¡­¡± he continued, and even Kite could see the gathering magic below, its visibility from such a distance belying its potency. Then, the beam flashed again, and Kite could easily imagine the spectacular crashing sound which at that moment must be reverberating through the dark, evergreen forests below as the barrier crumbled like a sandcastle before a wave. ¡°Go!¡± Ryker commanded, Mtanga already at their side as they leapt off their giant avian transport. Sztyka, Christine and Emilio followed suit, leaving only Kite, Amica and Gray Sky. As many times before, Kite retracted his aura and felt the gentle grip of telekinesis take hold. Even though they had trained a lot together and he did so without hesitation, it still reminded him of that one moment when the grip had started hinting of something not so gentle. Amica seemed to notice as well, seeming to wince ever so slightly, but Kite had already gotten his spirit under control. Then, just like they had practiced many times before in the mirage chamber, the prospects of Task Group Gauntlet dropped down towards their targets. But this time, their foes were very much real. And very much desperate, cornered. And as it would turn out, out for blood. 157. Kick in the door ¡°Was¡­ Was that a bird?¡± ¡°Which one? The one made of lightning or the summoned one down there with the green eyes and antlers?¡± ¡°No, not down at the battlefield. Up in the sky. It was black, but I think I saw a bird. A huge one.¡± ¡°Like you could see anything up there.¡± ¡°Hey, I got the dark essence. Seeing through darkness is the reason I was put up here on lookout rather than join the rest of the gangs fighting down there.¡± ¡°Alright, alright. No need to get all testy.¡± ¡°There¡¯s a battle going on out there, Fritz! One that just blew through our barrier. Excuse me for being a bit tense!¡± ¡°Alright, alright. Where did you see the bird? We might as well bring out the looking glass. Here.¡± ¡°Thanks. It was¡­ Here somewhere. I-¡± ¡°... What?¡± ¡°Shh¡­¡± ¡°As if me talking would make you see worse.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­ It¡¯s¡­ Oh, shit! Fritz, sound the alarm!¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Did I fucking stutter? Sound the alarm. I¡¯ll activate the skystrikes. We got incoming!¡±
¡°Finding myself rather unfazed by hurtling down through the night sky towards an active battlefield and a fortress full of enemies¡­ There is probably a lesson about adapting to one¡¯s circumstances in there somewhere,¡± Kite inwardly mused as the descending group was closing in the final distance, the discharging spells and special attacks below rapidly having gone from tiny specks of light to more identifiable streaks and bursts just a hundred meters away. Unfazed might have been a bit generous, as Kite¡¯s gut was definitely clenching with tension, excitement and anticipation, but he at least wanted to give himself some credit. This kind of entrance was apparently not too uncommon when working within the Task Group, and they had performed many similar drops in the mirage chamber. Below, Kite could see Ryker and Mtanga, the former¡¯s cloak billowing out like a pair of wings while cloth tendrils wrapped themselves like a harness around the latter. Mtanga¡¯s bow was out as he was held in a way that would allow the silver-ranked to fire without too much hindrance. If Kite¡¯s estimations were correct, they had around one third of the distance left until touching down, the main defensive barrier still at least a few minutes away from reforming. ¡°All seems to go well, at least,¡± Kite thought, looking at the admittedly rather impressive distraction of the adventurer¡¯s assault below. ¡°Once we touch down, Christine should have plenty of time to-¡± His thoughts were interrupted as several glowing magical circles lit up across the camouflaged top of the fortress, which when revealed looked like a solid, windowless complex built into the mountain. Dark figures were currently scrambling below to place some kind of floating brass cage in the center of each of the revealed circles. ¡°Oh sweet heavens,¡± he thought as the insides of each cage - five in total - started flickering with lightning; a roiling, crackling ball of steadily increasing intensity. ¡°Amica. Get me down there!¡± ¡°Then steady yourselves!¡± the woman currently carrying him downwards called back, already having noticed what was surely magical defenses coming alive. Kite¡¯s world lurched again as she started to actively push downwards at a greater speed, subjecting them all to forces that would definitely have killed a normal ranker. Below, the shimmering string of Mtanga¡¯s bow flashed, and one of the five cage-constructions was torn to pieces in a discharge of lightning and screaming metal. Apparently not wanting to risk more suffering the same fate, the defenders below chose to fire. Kite could see the pulse going through them all as the four remaining defensive formations were activated. Each cage crackled as the energy within was directed upwards in a stream of small lightning spheres, each of the projectiles detonating when it came into the proximity of something. This was demonstrated by Mtanga and Ryker as arrows and conjured cloth streamers met the vanguard of crackling spheres, setting off a small chain of detonations below. The emplacements, however, spat out more projectiles at too rapid a pace to be diverted by mere counterattacks. But fortunately for the two supervisors taking the lead, they had backup. ¡°Ward!¡± Kite¡¯s twin barriers appeared in front of the pair just as it looked like a pair of spheres were about to get past the defenses, the crackling detonation diverted by the curved discs just in time before angling out to protect their flanks and allowing them to focus their own disruptive fire straight ahead. ¡°Besides, it shouldn¡¯t be long before-,¡± Kite thought, when Emilio made his expected appearance. He felt the moment when one of the marks of the elf¡¯s hunt essence landed upon one of the figures below as soon as he came within range, and a moment later, Emilio was among them. Wand blasts started streaking out across the roof of the fort, scattering the sentient defenders and soon after breaking enough of a nearby emplacement to make it lose all of its precision; its stream of projectiles sent arcing far off to the north. ¡°Wall!¡± Kite and the rest of the descending team had just come close enough for him to conjure a set of force walls around two more emplacements, layering the barriers as much as he could to cut off the streams of attacks for a little while longer. The insides of the impromptu cages immediately lit up with crackling lightning as the spheres detonated almost point blank, and Kite could feel his barriers crack and dissolve at a concerning speed. But he did not wait for them to crumble, as his descending team just had a short final stretch to go. Immutable Echo appeared in his hand and Kite swung, projecting his strike the rest of the way while letting the staff return to his void sheath, only to project another attack downwards. There was a second of delay as the strikes traveled the distance, before small, rippling impacts struck the shuddering remains of Leyline Warding. Both barriers cracked, one after the other, collapsing inwards as rippling, resonating force converged on the devices which even now struggled to continue unleashing lightning-shaped death up towards the aerial attackers. But those efforts ceased as the resonating force caused the cages of the construct to warp, the metal shrieking as the artifacts either collapsed or had their function so ruined that they were effectively out of the fight. And with only one of them left, the team touched down only slightly singed here and there as Emilio had either dispatched or driven off the handful of bronze-ranked defenders on the roof. ¡°Well, there goes the element of surprise,¡± Christine said with a casualness at odds with their circumstances. ¡°You know that most infiltrations fall apart anyway,¡± Mtanga agreed. Even though the pair remained cheerful, they were both already in motion to act according to what the group had planned, coordinating in drawing out a ritual diagram around the concealed metal hatch down which the fleeing defenders had disappeared ¡°Status? They will know we are coming now, so act accordingly,¡± Ryker said, crouching next to the group while Emilio scouted the perimeter and Amica was using her telekinesis to drag the scrap left behind the aerial defenses to intercept stray projectiles from the battle beneath the fortress. ¡°Spent a bit of mana and a bit singed. Nothing major,¡± Kite answered, the rest nodding in agreement. ¡°Gray Sky did not even need to exert himself,¡± the runic added. ¡°Me neither,¡± Sztyka agreed. ¡°The breaching ritual is ready,¡± Christine called, placing down the last stack of silver spirit coins gleaming as they caught flashes of light below. ¡°Then we move as planned. Christine, Kite, take the lead. Emilio, you¡¯re next. Go scout what you can as soon as the situation is under control. Amica and Gray Sky, you¡¯re the rearguard.¡± His words were punctuated by the ritual circle lighting up all at once in a brief, intense flash followed by a loud *pop*. Ryker did not hesitate, limbs of twined cloth reaching out and grabbing a hold in the hatch before yanking up both it and a bit of the surrounding stone of the fortress, the edges of the chunk of stone perfectly smooth where the ritual lines had been drawn. Christine and Kite immediately started towards the opening, the elf woman taking the lead as she cast a spell. ¡°Glean the uncountable geodes.¡± From below, a crackling, glass-like sound was heard and Kite knew that whatever space was beneath was suddenly facing clusters of rapidly growing purple and black crystals which emitted blinding flashes of light before detonating in bursts of shrapnel and resonating force. Taking on the role of vanguard, Kite leapt down just after the rippling detonation had echoed up through the hole, and he was readying his own spell even as he dropped the three meters to the corridor below. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power¡± Kite had barely had the time to take in the corridor in front of him, consisting of bleak and unadorned and windowless stone-shaped walls, and the chaos caused by Christine''s initial spell as Ripple of Cancellation surged out ahead of him. It snuffed out a trio of hasty projectiles and some boons as it washed over the gathered attempt at a defensive position by what was no doubt the reserves of the local crime syndicates. Kite sensed only two silver-rankers present as well as a dozen bronze, the former trying to whip their subordinates into something akin to order. The silvers were also the only ones whose auras did not give off the tinge of monster cores, which probably meant that they were ex-adventurers or mercenaries who had always operated outside the society¡¯s system. Even as he saw Christine touch down behind him, Kite was already in motion. The arms of his mantle came alive as a trio of special attacks were projected towards one of the silver-rankers who was raising a glowing hand to no doubt fire some kind of projectile. She was instead sent staggering back as Kite¡¯s attack tore into her magic and mana, flashing with transcendent light. Being off balance, she had even less time to dodge the restraining sphere of water which suddenly manifested around her, courtesy of Glint who was peeking out from her bottle at Kite¡¯s hip. The other silver was sent ducking back behind a corner as Sage, floating just behind Kite¡¯s back as usual, had taken the opportunity to fire a beam of resonating force. This bought the team another few precious seconds, Christine joining the barrage with spells of her own. Both were forced to a halt though as the second silver-ranker, the one who had only had to dive for cover, popped back out through some kind of flaring movement power while stretching both of his palms towards the advancing adventurer. ¡°Breath of the scarlet dragon!¡± A moment later, a jet of flame filling the whole width of the corridor came rushing down towards the advancing pair, meeting the barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding further strengthened as Christine caused crystals to start growing out of the wall, the faceted blue minerals providing a substantial boost to Kite¡¯s conjured ward. ¡°We¡¯ll have to taste some flames soon to keep the initiative, senior sister,¡± Kite noted, teeth clenched as he pumped what mana he could into the barriers to keep the intense fires at bay. ¡°They say ¡®no pain, no gain¡¯,¡± she answered casually. ¡°I can strike first. That should-¡± Then they both felt Emilio¡¯s mark appear ahead of them, somewhere beyond the obscuring jet of fire, and knew that their attempted distractions would not be necessary. Throughout their training, Kite had become increasingly impressed with the teleporting scout¡¯s ability to appear when and where his enemies really did not want him to, proving that while he was full of posturing and bluster, there was at least a lot of skill there to back it up. Kite was confident in taking the elf down one on one in most situations, but found himself really glad that Emilio was his ally as soon as the setting and sides were both more numerous and more complicated. As expected, the jet of fire soon winked out and Kite and Christine joined Emilio in taking on the gathered defenders. To say that it was chaos felt like an understatement, with the close confines and undisciplined foes causing quite the mess. The two silver-rankers seemed to only need a few seconds to see where the winds were turning, and both made to escape as soon as they caught a glimpse of Ryker, Mtanga, Sztyka and Gray Sky making their way down the hatch. Unfortunately for one of the fire-wielding ones, he found his legs suddenly caught in a pair of vices as Christine manipulated the stone floor to immobilize him, leading to a brutal struggle of fire vs stone where the latter seemed to be winning handily. Kite was just about to start conjuring a wall to hinder the other retreating foe when Emilio poked his aura rather forcefully. Turning towards the elf with a questioning look, Emilio only nodded smugly as Kite felt one of his marks appear on the fleeing woman just before she turned a corner. ¡°It would be a lot easier to find their command center if we had something to follow, no?¡± he noted before flickering away just as the rest of the team reached them. Subduing a pack of bronze-rankers and a partially immobilized silver when there were seven remaining silvers on their side proved to be more challenging in not hurting one another in the tight confines of the stone corridor rather than hurting the enemy. Unfortunately for their foes, none were any of the listed priority targets, and leaving prisoners in their wake, even collared ones, was too much of a risk. ¡°Emilio will scout ahead, but we¡¯ll follow his marks,¡± Ryker said as Sztyka¡¯s ominous spells had devoured the last of the foes. ¡°Weapons out and spells at the ready, people. Getting inside was just the first step, after all. Let¡¯s see what will await us when we kick in the door.¡±
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Sir, we¡¯ve got more breaches in the western wings. The Shattered Crowns are holding for now, but they will need to activate the defenses soon to not be overwhelmed.¡± ¡°Sir! The Runners are ready to get back into it. Where should they be deployed?¡± ¡°Sir, the instruments are indicating that we have successfully sealed another twenty percent of the tunnels. How much further should we go? ¡°Sir! The tea you asked for is ready.¡± At the moment, caught between multiple voices all vying for his attention while surveying the parts of the battle map still functional, Kurtz Bogoria was thankful for his silver rank. It allowed him to keep everything in mind easily enough, but what actually made him able to excel and hold surprisingly steady against the adventurer assault was his sovereign confluence. Having essence powers to excel at coordinating groups and larger scale operations had been decent as an adventurer, but it turned out that using said talents to effectively rule the criminal underworld of a nation paid a lot better, with the added bonus of having honest to gods minions at his beck and call. And with the addition of ¡®Alina¡¯, things had gone even smoother lately. While Kurtz wasn¡¯t the only syndicate leader in the room, the others equally busy directing their people, no one had any doubts that he was the most important. It was he that had kept this whole thing together for so long, after all, which meant that it would be him that got first pickings and a bigger share of any spoils, and that he would be the first one out the escape tunnel when the need arose. Because unfortunately for Kurtz and the others, the need would arise. Even if they managed to beat back the adventurers, their stronghold was compromised. Kurtz would need to take everything he could and start over somewhere else. ¡°If there is even anything other than dregs left to claim that is,¡± he thought, twirling his rather impressive blonde mustaches while ordering the powering up of some rather costly defensive formations. ¡°Still, we¡¯ll lose more unless we collapse enough of the tunnels and get as much of the archives out as possible. Better not compromise more of the operations than needed.¡± A few more minutes passed, with a runner reporting that the defenses had indeed given the attacking adventurers pause on the western flank. Kurtz was just about to confer with Lady Shattered Crown, his second in command and, gods willing, future fianc¨¦e, when a side door to the command center was flung open with enough force to cause a loud clang to echo throughout the room. Most looked up at the silver-ranker - one of the Shade Needles stationed as a reserve near the upper reaches of the fortress - and the woman spared no time in whirling around on a jet of fire to kick the door shut again and engage the locks. Sensing her harried state through her aura, Kurtz waved off one of the other runners to go meet her. ¡°Well, out with it!¡± he snapped, sensing that he was about to receive bad news. ¡°S-sir, silvers. Coming in from above. Fast. Really fast.¡± ¡°How many?¡± Kurtz asked, already calculating a response. ¡°Seven or eight, sir.¡± ¡°Gods above. Such a headache,¡± he thought, looking around to Lady Shattered Crown. ¡°Prepare to activate the upper defenses as well, we need-¡± But for once, the regal human woman was not listening attentively to him. Instead, her eyes had thinned as she hurriedly walked closer to the flustered silver-ranker-turned-messenger. ¡°You fool! You let them mark you and then came directly to us? Imbecile!¡± she all but shrieked, her voice causing Kurtz¡¯ stomach to drop. His prospective fianc¨¦e had the eye essence, and there were no magical effects of her rank that she could not detect with a little scrutiny, concealed or not. And if there was some kind of mark¡­ ¡°Ready the inner defenses NOW!¡± he bellowed, turning to the main controls of the fortress which also helped his essence powers reach where one needed them to. ¡°We need to increase the pace of our extraction. Send the western reserves to the tunnels and half of those in the east to the archives.¡± ¡°Sir! It¡¯s.. They¡¯re not¡­¡± ¡°What? Speak!¡± ¡°The inner defenses are active, but I don¡¯t see any readings of them consuming any mana.¡± ¡°That is good then, right?¡± Another of the formation experts asked. ¡°Then we raised them in time.¡± Kurtz nodded at his words, but his gut still wouldn¡¯t let the matter rest. Because there was one other possibility too. ¡°Fortune, please be kind,¡± he inwardly prayed as he asked. ¡°And what if they are already inside the defenses?¡± ¡°But sir.. The inner defenses¡­ If they were inside them, that would mean that they are already-¡± ¡°Gods, please do not finish that sentence,¡± Kurtz inwardly begged. Too late. ¡°-here.¡± As if Kurtz life had just become some kind of vicious comedy at his expense, the same door from which the reporting silver ranker had come exploded inwards along with parts of the wall; the detonation some kind of epic punctuation to the foolish man¡¯s statement. Unlike most in the room, Kurtz did not hesitate as he let the close-ranged boons and enhancements of his confluence start rolling out to empower all those nearby. A bronze-ranked ritualist was knocked bleeding to the floor by a chunk of stone the size of his head while the others started acting as well to mount what defenses he could. A wall of stone covered in glittering crystal rose from the floor just inside the door, and what could have been one of Kurtz¡¯ underlings conjuring a defense quickly proved to be just a hopeful dream as the crystals then exploded, magical blasts and ricocheting shrapnel further wreaking havoc in the room. But while many were stunned, the defensive boons Kurtz had led with kept his silvers from suffering anything but minor damage. ¡°Royal guard formation!¡± Kurtz had always pretended that he found the chant a bit pretentious, but had inwardly always loved giving such a command as he let power flow into his allies. But just afterwards, his silver-ranked hearing allowed him to hear another spell chant from the other side of the remnants of the detonating stone wall. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power.¡± One moment ago, his people had been powering up, ready to beat back whatever the adventure society had decided to throw at them. Now, they faltered, and Kurtz felt a few of his own magical effects winking out as well. ¡°Shit!¡± he thought, readying his breaching axe while he thought what boons to spread next through the network awarded by his Radiant Commanding Presence to claw back some of the initiative. It was only his experience that let him react to the subtle danger which his instincts suddenly screamed was about to hit him. Kurtz ducked to the side as a ripple in the air much like a slash could be seen where he had just been standing, his arcing saber intercepting another. But a third attack, launched almost simultaneously with the other two, raked one of his shoulders. Or at least, it should have. Instead of an open wound, Kurtz saw the glimpse of a blue flash before mana left him. A substantial amount for such a weak attack, too. However, that was by far the least of Kurtz problems. Because Radiant Commanding Presence, the passive special ability that was the lynchpin of efficiency for his sovereign powers, was suddenly not there anymore; thoroughly smothered and suppressed. Feeling his command falter as the adventurers made their entrance into the room, a young man with dark hair, glowing tattoos and four additional spectral arms taking the lead along with a stone and crystal-clad elf, Kurtz was forced to realize that his day had just gone from worse¡­ To absolute shit.
¡°The mark is definitely in there,¡± Emilio breathed as the group gathered at the door after a short pursuit along nondescript hallways and stairs, lit in the pale light of the glow stones set in the walls. Things had gotten tense at one point as they sensed various defenses hum to life around them, but a short burst of speed and Kite performing an opportunistic disruption of a detection array later, they had managed to push through the killing zone around what Kite suspected was the heart of the fortress. The three bronze-ranked guards they had happened upon had not been enough to cause any further alert, now just piles of dust in their wake as Sztyka¡¯s powers had devoured them. ¡°Braid would have a thing or two to say about the arrays here too. Leaving such a part of the framework isolated was just inviting someone to bypass it,¡± Kite thought as the others were preparing yet another one of the breaching rituals used above, this time splurging a bit on the materials to make sure that they made it through in one go to keep what little element of surprise they may have managed to reclaim. ¡°Christine, splinterwall. Kite, dispelling wave. Everyone; Focus Emilo¡¯s mark, then engage as you deem fitting. And keep an eye out for Alina. Objections?¡± Ryker asked, giving each a stern nod in return. ¡°Breach ready,¡± Mtanga hissed, the smile clear in his voice. Then, without further ado, he engaged the primed ritual. Like the last time, the sigils and diagrams flashed intensely as the door, surrounding wall as well as the protective arrays were seared through in a moment. Kite had learned that this particular ritual was something the adventure society kept as a closely guarded secret among the different Task Groups, as the less information about it that leaked meant that their targets were less able to adapt their arrays enough to withstand it. ¡°Fractured bones of the earth!¡± Rykers multiple arms of braided cloth had barely pushed the slab of wall and door inward before Christine¡¯s spell cut off the tiny glimpse Kite was able to get of the room beyond; some kind of comfortable command center with at least nine silver-rankers, some core-users and some not, and around twenty bronze and iron rankers working as different kinds of assistants. A huge man with an impressive blonde mustache had just started channeling enhancing magic out into the room while some had recovered from the initial burst of the breach enough to start a counterattack. Then the crystalline layer of Christine¡¯s wall detonated, and from the later part of their training in the mirage chambers when their supervisors had joined the simulations as ¡®foes¡¯, Kite knew just how potent the stunning and disorienting effect of that spell was. A moment after, his own chant followed hers as he stepped through the door. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power.¡± As Christine stepped up to his side while clad in her conjured armor, throwing more area spells to scatter the lower-rankers, Kite took a chance to send a trio of Disrupting Strikes towards the man with the blonde mustache, obviously the one in charge as authority infused all of his magic which in turn snaked out to enhance his subordinates. He proved surprisingly swift in his reactions, defending against the first two projected strikes, but the third landed and Kite felt not a small amount of satisfaction at seeing the man¡¯s shock when his special ability was suppressed. But then, the rest of the team entered. Emilio appeared among their foes while an almost sentient swarm of arrows flew past Kite, some close enough that they brushed against his armor or hair. Sztyka, Gray Sky, Ryker and Amica followed, all unleashing as much area damage as they could to further the chaos. The room swiftly became a mess of clashing auras, but a flare from Ryker¡¯s told them that it was time. Just before the opposing silver-rankers had found their proverbial feet again, all of the adventurers present acted almost as one, sending their swiftest offensive spells and attacks towards the same goal; the formerly retreating silver ranker who still bore Emilio¡¯s mark. Silver rankers were notoriously durable, their enhanced bodies able to withstand an entirely different scope of damage than that of a bronze or lower. But eight adventurers targeting the same woman at the same time when some of her defensive means had just been canceled? It turned out that the silver-ranked constitution indeed had its limits. The woman barely had the time to scream before she was slashed, sundered, torn, pierced and otherwise brutalized by the incoming attacks, her aura winking out almost instantly. Knowing that such a coordination would only be possible during a moment where most of their enemies were reeling or otherwise on the back foot, the group had practiced quite a lot in the mirage chamber to make that initial strike count. Then the attacks started coming in, and with an even number of silvers, the would-be members of Task Group Gauntlet entered the fray. While facing monsters, adventurers could often adapt formations around their different roles. When facing other people, such a thing became a lot more¡­ complicated. Each essence user above the earliest iron-rankers meant facing twenty powers directed by a sentient mind, meaning that the skilled opponents could think a lot more cunningly and punish too rigid tactics. A classical defender would have trouble cornering most opponents unless they had restraining or controlling powers of their own, such as the prison confluence. Kite was indeed the closest thing the group had to such a role, but the way he aided his allies defensively was by no means the classic. ¡°Ward! Wall!¡± A pair of barriers appeared to shield Christine¡¯s side from a swirling drill of dark oblivion which was fired from one of the enemy silver-rankers before other segments of force walls appeared throughout the room to form cages, turning Ryker¡¯s and Amica¡¯s engagements into temporary duels. Emilio was likewise encircled, but only used that to his advantage as he quickly started teleporting in and out of the enclosed barriers to blast his foes from unexpected angles. Mtanga, Gray Sky, Christine and Sztyka were all left to unleash their area attacks at the opponents outside the sudden enclosures, allowing them to focus their attention on a smaller area as petrification and stone vices made sure that Mtanga¡¯s grasping arrow clusters or Sztyka¡¯s channeled spells became as efficient as possible. Still, their opponent¡¯s proved their worth as the leader with the mighty mustache started using other essence powers to coordinate his people, first to form a small localized redoubt of layered defensive powers before trying to engage in a unified fighting retreat towards one of the other doors. This was made harder by Kite¡¯s barriers as Christine added some of her own clusters of detonating crystals, and the room was being torn asunder all around them. And in the middle of this, Kite held onto his combat meditation for dear life as all three sets of his arms were in motion. A conjured weapon halfway across the room was sundered just before blocking while two projectiles in flight were struck down. Two more barriers appeared to shore up Amica¡¯s telekinetic defense as her foe went for an all-out attack. Another three strikes were projected to simply knock limbs out of balance and foes out of rhythm. It was straining his mind to his utmost as Kite literally wanted to be everywhere at once, near or far, laying his hand upon the scales of each conflict. Meanwhile, a small part of his mind noticed Emilio achieving one of their goals. A blonde younger woman had scrambled out from where she had been hiding behind a flipped recliner. She was a silver-ranker, but clearly a core-user, and the glimpses Kite caught made him certain that this was indeed Alina, the high magistrate''s daughter. She froze as Emilio appeared in front of her, glowing wand pressed to her forehead. Kite did not hear what he said to her, but from her stiff, shallow nod and him starting to escort her back through the chaos of the fight towards their breach while keeping her at wand point, it felt safe to assume that she had agreed to cooperate. Then, feeling a surge of mana, Kite had to bring his full focus towards the smaller group of retreating enemies, their leader chanting a spell while another of the silver-rankers - a striking woman - was gathering a great deal of roiling darkness above her head. ¡°Loyal hero, ascend for your sovereign!¡± he chanted, as the intensity of her spell rose to concerning heights. ¡°That might just be enough to give them a chance at escape,¡± Kite thought with gritted teeth as he abandoned his meditation of vigilance for a more singular focus. ¡°Tides of the evernight!¡± ¡°Void!¡± Darkness met darkness as Gate of Nihility manifested at its most costly level, the two spells colliding with a strange kind of violent silence. Kite flooded the gate with what mana he could, idly blocking a stray attack with another barrier as the last of the potency of that dark wave was canceled. But just as he was about to start assisting in the attack, Kite noticed something. Emilio and Alina, the high magistrate¡¯s daughter and potential conspirator, had just reached the breach from where the team had entered. The elf was reaching into his spatial storage, and everything looked to be in order. But it wasn¡¯t truly that which had caught Kite¡¯s attention, but rather Amica, as she had suddenly jerked around to stare at the two. Or more specifically, at Alina. And of all the members in the team, Amica¡¯s aura senses were by far the most potent. Nothing had happened, not a thing seeming otherwise amiss. But in that split moment of noting the sharpness in her eyes, Kite decided to act. The next second was a blur. A stray spell happened to flicker towards Emilio, who in turn was forced to use his lone wand to deflect the projectile as his other hand was still in the pocket dimension of his storage space. And just at that moment, Alina struck. Flesh shifted as her whole torso and upper body split into a wide, vertical maw with only a dark abyss inside, teeth gleaming with supreme sharpness. And she moved fast. Even the nimble Emilio would have been hard pressed to dodge, distracted as he was, and whatever special attack the woman was using, it was a potent one. Maybe even enough to bite a stationary target in half. But a split moment later, the grotesque thing about to make Emilio Cardenco a lot lighter, a faint ripple struck the side of its torso-turned-head. And another split moment later, the force of the blow was transferred. The beast howled as it was bashed into the edge of the opening where the team had entered, its fangs only raking across Emilio¡¯s chest before snapping shut with a small shockwave, devouring only empty air. Kite had unleashed what stored power he had within Immutable Echo, the rarely used kinetic storage in the staff proving its worth as it was enough to shift the attack and allow Emilio to avoid what would at least have been a crippling blow. Then came the rest of the reactions, both Emilio and Amica striking out. Alina, if that was truly her, was blasted by devastating wand-attacks while simultaneously being almost impaled by stray crystals which Amica had telekinetically turned into potent projectiles. Disaster averted, Kite was forced on the defensive as the opponents that remained struck with yet another barrage. But for the briefest of moments, Emilio¡¯s eyes met his. Nothing was said, nothing emoted or otherwise gestured. Still, Kite saw the moment of gratitude for what it was. And the battle in the heart of the fortress continued. 158. Glimpses of Gauntlet I While he most often enjoyed it, today had turned out to be one of those days that Kurtz Bogoria, syndicate leader and self-styled mastermind, hated being right. Because his day had definitely gone to shit. ¡°Kurtz! We can¡¯t destroy them fast enough!¡± One of the other syndicate leaders called from behind him; the man stumbling back just as yet another stone and crystal wall rose in place of the multi-layered force barriers he had just broken through. Kurtz suppressed the instinct to just yell at the man to go faster, beleaguered as he was to keep their failing defenses intact beneath the barrage of crystalline projectiles, poison globules, dust claws and constant, withering drain. Because part of his mind was still clear enough to see that the man was right. Had he been able to spare another one or two silvers to focus on breaking through, it might have worked. But as things stood, with them being outnumbered now that the adventurers took one out right from the start and the fake Alina failed their sneak attack, sparing even one from the defensive efforts would mean their immediate downfall. ¡°But this won¡¯t work either,¡± Kurtz cursed inwardly as he deflected yet another of those sneaky projected attacks with his saber. ¡°It¡¯s lose now or lose later as things stand. I should have seen it sooner. Damn you, sunk-cost fallacy. We need to flip the table. I need a distraction so that at least me and Lady Shattered Crown can get out.¡± Turning to glance at those behind him between attacks, he set a newly formed plan into motion as he threw a gold spirit coin to two of the remaining six silvers. ¡°New plan. If they won¡¯t let us have this exit, we¡¯ll take another. Use the coins and act as our battering rams. As soon as we break through into the corridors, we can carry you when the coins have been spent.¡± After warding off yet another pair of attacks, Kurtz once more glanced back to see them hesitating, which in turn set off his by now rather smoldering frustrations. ¡°What are you waiting for, spineless worms? Go! We¡¯ll show those bastards that they can¡¯t just walk all over us! ¡° Kurtz felt a wave of relief when the pair finally shoved the coins into their mouths, because from the feel of it, that scary leonid adventurer with the dust claws was cooking up something foul. Suddenly, the room was awash with potent power as the auras of the pair surged, further amplified as Kurtz sent another set of boons their way. Then they were off, surging out from among Kurz¡¯s people and towards the breached exit. It was with some satisfaction that he felt the alarm in the auras of the adventurers, and it was with a wicked grin that Kurtz directed the rest to join him in charging the coin-users¡¯ wake. ¡°Once through, we can use them to delay the pursuit, and-¡± he began, but as one of the coin-charged men suddenly disappeared in the telltale rift of his personal teleportation power, Kurz¡¯s anger roared to life again. ¡°Traitorious fuck!¡± he howled, realizing what had just happened. The man had probably taken the chance that his coin-empowered state would allow him to breach any dimensional tethers or other such tricks the adventure society had no doubt set in place for the siege. Still, the other temporarily gold-ranked man kept going, smashing through a set of barriers raised by that many-armed boy as well as shrugging off the attempts at petrification. Kurtz¡¯s anger got at least a little satisfaction as the man even managed to shove the snake-haired runic hard enough into a wall for the cracking of bones to be audible even across the din of combat. For a moment, they way through indeed looked to be free, but a moment later, another aura bloomed with potent energies as one of the adventurers had no doubt downed a coin of their own. It was the dark-skinned man with the bow, his pearly smile even more radiant as he charged up a shot towards the coin-user acting as their vanguard. The single arrow split and split again, but that was not the extent of the attack. No, the numerous projectiles also took a formation like that of a grasping, open hand, pursuing the temporary gold-ranker down the corridor with even greater speed. As it struck, it truly looked like a giant had smashed the syndicate leader, driving him into the fortress wall hard enough for cracks to spread far. But unlike a normal giant, this strike had also left the man a veritable pincushion, with many arrows even piercing through and anchoring their target into the wall. Faster than Kurtz could follow, the smiling adventurer turned towards the rest of them, apparently deciding to make as much use of the remaining boost as possible. ¡°Fuck you, Fortune!¡± Kurtz inwardly swore, reaching into his pocket for another coin. He didn¡¯t want to use one himself as the boost was unlikely to last long enough for him to get out of the fortress. But Lady Shattered Crown had already been blown off her feet beside him by another arrow, and just the few remaining seconds of that adventurer going to town on them with his bow would spell their doom. Kurtz was just about to shove the coin into his mouth when his hand was suddenly struck by something; an almost undetectable ripple. The impact, this time very much a physical one, was one thing, but it was followed by that stunning mana drain Kurtz had felt more than a few times during the encounter so far; the signature of that many armed brat with the arms and barriers. The coin fell from temporarily limp fingers, but as the stun only lasted for a short moment, he soon lurched into motion to catch it mid-air. But apparently, Fortune had decided to spit at him yet again. One moment, the world moved as if in slow motion, the golden coin that was Kurtz¡¯s salvation spinning end over end. The next, an arrow punched through his foot with enough force to bury itself halfway into the stone below. Apparently not a normal one either, as it barely bent and surely didn¡¯t break from Kurtz¡¯s forward momentum. As he fell forward, the pain hit him all at once, and Kurtz screamed. The last two things he noted before the adventurers descended on them was another of his silver-ranked ¡®colleagues¡¯ vanishing in a flash of light, apparently having shaken the attention of whatever it was that hampered teleportation for long enough. With just a silver-ranked power, it wouldn¡¯t let the woman break through the defenses outside, but she had apparently thought it worth the risk. The second, much more concerning thing was that one of the bronze-ranked staff - the man half-dead but with a certain gleam in his eyes Kurtz could recognize - was bent over the common console of the fortress. A console which was now flaring a lot of different warnings. ¡°You idiot!¡± Was all that Kurtz had time to think before a trio of chilling, mana-draining attacks cut into him. And the world went blurry. Then dark.
¡°Teacher? Does¡­ this happen a lot?¡± Kite called to Ryker who was currently using lengths of animated cloth to pull himself along the crumbling corridors at great speed alongside Kite, Christine and Amica, the latter carrying both of the former in her telekinetic grip. ¡°You¡¯d be surprised,¡± Ryker replied through gritted teeth while ripping a chunk of the wall to intercept a small burst of cascading magic from the chaotically collapsing magical framework of the fortress. A few minutes earlier, the fight in the heart of the fortress had finally ended. It had been a brutal, hectic affair, especially when the syndicate leadership had realized that their plan of escape was bound to fail when both Christine and Kite could impede their slow, fighting retreat through conjured walls and barriers. The ensuing charge led by a pair of silvers empowered by gold coins had been a good attempt at breaking out some other way, but it had come too late; the criminals¡¯ reserves were too spent compared to that of the adventurer team after remaining on the defensive and being subject to Kite¡¯s greedy vortices, and Mtanga had made a good call to take a coin of his own once one of the empowered ones had chosen to turn tail and save his own skin by teleporting away. While another of the silver-rankers had managed to escape through some other means of teleportation, Kite had managed to stop any more such attempts with the help of Spirit Singularity. Now outnumbered and outclassed, the result of the syndicate leadership¡¯s struggles had been predictable. The adventurer team had even managed to take three of them alive; ¡®Alina¡¯, the leader with the blonde mustache and one of the other syndicate leaders. However, the team barely had the time to collar their trio of captives before noticing that something was wrong as the air was basically tingling with rising levels of rather uncontrolled mana. ¡°It seems that one of the bastards just couldn¡¯t let things go,¡± Mtanga noted, eyeing the overcharging magical infrastructure even as he was starting to wobble on his feet when the boost of the coins left him. ¡°Honestly, we should have better protocols for this. I don¡¯t know when it happened, but apparently someone decided to make this place a rather uncomfortable one. Very soon.¡± ¡°Can you stop it?¡± Ryker asked tersely. Mtanga was already staggering over to the control panel, but flinched back as the thing went up in a small, surprisingly pretty cascade of sparks. ¡°No, it has gone too far.¡± ¡°Prognosis?¡± Ryker asked, instead turning to Christine who had put both her hands on the stone floor as if trying to get a feel for something. ¡°Not the worst detonation. The systems and the fortress weren¡¯t constructed with self-destruction in mind. More likely to just drop the fortress on top of us, and not very quickly. At least according to how these things go,¡± the blonde elf replied, her usual relaxed tone still in place. ¡°Still, I wouldn¡¯t have minded a window for easier escape.¡± ¡°Then we can still achieve all of our objectives,¡± Ryker nodded. ¡°Emilio, use the artifacts to bring the captives, Sztyka, Gray Sky and Mtanga out. The rest of us have the best chance at getting out in time or holding up until the adventure society can come dig us out.¡± The other elf nodded in response, all business as he and the rest gathered up the prisoners. Gray Sky, on the other hand, spoke out. ¡°Surely, Gray Sky has performed well enough to not be sent away like this?¡± the runic said, his displeasure apparent as he slithered over to Ryker. ¡°The Regal Mountain guild is well-versed in-¡± Gray Sky fell silent however as his aura was rather swiftly spiked by Ryker, who apparently disagreed with the protests. ¡°I chose based on capability, not some way of favor. We have the best chance at getting out or at least surviving rather easily, while we send out as many as Emilio¡¯s teleport can carry. Prioritizing those most injured,¡± the man finished, sending meaningful glances to the wounded Gray Sky. In a battle like that, wounds were almost inevitable, and all of them were at least slightly scraped, burnt, bludgeoned or otherwise brutalized. But in the chaotic battle and enclosed space, Gray Sky and Mtanga had suffered the worst of it; the former through injury and the latter through the inevitable exhaustion of taking a coin above your rank. Not anything life-threatening for a silver-ranker, but still noticeable. ¡°Now will you do as I say or make Emilio use another of those very expensive artifacts to force you out with him as well?¡± Gray Sky did his best to keep Ryker¡¯s gaze, but soon turned and angrily slithered over to stand near the others who were gathering around Emilio. ¡°Good luck. Try not to get buried too badly, no?¡± Mtanga called before the rest of the group vanished, Emilio using a trio of inscribed metal plaques to force the three collared and unconscious prisoners along for the dimensional ride. During most contracts, the team would not need to consider taking prisoners, as the elimination was the goal in and of itself. But striking out at a major criminal organization like this, the need for information to bring down as much of the network as possible meant that the adventure society had provided him with two such artifacts, the high-magistrate donating another one with the intention for it to be used for his daughter. This left Ryker, Amica, Kite and Christine in their current situation, fleeing through the crumbling, internal corridors of the fortress. With both Christine and Amica shoring up some long enough for the group to pass, their passage was surprisingly smooth given the circumstances. Had the risk been deemed greater, they would have left the captives behind, but as it stood, it looked as if Ryker had made the right call when they eventually reached the hatch through which the team had entered. The night air felt surprisingly refreshing as it washed over Kite when they emerged onto the collapsing fortress roof, the building¡¯s camouflage having failed as it looked like half of the mountain was starting to collapse in on itself. The group was even spared from traversing any more of the collapsing exterior as Amica carried them up into the air, Ryker following on wings of animated cloth. ¡°Set them down over there where we can wait for proper extraction,¡± Ryker called, gesturing to the mountain wall where there was a slight ridge. Christine quickly widened it through stone shaping, and soon enough the four of them were seated, looking out over the battlefield below which had more turned into the adventurer side mopping up as many fleeing syndicate thugs as possible when the holed up criminals found said hole coming down on their heads. There was a minute of silence when they just sat taking in the spectacle before Kite eventually spoke. ¡°Teacher?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Ryker asked, apparently tired or distracted enough to not acknowledge the honorific. ¡°Is this how every contract will be?¡± ¡°Both yes and no. Yes, in that we can always expect complications. People are like that. And no, in that things aren¡¯t always on this scale. Sometimes it will just be us and our targets for miles. Sometimes we know where they are, and sometimes we don¡¯t. Sometimes it will be us trying to flee as things go sour. And sometimes it turns out that the threat was way overblown, and that we¡¯ve been called in to strike at three bronze-rankers playing cultists in a cellar.¡± ¡°Did¡­ that last really happen?¡± Amica asked. ¡°It did. A local branch director lacked the spine to resist some local nobles who demanded the best of the best to clear out what was surely a new apocalypse brewing in their lands. Exaggerated some reports and added some details which made calling in Gauntlet seem proper. I didn¡¯t see it myself, but apparently there was this whole scandal afterwards, with the Task Group adding further checks and balances to make such a stunt a lot less likely to work.¡± ¡°How does it feel then? Now that you¡¯ve cleared out your first real contract with the Task Group?¡± Christine asked, directing the question towards the two prospects. ¡°I don¡¯t know about Kite, but for me? It seems to be everything I hoped for,¡± Amica said, levitating out over the edge of the cliff and leaning back to look at the starry sky. ¡°Easy to say. We¡¯ll see how you feel after we stumble into some real trouble,¡± Ryker noted sternly, with Amica ignoring him. ¡°And you, Kite?¡± Christine asked, leaning out to look at him past Ryker, who sat between them. Kite, in turn, leaned back and collected his thoughts. Then, he smiled slightly as well. ¡°It would seem, senior sister, that I will have to agree with Amica in this. As a way of tempering my path, I doubt I can find something better suited.¡± Stolen novel; please report. He looked back out over the vista below, partially obscured by plumes of dust from the collapsing fortress below, thinking of home. ¡°And I can¡¯t wait to return home, bringing all the strength I can gather,¡± he thought, idly patting Glint on the head where she was peeking out of her bottle. ¡°Because it still feels like this is indeed only tempering, so that I will not break in what trials might await beneath the surface of my home.¡±
¡°Welcome back, Amica. How long has it been?¡± the kind priestess of Healer asked when Amica had gotten herself seated. ¡°Just over two weeks. We got back yesterday.¡± ¡°Oh? And how have you been?¡± ¡°Honestly? It¡¯s been¡­ complicated. Mostly great. The task group really knows its business, and the advanced aura training they have been putting me through between contracts is quite something.¡± ¡°But¡­?¡± At the prompting, Amica averted her eyes, brows furrowed. ¡°It feels like I should enjoy it even more. The way I¡¯m fighting back against those kinds of people that¡­ hurt me. And I do¡­ but¡­ Not really. At least not the way I thought I would. Which feels absurd to say, because I¡¯m literally doing what I wanted. Maybe thinking about it too much has actually made things worse?¡± ¡°In my experience, when you try not to think of something, you already are,¡± the priestess said, a slight twinkle in her eyes. The statement left Amica thoughtful, perhaps more thoughtful than she wanted to be. ¡°Perhaps¡­¡± she eventually replied, a bit evasively. ¡°Then why won¡¯t you think about my words some more and we¡¯ll see if we get back to the topic in the future. In the meantime, I¡¯d like to talk some more about your habit of constantly controlling part of your surroundings with your powers.¡± The orbs, paper weight and small bundle of napkins which Amica had currently been levitating immediately dropped from where they had been suspended in the air, the silver-ranker shooting the priestess a look filled with annoyance and embarrassment both. ¡°Fine¡­¡±
¡°I wish Serene was here. What I wouldn¡¯t give for some wind powers right now,¡± Kite thought as he did his best to ignore the stinging, corrosive sensation of the alchemical fumes. Whatever the black market alchemists here had been brewing, it was something even more potent than the protective face masks the team from the task group had been equipped with could readily handle. He was currently standing in a defensive position next to Amica, deflecting gouts of poison, acid and other more volatile things as the alchemists themselves and their hired thugs were determined not to go down. That said thugs were higher than the heavens on various magical combat stimulants did not help, some of them even growing to grotesque proportions and strength. Still, most of the actual fighting was left to the rest of the team, with Kite only throwing out the occasional attack into the fray when there were actual essence powers to work with. While his dispelling powers were excellent, they couldn¡¯t as readily affect the alchemical enhancements. But both him and Amica were definitely pulling their weight, just in another way. ¡°Next,¡± Amica called, another unconscious essence user joining the pile next to them. This particular contract had stressed taking as many prisoners as possible, as one wanted to thoroughly question such alchemists. If the adventure society could get them to cooperate, the knowledge they possessed about outlawed substances currently in use or under development could greatly help developing countermeasures or strike at other parts of the distribution. And to facilitate this mass-capture, Kite and Amica got to employ a tactic which they had been talking about since the tryouts began. ¡°The lady with the tentacles and, I believe, poisonous skin? Ryker doesn''t seem to be enjoying himself very much,¡± Kite suggested, hinting at where their group leader was currently grappling with an alchemist of that description. ¡°Fine with me,¡± Amica said, and the pair directed their auras towards the woman. She had already been failing in completely resisting Ryker¡¯s spiritual pressure, and with Kite and Amica joining in, her aura crumpled. A moment later, Amica¡¯s telekinesis took hold of her, yanking her up and smashing her into the stone ceiling of the cellar a few times to stun her before dragging her across the room only to be pressed up against one of Kite¡¯s barriers. As soon as she made contact, Spiritual Futility started to drain her mana, the pace ramping up with each moment of contact. She thrashed and expelled what powers she could, from noxious vapors to hypnotic patterns dancing over her transformed, spotted skin, but it was to little avail. Kite dispelled what he could and shielded them both from the rest, adding what uses of Chakra Implosion that he could spare. Eventually, the woman¡¯s struggles ceased, and when they sensed her thoroughly drained and knocked out, Amica dropped her in the pile with the others. ¡°Next?¡±
As Emilio appeared, wobbling on his feet from mana loss, he held up his hands in surrender. Kite, in turn, relaxed his stance and together the pair went to the side of the training chamber where a potion to help with mana-recovery was already waiting. ¡°I.. gods damn it,¡± Emilio eventually said when the influx of mana made him a bit steadier on his feet. ¡°Even knowing what you can do, I still can¡¯t manage it.¡± ¡°It should be noted that you are becoming better at compensating for when your teleportation becomes unavailable,¡± Kite said, trying to ease the sting of defeat a bit. ¡°Wasn¡¯t that the whole point of us practicing, too?¡± ¡°I know¡­ It¡¯s just. It still stings when you have been trained by the best your family could afford, only for some foreigner with annoying powers to come and shut that down. No offense,¡± the elf added upon seeing Kite¡¯s raised eyebrow. ¡°Honestly, I can¡¯t believe why you won¡¯t at least consider trying out to join my guild. You would fit in so well, and-¡± The pair had started to walk back to the rooms assigned to them at the adventure society campus in the city state of Boko, the team just having returned from three days of tracking some rather annoying nomad slavers through a veritable desert. As soon as Ryker had finished up the talks with the local administration and government, they would portal back to Port Singhni. What had caused Emilio¡¯s words to halt was that Gray Sky had just turned the corner ahead of them, the runic and Emilio both silently meeting each other¡¯s gazes as they passed. Kite was surprised that no barbed words were exchanged, but the group having spent two months together in training and one out on contracts might finally have been enough for the two to run out of creative insults. ¡°Honestly, that is why I¡¯d rather stay out of any high-profile guilds,¡± Kite said, his words directed at the exchange. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t just be all friendly with a Regal Mountain member,¡± Emilio protested. ¡°Do you even know what they did during the contracts regarding the Mezzali incident?¡± As Kite just kept his eyebrow raised, Emilio deflated. ¡°Of course you don¡¯t. It¡¯s just¡­ Things like this matter. Both for my family and my guild. Our position isn¡¯t something we can just drop.¡± ¡°You seem to do it just fine when we are out on contracts and when things get serious,¡± Kite noted. ¡°And I believe that I have already pointed out the kind of first impression that you gave off when you entered the training area like any spoiled young master from back home.¡± ¡°But that¡¯s obviously different. When we are on contract, we fight together. Guilds and such matter less when faced with followers of the dark gods or a monster surge.¡± Emilio said, looking a bit questioning at his line of inquiry. ¡°I mean, only a fool would put internal rivalries before actually getting the contract done and protecting fellow adventurers.¡± ¡°Oh you would be surprised. I have already seen plenty,¡± Kite said with a sad smile. ¡°Honestly, at first I thought that maybe home was just the same as anywhere else; with pride, rivalries and people being¡­ well, people. And that has mostly held true, but it is talks like this that makes me think that there is something to it all. Something in the culture back home which has grown beyond that - the norm, that is - and it¡­ It worries me. Quite a lot.¡± Both fell silent at this, each man caught in his own thoughts when they soon felt a familiar aura ahead from the main administration building, and it was Kite who broke the silence as he let his worries slip to the back of his mind. ¡°It would seem like teacher- I mean, Ryker - is done. Time to be off.¡±
¡°Yes, Glint, we know that you are the most beautiful and useful fishie,¡± Kite said again, only slightly exasperated as it was not the first time the preening carp had demanded the appreciation that she felt was her due. The others looked on in varying stages of amusement as the familiar was currently using her powers of water manipulation to ferry them all down towards a seabed below. As silver-rankers, they had all gone through the rather unpleasant training of shaking the habit of breathing, and Kite was doubly thankful that the very cold water around him was barely an inconvenience to his magical constitution. Their current target loomed below; a stone-shaped hideout at the ocean floor in the cold waters west of the Boreal League. Ryker once more checked the tracking stone, nodding in satisfaction. ¡°Not that there are that many other underwater hideouts around here, but it seems like the pirates did indeed lead us back to their lair,¡± he said, the small blue pendant around his neck conveying his words even through the water. ¡°Fortune be praised that they apparently forgot to discard at least one society badge from their victims. As the compiled information stated; expect no survivors, but if we happen to find live victims we extract them too, if possible.¡± As one, the group had retracted their auras to lessen their chance of discovery. Kite wished dearly to let his own sweep over the complex and know more of what was inside, but kept his spirit thoroughly in check. Glint eventually had them touch down on the dark silt of the seabed, and they crept forwards as Mtanga led them on a curving path through the field of simple but brutal magical traps which surrounded the place. Kite could barely make out the concealed similar defenses in the waters above them, but from the way Mtanga kept glancing up, he knew that there had to be plenty. When it came to moving while submerged, Kite¡¯s Implacable Motion had always been helpful. Like before, it allowed him to forego wearing the additional artifacts which some of the team had been assigned, so he once more crept forward as the vanguard along with Mtanga, noting the slight resistance of the water but remaining unaffected by it. While Emilio would normally be the most forward scout, they had enough experience of some traps and explosives being set off by the dimensional ripples of teleportation, and had decided not to chance it. The minutes during the approach felt like it took forever, but the group finally reached the side of the submerged complex. Mtanga spent only a moment to check the defensive arrays and, after finding a suitable spot, started to draw out the breaching ritual on the stone wall while using a new type of slightly luminescent ink more suited to combating interference in the ocean environment. Meanwhile, Kite helped Ryker prepare another artifact; a blue globe which was slightly jiggly to the touch. ¡°It¡¯s a temporary environmental barrier,¡± Ryker said under his voice after noticing Kite¡¯s questioning look. Spending time between missions training under the man had done little to alleviate his stern demeanor, but Ryker had at least become a lot more talkative and forthcoming. ¡°While flooding the place won¡¯t hinder us too much, geared up as we are, it¡¯s not a stretch to assume that plenty of them have water-related powers. Giving them that edge right away would be stupid.¡± As the last of the water and barrier quintessence had been fed to the device, Ryker once more checked the tracking stone, which still pointed towards the complex. The small dot even moved around a bit. ¡°So, we might have some live hostages,¡± the team¡¯s leader noted. ¡°Everyone, prepare to act accordingly. Good thing that we brought extra water-breathing potions.¡± A moment later, the group was ready where they stood in the deep gloom of the ocean floor, only lit up by the slight glow of the ritual circle. ¡°Ready? We-¡± Ryker began, but froze at the same time as the rest of the team also whipped their heads around to look at the same spot. Or rather, the same window. For structural reasons, the underwater complex did not have many windows as the magical infrastructure for a more panoramic solution was probably not deemed worth it by the pirates. During their approach and careful observations, the team had picked a spot with only a single window facing towards their intended breaching spot. There had been no activity there at all during their approach, but they had still kept watch in case that changed. And changed it had, although said activity was not the expected one. ¡°Well¡­ They¡¯re certainly going at it,¡± Amica couldn¡¯t help but note as the team saw the naked back of a humanoid female being pressed against the glass with a rhythmic motion, leaving no doubt as to what was going on inside. Unfortunately, her partner for that particular carnal moment chose that moment to lean in for a kiss at the woman¡¯s exposed neck, but froze as his rather cloudy gaze quickly cleared when he saw the team arrayed outside, just a few meters away. As the man¡¯s eyes widened in apparent alarm, Ryker sighed. ¡°Just go already.¡± The ritual circle lit up, emitting a slight wave of pressure which spread a cloud of silt and sand through the water. Kite could barely see his hand in front of him, but Ryker¡¯s aura flaring out followed by the others¡¯ was a clear enough signal that it was time to go. Charging ahead, Kite soon came to a blueish film which he quickly pushed through, the temporary environmental barrier holding out the ocean which, judging by the ankle-deep water on the floor of the complex, had done its very best to flood the building in the short moment after the breach. The insides of the underwater complex were actually decently decorated, if you disregarded the decimeter of water and pieces of wall and furniture covering the tiled stone floor of what Kite suspected was some kind of kitchen. While the room was empty, Kite¡¯s now projected aura allowed him to feel several others flaring up across the complex, with one being very close. ¡°Our hostage is on the move as well,¡± Ryker noted, having brought out the tracking stone while the rest of the team entered and made preparations for the violence that would no doubt soon ensue. ¡°Should be in the next room. They might be moving them. Go!¡± As the door leading out of the semi-flooded kitchen wasn¡¯t reinforced, Kite took the lead as he simply ran through, Amica following up with one of the group''s now staple tactics as she turned the debris into distracting shrapnel. The mix of a living room and dining area they entered also seemed to be where the criminals were trying to gather their defense. Just as Kite broke through the door, a tall, thickly built human woman turned to them with a snarl. She was not alone either, with at six other silvers present and more on the way, even though the mess of auras in the small space made the spiritual impressions rather confusing. ¡°Who comes for Siluk the Feaster?¡± she growled, apparently referring to herself. Her features were already shifting as she was bulking out even more. In but a moment, the woman had grown a long tail with a fin at the end, and her head had thickened considerably, gaining a wide jaw of razor teeth while skin turned from that of a human to the black and white of an orca. ¡°You pesky adventurers will always just end up as yet another snack,¡± she said, finishing taking a bite of the very humanoid arm she had been holding before discarding the limb in favor of a heavy spear. Glancing at the tracking stone still in Ryker¡¯s hand, the dot was pointing firmly towards the orca-hybrid. And it didn¡¯t feel like that much of a stretch to imagine that the stone was indicating her stomach. ¡°I¡­ believe we can confirm the lack of hostages,¡± Kite noted sadly. Then, auras flared and battle was joined; Task Group Gauntlet and its prospects once more on the job.
¡°Welcome back, Ryker. How is the team?¡± Ilmaril Thenston greeted as he put down what was no doubt a report from one of the other operations of the task group. ¡°Sir,¡± the dour silver-ranker said respectfully, stopping before Ilmaril¡¯s desk. ¡°We are just in the beginning of the seventh week of contracts. Things are overall progressing well. So far we have had a few close calls, but no deaths or injuries beyond the scope of regular healing magic.¡± ¡°Your tone indicates that there are some troubles, though?¡± the gold-ranked elf noted, quickly adding. ¡°That is to be expected though. These groups always have at least a few. Is it still Steiner and her pursuits?¡± ¡°No, Sir. Steiner has ceased and has overall been cooperative and productive. While I will withhold judgment until the evaluation is over, I am leaning against a whole-hearted recommendation as long as she keeps this up.¡± ¡°From our previous conversation, I would not expect the Hua-Xian or the priestess of Justice to pose any problems either.¡± ¡°That is correct, Sir. While Emilio Cardenco has somewhat toned down his posturing over the past weeks, Gray Sky continues to be a bit of an issue between contracts. Nothing major, but we are taking steps to try and lessen the risk of him eventually escalating things to within contracts as well. That Cardenco started ceding social ground might have been viewed as a peace-offering, but Gray Sky seemed to have taken it as proof that he can start pushing.¡± ¡°It seems like you are on top of that, then,¡± Ilmaril noted. ¡°And their personal development?¡± ¡°So far, the development is noticeable. As I personally tutor Kite, I can attest to his determination to learn, at least.¡± ¡°Now, Ryker, the words won¡¯t hurt you,¡± Ilmaril, noted with a teasing smile upon noting Ryker¡¯s control over his expressions slipping. ¡°Kite is¡­ doing well,¡± Ryker eventually said. ¡°He has no background to shore him up, but shows enough dedication for steady progress. His odd artifact improving his cognitive abilities help alleviate some of it too. As for the others, reports are positive. Some of them will soon meet up with the second mentor on their lists too.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Some good names there. I was surprised to learn that Zarth-an the Scholar had agreed to take on a few this season. The recruits who can appreciate his style tend to go far.¡± ¡°Agreed, Sir.¡± Ilmaril smiled and nodded at Ryker¡¯s stoic professional facade. ¡°Then I will read the rest in the report. On another note, I have your next assignment,¡± the elf said, producing a folder which he slid across the table. ¡°The clergy of Pain. Often unpleasant business, but they were deemed ready. You will be the team supporting Lady Antanza.¡± ¡°Antanza? Are we expecting a gold-ranked presence?¡± Ryker asked, recognizing the name. ¡°We are, at least according to the information our investigators provided. They believe that they have intercepted a scheduled visit of a gold-ranked priestess, and the city state where this visit will take place reached out for help at the advice of their local branch director. Antanza should be able to handle that side of things, but prepare your team accordingly. I don¡¯t think I need to tell you how messy things can get when we golds really starts getting into it.¡± 159. Glimpses of Gauntlet II Lady Stellaria Guixo Mendina Antanza floated in the air above the hideout of Pain¡¯s adherents, blasting her gold-ranked aura out so that all the wretches cowering below could know her and cower. Hopefully, with the one exception. Half a minute later, Lady Antanza had begun to wonder if she would have to join the rest of the adventurers down below as they converged on the hidden shrine, when another gold-ranked aura unfolded to meet hers. It was soon followed by a human woman exiting through the remote shrine¡¯s front door, rising through the air to also hover above the craggy landscape below. Her aura felt like shoving one¡¯s hand into a bucket of needles, but Lady Antanza ignored the unpleasant sensation as she spoke. ¡°At least you show some sense, high priestess of Pain. It would be most bothersome if I had to strike you down amongst all the silvers down there. Holding back just makes things so tedious, especially if I have to dig out my own allies from the rubble afterwards.¡± ¡°Do not underestimate the house of my holy Lady,¡± the priestess replied tersely. ¡°It will not be so easily sundered. Besides, this will give me ample opportunity to school you in Pain¡¯s teachings, scouring your body while you can feel the anguish of your little minions falling to mine.¡± The high priestess was clad in armor, a surprisingly mottled affair of leather and sharpened metal plates which left much of her arms and legs bare, as opposed to Lady Antanza¡¯s beautifully lacquered full plate armor, her family¡¯s blue and white colors shown on every decorative piece of clothing. The purpose of the other woman¡¯s armor became clear soon enough though, as gleaming wicked blades started growing out of the flesh of her arms and legs, with smaller edges pushing through previously hidden slits of armor as the priestess of Pain was turned into the very essence of evisceration. ¡°So¡­ Flesh essence. Maybe sword or knife as well? Such base concepts,¡± Lady Antanza said while looking down her nose on the other woman. ¡°They are my Lady Pain¡¯s blessed instruments, and my closeness to her will be your undoing, you pompous bat,¡± the priestess retorted. They could both feel the silver-ranked auras blooming out below as conflict was joined, but neither of the gold-rankers had any more attention to spare. Their auras had already been feeling each other out, and as one, they both moved. To a mortal observer, both seemingly disappeared before waves of conjured blades started unfurling in the air like gargantuan flowers of bloody death. To Lady Antanza and the priestess, the blur contained what felt like a world of its own as they moved with speeds their silver-ranked underlings would find hard to keep track of, even less fight against. The priestess had just begun her charge, but Antanza could already sense the sharp edges appearing all around her, the priestess¡¯ will suffusing them even as the woman herself became a streak of light like the glint of a swung sword. A fraction of a breath later, they clashed, with Antanza¡¯s move seeming unhurried as she made one controlled step through the air, turning her armored form in an almost meditative, dance-like fashion. Each of the many incoming swords either missed or glanced harmlessly off Antanza''s armor, the serenity of her step lending her an almost impervious feel. Then, the placid rhythm was suddenly broken by a clap of thunder as the heel of an armored palm struck the incoming priestess, the air seeming to break for a moment as the gleaming slash that was the priestess was suddenly sent flying backward, her form folded in on itself as it trailed broken bits of blades. But instead of leaving a satisfying crater in the landscape beneath, Lady Atanza saw a flickering surge of mana as she continued to weave through the still ongoing barrage of conjured blades in the air around her. The priestess once more turned into the streaking slash from before, instantly reversing direction, Antanza readied herself to counter yet again, preparing the transition from her Serene Step to Potent Stride when the world suddenly became obscured by a gushing fountain of blood. ¡°My blood,¡± she idly noted, the pain more a dim signal than actual agony. ¡°She must have cut me across the eyes.¡± Like for most gold-rankers, Antanza¡¯s eyes were no longer needed to perceive the world, which made her able to piece together the surprise attack as the incoming slash that was the priestess seemed to have teleported and merged with one of the other slashes that was inbound from one of the conjured swords. ¡°Even blindsided me,¡± she thought, lips quirking at the pun even as she shifted her Serene Step to interpose a gauntleted fist towards the next attack, the slashing streak that was the priestess measuring her will against Antanza¡¯s a hundred times over a few seconds as the sky was cut asunder by a storm of severing slashes. ¡°She is no slouch like some of the clergy out there.¡± True to her deity, the dim pain the priestess had inflicted had not faded even as Antanza¡¯s flesh and eyes knitted back together, but rather had increased to levels which almost made the gold-ranker nostalgic to her younger days where agony was an adventurer¡¯s almost constant companion. But there was a reason that they had sent Lady Antanza to face an adherent of Pain. ¡°Lone ripple in the serene pond,¡± she intoned in her melodic voice. For a moment, the will of the priestess fought hers and the control Antanza was looking to impose. But the woman of bladed flesh fell short, and the world around them slowed to a crawl where glowing slashes of vicious intent became but frozen streaks of light with the priestess stuck partway through another rather nasty special attack. Antanza, on the other hand, had not frozen, continuing her meditative steps from before but with a single change; a thin rapier seemingly made from the purest of crystal was conjured into one of her hands, chiming gently as it joined her flow. Every time its edge touched an errant trailing slash or projected destruction, it was like the frozen magic liquefied and turned into a flowing stream following the tip of the rapier. In less than a heartbeat of real time, it had turned from a small trickle to a mighty torrent of gathered potential and, sensing that her Second of Serenity was coming to an end, Antanza gently pivoted. And thrust. The stillness of the moment snapped and the whole region shook as the potential in all those attacks, now combined and directed like a conductor guiding an orchestra, was unleashed. Even the lingering afflictions left within Antanza had been added to the flow, leaving her without the agony from before. The priestess was once more sent flying off into the distance with a sound like the world breaking, this time trailing way more than broken blades as she left a bloody trail through the air. And this time, she did impact a nearby cliff, sending up a plume of rock dust dozens of meters through the air. But the wave of unleashed energies wasn¡¯t spent yet, fanning out over the landscape as not all could be directed at the relatively small form of the priestess of Pain. One edge of the attack even washed over the temple below, and to Antanza¡¯s surprise the building buckled inwards before collapsing in a matter of seconds, adding its own plume of dust to the skyline. ¡°So much for ¡®not so easily sundered¡¯,¡± Antanza thought with a wince. Pain must only have a small area of actual domain in there, or the deity would probably have stepped in to protect it. But then the priestess came at Antanza again, a reverse meteor of bloody flesh and vicious blades as her form shed all semblance of humanity, and Antanza put the silver-rankers below to the back of her mind for now. ¡°We can always dig them out once I¡¯m done dealing with this most vile company of mine.¡±
¡°So¡­ I believe that I dare make the assumption that you aren¡¯t very fond of Pain¡¯s clergy?¡± Kite ventured a bit awkwardly. ¡°What gave you that idea?¡± Amica asked sarcastically, even though it was obvious that any barbs in her words were only directed towards herself. ¡°You using that priestess as a wrecking ball to demolish the inside of the hidden temple was indeed most impressive,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°But it wasn¡¯t like you to divert from the plan like that. And that it then meant that the temple had been weakened enough for the gold-rankers outside to accidentally cause it to collapse atop us¡­ Not that I¡¯m blaming you for that though,¡± he added quickly, gesturing to their surroundings. ¡°At least we can await rescue in relative comfort.¡± The pair was seated in an uneven space roughly two meters across, with the light from a glow stone illuminating the sandstone rubble which could be seen in all directions, held at bay by Kite¡¯s barrier walls. When everything had come crashing down, Amica and Kite had been a bit isolated from the others as he had chosen to follow her furious telekinetic demolition to act as support. Fortunately, Amica had been able to push outwards and keep the rubble at bay long enough for Kite to add his barriers as a more stable and long-term structural support. As long as Kite remained nearby and they didn¡¯t suffer too much damage from shifting rocks, Leyline warding would hold indefinitely as long as Kite fed it a trickle of mana. ¡°At least we don¡¯t have to breathe¡­¡± Amica said awkwardly in the close confines, not meeting Kite¡¯s gaze. They sat in awkward silence for a while before Kite eventually decided that he¡¯d rather face the shab in the room than spend what could be hours in uncomfortable tension. From the muted gold-ranked auras that could still be felt from the outside, things hadn¡¯t quite died down yet. ¡°Would¡­ you like to talk about it?¡± he carefully ventured. Amica flinched slightly at his words, and at first he thought that she would make some excuse. But after what looked like some kind of inner dialogue, she spoke. ¡°Honestly, my feelings says no, but my brain says yes. And as my feelings haven¡¯t been too helpful lately, I suppose I¡¯ll go with the latter,¡± she said, glancing up at him. Kite gave her a nod to continue, and so she did. ¡°It¡¯s nothing so special really, but back at iron rank, me and my brand new team had a run-in with Pain¡¯s clergy. We thought we could handle the two-star contract of investigating missing people, thinking that it was some hidden monster lair which needed to be either scouted or cleared out. Instead, we found a small, hidden chapel of Pain. And they had a pair of bronze-rankers who managed to take us by surprise. Three out of four of us were even taken alive.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Kite said, understanding dawning in his mind. ¡°Yeah¡­ It was¡­¡± she said, taking a shuddering breath even though there was not actual need for it with her silver-ranked body. ¡°One of them, a priestess, she took a special liking to me. Had a wicked fascination of the body, both inside and out. Female bodies especially, it turned out. It was¡­ I¡¯ll spare us both the details, but it was bad. We were there for fifteen days before a rescue party came, more prepared than us, Fortune be praised. If the worshippers of Pain had been just a bit more experienced and actually disposed of our belongings properly, we probably never would have gotten out of there. And over two weeks with that bitch¡­ It left some scars,¡± she said, unconsciously holding a hand to her lower abdomen. ¡±Real scars. I still got them, but you probably wouldn¡¯t see them even if I was stark naked. Oh, sorry, I didn¡¯t mean-¡± before she realized what she had said and how it might have been interpreted. Kite waved away her concerns though, as it was rather clear that there was no propositioning involved in this particular conversation. ¡°It¡¯s no worries, I understand. I also understand your reaction above a bit better, spectacular as it may have been.¡± Amica sighed, leaning her head back against the barrier behind her. ¡°Ryker will be so mad. Do you think I ruined my chances of joining?¡± ¡°While our dear leader and supervisor can be hard to read, I think that your service so far should have made up for a lapse in self-control. But they might just hesitate sending you against known Pain adherents again.¡± At his words, Amica nodded before burrowing her face in her hands. ¡°I really thought I was over this all. That reaching silver and just - I don¡¯t know, being in control? - had fixed things. But now I mess this up because of some freaks over fifteen years ago, and according to the mind healer I¡¯m seeing, it might even be part of why I was so damn set on getting you into my bed.¡± Seeing Kite¡¯s obvious surprise at the last part, she averted her eyes again as she continued. ¡°She said that it¡¯s apparently common for people who have been through great perils to start to act out in different ways, with sex being one of them; either through willingly surrendering control or taking it. It still sounds pretty odd to me, because there have been quite a few guys before you who didn¡¯t seem to mind at all. But from what happened. What I¡­¡± Amica said, sighing after she trailed off. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kite. I went too far.¡± Even though she still couldn¡¯t meet his gaze, her aura was left open enough for her sincerity to be left bare. In return, Kite nodded while giving her aura a nudge of his own; the spiritual equivalent of a hand on the shoulder. But before he could speak any further, their little holdout beneath the rubble suddenly became way more cramped as Emilio appeared out of thin air. ¡°Oh- Ow!¡± the elf said as he bashed his head against the barrier ceiling. He crouched while trying to regain as much dignity as possible. ¡°Well, glad to see you aren¡¯t just stuck in the rubble. And a good thing that I managed to mark you in time before the collapse. In all my humble compassion, I saw it fit to see if we could go about rescuing you. I-¡± Emilio began, but fell silent as he finally managed to take in the mood. ¡°Ehm¡­ Right,¡± he said, looking between the two of them. ¡°I¡¯ll just leave this beacon here then¡­ And¡­ go?¡± As he spoke, he retrieved an orb from his dimensional storage, the magical markings on it flashing to life as it started emitting an aura of its own. As neither Kite nor Amica answered, he awkwardly continued. ¡°I used teleportation to escape earlier, so¡­ Sit tight? Don¡¯t go anywhere? Help will arrive soon. I¡¯ll just go now.¡± And with that, he disappeared again. The mood thoroughly shifted, Kite couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Well, how considerate of him.¡± ¡°He sure is¡­ an acquired taste,¡± Amica noted. ¡°But he has gotten more decent as time passed, at least when Gray Sky isn¡¯t around.¡± A bit of the awkwardness had returned, but this time Kite felt a lot more comfortable in trying to ameliorate it. ¡°As for our earlier topic before the elf-shaped dimensional interruption; Thank you, Amica. I truly appreciate it. You are an impressive adventurer, and I hope that we can put this behind us as we are sure to work more together in the future. Ryker and the others have been a little too excited about that trick we pulled with the alchemists. But you¡¯ll probably still need to give Glint some time,¡± he added, both of their gazes drawn to the head of the still very wary carp who poked out of the bottle at Kite¡¯s waist. ¡°I will have to do my best, then,¡± Amica noted. ¡°Something that does strike me is that this explains your aura a bit. Soul scars tend to increase the strength of one¡¯s aura, no?¡± This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.¡°While I¡¯m not sure I can call it a silver lining, it sure has helped,¡± Amica acknowledged. ¡°You¡¯ve already seen what I can do if I can suppress someone.¡± ¡°Oh, I have. But I believe that is why you were also the first to notice when the shapeshifter that had replaced Alina, the supposed high magistrate¡¯s daughter. Emilio still owes you for that. Also-¡± Kite said thoughtfully, ¡°- it can finally help me place the feel of your aura. Because I believe I have met someone else with plenty of such scars.¡± ¡°Oh? Who?¡± Amica asked, curious. ¡°Someone you¡¯d very much despise,¡± Kite said with a wince. ¡°She¡¯s actually the daughter of a high priest of Pain; a fugitive still on the run in my homeland. But like you, her senses picked up things I did not when we happened into a rather uneasy cooperation for the briefest of times back at bronze rank.¡± ¡°As it sounds like it is quite the story behind those statements, I¡¯d very much like to hear it. I¡¯ll even withhold judgment for your apparent lack of sense in cooperating with such scum,¡± Amica noted, an eyebrow raised. ¡°Well,¡± Kite said, looking around at their confines. ¡°It¡¯s not like we¡¯re going anywhere until help arrives. Then let me regale you with the tale of the Descending Star sect. And its fall.¡±
¡°I thank you, great benefactor!¡± Kite said breathlessly as he looked at the heaping tables of food laid out before them; meats, vegetables, breads, sauces and spiced wines. All of it smelled of myriad spices, many entirely new to Kite. Combined with the spectacular vista through the panoramic windows of the restaurant atop to floating island, Kite had to acknowledge the power of connections sure was something. ¡°I simply felt it fitting to celebrate now that we only have one month left of this little evaluation. Especially as we happened to finally go somewhere with some proper venues,¡± Emilio said smugly from where he sat at the table. ¡°While this isn¡¯t quite like the best place in the capital, it sure comes close. And they will always find a table for a Cardenco.¡± Of their makeshift team, only Ryker and Gray Sky were absent; the former busy with reports and whatever severe kind of introspection Kite¡¯s dour supervisor-turned-teacher did in his free time. The latter had instead scoffed at the offer, not wanting to accept any handouts from his rival. ¡°While this will not affect our final evaluation, I will still have to commend your tastes, Emilio,¡± Christine said from across the table. ¡°And celebrating, building rapport and all that is also important. If you continue working with Gauntlet, you¡¯re bound to bump into most others soon enough. While there are quite a few of us, silvers and above can live long lives.¡± ¡°And Christine here will probably do anything to forget whatever that priest of Corruption spewed all over her yesterday,¡± Mtanga added cheerfully. ¡°I¡¯ll drink to that,¡± the blonde elf agreed, shuddering at the memory while refilling her glass. ¡°Senior sister, is that usually what Corruption¡¯s clergy looks like?¡± Kite broke in, taking the opportunity to ask. ¡°Like half-melted, mutated monsters? No, not always. Corruption is a rather multi-faceted concept,¡± Mtanga said, answering while Christine was busy draining her glass in one, long gulp. ¡°I once faced a priestess whose powers instead seemed to be more about the corruption of magic. Let me tell you, seeing your conjured arrows starting to warp while sprouting mouths whispering gibberish is not my fondest memory.¡± ¡°I mean, with Undeath, you at least know what you get; undead. Zombies, ghouls and stuff. Nice and simple. Or¡­ wait, not nice. But simple. Unless you get those complicated varieties,¡± Christine said, now a bit tipsy. Emilio had, in great length and detail, told the party of the local wine barons and their fierce competitive streaks. While it led to not a small amount of bloodshed between the families who owned the vineyards, it also led to a country who knew its liquor. Which in turn led to a certain elf now going from tipsy to straight up drunk at great speeds. ¡°It feels like we have stumbled upon followers of the dark gods rather often during these three months, even when the contract itself mentioned none of it,¡± Kite noted, smiling along with the rest of them at Christine''s antics while nursing his drink even more carefully. ¡°Well, isn¡¯t that obvious?¡± Amica noted, a little tipsy too, at least if the slightly wobbling levitating glass was anything to go by. ¡°They aren¡¯t exactly welcome in society, so they hide. And who else hides? Criminals. I mean, most churches of the shunned gods are probably financed by syndicates like that we helped strike against in our first contracts.¡± ¡°Any other noteworthy ones then?¡± Kite continued. ¡°We¡¯ve met those following Pain, Plague, Destruction, Undeath and Corruption so far. Maybe Disguise too? I¡¯m still unclear as to where that shapechanger who had replaced Alina came from.¡± ¡°Well, there are always the lesser aspects of those you mentioned,¡± Mtanga answered. ¡°And sometimes, there are the followers of more legitimate gods who go overboard. Strength, Vengeance and the like.¡± ¡°What about Discord then? Ever met them?¡± Kite asked, trying to remain as off-handed as possible. He thought he succeeded too, until he noted Amica giving him a brief, weird look before being distracted by a slight spill from her levitating cup. ¡°Well, Mtanga, I don¡¯t think I have faced any of Discord¡¯s,¡± Christine noted, looking overly thoughtful in her inebriated state. ¡°Me neither, but from what I have learned through my studies, they are often subtle and in the background. It is rare that it is we in Gauntlet who face them, but rather the more investigative task groups. Politics is almost always involved, one way or another,¡± Mtanga supplied, ever helpful before his smile faded somewhat. ¡°But I have also gathered that it is not a church you would want to trifle with unless you have a solid support, else you might suddenly find your whole networks of connections and allies collapsing around you. Discord creates just that, after all, and his followers are notorious for using local strife as their weapon.¡± Kite had a growing sense of unease in his stomach as Mtanga had continued his explanation, but Christine once more came to the rescue before the atmosphere could turn heavy. ¡°And besides, such things are boooooring,¡± she added, Amica clinking her glass to Christine¡¯s in agreement. ¡°Give me a door to kick down any day.¡± ¡°Or lowlifes to track and expose,¡± Emilio noted. ¡°A chance to do Justice¡¯s work, swiftly and decisively,¡± Sztyka added, her statement being her first contribution to the conversation. ¡°And to make sure that those fuckers don¡¯t hurt anyone else,¡± Amica called, a bit too loud as the wine was getting to her too. Feeling the expectant looks of the rest upon him, Kite smiled and raised his glass as well. ¡°And to make sure that we remain strong enough to make a difference tomorrow as well.¡± ¡°To Gauntlet, then!¡± Mtanga called, finishing the toast. Six glasses clinked together, like a bell marking that the final month of contracts had begun.
Kite once more charged his lone opponent, the arms of his mantle sending projected attacks to keep his foe on the back foot while he closed the distance. At the last moment, Kite swung his staff, mimicking a move which Phiona had taught him as the swing transitioned into an elaborate, spinning feint. The real danger there was the butt of the weapon, which darted in with lethal precision to seek out the legs of Kite¡¯s target. Said target, a leonid man with mottled gray fur and pale blue robes, was not about to be caught by such a feint, though. With motions more fluid than water yet more decisive than an erupting geyser, he nudged each attack aside or pivoted just enough for Kite¡¯s attempts to fail, his dark eyes having a certain kind of knowing gleam all the while. Like the last time Kite had visited, they sparred within a white marble hall devoid of other decorations; the only stimuli being the motions of the other. The pair continued the clash, transitioning between attacking and defending in what was, to Kite, as close to live combat as sparring had ever come. That his opponent was a gold-ranker, and not a young one either, did help though, as there was simply no way for Kite to actually threaten his newest teacher. Eventually, the leonid¡¯s aura surged gently, and Kite immediately ceased, stepping back as the glow of his tattoos faded. ¡°I thank master for the spar,¡± he said, bowing with reverence. From his talks with Ryker, he had understood that master Zarth-an, simply called the Scholar, rarely accepted a batch of recruits for tutelage, even brief ones like Kite¡¯s. Therefore, he had decided to treat the opportunity for the blessing that it was, and so far, it had truly not disappointed. ¡°You have improved since last time, but there are still repeated mistakes,¡± the leonid stated calmly, going straight to business as usual. ¡°While we will go through them at length, the most important thing to address during this and the upcoming sessions is your overall style. It remains a chimera that still hasn¡¯t fully connected its many heads. Tell me, where did you learn that feint at the beginning of our final exchange?¡± ¡°From Phiona Geller, master. A bronze-ranker at the time.¡± ¡°A master confluence?¡± ¡°Yes, master.¡± ¡°I thought as much. Then tell me, student, do you possess the master confluence?¡± ¡°No, master,¡± Kite answered, knowing the question to be rhetorical. But in their dealings so far, Zarth-an had been straightforward, and expected nothing less in return. ¡°Then why attempt to fight like one? The master confluence gives powers to increase the affinity within the chosen field to heights greater than anyone else could achieve. While the feint could be somewhat effective against low to medium-skilled opponents, you simply lack the magical foundations to really utilize it.¡± There was no derision in the leonid¡¯s words. He even sounded kind in his directness. ¡°Then what does master suggest?¡± Kite asked in return. ¡°If I am to strive for something else than mastery, how will I ever be able to stand toe-to-toe with those that have?¡± ¡°Do not confuse mastery with complexity, student. If you detach the concept and ask yourself that question, what answer comes to you?¡± Kite mulled it over for a while, the gold-ranker ever patient as he thought. ¡°If mastery is its own virtue, and complexity might be detrimental, then wouldn¡¯t the opposite be the place to start? So that means- -Simplicity?¡± he finished aloud, the question receiving an approving nod. ¡°With your powers and advantages, you have the power to make almost any fight boil down to the basics, student, while you still retain the upper hand. And trust me that there is a depth to the seemingly simple and direct. Your aura is an earnest one, and you should let your style reflect that as well. At least, that is the advice I give you.¡± While it was phrased as a simple statement, Kite knew that only a fool would ignore it, even if he was still trying to wrap his head around it. Kite had learned that Zarth-an the Scholar was apparently regarded as one of the most proficient masters of weapons and techniques within the adventure society. What made this doubly impressive was that none of his essences were directly related to weaponry at all. Where one might expect something like the arsenal confluence, Zarth-an possessed the eye, adept and knowledge essences, leading to the master confluence. Rumor said that he had spent three hundred years studying and teaching techniques of every weapon conceivable, his powers also making him a teacher of uncountable value as he strived to learn all there was to learn within the field. One comment from him was said to be able to change an adventurer¡¯s life, and while Kite understood the exaggeration for what it was, spending close to two hours under the man¡¯s tutelage had been quite the experience. And he even had a third and a fourth one scheduled too, telling Kite that this encounter would in all probability improve his path forever. So as he saw the advice for what it was, Kite leapt at the opportunity. ¡°Then would master please show this lowly student the simplicity of which he speaks?¡± The leonid¡¯s patient smile didn¡¯t shift in the slightest as he simply nodded. ¡°I will. Let us begin.¡±
Kite looked the strap over again, flexing his arm back and forth to see that the armor moved smoothly. ¡°While you have served me well, I do look forward to the commission being finished,¡± he thought as he checked the last joints of the simple silver-ranked armor he had worn since rising to silver rank while waiting for something better to come along. But so far, Something From Nothing hadn¡¯t delivered anything that was a better fit for him and his path, the odd looting ability working a bit more erratically now that Kite had mostly fought other essence users where a lot of them had been taken alive. So Kite had decided to act while he still had ready access to the trade halls of the Port Singhni campus, paying a considerable amount of his earnings so far to an armorer whom Christine had personally recommended. ¡°It will probably be done soon, so this might even be our last contract together for a while,¡± he thought, directing it to the unsurprisingly silent piece of armor. Rising to his feet, Kite looked to his teammates who had spread themselves out across the back of the gargantuan manta ray which happened to be their current mode of transportation. The huge creature was entirely silent as it smoothly bent the water around it, transporting its passengers at great speed while its back supported a formation which kept a constant bubble of air around its passengers. Kite could see little but dark waters around them, the surface glittering far above, but he knew that they should be drawing close to their target soon. ¡°Everyone, get ready,¡± Ryker called from where he stood at the front, peering out into the oceanic gloom. The man was already fully armored, his enchanted cloak moving a bit of its own accord as part of it split into separate strands which wound their way around his limbs to strengthen and protect them further. After fighting alongside the supervisor for just over three months, Kite had gotten a new appreciation for the potential in the cloth essence. Normally associated with crafters, Ryker instead combined it with the might and magic essences to form the animate confluence, conjuring, manipulating or empowering the enchanted fibers to further strengthen himself, with added utility powers like the strands which he used to attack much like the arms of Kite¡¯s mantle or how he could create other utilitarian options on the fly. He gave a nod to the manta¡¯s bonded companion, one of many such adventurers kept on retainer by the adventure society to ferry the different task groups out into places that were otherwise difficult to reach, before he joined the gathering team. ¡°I will remind you that the smuggling operation which the investigative groups have uncovered is believed to be of a much larger scale than those of our previous contracts. It was actually the size and scale of the shipments which managed to eventually lead us to them. So far, surveillance has not given any indication of any gold-ranked presence, but there has been enough pirate activity in this region for us to expect that the resistance will be stiff. Expect more potent magical defenses too. We will be one of two teams who will attempt to dig our way inside through the cliffs at the target island¡¯s base, with more conventional stealth teams making their way inside up top. As you know, our objectives are capturing key personnel of the smuggling rings and securing what cargo we can before they can escape with it. Any magical infrastructure we can disrupt will also be welcome, especially if we can dismantle their dimensional nets and erect our own instead to make teleporting or portaling in reinforcements easier. Another team will have that as their main objective, but we should lend a hand if we¡¯re able.¡± ¡°Gray Sky would like to know why our targets aren¡¯t more specific,¡± the runic noted skeptically, where he stood with his arms crossed. ¡°Are we to just enter blindly?¡± ¡°As I believe that I told you before, there are plenty of contracts where we will have less information than we like,¡± Ryker replied tersely. ¡°The adventure society trusts us to make do with the more vague objectives, coordinating with the other teams and using our own judgment. Attempts at detailed managing in this case would just be a demonstration of bad leadership. If you still feel that these kinds of contracts are above what you can handle, I would have expected you to drop out a long time ago.¡± ¡°Besides,¡± Christine added with her usual relaxed tone, ¡±the operation seems to be expansive enough for something akin to a small town to have formed over time. Expect chaos to ensue when civilians are thrown into the mix. That we are sent at all is a sign that the adventure society trusts us to make solid choices. Better to just see it as an honor that we, a team of recruits, is even included.¡± Gray Sky didn¡¯t retort, but still seemed unconvinced. All of them had noted the increasing tensions between the runic and the supervisors during the last months, the proud man not content with butting heads with just Emilio anymore. Still, he had done his part during contracts, even if his actions outside them had otherwise led to him alienating himself from the rest of the group. ¡°Anyone else have any¡­ questions?¡± Ryker asked, stern gaze wandering over the gathered team. ¡°In fact, I do, teacher,¡± Kite said. ¡°Have we received any more word about the expected contents of the cargo or its intended destination since we received the information in our folders?¡± ¡°None so far, so expect the usual; restricted essences and outlawed artifacts and alchemical goods. Black market stuff, but in bigger quantities,¡± Ryker said, at least not dismissing the question. ¡°As for destination, you raise a valid question. I feel that we should make finding out anything about it a prioritized secondary objective for our team unless the situation dictates otherwise. The place we¡¯re going to seems to have stood for quite a while, so we expect there to be a lot to dig up. You can¡¯t run an organization of that size without some administration.¡± Any more questions had to be put on hold as the team felt the manta beneath their feet start to slow down, forcing all of the silver-rankers to lean slightly to keep their balance. The darkness around them became less of a blur, and eventually Kite could make out the seabed below, covered in billowing seaweed for as far as the eye could see. And further ahead, far off in the distance, something big and dark was slowly coming into visibility; a vast cliff wall of stone reaching straight up from the ocean floor. Kite couldn¡¯t make out its edges in the murk, indicating that if it was the base of the cliff island above, it should indeed be large enough to house a decently sized town. ¡°Ryker, we¡¯re drawing close,¡± the manta¡¯s bonded companion called from ahead. ¡°Flatbread here can only take us so close without discovery. He may be silent, but his size leaves something to be desired when it comes to avoiding people who might just look down into the water and spot him,¡± the silver-ranked woman said, giving the manta - apparently named Flatbread - a consoling pat as it gave off a low rumble of protest. ¡°Then just give the word, and we¡¯ll go the final stretch ourselves. Glint, think you can carry us?¡± Ryker said, directing the last question to the bottle at Kite¡¯s hip where the glittering carp peeked out. Even though the proud lifting of her head communicated her feelings rather clearly, Kite still supplied; ¡°Little beauty here is most confident.¡± ¡°Good. Then those of us that need it better don your underwater gear. Once we get the signals that the other teams are in position, it is time to get into the fray once more.¡± 160. Me-time During his time with Task Group Gauntlet, Kite had once more become thoroughly reacquainted with the concept of time passing slower while waiting. This was doubly true when the situation was tense, violence and danger potentially lurking just around the corner. And at this very moment, he found that the phenomenon could be taken even further as the team was currently moving slowly through a cramped, stone-shaped and water-filled tunnel with stone dust, silt and other debris constantly swirling while reducing visibility to near nothing. At the front, Christine was hard at work using her powers to tunnel into the submerged base of Havenpeak¡¯s cliffs, the need for stealth slowing them down. While he knew that taking a small step forward every other second was still most impressive, the situation made it feel like an almost unbearable eternity. They had been at it for only a few minutes when Christine stopped, holding up a barely visible hand as she felt the stone ahead. ¡°What is it?¡± Ryker said softly, his voice carrying to the others through the communication necklaces. Their range was very limited, but they could at least make speaking possible while under water. ¡°There is a cave ahead of us. Or a tunnel. And not just a single one either,¡± Christine retorted. ¡°Which is great, no?¡± Gray Sky asked ¡°It will speed things up significantly if we don¡¯t have to tunnel all the way.¡± ¡°But it might also mean that the smuggling operations reach down into the cliffs, and us breaking through will give us away sooner than anticipated,¡± Mtanga noted. ¡°Is there a way around?¡± Ryker asked, turning back to Christine. ¡°Let me see,¡± she said, putting her hands on the stone. ¡°The water muddles my senses a bit, but¡­ no. The walls are too thin. The network is actually quite extensive.¡± Ryker thought for a while before he seemed to come to a decision. ¡°If we wait too long, the others are going to go ahead either way and we¡¯ll lag behind. Prepare to breach through, and we¡¯ll set up an environmental barrier. If it''s just caves, Gray Sky might be right and we¡¯ll have an easier time of it.¡± Christine nodded and continued without hesitation, although she did slow the pace of her tunneling to an even greater crawl. Soon, a hole formed which was quickly plugged by the blue orb of the aforementioned barrier, its thin film expanding to keep out the water as Christine widened the opening slowly. It was when the opening was roughly one meter across that Amica¡¯s aura suddenly surged where she floated just behind Kite. Some of the larger pieces of stone littering the floor of the tunnel surged upwards and shot towards Christine, passing the elf before she had time to register what was happening and pinning something to the side of the opening. It was only belatedly that the rest of them felt the unfurling silver-ranked aura of a previously hidden monster somewhere inside the cavern ahead, and could recognize that the purple thing writhing against the edge of the opening was something akin to a barbed tongue. ¡°Forward!¡± Ryker called, but the rest of the team was already in motion as more previously hidden auras could be felt emerging throughout the cavern system ahead of them. His cloak split, each of the eight tendrils shooting out to intercept or entangle another similar tongue which shot towards the opening. Ryker¡¯s magic sharpened the edges of his cloth, twisting the animated material to slice through the purple appendages. Pained shrieks could be heard from within, and Ryker was suddenly yanked from his feet and into the room as all tongues retracted. Christine, having been the closest, shoved more mana to widen the opening more forcefully, abandoning stealth in what turned out to be an ambush with the team as the prey. Kite passed through hot on her heels just in time to see Ryker twist and turn into a spinning dervish of sharpened cloth to free himself. The glow emanating from the magical symbols of his cloak threw a dim light over the surprisingly spacious cavern, illuminating their ambushers. There were over twenty of the things; rocky bulbs blending into the cavern with terrifying precision before they opened up like fleshy flowers, showing off pale interiors with the purple appendages shooting out from them. Half were already up and active, with more coming alive by the second, ready to join their kin in the assault. And Kite thought it best to give the team some time to regroup, as he had personally never encountered silver-ranked monsters in these numbers outside of the mirage chamber.. ¡°Wall!¡± Leyline Warding created an oblong box leading out into the middle of the room while connecting to the opening Kite had just emerged from, allowing the rest of the adventurers emerging from the water-filled tunnel to do so unassailed as purple tongues lashed the barriers, each leaving cracks in their wake. ¡°Stationary foes,¡± Kite called as he joined Ryker where the man landed from his whirling escape. ¡°Protect Sztyka and Gray Sky so they can deal with it?¡± Ryker only nodded in return, his silence obvious as one of the barbed tongues seemed to have struck his throat, turning it into a bloody mess, and gestured for Kite to get on with organizing. ¡°Gray Sky, Sztyka, we will assist you. Don¡¯t hold back,¡± Kite said, taking in the state of his barriers to gauge what time they had remaining. The leonid priestess of Justice only nodded, the dust maw appearing above her head. Gray Sky started his own preparations too, even if his gaze clearly conveyed his disgruntlement at suddenly being led by someone his junior. Kite knew that Mtanga and Christine would both be higher in the actual command order than him, but both seemed content at following along for now, so he put his plan into motion. While it would have been satisfactory to break his barriers himself, unleashing waves of resonating force within an enclosed cave system felt like an excellent shortcut to a cave-in of unknown proportions, so Kite stayed his hand until he saw that their two linchpins were ready while the others formed up around them, the still recovering Ryker included. ¡°Prepare yourselves!¡± he called, pulsing his aura once as a countdown. Then, he let the cracked and failing barriers of Leyline Warding disperse. Twenty barbed tongues immediately shot towards them from all around, the silver-ranked monsters easily having the reflexes to pounce upon this imagined opportunity. But instead of meeting the now fallen barrier or soft adventurer flesh, the purple appendages met a storm of violence. Sztyka and Gray Sky both covered one side each, maw of dust and petrifying gaze each devouring or hampering a wide swathe of the incoming appendages, turning them to dust or cracked stone before working its way closer to affect the bodies of the monsters. The rest of the group spread out to cover the other directions, Emilio turning into a blur as his dual wands fired in steady streams, Christine launching crystal and stone shrapnel and Amica in turn using said shrapnel to ward off more of the monsters. Kite and Ryker became the reserve, both men using their many sets of limbs - be they magically sharpened cloth or spectral arms - to shred the few tongues that managed to worm their way past the rest. The team quickly discovered that one didn¡¯t have to inflict too much damage on each tongue for the monsters to retract it, which led to Kite speeding up even further as one of Matra¡¯s descendants appeared in each hand. Working six blades at once carried quite the mental strain, but channeling some of the teachings of master Zarth-an, Kite went with simplicity as he swiftly learned to avoid targeting the fast-moving tips of the appendages and instead went to project simple stabs and slashes toward their middle instead. While their defense wasn¡¯t perfect, Kite¡¯s barriers at least meant that the hits suffered were mostly glancing ones, which was rather fortunate as the group could soon feel another silver-ranked aura getting closer, brazenly showing off its bestial power as some other denizen of the caverns seemed to want to join in the fun. ¡°We have another incoming. Something bigger. Its aura feels rather toothy, too,¡± Amica called, her sharper senses allowing for more detail. ¡°Teacher, I believe I can hold things here,¡± Kite called to Ryker. ¡°Mind taking care of the guest?¡± While he did not turn to look, lacking both the time and opportunity to do so while fending off the gradually lessening number of tongues as the teams counterattacks started paying off, Kite¡¯s expanded vision let him see Ryker nod and croak something affirmative through his still healing throat. Whatever was coming towards them from a sloping side tunnel soon registered to Kite¡¯s aura senses more clearly, and he agreed in Amica¡¯s assessment; whatever it was, it knew only hunger. He barely managed to catch sight of obscenely long teeth and a tangling strand with a glowing drop at its tip before Ryker was upon it, the reinforcing cloth around his legs creakingly twining together before releasing just as he jumped. Three of the tongues tried catching him, but were only sliced asunder for their troubles. Whatever had been about to enter the cave could only shriek in surprise and frustration as Ryker¡¯s impact drove it back and out of sight, managing a few frantic bolts of light from the glowing drop before what Kite suspected to be a furious melee began. His teacher¡¯s departure did increase the strain on Kite as he started covering more and more of the incoming appendages. A slash, two thrusts in different directions, sidestep and pivot to avoid a tongue coming for him and- ¡°An opening,¡± Kite¡¯s mind noted, the steadily decreasing number of attackers finally leaving a moment for a single attack in retaliation. His mind had barely registered the thought as one of his own arms had begun a swing. Kite was sorely tempted to just unleash the charges built up in Matra, but once more hesitated as he didn¡¯t know what the wave of slashing, piercing death would do to the walls and ceiling on which the practically stationary monsters perched. But at least he had something. ¡°Sage. If you please,¡± Kite thought as he delivered a wide, sweeping strike with his staff trailing the nothingness of Void-Sunders-Firmament. The empowered strike was projected towards a single foe, tearing through its outer shell and causing fluorescent purple blood to splatter over the wall. While the thing wasn¡¯t dead - silver-rankers of any kind rarely succumbed to a single attack - it was still out of commission for a while as it regrew its tongue. But Sage¡¯s impact was more substantial as the familiar received a charge from Potential of Stolen Power, showering almost half of the cavern wall and ceiling with glowing blue motes which rippled in a chained detonation. The hard carapaces of the creatures meant that, once more, the resonating damage would have been most ideal, but Kite had the familiar use disruptive force to stay on the safe side. This meant that the damage dealt was far less, but this time it was more about tipping the scales, because the chained blasts had been aimed at the same section of cave where Sztyka was rapidly withering away the clustered monsters. The leonid priestess flared her aura in thanks as she cast another of her ramping area spells, perfect for finishing the practically immobile monsters just a little bit faster after Sage¡¯s blasts had weakened the further, but Kite didn¡¯t have the time for more pleasantries as he fell back into his defensive role. He was once more reminded of Phiona Geller¡¯s prophesizing of his path at silver rank, her words proven true as he found himself back into his defensive combat meditation. While Void-Sunder-Firmament dealt decent damage, the lone attack was not nearly enough to compete with those like Sztyka, Amica and Ryker. But as Kite, through a combination of projected attacks and conjured barriers, was fending off five of the monsters by himself and finding the time to make the occasional counterattack, he also felt a bit of pride. He could do it. He could become that eye of the storm of which Phiona had spoken. But as things would have it, the storm around him proved to hide some unexpected turbulence. Sztyka had just finished off her side of the cavern and was turning her claws of dust and desolation towards helping out the others when Ryker came flying back into the room, one of his cloth tendrils wrapping around a retracting tongue just in time to drag him out of the reach of a pair of snapping jaws which shot forward. Kite was taken aback as he was surprised that the lone monster had been able to trounce Ryker so swiftly, but as two more of them scampered into the room after the first, things became a lot more clear. Each of the three beasts looked like a scaled ovoid two meters across moving on strong but stumpy legs, with the majority of their bodies consisting of a huge maw with many, many thin fangs each the length of Kite¡¯s forearm. All of the monsters except one also sported the tendrils with glowing drops extending from their head which fired bolts of light after the retreating adventurer, with one only sporting a wiggling stump; no doubt courtesy of Ryker. While he had no idea what they were, Kite definitely knew that the arrival of the brawny trio threw quite the spark into the alchemical cauldron, shattering the control the adventurers had been gaining over the situation. ¡°At least the monsters aren¡¯t on friendly terms,¡± Kite thought, seeing one of the huge mawed things charge and gobble up an injured tongue-beast. But as the situation had turned, they had to do something. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Apparently thinking the same thing, Christine called; ¡°Ryker? Retreat or turtle up?¡± while she was busy conjuring her detonating crystal walls to stun and dazzle the newcomers. ¡°Shift our defenses closer to the entrance. Emilio, you¡¯re our distraction. Sztyka, focus on the wall-crawlers. Kite, interception. The rest of us focus one of the newcomers at a time,¡± Ryker called, voice now raspy but comprehensible. The group turned to do as told, with Kite and Christine each bringing up more walls to cover their short retreat. Unfortunately, the light beams proved annoyingly good at carving through barriers, and what should have been an ordered retreat became a fighting one. Kite smashed his staff into the side of an incoming maw while the arms of his mantle gave two opportunistic tongues enough of a sting for them to retreat. The mawed thing in front of him bore the impact rather well, however, pushing against the force with its much greater mass. As the fangs were about to snap shut again, Kite had to change his approach. ¡°Ward!¡± The twin discs of Heaven-and-Void Warding appeared between the fangs, cracking slightly as powerful jaws closed in on them but holding overall, leaving the monster¡¯s mouth pried open around the two discs and stuck at a no doubt uncomfortable angle. Hairline cracks were spreading due to the pressure, but Kite felt that the silver-ranked version of Spiritual Futility did an admirable job in restoring the barrier¡¯s integrity. While the thing struggled to spit out the barriers, hampered by its overly long teeth, Kite didn¡¯t waste any time, retreating while his staff and two of Matra¡¯s descendants projected attacks towards the base of one of the monster¡¯s stubby legs. Void-Sunders-Firmament was usually rather unkind to limbs, and three of them targeting the same one proved enough to sever even the tough silver-ranked appendage. ¡°Gray Sky!¡± Kite called, indicating the hobbled monster to the runic as he flicked a pair of blades towards the glowing bead of another of the fanged things, Disrupting Strike cancelling the gathering power just before it could fire one of its dazzling bolts, with Amica following up by giving the monster another mouthful of dead wall-crawler flung with all her telekinetic might. Emilio had appeared behind the third, running circles around it while firing a constant stream of blasts while teleporting at the last moment to cause the beast to bite down on the floor, wall or even the other monsters. Just as Kite reached the others, he mistimed an attempt to intercept an incoming magical bolt, the quick projectile sneaking past his guard. Pain blossomed where it impacted his chest, but the more imminent concern was that the flashing, dazzling blast of magic carried a blinding effect. Everything in Kite¡¯s expanded vision whited out as he steadied himself, his world narrowing to the clangor of combat in the cavern and the sense of auras clashing with the more primal ones of the monsters. For that brief moment he felt all of the others, different in spirit yet united in purpose. One even flared with obvious protective intent, and when Kite¡¯s eyes cleared a few seconds later, Ryker stood firm in front of him. His teacher had obviously stepped in to interpose himself between Kite and one of the charging maw, beasts, flowing cloth glowing with arcane sigils anchoring him in the stone floor as other tendrils of sharpened fabric were driving the monster back with a furious flurry. The plentiful attacks proved to be a mere distraction too, as it allowed Christine to dash in and launch one of her detonating crystal balls in the open maw only for Ryker¡¯s cloth tendrils to force them shut. The ensuing detonation caused the whole thing to shudder and sway unsteadily, and a seemingly sentient arrow storm from Mtanga followed to finish the job as multiple arrows dug into each of the monster¡¯s beady eyes. Further out in the cave, the monster Kite had hobbled was almost immobilized from Gray Sky¡¯s channeled gaze, Emilio and Amica distracting the rest as more and more best corpses were telekinetically thrown in as further distraction. Unless something drastic happened, the turbulence in the storm seemed to have passed. Each fallen tongue-lasher lent the adventurers more time to land attacks of their own, and as soon as the last distraction in wall-crawling shape fell, focusing down each of the remaining maw beasts proved routine. ¡°It seems like these surprise caves will be a bit bothersome,¡± Christine noted as the team all gathered, spiritual senses on high alert for more dangers. ¡°A sign from the gods. A challenge to prove our worth while ascending to our true target,¡± Gray Sky added, seeming in good spirits as the ambush had given him plenty of opportunities to lean into the strengths of his power set. ¡°We don¡¯t know how many monsters are between us and the surface. Gods, do the smugglers up there even know what they got down here?¡± Mtanga asked, looking about the cavern and the remnants of around two dozen monsters. ¡°Should we head back and try another route?¡± Ryker stopped, obviously deep in thought as he looked out over the cavern and the multiple tunnels and cracks leading off in odd directions. Glancing down at a crystal device indicating the time, his frown deepened as he turned to the others. ¡°This was an unforeseen development. We could head back and try another way in as Mtanga said. But I believe that any form of tunneling will lead us back here. And if we try scaling the cliffs-¡± ¡°They¡¯ll spot us right away,¡± Christine finished, understanding his line of thought. ¡°None of us has that kind of power set. And assuming they know what¡¯s down here, we can also assume that they have some kinds of protections in place against monsters. But protection against people geared for the task? Less likely. I propose that we continue through the caverns. We fight where we must, and tunnel where we can. And, Fortune be willing, appear as planned; right inside their defenses. But as the risks are mostly unknown, I am doing just that; proposing.¡± His stern gaze held a question for each and all of them, and Ryker seemed pleased with what he saw in return. ¡°Then we move out, same formation as before. Let¡¯s climb our way up there, and pray to the gods that the delay won¡¯t be too bad. Hopefully, we¡¯ll be able to hit them where it hurts.¡±
Above the waves, the smuggling port of Havenpeak was just coming alive in the early dawn. While goods always moved through the hub of smuggling activity, built around the ruins of some ancient sea fort whose name and purpose had been long forgotten, the majority of the inhabitants were normal-rankers, and thus needed to actually eat and sleep with some kind of regularity. While the architecture wasn¡¯t rich or embellished, it was a far cry from the ramshackle hodgepodge settlements of the stories, instead sporting properly built stone houses as Havenpeak had been many people¡¯s permanent residence for quite some time. The remoteness of the location and general indifference of the nearby nations had led to Havenpeak prospering in the recent decades, with interest from the local holders of money both new and old making sure that nothing major was sent their way. And if the information which the adventure society¡¯s investigators had gathered, the latest shipment being prepared was the biggest one yet, bound to bring even more coin into the pockets of the mighty. Jane Merstwick couldn¡¯t help but reflect on the relative normalcy of it all from where she stood on one of the tallest still remaining towers of the old fortress, the light of the early morning bending around her as the cloaking powers of her light essence enveloped her like a comfortable old cloak. ¡°If you discount the surprisingly dense outer defenses and limited space, it feels a lot like most port towns of the region,¡± she reflected, idly tapping her cheek with one invisible finger. ¡°Let¡¯s hope that most of the civilians can start over somewhere else after we¡¯re done with the place.¡± Having scanned the city as best she could, Jane leapt off the roof, gliding on silent wings sprouting from her back before landing in the alley where the rest of her team waited for her. She didn¡¯t know them overly well, all of them being put together for this mission due to them having stealth powers and the expertise to use them. ¡°I have noted some locations of interest,¡± she said in a low voice, uncloaking herself as she stepped through the illusory wall in the alley below. Nestled in between two of the stone warehouses - newer additions from the look of them - the rest of the four-person team waited, and all of them were soon gathered around the map Jane was adding to, marking a series of buildings. ¡°If the defenses at the perimeter were anything to go by, I doubt that we will be able to do too much sabotage without discovery. Not unless we have a proper diversion,¡± she continued. ¡°From what I have smelled so far, there are plenty of essence-users here among the scum,¡± Lefoux noted, the man¡¯s sharp nose causing his lupine features to crinkle in disgust. ¡°The stench of cores is heavy here, but enough core-users are always a threat. And pirates and the like aren¡¯t necessarily amateurs either. Should we wait for the tunneling teams to make their appearance?¡± Jane thought for a moment, then shook her head. ¡°No, we need to start sowing some chaos and do it ourselves. Better to have them come in as reinforcements rather than having them just sit around while we try to find the targets. As you said, almost all of the wretches here are core-users. We should be able to dance around them well enough.¡± ¡°Then where do we begin?¡± Lefoux asked, the rest of the team nodding their assent to Jane¡¯s proposal. ¡°Had we been able to contact the other stealth team, we could have asked them to create said distraction. But as they are, well, stealthy, I suppose we¡¯ll just have to do it ourselves. What do you say to inflicting some real damage to the purses of those mainland fatcats while we create some opportunities?¡± From the wolfish grins of the others - and in the case of Lefoux, not a metaphorical one either - Jane knew that they had their plan. Each of the four silver-rankers disappeared one by one, Task Force Gauntlet ready to get out there and sow some chaos.
¡°Mmmmm¡­ Oooooohhh yeeeeeessss¡­.¡± Micola Darntvang moaned, letting her head loll back while brushing her dark hair from her face. She wasn¡¯t sure if it was the mindshimmer in her veins, the very skilled fingers of her latest room-slave or just the heady feeling of really being on top of life that made her see stars and beautiful colors outside the window. Probably a mix of the three. Having pulled her way up from less than ideal circumstances during the last fifty years, Micola was very much enjoying her position as one of the baronesses of Havenpeak. ¡°Compared to the slums of the mainlands and those pompous pricks, this¡­ is¡­ divine,¡± she thought, rocking against her companion to punctuate her internal monologue. The elf man was blessedly remaining silent as instructed, as Micola liked her ¡®me-time¡¯ and allowing her thoughts to just roll with the moment. ¡°And besides, the fireworks are so pretty,¡± she thought, and was just considering having her room-slave change things up when the door to her chambers suddenly burst open. ¡°Micola, get your- Oh by Dominion¡¯s mighty dong,¡± Ambrose Lunder, fellow leader of Havenpeak and, as it turned out, a rather exasperated one at that, said as he stopped to take in the scene before him with a flat stare unbefitting his otherwise youthful face. ¡°Ambrose, get out. Can¡¯t you see I¡¯m having some ¡®me-time¡¯?¡± Micola shot back, uncaring of her nakedness. ¡°And you, I didn¡¯t say stop,¡± she snapped towards the room-slave below her on the bed. Ambrose didn¡¯t seem to care though, instead pointing out the window as he marched closer. ¡°Micola, you¡¯re a silver ranker. Use your fucking eyes for once and-¡± he said, but stopped as he noticed the telltale sparkles in her eyes which was a dead giveaway to the mindshimmer his fellow crime baroness had taken earlier. Groaning in frustration, he chanted; ¡°Let that which is unclean heed my command.¡± Shimmering streams of glitter as well as not a little amount of swirling alcohol was ripped from Micola¡¯s body as the cleansing took effect, gathering into a vile ball swirling above Ambrose¡¯s palm as he pointed out the window again, all but shouting; ¡°Look!¡± The abrupt sobering up burned Micola¡¯s insides, but the constitution of a high-ranker let her recover in but a second. That was when her previously addled mind actually registered that the fireworks and pretty colors outside were very much real, and very much not just a pretty light show. ¡°Shit!¡± she called, rolling off the elf below her who had wisely kept very, very still and quiet during the exchange. ¡°What¡¯s going on, Ambrose?!¡± ¡°There has been an attack on three of the western laboratories,¡± Ambrose said, his frustration clear. ¡°Well why aren¡¯t you out there doing something about it?¡± Micola shrieked at her closest ally while dressing at a frantic speed. ¡°Is it Auguste? I bet its Auguste. He and his thugs have been eyeing our operations for months now.¡± ¡°It is not Auguste,¡± Ambrose said, the pair leaving Micola¡¯s quarters in her wing of the still standing parts of the old fort. ¡°And how do you know that?¡± ¡°Because his shipping operations were hit just minutes before. Do you know what that means?¡± Micola stopped, because she did. Which made her swear a stream of expletives foul enough to cause even a priest of Corruption to flinch. Her realization boiled down to her last words, spoken like it was the most vile of them all. ¡°Adventurers.¡± ¡°Probably, and not stupid ones either,¡± Ambrose agreed. ¡°I thought that the only reason we pay all those huge bribes to the rich pricks on the mainland was to avoid having adventurers come here and mess with our business.¡± ¡°Which should in turn tell you how serious this is. If our¡­ patrons¡­ were unable to stop this - or worse, didn¡¯t even know of it - then this is some serious shit, Micola.¡± ¡°Then what do we do? Do we have enough people to handle them?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but there are fortunately enough of others who have connected the dots. I had messengers from both Micguel and Ludvilla at my door mere minutes after this shit started and I came here.¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s really serious,¡± Micola noted. Both Micguel Ravache and Ludvilla Stahltz were old hands in the underworld, and not easily fazed. ¡°We¡¯re meeting up with them now. Micguel had a solution in mind, but there will need to be at least a few of us sharing the risk for it to work out.¡± ¡°Which is?¡± ¡°Doomstrike company hasn''t moved on yet. They¡¯re still taking part in Havenpeak''s hospitality.¡± ¡°Doomstrike? Do you really think we¡¯ll need them, Ambrose? If there are four of us collaborating, surely we can handle it with our own people? Doomstrike will cost us a gods-cursed fortune, especially on short notice!¡± ¡°If Micguel Ravache suggests something costly, Micola, then we best listen,¡± Ambrose said somberly, but he too seemed to age a century at the thought of the expense. ¡°Because while I don¡¯t know what led them here, I sure don¡¯t want to go out there and try to take on what is probably adventure society elites. Doomstrike are all ex-adventurers, and dangerous ones at that. Fighting fire with fire is a tried and tested method.¡± ¡°Says the man with the water essence,¡± Micola grumbled, but she knew Ambrose¡¯s words to be true. ¡°Fine. I¡¯m in. But you take the lead when we¡¯re in the meeting. Doomstrike¡¯s leader always gives me the creeps, and I don¡¯t want to be in the same room as the man for a second longer than needed.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Micola,¡± Ambrose said, his youthful face regaining at least a bit of its usual mirth as he patted her shoulder once before she could swat him away. ¡°While the expense might sting, you know Doomstrike and what they can do. Soon this little problem will all go away, and you can go back to your - what was it? - ¡®me-time¡¯ to your heart¡¯s content.¡± 161. Trust me, Ive done it before ¡°So, having a little trouble are we? It¡¯s not just every day I have four of the big shots of Havenpeak to come knocking at my door,¡± Solomon Blaske, leader of the Doomstrike Mercenaries said as he leaned back in his chair, regarding the four silver-rankers arrayed before him. They were in the private meeting room of a suite in one of Havenpeak¡¯s more prominent ¡®boarding houses¡¯ - the name a failed attempt at dignifying the combined hotel and brothel that it was in actuality - and said room had been cleared out well ahead of the arrival of some of the local crime barons. Blaske was a whip-thin human man with a wide, toothy smile and black, curly hair falling in perfect locks. Much of his lean body was showing as he sat lounging in a woman¡¯s silk bathrobe still half open, clearly indicating what kind of activities he had chosen to interrupt to entertain his potential employers. While the man had every inch of the beautifying effects of silver rank and probably had been quite a looker even before, there was still something about his whole look and demeanor which always sent shivers down Micola¡¯s spine as she stood facing the seated man next to three other leaders of Havenpeak. That the aura of the silver-ranker exuded boundless hunger didn¡¯t help his case. ¡°We are grateful that you could meet us in such short order,¡± Ambrose spoke from beside Micola, as usual being the best of all of them at changing his tune according to where the wind was blowing. ¡°The nice little fireworks outside gave just a little hint. Not that I didn¡¯t appreciate the show,¡± Blaske replied, the grin never leaving his face. ¡°As you of course already must know, then, is that trouble has found us. And as you, someone quite adept at dealing with trouble just happened to be in town, we thought to offer you the opportunity to help us deal with the said trouble,¡± Ambrose confirmed. ¡°Ah, but you see, both me and my friends are between contracts right now. I promised them some proper time to unwind and relax. And they¡¯ve been having the time of their life, too. You really got a good thing going here. So you see, we¡¯re not really available. Even now, I¡¯m leaving a most delectable lady waiting for me. As a gentleman, I¡¯m sure you can see how it hurts, too.¡± All of Blaske¡¯s rather flippant words stood at stark odds with the plumes of smoke and fire still raging off in the distance outside the window, the attack over but the fires still not fully under control. Micola wanted to march over and slap the mercenary senseless, but kept the impulse under wraps. Or at least, she thought she did. ¡°Oh, do come over. I don¡¯t mind you getting a bit rough,¡± Blaske said while wagging his eyebrows. ¡°Damn aura,¡± Micola swore inwardly. She always meant to get better at aura control, she truly did. But there was so much to do, and only so much time each day. Which had led to this freak picking her emotions out as if they were written on her face. It seemed that Ambrose was about to speak again, trying to pretend that the little exchange had never happened, when another of those present stepped in. ¡°Quit dancing around the subject, Blaske,¡± Ludvilla Stahltz said, the older elven woman carrying herself with the same no-nonsense attitude as she always did. ¡°How much?¡± ¡°How much?¡± Blaske asked innocently while not moving a muscle to leave the chair. ¡°As I said, we¡¯re not available-¡± ¡°How much, Blaske? We want you and all four of your teams. We want the ashes of this problem thrown out into the sea. As long as you keep the civilian casualties to a minimum, you can guide our people too if you need.¡± Ludvilla pressed on, her eyes boring into the man. ¡°Oh, such intensity. I like you. Maybe older women is a thing I could get into,¡± Blaske said, eyeing the elf who in turn stoically just ignored him. ¡°I would consider having you all ask really nicely, but that dominant streak has just become so boring lately. So I¡¯m trying out new, exciting things. So¡­ as you¡¯re all here¡­ Sure, why not?¡± ¡°Why, thank you master Blaske,¡± Ambrose began, going into full boot-licking mode. ¡°We knew that you were a-¡± ¡°Quadruple the rate, of course. Short notice, accelerated deployment, vague info, highest tier danger-pay - because who are we kidding? You wouldn¡¯t be here unless some serious people were playing around on your little island - compensation for any bruised feelings due to said short notice-¡± Blaske added, ticking off each of the ¡®reasons¡¯ on his fingers. ¡°-oh, and a set of essences. At least one corrupt - Don¡¯t deny it, I already know that you have them - and a whip essence. The third one can be whatever, but make it something sexy. That lady inside really seems to know her business, so I have decided to offer her to come with me when we leave. But the downside with this whole silver-rank is that she can barely scratch me even when I beg for it, so I figured some essences and cores will solve the problem in the long run.¡± Micola could feel both herself and her colleagues stiffen at the request. They already knew that the cost would be a steep one, but this¡­ Had it not been for that record-breaking shipment still being gathered, stored and prepared for shipping, the mere cost of this would have set the whole island¡¯s operations back a substantial amount. Apparently sensing their reticence, Solomon Blaske smile widened again. ¡°Need some time to think about it? Fine by me. I have an appointment to get back to anyway. Maybe I¡¯ll even get some more fireworks to brighten my day while you ponder,¡± he said, rising from the chair without any care of protecting his modesty as the silken robe hung open. ¡°Any of you ladies want to join? Or, any of you, really? A guy shouldn¡¯t be too picky in the company of other silvers. No? Alright,¡± Blaske said, waving over his shoulder as he sauntered back towards the bedroom part of his suite. The four barons and baronesses looked at each other, all coming to the same conclusion and all hating having to do so. But none of their people had seen even so much as an afterimage of their assailants. They needed professionals of a different caliber. ¡°The rate is¡­ accepted,¡± Ludvilla said, her seniority leading to her once more taking the lead. ¡°Half as an advance and half after the task is completed.¡± Blaske stopped in his tracks, turning his head slowly to grin back at the four. ¡°Essences as part of the advance though. Non-negotiable.¡± ¡°That can be arranged within the hour.¡± ¡°Then it seems like breaktime is over,¡± Blaske said happily, before going the rest of the way to the bedroom door. He opened it and called inside; ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry, mistress, but work caught up to me. Get yourself nice and comfy while me and the rest go out and deal with some¡­ obstacles. I¡¯ve even arranged for some nice things to be sent up to you while I¡¯m gone, and then we¡¯ll pick up where we left off later. The gifts? Oh, they might not look like much, but I promise you; they¡¯ll rock your world almost as hard as me.¡± Closing the door, and his robe, Solomon Blaske turned back to the others. ¡°Then if you¡¯ll excuse me, dear employers, I believe that me and the teams have some of your trash to take out. But I¡¯ll have to ask you to be a bit patient. If it¡¯s adventurers, you have to do this just right. Trust me, I¡¯ve done it before.¡±
With a slight surge of mana and a burst of air, Emilio appeared among the rest of the team. It only took the elf a split second to notice the chitinous monsters trying, and failing due to multiple barriers and conjured earth walls, to get a proper charge in amongst the team and utilize their spiked carapaces to their full extent. He brought out his pair of resonating force wands and fired a few blasts to drive one of the monsters back, but as Kite, Amica, Christine and Gray Sky seemed to have things well in hand, Emilio instead turned to Ryker. ¡°Did you find them?¡± the team leader asked, not taking his eyes from the conflict ahead. ¡°I did. Their situation is much the same as ours; little to no stealth meant that they also chose to go through rather than turn back.¡± ¡°How far?¡± ¡°They entered from the other side of the island, but the caves are leading them inwards and around just like us. Their team leader, Maralee, suggested that we try and meet up to push ahead together.¡± ¡°With things as they are, we should focus on speed and getting up there, so I agree. Odds are that the stealth teams have already set things in motion, but we can¡¯t leave them without support for longer than necessary. Did you leave a mark on them?¡± ¡°What do you take me for? An amateur?¡± Emilio scoffed in return. ¡°Then you¡¯ll be our line of communication and direction,¡± Ryker said, ignoring the elf¡¯s comment. ¡°Move as you need to, and check in if any side seems to be stopping for too long.¡± ¡°Understood. At this rate, we¡¯ll hopefully reach the surface soon, Fortune be willing.¡± ¡°Fortune be willing,¡± Ryker agreed.
¡°You¡¯re sure?¡± Jane said as she looked up from the map with Lefoux, the rest of the stealth team perched on nearby rooftops to keep a lookout. ¡°As sure as I can be. Sniffed out hints of dimensional magic from that building-,¡± the elf said, pointing at the location circled on the map, ¡°-but only small glimpses. Must be some faulty or shoddy defensive formation that leaks every now and then. Missed it the first couple of passes, so I stopped and checked. But it¡¯s irregular and seemingly random, so the odds of a trap feels negligible.¡± ¡°If they even know what we¡¯re after. Last I overheard, they are speculating about which of their rivals are behind it,¡± Jane agreed. ¡°Then we move in on it now. Even a team like ours will be found out sooner or later if we just run around and blow random things up, and if we can take out - or even better, sabotage and turn - the spatial anchors, we get a lot more options if they turn out to be needed.¡± A moment later, illusory hideout removed and gear stowed, one of the two stealth teams were on their way. Jane hoped that their distractions had been enough to both buy some time for the tunneling supports to arrive, and for the other infiltrators to locate the shipment that was their reason for being here. When approached with the information of that much restricted magical contraband being moved, several of the rulers of nearby city states and countries had all agreed to offer Gauntlet the contract in the utmost secrecy so as to not warn the smugglers of Havenpeak of the danger that was about to crash down upon them. A few minutes later, the team was perched on a nearby rooftop while looking down on a seemingly ordinary townhouse, constructed up against the wall of the old fort like many of the added buildings. Jane was warping the light around them all, allowing them to see one another properly as they planned. ¡°That is it,¡± Lefoux confirmed. ¡°Get any readings?¡± ¡°Not yet¡­ Are- Wait, yes, a clear spike in dimensional magic,¡± Chia, another of their party members added, the leonid woman checking an intricate artifact slate through a series of conjured magical lenses which appeared and disappeared in front of her eyes. ¡°No apparent guards. Either they are inside or have been lured away by the little gifts we spread out in our wake,¡± Jane added. ¡°Expect magical defenses at least though. There is a reason for the flickering signal, no doubt.¡± As they spoke, Jane¡¯s words were confirmed as a pair of silver-ranked thugs came scrambling out of the building, setting off towards the pillars of smoke in the distance. ¡°You know the plan. Move.¡± The team landed softly, not even the dust at the road shifting in their wake. Chia took the lead, phasing through the door while the rest of the team remained hidden by Jane¡¯s powers. A moment later, the door slid open and the three remaining silver-rankers were inside within three heartbeats. They quickly stopped however, as the leonid held up her hand while sweeping her gaze across the room. ¡°This should be the place. The arrays here are way beyond the norm we¡¯ve seen so far,¡± Chia said, lenses flickering. To Jane, the room was just an ordinary living room, even though there was a slight tingle to the air one would barely notice. Her magical perception barely noted anything other than the magical infrastructure common in the decently high magic of the region, but any concealing formations would be pretty bad if the magical perception available to almost all silvers and above could pick out. ¡°Can you handle them?¡± Lefoux asked, getting only an eyeroll in return from the leonid as she began her work. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Beyond decent stealth capabilities, Chia¡¯s power set, featuring the resonating confluence, had plenty of options to circumvent or dismantle magical defenses, making her a sought-after member for many contracts within Gauntlet. At that very moment, she was showing off why her reputation was well-earned, as it only took her half a minute of observations before she threw out a series of gleaming motes of shuddering, vibrating light that latched onto seemingly random spots in the room. ¡°Synchronize and be as one,¡± the leonid intoned. For a moment, Jane saw parts of the previously hidden arrays flash before her magical perception before seemingly freezing and crumbling like a pane of glass hit at just the right angle. ¡°That back door does not lead to the bathroom,¡± Chia noted dryly, indicating a nondescript door marked for that very purpose. Jane had already reached that conclusion as she too had seen how much of the array that had been centered around it, and the team wasted no further time. Beyond the seemingly ordinary wood was a utilitarian stone tunnel leading down into the mountain below. From the feeling which emanated throughout the whole area, like a weight upon their bodies and souls simultaneously, the group had found their target; the dimensional net. It was a common type of array used for many purposes across the world. While there were many different types, they all boiled down to restricting long-range dimensional travel, such as teleportation and portals, in an area. Some would redirect such travel to specific platforms while others might restrict them entirely, or only allow them for people bearing a certain enchanted badge or token. In the case of Havenpeak, it was the latter; without the right kind of identification, you could only teleport to and from the well-fortified floating harbor built at the base of the cliffs. The mission of the stealth teams was to identify and disrupt magical infrastructure such as this, and finding it within hours meant that Fortune had smiled upon them. ¡°The two of you stay here and keep watch. I¡¯ll guard Chia¡¯s back while she deals with the thing,¡± Jane said, following the leonid down through the stone tunnel while their other teammates hid themselves to keep watch. Chia even made sure to leave the arrays of the entry room in a state of partial activity, which could fool many observers at a glance if they just made a casual check. After walking down a winding set of stone stairs, it became obvious that they had indeed found their target. The dimensional net was in fact a set of revolving, floating rings covered in magical sigils, with each ring rotating according to its own patterns. Looking at the device and the distortions it created in the space around it made Jane a bit dizzy, but Chia didn¡¯t seem to care as she immediately went to work with a nearby control panel. Meanwhile, Jane swept the room, looking for anything out of the ordinary. It was unlikely that she would notice anything more than the leonid expert would, at least not along the lines of magical traps. As she neared completion of her little lap around the walls of the square, nondescript room, Jane was just about to declare it as empty when a small detail registered as off in her periphery; a miniscule seam in the otherwise flat walls. She had missed it while passing, the angle hiding it even from her perception, but now she could see it for what it was; an oddity that, while subtle, had a distinctly different quality from the rest of the stone wall. Which usually meant¡­ ¡°Chia! Stone-shaped walls. Get back!¡± Jane called even as she had already conjured a stark white javelin in one hand and thrown it towards the odd wall. A vortex of wind enveloped the head of the weapon, allowing it to drill into the wall with ease. Apparently, the projectile broke something inside, because Jane could suddenly feel hints of other silver-ranked auras inside, retracted as if to hide, probably behind some kind of formation. ¡°Chia, move! It¡¯s a tr-¡± Jane called again to the leonid still standing by the control panel to the dimensional net, completely unmoving. ¡°Wait, unmoving?¡± Jane thought, mind finally registering the details; the leonid stood almost completely still, only twitching slightly. The second where Jane took it all in felt like a moment frozen forever as her silver-ranked mind worked overtime to take it all in; her teammate¡¯s immobility and the miniscule sparks coursing up from the control panel and through Chia¡¯s body, which she could only belatedly notice in her magical perception. The distress blooming in the leonid¡¯s aura, proving the stunning effect to be a most recent development. And the wall where she had seen the flaw in the stone-shaping buckling inward towards the room before breaking apart in a spray of debris. But said debris soon seemed to freeze and reverse, shards and chunks of stone reversing their course before being sucked into a steadily growing sphere of absolute darkness held above the palm of a man in shining silver armor, the dark locks of his hair flapping towards the pull of whatever void his essence power seemed to be creating. One side of his face was torn and bloodied, probably due to Jane¡¯s javelin from before and the vortex of cutting wind which must have erupted within the hollow space behind the fake wall. ¡°Ouch! What¡¯s wrong with you lady? Attacking poor innocent walls like that?¡± the man said with a wide grin. ¡°Typical adventurers, uncaring of collateral damage. Do you know how much my time costs? I think I¡¯ll have to take out a bit of a bonus to speed things along. After all, I¡¯m always hungry for new experiences. Get it? Hungry? Hunger essence?¡± he monologued as he took a dramatic step out from his hideout. Jane, of course, had a teammate to extract and a retreat to plan, and would gladly let the fool talk. She sent another trio of javelins flying towards him while using another wind spell to launch the paralyzed Chia back toward her. But another figure emerged from the hiding spot, a conjured stone greatshield on each arm which she used to block the projectiles while the smiling man reached out with his other hand and snatched Chia before she could move more than a meter. Jane could see that the stunning effect of whatever trap had been on the console was wearing off. Too late. ¡°You know, silver-rankers are actually quite nutritious. Great for the skin and all that. I think this one will speed things along quite nicely.¡± Then, to Jane¡¯s growing horror, he threw the spasming Chia to the ground, planted a foot on her chest and pushed the void hovering over his hand straight down towards her head. A barrier activated in defense, but the man merely snorted, his mana surging as the orb in his hand released a burst of disruptive force. Then another. And then another. On the third one, the barrier shattered. Chia had just started to interpose her shaking hands when the dark void of the orb met her face. Blood started splattering everywhere but was almost immediately drawn into the singularity, its destructive hunger working its way through the leonid¡¯s head centimeter by centimeter before her flailing arms and chaotically discharging powers finally stopped. Jane had done her best, sending what projectiles she could towards the smiling maniac while he broke through the barrier, but to no avail. The shield bearer blocked all her attempts, and as she saw the stone around the opening start to shift, ready to seal off the chamber and leave her alone with a pair of hostile silver-rankers, Jane had to make the hard call most professional adventurers had to some time during their career. Gritting her teeth in frustration, she sent out a fusillade of projectiles towards the pair before her wings of swirling wind manifested to carry her out. The smiling man was still busy taking his time to let his dark void devour Chia¡¯s whole body, the orb growing in intensity each second, but the shield bearer charged forward to pin Jane down. The stone-shaping sped up, but Jane at least had an ace up her sleeve. ¡°Unite with the gentle breeze.¡± Sylphian Reprieve was a rather common power of the wind essence shared by many adventurers across the world. It let Jane dissolve into an intangible wind, speeding her up greatly while making her all but immune to damage. She flowed through the small, rapidly closing hole where the opening to the corridor above used to be, flashing up the stairs in a blink only to be met by Lefoux and her remaining teammate diving into whatever cover that was available. Sensing the many auras outside the building, Jane held onto her windy form for just a bit longer. This turned out to be the correct choice as one of the walls of the decoy building outside was turned into burning splinters from a potent explosion of fire and force. While her teammates were seared by the outer blast, Jane¡¯s form only rippled as she took in the people arranged outside, six silver-rankers where two of them didn¡¯t have a trace of cores in their auras, supported by a dozen bronze-rankers. While most seemed to be thugs and other more undisciplined scum, the coreless ones were definitely a league above, with the most obvious one being the man clad in conjured armor of flames who was winding up another steadily growing flail of pure destruction. ¡°Just stay right there, if you please,¡± came a dignified voice from within the closed, smoldering helmet. ¡°Got to sober up and make sure that my aim is on point this time.¡± ¡°Chia?¡± Lefoux asked from where he hid, now fully turned into his wolf-hybrid form. ¡°Dead. Ambush,¡± Jane answered as Sylphian Reprieve wore off and she materialized next to him. ¡°I have a distraction to give us a chance to get through. Two of them are the real problem, though.¡± ¡°We have to try. Two more below.¡± ¡°Understood. Howl of the Great Moon Pack!¡± Lefoux¡¯s chant was supported by their last member Derrik using his own illusions, and the pair of potent spells soon caused the scene to turn even more chaotic. A vivid, round full moon materialized above the carnage, spreading its pale light outward to blind and dazzle their foes, only to be followed by pale, spectral wolves appearing from every shadow cast by its luminescence. While they weren¡¯t true summons, only lasting a few seconds, their appearance was still enough to send most of the less disciplined thugs flinching back while directing attacks towards their assailants. Meanwhile, illusory copies of the three remaining team-members, complete with as many ripples in the air or similar hints of people moving while concealed by a stealth powers, started swarming out of the ruined building, further adding to the confusion as some attacks while most just fled for alleyways or rooftops. The two coreless silvers didn¡¯t flinch though, the man in the flaming armor just letting the emerging wolf sear itself on his flaming armor as he instead immediately stopped charging up his flail and discharged what power he had gathered towards the ruined building while simultaneously chanting a spell. ¡°A line drawn, the inferno beckons.¡± Walls of flames shot up all around the building even as the fulminating ball of force and flames was thrown toward its midst. What was left of the building was utterly annihilated, as was anything inside as the flame walls left no room to escape. ¡°I sense no life within,¡± the other coreless silver-ranker, a red-haired elf man with half his scalp shaved and instead covered in elaborate tattoos, said as he floated down from the sky to hover beside the man in the flaming armor. ¡°Adventurers sent here are probably both tricky and resourceful,¡± the armored man retorted, eyes scanning the crowds of distracted thugs where the bronze-rankers had to band together so as to not be seriously injured or even killed by the short-lived conjurations. ¡°Strike down the illusions and prepare a search. We-¡± he began, but suddenly turned and flung the ball of his flaming mace towards a nearby alley. The bronze-rankers who had been there while ¡®fighting¡¯ against the summoned wolves immediately dropped the act and shot out of sight with speed far eclipsing whatever they had been acting as. Jane could feel the heat behind her as flames billowed out into the alleyway, the power of Derrik¡¯s illusion still covering her. The illusions combined with that switch-teleport of his had been the straw they had grasped to give them a chance at escape, and Fortune seemed to have favored them. Her own cloaking power fell across them a moment later as the three remaining members of the first stealth team fled. Their first priority would be to go to ground, recover and assess whatever shift had occurred to have such an ambush be sprung upon them. ¡°And we have to be alert for when the tunnelers appear. Because this seems to have turned into something which we really do not want them to just stumble into without warning,¡± she thought bitterly as the trio swerved into another of the small gaps between the houses of Havenpeak. As things stood right now, the name seemed even more ironic. Jane did not think that they would find any kind of haven there in the hours to come.
¡°So, found yourself an appetizer?¡± Franz asked as he noted the size and voracity of Solomon Blaske¡¯s void sphere when their illustrious leader returned. Franz still wore his flaming armor, but was otherwise remaining at ease while he let the locals whip their own people into shape. ¡°I did. Quite tasty. She will last me a while,¡± Blaske responded with his usual smile even as he mentally felt the power stored in his orb now. ¡°The other three have at least one illusionist. Maybe more, given the numbers,¡± Franz added, gesturing to the chaos. ¡°Landon is attempting to track them, but from their escape, they are quite the skulkers.¡± ¡°Elusive little treats, huh?¡± Blaske said thoughtfully. ¡°At least we have enough people to properly start to corner them. We just have to be patient and methodical, as always. Have the other teams coordinate with Landon and the locals. This island is large enough for it to be unlikely that whatever contracts these adventurers are under is unlikely to be just the one group.¡± ¡°Of course. This isn¡¯t my first little sortie, Blaske.¡± Franz said haughtily. ¡°Feels like a long time ago since we were in their shoes now, doesn¡¯t it. But you have to admit that being on this side of things is way more fun. Or stimulating, as you would say,¡± Blaske said, as he turned towards the city, just imagining the little adventurers scurrying to find somewhere to hole up and regroup. ¡°We¡¯d better get to it, Franz. Send out the teams in pursuit. Got to earn our keep after all, so I can go back to my most charming company.¡±
¡°Ryker, we¡¯re through!¡± Christine called from up ahead. Kite didn¡¯t need to turn his head from the chittering bear-bug he was currently fending off at the rear of the group to see what she was indicating; a stone wall, definitely man-made, which sealed off part of the cavern ahead and above them. Using his staff to pin the monster in place while the arms of his mantle finished it with twin stabs trailing the darkness of Void-Sunders-Firmament, Kite gave the tunnels behind the group a final scan before hurrying up to join the rest where they were gathering. ¡°What are the defenses?¡± Ryker asked Christine and Mtanga where the pair was setting up a quick ritual to make most formations become visible in greater detail. The ones down there weren¡¯t that hidden though, and even Kite¡¯s magical perception could make out a decent amount of details. ¡°Can¡¯t be sure yet, but I think our guess paid off. Seems to be mostly concealing and repelling ones to keep the monsters away and disinterested,¡± Mtanga answered. ¡°Good enough. Emilio, bring the other teams over here. As we¡¯re later than expected, better to emerge together.¡± The blonde elf disappeared promptly, leaving the rest to look on in silence as Christine and Mtanga did their work. ¡°Teacher, what do you think we¡¯ll find up there?¡± Kite took the opportunity to ask as he stepped up next to Ryker. ¡°Hopefully, a calm and unaware city of smugglers who are in for a really bad time,¡± Ryker said, looking up at the ceiling as if he wanted to look through it. ¡°The members of any stealth team sent by Gauntlet are good at being discreet, but they¡¯ll definitely have plenty of distractions and the like planned or even performed by now. The more they can tell us of the layout and the more disarray they can give us, the better.¡± ¡°And¡­ if things haven''t gone according to plan?¡± Kite asked, trying to imagine the settlement above. If it was one thing that he had learned from his five months with the task group so far, it was that plans had a habit of becoming more like vague guidelines when their foes were people. ¡°Then we¡¯ll act according to the contingencies and use our judgment. Evaluate which goals, if any, are still achievable and take it from there. Or retreat. But as I said, we can hope that it won¡¯t be necessary.¡± ¡°May Warrior bolster our resolve, then,¡± Kite said, his chest tightening slightly as he tried to imagine what the next few hours would look like. ¡°And may Fortune bless us so that everything has gone as we hope.¡± 162. Maximum force ¡°Things¡­ don¡¯t seem to have gone as we hoped,¡± was Emilio¡¯s first statement when the elf appeared next to the rest of the group after a brief little excursion into the city above. ¡°Well?¡± Ryker prodded from where he stood pressed shoulder to shoulder with Rahnan, the elven leader of the other tunneling team. The other team joining up with them as they breached into the city proper gave a sense of security, raising their numbers from eight to fourteen. Except that this also meant that fourteen silver-rankers were cramped into the rather dusty and unkempt cellar on the other side of their breaching point. Only the fact that some, like Amica, could fly or otherwise elevate themselves to leave more space on the floor made it possible to fit them all while Mtanga and Christine repaired as much of the concealing and repelling arrays as possible so that stray monsters from below wouldn¡¯t wander up into the city at random. ¡°There seems to be a full-scale hunt of some kind goin on,¡± Emilio supplied, waving a wand in the general direction of the surface above the old plank floor above them. ¡°We¡¯ve breached into the bottom of a mill. All the chaos outside seems to have led to the normal rankers fleeing for their homes, as all I glimpsed outside were groups of essence-users searching the streets. Mostly bronzes and some irons, but that¡¯s probably just because the silvers are off doing something else.¡± ¡°Any sign of combat?¡± ¡°Not active, but things have definitely gone down in the last few hours. Even my short trip to the top of the mill showed at least six spots of more widespread destruction. If there were silvers fighting out there at this very moment, they were all doing it very quietly. And while I know that the two teams sent up here are capable of subtlety, expecting the same from whatever thugs and adventurer-rejects we find here isn¡¯t as likely.¡± ¡°The most important thing I heard in that was that the mill above was clear,¡± Rhanan, the other team leader, said with not a small dose of impatience bleeding into his scholarly voice. ¡°Flyers and the like, go up first. We¡¯ll follow and set up a plan of attack.¡± ¡°And retreat,¡± Ryker added as the adventurers started shuffling up towards the rough wooden hatch in the ceiling of the cellar as Amica¡¯s telekinesis opened it. ¡°Christine. Mtanga. How do you rate this as a potential point of escape should the need arise?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve left the breach itself open and the array should hold for now,¡± Mtanga supplied, his pearly white smile hidden behind the covering mask of his helmet. ¡°But the magical infrastructure is old and patched, enough so that we can probably just blast the ground hard enough to create an escape route as long as we¡¯re willing to contend with our ever-friendly monsters beneath us. But fair warning; too much violence might cause the whole array to start crumbling.¡± ¡°Then we should keep it at a minimum. Plenty of those down there are already berserking with nowhere to go. And you all know how long silvers last.¡± Kite also felt quite relieved as he got some more space to move around in, joining the rest of his group as they crept towards the edges of the hatched windows of the mill. The city atop Havenpeak matched the descriptions in the information folders; utilitarian buildings made from a combination of stone-shaping and brought-in wooden planks. The old fort remained the center of the small city, its blockish silhouette dominating the landscape. Even from his less lofty vantage, Kite could see the remains of the destruction which Emilio had been referring to. For a tense couple of minutes, the two gathered teams just stood in silence, taking in as much details as they possibly could before quickly compiling their observations to the team leaders. ¡°It would seem that our situation is quite complicated,¡± Ryker eventually said after he and Rahnan had spent some time conferring. ¡°The lack of crowds and moving normal rankers will make any attempts at blending in to move unfeasible. While retreat is an option, we have decided to make the attempt to at least localize the stealth teams which we can assume are still at large if the patrols are anything to go by.¡± ¡°How do we know that they are even alive and that the patrols aren¡¯t just to find the rest of us?¡± a woman from the other tunneling team asked; a twitchy-looking human who was idly playing with a length of some kind of conjured razor wire. In reply, Ryker reached into a dimensional bag and brought out a fistful of small stones, where seven out of eight still showed a tiny, glowing dot. ¡°We have copies of their tracking stones, although their stealth powers will probably render the directional guide unreliable at best. As you can see, they seem to have lost one member with an unknown number of people captured.¡± ¡°Capture does seem unlikely, at least in any numbers,¡± the other team leader added. ¡°I doubt they have the infrastructure to keep more than a scant few silvers contained. So far, this organization hasn¡¯t given hints of shipping slaves as part of their operations. Keeping even collared essence users needs plenty of infrastructure of its own.¡± While Ryker had kept his stern facade while delivering the news of the team member¡¯s death, the news still caused a ripple amongst the aura of all present, Kite included. Silver-rankers of the caliber of the task groups often had quite a bag of tricks to get out of tricky situations. This meant that someone had either gotten very unlucky, or their targets were more organized than they had been led to believe. ¡°As we said-¡± Ryker continued, his words breaking through the slight spiritual stir, ¡°- we have a preliminary plan of attack. The scout of each team will roam and search for clues of the stealth teams¡¯ locations, patterns of movement among our enemies or other hints of our original targets. My team will make our way into the city as quietly as possible to be ready to act on whatever information they can feed us, while Rahnan¡¯s team will start by securing our line of retreat while acting as reserve. They have two trap essences amongst them, and we will trust that they use them well. It¡¯s up to us to make the best we can of this mess, and to show these lowlifes that they have no idea what is going to come down on their heads.¡± Kite nodded along with the rest of the gathered members of the task group, the gravity of the situation clear to all. Not even Gray Sky had any complaints, all of the runic¡¯s snakes looking as alert as their essence user. And with that, little more needed to be said. Emilio gave each of those in the team a somber nod before he flickered away, appearing on a roof in the distance on silent feet while the other scout dissolved into sand, which then started forming into floating eyeballs. Kite immediately noted the similarity to Wander, but as the scout moved off it was obvious that the man¡¯s ability to spread out wasn¡¯t at the same level as the quirky woman. ¡°Wander would have been excellent to have along,¡± Kite thought wistfully while he donned a simple cloak along with the rest of his team. While the cloaks they had been provided were at least similar to the style usually worn on the island to ward off the ocean winds, no one had any hope that the simple attempt at disguise would hold up to more than the most casual of inspections. They saw Emilio wave them forward from a few rooftops away, and all thoughts of his friends back home were gently put at the back of Kite¡¯s mind as he followed the rest of the team, exiting the mill. Part of Kite wanted to run, staying close to the buildings and carefully peeking around any and all corners. But after his training in Gauntlet, he also knew better, following the brisk yet casual walking pace which Ryker set. While those in the know would probably recognize the odd group, most of the civilians and normal-rankers would probably not think it that out of the ordinary. Or at least be afraid enough of the imposing essence users to decide to mind their own business. ¡°At least the line of sight is limited,¡± Mtanga whispered under his breath as he walked next to Kite along the winding streets, the sharp turns and odd alleys a sure sign that the city had just sprung up rather organically as the smuggling operations had grown over past decades. Even so, the group had to hide in alleys or make sudden turns as Emilio signaled the proximity of incoming patrols. And as they got a bit closer to the fort, said patrols became all the more frequent. ¡°Fortune, may we find signs soon. Because I don¡¯t think that this will be sustainable for much longer,¡± Kite silently prayed as he stood guard while Ryker and Amica stacked the last of the bronze-rankers¡¯ corpses deep inside an alley before Christine used her stone-shaping to sink them down into the ground. As the patrol had happened upon them before the group had the time to heed Emilio¡¯s warnings, a swift, brutal attack had been their only recourse. Fortune had indeed already smiled at them, as the four surprised bronze-ranked thugs hadn¡¯t had the time to signal or otherwise make a sound. But if they had been more numerous it is likely that some would either have gotten away or the team would have been forced to use some of their less than subtle powers. Ryker had apparently had similar thoughts as Kite, because he gathered the team in the deeper shadows of the cramped alley. ¡°Emilio will scout ahead while we wait here for a while. Moving around seems to be less and less ideal. We-¡± he began, but fell silent as Emilio appeared next to them. The elf¡¯s eyes were sharp as he gestured for them all to hide, and within the second, the team of silvers had dived down behind barrels, crates and other debris. None of them peeked out, but in the reflections of a nearby puddle of water, Kite saw a distorted image of four people moving. While there was little detail to be had, he could make out that their forms were a lot more varied than the thugs and smugglers they had previously seen. ¡°Probably more exotic kinds of armor and equipment. Some kind of inner guard to the crime barons?¡± he thought as the sound of their distant conversation reached him. ¡°-you think that any one of us can really cash in the boss¡¯ challenge?¡± ¡°Nah, no way. You know him. But at least we have a chance here on the other side of the city. It wouldn''t surprise me if we find some adventurer rats skulking about either. The boss assumed that there would be another team out here somewhere. If we can flush them out, the rest will help us corner them. And then your share can let you pay back what you owe me-¡± ¡°Wait, did you see that?¡± ¡°Oh no, don¡¯t you go shifting the subject. I want my money, Trull.¡± ¡°There. Lightning!¡± As one of the four spoke, Kite saw an arm raised to point off in the distance. Then the crack of a thunderclap echoed along the streets, impossible to miss for any silver-ranker in the vicinity. ¡°Well shove me into the heidel-pen. Someone has found some rats. Come on! We¡¯d better get there before we miss our chance at the rewards!¡± The four reflections all moved off at once, half of them taking to the sky. In the relative silence that followed, all gazes turned to Ryker as the team emerged from their hiding spots. ¡°We follow them. Emilio, got a mark back at the mill?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Report that we¡¯ll engage and try to help our people get back towards them. Because we can only assume that¡¯s what they¡¯ve found. Expect your return to be straight into active combat,¡± their stern team leader said as the marks on his cloaks started glowing as it split into strands. ¡°The time for subtlety is over. Full speed ahead. Punch through any lower-rankers. Time to help our people.¡±
As the thunderclap echoed across the city, Solomon Blaske took a long swig of his drink while only glancing over at the bolts that followed. ¡°The two teams covering the south side must have found something,¡± Franz noted from beside him. As he was out of his flaming armor, the elf looked very much like a nobleman in his embroidered frock coat and fine jewelry. ¡°Well, I suppose that he technically is a nobleman, even though his family¡¯s name has been struck from the records of his homeland,¡± Blaske thought, sipping his drink again before speaking. ¡°Looks like it,¡± he said, continuing to lounge in the chair he had brought with him from his lodgings while surrounded by the burnt-out remains of the decoy house above the dimensional net. ¡°I take it that we shouldn¡¯t move out to assist?¡± Franz asked, an eyebrow raised. ¡°There¡¯s two teams over on that side of the city, with plenty more of our dear employers¡¯ little minions in tow. I¡¯m not sure what I¡¯m paying them for if they can¡¯t handle themselves. Keep a lookout as usual, though. If we¡¯re proven wrong, we should at least be ready to move out quickly. So keep that teleport of yours at the ready. But I have the nagging feeling that other little rats might want to move in and ruin our little dimensional cheese beneath us if we leave. And we can¡¯t have that now, can we?¡±
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Jane didn¡¯t even have time to curse as she whirled in between another pair of arcing strikes from the scything pendulums which screamed past her like a pair of severing meteors. Each of the heavy crescent blades was attached to a chain which in turn was wielded by a leonid man in hot pursuit of their group along with three of his companions. All of their true pursuers were silver rank; coreless essence users who had frustratingly enough been able to locate and flush the stealth team out of its hiding spot after only two hours. ¡°Some kind of mercenaries. Competent too. If careless,¡± Jane thought as she threw more of her Vortex Javelins while dodging to allow the remaining two of her team to get ahead. ¡°And those damn thugs,¡± she inwardly swore as she was forced to abort her fifth throw due to one of the locals coming in from the side and launching a small geyser of poison towards her. The core-user was far clumsier with her powers than Jane thought any silver-ranker with dignity should be, but even with less skill and discipline, the thugs were numerous. Not too many silvers amongst them, but enough bronzes to help corral and hamper the fleeing group. Seeing the signal from Derrik ahead of her, Jane turned and sped away while trailed by multiple ranged attacks of different kinds, the chained pendulums the most problematic of the bunch. However, she got a temporary reprieve as Derrik once more used one of his more potent illusions to turn the streets behind them into a confusing maze of bodies and warped reality with places of seeming inverted gravity. While it was but an illusion, Jane knew from experience that a mind thoroughly tricked would sometimes struggle to know the difference. Together with the others she blasted through a group of bronze-ranked thugs who tried to bar their way, accepting a few stinging attacks in favor of keeping their momentum. ¡°Good job with the distraction!¡± Lefoux called, his wolf-form trailing the blood of the thugs as several moon-like orbs detonated behind them. ¡°Agreed, but we need more of a lead if we¡¯re to go to ground again or make it out of the city,¡± Jane called out. She led them in a right turn and was looking for alleys to cut through in order to confuse their pursuers further when she felt something that caused her heart to chill with dread. ¡°More incoming!¡± The words had barely left Jane¡¯s mouth when a surge of blood shot towards them, the crimson mass lashing out with restraining tendrils. All three of the members of the stealth team managed to dodge, evade or confound the grasping pseudopods, but disaster struck when an elf in crimson, slick armor emerged from the mass of blood like a visceral cocoon hatching, her fluttering butterfly wings definitely helping the metaphor along. The woman swung a jagged, mean-looking sword into seemingly empty air, but the spray of blood and suddenly visible illusionist with a half-severed leg indicated that she had some power to help her detect even the invisible. ¡°My blade has marked you now, adventurer. There is no escape!¡± the woman called in triumph as three more of the assumed mercenaries were making their way down the street at a dead sprint; a second group added to the ones still finding their way through or around the illusions behind them. ¡°Eight of them,¡± Jane realized with a sinking feeling. ¡°And that¡¯s not even counting the thugs or the four who ambushed us at the dimensional net. Shit.¡± But even as she thought, she and Lefoux were already pouncing on the elven woman in their midst. They needed to minimize the damage and just keep their momentum. Find some time to cleanse any potential marks or whatever the woman had been referring to. Then- A wave of bone-cracking force tore through the air, with the elven woman returning to her liquid form just in time to avoid it as it instead struck the stealth teams. All three were sent tumbling and stunned along the streets for a dozen meters, Jane righting herself through her flight power to send what projectiles she could to hamper their pursuit even as two more groups of thugs were emerging from a nearby alley. ¡°And another behind the mercenaries,¡± she noted, her mind trying to fight the steady descent into despair that the situation wanted to drag her into. Another group of people, probably locals from the looks of their cloaks, had emerged from among the houses. As what tiny fragment of Jane¡¯s perception that could be spared amongst the incoming attacks noted the gleam of proper armor and weapons beneath said cloaks, it started to reevaluate, trying to fit the new added danger into the already bleak scenario. And when one of the four new mercenaries called something to the new arrivals with but a glance over his shoulder, her calculations went thoroughly into the realms of the hopeless. But when the one in the lead of the cloaked group gestured, all of the cloaks suddenly flying off the backs of their wielders and through the air of their own accord to wrap themselves around the four mercenaries, the calculating part of Jane¡¯s mind could only freeze in disbelief. A moment later, two people flashed into existence in front of the barely recovering stealth team. One of them was an elf in combat robes who twirled a pair of glowing wands before he started unleashing a barrage of blasts towards the bronze-ranked thugs, forcing them to scramble back into the alley from which they came. The other was a younger human man in heavier armor with dark hair kept up in a loose topknot, metallic tattoos lighting up across his face as four spectral arms materialized behind him along with three swirling vortices above him. He became a blur of activity, conjuring a pair of barriers to intercept a barrage of more potent attacks while the spectral arms started moving to project some kind of counterattacks which disrupted other incoming projectiles. They wielded mostly wavy-bladed short swords, but sometimes Jane could only see a blur while at other times a shimmering, chitinous shield would appear on one of his arms, its glow seeming to spread to his barriers. And on top of that, a small, very pretty fish would sometimes dart out from a container at his side to envelop a foe in a globe of restraining water, further hampering the assault of the thugs. ¡°Honored senior sister,¡± the younger man said, addressing Jane with a nod even as he directed his attention to intercepting incoming attacks and spells while the elf with the wands had disappeared again, flickering in and out amongst their foes. ¡°If you would please join me in making our way back towards my team, we can start working on how to move forward from there.¡± Having found her bearings, Jane stepped up to the defender - at least that¡¯s what she assumed he was - while Lefoux helped Derrik limp forward as he waited for the healing potion he had downed to work. Jane threw out what wind spells she could, but moderated her spending as the trio had spent quite a bit of mana during their escape. ¡°Lead the way. We¡¯ll-¡± Jane began, but was interrupted as another silver-ranker - one of the core-using thugs - came jumping off a nearby roof while swinging a conjured huge sword channeling an even bigger special attack of some kind. She made to evade, but the younger man stepped smoothly in front of her, and in the blink of an eye he made three counterattacks; One of his spectral arms flicked a strike towards the emanating projection of shuddering, blue force that was emitted from the blade while another did the same towards the conjured weapon itself. As for the third, it was the man himself who struck, a ringed staff appearing as a chiming arc. Seemingly all at once, both the spectacular attack and the conjured weapon crumpled inward on themselves with the sound of an ephemeral mirror cracking while the staff caught the very surprised jumping man in the side of the head. Instead of descending like a destructive meteor, the core-user was sent tumbling end over end down the street towards what turned out to be adventurer reinforcements now bearing down on the four mercenaries. ¡°Amica!¡± The young man called, and Jane sensed his own and another, notably stronger, aura crush the core-user¡¯s feeble spirit, and the tumbling man suddenly came to an abrupt halt in the air. He was dazedly trying to take in his new, upside-down perspective for a moment before he was once more jerked away with much more momentum, and Jane felt not a little amount of satisfaction as what could only be a telekinesis user started using the thug like a cudgel against his own allies. The younger man with the barriers once more turned to Jane, nodding politely. ¡°If senior sister doesn¡¯t mind, I recommend that we hurry. Because I suspect that these aren¡¯t your only pursuers.¡±
¡°Things have indeed not gone as we hoped,¡± Kite thought to himself as he protected the beleaguered remnants of the stealth team which they had finally reached. Emilio and Kite did their best to keep the core-using thugs at bay while the rest of the group tried to catch and overwhelm the four more powerful silver-rankers before enemy reinforcements could arrive, it was still a fair amount of projectiles and other attacks and spells which Kite had to contend with. Had it been hapless civilians or lower-rankers he was escorting, he already knew that he might have been on the verge of failure, but the silver-rankers of the stealth team made his task manageable. And as his latest, Fortune-given addition to his arsenal caused yet another burst of multi-colored bolts to burst from one of his barriers, Kite was once more grateful for the chance opportunity in the woods beneath Starberry peak so long ago, and the awakening stone which had given him his looting power.
WWJS: Targe of the Mirror-Swarm Shield Silver rank - Rare [Effect] - When intercepting an attack charged with magic, such as a spell or special attack, this shield unleashes a salvo of retributive damage in the shape of many small seeking projectiles. THe number of projectiles scales with the amount of mana spent on the blocked attack up to a certain threshold, with additional effectiveness when blocking attacks mostly consisting of magical energies. [Effect] - The retributive effect is also shared with other shields and barriers conjured by the wielder.
Kite¡¯s looting power had been rather quiet during the months of training in the mirage chamber, and only occasionally producing items when facing the less numerous essence-users of the contracts he joined as part of the evaluation for the task-group. But as the team had to fight their way up through the interior of the island and its plethora of insectoid monsters, the power had once more paid dividends, and something surprisingly useful as well. Ever since ranking up, Kite had missed his shield from bronze-rank, but hadn¡¯t really found a replacement which meshed with his path. The one he was now currently wielding had brought an end to the wait, a round targe made from what seemed like black chitin shimmering with oily rainbow colors. That effect spread to his barriers as well, and a trio of opportunistic bronze-rankers were once more blasted back as their attempted flanking spells were returned as small, seeking projectiles of similar multi-colored light as the shield¡¯s surface; like a small swarm of shimmering fireflies. ¡°While it might not be the peak of power, one shall never turn one¡¯s nose towards a heaven-sent boon,¡± Kite thought happily as the item further lessened the pressure on him. The shield would probably not be a boon companion until the end of silver rank, but was synergistic enough that he wanted to see if Peony could use it as the base for something even more potent in the future. While the retributive damage wasn¡¯t overly high, everything counted, especially as it was an addition to Kite already doing what he wanted. As Kite and his wards started drawing nearer to where Ryker and the rest of the team was laying into the four mercenaries who made a staunch but quick fighting retreat, Emilio appeared close to them as well. ¡°Ryker. More of them incoming. Finish what you can, because we need to move!¡± the elf called, following his own example as he became a blur of motion and glowing lines. When his time-manipulating power ended, a storm of wand projectiles previously held suspended in the bubble of separate time were all discharged at once, mowing down three more bronze-rankers and injuring one of the silver-ranked thugs enough for the woman to dive for cover. Fortunately, the four mercenaries were already trying to get away from the numerical superiority of the adventurers when Ryker and the others pushed further, the situation thoroughly descended into something of a race to see if the team from Gauntlet could do enough damage before proper reinforcements caught up. And unfortunately for the mercenaries, the team had a few prepared tricks up their sleeve. Ryker had his cloth twine together into two thick ropes before slamming both lengths downward. He kept the descending, crushing special attacks far enough apart to encourage his foes to shift their position so as to step into the space between them. Out of the four mercenaries, three fell into the trap as only an elven woman in slick crimson armor used her blood powers to shift out of the way. The others instead found themselves bundled together, defensive powers of different kinds absorbing the magical shockwaves each of Ryker¡¯s heavy attacks projected outwards. That damage was only secondary, however, as Ryker¡¯s use of that particular move was the opening shot of something which the team had practiced many times. ¡°Wall!¡± ¡°Nest of the god-viper!¡± ¡°Open the maw of desolation!¡± ¡°Glean the uncountable geodes!¡± Kite¡¯s force walls appeared around the now clumped up trio of mercenaries, boxing them in while leaving only one side open; the one facing the rest of the teams. The three mercs had to activate all their defenses available, as some of the team''s more potent area spells followed shortly afterwards. Glowing snakes sprung from the ground to entangle and bite into all three of them while volatile crystals appeared and detonated in the semi-enclosed space, but this all paled in comparison to the ashen maw that appeared above Sztyka. The channeled spell had the mercenaries¡¯ shouting calls to each other shift into screams of terror as the damage started mounting, their bodies starting to wither away at an alarming rate even for a silver-ranker. As more attacks from Ryker and Mtanga were inbound as well, it became what truly tipped the scales. Two of the mercenaries attempted to use what was no doubt their more potent powers to get away, one vanishing in a cloud of darkness before Kite could shift the attention of his vortices to the man. The other instead attempted to phase through the barrier, turning ethereal and slipping out of the restraining snakes only to find himself wound up in cloth tendrils carrying glowing blue sigils which threw the man back into the center of the force cage as if his body was as corporeal as they came. ¡°They¡¯re here!¡± the woman leading the beleaguered stealth team shouted next to Kite, and through his expanded vision he saw a pair of heavy, scything blades and their connecting chains tear a house further down the cobbled street into splinters to create a shortcut, accompanied by more auras closing in. The wielder of the bladed chains, a heavyset leonid with golden fur, emerged from the still falling debris just a moment later, leaving the cobblestones beneath him cracked from landing. His snarl of fury was just turning to a roar as he gestured towards them with one of the heavy blades, the other already being wound up into a swing behind him. ¡°Faster! But save the annoying fucking illusionist. I¡¯ll eat him myself for tha-¡± His words had been working themselves up to a proper roar, but it died in his throat as he actually took in the scene before him while the other mercenaries and thugs started to pile in behind him. Because while two of the four mercenaries in the force cage had escaped, the other two had not, and the leonid was the only one quick enough on the scene to see the last dust of what used to be their bodies swallowed by the ashen maw above Sztyka¡¯s head. And while being silver-rank didn¡¯t make you smarter per se, it made your mind work very quickly, taking the leonid only a moment to get a proper head count of their foes. Eleven silver-rankers were spread out over the street before him, all of their auras firm, disciplined and out for blood. Ryker, with enchanted cloth already winding itself around his limbs once more, readying himself for the charge. Mtanga and Christine, the stone-armored elf covered in glowing crystals and the archer¡¯s arrow already aglow with faint wisps of light. Sztyka invoked Justice¡¯s name as claws of dust formed around her, Gray Sky rising up on his snake tail with eyes radiating cold death and Emilio flickering off to the side, wands twirling and the gleam of the hunt in his eyes. And finally, Amica and Kite, where the latter stood still with tattoos aglow, his stance tranquil as three vortices floated above him and four spectral arms grasped for weapons hidden in the void. Behind him, Amica floated like a living calamity, more and more of the rubble sweeping up into a great maelstrom that covered the whole width of the street. The trio that was the stealth team were the only ones who looked spent and exhausted, but even so their determination was clear, javelins held high, claws twitching in anticipation and the flickering light of spells at their fingertips. The leonid took one look at what was arrayed before him, and his previous demeanor crumpled as he turned on the spot, making good speed in the other direction while calling over his shoulder; ¡°Shit! Go- back off! Fall back! Report to the boss! You two, cover us! Maximum force!¡± 163. From wildly uncertain to actually doable ¡°Shit! Go- back off! Fall back! Report to the boss! You two, cover us! Maximum force!¡± The Gauntlet teams had just started to send out some of their ranged attacks towards the new arrivals, but most fell short as their targets changed momentum. Three of the mercenaries, with the chain-wielding leonid taking the lead, retreated more orderly while the less disciplined thugs started scrambling to change direction. But from the way that two of the non-core users were gathering mana while they too started backing off, it was clear that they were up to something. That something was soon revealed as three houses worth of nearby rubble formed up into a huge, towering stone arm, lightning crackling between the floating pieces of rock and rapidly charring wood. What should have been a fist was just a more solid lump of floating debris, and the silver-ranked spell was already descending in the direction of the adventurers as it was forming. At the same time, a dark iron sphere appeared in the air above the street, and chunks of it started being ripped away before launching themselves towards the adventurers below in the shape of spikes long as an adult¡¯s arm. After the spikes lodged themselves into the street as the volley was trailing towards the Gauntlet team, they detonated in a burst of force and shrapnel which sent cobbles flying. None of the adventurers felt the need to point out the obvious need to fall back and get out of the way of the attacks; powerful but slow by silver-rank standards. Kite saw Ryker giving him a nod from behind, the team leader knowing that he would see it, and sprung into action to cover their retreat. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power! Void!¡± Ripple of Cancellation spread out across the stretch of street between the adventurers and the hostile locals, swallowing spells and projectiles like a zone of absolute calm spreading across the surface of a turbulent pond. Most importantly, it swallowed most of the exploding metal spikes fired from the orb floating at the height of the rooftops - or rather - former rooftops as the nearby houses were steadily torn asunder from the barrage of essence powers. But effective as it might be, the dispelling wave was not enough to completely disrupt the orb itself or the descending fist of stone and lightning as it had to contend with the barrage from the thugs as well. Hence, the second line of defense for the adventurers appeared in the ripple¡¯s wake, and the darkness of Gate of Nihility covered almost the whole street, its edges aglow with the additional potency added from Potential of Stolen Power. From the other side, the retreating adventurer¡¯s could only see the fist descending before it disappeared from view along with the other projectiles and the like which were drawn into the void. Kite felt the impact through his connection to the power, all of his reserves restored and his mana even rising above its usual maximum. Using the charged version of the gate was always a nice way to top himself off without using Immortality, and the sheer quantity of spells and attacks took the effect to the next level. But it looked like even Gate of Nihility wouldn¡¯t be enough this time, as the edges of the aperture started shuddering before destabilizing after two, intense seconds of the fist clashing with the dark void. Seeing that it had brought the adventurers the seconds needed to get clear, Kite didn¡¯t fight it, which meant that the fist of stone and lightning broke through a moment later only for its sole target to be the innocent streets below. As the one closest to the impact, Kite would have been thrown off his feet by the thunderclap that followed had it not been for Unyielding, and cobbles, gravel, soil and other debris showered the whole neighborhood and reduced visibility to next to nothing. Rejoining the others, Kite could only see the flickering lightning of the giant arm wink out, the rest of its form obscured. For a few seconds, the street was actually silent except for the clattering of stones falling, but that was soon broken by some more haphazard projectiles thrown their way by some of the more wasteful thugs. But their passing did help clear the air faster, revealing that the descending, spectacular attack had done a lot more than just forcing the adventurers to back off a bit and buy time for the mercenaries to retreat and find backup. To say that the street was gone was an understatement, as dozens of meters worth of cobble, soil and stone foundations had been transformed to a vast crater. ¡°No, not a crater,¡± Kite corrected himself. ¡°A hole.¡± As the dust cleared enough, it was clear that the strike had blown away enough of the surface to punch through into the caves beneath, the sparking, failing remnants of the protective arrays already fading from view. The arrays which kept the attention of the monsters down there elsewhere. ¡°You know I said that enough damage could risk the whole defensive array starting to collapse?¡± Christine asked as she threw a glance at the newly made pit covering most of the street. ¡°I think that¡¯s probably enough to do it.¡± As if to prove the elf right, a buzzing sound broke through the din of combat starting up again, before a beetle-like monster with a thorned, crystal carapace rose from the hole, its four antennae flailing around in wild agitation. Its appearance caused some of the thugs to start to run, but they were soon gathered up by more experienced members as part of the spells were redirected towards the insectoid monster in short order. And while there was no tide of monsters following in its wake, Kite could definitely feel more than a few additional bronze and silver monsters working their way towards the new hole in the surface. ¡°Continue the retreat. Hopefully we can use this as enough of a distraction to get the stealth team back to the others,¡± Ryker said, turning to the woman leading said team. ¡°We have a lightly fortified position to fall back to and a healer waiting there. A mill in the southern side. If my team members are correct in their assessment, the locals here will either have to plug that hole really quickly or the array collapse will spread. There were enough monsters in the berserk stage or close enough down there for this to become quite the headache for everyone on this island if that happens.¡± ¡°Are we getting out then?¡± the other team leader said, joining Ryker and the rest as they started to move away at the highest speed they could, throwing subtlety to the wind as they rushed down the streets with Emilio back to his scouting ahead. ¡°We¡¯ll coordinate with the others and make a decision as to what is doable. Hopefully they will have located the other stealth team as well.¡± As Kite listened, part of him still winced at the thought that their focus would have to remain on their contract or getting out of there even though there might be more monsters on their way to start getting up and into the city. The majority of his adventuring life had been centered around protecting civilians from such monsters, but the contracts from Gauntlet had a different focus. While the Task Group would step in when possible, trying to organize some kind of evacuation in a city full of hostiles and unknown mercenaries would just be folly. Kite just hoped that whatever passed for leadership in Havenpeak at least had some contingencies planned, or the next few hours would become bloodier still.
¡°So, more of them? And not just sneaking rats either? Interesting,¡± Solomon Blaske muttered, smile widening as Kursk, a leonid member of one of Doomstrike¡¯s teams, had finished his quick report of their chase, encounter and subsequent retreat. Blaske had understood as much when he had spotted some of the more potent powers of his underlings being unleashed simultaneously, but preferred to know a bit more of what he was stepping into and had therefore waited for the report. ¡°Always best to have someone else bleed for the information. Ah, the perks of being at the top,¡± he inwardly mused while reaching up to clap a hand on the leonid¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Thanks Kursk. Now we know a bit more and can plan accordingly.¡± ¡°Boss, from what I saw, they killed two of ours,¡± Kursk growled. ¡°Please say that we can return in kind.¡± ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry Kursk. In fact, why don¡¯t you and yours go and round up the remnants of team three and get back here.¡± ¡°But, boss, what if they have time to escape?¡± In response, Blaske just gave the man a wide smile, patting his shoulder again. ¡°If they had an easy means to do so, then they have either already used it and are gone, or they are waiting for something? To rescue more of their little rats maybe? Or maybe they still hope to complete whatever they came for? Adventurers can be proud and tenacious, as you know. But those you described were more a strike team rather than a stealthy one. That means that they probably have a little hole somewhere. Something at least vaguely defensible.¡± He started pacing back and forth, making an exaggerated show of being in deep thought. ¡°With the insides of this place seeming to be boiling over worse than a hive of berserker ants, their movements are probably more limited. Ours too, of course, but with our little locals here we still have quite the advantage. And, speaking of locals, the monsters are probably why dear Ludvilla over there is storming over so furiously. Isn¡¯t she just grand? Pure, living proof that aging with dignity really is a thing. All that strict, matronly goodness with the vitality of a silver-ranker¡­ This might just have awakened something in me,¡± Solomon Blaske finished while turning to the incoming baroness of Havenpeak, having spoken loud enough that there were no doubts that Ludvilla had heard him. ¡°Blaske!¡± the woman shouted, outpacing her little entourage of two silvers and a couple of bronze-rankers. ¡°What have you done! Is that what you people call limiting collateral damage? That fist of lightning and stone was visible from anywhere in the city. The arrays are crumbling faster than we can repair them!¡± ¡°Well, it seems that I must go and be a leader, representative and all that,¡± Blaske said to Kursk with an exaggerated tone of exasperation, ignoring the incoming, fuming elf. ¡°Go do as I told you while I handle things here. When we know more, I¡¯ll even join you myself as we go in to gobble them up.¡±
¡°Interesting how what was a mere shelter only an hour ago now feels like a small fortress,¡± Kite thought as he was resting against the wall of the old mill where the teams from Gauntlet had broken through. While the building ostensibly looked no different from the outside, the insides were absolutely covered in magical formations which would turn the ordinary stone into something far more durable, at least for a while, and the streets, alleys and even rooftops outside were gradually being covered in a widening net of magical traps. ¡°Fortune be praised that we did not surface in the middle of a residential area,¡± Amica murmured from where she stood next to another window. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have wanted any normal-rankers to stumble into this place now.¡± While not entirely unpopulated, making sure that what few ordinary people lived nearby went elsewhere hadn¡¯t been too challenging. The workers had no way of discerning the difference between the normal core-using auras of the thugs and the controlled discipline of the adventurers, so all it had taken was a decent disguise, gruff demeanor and some show of magical force. ¡°Fortune be praised indeed,¡± Kite agreed before nodding towards the privacy screen in which Ryker, Rhanan and Jane, the leader of the rescued stealth team, were conversing. ¡°But the question is where we go from here. From their gestures, they don¡¯t seem to be in agreement.¡± ¡°As long as they decide on something sooner rather than later, I¡¯m all good. Because this place will be found out sooner rather than later. I don¡¯t know too much about formations, but given how quickly they had to set this place up, I doubt that they could hide it very well. Some of the enemies seemed competent, so it probably won¡¯t be long before-¡± Her words were interrupted by a trickle of sand entering through the door, swirling and gathering steadily as it crossed the floor. The scout from the other tunneling team assumed his humanoid form, stopping just outside the privacy screen and was soon waved inside. Whatever he was saying changed the dynamic of the conversation inside, and soon all three of the present team leaders were nodding along with varying degrees of hesitancy. ¡°It would seem that we are about to find out,¡± Kite said as he and Amica joined the other team members present as they gathered, none having missed the shift in demeanor of the trio that surely meant that a plan had been agreed upon. The privacy screen had barely dropped before Ryker spoke up, his gruff voice carrying the decisiveness Kite had come to recognize with the man not necessarily liking what he was about to say, but would do it anyway. ¡°We have agreed on a plan going forward,¡± the human said, speaking without preamble. ¡°So far, it seems like the arrays continue to fail across the city, and our scouts report multiple breaches where monsters are making their way through. While this might seem as a perfect distraction to get away, even a cursory reconnaissance of the caves below tells us that we would have to swim against the metaphorical stream to do so, the stream being alive and very much out to kill us.¡± ¡°But surely we do not mean to retreat? Gray Sky has barely been able to get a proper feel of our opponents. Surely we can still accomplish what we came here for and win honor?¡± the runic said, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. And while that had led to contention in the past, at least it seemed that he and the team leaders were in agreement this time. ¡°We have just received information that turned our prospects from wildly uncertain to actually doable. With some risk, of course, but that shouldn¡¯t come as a surprise. It seems like the other stealth team is still out there and has so far managed to remain undetected. Dirk here- ¡°Ryker said, gesturing to the other scout, ¡°- has established contact. Their presence and status opens up some options, and this is the plan we have decided upon.¡± This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. As Ryker and the other team leaders explained, Kite could feel the mood shift among the gathered members of Gauntlet. While there was some reticence and hesitation detectable in either aura or body language, most seemed to feel like he did; determined. As the delegation of tasks and contingencies was finalized, Ryker looked to each and all of them. ¡°You know what to do then. As always, use your best judgment. Some things were left vague and up to you for a reason. Otherwise, we move out. We all have preparations to make, after all. In a few hours, we might even be done with this place.¡±
¡°What do you mean that we just lost another warehouse?¡± Micola Darntvang did her best to keep her voice steady and carefully not look at the other silver-ranker in the room. Franz might have the air of a gentleman where he sat sipping his tea, but Micola didn¡¯t trust that one bit. He was a part of Doomstrike, after all. And as he was a part of said group, she didn¡¯t want to antagonize him as her early silver rank reached solely through cores would not hold up to an experienced warrior of his caliber. But the news she had just received did make her question their competence. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± one of Micola¡¯s subordinates said. ¡°Number twenty one. Went up in flames just a few minutes ago.¡± Micola glanced out the window to see if she could spot the incident, but quickly thought better of it. With both adventurers and monsters on the loose in their city, there was plenty of smoke, dust and debris to go about. Her mind idly playing with the idea to just grab whatever wealth she had already stashed in her bags and run for it, Micola instead turned to the seated mercenary. ¡°Would it at all be possible for you to share how Doomstrike will deal with this? We are paying you a substantial amount for removing this problem, and from all that smoke outside, I don¡¯t see much removal going on.¡± At her words, the elf froze with his cup halfway to his lips, before setting it back down onto the table. ¡°Ms. Darntvang, I would assume that our illustrious leader gave you his usual little speech when you came to him requiring our services? The one usually ending with him requesting patience?¡± ¡°Yes, but-¡± ¡°This is the part he¡¯s referring to,¡± Franz said pointedly. ¡°This city is just big enough for it to take more than just an hour to find adventurers who don''t want to be found, which is further aggravated by the little sentient, clawed distractions that keep popping up.¡± ¡°But that hour is apparently enough time for them to sabotage even more of our business. Had we not used the secure warehouse for the actual important stuff, we would already be ruined.¡± ¡°That, Ms. Darntvang, is not our problem. You paid us to hunt adventurers. We¡¯ll hunt adventurers. I don¡¯t think that Solomon would accept any contract to put us on guard duty no matter how much you paid. Not enough fun and excitement for his tastes. But your little warehouse here is another piece of the puzzle. We already have people trying to trace them back to their little hidey-hole,¡± the elf said, looking at a map in front of him before crossing off a building. ¡°This last one might even have been just what we needed.¡± Looking to where Franz was indicating, Micola frowned. The map had plenty of markers indicating ruined buildings or other types of damage, but it was all just a jumble. Seeing her confusion, Franz elaborated. ¡°See the pattern here? Assuming that none of these are just collateral damage from the monsters, this final piece indicates where they want our attention to be. Which instead makes it rather likely that we should take our search away from that direction. They want to keep us reactive and guessing while they are either making preparations to do what they came for or to facilitate their escape. From everything we¡¯ve seen so far, they have one stealth team, so that can make things rather confounding. But if you¡¯re just patient enough, the pattern will emerge. So from all of this, we should narrow our search to this region,¡± Franz concluded, circling what to Micola seemed to be an arbitrary segment of the map. ¡°And why not there?¡± she couldn¡¯t help but ask, indicating a wider, clear area. ¡°Ah, but those are some of the most packed residential areas, Ms.Darntvang. Adventurers are often rather fond of their image as the protectors of the people, so hiding amongst the normal-rankers is only rarely done as any battles will greatly increase the number of normal-ranked casualties. That compassion makes them fallible, as they throw away such a valid strategy while leaving it open for us, so we in Doomstrike are rather grateful for it, actually.¡± Micola did her best to keep her aura under strict control and not let any of her revulsion for the man¡¯s complete disregard for the lives of normal rankers show. She knew she wasn¡¯t a moral woman by the standards of polite society, but she did care for the people of Havenpeak as a whole. If they weren¡¯t thriving, neither would their business after all. But as Franz looked at her with an amused gleam in his eyes and a patient smile that carried a bit of an edge, Micola knew that she had failed. ¡°Do you think me immoral, Mr. Darntvang? A monster? Such grand opinions from someone in your position. I must admit that I¡¯m a bit disappointed. But fortunately enough, I have risen above and beyond needing to care about your concerns. That¡¯s the whole point of power, no? To get what you want, and to not care what those beneath you wants or needs? To choose when to put yourself within the rules of society, and when to discard them. At least that is my take on it.¡± The look in Franz¡¯s eyes hardened a bit to something dangerous and intense as he spoke, and Micola was almost considering fleeing when he finished. ¡°So be glad that I have chosen to bind myself under contract along with my fellows for now, Ms.Darntvang. Because otherwise, I might have chosen to take offense.¡± With those words, the elf rose in one graceful motion, stowed the map and gave Micola a polite nod, once more the very image of civility as he left her office. ¡°I will deliver my findings to Solomon now. Good day, Ms. Darntvang.¡±
With a flick of his wrist Kite once more touched the conjured mace of his opponent, shattering it into motes of mana which scattered in the wind while another pair of mana-draining attacks stabbed into the man¡¯s torso. While they barely penetrated the heavy armor of Kite¡¯s foe, it was still enough for Chakra Implosion to take effect. ¡°You fu- hnngg,¡± were the only sounds that the mercenary managed to get out before the stunning effect took effect, interrupting another tirade of no doubt innovative curses if what he had said so far was to go by. But Kite did emphathize, as it was the fifth time during the chase that he had dispelled that particular conjuration after Amica had ripped the man¡¯s reserve weapon from his hands and flung it only gods knew where. Speaking of the telekineticist, Kite felt her aura swooping low over the building, and quickly left his stunned opponent standing in the street as he ducked off behind a corner instead. And not a moment too soon, too. The mercenary had just shaken off the brief stun when a nearby stone wall exploded as something, or rather someone, was used as a battering ram. The silver-ranked woman Amica was flinging around had armor of stone which crackled with lightning, but even that had begun to crumble, proving that the wall she had just been pushed through was not her first. A moment later, her enforced flight ended as she was violently flung into her colleague. From the looks of her twitching, Amica¡¯s telekinesis was about to lose its hold so the floating woman made a ripping gesture with both her hands, causing the mercenary to scream, sprays of blood flowing out from the cracked parts of her armor. One of Amica¡¯s special attacks was a powerful instance of rending damage she could use on telekinetically grabbed foes, but the burst of force would also end the power¡¯s invisible grip. But as another of the mercenaries appeared on a nearby roof to unleash a powerful crossbow bolt that moved so fast that its glowing tip turned it into a streak of light, the pair knew that it was high time to continue their retreat. The point was further driven home as said bolt punched through both barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding and lodged itself into Kite¡¯s chest, the stones below his feet cracking as Unyielding kept him on his feet. Noticing a nearby iron bar zooming towards him seemingly of its own volition, Kite reached out with one hand to grab it and was carried backwards along the streets of Havenpeak by Amica¡¯s telekinesis while the rest of his arms sent projected attacks towards their pursuers. While the one on the roof pursued, sending another bolt after the retreating pair, the pair sprawled on the street had just regained their feet as well, even if the woman in the crackling stone armor clearly had one arm twisted in what looked like a supremely painful angle. ¡°They keep hesitating, just like before,¡± Amica murmured where she floated next to Kite, soft enough so that only he would hear her while she was simultaneously throwing parts of nearby building towards the crossbowman, while using her telekinesis to redirect what bolts she could. Weaker projectiles were often flung back towards their foes, but the bolts and other things with lots of force were often beyond Amica¡¯s power to just grab and manipulate as she pleased. ¡°Then we¡¯re convincing enough. Just a little bit longer,¡± Kite murmured in return, wincing as the bolt in his chest chafed against his insides. Sensing his discomfort, Amica noted the bolt. ¡°Oh, hold on, I¡¯ll get that.¡± Before Kite could protest, she used her powers to yank it out of his chest. Trailing a bit of his blood, the projectile was spun to face to their left and shot away in an instant, hitting the leading bronze-ranked thug of a group which had just turned the corner of a side street nearby. ¡°There are two silvers in that patrol. Core-users, but along with the mercs they¡¯ll mean trouble. I¡¯m glad we''re soon there,¡± Amica noted as she hauled Kite around a nearby corner. While temporarily out of sight of their pursuers, she sped up further which forced Kite to grab the iron bar with both hands as it started to bend from the acceleration. A few seconds later, their pursuers were back on their heels, and the chase continued. Even the woman with the stone armor was back, ignoring her limp arm as she was currently in hot pursuit while standing atop a floating stone hand made from floating rocks and lightning, the mace-wielder riding along with her. Kite had already recognized the visual theme compared to the gigantic arm which demolished the street during their rescue of the stealth team, but at least this conjuration was smaller and more mobility-based. ¡°And, of course, a conjuration,¡± Kite though, unable to hold his smile back as he called to Amica. ¡°The hand will depart soon. Ready?¡± ¡°Oh yes!¡± ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± While Kite¡¯s dispelling wave had been too weakened to disperse the grand spell last time, it proved adequate to the less spectacular task at hand. In but a moment, the two mercenaries found themselves airborne when the floating stone hand dissolved beneath them. Then, still carried straight ahead by their momentum, Amica thrust out her palm towards them. A shimmering wall of force crashed into them from the opposite direction, and that sudden reversal of momentum looked particularly painful as the pair was sent flying down the street. ¡°Good one. And we¡¯re here!¡± Amica said, turning onto a side-street leading to a dead end in the shape of a warehouse wall. Kite let go of the metal rod and both gave a show of preparing themselves to climb, or respectively float, over the back wall just as the first of their pursuers turned the corner. More spells flew their way, and both Kite and Amica started defending and deflecting the projectiles, backing up towards the wall. Amica tried to lift them both over the roadblock, but each such attempt seemed to get an even more powerful response from the silver-rankers pursuing them, frustration clear in the auras of most of them. ¡°Incoming. On the roof,¡± Amica whispered, her more potent aura catching the crossbowman¡¯s approach just before he appeared in a vaulting jump and fired down towards them. As Kite and Amica deflected it through combined powers, they ignored the rest of the pursuit streaming into the street. Instead, both focused to deliver a spike of aura suppression to the still airborne crossbowman, just enough for Amica to grab a temporary telekinetic hold to throw him straight down towards the street. Kite could see her mana flaring as she boosted her telekinetic strength, her power fighting some kind of slow-fall power of the man. ¡°Close enough! Now!¡± Kite called a second later, their pursuers almost upon them. And a moment later, the snap of fingers echoed out across the alleyway with crisp clarity. Several rune traps lit up beneath the street before detonating in violent explosions. None of the silver-rankers were without their defenses, but rune traps were quite potent, leaving their foes both injured and staggering as tethers made from mystical sigils followed the detonations. The three mercenaries managed to blast and smash their way through the incoming restraints, accepting the detonations of force in order to avoid being immobilized, but the two core-users were just a tad too slow. Lengths of cloth, their edges gleaming with magical sharpness, shot out through the wall of the ¡®dead end¡¯, the illusion crumbling as even more attacks broke through. Silver-rankers were, as always, durable. But being almost immobilized and already injured left the trapped pair at the mercy of the attacks from the ambushing members of the task group. And mercy turned out to be in short supply that day. While the core-users died, even more attacks were barreling toward the three mercenaries who had gathered at the end of the streets. The trio fought off the attacks as best they could, but the woman in the stone armor took yet another step back, leaving her two colleagues to ward off the attacks while she yanked some kind of tube-like device from a dimensional pouch. ¡°Signal!¡± Was all Kite had the time to call before Amica was already acting. A spike of aura followed by a twitch of telekinetic force ripped what Kite suspected to be a flare from the hand of the mercenary, and Amica was just about to grab it telekinetically when the crossbowman fired a powerful shot straight towards her, carrying some kind of special attack which forced her to direct all attention during that split second to redirect the bolt. And for a silver-ranker, that split second was enough. The crossbowman¡¯s hand lashed out like a striking snake, grabbing the flare and channeling just enough mana into it before Kite¡¯s projected attack hit his arm. The flare was sent tumbling through the air again, but the damage was already done. Beams of light were shot toward the sky, followed by brightly growing orbs, impossible to miss even in the daylight. Seeing the light show, Kite threw his most venerated god a quick, silent prayer even as he switched to his defensive role, intercepting what attacks he could while the signal grew stronger in the sky above, screaming their location to the whole island. ¡°Plans are enacted and the pieces have been moved. Fortune, carry us through this trial, and may our preparations turn out to be enough.¡±
¡°See? See! I told you they would find them eventually. Franz is really good at this kind of thing,¡± Solomon Blaske told Ludvilla where he stood, one arm pointing out over the city while the other was casually thrown across the shoulders of the older elf who stood beside him. Ludvilla tried keeping her composure, but all that amounted to was her standing still like a statue. Blaske was almost disappointed, as her angry fervor from before had been much more tantalizing. ¡°Good job, Franz! You had the right idea in reversing tactics while triangulating their location,¡± he continued, giving the elf a mock salute. ¡°We saved both time and people here. According to the others, those guerilla attacks were so annoying. But one team seems to have been tenacious enough to follow them back to their little hideout.¡± He reluctantly removed his arm from the shoulders of the elf beside him, giving her his best, widest smile. ¡°While your company was most exciting, dear employer, it does seem like it''s time to earn my keep. My friends always fight the best when I¡¯m there in person to set an example, after all. But please try and work up some of that indignation again for when I return. I have been a very naughty boy, after all, haven¡¯t I?¡± Seeing as he got no more response from the woman than a horrified stare, Blaske sighed as he stepped up to Franz and the others. ¡°Overshared, did I? Oh well, live and learn.¡± He looked to the elf man, now clad in his conjured, flaming armor. ¡°Take it away, Franz. Make us appear in style!¡± Then, in a pillar of fire, the group was teleported away, leaving a baroness of the underworld stricken and speechless in their wake. Because when they knew where to go and their enemies backs were up against the wall, Doomstrike would, as always, move in force. 164. That would also do As he downed the stamina potion, Kite missed the comfortable warmth of auntie Dove¡¯s stamina restoring pills. Even though this was one of the more expensive potions with actual decent taste, it just wasn¡¯t the same. ¡°Of all the times for homesickness to rear its head,¡± he inwardly mused before turning his attention back to what Ryker was saying. After the flare was deployed by the mercenaries, Kite and Amica had withdrawn to the back of the adventurer ambush to try and find what little time they could to recover, because even with monsters creeping up into the city they were sure that there would be quite the response to their location being marked like that. ¡°-and us downing two of their silvers, even if they were core-users, is a step in the right direction. Expect things to get a lot more messy and spread out when their reinforcements start arriving,¡± Ryker said while keeping an eye on the other adventurers driving off an injured trio of silver-ranked mercenaries. Kite could see opportunistic attacks from their side hoping to catch one of the enemies off-guard, but had to give it to the mercs; they had pivoted into an ordered retreat quickly once the situation turned on them, using some of their more potent defenses to disengage. ¡°You know your roles and where to fall back and switch when needed?¡± Ryker asked the two, receiving nods in response. ¡°Good. We-¡± Ryker¡¯s words were interrupted, however, as a pillar of flame descended from the sky. If it was an attack, it was either aimed badly or had different idea of proper targets, because it struck one of the houses just outside the side street where the adventurers had set up their ambush. Said house was immediately disintegrated into a cloud of ash as even the normal-ranked stone seemed to be consumed in the fires. Other sparks were seen in the roiling haze, illuminating the silhouettes of five people and a moment later, the direction of the ash cloud shifted as if the billowing detonation simply reversed. The maelstrom of ash and cinder only lasted a few seconds, and when it vanished Kite could finally get a clear view of the new arrivals; five silver rankers, their auras not showing a trace of cores as their spirits expanded outward. As the last of the ash was drawn into a dark sphere floating over the hand of the human man at the front of the group, he looked around at what embers remained inside the charred building, casting him and what Kite assumed to be his team in an ominous orange glow. ¡°Franz, you magnificent man! Full score for that one. What an entrance!¡± Taking a step forward, the man smiled at the gathered adventurers visible in the side street as well as towards the other beleaguered mercenaries. It was a wide smile which seemed a bit out of place in the situation, but the handsome man radiated it with an unflinching confidence. ¡°I¡¯ll have to give it to you all! You did well in hiding for more than a few minutes in a city such as this. It¡¯s nice and all, but all of this ¡®cramped island with limited space to run¡¯ really cramps one¡¯s style at times, no? Either way, I-¡± His loud and rather flamboyant speech was interrupted as three twined-together tendrils of magically reinforced and sharpened cloth struck at the man, crossing the distance in an eyeblink. Kite recognized one of Ryker¡¯s more versatile special attacks, which should normally be able to punch through even the gleaming metal armor that the smiling man was wearing. But the attack which Kite had witnessed impaling three silver-ranked monsters simultaneously instead met the dark orb in the man¡¯s hand, disappearing into it as if through a hole before the cloth tendrils went taut. ¡°Rude!¡± the smiling man complained. ¡°We¡¯ll get to fighting. Can¡¯t a guy just get to enjoy himself a little first?¡± As he spoke, the orb in the man¡¯s hand seemed to continue to pull at the cloth connecting it to Ryker, the team leader slowly being dragged closer and closer along the street even as he clearly tried to dig his heels in as well as other tendrils of cloth shooting out to anchor him in the nearby street and stone. Realizing it was a lost cause, Ryker instead severed the cloth in short order before being dragged any closer, and the loose part was dragged in and devoured in a blink. ¡°I hate talkers,¡± was the only thing Ryker said in response, more enchanted cloth winding itself out and around his limbs as the runes were activated. Kite had always been fascinated with how his teacher used the enchanted fibers to empower himself, and from the mana he was channeling into the augments at the moment, it was clear that Ryker Lansar was preparing for things to get brutal. ¡°Gauntlet, you know what to do.¡± As he finished, Ryker gave a hand signal, and Kite could feel the ambient mana starting to churn as several summoning rituals were enacted in the houses and alleys around them. While Kite himself did not have any such powers, several others in the teams of the task group did. Summons were incredibly useful as long as one had the time to actually enact the rituals, and the teams had prepared the circles well ahead of time. ¡°Shame, since I really love talking!¡± the smiling man called back, his head cocking to the side as he too felt the rituals go off. ¡°It¡¯s good to just put some of what you want into words, you know? And a good way to get your people into position too,¡± he said, his smile widening. ¡°It even seems like we had the same idea.¡± Even before he finished, Kite could sense more rituals going off in the distance, as well as people starting to move in on the city block which the adventurers had prepared. Quite a lot of them, too. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, time to earn that danger-pay!¡± ¡°Gauntlet, engage!¡± As the two commands were spoken almost in unison, it seems like fate agreed that it was time to let the budding calamity spring to full bloom. Nearby buildings were shredded as the summons of both sides burst into action. Kite saw what looked like a living sandstorm burst through the walls of a house to clash with a walking iron maiden sporting a swarm of levitating spikes around it while small, crystal beetles scuttled beneath them to charge in among the opponents before exploding. Essence-users, adventurers and enemies both, rose into the skies from among the houses, and the air was quickly turning into a chaotic mess of spells and attacks. With one enhanced sprint, Ryker dove straight for the smiling man, who could only be the leader of the mercenaries, while Emilio appeared and started harassing the rear of the team before them. Gray Sky, Sztyka and Amica all joined in, mana surging and powers unleashed. Kite wanted to join in as well, but had been assigned other priorities first; ones that he meant to fulfill to the best of his abilities. Mtanga and Christine were likewise otherwise occupied, and from the violence that was rapidly unfurling and spreading into adjacent parts of the city, what they were working on would soon be much needed. As he moved, ducking beneath a stray spell and averting a pair of launched iron spikes with his barriers, Kite tried his best to get a count of the two sides. Task Group Gauntlet should currently have sixteen silver-rankers on their side, all well trained and chosen. The summons were harder to count as Christine''s crystal beetles came from a hive growing in a nearby cellar and continuously spawning new little drones, but Kite thought that there would be at least eight of them if the hive was what counted. As to their enemies, Kite managed to note eighteen of the mercenaries with at least eight more core-users. Their summons were even harder to account for as they descended on the city block from all directions, so Kite just assumed that they were numerous. And as the teams from Gauntlet were already outnumbered, he hoped that the powers of his path would allow him to even the scores along with the defenses they had prepared. Said defenses soon made themselves known as two of the core-users came charging as Kite when he was moving one street over, one brandishing a long estoc as he lunged towards Kite in an empowered leap, the point of the weapon shuddering with resonating force. ¡°Ward!¡± The first barrier of Heaven-and-Void Warding cracked under the assault, but the second held, leading to the man smashing bodily into Kite¡¯s barrier as the point slid off the magical disc all while being pelted with tiny projectiles, courtesy of Kite¡¯s new shield. Stepping up and into the air to avoid a shockwave of rippling earth spikes from the other, more cautious core-user, Kite used four of his arms to grapple the man and throw him towards the wall behind him while one remaining arm used the chitinous shield to intercept another projectile. ¡°Simplicity and directness,¡± Kite thought, trying to emulate what master Zarth-an had taught him as the leonid had lit the spark of inspiration when it came to his fighting style. As the man struck the wall behind, Kite swung his staff into the side of the man¡¯s knee, where Void-Sunders-Firmament ripped part of it to shreds. While Kite¡¯s first instinct had to be to go for a flurry of mana-draining attacks, it wasn¡¯t what he was here for at the moment. These two were only a distraction that he should leave behind, and the best way for that was to make sure that they couldn¡¯t move. And stayed as long as possible with what came next. ¡°Aaaaa- I¡¯ll get you- AAAAHH!¡± the man tried to shout, but was interrupted when the wall behind him lit up, revealing a magic circle which shot out tethers of lightning to ensnare the hobbled man. The core-user tried to get away, but the tethers kept drawing him closer while his injured leg kept buckling beneath his attempts. With a flick of his wrist, Kite dispelled another projectile from the unrestrained foe before jumping at him with some of the stored power from Unyielding. The man¡¯s inexperience of actually fighting someone of his rank showed as he flinched back from the flashing strikes from Matra¡¯s descendants, even if said attacks were mere stinging feints. ¡°Cut the base, and the tree falls,¡± Kite thought as his true strike, another heavy blow of his combat staff, swept the man off his feet. Kite thought he could hear something crack inside the shinbone of the man as he stomped down on the leg even as the stun of twin Chakra Implosions from the feints stunned the man further. ¡°Glint, if you please?¡± he grunted as he bent down and heaved the other man towards the wall as well, where another lightning tether trap triggered. Neither of the pair of struggling men had the time to right themselves before globes of water enveloped them, the liquid joining into one single sphere which insides continuously flashed with sparks of lighting. ¡°Thanks, little beauty,¡± Kite sent through their bond as he once more started running towards a nearby intersection while leaving the two struggling core-users behind him. Kite knew that the lightning tethers weren¡¯t enough to kill them, even restrained and temporarily crippled as they were, but hopefully it would keep them out of the fight for long enough. Ahead of him, Kite saw a mass of summons, fleshy soldiers of muscle and sinew trying to take on a two-headed, dragon-like creature with fins instead of feet that swam through the air. The summons clashed around a single essence user from each side, and as more summons in the shape of a swarm of living, winged swords were gliding across the street to join the fray from the enemy side, Kite saw his opportunity. ¡°Fortune preserve me,¡± he prayed, activating the speed enchantment of his boots before making a leaping run straight into the fray. The flying swords arrived at the same time, and Kite spent a painful second surrounded by their sharp blades and wings before he had managed to get far enough in amongst the pack of summons. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± Ripple of Cancellation¡¯s alternate form burst from Kite in a sphere, more mana leaving him as he excluded the adventurer from the task group and her scaled summon from the effects. But the other, hostile summons, all neatly clumped together in the melee at the intersection weren¡¯t spared the same courtesy. It had been quite some time since Kite got to use Ripple of Cancellation on this many summons at once, probably as far back as iron rank and the summons of the fallen sect. And as most of the enemy summons were shattered and dissolved by the invisible ripple, Kite was reminded of the satisfaction of seeing such a wide-scale impact by one of his powers. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°This must be what area-specialists feel all the time,¡± he mused as he swung his weapons toward the mercenary along with the other woman from Gauntlet and her two-headed friend. One of the fleshy soldiers and a scattered flock of the flying swords had escaped the effects, either by being just out of reach or lucky enough that the dispelling wave had been spent when reaching them and therefore failing to completely scatter their forms. In a minute, he would set off again to do the same elsewhere if he was able. But meanwhile, there was a hostile silver-ranker present to deal with. ¡°And one should find one¡¯s opportunities for tempering wherever they appear.¡±
Ryker Lansar was all business. He liked being all business too. Direct, honest and professional. One shouldn¡¯t speak if one didn¡¯t have anything worthwhile to say, after all. But it would seem that Temperance had seen fit to test him that day, as the smiling man he was currently fighting just. Wouldn¡¯t. Shut. Up. ¡°It¡¯s rare that I get to eat such well-made and well-enchanted materials. My compliments to the crafter. Can you refer me to your tailor? Or is it you? Do you have a little knitting circle where you meet others of your ilk in between your oh-so-important contracts? Drinking tea, showing off some crochet and the latest in embroidery¡­ No? No. I¡¯ll take your silence as a no.¡± If the world had been fair, the man would be so distracted by his own attempts at wits that the battle which Ryker and part of his team were embroiled in would have been a short affair. But Ryker definitely knew that the world wasn¡¯t fair. At all. And so, the man was good. Worryingly so even as he fought with the dark sphere in his hand as his fulcrum. It weaved around him, struck with him and defended him, seemingly endless in its hunger. Not that the man didn¡¯t use other powers either, as Ryker noted plenty of empowering boons stacking up or different kinds of special attacks, mostly delivered through the orb in various ways. Fighting him just felt like taking on some ever-growing beast, and that everything Ryker or the others tried just fed it more. ¡°Hunger, Growth and¡­ Void?¡± part of Ryker¡¯s mind tried to calculate. The darkness of the orb did have some similarities to Kite¡¯s special attack and his odd familiar, but you could never be sure. But trying to calculate could help you know what to expect next, even if most foes tried to keep details close to their heart, never-. ¡°Trying to figure out my essence? Why don¡¯t you just ask? Come on, have some banter. Here, I¡¯ll even give you some hints. Or rather, demonstrations,¡± the smiling man said, deftly catching three of Ryker¡¯s cloth limbs in the swirl of the orb while using some defensive ability. ¡°Void was actually my first essence. Crazy, right? But my mother found it during her career and kindly donated it to her precious little Solomon for when he was all grown up.¡± As he spoke, the orb in his hands shuddered and spun around him in tight, rapid circles to counter Ryker¡¯s attempt at a rapid flurry, sharpened cloth striking only nothingness. He followed up with his dark sphere devouring the very ground as Ryker dodged an attempted blitz-attack, removing stone, wood and soil as if it had never existed. And even the failed attack seemed to help the man, adding just a bit more to his capabilities as he didn¡¯t seem to stop improving. Or, unfortunately, talking. ¡°And grow I did, so the growth essence fit me very well too. It''s nice to go through life, taking a bite here and there and just becoming more from it. Very enjoyable. And speaking of taking a bite-¡± At his words, the dark orb suddenly swelled outwards, and only Ryker¡¯s quick thinking and additional limbs of cloth pulling him away kept his slightly overextended arm from coming into contact with the thing. ¡°- I chose the hunger essence for myself. Earned every scrap to get it too. Mommy dearest was nice enough to leave me two before going off dying somewhere, but little Solomon grew up strong enough. And I have always been hungry for life and new things. So there you have it; my little power set presented nice and summarized. Oh wait, I forgot the confluence. Do you know what void, hunger and growth becomes?¡± As a few of his cloth tendrils were snaking in towards the man¡¯s feet seemingly unnoticed, Ryker prepared Hammer of the Weave to unleash if the trip succeeded. He- ¡°Doom.¡± As if in a grim punctuation of the single word, the smiling man - Solomon, if his ramblings were to be believed - suddenly blitzed forward with unprecedented speed, as if all what had come before had just been a countdown to something growing to unstoppable power. Solomon¡¯s form glowed and shuddered, but Ryker didn¡¯t have the time to take in more details as the dark orb swallowed his whole field of view. Pain exploded through his body, but it was fortunately short-lived as he activated one of his own modes of transportation, melding into the cloth of his anchoring tendrils and moving several meters off in an instant. As he reappeared, Ryker noted that he only had one eye left to assess the damage, with a fair bit of his left cheek and jaw gone as well. But he had been silver rank for long enough to shove the pain to the back of his mind, just another signal to note and act upon when he chose. And with one half of his face left, he wasn¡¯t out of the fight yet. Still, with how the others were faring, Ryker decided that they needed to start to bring their preparations into play if they were to even the odds against the experienced team before them. Battles between groups of silver-rankers were rarely a contained affair, and the chaos of their group¡¯s conflict alone had demolished a lot of nearby buildings. Surging his aura in the agreed upon way, the rest of the team - many of them bruised, singed and battered - disengaged and joined Ryker as he started a fighting retreat back towards the block surrounding the old mill. ¡°Oh? Inviting us back home are you? Have something nice waiting for us, too? Fine, we¡¯ll accept. But only because you¡¯re asking so nicely,¡± Solomon Blaske called to them, before he charged at them once more, his wide smile unfaltering.
Kite¡¯s staff descended to crumple another part of the summon before him as what looked like some kind of divinely sent crustacean, it¡¯s shell glowing a radiant pearlescent color, tried to use one of its massive claws to crush him, only to once more hit one of the walls of force Kite had set up to narrow the street he had been retreating down even further. The stalling tactic, restricting the lumbering creature¡¯s movements during the steady retreat, had worked well so far, but the struck pane of force had already been quite battered. This meant that the impact of the heavy claw finally broke through, the barrier dispersing with a faint crackle and forcing Kite to shift his focus to intercept the incoming appendage with his staff instead. Just as he did so, the crab¡¯s summoner, one of the mercenaries wielding powers of light, probably with the avatar confluence in some way, dove in at Kite from the side through the opening in the barrier walls where Kite had previously been standing. The man descended in a streak of light and appeared mid-thrust with his heavy spear, but before his strike could impale Kite through the side as intended, his day turned a lot worse. A perceptive observer might have found it odd that only the recently broken part of the force wall hadn¡¯t been recovering at all between strikes like the rest. And someone who had seen Kite fight before might have questioned why he didn¡¯t use his dispelling wave on this summon like others before it. And that was all revealed when the man wreathed in light stepped down next to Kite, just in the spot the younger man had hoped he would. *snap* The crisp sound of snapping fingers echoed along the street, the invisible rune trap beneath the mercenary detonating in an instant. Much of the man¡¯s lower body was injured even through his conjured armor as he was sent flying, only for him to impact another concealed trap in the air above him; a hidden sigil which swiftly turned into an orb of green light which sent grasping, draining tendrils shooting into the mercenary. The sudden tether altered his trajectory, sending him swinging across the street in an arc only to crash into a nearby wall where another rune trap lit up. That process continued three more times, and Kite couldn¡¯t help but be very impressed with the setup. With all traps spent, Kite could finally get about what had been his original plan. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power.¡± The summon winked out along with the conjured armor of the mercenary, who was now laying on the street, stunned and half torn apart by the chain-detonation. More motes of ominous green light started appearing around the wounded man as a soft voice spoke, seemingly next to Kite even if there was no one there who he could detect. ¡°Thank you for the assistance, young man. That crab was most troublesome for my traps, and you actually managed to get the man where I asked you to. Well done. I can handle it from here, which should free me up to go renew some of my little gifts.¡± ¡°It was my pleasure, senior sister,¡± Kite began, and was about to say something more when he saw something in his expanded vision; a flaming projectile rising from off in the distance, reaching its apex before turning to crash towards the ground not too far away from where Kite was standing. Except that he soon noted that it wasn¡¯t a projectile at all. ¡°Heavens!¡± Kite called, his conversation with the trap master forgotten. He sprang up in the air, barriers appearing like a heavenly stairway beneath his feet. Glint, feeling his intent through their bond, sprang from her bottle and grew to her enlarged form as she raced ahead of him. A globe of water appeared around the descending, burning object, and then another as its momentum carried it through the first ball of liquid. The water at least extinguished the flames, even though Kite suspected it would have been unable to had it not been conjured by a silver ranker, revealing the battered and burned form of Sztyka hanging listlessly in the globe. It took a few more seconds for Kite to catch up as he was forced to slow down in order to deflect or ward off some stray attacks that were starting to be sent their way from below or the sides, their elevated position leading to them being another clearly visible target. Glint carried the heavily injured but still living leonid downward to Kite, shifting her conjured water to instead keep her passenger floating atop a makeshift watery cushion instead. As he closed in, Kite reached out his aura to Sztyka¡¯s to announce his presence as her eyes were missing, along with most of the fur on her face, torso and arms. From the look of it, intense flames were responsible for putting her in such a state. ¡°Kite,¡± she rasped in response, recognizing his presence. ¡°And little Glint. I¡­ seem to have failed Justice this time. Our foes were most potent.¡± ¡°Where are they?¡± Kite asked while leaping onto Glint¡¯s back as they set off towards their prepared fall-back point with the injured leonid in tow. Even as he asked, he tried to quest outward with his spiritual senses, but the city blocks beneath him were a true mess of clashing auras and discharged powers threatening to overwhelm even his silver-ranked senses as he tried taking it all in. The air was ablaze with conflict and the houses trampled beneath the clashes of the mighty spread out below. Whoever won today, Warrior would be proud. To further complicate things, the unrestrained use of powers had caused the ground to collapse in more than one place, and from his vantage the occasional smaller groups of skittering monsters from the tunnels below ¡°I¡­ Cannot¡­ See. Search for the darkness. The hungry void-¡± ¡°Or Amica ripping up an entire house and throwing it at someone?¡± Kite interrupted, his eyes drawn into something in the distance. ¡°... That would also do.¡± As they were making their way through the chaos, Kite on constant vigil, and it turned out that finding Amica Steiner on a battlefield wasn¡¯t too hard. One building had indeed been ripped from the ground, compressed into a tightening ball of stone, planks and violence before descending somewhere below in a great swathe of destruction. It wasn¡¯t too far off either, almost in the path of where they needed to go to reach the healer¡¯s station back at the mill. Sztyka needed to get there as soon as possible if they were to have any chance of getting her back into the fight, but her being knocked out of the fight also meant that the team that remained might be fighting outnumbered at the moment. Kite was torn, truly torn, weighing his options when Glint made it for him. ¡°Little beauty, are you sure?¡± he asked as he sensed her intent through their bond while also deflecting errant attacks with his barriers. Sensing only determination from the carp, Kite knew that he had to accept. He knew that Glint was silver rank now too. And he knew that he kept her out of fights way more than he should. It was just that he remembered the little fish in the stream back at iron rank. And her pain as she was badly injured when taking him the final stretch towards the Jade-Sky gate all those years ago. But looking at her now, she was more dragon than fish; a majestic serpent of glittering splendor. While she still lacked any potent offensive options, Kite knew her to be stubborn. And that he really shouldn¡¯t keep her all bottled up any more. ¡°Thank you, Glint. And please, take care. Of both yourself and Sztyka. And please help gather up any more wounded you can find. You¡­ are a big fishie now. In a good way!¡± he hurriedly added, sensing that he was treading dangerous waters with his words. As he slid off her back to stand in the air, idly shattering a pair of stray projectiles with the arms of his mantle, he sent her another set of emotions through their bond; care, love and another urging to be careful. In return he got a short burst of affection, followed by warm determination. And then, Glint sped off like a glittering meteor, Sztyka in tow. Almost immediately she had to swerve around a clashing pair of flying adventurers, and was clipped in the side by a stray sword wave. Kite flinched and almost made to follow, but instead felt at the emotions of his bonded familiar; her determination burned still, the pain only minor for a being of her rank. ¡°Fortune keep you, little fishie,¡± he prayed silently as he instead started running among the chaos and madness that was the sky. A projected attack sent out gave a flying adventurer a moment of advantage. A conjured pair of barriers protected the flank of another from a teleporting sneak attack before the brief stun of chakra implosion hampered the same saw-wielding foe just enough for the adventurer to brain him with a glowing hammer. For the few seconds that his running through the air took, Kite reached out to interfere in over a dozen clashes; dispelling equipment, nudging strikes or adding his hand to the metaphorical scales wherever he could while trying to go for the simplest and most direct action that could make the difference he felt was needed. Then, he arrived above a particular fight in the wild clashing beneath him, accompanied by the irregular bursts of magical traps and the other prepared defenses of the adventurers. ¡°For so few people to wreak such havoc¡­¡± he thought idly, reading himself and waiting another three breaths for the right opportunity to appear, finding a strange tranquility as he centered himself amidst all that conflict. Then, seeing a dark sphere swell and surge with violent intent, Kite knew that the moment had arrived. So he let the discs of force beneath his feet vanish, and let himself fall. 165. To compare notes Among pain, violence, churning ambient mana and the chaotic flaring of auras locked in combat, Solomon Blaske lived his best life. It hadn¡¯t always been so, and he still remembered the terrified young man who had been forced to strike out on his own all those years ago. ¡°Poor little, Solomon. So scared and alone. It would be nice to reach back through time and tell him that things would work out in the end. That he would start to like the fear. Revel in it, even,¡± he thought as he guided his Nihil to shred a nearby rune trap while leaping out of the way of yet another attack from that cloth-guy. Because Solomon Blaske had found that, like many emotions, fear and thrill were almost indistinguishable if one just had the right outlook. Sometimes, he even thought that his Nihil made things less exciting. Sure, the younger him had been a bit disappointed when his conjured ¡®weapon¡¯ turned out to be just a ball of, well, nothing. But given how well the little, hungry thing had worked as both an offensive and defensive tool and how splendidly it meshed with his other powers, the disappointment hadn¡¯t lasted. Everything the Nihil devoured, Blaske¡¯s other powers could use. Sure, the little hole in the world wasn''t entirely insatiable, but that was one little thing he wouldn¡¯t let slip, no matter how much he loved to talk about himself. Speaking of which, it was time to prod the cloth-guy again. Blaske had seen his type so many times before; no-nonsense, always serious adventurers way too caught up in their own importance and supposed skill. As long as he kept talking, it usually threw them off their game eventually. And even if it didn¡¯t, talking was always fun anyway. ¡°I have to give it to you, it¡¯s a nice little set of traps you have here. I¡¯ll probably have to go recruiting a bit once we¡¯re done here,¡± Blaske called. ¡°Do you think that whoever laid these traps is interested in a great work opportunity? Great pay, a lot of personal freedom, picking your own contracts - the fun kind -¡± he started counting off as he continued to exchange attacks with the stern man while steadily pushing the adventurer back down the trapped street. Off to the side, Franz had already done a great job in using his charged fiery flail to send the creepy leonid woman flying only gods knew where, and had joined another of their teammates in pressuring the telekineticist of the other team. A sexy telekineticist too. ¡°The offer goes out to you too, hot stuff!¡± Blaske called out in her direction. The benefit of fighting other silver-rankers was that you could always count on everyone hearing your banter, so why not make it a group thing? ¡°The name¡¯s Solomon Blaske. Blaske to most, Solomon to some and Good Boy to a special, select few! The job offer is yours too. Same benefits as the trap-person. Sex is optional, but freely offered! I bet that you¡¯re great at chok-¡± Blaske¡¯s most honest offer was interrupted by the woman spiking Franz¡¯s aura hard enough for her to catch him in her telekinetic grip for a short moment and throw the man in the burning armor straight at Blaske. Seeing his old friend-turned-projectile, Blaske took it that she needed some time to think about it. And besides, Strike of Impending Doom - one of Blaske¡¯s favorite powers and the inspiration for the name of their little band - had just reached the next tier after having gathered enough charges over time. ¡°Nothing like killing two birds with one spell,¡± he thought to himself when he activated the special attack. Power coursed through him, even greater than the last time he activated it, and he shot forward while his Nihil expanded for some nice additional devouring effect. Strike of Impending Doom was surprisingly simple. When Blaske started fighting, he began accumulating a boon over time. Said boon did not in itself boost Blaske¡¯s capabilities, but was rather something akin to a counter. When he activated the special attack, Blaske received a short-lived burst to all of his capabilities and its power. And as the boon didn¡¯t decay, but rather just kept growing as long as Blaske continued to fight, every use of the attack was stronger and more sudden than the last; a growing, impending doom further bolstered by the fact that his other powers were excellent at adding to boons already stacking up. His sudden burst of motion took him out of the way of the projectile that was Franz. Blaske grinned as he felt his Nihil devouring both the magic and fabric of the cloth as well as that sweet, sweet life force confirming his hit. Feeding mana into the orb, it pulled on everything nearby, keeping in deadly contact with the man for two additional seconds before he managed to break free once more, most of his right arm and parts of his torso missing as he staggered back.. ¡°A bit much to chew in just one bite?¡± Blaske asked his Nihil, the insentient orb unresponsive as usual. ¡°Well, open wide then.¡± Preparing a special attack from his growth essence, Blaske sent the Nihil in another arcing swing. Each moment the orb traveled, it grew, going from its original size close to that of a head to around two meters in diameter when only halfway through the swing. Its passage devoured part of the street below it as well as any attacks it happened to come into contact with. Blaske saw an odd kind of ripple appear in the air, and it felt odd as it was swallowed. Through his connection to his essence power, he could feel the Nihil fuzz a bit deep inside. Not enough to destabilize the power, but it was apparently something that the ever-hungry hole did not find to its liking. ¡°Well, that¡¯s a first,¡± Blaske thought, but his inner monologue was interrupted by a short spell-chant. ¡°Ward!¡± A pair of semi-translucent barriers appeared to block the hungry orb, one breaking almost immediately but the second one holding firm. Curious as to this new development, Blaske activated another of his special attacks, making his Nihil pulse with disrupting force. Unsurprisingly, that did the trick, but the surprise-barriers had bought cloth-guy enough time to find his balance, sending out wickedly sharp cloth streamers - some stinging cuts along Blaske¡¯s body making him very aware of the fact - while pulling himself backwards and out of the way of the dark orb¡¯s trajectory. Sensing another, more subtle incoming attack, Blaske chose to abort his strike and leap backwards. He did so just in time to see another ripple in the air in front of him, giving the impression of a slash. Thinking he was in the clear he landed on the cobbles only to sense another incoming attack, and this time even his silver-ranked reflexes were too slow. It raked across his armor and he felt a twinge of pain where it cut through, followed by a brief flash of immobility as his meridians were shocked, mana leaving him like blood gushing from a wound. But the most fascinating thing was one of his boons; a stacking, regeneration due to his magical consumption, was shattered in a burst of disruptive force damage. ¡°This sensation¡­ This was new,¡± Blaske thought, his mind finally connecting the dots; the spell-chant from before had come from above. As if to answer his unspoken question, a younger man fell from the sky, landing in a crouch as the cobbled street cracked and buckled beneath him. His face was dominated by glowing lines, framed by strands of dark hair which had come loose from the topknot on his head. As the new arrival took in the situation, Blaske got a feel of his aura; firm, resolute and alert. He was younger than Blaske, that was for certain, and hadn¡¯t come as far into silver yet either. But the sensation his attacks had left in Blaske¡¯s Nihil, and what had happened within him just now¡­ Those were refreshingly novel. ¡°Well, it would seem like I need to ask for another referral today. Those tattoos look amazing!¡± Blaske called out, trying to get a better read of what he assumed to be his newest opponent as his Nihil rotated around him in a defensive circle. The moment of relative stillness within the carnage raging around gave the situation a most splendid dramatic flair, and Blaske would be remiss not to grasp at it. The young man seemed a bit taken aback by Blaske¡¯s smile and tone even though his ready stance did not shift. ¡°Thank¡­ you?¡± he asked, apparently still surveying the ongoing fight. ¡°He¡¯s a talker. Never shuts up, actually,¡± cloth-guy grumbled from where he was wrapping up his injuries in more enchanted fabric - how much did the guy have? - which in turn gave off the gentle glow of healing. He even constructed a temporary lower arm and hand from the fabric, even if the latter might be closer to a set of claws. ¡°Did you see Sztyka?¡± ¡°Glint is taking her to the fall-back.¡± ¡°Good.¡± ¡°Teacher, you should head there too.¡± There was a moment of consideration as something seemed to pass between the men, cloth-guy surveying the situation. ¡°No. But I¡¯ll go relieve Steiner. You handle this lunatic.¡± As cloth-guy started pulling back and circle around to where the telekineticist was being hounded by two of the mercenaries, Blaske felt that it was his time to step in. While he enjoyed the drama as much - or probably more - as the next guy, he also really wanted to keep the newfound number¡¯s advantage in their little part of the fight. ¡°As much as I would enjoy the little student-teacher swap you have got going on here, it¡¯s just too-¡± ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± Blaske had just started to ready another of his blitzes to further injure and maybe even drive off the pesky cloth-guy, but the newcomer seemed to have been ready. An invisible ripple burst from the younger man, and while it partially swayed and distorted as Blaske¡¯s Nihil devoured part of its odd tingling energies, the almost invisible wave held firm enough to wash over Blaske as well. And three more of his boons winked out, his doom counter included. What was supposed to be a spectacular burst of motion was suddenly turned into just a dash from a normal silver-ranker. Compared to, say, an iron-ranker, this was still very, very fast. But the younger, now very interesting man was a silver-ranker too, and reacted accordingly. Blaske¡¯s faltering dash was turned into a roll followed by a springing attack as he shifted target, cloth-guy now out of his immediate reach. His Nihil impacted with a staff made from odd metal that the younger man plucked out of nowhere, and the artifact actually held completely firm upon the contact with the dark orb, even chiming with a pleasant melodiousness as the void of Blaske¡¯s conjuration ground against it. At the same time, a mass dark of symbols which had previously hovered steadily behind the man¡¯s back shifted and lit up, nailing Blaske¡¯s planted foot with a thin beam of resonating light which made a neat hole through armor and flesh both. ¡°Well tie me to Lust¡¯s table and call me a bad boy! A familiar. And a void one, too!¡± Blaske called, ignoring the thrilling pain of his foot as he swept his Nihil in an arc which then burst outward, creating some space for him to step back. The tingly powers, the tattoos, the apparent void powers¡­ Blaske knew that he should think more rationally about this all. He really did. But the young man was just so refreshing. He just had to get a better taste. Surely Franz should be able to handle an injured cloth-guy. ¡°It seems that we have a bit in common,¡± Blaske continued, his boons starting to reapply as his smile widened. ¡°As you probably missed my little introduction, I¡¯ll just go ahead and repeat myself; Solomon Blaske, at your service. Not often at all I meet someone else with the void essence. We just have to compare notes.¡± Inwardly vowing to remove all stops, Blaske charged the newcomer again. This was going to be¡­ exciting. He just knew it.
Kite was conflicted. On the one hand, he was glad that Amica got some assistance. From the look of things as he descended, she was holding on through her wide proficiency in disruptive destruction, but found few opportunities to properly counterattack. On the other hand though, this left Kite facing down an older, more experienced silver-ranker. And a rather odd one at that. ¡°Ward!¡± Kite was glad that the barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding were so readily available, because once the smiling Solomon Blaske had started to get their measure, each and every impact of the floating dark orb that was his weapon broke through at least one and often both discs. As he soon found himself gradually backing down the streets as the fighting pressed in on the adventurer¡¯s impromptu holdfast from all sides, Kite also knew that there was no holding back. Ryker wouldn¡¯t have gone off if he didn¡¯t believe that Kite could hold on, and they were all aware of what they were waiting for. Under the assault of what had turned out to be the leader of the mercenary group called Doomstrike, Kite used every ounce of his focus to predict and hold his foe at bay. How did he know the name of said group or the man¡¯s position? The man had told him. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°-and it''s just really hard to find good help these days. Maybe I should just start an orphanage or something to ensure future recruitment? Well, not that I like kids that much, but I hear that they grow on you. Get it? Grow on you?¡± But even through the man¡¯s constant bantering, the fighting was intense, especially since the dark orb of his foe seemed to be able to swallow almost anything, even Kite¡¯s dispelling attacks. He hoped that it had some limit to what it could contain, but the thing hadn¡¯t given any indication of it so far. ¡°No point in delaying, I guess. We seem to need a little bit longer,¡± Kite thought to himself, and started channeling more mana into his mantle. The visible metallic tattoos lit up even further, the arms appearing in a blur of attacks projected towards the smiling Solomon, who had to shift his stance to deal with the sudden increase in frequency. Even so, the two attacks carrying Disrupting Strike and Chakra Implosion hit him, just as Kite blocked the dark orb again. It felt like Pattern-Shattering Counter did something, even if the orb itself seemed unaffected. During the brief stun delivered into his foe, Kite also managed to land a third hit with Void-Sunders-Firmament, carving up part of Solomon¡¯s right leg before he could swing his weapon in defense. ¡°Whoa, whoa! What? Where did the arms come from? The tattoos? No way! That¡¯s even better!¡± the man called through what must have been at least a somewhat agonizing experience. ¡°I can just imagine the possibilities. I mean, how popular mustn¡¯t you be with the ladies out there. And-or fellows? Trust, me I don¡¯t judge. One should be open to all the world has to offer!¡± With his mantle active, Kite¡¯s slow retreat eventually turned to a standstill. It was obvious that Solomon had an advantage in attributes, and while Kite couldn¡¯t suppress them like Soul¡¯s magically enhanced ones, he still thanked Fortune for his time spent with the battle-mad celestine as it let him keep up better than he expected. But speaking of suppression, Kite did have an idea on what to use it on. Trying to create an opening with one of the known locations of a rune trap, Kite was just preparing a feint to try and cause the other man to sidestep when Solomon sent his dark orb out to the side in a wide swing which plowed through the trapped wall, devouring the yet inactive essence power. ¡°Your trapper is good, don¡¯t get me wrong, but my little friend here has quite the nose for lingering magic,¡± the mercenary said with a proud smile while twirling the dark orb once between attacks. Kite suspected that the rambling would continue, and was therefore taken aback when the man suddenly surged with power and speed. Kite tried to shatter whatever special attack Solomon used, but to his dismay, found that the burst of movement had simply been too quick and delivered at the right moment as the dark orb impacted his chest. The void sphere ate through his breastplate in short order before Kite could flick a projected attack toward it and at least dispel the empowering special attack so as to not get his chest thoroughly chewed through. Blood flowed freely but was instantly devoured by the dark orb, but Kite managed a quick step back. The defensive aspects of Unyielding had further reduced the damage, but he was thankful for Sage¡¯s versatility as the astral gatherer used a charge to have some healing course through Kite. Solomon stepped back as well, but for a different reason. Because even through the pain, Kite had managed to flick an attack towards his foe using a certain, unseen blade. ¡°Hey, now wait a moment. Did you just get rid of my Devourer power? The passive power?¡± Solomon said, looking more astonished than mad. ¡°I don¡¯t know how long it has been since I didn¡¯t feel at least a bit hungry to devour things. My insides feel all hazy, too.¡± He looked up at Kite, gaze intense. ¡°You know, the job offer truly extends to you too. Don¡¯t make us kill you. Join the fun instead. Your powers are odd - bonus points for originality - and if you¡¯re willing to put those arms of yours to good work, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be an excellent boost to morale for the people who catch your fancy. What do you say? It¡¯s better than dying here on some rock in the middle of nowhere for an adventure society that doesn¡¯t really care about you.¡± ¡°Courtesy demands that I at least thank senior for the offer. However, I don¡¯t believe that I would be a good fit for the kind of life you seem to be living,¡± Kite retorted as the pair clashed again. He sported a few injuries, the one in his chest being the most severe, but he knew from the amount of hits that his foe shouldn¡¯t be faring too well either. So he tried to lean into master Zarth-an¡¯s teachings again as he thought, aiming for directness and simplicity in their exchanges. Because thanks to the suppressive mode of Disrupting Strike, his foe shouldn¡¯t recover as much. Or that was at least what he hoped. ¡°Ooo, polite too. I have some friends who would love you. But seriously though, do the smart thing. Because even without Devour, I can do this all day. I might even get reinforcements should the need arise. Going for the dimensional web was a good plan, but way too predictable. And we have enough people to go back should our sentries over there spot some trouble. So just think some more about it? We have some more time to kill.¡± Seeing a flicker of movement in a window further down the street behind him while Solomon spoke caused a spark of hope to blossom in Kite¡¯s chest, soon rising into a smoldering sense of success as he then felt the signaling crystal which hung on a loop around his neck start to vibrate. ¡°While I hate to disappoint, in this case it seems that I must leave senior wanting,¡± Kite said, preparing to act after what came next. ¡°And in regards to time-¡± he began, just as the tumultuous mana in the area suddenly shuddered as a wave of power was unleashed from further back among the houses surrounding the old mill. The mana suddenly felt rigid and dense, the sensation further driven home when a glowing barrier covered in swirling lines suddenly covered the whole city block. ¡°-we would appreciate some more of yours as well,¡± Kite finished. To his credit, Solomon seemed to be able to discern the purpose of the barrier almost instantly as he called out to his teammate. ¡°Franz, is this what I think it is?¡± ¡°Ritual. Localized dimensional lock and containment field. Don¡¯t count on any teleporting, short-range or otherwise!¡± the man in the flaming armor called back from where he and Ryker were squaring off. His words were confirmed as Kite saw one of the flying enemy core-users attempt to teleport out of the way of an incoming spear of lightning in the last second, looking mighty surprised when the power failed. ¡°Smash or wait?¡± ¡°Smash should work. Rituals like these need a lot of power fed into them, and they shouldn¡¯t have been here long enough to make a stable array.¡± ¡°Great! That¡¯s my favorite option!¡± Solomon called back, disengaging from Kite even through his most valiant attempts at keeping the man pinned. ¡°It seems that I made the classic mistake of assuming things would go my way. I¡¯m sorry to cut this little dance of ours short, but I have a ritual to devour. Good fight though. Top grade, would battle again. And think about my offer!¡± he called with a cheeky grin before suddenly shooting off straight to the side, dark sphere extended in front of him to drill through the intervening house with contemptuous ease. ¡°Curses!¡± Kite swore at his opponent''s easy sortie, turning to run back toward the ritual site at the old mill. He didn¡¯t even try to call out to his nearby allies, knowing that they would have heard. Kite knew that they needed to delay Solomon and any of his allies who had caught on just a bit longer, and moved back at full speed to try and intercept. ¡°May the heavens watch over the other stealth team, and may they prove to be as good as Jane claimed that they are.¡±
Kurtz was bored. Frustrated and bored. The golden-furred leonid was currently leaning back in a chair up at the rubble that remained of the house atop the dimensional net. It was a surprisingly comfy chair too, the only surviving one after someone - probably Franz - had gone to town on the poor facade that was the building. ¡°Get a grip Kurtz. Anyone with aura-senses within a block can feel your frustration. Go patrol or something.¡± Anya complained from where she sat atop a fallen roof support sticking out of the rubble. Their third companion, one of the core-using thugs hired by that Ludvilla-lady, kept watch outside, avoiding the mercenaries in a not-so-subtle manner. ¡°And leave the only chair to you? I¡¯m not stupid, Anya,¡± Kurz growled at the celestine. ¡°And yet the boss left you here to ¡®recover¡¯ after your last little outing. It means that you probably did something stupid at least.¡± ¡°Hey, how are eight bloody elites popping out of nowhere my fault? And besides, you¡¯re here too.¡± ¡°To teleport us in there if the boss calls for us. I¡¯m a tactical reserve. You¡¯re just put on timeout,¡± Anya countered, her cyan ponytail flicking about as she turned her head up at him.¡± ¡°Speaking of, I almost hope that he will. I wanna be over there. Get some revenge.¡± ¡°You¡¯re just mad that Staniel died before paying you back-.¡± ¡°He lost big, Anya.¡± ¡°- and that you never got Suri drunk enough to get in bed with you.¡± In the awkward silence that followed, Anya eventually added. ¡°Sorry, Kurtz, that was too far.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s true. But still-¡± Whatever Kurtz was about to say was interrupted by a ripple in the mana felt all the way across the city as a barrier expanded to cover the whole block where the Doomstrike and their local ¡®allies¡¯ were supposedly fighting. Both Anya and Kurtz immediately became alert, their sharp senses trained upon the new development like hawks waiting to strike as the professionals in them awoke from their banter-induced torpor. ¡°That¡¯s not one of ours?¡± Kurtz said, even if his words were already more statement than question. ¡°No, it isn¡¯t,¡± Anya agreed, rising to stand on the fallen support to get a better view. ¡°We need to get ready, in case that the signal is sent. You there, what¡¯s your face! Get over here,¡± she called to the core-user. ¡°Our wait might soon be over.¡± Kurtz aimed to follow Anya¡¯s lead in rising and getting ready, but when he tried to shift his balance and get up, he couldn¡¯t. ¡°What the-¡± It was as if his body was glued to the piece of furniture. His instincts screaming of trouble, Kurtz had just started conjuring his blades chains when the upper rims of the chair¡¯s armrests and backrest grew long, sharp teeth. In but a moment, the thing had grown enough for the angle to be just right before the whole chair bit inwards. ¡°The waiting is indeed done,¡± a smooth voice said from beneath where Anya stood. To her credit, the celestine leapt upward and was just about to pivot and fire a spell downwards when the log that Kurtz had assumed was a fallen rafter shifted and warped. Spiked tentacles shot up from the smooth wood, wrapping around or piercing through her wrists and ankles before slamming her back into the ground. Most of the log warped into the shape of an elven man clad in a tight-fitting armor which seemed to be shifting mess of colors and textures. Kurtz was only half-noticing the development as he fought to free himself from the chewing maw which seemed to only be growing more teeth as it bit down again and again. The core-user was storming in towards him, but any hope he had of assistance was cleanly severed as the woman shifted in appearance and height, her aura equally empowering and filling out as she conjured some kind of sickle on a chain which she sent towards Kurz in a blitzing arc. To add insult to injury, the attack was what drove Kurtz back into the maw of whatever thing that was still chewing on him. ¡°Shit. We need to-¡± he thought, roaring for a last burst of strength as his arm had trouble moving. The roar sent the core-user-turned-shapeshifter flying back, and Kurtz just managed to get a grip on the crystal in his pocket, sending mana into it before his spasming hands accidentally crushed the brittle thing. But as he saw the magical flare shoot into the air above, Kurtz at least knew that the signal had been sent. Now he just needed to- Pain coursed through his right side as the sickle cut across his left arms, then at his right while covered in some kind of acid which ate through both armor and flesh. Kurz did everything he could, but when the same raking slash cut across his eyes and blinded him, his world devolved into darkness, struggling and pain. ¡°Good mimic,¡± Ai said, giving the still munching chair a gentle pat on its frame, before turning to her team leader, Simi. ¡°We stick to the plan?¡± ¡°We do,¡± Simi agreed, the elf¡¯s tone neutral, smooth and focused even as he used his own particular brand of more grotesque shapeshifting to dismember the celestine mercenary with the help of Teng, their last team member. As soon as the barrier had gone up in the distance, the smolder¡¯s form had emerged from the stone she had been posing as, and the woman was currently stabbing down towards the struggling celestine with hands like stone spikes, ruthless and efficient. ¡°We can finish up here, Teng. Go and begin your work.¡± At the elf¡¯s words, the smolder nodded and ceased her assault, ignoring the blood splattering her as she slid across the ground, her feet and lower legs reshaping into a mass of rolling stones which carried her forward and down the stone tunnel. ¡°I will still say, Sir, that it¡¯s an honor working with you. Simi the Patient One is rightfully feared among the scum of the world,¡± Ai said with a respectful nod. When she had been assigned to a team where everyone else also had varied powers of shapeshifting, she had been optimistic of their prospects. And when she learned that said team was led by the infamous Patient One, her excitement had only grown. ¡°Seeing you masked for over two hours, an enemy seated atop you for most of that time without even an ounce of clues to your presence, spiritual or mundane¡­ It¡¯s inspiring.¡± ¡°Thank you, Ai. But I will have to admit that two hours was nothing. As long as we get out of here, I¡¯ll tell you all about my week spent impersonating the cloak of a pirate captain over in the Boiling Strait. You have been an excellent addition to the team as well. And being nice to my dear Charade here always tends to put people in my good graces,¡± the elf said, indicating the mimic familiar which was still chewing away, even though the leonid¡¯s struggles had almost ceased. ¡°Now it remains to be seen if Teng can do what we came for before enough enemies can double back to us. Our dear colleagues in the tunneling teams will need all the strength they can muster. If you¡¯ll please hide yourself again, that would be splendid. I will follow suit as soon as I have disposed of the corpses.¡± ¡°Th-thank you, Sir. Of course, sir,¡± Ai said, turning back towards the door and assuming the form of another silver-ranked thug, along with a pose of hesitance as she looked in towards the building. Hopefully, anyone arriving would only see a core-user hesitating to go in and investigate alone. It might earn her a scolding, but that was irrelevant. ¡°They can¡¯t be worse than my ex in that regard. Gods, did he have his mind made up,¡± Ai thought as she once more assumed the waiting-game, only occasionally glancing off towards the unfolding cataclysm within the barrier off in the distance. 166. Oh yeah. Thats the stuff. Kite ran down the street while mustering all the speed that his silver-ranked body could muster in pursuit of the mercenary leader. The press of auras continually pressing inwards into the final lines of defenses prepared by the adventurer sometimes made it hard to keep track of the man where he burst through the insides of the nearby buildings. From what Kite could sense of his progress, Solomon should be quite aware by now that the task group¡¯s rather zealous trapper hadn¡¯t left such an obvious hole in their defenses, but Kite had also seen the efficiency with which his dark orb devoured most things it came into contact with, be it physical matter or magical effects. ¡°From the angle, he should emerge just around¡­ Wall!¡± Kite¡¯s thoughts went to chanted action as layers of force walls formed in front of the facade of a nondescript house to his right, and not a moment too soon. Through the semi-translucent barriers, Kite saw the exterior of the house shatter, the debris devoured before it had the time to fall to the ground. The now familiar dark sphere bored through half of his barriers too before stopping, causing the armored, dark-haired man behind it to crash shoulder first into the magical obstacle. ¡°Oh you cheeky-¡± Showing off some more of his fluid control of the thing, Solomon Blaske had the orb rebound off the wall while turning his own stopped momentum into a slide to one side before the void sphere shot forward again, this time shuddering with the disruptive force from before. The rest of the barriers started crumpling as they were punched through before they all shattered at once. As he saw the development, Kite had swung his own staff towards the barriers as well, detonating whatever structural integrity that remained through the enchantments of Immutable Echo. Rippling waves of resonating force burst inwards towards the house, causing Solomon¡¯s armor to creak and groan while the house itself was pulverized by the silver-ranked effect. The mercenary, now more akin to a dark comet with a tail of masonry dust, tried to leap over Kite, who in response had his staff disappear only for a shield to appear on his left arm. Kite swung downwards with the thing, projecting the strike into the path of the smiling mercenary. Airbound, Solomon couldn¡¯t dodge, but he could block, managing to intercept with his odd weapon. Instead of the satisfying impact of slamming the man down towards the ground, his momentum was simply just canceled out, leaving him temporarily suspended before the pull of the earth started taking its toll. The arms of Kite¡¯s mantle swung another two projected attacks upwards before he was instead forced to resort to his barrier as the descending mercenary directed his floating orb to beneath himself in a fluid motion, the hungry thing devouring both strikes with the same odd feedback as before. ¡°Ward!¡± Contrary to Kite¡¯s expectations, Solomon didn¡¯t follow through with his attack. At the last moment, the orb shifted out of the way, the man instead planting his feet squarely on Kite¡¯s barriers before kicking off to continue his dash. One of Sage¡¯s resonating force beams managed to clip his side, the landing becoming a roll which quickly landed the mercenary back on his feet. Kite was forced to continue his pursuit, but the chaotic environment didn¡¯t help as they started nearing another area of more intense fighting. Both Solomon and Kite had to direct more effort into defending against stray attacks and other blasts. While this cost Kite little as long as he timed his defenses right, the merc seemed to not just be unbothered, but thriving as each absorbed attack or stray spell empowered him further. ¡°How many self-boosts does the man have?¡± Kite thought in frustration. Solomon had crossed at least half the distance to the ritual site in much shorter time than Kite would have liked, and as they got in between a pair of intensely struggling aerial fighters whose duel had grounded them both, things were turned even more on their head. The adventurer took a second to gather what was no doubt a potent spell as a whole murder of crows made from blue flames shot out to envelop her foe, only for the opposing mercenary to conjure a rippling, mirror barrier which reflected the whole destructive swarm off at an angle. Kite¡¯s heart surged with hope as the attack was heading straight for Solomon, only to be dashed when the man¡¯s dark orb widened to absorb it all. Had that been the only thing that happened, it wouldn¡¯t have changed much. But as the man turned mid-stride with his usual grin, the incoming trouble was obvious. ¡°Some things we eat just don¡¯t agree with us, am I right? Here, you try it!¡± he called cheekily, and with a surge of mana he sent the previously swallowed attack back out to cover the street, the crow-shaped projectiles now tinted with dark void and hunger. With a burst of force stored through Unyielding, Kite dashed forward to interpose himself in front of his fellow adventurer, the struggling woman also in the path of the regurgitated, corrupted spell. ¡°Ward!¡± Dual barriers appeared to buy Kite a moment to prepare his response in the form of an upward strike, the charge of Potential of Stolen Power going into Pattern-Shattering Counter. As the powerful wave of flaming projectiles tore through his barriers, it was split in two; like roiling clouds parted by a blade of wind. The spell destabilized and actually bought Kite some time as Solomon at least was forced to bear the brunt of his twice echoed mana-drain, stumbling once in his step but growing his lead nonetheless. ¡°Good luck!¡± Kite called over his shoulder to his fellow adventurer, his spectral arms sending a pair of stunning, mana draining attacks into her foe to give her an edge as the previous struggle continued. Even though the stretch towards the old mill should have taken the two silver-rankers mere seconds to cross, the battle around them kept getting in the way. What followed was another half-minute of ducking, weaving, dashing and breaking incoming spells and attacks, combined with the occasional strike from Kite¡¯s foe as well as he could apparently send the black orb floating out over a dozen meters from himself as a semi-ranged attack. Seeing Solomon swing and devour another triggering magical trap ahead as he turned the last corner, Kite mustered every ounce of will that he could to keep moving forward. While he knew that there were more defenses back there along with their healing station, Kite also knew that their numbers were too few for any proper reserves to be spared. Christine and Mtanga should both be there though, but having fought several exchanges with the mercenary, Kite felt rather certain in his assessment that Solomon would only need the fight to draw near something as fragile as an active ritual to disturb it. As if to answer part of his thoughts, the mercenary ahead of him was forced to swerve in his path and send his orb spiraling in frantic defense as he was suddenly beset by a swarm of arrows moving in unpredictable, animated patterns like that of a grasping hand trying to envelop him from all sides, and it was with some satisfaction that Kite saw the smiling man trigger another trap and actually be sent flying out of sight around the street corner ahead. ¡°Warrior, strengthen my stride as I pursue victory through battle. And Fortune¡­ Please bless me with the seconds I need to catch up and make a difference.¡±
¡°Oooooohhh, it hurts so good,¡± Solomon Blaske tried to tell himself as the agony of the exploding rune trap had sent him flying even as more arrows were raining towards him, their intent in pinning him to the cobbled street quite clear. Still, it wasn¡¯t all bad, as the explosion had sent him flying and tumbling a dozen meters down the street. ¡°In the right direction, no less. Fortune, you naughty girl, you do like me!¡± Blaske thought as he flipped out of his tumbling roll to keep charging ahead towards his goal, his silver-ranked body meaning that the aches were easily ignored. On most days, the old mill with its cylindrical, tower-like blades sticking up from its roof would have looked entirely nondescript. But as the swirling, painfully obvious magical light shone bright enough from within to cause it to look like beams of magic were being projected out through every opening, Blaske was rather certain that he had found the place. Sure, there was a pesky archer at its roof, but his Nihil loved munching on arrows. On most things, really. Even if his repeated clashing with the most peculiar guy with the glowing tattoos, who was probably inbound any moment now, had left the dark sphere feeling a little¡­ off. Activating Strike of Impending Doom to cross the distance in a mighty charge, Blaske had to admit to a little bit of frustration coloring his enjoyment. At this point in a fight, the special attack would normally be charged enough for him to shoot down the full length of the street in an instant, not the lukewarm output it was currently showing after the stacking boon was dispelled. ¡°No, Solomon. No. Enjoy the thrill. The challenge. The moment,¡± he thought as his empowered attack carried him sphere-first towards the archer on the roof, only for his momentum to once more be stopped abruptly as something firm and unyielding grasped his lower body; a fist of cobbled stone which had risen from below just as a hot, blonde elf in stone and crystal armor emerged from inside the mill with the glowing windows. ¡°Had the situation been different, I would have asked you to go harder. Maybe a rain check?¡± Blaske called while directing his Nihil to chew through the stone hand even as the crystals growing from it started detonating. Each chunk of stone, crystal or just anything else really that disappeared into the dark void sent the familiar warmth of recovery into him, offsetting the sting of the crystal shards that did hit. A wall appeared in front of him to further block his passage just as he got loose, but Blaske only laughed as he drilled through that as well before swallowing most of another swarm of incoming arrows. Some did hit, stinging pain that fueled his drive to cross the final stretch even more and show them all the glory that was Solomon Blaske. It was just as that intent formed in his mind when it was doused. Literally doused. Because Blaske suddenly found himself enveloped by water that materialized around him, restraining and suspending him. His Nihil went to work immediately, but the watery sphere enveloping him was simply too big. When he saw the very, very pretty fish swimming close to the archer, Blaske did wonder if some of the things he had taken yesterday had been missed by the cleansing spell, but the mana churning around the carp in obvious, watery ripples disproved that notion. ¡°Well. Shit.¡± Blaske thought, realizing that it would take at least a second or two to break free. Through his spiritual senses, he knew that Franz and the others were on their way too even as they fought the adventurers, but they weren¡¯t close enough yet. Especially not when taking into account that tattoo-guy had just turned the corner behind him and launched three of those sneaky ripples toward him while the archer was charging up another shot while the hot elf send a cluster of detonating crystals his way, Blaske knew that he was thoroughly fucked if he didn¡¯t use his defensive ace. ¡°I guess that today really is a time to live life to the fullest,¡± he thought, Blaske¡¯s overactive mind planning out what would come next. ¡°Step of the Void Herald¡±
Kite had just turned the corner to see Mtanga, Christine and Glint launch their combined might towards the trapped mercenary leader. Wanting to add as much damage as possible during what was no doubt a brief opportunity, he joined their effort by sending three projected attacks towards the odd man, each carrying the destructive power of Void-Sunders-Firmament. But before either attack could connect, something shifted. In a surge of mana, Solomon Blaske seemed to be swallowed up by a space of nothingness perfectly encompassing his silhouette; as if the man himself had turned into a patch of absence. Then, said absence took a single step, and in that step it was as if it devoured everything in its path; restraining water, incoming crystal projectiles, arrows. Even the distance itself seemed to be consumed by that lone stride, the instant movement causing Kite¡¯s projected attacks to fall woefully short. Worse, as he appeared next to Mtanga and Glint at the roof, his dark sphere already swinging towards them, the man seemed to have been restored as well. Not as fully as if by Kite¡¯s own Immortality, but enough for all the scrapes, cuts and other injuries to have vanished, leaving the mercenary leader pristine. Not that it lasted though, as he was instantly set upon by more arrows from Mtanga, the archer leaping backwards only to land on Glint¡¯s back, the familiar having assumed her enlarged form as she floated away from the new threat. ¡°I believe that this is my stop. You scurry off now and let the nice and polite mister Solomon work in peace,¡± the mercenary said while waving at the pair with a shooing motion from behind his dark sphere which widened to absorb more of the arrows and casually devour a grasping hand which emerged from the stone roof beneath his feet. Seeing the surface of the void orb starting to ripple and grow in preparation of another strike, this one directed straight down, Kite desperately lamented his own lack of personal teleportation or other easy movement outside of his enchanted boots already active. But as he was running down the street at full sprint, he did have an idea. ¡°Christine! Boost!¡± Having fought together for just over five months fortunately meant that the elf quickly caught on. So when Kite empowered his stride further with the pent up energy of Unyielding, the street itself beneath bucked to launch him further and faster. But apparently the elf wasn¡¯t even done yet. ¡°Shield!¡± she called only a moment before sending a cascade of crystal shrapnel Kite¡¯s way as he passed above her. He just managed to get the barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding up behind him in time before the crystals hit. It was a spell meant for some damage but mostly crowd control as the spread-out projectiles mean a lot of force spread out over an area. Kite¡¯s momentum sped up further as the world blurred around him. Transitioning his movement into a swing of his staff, Immutable Echo connected with the dark sphere just as it had begun to tear its way through the formation-enhanced stone of the old mill in order to get at the still active ritual beneath. Disrupting Strike struck once, twice and thrice, and as Kite¡¯s goal had been to merely divert the strike, both he and the mercenary shared a look of utter surprise as the final dispelling attack caused the void ball to implode like a reverse soap bubble and a surprisingly dainty ¡®plop¡¯. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°Oh.¡± ¡°Huh.¡± During their exchanges, the ball of nothingness had proven a lot more resistant to Kite¡¯s dispelling effects than most other conjurations he had encountered, but it seemed that enough was enough. To follow the eating-related metaphors of his foe; it seemed like the little hole in the world had finally had its dispelling fill. The moment of surprised hesitation was quickly broken as Solomon dove backward, but only managed to get halfway out of the arrow swarm fired by Mtanga, he and Glint having circled through the air around the mill to get a better shot. ¡°Well, I would have liked to save this for a special occasion but¡­¡± the mercenary said, activating a ring on his finger which conjured a spherical barrier of golden light around him which started absorbing the incoming attacks. ¡°I am afraid that a barrier will not be enough, senior. Surrender,¡± Kite said even as he threw Disrupting Strikes into the thing as fast as he was able. ¡°Oh? Oh! No, no no, you misunderstand me. The ring is just a trinket. I was about to tell you that I also have a tattoo, even though yours being so awesome makes me a bit embarrassed. It just resets one power each day. Standard stuff. Normally I save it for really important things, such as using Step of the Void Herald again. But that little ball you just popped - which very few have, trust me - was kinda integral to my plans. And waiting a minute for a new one isn¡¯t really possible, even with my little nice trinket. I¡¯ll give you one guess as to where I got the tattoo. You should know me well enough by now to get it right, I think,¡± Solomon said with a cheeky wink, even as his grin had become a little strained. Before he had even finished, a purple light shone brightly from the insides of his armor, with extra radiance concentrated in the pelvis region. But Kite was forced to leave any mental images this might induce for later, as Solomon¡¯s mana surged and another dark void appeared floating above his hand. It felt a bit more hollow than the last, but its borders were crisp and distinct. And Solomon, winking again as he did so, did not hesitate in the slightest. Plunging his orb straight down while empowered further with a special attack, the mercenary leader tore through the roof of the mill just as his barrier fell. Christine did her best to close the hole around him and trap him halfway through, but the elf fell just a moment short in her attempt. And a second later, the light shining out from inside the mill was devoured as a dark stair of absolute darkness was born within. It expanded outward, no doubt as far as Solomon could make it, eating through a part of both the roof and walls of the square house as the protective formations failed. Kite leapt back alongside Christine, stopping in the air as he conjured panes of force for them both to stand on. From their slight vantage, they caught more glimpses of the other battles still in full swing around them. While it was hard to tell, Kite thought that the adventurers had powered through to claim the upper hand in the initial part of the fight, further cemented by the isolation ritual. But now, if their enemies had more reinforcements to bring to bear while their own were unavailable, things might take a turn for the worse. Even more so as the team of the mercenary leader were squaring off against Kite¡¯s own team just one house away, their rolling fight having taken them close enough to rejoin their captain. ¡°You know the escape plan. We should prepare to rally towards the harbor and brave its more potent defenses,¡± Christine said from beside him, her usually relaxed tone gone. ¡°It¡¯s-¡± ¡°Ohhhhhh yeaaaah! Am I good or am I good?¡± came the call from inside the old mill as Solomon Blaske came waltzing out, his smile resplendent as he gave a dramatic toss of his glossy black hair. ¡°It was a good try, guys. Honestly, as far as plans went, it was a decent gamble. But don¡¯t think I haven¡¯t seen the beacon from my people,¡± he said, gesturing across the city to where the other stealth team had no doubt made their move. ¡°Franz?¡± ¡°Yes, Solomon?¡± the man in conjured flaming armor called from where he stood facing Ryker just one rooftop away, the seemingly volatile head of his burning flail spinning in lazy circles. ¡°Would you be a dear and teleport some reinforcements over there so we can make sure that we keep our little adventurer friends here with us undisturbed? They have barely gotten to enjoy any of Havenpeak¡¯s hospitality, after all, and I¡¯d like to give them more of a tour without their friends crashing the party. And while you¡¯re at it, tell our little crime barons to send their reserves over here.¡± ¡°Of cour-¡± Franz begun, but halted as it felt like the world around them shifted; like stale air suddenly moved by a breeze, only on a deeper, more fundamental level. ¡°The dimensional net,¡± Emilio said from the street below Kite, one wand still glowing in his right hand while his other arm hung limp at his side, his combat robes caked with blood. Of everyone in the team, he was the one most sensitive to dimensional forces and their shifts, and what he said next likewise shifted the fate of Havenpeak and the essence users battling in the city. ¡°It¡¯s gone.¡± ¡°Well shi-¡± Solomon Blaske began, but Ryker had already acted, pulling out a device made from several rings of different metals. With a surge of mana, the rings started spinning while emitting a clear, distinct aura. It was an aura beacon, and a long-range one at that, and Kite could feel another similar signal from three other points in the city; two more up close and one far away as the other team leaders of Gauntlet activated theirs as well. The beacons would resonate with their counterparts, and allow for certain essence powers to home in on them even if the essence-user in question were far away. Only a second passed, a moment of relative silence as the silver-rankers across the city had all felt the shift. And then, just before the violence was about to resume, a rainbow circle appeared on the street below where Kite was standing in the air, just beside the old mill. It quickly grew and widened to reveal a shimmering mist within, the portal unmistakable. A trio of silver-rankers burst forth even before it had fully opened, the runic woman in the front commanding several crystal nodes to spread out around the dimensional aperture before barrier of shimmering green sprung up between them, protecting the rest of the team that was no doubt preparing to cross in their wake. ¡°-it,¡± Blaske finished, noting more portals and the flashes of incoming teleports flicker in the neighboring city blocks. The strained defenses of the adventurers were suddenly bolstered by a fresh wave of the reserves of the task group which doubled the amount of adventure society elites on the ground in Havenpeak within a dozen seconds. ¡°Change of plans, Franz! We¡¯re getting out. Use your tattoo.¡± Chaos ensued as the mercenary leader suddenly charged Ryker, using his dashing charge to cross the distance and forced Kite¡¯s teacher and team leader to leap back from his savage attack while the rest of the mercenary team followed suit; unleashing more spectacular attacks and spells to create the space in order to converge on the man in the flaming armor. ¡°It seems like your gamble did pay off in the end,¡± Solomon called as he took a defensive position around the teleporter, now surrounded by defensive stone slabs conjured by one of his teammates as Ryker, Amica, Emilio, Gray Sky, Mtanga, Christine and Kite all tried to muster what attacks they could against the mercenary defenses. ¡°A smart man needs to know when to jump ship, though. Think about my offer, though! Especially you, sexy,¡± he went, winking at Amica even while directing his dark orb to absorb a stream of poison and launched debris. ¡°I would love to feel your powers in a more¡­ intimate setting. I can be a good boy, I promise.¡± ¡°Teleporting!¡± Came the call from behind Solomon, and the man gave them his widest grin yet, eyes and aura brimming with the tension and excitement of the moment. ¡°Well, that¡¯s my call! I hope I won¡¯t see most of you again-¡± A flash of light followed by a pillar of fire which ascended into the skies, and the mercenary team disappeared. With one exception. ¡°-but I hope that won¡¯t make you too disappointed. I- eh?¡± The handsome man had continued his little monologue, but stopped as the realization of him still being there seemed to hit in full. He turned around to see the empty space where his colleagues had stood just a moment before, then, as if just now noticing the new sensation, slowly turned to Kite. And the three, dark vortices hovering above him, their hungry, teleportation-sealing attention now on him in full for the first time. With so many enemies within range, Kite had let his Spirit Singularity fan out and drain all the opponents within range, giving him a more than steady stream of mana to keep his magical reserve in top condition even through the expenditure of his mantle. But shifting its attention to the directed mode didn¡¯t require more than a thought and a moment, and thanks to the man¡¯s constant monologuing, Kite had gotten plenty of forewarning. ¡°I suppose it is time to quote myself, then; Well, shit.¡± Solomon Blaske said, slowly raising his hands. ¡°I surrender. Can it please be the sexy one who roughs me up?¡± A moment later, seven auras descended on him. While Solomon had proven to have excellent spiritual control, there wasn''t really that much he could do. And with his aura suppressed, his body suddenly went rigid as it was lifted into the air, arms and legs splayed out to the sides. ¡°Oh yeah. That¡¯s the stuff,¡± the mercenary captain wheezed out through clenched teeth as Ryker stepped up behind him, snapping a suppression collar around his neck. ¡°Is it really worth keeping him alive?¡± Amica asked from where she stood, gaze as intense as her spirit as she kept the man in a telekinetic hold. ¡°While I would really like to say no, a person like this probably has a lot of connections and knowledge of interest for the adventure society. Probably more than a few wanted-notices too. Shackle him up and we¡¯ll organize storage for him. He''ll be somebody else''s problem to kill- I mean, deal with. And everyone, throw a prayer of thanks to the god of your choosing. It seems like the other stealth team pulled through just in time,¡± Ryker said, noting the battles around them come to a close one after another. ¡°And we aren¡¯t done here. Keep looking for the main objective, be it smuggler leadership or the goods. Help civilians when needed too, even if it looks like the locals should be able to handle it for a while longer. No questions? Then we move out as soon as we¡¯ve helped clear this place.¡±
¡°Are you really sure we should be doing this?¡± ¡°The boss said to destroy the shipping logs and any other documentation. So that¡¯s what we¡¯ll do.¡± ¡°But the boss has already left! Why should we do anything he says?¡± ¡°Bah, that¡¯s just rumors. You know that the boss has a plan. Ain¡¯t no one messes with Auguste Breaker.¡± ¡°And why not cooperate with the adventurers breaking down doors everywhere instead? They even beat the Doomstrikes, and now there¡¯s even more of them.¡± ¡°And bow to them and their false authority? Submit to their iron grip of the world? Never.¡± ¡°Sounds like you have been listening a bit too much to the boss¡¯ preachings.¡± ¡°Auguste Breaker is an inspiration to us all!¡± ¡°Ugh, gods. Let''s just get this over with. The logs should be in here, right?¡± The pair of bronze-ranked thugs fumbled with some key stones, trying out the different ones until one finally caused the door to the enchanted filing cabinet to slide open. ¡°Good, now let me just-¡± ¡°Step away slowly, and no one needs to lose their head over this,¡± a new voice said. The more hesitant thug turned slowly to see a glowing wand pressed to his throat, held in the hand of a smiling elf in combat robes who definitely hadn¡¯t been there the moment before. That they couldn¡¯t sense his aura meant that the two of them were in rather deep shit. ¡°Hey there, we don¡¯t need no trouble-¡± once began, but his colleague seemed to have a different idea. As the flames burst outward from the defiant man in an instant, a short-lived, spherical burst of fire meant to ward off groups of attackers or fry projectiles, one could easily see the conviction burning in his eyes even as he had been wise enough to not loudly proclaim his defiance. But to a silver-ranker, the intent had been visible in his aura way beforehand. So Emilio didn¡¯t move an inch. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± A wave rippled across the room, smothering the flames before they had reached more than a few centimeters out from the man¡¯s body. The thug stumbled in pain as the transcendent damage which followed failed dispels jolted him, and soon lay unconscious on the floor, bereft of his mana. ¡°So,¡± Kite began, turning to Emilio. ¡°This is it? They actually had shipping manifests?¡± ¡°It is as they say; any operation of this size requires bureaucracy to function, criminal or not. That we actually found it where it was said to be will probably make the courts show a bit more leniency to miss Micola.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be so kind when speaking of a crime baroness,¡± Kite said, barely able to contain his smirk when he gleaned the spiritual equivalent of a blush in Emilio¡¯s aura. ¡°And I won¡¯t judge your tastes. Some say that there is a certain kind of thrill in¡­ What did Amica call them? Bad girls?¡± ¡°Oh be quiet, you peasant,¡± Emilio said with a roll of his eyes. ¡°We¡¯d better start leafing through the ledgers. Just from the size of the warehouse out there, this is a lot more than I¡¯d expected. The documents might help us know how many more such storage facilities are spread around the city.¡± Sensing an uncertain shift in the aura of the bronze-ranker beside them, both silver-rankers turned to the man as if just remembering that he was there too. ¡°Ehm, I might be able to show you some of them. The boss didn¡¯t tell us everything, but we tried to keep track of the other bosses¡¯ facilities too.¡± ¡°Well then, how marvelous. Come with me. I have a certain team leader to introduce you to. Do not fret, his gaze is that stern to all of us,¡± Emilio said as he escorted the man out of the small office and into the warehouse proper, still at wand-point. Shaking his head with a smile, Kite turned to the neat collection of books and documents in front of him. ¡°Well, it shouldn¡¯t hurt to at least give these a cursory inspection, even if Braid would be way better suited to this kind of work. Would you like to help me, little beauty?¡± Glint had been idly floating around the room, but at this question, she froze momentaneously before suddenly seeming to find something most interesting out in the warehouse. ¡°I shall have to face the rejection with a stoic heart,¡± Kite chuckled, turning to the work at hand. While Kite was no scholar, he was still a decent hand at searching through documents and the like, and the spirit attribute of a silver-ranker made for quick reading. Amica found Kite there around half an hour later as she was floating in through the door. ¡°There is so much stuff out there. We opened one of the more fancy crates, and found a dozen corrupt essences just laying there in a neat row of horror. And there were more than one box.¡± ¡°Thirty-two,¡± Kite said distractedly, his gaze remaining intensely at the document laid out before him. ¡°Thirty-two what?¡± ¡°Thirty-two corrupt essences in this warehouse, along with sixty awakening stones of the same kind. And similar amounts of death, destruction and plague essences along other more common, cheaper ones.¡± ¡°How do you know? Did you find the shipping manifest?¡± ¡°I believe I did. The amounts are¡­ deeply concerning. We¡¯ve hit smuggling-rings before, but they weren¡¯t shipping even half this amount. Counting in the restricted artifacts along other magical items, there is enough here to found a new whole sect of essence-users from scratch.¡± ¡°Sect? Those were the guild-like things from your homeland?¡± Kite could only nod, turning to Amica and giving her a grave look. ¡°What? What is it?¡± she asked, floating closer as she sensed the distress in his aura. ¡°That is where this; all of this, was going, Amica,¡± he said, gesturing to the documents. ¡°All this potential power, most of a kind shunned by society. It was all going to Hua-Xi. To my home.¡± 167. Introductions In his office at the Port Singhni adventure society campus, Ilmaril Thenston, supervisor of the eastern branch of Task Group Gauntlet, finished reading the report, reordering the pile of papers into a neat stack in front of him. The contracted strike against the major smuggling operations of the island city of Havenpeak had almost been a disaster. The unforeseeable elements in the task group¡¯s every day operation were always manifold, but this time had been particularly bad. Even so, the crafty adventurers had pulled through, used their judgment and done their job. Although three of the silver-rankers deployed hadn¡¯t come back. Ilmaril knew that under the circumstances, those numbers were actually way lower than expected. Still, each of them made for such a waste of potential. But what remained had secured the island for long enough to seize all the goods currently stored there, with the exception of much of the liquid assets. Out of the leaders of the smuggling ring, four had managed to escape the island through teleportation or portals, the adventurers too more focused on sending in reinforcements rather than setting up a dimensional net of their own. The whereabouts of these criminals were so far unknown, but Ilmaril would leave tracking them down to the more investigative elements. He was far more interested in all those restricted pieces of magic that had been seized. And so was apparently one of their recruits. ¡°Kite, I both understand and appreciate your concern with this matter. The amount of goods sent here and other details in the manifest does seem to indicate that this is not the first shipment sent to your homeland, and I assure you that we will make sure to forward this to director Temren in your capital branch. But you have barely been back half a day, and you request that we send your team out again immediately, fresh out of debriefing?¡± ¡°Supervisor Thenston, I understand your doubts. But as I have tried to convey, this might be connected to something bigger going on in my homeland. The goods were going to be shipped out today according to the manifest, and we even have a location. I am sure that you see what this could mean; at worst we stamp out a random gathering of cultists and at best¡­,¡± Kite said, taking a moment to steady himself and reign in his budding frustration. ¡°At best we could uncover something vital for the direction of Hua-Xi¡¯s future. And we have both the means and opportunity to act if we do so quickly.¡± Ilmaril treated himself to a sigh as he rose from behind his desk. The young man was nothing if not earnest, that was for sure. But he still carried a lot of the naivet¨¦ of youth. Still, Ilmaril reminded himself to be gentle. ¡°Kite, you know how Gauntlet works by now. You wouldn¡¯t still be here if you didn''t. Even though we might work on a different scale than most, we are still adventurers working through contracts. And while we have a responsibility to protect people as is our founding creed, it is not Gauntlet¡¯s place to just step in wherever we want. But we will forward this to the director of Heavenward, and she in turn can bring it up to your country¡¯s leader. Your¡­¡± ¡°King,¡± Kite replied, filling in the expectant gap, even if Ilmaril¡¯s reasoning caused his frustrations to churn again. ¡°But that will take time, supervisor. Time we do not have if we are to use the opportunity given here.¡± ¡°Even if there was a will, Kite, there is also the matter of funding. You know how well you are remunerated, so it should not come as a surprise to you that it is almost exclusively the heads of cities or even countries who send contracts our way. Deploying elite silver-rankers to almost anywhere in the world is not cheap,¡± Ilmaril explained, trying the crass route as the organizational one hadn¡¯t worked. In most cases, Ilmaril wouldn¡¯t have bothered with this conversation, but the young man had served well so far and had excellent potential within their ranks, so he had decided to take the time to at least address the matter personally. And his words did seem to have finally worn down the younger man¡¯s resolve, as his spirit seemed to deflate slightly even though his posture remained proper. ¡°I¡­ see,¡± Kite said, his voice filled with resignation. And what Ilmaril sensed taking shape in his aura caused the elf¡¯s brows to knit in concern. ¡°Now, Kite, I would recommend to sleep a bit on the matter and-¡± ¡°Supervisor, I believe that I will have to thank you for the time and resources invested in me by the task group. This has been an amazing opportunity, but I believe that I will not be able to remain in order to finish my final month of assessment. This development in regards to my home is simply too urgent, and beyond what I personally stand to lose for leaving.¡± Ilmaril regarded Kite for a moment, but as he saw no false meanings or bluster in the man, he couldn¡¯t help but shake his head. ¡°I would still urge you to think this through Kite, and will take your words as spoken rashly while still recovering from a most intense contract. Gauntlet has a place for you. It can add to your growth as you can add to it. Do not squander this chance, as such flippancy might be to your detriment should you seek to once more apply to join us.¡± He added a bit of aura pressure to accompany his words, just enough to impart the severity of them rather than scare the young man. Kite met the gold-ranker¡¯s gaze for a moment, and while Ilmaril sensed the hurt in him, the man¡¯s resolve was unchanged. ¡°A shame,¡± he thought, stopping to stand in front of Kite. ¡°Then, as the supervisor of this branch of Task Force Gauntlet, I acknowledge your wish to-¡± ¡°What I believe that dear Ilmaril here was about say, is that a contract that could be of much interest to young Kite here has apparently just arrived,¡± a pleasant voice suddenly interjected as a scaled hand landed amicably on the elf¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Sir Darnos,¡± Ilmaril greeted, looking about as startled as Kite at the draconian¡¯s sudden appearance. ¡°What do you mean? I-¡± ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Ilmaril. The contract just came in, after all, the ink barely having dried. Apparently, an unknown, most concerned and handsome gentleman of means has gotten wind of troubling developments in the small nation of Hua-Xi. I¡¯m sure that you have heard of it,¡± Darnos of the Rending White, overseer of Task Group Gauntlet¡¯s eastern operations said with a twinkle in his eyes. ¡°Word among the functionaries even says that his scales glimmered like nothing they had ever seen before. Truly, a spectacular piece of man, that one.¡± Ilmaril didn¡¯t even look at the paper offered by the draconian, disbelief written all across his features. ¡°Sir Darnos, you truly don¡¯t mean- This¡­ This is so far outside protocol that-¡± ¡°I believe that you did say that Task Group Gauntlet is still comprised of adventurers, dear Ilmaril. Adventurers that protect people. And wouldn¡¯t getting to the bottom of a trail of restricted magical contraband to a troubled kingdom be just that? You know the destruction a single death essence in the wrong hands can cause in the more rural regions.¡± ¡°But¡­ the funding-¡± ¡°Will be paid in full for a single team of eight silver-rankers with at least one local among their ranks, the cost for the portal included. Said gentleman apparently had some spare funds lying around, and found this to be a good cause. But he did stipulate very thoroughly that the team had to volunteer, should they just have come back from another contract. How generous and foresighted, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± Realizing that any further argument would be pointless, Ilmaril gave his superior a helpless look before turning back to Kite, the younger man still trying to comprehend what had just happened. ¡°Well, Kite, it would seem that Fortune has a good eye towards you. As you are the only Hua-Xian in our ranks, the choice of team is a foregone conclusion. Would you like to bring the contract to present to the others? As was stipulated, they do have to agree.¡± Reaching out to receive the stack of papers, Kite bowed deeply to each of the two gold-rankers, clutching the documents to his chest. ¡°Thank you, truly. And I hope that the concerned benefactor knows that this is a bond of karma that I will not forget. Am I excused?¡± ¡°You are,¡± Ilmaril agreed, and Kite swiftly left the room. As the door clicked shut behind him, Ilmaril slowly turned to Darnos, whose eyes still twinkled with mirth. ¡°Sir?¡± ¡°Yes, Ilmaril?¡± ¡°I hope I¡¯m not overstepping when I would like to know; what was that? While the draconian looked entirely unapologetic, he at least had the decency to not play dumb. ¡°That, dear Ilmaril, was me doing something that felt right.¡± ¡°But-¡± ¡°Do you disagree that it was a good thing to do, Ilmaril?¡± ¡°... No, sir,¡± the elf said honestly. ¡°And a fully funded contract has been sent. So there shouldn¡¯t be any fuzz. Kite did have a point in that time was of the essence.¡± Ilmaril was silent for a while, but eventually asked; ¡°May I know why, sir? While I can imagine that many individual adventurers would agree with Kite, we as an organization are not vigilantes.¡± ¡°Oh indeed we are not, Ilmaril,¡± Darnos chuckled. ¡°And while the opinions within the task group¡¯s leadership tends to differ, I personally like to think that it is in times like this that the old adage ¡®the end justifies the means¡¯ is most applicable. I saw a chance to do what I felt was something worthwhile, and I had the resources to do it within the boundaries of the rules.¡± ¡°Debatable.¡± ¡°Well, I may be skirting some of them a bit, that¡¯s true,¡± Darnos admitted. ¡°But what also had a little bit of influence over my actions is that I believe that it is an opportunity for young Kite there. We¡¯ve both had quite a bit of preconceived notions about him, which we¡¯ve both found reason to reconsider. Seeing the matter¡¯s importance to him and judging by the feeling I got from his aura, there is something more at work in his homeland. Something which Gauntlet as a whole cannot just dive straight into at the moment. But a concerned local who just happened to be involved and has ties to us? Well, isn¡¯t that a mighty fine accident should the time come when we would actually be called upon to step in? So we give him a chance to prove himself some more, show him that we aren¡¯t entirely above supporting him and get an excellent addition to our ranks while rooting out what, from the look of it, would be just what Gauntlet exists to handle? I, for one, would call that money well spent.¡±
¡°Thank you, everyone. I truly, truly appreciate this,¡± Kite said, bowing deeply to each and every one on his team. They were all spread out around one of the more secluded portal platforms of Port Sighni¡¯s adventure society campus, waiting for their express-scheduled portal to arrive. ¡°Oh I don¡¯t think that you¡¯re the only one happy about getting to follow this little trail to the end,¡± Christine answered, from where she was leaning back on a stone-shaped divan. ¡°It would have been rather unsatisfactory if you just had to leave things. Such a major shipment has to go to something, right?¡± ¡°Such evil lurking needs to be stamped out,¡± Gray Sky agreed. Of all of his teammates, it had been the runic and Ryker that Kite had been the most worried would deny his plea for them to take the follow-up contract on such short notice. But it turned out that the man¡¯s pride worked to Kite¡¯s advantage this time, as the man was at least zealous in his drive to stamp out what he deemed to be evil. As for Ryker¡­ ¡°We will still approach this with caution. Scout properly and prepare as best as we are able. With the short notice and¡­ peculiarities¡­ of the contract, we¡¯ll pretty much be on our own. Had the delivery location been anywhere a gold-ranker could comfortably reside, I would''ve been against this from the start,¡± the stern team leader said, still leafing through what their scribes had been able to summarize on short notice from the captured documents of Havenpeak. If Kite wasn¡¯t mistaken, the location specified for the smugglers was a hidden complex in the mountains of western Hua-Xi, south of the city of Boundary. While more mana-dense than Kite¡¯s childhood home of the Autumn lands, it was still a region of Hua-Xi where a gold-ranker would need to consume several spirit coins per day or start degrading, as the ambient magic was simply too lacking to sustain them. Still, the lack of information and the plan they had agreed upon sent flutters of trepidation through his stomach. Apparently sensing his internal turmoil, Kite felt an aura nudge his. Looking up, he saw Sztyka give him a supporting nod. As it came from a priestess of Justice and the one team-member who had seemed to be straight-up excited to join this venture, the gesture did make Kite feel better. Sztyka had indicated that she might not have been able to join such a venture for any other reason than a completely mundane contract unrelated to any other clergy, giving Kite a bit of a glimpse into the complicated life of those sworn to the service of the gods. ¡°Justice, if this is you showing your approval, I give you my thanks,¡± he sent in silent prayer while acknowledging the other¡¯s confirmations with nods, smiles and words of thanks. Having been away for over five months and seeing so many parts of the world, from barren mountain hideouts to packed cities, it felt almost alien to return home to that which he knew. Kite was even unsure if his friends back home would believe him when he told them about fighting a man-eating pirate at the bottom of the ocean inside a flooding underwater hideout. Or if he should even tell his aunties about it. ¡°I will have to curate things heavily for little Raven,¡± Kite thought, the tightening in his chest making itself known once more. Almost half a year since he saw his little sister. ¡°I bet that she has grown so much.¡± Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! His thoughts were once again interrupted as Amica floated into his field of view, hair falling like a curtain to block his view as she hung upside down in the air. ¡°Relax, Kite. You don¡¯t have to be particularly sensitive to note that you¡¯re basically a ball of homesickness and tension right now. Things will go fine. I mean, we¡¯re supposed to be among the best at this kind of thing by now, right?¡± she asked with an attempt at encouragement, and Kite had to admit that it worked. ¡°And besides, you¡¯ll even be able to make a grand return with your shiny new gear,¡± Amica finished, gesturing towards Kite¡¯s armor. A few weeks before the strike against Havenpeak, Kite had commissioned a new, proper set of armor to replace the rather nondescript one he had worn through silver rank so far, and Fortune had truly favored him in that it had been completed the day of his return. While it had cost way more than a literal arm and a leg - recovering lost limbs weren¡¯t that expensive to a silver-ranker after all - Kite did feel that the expense had been worth it as he looked down upon what he felt was a true work of art.
WWJS: Spellplate of the Wardsmith Heavy armor Silver rank - Epic [Effect] Increases the durability of any shields or barriers conjured by the wielder. [Effect] Whenever you cast a shield or barrier, gain an instance of [Impervious]. All instances will be consumed when used against an applicable attack. [Impervious] (Boon, magic, stacking): Resistances are increased and damage reduction is gained against non-physical damage. Additional instances have a cumulative effect. [Effect] The durability of this armor increases while channeling mana into ongoing effects. Increase is proportional to the amount of mana channeled, up to a certain limit. [Effect] Pay an ongoing mana cost to self-repair. Speed of self-repair is proportional to ongoing mana cost.
The articulated plate Kite was currently wearing was mostly made from a silvery metal called mana chrome, a malleable material which could be enchanted to react to mana in differing ways depending on the needs of the smith. Actually commissioning the piece had been a quite formal affair as Kite met up with a silver-ranked mentee of a local gold-ranked master. In the end, what Kite had wanted had required the ordering of some rather exotic materials and the smith bringing in another of his former fellow apprentices to help. Both now had their own businesses, but apparently still shared contracts and referrals when the need arose. While the cost was steep, there was a certain feeling when luxuriating in armor made just for you alone. The resulting mana chrome was light and surprisingly comfortable, as Kite had splurged a bit extra on the enchantments in that regard, and the boost it gave to his barriers, be it the extra durability or the gathering defensive boon it generated, was nothing to scoff at. But the idea Kite had been most proud of was that the suit could utilize his near constant channeling of mana while in combat. Kite had become rather proficient in walking the spiritual tightrope that was using his mantle, making sure to keep the arms active only when he could land enough hits and counters of his own to balance out the cost, and now his spending of mana would add even more; creating a thin layer of barrier across the surface of the armor as long as he kept channeling. The effect even grew as he spent more, which meant that when Kite had his mantle active along with the ¡®air walking¡¯ of Leyline warding or using his racial gift to sustain magical effects, he became even harder to damage for the blows that would inevitably slip through his defenses. ¡°I¡¯m very impressed with what they could accomplish,¡± Kite agreed, before adding. ¡°And most pleased that they could lacquer it to dampen its reflectiveness. If you think that this is shiny, you should have witnessed its more raw splendor while it was made.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t a dazzling presence be good for a defensive type like you?¡± Amica teased, poking the metal of his pauldron. ¡°Not if it''s so bright that even the most dim-witted monsters turn away from me to seek other prey,¡± Kite countered. ¡°I for one am still disappointed,¡± Emilio said haughtily from the side. ¡°You would have made for better target practice, and- oh, I believe that our portal is here.¡± Kite didn¡¯t sense anything, but knew the elf to be the one most sensitive to shifts in dimensional forces within their team, something to do with a racial gift evolution earlier in his career. Emilio¡¯s prediction was soon proven correct too, as an empty, square gray doorway rose from the ground of the portal platform. Within its opening it looked like row upon row of similar empty door frames led off into dour infinity. A moment later, a short elven woman peeked her head through, giving them each a dazzling smile. ¡°Riz is the name, and portals is the game. Please step through, and I will show you a world of wonders!¡± Her little speech was even accompanied by conjured sparkles and a rainbow appearing above the portal, a stark contrast to the slate-gray aperture that looked to be leading to some kind of dull purgatory. ¡°Eight people and one familiar, right? My power just reached gold last month, so you¡¯re in luck. Not many of us know any places where you¡¯re going, and now this will be quick and easy!¡± True to his usual self, Ryker just nodded in greeting to the bubbly elf and otherwise ignored her as he led the way into the portal, the rest of the team following suit. Bringing up the rear, Kite stopped next to the courier and bowed politely, hands cupped. ¡°Thank you, mistress Riz. Your path is most impressive to bring me back home while still silver-ranked. The sparkles were a nice touch too,¡± he added, feeling bad that her little display had not otherwise been acknowledged. From the look of pure, unadulterated joy the elf gave him at the compliment, Kite assumed that it didn¡¯t happen too often. ¡°Really? Really really? Thank you! Most just ignore them, so I had started wondering if it was even worth it, but now- oh, I¡¯m so happy! Do you think I should add more pink into the mix? Or-¡± she said, starting off a long, rapid-fire list of her aesthetic ponderings as Kite entered the portal aperture alongside her. And much like the single step he had taken from Heavenward just over five months ago, a step which had allowed him to cross out into the wider world, a single step took Kite back home. Because while the world was huge and the sights many, the thought of home brought a sense of familiarity which could only be highlighted by the contrast of new experience. But this time, home was not just a place to return to. This time, Kite had a contract. A trail of something foul had pointed him back home, something that Kite doubted was pure happenstance given what he had learned might be lurking beneath the veneer of Hua-Xi. This time, Kite would return as the hunter.
¡°From the feel of your spirit, this was more the ¡®I¡¯m exasperated¡¯ kind of urgent rather than the ¡®this is a crisis¡¯ kind of urgent,¡± Maximilian Brackenstar, deputy director of the Heavenward adventure society branch noted upon entering the office of his superior. In response, branch director Anasta Temren just threw a letter at him, her gold-ranked dexterity making it easy to send the envelope spinning through the air with absolute precision. Snapping the document from its flying trajectory, it only took Maximilian a moment to skim its content, and another three seconds to read it again, more properly. ¡°Oh,¡± he said. Apparently finding his reaction lacking, Anasta looked up to glare at her second in command. ¡°That¡¯s it? Oh? We have a strike team from Task Group Gauntlet entering the country for a contract given by an outside source, and that¡¯s all you¡¯ve got. Do you realize what the sects - fuck it - what the king would do if this got out?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like it¡¯s illegal, or even uncommon. Contracts often cross borders even without the involvement of the likes of Gauntlet.¡± ¡°Yes, but the legality is not the problem. You know the political situation here, Maximilian. You know that all they want is a reason.¡± ¡°So we better make sure that they don¡¯t find out then. Given the location, I¡¯d say that it isn¡¯t likely.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already started to arrange the cover-up. I just wish they could give us more warning than a polite ¡®a team will arrive in three hours. Deal with it¡¯,¡± Anasta grumbled. ¡°Still, if you think about it, Gauntlet just doesn¡¯t move for anyone. And the king certainly hasn¡¯t sent for them. Do you think that this is related to¡­?¡± Maximilian said, voice full of meaning as he trailed off. ¡°It better be. It better be good. And it better not cause this country to explode. Metaphorically.¡± ¡°I believe that the adherents of Destruction would love for it to be literal.¡± That did get a chuckle from the branch director, pushing back a strand of her chestnut locks which had escaped the hair arrangement of the day, held in place by a beautiful comb. ¡°I suppose that you are right. Sorry for snapping at you,¡± she said, and Maximillan felt her sincerity as it no longer felt like her aura was threatening to cut anything and everything to pieces. ¡°But please, keep a look at it if you can while I start mustering the most discreet support teams that I can manage? If any of the locals except the Tengu clan even seems close to catching a whiff of it, we need to act quickly.¡± Anasta then turned back towards her panoramic window with a grand view of the city, the dusk outside painting it in warm hues. As Maximillian turned to leave, his sharp ears caught her murmured words: ¡°Fortune, please let this be a good thing. We¡¯re doing our best, but we could really use an unexpected win right now.¡±
Portal users could travel to most places they had visited, but to really anchor a location in one¡¯s mind, there usually had to be a special, distinctive feature to help form that abstract connection. Most often, it was a designated plaza in a settlement or city, such open spaces often having other distinct buildings, statues, parks or similar landmarks nearby to ease the process. While in the wilderness, distinct rock formations, steep valleys or other such things were most often chosen instead. That was why Kite was rather surprised that Riz¡¯s portal exited onto the backyard of a noodle shop; a lone waystation with some separate buildings and stables for the occasional traveler in need of lodging. The nearby heidels all looked up with their two pairs of eyes at the arrivals before walking off to the other side of their enclosure to continue their grazing away from the dimensional arrivals. ¡°What- how¡­ Why?¡± was all that Kite could manage, trying to process the sudden turn of events even as all of his senses were assaulted by the feeling of home. There was a certain quality to the air and ambient mana that he had never noticed before, and definitely hadn¡¯t known that he had missed until he was suddenly back. Combined with the familiar architecture of sloped roofs, glazed tiles and sliding doors, as well as the distinct blends of spicy broths that came wafting out of the establishment before him, Kite couldn¡¯t help but smile even through his disbelief. ¡°This place has the best spicy mushroom broth,¡± the odd elf courier beside him said wistfully, already seeming drawn in towards the back doors of the restaurant. ¡°When you can go anywhere, why not make sure that you actually like the places that you commit to memory.¡± Riz¡¯s last words were said as she slid the doors open, immediately calling inside. ¡°Old man Steam, I¡¯m back!¡± Looking to his team members, Kite saw all of them inspecting their new surroundings with interest. He met Ryker¡¯s gaze with a questioning look of his own as Kite glanced to where Riz had disappeared. Ryker seemed to think for a second, but as none of the other members of the team seemed to detect any danger, he eventually shrugged. And nodded. That was how the team from Task Group Gauntlet soon found themselves slurping down steaming bowls of noodles. Old man Steam, the wrinkled man running the place along with his daughter and grandson, had taken the team of silver-rankers filing into his restaurant in stride, and had even directed his grandson to rearrange the tables to give the adventurers a corner to themselves. Kite was thoroughly enjoying the noodles, giving Riz a gesture of thanks through the privacy screen which currently surrounded them before turning back to point at a map he had splayed out on the table. ¡°See here east of us? That is Convergence. While it is small to what most of you are used to, it is one of the bigger cities of northern Hua-Xi,¡± he explained between bites. ¡°It is most fortunate that Riz could get us to somewhere more remote like this. From what she told us, we should be around here somewhere,¡± he continued, indicating an area along the western trade road. ¡°If the shipment was indeed intended to be delivered to this area west of us, we have some trekking to do.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not too bad. We can cover the distance fast enough, and that¡¯ll give Emilio time to scout things out a bit before they should start getting suspicious,¡± Ryker said, placing his second empty bowl into the first. ¡°Assuming there is someone there, of course. But everything did indicate it, and our scribes couldn¡¯t find any magically hidden messages or mundane ciphers in the notes.¡± They spent another hour setting up a preliminary plan, reaching the question of transportation just as Kite had finished paying for their food. ¡°If we run there, we should go cross-country,¡± Emilio noted. ¡°While I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll be more than a story for the people living here, we still want to minimize further exposure of where we are going. It¡¯s a shame that we weren¡¯t closer to home, or I could have borrowed a sky ship from my family or one of our vassals.¡± ¡°It probably wouldn¡¯t fly here, at least not models made for your home region,¡± Mtanga pointed out. ¡°The ambient mana is too sparse.¡± ¡°Then running it is,¡± Ryker agreed, but turned to Kite as he raised a hand to interrupt. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind a bit of cramped seating, I believe that I have a solution to that part. With all the portals we¡¯ve been treated to, there hasn''t been any real need until now,¡± Kite said. Sensing that it would be her time to shine, his glittering carp familiar came floating up from her bottle at his side. ¡°It has been some time since Glint really got a proper workout, after all.¡± And so it came to pass that Kite¡¯s first evening back in his homeland was spent seated atop his familiar, enchanted boat floating through the air behind her as they raced west like a comet trailing mist which glittered in the last rays of sunlight. Most of the team relaxed in the relatively cramped insides of the vessel, but Kite couldn¡¯t help enjoying himself as he leaned forward on Glint¡¯s back, chasing the horizon and the setting sun. Somewhere among the jagged mountains that were gradually becoming visible in the distance, a hidden threat was waiting for them; a gathering of magic most foul. And the team from Task Force Gauntlet already had a plan on how to make their introductions.
¡°Master! Maste- out of my way! Master, they¡¯re here!¡± Split Shard of Mirrors, priest of Discord, had already risen from his meditations as he had sensed his bronze-ranked acolyte approach, the eagerness clear in his aura. To the others in their hidden compound, he was simply known as master Shard, the aura mask given by his patron church hiding the touch of divinity upon him as Shard took the role of ostensibly neutral leader of their growing cell. As his acolyte was invited into his personal sanctum, its magically camouflaged windows actually letting some real daylight inside, Shard activated his privacy screen. ¡°The shipment? I was almost beginning to wonder,¡± Shard said, deducing the reason for his acolyte¡¯s excitement. ¡°And they signaled as agreed upon?¡± ¡°They did, master.¡± ¡°Good. The others were getting rather tedious to deal with as things were taking longer than expected. While their bickering is like words of prayer to our deity, a few more days might have sent our little venture down Destruction¡¯s gullet instead. Our latest batches of followers need to be given the powers promised to them, after all. We will need to have patience as they are trained over the year to come.¡± ¡°Discord¡¯s creed is patience. Sow the seeds, nurture them over the years and watch his garden grow,¡± Shard¡¯s acolyte intoned, earning himself a pleased smile from his master. ¡°Well said. Meditate further upon that image. With your plant essence, it will be important to you. But for now, send some of the others to collect the shipment and bring it inside. We will be quite busy for the foreseeable future.¡± 168. Absolute mandate Amica had just finished dropping the last of her many dimensional satchels on the floor of the cave when she felt the approaching auras; one silver and six bronzes. All of them reeked of cores, and the silver even had the volatile feel to it indicating Destruction¡¯s divine presence within the person¡¯s soul. ¡°And the meeting place was inside a cave behind a waterfall,¡± she thought, looking out the curtain of water streaming down outside, its roar echoing between the stone walls. The water was soon divided like the metaphorical curtain she had likened it to in her mind while said silver-ranker, a surprisingly ordinary-looking human man with black hair and light stubble walked through the descending mass of water like it was nothing, heat shimmering around him as he was dried in an instant. The bronzes, either being smarter or just lacking their leader¡¯s flair for the theatrical, instead chose to walk up the narrow ledge which served as an entrance. The silver-ranker tried to speak, but Amica barely heard a sound even with her silver-ranked hearing, so she activated her privacy screen by feeding a not insubstantial trickle of mana as the ambient one wasn¡¯t strong enough to power the device all by itself when widened to include the whole group. At least it got the job done, as the roar of the waterfall was abruptly cut off. ¡°You¡¯re late,¡± the man noted with dissatisfaction, his tone curt. ¡°It was within the given time. Had some adventurers sniffing around a while ago, and we had to make sure that they lost our trail before moving on. Or would you rather that we led them straight to you?¡± It was easy to fall into the bored drawl Amica had practiced to play her role in this little charade, her strong aura making her the prime candidate to lie to a fellow silver¡¯s face. ¡°True enough,¡± the man said, conceding the point. ¡°For what we¡¯re paying you, I trust that you could manage discretion. The advance payment enough should-¡± ¡°Geez, don¡¯t sweat it. Gods know it is in my best interest to keep them away too, you know. I¡¯m not taking on armed maniacs bearing down on me, and neither will my bosses.¡± She then gestured to the stack of satchels upon which she was still resting one foot. ¡°It¡¯s all here. Feel free to check, but the satchels aren¡¯t leaving this cave before I have the rest of the payment.¡± "Don¡¯t worry, smuggler, you¡¯ll have your payment,¡± the silver-ranker said, gesturing to the bronzes. ¡°Go check on our goods.¡± As the lower-rankers went forward, the silver-ranked man gestured off to the side, and Amica joined him in leaning against the wall, although careful to not stand too close. Not that she personally was worried, but she at least tried to lean into the part of a skittish smuggler. ¡°But please, take your time,¡± she thought as the bronze-rankers started going through the crates, counting the essences, awakening stones and other magical contraband. Or rather, the counterfeits provided by the adventure society. The faux essences and stones wouldn¡¯t hold up to any more in-depth scrutiny and would dissolve in a few more days, but it should be enough for their purposes. Contrary to the potential ambush Amica had suspected, the other silver instead struck up some conversation, awkwardly flexing what he no doubt thought as achievements in an attempt to impress her. She could feel his general boredom and current attraction well enough from his aura, even if it was only surface-level, which made it easy to play just coy enough to keep him talking. ¡°It¡¯s all here, master!¡± One of the bronzes called after a while. The man nodded in satisfaction while Amica felt a twinge of disappointment in that the bronzes had been surprisingly efficient in their tallying. ¡°Oh well, the first plan rarely works anyway. Time for the backup to-¡± She had barely finished the thought when Emilio suddenly appeared next to her, joining the other two silvers in leaning back against the wall. ¡°Found it. Their concealing formations weren¡¯t much. We can move as planned,¡± the elf said casually. To his credit, the other silver-ranker reacted quickly. While Amica could sense the sudden spike of alarm, he acted directly instead of asking meaningless questions. Fist surrounded by the head of a viper made of flames, the man swung as the strike was clearly empowered further by his own life force. ¡°Classic Destruction,¡± Amica thought, having faced enough of the mad deity¡¯s followers to recognize it by now. But the man¡¯s blow never found its mark as Amica spiked his frail aura with hers, using his lapse in control to grab him in a telekinetic hold and swing him like a bludgeon into his own bronze-rankers before letting him go to pass back out through the waterfall. Two of the lower-rankers were quickly picked off while still airborne as Emilio¡¯s wands appeared in his hands, blasting them with a torrent of shots with deadly accuracy. Two more were shoved out through the waterfall along with their leader, while the final two¡­ ¡°Wall.¡± The cave wall opened up as Kite and Christine emerged from the stone-shaped pocket in which they had been waiting, the former conjuring a series of force walls around the remaining pair of bronze-rankers. Within a moment, they had each grabbed a flailing captive and were shoving them against the barriers while Kite¡¯s additional arms were sending out what mana-draining attacks he could to hasten the process. Seeing that things were well under control, Amica floated up and through the waterfall in pursuit of the silver-ranker, the water parting around her telekinetic barrier without letting as much as a drop through. Having sensed the pain flaring through her quarry¡¯s aura, she already knew that she probably wasn¡¯t needed here either, but might as well make things as quick as possible. It turned out that she was too late even for that. The silver-ranker¡¯s aura winked out just as the mists of the waterfall let her see clearly, and Amica only had the time to see a body bristling with arrows dissolve beneath Sztyka¡¯s terrifying attention while firmly held by Ryker¡¯s arms of animated cloth. Poor guy didn¡¯t even have time to detonate himself in the last blaze of glory of which Destruction¡¯s followers seemed to love so much, even though knowing what deity the man served and what he had done in said deity¡¯s name erased even such passing sympathies. Emilio appeared along the rest just as Amica reached them. ¡°Things went well. Kite has two of the bronzes captured, so we can see what numbers you can get out of them. I¡¯ll go scout the hideout some more in the meantime.¡± ¡°Go, but be quick. We need to move within fifteen minutes before they start wondering where these ones have disappeared to,¡± Ryker said, turning to Amica as the elf scout disappeared once more. ¡°Fish out what¡¯s left of him from the stream and see what you can find in his belongings. Sztyka, go help Kite and Christine with the questioning. Gray Sky, you and me keep watch. If all goes well, we¡¯ll soon be kicking in plenty more doors.¡±
¡°The others are gathering, master.¡± ¡°Yes, I can feel it. We should get there as well to be ready to claim some of the goods. They may not know our true allegiances, but we still have a faction to look out for. Too much imbalance between us all will risk the planted seeds of our god,¡± Split Shard of Mirrors said as he adjusted the final part of his outfit in his personal quarters of their hidden compound along with checking that the aura mask remained in place. Not that he had any reason to complain in that last regard though; the veil over his spirit remained as pristine as ever. Shard was still deeply curious of how his superiors had gotten such splendid methods of masking one''s aura, even capable of hiding the touch of the divine. ¡°A question for a time when I have risen to their ranks,¡± he thought, leading his acolyte as well as two other bronze-rankers towards the common area of their home which also served as the meeting place to discuss the day-to-day running of their ambitious undertaking. As for now, Shard needed to prepare. If the smugglers hadn¡¯t lied about their capabilities, they would receive enough materials to have sixty new iron rankers soon. Each of them would need to be trained, most raised up through cores. But in a year or two, their little cabal would have the power to threaten most nearby sects and settlements. ¡°And thus may we continue to make sure that Discord¡¯s seeds land in fertile soil. And speaking of such,¡± Shard thought as he drew near, the tense voices easy to pick out even from afar. ¡°It seems like my fellows are at it again.¡± Entering the common area, an underground garden beneath a domed stone roof with cultivated moss and several small streams and tiled paths to bring some sense of life into the cavernous compound, Shard saw the standoff. One of the women, her features gaunt and claws extended, were squaring off against another whose flesh seemed to bubble and writhe. Of the six silver-rankers in the compound, the two were the ones you could count on would butt head in just about any situation. ¡°You are already hogging more and more space with that filth you are spreading,¡± the ghoulish woman accused, pointing a long claw reeking with paralytic toxins in accusation. ¡°There simply isn''t enough room for more of you.¡± ¡°That is quite rich coming from the ones who can actively convert minions out of the rejects. Your allotment should be even smaller,¡± the mutating woman countered, her followers giving their shouts of agreement. While it was in part music to Shard¡¯s ears, he couldn¡¯t let it stand for too long. The adherents of Destruction were all remaining silent, just watching with anticipatory glances as the tensions kept rising. ¡°Honored mistresses, please hold your ire. We are all united here, are we not? In purpose and plan both, where we have all long been in agreement that moving too quickly will just cause us to fall prey to the fools outside before we can actually make a difference,¡± Shard said as he entered the conversation. Even uttering the word ¡®united¡¯ felt like tasting something most bitter, but one had to endure plenty of unpleasant things while playing a role such as his. There were several protests, of course, but over the years studying and meditating on the concept of his deity, Shard had ironically enough become rather proficient in disarming tensions as well. As he did at least one time every day, he broke into the conversations every so often to ask the right questions or make the correct statements, guiding the conflict back to a sustainable, simmering level. It was in the middle of one of his more lengthy interjections that Shard could feel the formation on the main gates start to fade, a sign that the keystone had been used. It would seem that the smugglers had indeed made their delivery. The others noticed a few seconds later, and the bronzes and irons present soon followed the gazes of their leaders as the hidden stone gate to their compound started shifting to the side with a soft grating. To keep the process as silent as possible, those constructing the place had chosen to trade speed for subtlety, meaning that it would take around twenty seconds for the gate to open completely. And it was during that time that Shard started getting the nagging feeling that something was wrong. It wasn¡¯t anything wrong with the gate itself, but rather the formations of the walls around them, where Shard started sensing a slight dissonance. Nothing major, but his senses were very keen in regards to anything disharmonious. He was still trying to pinpoint it when the opening gates crossed the halfway mark, revealing a lone figure standing in the semi-open doorway; a young silver-ranker clad in silvery plate armor, his tattooed face a mask of politeness as he gave a shallow bow in greeting to those inside. Even before he spoke, it was obvious beyond all doubt that this was no smuggler. ¡°Greetings. May the clashing of our paths bring great tempering to me and mine.¡± While the lower-rankers needed a moment more to process, only just beginning to form their shouts of alarm or other responses, the silver-rankers acted. All except Shard, that is, who chose to trust his instincts and instead start retreating further back into the common area to either be in a better position to bring his own powers to bear or make his escape. This still left four silver-rankers charging towards the door, already preparing attacks or spells as they readied to strike down the unexpected invader while protecting their lower-ranked underlings. And that was when Shard saw it. In a ripple, the defensive formations of the domed outer wall and ceiling flickered before fading, the dissonance from before causing the magical system to fail. And then, like a clap of thunder, the whole outer part of the dome around the gate cracked and shattered inward. The now loose and falling boulders, pieces of rocks and other debris halted for a moment in the air before a floating woman with a potent aura thrust her hand forward, the motion seeming to carry great strain. Like an extension of her will, all the debris suddenly shot downward again with much greater speed and momentum than the pull of the earth could manage. Most of the largest pieces converged on the charging silvers, burying them beneath the sudden rock slide while the rest of the smaller pieces of debris - smaller being a very, very relative word in this case - shot out into the common area. Many of the lower-ranked members of the cabal were ripped apart by wildly ricocheting stones the size of a person¡¯s head that covered the room like shrapnel, the placid garden that was the chamber faring even worse. Shard managed to protect his acolyte and a few others of his faction close to him by conjuring a wind wall and using several wind blades to cut off the bigger pieces into smaller ones that his defensive measure could deal with. Seeing more of what could only be adventurers, one man with sharp streamers of cloth whipping out around him even riding one of the larger flung boulders to get closer to his foes, Shard instantly made the decision that retreat was indeed the wiser option here. He turned and ran, all but dragging his acolyte with him while turning for one of the passages leading deeper into the mountain, only to quickly swerve and aim for another path when an elf in combat robes teleported to stand in that tunnel opening and started blasting into the crowds that was still reeling from the initial onslaught after the breach. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. ¡°They don¡¯t look like locals either,¡± the priest of Discord noted with increasing concern. There were eight of the adventurers as far as he could tell, but given the number of bronze-rankers present they should at least have needed to be a bit wary. The telekineticist was good though. Very good. She constantly sent debris churning around the battlefield, especially into any location where some of the fifty-odd bronze-rankers were gathering any semblance of order. While there were still attacks and spells directed their way, they were too few and too scattered to do any significant difference for their own silver-rankers, outnumbered and outclassed as they were. ¡°So much work, now shredded. I need to report this to the archpriestess. The news of adventurers striking here might be useful seeds for her to plant elsewhere.¡± With his aura mask, Shard was at least confident to fall low on the list of priorities for the adventurer. All those others touched by gods like Undeath or Destruction tended to garner a lot more attention, one of the reasons why his fellow clergy tried to collaborate with the other ¡®dark gods¡¯ as often as possible. Keeping his aura as retracted as possible, Shard dove into the side tunnel, his acolyte still dragged behind him. He needed to get as far away as possible from this sudden disaster.
As he stood in the midst of battle, conjuring barriers and dispelling magical effects wherever he could, Kite was wondering if this could even be called a proper battle. Sure, the enemies were many, but there were fewer silvers than they had, and none seemed to match the elites of the task group. From the looks of it, Ryker was ripping some kind of ghoulish essence user limb from limb while Mtanga and Gray Sky were teaming up to pin some wildly mutating warrior in place while the thing thrashed beneath the encroaching petrification. Had not Emilio already snuck into the place to peek around and reported back of the numerous restricted essence users being trained there, Kite might have felt more reticent in the one-sided beatdown that would end with most of the enemies dead now and some dead after thorough interrogations. But he also knew enough of what these people had probably already done to people in the region. The steady stream of zombies and revenants which had started emerging from a side tunnel was evidence enough. ¡°Kite!¡± Amica called to get his attention as she floated closer while directing her concerto of carnage throughout the cave. ¡°There is an odd one among them. See the guy sneaking towards the northern tunnel?¡± Kite nodded in confirmation while he projected another few attacks to aid his teammates who were taking on the enemy leadership. ¡°What of him? Seems unremarkable enough.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the thing. A bit too unremarkable. I think he¡¯s wearing an aura mask, and you did ask me to keep a spiritual eye out for that.¡± Her comment made Kite turn his full attention towards Amica, bringing up barriers to shield them both from stray attacks. He had indeed asked her to look for that, but had honestly not expected her to actually find any. But someone with an aura mask he hadn¡¯t even felt a trace of in a place like this... Could it really be? ¡°Was that where he exited? Anything else you can tell me?¡± Kite asked Amica, who seemed to get even more curious as she noticed the tension in his voice. ¡°And even more importantly, I need you to toss me over there.¡± If, if, this was like that time at the fall of the Descending Star sect, Kite needed to act as soon as possible. ¡°I can, but-¡± Amica confirmed, glancing over towards Ryker as if to ask for permission. Seeing that the stern man was wrist-deep in the chest cavity of a death-essence user, she turned back to Kite with a shrug. ¡°Eh, he seems busy. Things are going well here, so I say go for it. Ready?¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Kite said, shooting her a grateful smile before he ran and leapt. Submitting to Amica¡¯s telekinesis had been rather unsettling in the beginning, but these days it felt easy. Even surprisingly natural. Boosted by the power of his teammate, Kite sailed through the air as he crossed the former cavern. By now, different kinds of projectiles and debris from the many essence-users fighting below had started to properly fill the air, and Kite brought up the twin barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding for the final stretch. With one of the curved discs close on either side, he barreled through a sheath of fire trailing the teleporting Emilio around the room as well as plowed through what looked to be a cloud of whirling, spinning daggers. Finally landing in front of the tunnel where Amica had indicated, he idly shifted the barriers to point behind him and struck both of them with his staff to send ripples of resonating force to spread outward into the room behind him and further hamper the clumps of bronze-rankers. Turning a corner, Kite retracted his aura as best as he could while moving forward as fast as he dared, cognizant of the risk of heading off alone. While this left his spiritual senses all but blind, his silver-ranked hearing was still enough to hear the thumping of a heartbeat around one corner as well as the shallow breathing of someone terrified. Turning said corner at speed and coming face to face with a startled iron-ranker brandishing a conjured, wicked-looking dagger, Kite just continued on even as a strike of his staff sent the woman unconscious to the ground, the echoed mana-drain more than enough to empty her mana pool. As he continued through a series of corridors which looked to be leading to living quarters, Kite was just starting to wonder how to best find his quarry without spending too much time combing through all of the rooms when he heard a door slam shut in the distance after a harsh whisper. ¡°Keep watch and call if someone is coming, no matter who they are. I will prepare for our departure.¡± ¡°Of course, master:¡± Trusting his instinct in that this was indeed his prey, Kite charged down a side corridor which he believed led him closer to the hidden compound''s outer walls, passing through the rather nondescript stone-shaped tunnels before once more turning a corner. At the end was a pair of doors much like those he had passed, but their secluded location hinted at the living space beyond being something out of the ordinary. The bronze-ranker standing ready and alert in front of it did give it away as well. ¡°Brambles of verdant bounty!¡± Kite had already begun his charge as the other man cast his spell and thorny vines burst from every surface between him and the bronze-ranker, but to the other man¡¯s chagrin the grasping plants only slid off Kite¡¯s armor as he plowed through them, his spectral arms already sending projected attacks towards the cornered man. ¡°Glint, if you please!¡± Kite called as the man staggered under his stunning, mana-draining barrage only to be swallowed by a restraining sphere of water and dragged to one side as he tried to claw his way out of the ball of liquid. As Kite reached the door, he just continued straight through without slowing down in the slightest, the normal wood splintering before Implacable Motion while he let his aura unfold. Another man inside, the silver-ranker from before, looked at Kite with clear alarm. He looked to be a Hua-Xian native, with black hair bordering on blue fastened in a loose ponytail and clad in robes reinforced with metal in certain key areas. And while he did indeed look most alarmed at the development, he had also already turned to launch a wind blade toward Kite while dropping a dimensional bag into which he had apparently been busy stowing his belongings. One of Kite¡¯s spectral arms flicked a strike with a descendant of Matra, Pattern-shattering Counter, readily shattering the projectile. But it turned out that it had only been a distraction. ¡°Flow of the world, show thy dissonance!¡± An icy pain started tingling through Kite¡¯s body as what was no doubt a curse took hold. It felt like someone was actively injecting pain into Kite through some unseen means, and as Kite felt the pain connect to his three vortices in particular he realized its effect; his mana recovery had started to damage him . ¡°Sage!¡± he thought with more fear in his inner voice than he would have liked to admit. Kite leaned a lot on his constant stream of mana after all, be it from his vortices or his other mana-draining attacks. And if that constant stream became a stream of pain, he would be in trouble. But Sage came to his rescue, Fortune be praised, a charge from the familiar removing the curse even as Kite struck with blows of his own. Even though he aimed to damage the opponent¡¯s mana, he could feel each of his attacks landing returning just a bit of retributive damage. It was annoying but manageable, and Kite responded in turn by catching another of the wind blades on his chitinous shield resulting in a storm of small projectiles seeking vengeance. A wider burst of wind meant to throw Kite back out into the corridor washed ineffectually over him as the stone beneath cracked instead, and Kite managed to stun the man more thoroughly with a strike of Immutable Echo. While the room¡¯s faux-windows made it seem surprisingly spacious, the close confines actually favored Kite greatly. Combined with the man seeming to have only middling fighting experience, Kite was able to systematically disassemble his defenses and counterattacks. When the man stepped, one of Kite¡¯s strikes was already targeting his legs. When he started sweeping his arm or leg to fire more wind blades, one of Kite¡¯s weapons was already intercepting. Three sets of limbs against one and the practice to bring them properly to bear let Kite lay down an onslaught which he believed should have made mistress Dew proud. With the outer defensive formations of the complex failing, the brawl in the fleeing man¡¯s quarters also did quite the number on the interior. One hurricane punch delivered by Kite¡¯s foe was sidestepped, blowing out most of the outer wall as stone was sent flying out towards the surrounding wilderness in a spectacular cascade, and Kite was actually grateful that there didn¡¯t seem to be anything dug out just beneath the place as the deeply cracked and scoured stone floor would have otherwise given in by now. As his foe grew more and more frantic, Kite also thought that he started to sense something in the man¡¯s aura; the faintest whispers of cracks, something other leaking through. He remembered that Dancer on the Broken River had done something to shatter the mask of the target of their temporary, uneasy alliance back at bronze rank, and that the man had possessed a similar feeling now that he knew what to look for. But whatever it was the adherent of Pain had done, Kite had to resign himself to the method being unavailable to him. The proper strain of combat would have to do. Apparently sensing the same as his spells were disassembled and his curses cleansed, the other man chose flight, when fight proved ineffective. With another hurricane punch and a series of windblades which forced Kite to dedicate all of his arms to defense for a moment, the man shot off and out of the fresh hole he¡¯d recently punched in the outer wall. Already expecting a wind essence user to have a flight power, Kite tried bringing up his force walls to stop him, but the initial burst of speed was simply too fast as the man crossed the threshold a mere moment before his barrier had manifested. ¡°Curse of the heavens- Glint!¡± Kite swore as he ran towards the opening in the wall, passing through the barrier he had immediately dispelled when it failed to do its purpose. He had only taken a few steps out into the air in pursuit when his familiar caught up to him and scooped him onto her back with a flick of her snout. ¡°Thanks, little beauty!¡± Kite said as he bent down to brace for the acceleration as Glint¡¯s more draconic form started speeding up in the air in hot pursuit of the flying man. One who Kite was now quite sure was another adherent of Discord. And this time, he would make sure to catch his quarry alive.
In the highest reaches of Heavenward, capital of Hua-Xi, a celestine woman with hair shimmering like bismuth had her meditations interrupted. Even as a core-user, her aura was as controlled as they came, the result of untold hours of intense practice. It was required for a woman in her position after all, as putting blind faith in the aura masks gifted by their ¡®allies¡¯ among the clergy of Disguise would be beyond foolish however wonderful they may be. As for the interruption, the people who would dare to do so within the bounds of the capital could be counted on her fingers. But likening this particular speaker to a mere person would be foolish. Even heresy. ¡°Gardener, your intervention is needed. The northwestern cabal is under attack.¡± As Discord¡¯s voice echoed in her mind, an androgynous mix of myriad words sprung from conflict, the priestess - or gardener, as her deity often called those of her station - sprung to her feet at once. The outward languid persona of haughty superiority was nowhere to be seen as she used her gold-ranked speed to snatch up her long, slender pipe and enchanted jewelry from an adjacent chamber in her suite. ¡°Lord, how can I spread your seeds or cull the weeds that threaten your garden?¡± she mentally responded even as she blew smoke from her pipe. The ring of hazy, shimmering vapor expanded gradually until her portal would finish forming in a few seconds. But with the mind of a gold-ranker, the rest of the mental conversation passed in an instant. ¡°Adventurers are purging the hidden cabal. Eight silver-rankers.¡± While she didn¡¯t question her deity, the priestess still inwardly frowned at the words of the god. Calling her to handle silvers was a risky proposition, but her deity brooked no argument. ¡°Without intervention, Split Shard of Mirrors will soon be taken alive.¡± And thus, she understood, a spark of urgency tinged with fear rippling through her being. Some of their hidden priests died every now and then, weakness purged from the garden as they apparently couldn¡¯t thrive in the tumultuous domain that was their god¡¯s. But one being taken alive was a threat to their great undertaking. Donning a blank porcelain mask, the priestess stepped through the portal in a blur the very moment it became stable enough. She had each and every one of their hidden cells, cabals and other congregations well memorized. The one which she was currently heading to should have been well hidden within the western mountains, but it would also have received a substantial delivery recently. ¡°Every interaction with the other forces is a chink in our masks. But the garden of Discord grows among the mingling of people, and thus it is inevitable,¡± she thought, quelling her frustration as she exited into the fresh mountain air, the afternoon sun glittering on the frosty mountains even though they rarely saw any proper snow this far south except upon the highest peaks. Immediately, her senses stretched across the surroundings from the distinct mountain peak on which her portal had appeared, and she took it all in; the wrecked outer wall of the cabal¡¯s little sanctuary, battle still raging inside even though the conclusion was already obvious; the adventures were no mere locals stumbling into things. They were elites, and not from these lands. ¡°Meddling outsiders,¡± she noted, filing the piece of information away as she had found plenty of trails to follow just at a glance. But that wasn¡¯t important right now. What was important was the smaller conflict - more of a duel, really - taking place in up in the air to the north of the compound where Split Shard of Mirrors was doing his utmost to escape an adventurer hot on his heels, riding what was admittedly one of the most beautiful creatures the priestess had ever seen. Tattoos aglow, aura firm and weapons trailing deadly arcs as their strikes somehow carried across the distance in mere heartbeats. She could see Shard¡¯s mana fading even as his body was almost in top condition, and quickly realized the danger that young man posed. And perhaps even more surprising, the priestess recognized him. ¡°I have seen him. He was still a child then, an iron-ranked local fighting our little failed project up north,¡± she realized. Oh if she had known that he would cause such trouble now, she would have arranged for his death long before. But as things stood, she would need to do it personally this day, while being careful to leave as few traces as possible and affecting as little of the surrounding conflict as she could. Her even being there gave the other gods a mandate to act accordingly, and for killing a silver-ranker, their cause would suffer setbacks of their own. ¡°But as it is the will of Discord, this little weed shall be scythed down.¡± Her shimmering cloud was already forming beneath her feet, ready to carry her through the air to her quarry in a flash, but just as her aura and will had sharpened to a point and readied themselves for violence, another presence unfolded at her side. It was firm and unyielding; a monolith whose pressure equaled, if not exceeded, her own. And their words, spoken in a ghostly, eerie voice reached her even before she had the time to turn around and face the interloper. ¡°Stay your hand, Gardener, or let Justice carry out her absolute mandate.¡± 169. Waiting. And watching. Atop a mountain peak in western Hua-Xi, the mild winter day casting them in bright light, two adherents of the gods stood facing one another. They were both gold rank, powerful beyond the scope of what mortals could comprehend. Both were present at the behest of their gods, as important clergy like them were often the one to carry the will and word of their deity. And both wore masks, even if that was where the similarities ended. One, priestess of Discord, wore fine robes of Hua-Xi make, shimmering silks and gossamer shawls surrounding her like a halo of opulence. Her mask was a blank, porcelain white, and her rich bismuth hair was kept in an elaborate hairstyle kept in place by a multitude of hairpins. The priestess of Justice was shorter and more slight of frame to the full, voluptuous figure of the other woman. Dressed in brass-colored armor which looked like metal behaving like supple leather, her mask was instead shaped like that of a somber, statuesque woman, a slight frown hinted at in the otherwise perfect features. A hood of the same malleable metal covered the rest of her features, but the symbol of Justice hung from her neck on full display. As the chase between silver-rankers continued off in the distance, the glittering carp and its rider gaining on their quarry, the priestess of Discord spoke. ¡°Is this how you and yours would use your mandate? I would have assumed that there were more valuable ways for you to leverage the wiggle room my actions would have given you. It¡¯s just a silver-ranker of what you all call a backwater country. There should be way more you could accomplish than this with such an opportunity.¡± Her tone was flippant and casual, twirling her long thin pipe in one hand as it trailed a small line of shimmering smoke in the air. ¡°The mandate of Justice is to uphold the law and balance. And a gold-ranker traveling here to strike down a silver which she would not have any way of knowing was even here is in clear violation. The abhorrence of the strong hunting down the weak is one accepted across the world.¡± ¡°Yet there are currently silvers striking down bronzes and iron down below. Where is the justice in that?¡± the priestess of Discord countered. ¡°And had you been here already, by happenstance or plan, our paths would not have crossed, adherent of Discord. The strong and the weak will always come to clash, no matter my goddess¡¯ will. But as I said, there is a stark difference in how you arrived here. And if Discord found the boy¡¯s continued existence abhorrent enough to risk sending you, it should be well worth it for us who oppose you to make sure that didn¡¯t happen. We should even thank your master, because with Knowledge acting within her domain of knowing and informing and I acting fully within my rights to prevent transgressions such as these, our gods will even end up with some more free mandate to spend against you.¡± The smile was clear in the voice of Justice¡¯s priestess, and while it irked the woman in the porcelain mask, she knew better than to act upon such impulses. Because while she was skilled with her aura for a core-user, she would not be able to hold her own against another gold who had forged their path through martial prowess. But the fact that they weren¡¯t already locked in battle meant that the other gold-ranker was sent to curtail and limit, not assassinate, as such action would trigger a cascade of violence neither side seemed to want at the moment. There was a reason for the careful balance between the gods and how they directed their followers, after all. But Discord¡¯s priestess did do something, as the trail of smoke from her pipe started billowing down to gather behind her, forming a seat on which she sat down to lounge with theatrically exaggerated comfort. ¡°Well, as there is nothing I can do here then, I might as well get comfortable for an hour before I portal back. I would offer you a seat, but I would suspect that you would prefer to remain standing?¡± The lack of response from the priestess of Justice was answer in and of itself, but the woman in the porcelain mask soon found herself keeping only part of her attention on the other gold-ranker, the rest spent on taking in as much detail as she could of the adventurers and the mana-draining nuisance in particular. His familiar had caught poor Shard in a sphere of restraining water which soon led to the priest being caught in a cage of force with only the other silver-ranker as company. What followed was a systematic beatdown where the priests'' attempted struggles were only turned against him as the spells and attacks he attempted only led to more precious mana being burned from his spirit. But there was one detail that the priestess of Discord found most interesting. Every once in a while, one of the man¡¯s many arms would produce a weapon which almost seemed like it wanted to avoid the senses. Not enough to obfuscate it from her, but she did feel at least a hint of its effects. And it was a weapon she recognized. ¡°That blade¡­ That belonged to Bliss,¡± she thought with certainty. It was she who had commissioned it for that useless little brother of hers, after all. While she didn¡¯t care much for the death of the much younger sibling per se, this young silver-ranker now carrying it was an important piece of evidence. ¡°Was he present when Bliss died? Did he know before the Descending Star sect fell? Or was Bliss discovered during his failure?¡± she thought, adding this new information to her growing understanding. But one thing was clear; that young man now carrying Bliss¡¯ blade meant that he was an even greater danger to their cause, and might even have been for a while. ¡°We will have to make sure that you and whatever little notions you have gotten into your head are drowned in conflict, little silver,¡± she thought, her mask hiding a slight, cold smile. Shard didn¡¯t know overly much of their grand schemes, but if - or rather when, as things stood - the adventure society found more proof of their meddling, she had no doubt that the little annoying silver-ranker¡¯s actions here would cause more to come sniffing at their different projects. While it would be ever so satisfying to break him herself, Justice¡¯s intervention was a clear signal that she would have to be very circumspect about it. ¡°Oh, if there was only a nation of overly prideful warriors which we have already been cultivating for over a century,¡± Discord¡¯s priestess thought sarcastically, her cold smile turning wicked. Indeed, finding mortal instruments to nudge the way of this silver-ranker and whatever else would come knocking shouldn¡¯t be too much trouble. Her path of action clear, the woman with the porcelain mask sat back in her seat of shimmering smoke. Waiting. And watching.
The suspected priest of Discord attempted to block Kite¡¯s descending staff with a forearm bracer, and that final would-be defense spelled the end of his struggles. The Veiled One¡¯s Decree appeared in one of Kite¡¯s spectral hands and he thrust the obfuscated blade forward. In one smooth motion, it pierced through the other silver-ranker¡¯s chest, but no blood flowed as Cleave the Spirit ensured that it was only the man¡¯s final dregs of mana which ran dry. Kite did note the final flash of panic that went through the man as his fate was sealed, and didn¡¯t hesitate to snap a suppression collar around his neck as he slumped down to the floor of the force cage. ¡°Now we¡¯ll see if you can eventually shed any light on the situation,¡± he noted, anticipation bubbling inside him. Ever since discovering the priest of Discord at the fall of the Descending Star sect, the potential threat of more of them was looming in Kite¡¯s mind; an indistinct shadow just out of reach. Dropping onto Glint¡¯s waiting back as he dispelled the cage of force that had been their impromptu arena in the sky, Kite laid out the unconscious man in front of him as his familiar turned back towards the mountain with the cabal¡¯s hideout. They entered through the hole in the wall which they had come, stepping over the downed bronze-ranker who had attempted to bar their way and went back towards the hall where the team of the task group had made their entrance. From the only sporadic sounds echoing up the tunnels, things were dying down, but Kite still met more than a few fleeing lower-rankers who soon ended up as part of the growing row of bound up, unconscious bodies towed behind him and Glint. ¡°Kite! How did it go?¡± Amica called as soon as he entered the wreck that had once been the common area, apparently having sensed him first. She flew over to alleviate his burden, picking up the unconscious cultists through her telekinesis. ¡°Ryker, Gray Sky and Christine have gone off to clean out the place and find what hiding spots that they can.¡± ¡°Then we¡¯ll leave them to it, but I will need to speak with all of you when they return. This one-¡± Kite said, gesturing to the unconscious man with the presumed aura mask, ¡°-will need to be delivered to the adventure society. I have some people who I trust and I would like to go there first, if possible. While I can¡¯t tell you much right now, this man might be a lead in an important investigation I intend to take a more active role in. But said destination is a bit of a trek, so I can¡¯t just demand it of the rest of you. Heavens, things would be easier if we could just make people go through a portal.¡± Kite settled into helping the remaining team members clear up what they could of the small battlefield, now that the once placid cultist hideout was thoroughly destroyed. Given the number of dead among their foes, it was a grim task even though Amica once more did the leonid¡¯s share of the work in creating disturbingly neat stacks of the slain. Meanwhile, Kite¡¯s ever-hungry vortices kept those alive and collared empty of mana and unconscious. After a while, he fell into meditation as the wait dragged on, the serenity only broken when Ryker and the others returned. ¡°Amica told me that you went off to fetch a suspected priority target,¡± his teacher and team leader called as he drew closer. ¡°I take it that is him?¡± Ryker finished, nodding to the lone silver-ranker among their still living foes. ¡°It is, and there is a bit of a complication moving forward. To tell you the full story, we would have to find a sanctum of Knowledge, but what I can say is that we need to get him to one of the local branches, preferably one in Gilded to the north or Bastion to the east.¡± ¡°Which means no portal,¡± Ryker said, apparently deciding to take Kite¡¯s vague explanations in stride. Kite was actually a bit touched by the trust the man showed in his lack of questioning the need for such a detour. ¡°Had this been a more coordinated contract rather than whatever happened to land us here, we would probably have support teams present to take care of that. But as things are, we¡¯ll have to improvise. We can¡¯t just bring all of the remnants,¡± the stern man said, gesturing to the stacks of fallen cultists,¡± but do you think you could transport us and the priority one with your vessel?¡± ¡°It will be cramped, but doable,¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°But I know that this is a bit beyond the call of what the contract entailed, so I don¡¯t-¡± ¡°Oh, relax Kite. We¡¯re here now, so we might as well see things through,¡± Christine said, the blonde elf walking up to lean casually against the side of their stiff team leader. ¡°Besides, we rarely get to actually see much of the places we¡¯re visiting. So you¡¯ll even get the chance to show us around!¡± Either the rest of the team agreed or no one dared to voice any other opinion, so Kite bowed again to each of them in turn. ¡°Once more, I am in your debt.¡± ¡°Which you can begin paying off when we get to a temple of Knowledge,¡± Ryker said in response. ¡°If what you¡¯re referring to is the reason for disturbingly well-supplied cabals such as this, then I at least want to know the full story.¡± ¡°Of course, teacher,¡± Kite agreed quickly. While knowing more about the potential conspiracy might be dangerous, the fact remained that elites from a task group such as Gauntlet were probably some of those least endangered by such knowledge. Facing the adherents of the shunned gods was every-day work for them, after all. If one could ever call facing down murderous, civilization-threatening congregations of cultists normal, that is.
¡°My life¡­ is pretty awesome,¡± Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s Reflection thought as she spun through the pack of wood elementals, reveling in how normal it felt to take on a pack of civilization-threatening monsters these days. Each spin of her axe propelled her forward into the next, with her animated, conjured greataxe spinning its own deadly circle around her in the opposite direction. The growing pack of hostile, living trees had become an unexpected bother for some of the farming communities north of Orchard as the mild winter led to them already preparing the fields and orchards for spring, and the contract to take out the weaker silver-ranked pests felt tailor-made for Dragonfly. She knew it would be easy though, almost too easy as her powers of flame and her weapon of choice made her the bane of the plant monsters. But today wasn¡¯t about pushing herself though. No, today was more about getting to show off a bit. ¡°How you have grown, little Dragonfly,¡± Force of Raging Torrent said with a wistful smile once Dragonfly had finished tearing through the monsters and absorbed the remaining flames from both their remnants and the trees around them. ¡°Reaching silver as such at young age too. It does make a master proud.¡± ¡°I¡¯m really doing my best, master Force,¡± Dragonfly replied while absolutely glowing under the praise of her long-time teacher and adoptive parent. ¡°And besides, you would have been silver way earlier if you hadn¡¯t slowed down to train me. No one would have batted an eye if you chose to pass me onto one of the church of Fertility¡¯s orphanages.¡± If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. As she spoke, she sat down next to the older woman and accepted a big chunk of dried, spicy meat. While she bit down on the salty goodness, Force replied: ¡°After seeing you, all torn up but defiant? No, Dragonfly. You know I haven¡¯t regretted my decision. As I¡¯ve said to you many times, our lives can be long, and it is up to oneself on how to spend them. And no matter what, there will always be ebb and flow; times of consolidation and times of pushing. To reach the heavens, you need a proper foundation of both spirit, path and fist. Or axe, in your case,¡± she clarified even though it was a saying Dragonfly had heard many times before. ¡°Still, know that I am ever grateful,¡± Dragonfly said, leaning into the older woman where she sat at her side. They remained silent for a while, enjoying the feeling of chilly winds and the clear winter day, a sensation which would be rather unpleasant before silver-ranked bodies. ¡°You did say before though that something still felt missing,¡± Force noted. ¡°Even though I could clearly see both your body and aura veritably singing as you fought the elementals. My fiery, passionate Dragonfly at work.¡± ¡°Sure, I think I got the flow-part figured out. When I fight monsters, literally what I swore to do that day, things are great. But it is in the lull between contracts that something feels missing. We always need to rest and there are other parts of my life where I feel like I¡¯m floundering. The guild does help, as there are always things to be done. And having Kite around is nice too. I suppose that I¡¯m still seeking something more than that though. Something that is mine.¡± ¡°The path to the heavens isn¡¯t built in a day, Dragonfly, and neither is a life. I know that you hate it when I counsel patience, yet I find myself doing that yet again.¡± ¡°I know. I actually know,¡± Dragonfly said with a sigh. ¡°But I do have one piece of advice, if you¡¯d like it,¡± Force said, continuing as she felt Dragonfly nod where she leaned into her side. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid to search for inspiration in others. Your place in life doesn¡¯t have to spring up from inside you alone. See how people take on life and listen to their stories. Try things out and live through new experiences. Don¡¯t strive for something unique for uniqueness sake, but for that which you find resonates with you. With lives like ours, you¡¯ll probably face plenty of times such as these to find or re-adjust what is meaningful to you.¡± As Force finished, there was silence once more, but as the younger woman was clearly thinking things through, Force gave her some time. ¡°Thanks, master,¡± Dragonfly eventually said, sitting up straight and looking up towards the sun in the sky above them. ¡°I suppose that I¡¯ll just have to continue living and find all those things. It¡¯s just frustrating to once again have to practice patience. Still, I am very grateful. And thank you for sending me the message earlier. I would have hated to have missed saying goodbye before you left the country.¡± ¡°And thank you, Dragonfly, for taking the time to meet with your sentimental old master. When leaving for new horizons, it is easy to get a clearer picture of all you walk away from.¡± ¡°Please come back to visit, though?¡± ¡°Of course. But who knows? Maybe it will be you that will come and find me first out there somewhere in the wider world, full of opportunity.¡± ¡°Oh I hope so,¡± Dragonfly said, smiling. ¡°But it will probably still be a while. I did hint at important things happening here at home, and I wouldn¡¯t miss them for the world. Hopefully we can really start getting into things when Kite gets back.¡±
¡°It should be just around those cliff peaks,¡± Ara said to where Peak sat beside her at the back of her flying turtle familiar. The rest of the support teams were spread out on two more flying mounts as they flew low over the mountains of western Hua-Xi. Ara did not have the full picture, but branch director Temren had been most clear in their need for discretion, even arranging for portaling them out while under the cover stories of going on different contracts. All to support some wild cards who came in and started risking a proper ruckus. ¡°We should be ready to dive straight into combat,¡± Peak said from beside her, his sharp features eager. ¡°The branch director doesn''t pay us so well for nothing. We might even show up those task groupers.¡± ¡°Focus on the job first and glory second,¡± Ara reminded her companion with a friendly nudge. ¡°I know you¡¯re a local too, but don¡¯t let pride get to your head.¡± ¡°I promise I¡¯ll behave,¡± Peak said with a roll of his eyes. ¡°But maybe just one duel if there is time?¡± ¡°Peak, If you-¡± Ara began, but fell silent as they crested another mountain peak and saw what could only be part of a cliff face blown wide open. Taking in the destruction and distinct lack of active combat, the support teams still approached with all the stealth they could. Peak disappeared from her side, the stealth specialist entering early to scout things out. The rest of the teams waited a tense two minutes as agreed, but when Peak didn¡¯t signal them, they descended and started fanning out to secure the area. This proved unnecessary, however. ¡°The defensive formations are down,¡± one of the team members called from the side. ¡°No movement or auras here.¡± ¡°Here either.¡± ¡°And nothing further into the complex,¡± Peak said when he appeared at Ara¡¯s side. ¡°That would have surprised me. Just look at all those corpses,¡± Ara said, indicating the stacks which none of the team had yet to go near. But even from afar, they could see plenty of signs of undead and other horrors scattered among them, making it obvious that this hadn¡¯t just been some well-meaning little hidden congregation of hermits. ¡°No sign of the task group?¡± ¡°Only the marks of combat. One wall was blown out from the inside a bit into the northern tunnel with one dead bronze-ranker left in front of what used to be the door.¡± Ara sighed, but wasn¡¯t really surprised. ¡°Well, I suppose we just went from support to cleanup, then.¡± Her words elicited a series of sighs and groans from the others, and Ara flared her aura a bit to stifle the complaints. ¡°We get paid either way, so get to it. Branch director Temren will want our report as soon as possible. And I don¡¯t think I need to reiterate her wish for discretion. When we¡¯re done here, there better be no sign of this place even having existed at all. Let the directors handle the rest.¡±
Jarvan LanCaire, director of the adventure society branch in Gilded had assumed that the winter day would be a boring one. His schedule for the day involved a lot of paperwork in regards to approving the latest batch of members that had come from the entrance tests the day before, a meeting with a representative from the Victorious Sunset sect to discuss how to move forward in regards to their agreements in the assignment of contracts, lunch with his wife, handling a matter of complaints by a local merchant family in regards to why their child wasn¡¯t allowed to join the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild, a staff meeting of the local functionaries and making an appearance at the retirement party of one of the elder scribes who had worked for the adventure society all his life. However, it did turn out that having a local adventurer boy turned silver-ranker show up out of nowhere with a team of seven more silvers in tow while wishing to use the holding cells of the Gilded branch to store a number of cultists, one of them another silver-ranker and possibly a priest of Discord, did make the day quite a lot more exciting. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not every day we get to clean the dust from one of the silver holding cells,¡± Jarvan said as he sat down in one of the chairs. While the one in his office was a lot more comfortable, he had to agree with Kite that taking the ensuing meeting directly to the temple of Knowledge and its inner domain was wise. The adventurers from the task group were a mixed bunch, but from what they showed in their auras, a skilled bunch at that. Especially the leonid woman raised Jarvan¡¯s hackles with her aura promising withering death to all who broke her creed. Having been married to a priestess for over two decades now, he knew a member of the clergy when he saw one, even if she didn¡¯t ostensibly wear any symbols to indicate her faith. ¡°Something in the aura, I suppose,¡± he thought, turning back to Kite. ¡°And I assume that we chose this location so that we could clue in your new friends as to why one particular of you prisoners might be of interest?¡± ¡°As they have come all this way, I would say that they deserve to know,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°If it is of any help to the esteemed adventurers, my Lady Knowledge has no interjections,¡± an iron-ranked local acolyte of the goddess supplied from where she was trying very hard to remain unnoticed in her corner, unused to the company of so many silver-rankers in one place. ¡°Thank you, acolyte. You conveying the words of the venerable goddess is most appreciated,¡± Kite said, his smile causing her to shrink down into her robes to hide her blush before he turned back to his companions. ¡°That said, I believe it is time I told you of what we have discovered here and why we deem it proper to investigate further. While it all began with what seemed like local politics, I believe that you will understand my concern when we tell you the full story.¡± And so, Kite told them about the war with the Fallen sect and the subsequent troubles with the Descending Star sect and the odd spiritual affliction which the church of the Healer had been hard at work stamping out these last few years. And finally, of the priest of Discord which he and Dancer on the Broken River had discovered, and their suspicions of some larger scheme at work. ¡°Ugh, did I say that I hate Discord¡¯s clergy,¡± Christine groaned in exasperation as Kite finished his telling. ¡°You haven¡¯t even fought them,¡± Mtanga pointed out from where he sat next to her. ¡°No, and I still hate them. So sneaky and cunning. This does sound just like them though,¡± the blonde elf noted. ¡°While Discord is heinous, Gray Sky still disapproves that you even considered working alongside a follower of Pain,¡± the runic said with a deep frown. ¡°Had Gray Sky chosen, both would have been left as shattered gravel in my wake.¡± ¡°You know as well as we do that contracts, especially incidents like that, can get messy,¡± Ryker retorted, once more surprising Kite as he came to his defense, continuing to silence any further complaints from the rigid runic. ¡°Should things be as you fear, it sounds like you do indeed have a complicated mess on your hands. Discord¡¯s followers tend to root themselves deeply when possible.¡± ¡°And that is what we hope to uncover more of,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°As long as the plan is still underway?¡± The question was directed at Jarvan, who nodded in response. ¡°It is, but as you know, this is something we local branches need to start uncovering by ourselves. While I assume that there are plenty within the larger adventure society who¡¯d like to come down with the hammer on this country, the fact remains that we are an organization of volunteers whose purpose isn¡¯t to start smacking countries around.¡± ¡°Even if we would like to, at times,¡± Ryker added. ¡°Even if we would like to,¡± Jarvan agreed. ¡°And even then, Hua-Xi would come surprisingly far down on the list. As you¡¯re part of Gauntlet, you know that there are plenty of worse places in the world, hiding Discord priests or not.¡± ¡°What will we do with the prisoner then, director Jarvan?¡± Kite asked, bringing the conversation back to his original line of inquiry. ¡°Do you have what you need to extract what he knows here?¡± ¡°We do,¡± Jarvan began, but Kite could sense the ¡®but¡¯ in the pause that followed. ¡°Still, this is something which I will have to clear with Anasta Temren in Heavenward. She has left it mostly up to us to start probing the smaller cities here in the more rural parts of the country. But with you bringing Gauntlet here like this, she¡¯ll no doubt want to get involved. And while we may have our differences, Anasta is good at her job. There is a reason that she had managed to keep her seat as the director in Hua-Xi¡¯s capital, after all. And her facilities and resources are a lot better too. I intend to contact her as soon as this meeting is over.¡± ¡°I¡­ see,¡± Kite said, and Jarvan obviously didn¡¯t miss his hesitation. ¡°I see that you¡¯ve met her,¡± the director said with a chuckle. ¡°Did she give you trouble?¡± ¡°No, not per se. But she seemed rather¡­ skeptical of me, both in how suitable a local like me would be for joining the task group and how I conducted myself in general. Are you sure she will take this seriously?¡± Kite asked, putting his worries into words. ¡°That¡¯s definitely Anasta for you. She¡¯s way better at politics than me, which means that she is a lot better at using people to get the results she needs. She would have to, in order to wrangle the sects and the courts of the capital,¡± Jarvan explained. ¡°But don¡¯t worry Kite. She will assist in this. She¡¯ll probably grumble a bit, but that doesn¡¯t mean any less assistance.¡± ¡°But what will we do in the meantime?¡± Emilio said as he broke into the conversation. ¡°Anything we can scout out in the meantime? Because I don¡¯t think any of us just want to sit around while the administrators work things out. No offense, director.¡± ¡°We-¡± Ryker began as Jarvan only chuckled at the elf¡¯s words,¡±- will return to port Singhni. Our portal courier will only wait for so long, and our contract is over. We located and eliminated the threat, and have now even delivered prisoners to a local branch. This means that Gauntlets¡¯ work is over.¡± ¡°Besides, we do still need to write up your final evaluations and have sir Darnos decide on the matter of your memberships,¡± Christine added. ¡°I mean, I think you all passed with flying colors, but that isn¡¯t only up to us. But Ryker is right in that this is something for the locals to keep handling. And Kite too, I suppose, when you get back. Unless some local power requests that Gauntlet come here on a contract, this will be out of our hands.¡± While he looked quite disappointed at her words, Emilio still nodded at the end. ¡°Unfortunately, the odds of the king or one of the sects doing that is rather low,¡± Jarvan noted with some dissatisfaction. ¡°Still, if we can find enough evidence we might be able to either change that or gain access to some funds from the continental council to add some contracts of our own. But mister Lansar here is right in that you¡¯d do best to just continue on for now. There will probably be a few weeks before we have gotten everything we could from you captive.¡± Noting the continued look of concern on Kite¡¯s face, he added; ¡°But don¡¯t worry, Kite. I mean to give you plenty of work on this matter going forward. Braid and Wander among others are already investigating every lead and whisper we have gotten hold of so far. And who knows, it might even make your stay with the task group feel like a nice and exotic vacation.¡± Rising from his seat, Jarvan nodded to each member of the team. ¡°If there is nothing else, I believe that I have just gotten an excellent reason to clear much of my schedule for today with the exception of a very nice retirement party. Please convey my thanks to your supervisors. While it was a bit out of the ordinary, your quick action might prove to have given us just what we needed.¡± Only when he was halfway out the door did Jarvan stop and call back; ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t forget your portal courier. She seemed to be the type to wander off.¡± 170. A really shiny stone As Jarvan exited the portal into the rich office much, much larger than his own, he couldn¡¯t help but stop and take a deep breath. Not that he needed breathing, but it just felt like the symbolic action fit the experience of drinking in the much richer magic of Hua-Xi¡¯s heartland. While it couldn¡¯t compare to the true metropolises of the world, it was still a far cry better than the Autumn lands where he had spent the last dozen years of his life. ¡°Jarvan,¡± Anasta Temren greeted from behind her desk, gold-ranked aura flaring slightly in polite greeting, matching the size of the room in opposition to her own slight build. ¡°Anasta. Maximilian,¡± Jarvan replied, greeting the pair. ¡°Thank you for coming. While I do not mind getting out of the office, the expense of spending a day up in the Autumn lands felt unnecessary,¡± the Heavenward branch director said, referring to the need for those of high enough rank to continuously imbibe spirit coins of their ranks when spending time in the less mana-dense parts of the world. ¡°And I for one do not mind. A little sight-seeing while on the job never hurts. Fantina even sent me a shopping list,¡± Jarvan replied, taking a seat in the indicated chair in front of the huge desk. ¡°Then we shall not keep you for longer than necessary. As you might suspect, I asked you to come here in regards to the prisoner that the team from Task Group Gauntlet¡­ procured for us.¡± ¡°You have my full attention then,¡± Jarvan said, leaning forward eagerly. ¡°And thanks for picking him up, by the way. It felt important for your people to get everything out of him. We just don¡¯t have the same quality of alchemists on retainer with our budget, you see.¡± ¡°Surely the only reason,¡± Anasta noted, an eyebrow raised. ¡°While the attempt lacked a lot of subtlety, I will admit that it worked. From what we have been getting out of the man, things might be a lot worse than we expected. First of all, we can confirm him to be¡­ What you suspected. Given, he didn¡¯t know too much, but there were plenty of references to superiors and some kind of ambitious undertaking in which he was but a small part. But as you know, the truth-coaxing elixirs can only get us so much. His statement lacked overall details, but the implications are clear enough for me to be certain that this is a matter which we will need to investigate much more thoroughly than I had previously thought.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear it,¡± Jarvan said, not hiding his relief. ¡°While we have gotten some headway, there is only so much that me and Dobrazza can accomplish on our own.¡± ¡°Understandable, and you have honestly impressed me by just connecting the dots from your end. It will look good on your resum¨¦ when your time as director is eventually over. How many kids are you on now again?¡± ¡°The last of the twenty-five are born and healthy,¡± Jarvan stated with obvious pride even as a bit of exhaustion leaked through as well. ¡°A pair of twins there at the end made us leap across the metaphorical finish line. Well, it¡¯ll still be at least sixteen more years before they¡¯re ready to leave the nest and go off training with their new essences. But trust me, they do grow up fast.¡± ¡°Well, give Fantina my well-wishes then,¡± Anasta replied with a helpless shake of her head. Ever the careerist, Jarvan knew that there hadn¡¯t so far been time for things like family in Anasta Temren¡¯s life. ¡°But back to the topic at hand. You know the situation here in the capital, Jarvan. I can barely move outside this compound without fierce scrutiny. We will start to investigate more thoroughly here as well, but very, very carefully. If those we think are hiding beneath the surface are hiding in the capital, they are well hidden indeed. And while we do that, I will also discreetly start sending more resources to you, Dobrazza and any other of the directors we bring into this. Out there, far from the capitol and its gold-rankers, things are simpler in many ways, and from experience we can already say that you have a better chance in finding proper leads or even operations to take down-¡± ¡°-which is sure to cause a stir on your end, giving you more to work with. Cracks in the facade and all that,¡± Jarvan finished, catching onto her meaning. ¡°Indeed. Now that we have every reason to be vigilant, I believe that we have a better chance. But I urge you to choose your people wisely. While young Kite is eager, you need more experienced hands as well.¡± ¡°Oh I believe that I have some lined up. In fact, some of them are even working on it as we speak,¡± Jarvan said with a confident smile. ¡°Then may this venture be a fruitful one. Let us keep to either meeting here where I can guarantee our privacy or use the private channels of the society. As I said before, we will be vigilant, but please do send what warning you can if possible if you plan something.¡± ¡°I will, of course, do my best. But you know how these things go Anasta; sometimes you have to strike while the iron is hot and the lead is fresh.¡± ¡°And yet I keep hoping, only to have a team from the task group crash into the country and uproot a hidden cabal with only a few hours of forewarning. Do you know how much work it took to cover that up? The number of restricted essence-users they took out?¡± ¡°Kite did give me some idea. But would you rather they hadn¡¯t shown up, and left that foul congregation out there to grow even further?¡± Anasta waved to Jarvan with a shake of her head, conceding the point. ¡°You know I don¡¯t. It¡¯s just¡­¡± she sighed, leaning her head back against the backrest of her chair. ¡°Things are tense here. Every move just keeps adding to it, especially the unexpected ones. But that is hardly your fault, nor Kite¡¯s and the task group''s. I¡¯m just venting my frustrations, I suppose.¡± Sitting up straighter, she graced Jarvan with a tired smile, a bit of the indomitable feel to her aura softening. ¡°I believe there isn¡¯t much more we can do here today, and that you had some shopping to do. It was good to see you, Jarvan. Each time I vow that the next time will come sooner, and yet find that the years just run by.¡± ¡°Good thing that we have a chance at very long lives, then. Hopefully, me and Fantina will join you at gold in the future,¡± Jarvan said, standing up and nodding to each of the directors as he turned to leave. Fantina¡¯s shopping list was indeed quite lengthy, and it would be a nice little break before he portaled back to Gilded and began planning things in earnest. Because Jarvan was sure that where there were two priests of Discord to be found, there would certainly be more.
As he entered the office of Ilmaril Thenston, Kite noted that it was apparently not only the elf who would be present for the final results of his evaluation by Task Group Gauntlet. Sir Darnos was there as well, the draconian looking his usual smug self, and Ryker stood to the side with his usual stiff attention. ¡°Kite, please come in,¡± Ilmaril greeted, gesturing to the lone chair in front of his desk. Kite had barely gotten himself seated before the gold-ranker produced a document which he slid across the table. It was finely crafted paper covered in enchanted seals of different kinds, with an empty line for signing at the bottom. And at the top of the document, the header read ¡®Task Group Gauntlet - Outer membership¡¯. Seeing the comprehension dawning in Kite¡¯s eyes, Ilmaril continued. ¡°I¡¯m not one for dragging these things out. We have deemed that you have the potential and mentality needed to be part of the task group, should you wish for it. Your power set is specialized enough that I do not doubt that you will be called upon for plenty of contracts during the years to come where we have need of your specific talents, and you are also quick to adapt to the capabilities of the people around you. We have categorized you as a defender and a suppressor, even though such titles are only secondary. When forming the teams for contracts, we tend to go a lot more in-depth to call upon what we think is needed.¡± As the supervisor finished speaking, even his strict professional demeanor cracked with the slightest hint of a smile as Kite¡¯s growing pride and elation started bleeding into his aura more and more with every sentence. While Kite had suspected, or at least hoped, that he was passing their lengthy evaluation, actually having it confirmed was a huge relief. During his six months spent with the task group, training and going out on contracts, he felt that he had grown a lot, even though said growth had mostly been in other ways than sheer combat capability or his essence powers advancing. No, it was more from seeing so many new places, encountering different cultures and their darker sides, as well as the surprising plethora of criminals and other such unsavory elements they had contended with. That was not to say that his martial capabilities hadn¡¯t grown as well, where his time spend with Ryker and master Zarth-an had let him further condense how he used the addition to his path that was his mantle, as well as lay the foundation for a more comprehensive style of fighting that was tailored for him. And from what he knew of being on the task group¡¯s roster, the training would keep on coming. ¡°-as you know, you have the right to schedule hours with the different trainers on our list, where we have continued to supply suggestions. And while you have the right to abstain from contracts offered to you, doing so too frequently will risk your membership going up for revision by our overseers,¡± Ilmaril continued to explain as Kite put down his signature on the contract with a special pencil that would imprint his aura into the ink before also touching his society badge to a small metal seal at the contract''s bottom to link them. ¡°Well, I for one am proud of the turnout of this little clutch of new members. There are a number of you who might even be up for inner membership if you continue to prove yourself,¡± Sir Darnos added with a wink after everything was dealt with. ¡°While the odds are small that all of you will find yourselves working together at the same time in the future, I am sure that you will see each and every one of them again. Still, you and Steiner-girl seemed to mesh well power-wise, so I wouldn¡¯t be too surprised if you¡¯ll both be called upon when retrieval of hostile persons of interest is on the table.¡± After receiving a nod of approval from Ryker, Kite eventually rose to his feet once the formalities were completed, bowing deeply to each and every one. ¡°Once more I find myself thanking all of you, both for the show of faith in me and the assistance you provided. Should you ever find means to contact the mysterious benefactor behind the contract to my homeland, I hope that you will convey that it was a resounding success that might lead to even more such corruption being ripped out in the future. By root and stem.¡± ¡°I am sure that the¡­ benefactor¡­ in question would be most pleased to hear it,¡± Ilmaril said, only a whisper of stiffness coloring his voice as Sir Darnos all but glowed with smug satisfaction. ¡°That being said, you are dismissed for now, but expect that we will call upon you again soon. As your time with us has surely shown, there is no shortage of work for Gauntlet in our current times.¡± As Kite closed the doors behind him, he found that Amica was waiting for him out in the corridor, floating idly. She had been called in before him, and Kite already knew that she too had passed, but was a bit touched at her waiting to check up on him. ¡°So, from your aura I gather that things went well, fellow outer member,¡± she said with a grin as the pair started moving through the corridors of the administration building where Ilmaril had his office. ¡°It did indeed,¡± Kite said, a smile still glued to his face. ¡°And while I do look forward to being called upon for contracts, I first and foremost want to go home properly. It was odd to visit my homeland and not see any of the people that make it just that; home. Well, we did see director Jarvan, of course,¡± he added, just imagining the mock hurt outrage of the man if he knew that he hadn¡¯t been included. ¡°And then¡­ Well, now you know what we¡¯re dealing with back home and why I found the training and experience of Gauntlet so important.¡± ¡°Yeah, that was quite something. Going up not against just one cell, but maybe a whole network¡­ You sure have your work cut out for you,¡± Amica agreed where she floated beside him. ¡°What about you then, Amica? What hurdle next awaits on your path towards the heavens?¡± His question had the other woman turn pensive, even fidgeting slightly with a lock of strawberry blonde hair as she answered. ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯m actually going to go home. I haven¡¯t been there very often since I got taken by those Pain cultists. Not that my family reacted badly or anything. It was just¡­¡± She sighted, and seemingly steeled herself. ¡°My mind healer said that I probably avoid it because of what happened. That even their worry and willingness to help brings up memories which I subconsciously push away. And I probably need to face that a bit more.¡± ¡°Would you mind if I asked you, then? About your family?¡± ¡°Oh, them? I never told you?¡± Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. ¡°No. We did get close to it the first time we met, but you brushed the topic aside for another time. And later¡­ Well¡­¡± Kite said, both still feeling a bit awkward at the reminder of when Amica had acted a bit¡­ differently around him. ¡°No time like the present then,¡± she said, forging on instead of dwelling in the awkwardness. ¡°My mom and dad are well off, but not spectacular. My dad is actually the head auctioneer at the local house in the city state where I grew up, and hence a rather important person in that admittedly small circle. And my mom is an engineer on the civil side of things, designing and planning magical infrastructure and housing. Both are core-using bronze-rankers, and earn enough so that both me and my sister knew that essences were on the table when we grew older.¡± ¡°And you obviously chose adventuring, while your sister¡­?¡± ¡°She¡¯s a crafter. A tailor, to be specific, catering to the richer side of things. When I left, puffy sleeves and visually enchanted materials were apparently all the rage. I will probably get a thorough update on the lay of the fashion land when I get back,¡± Amica said wistfully, even though her mood turned a bit somber afterwards. ¡°After my incident, they were all so caring and doting. And while that was nice, I always felt that it held an expectation of me to choose another career for myself. Adventuring is dangerous, after all. But after speaking to the priestess¡­ I¡¯m not sure how much of that was just in my head. At least a bit of it. Probably.¡± ¡°Well, here¡¯s to a happy reunion then,¡± Kite said, raising his hand in a mock toast. ¡°And for what it¡¯s worth, I¡¯m impressed with the way you¡¯ve dealt with things. From what I gather, dealing with one¡¯s own mind is rarely simple.¡± ¡°Trust me, it isn¡¯t. But I¡¯ll have to admit; it has been worth it so far. No matter how smug me saying so will make that priestess look,¡± she said with some feigned exasperation. ¡°But best of luck to you too, Kite. And who knows; when I¡¯m done at home I might find a reason to travel to exotic eastern lands. Maybe even end up in your part of the world.¡± Sensing the statement for the tentative question that it was, Kite smiled and gave an honest answer. ¡°Should you, hypothetically, happen to find yourself in Hua-Xi, my family have a compound south of the city called Bastion. You will always be welcome there, Amica. Speaking of, I wonder how far the construction has progressed?¡± he mused, the conversation trailing off to lighter topics from there. Amica¡¯s portal home was scheduled a few hours before his, so Kite saw her off, bowing in a classical Hua-Xi show of respect as she went through the aperture, floating backwards as she waved to him. Then, she was gone, off to her homeland. Even so, Kite had a feeling that their paths would cross again. If not by chance through contracts for Gauntlet, then at least by intent and visit. In the hours that followed, he also exchanged a somber nod of acknowledgement with Gray Sky as he too left. While Kite had never really gotten along with the runic, they didn¡¯t exactly dislike one another either, making it easy settling for mutual respect. Emilio was a bit more heartfelt in his still odd mix of haughtiness and friendliness, promising to give Kite the best wine-tour of his life should he come visit. And with Sztyka, there were not many words exchanged either, but with a distinctly different tone. In both the few words spoken and through her aura and intent, Kite knew he would have an ally in her should his needs harmonize with the leonid¡¯s way of serving her goddess. And when his own portal out finally came, Vihaan Shapravati was the one stepping out of the shimmering opaque disc that was his portal, the very same gold-ranker that had brought Kite to the tryouts for the task group in the first place. ¡°I see that we meet again,¡± the shorter man said, idly twirling his dark mustache. ¡°Please step through when you are ready. While I have an hour booked for the delay between portals, having some time to relax in between is always nice, no?¡± he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. ¡°Of course, master Vihaan,¡± Kite said, making sure that Glint rested comfortably in her bottle and felt Sage¡¯s usual, indistinct emotes from within his aura. Through his expanded field of view, he tried to commit Port Singhni to memory just a bit more; from its stone mainland avenues to its floating half, surrounded by palm trees and lit by lanterns of every color when darkness overtook it. That also made him notice three people watching his departure, having just exited onto the second floor balcony of a nearby building. Christine waved happily while Mtanga just showed his usual pearly white grin. And Ryker, true to form, just gave Kite a stern nod. Turning just before he exited, Kite couldn¡¯t help himself; the tattoos of his mantle lighting up as not one but three sets of hands were cupped in his typical, deep Hua-Xi bow of respect. As he passed into the dimensional gate, he thought that he could almost hear the eyeroll of his teacher from across the yard.
Auspicious Winter Raven toddled along the stone path, frost crunching under her little boots as she was unhurriedly doing what little girls just over two years old were bound to do; most anything that caught her fancy. As she had already finished cracking the newly formed ice on every puddle she had come across and only being stopped doing the same to the decorative pond by a completely unnecessary intervention by mama Crow, Raven had instead gone off in search of other things to amuse herself with. This little traipse finally led her to where she had left that nice rock the other day beneath one of the big trees near the big outer wall. It was a very nice rock, its shape nice and oval with its color being a pleasant shade of pink. Raven had just picked it up when something unexpected happened; the big door in the big wall opened. It was a slow process, and Raven just stood there and gave the process a nice, long look. The big door in the big wall didn¡¯t open that often, and she was often being carried through it as it did, so it was a novel new perspective. But then things got complicated, because a person stood on the other side; a big one with dark hair and a blue cloak covering some kind of shiny clothes beneath. And while he smiled towards her, Raven stood frozen, torn between the impulses to give the man a proper lookover and to hide behind mama Dove¡¯s skirts. As no skirts were available, and feeling at least a bit sure of herself on her home turf, Raven chose the former. And besides, there was something familiar with this big person. Something- Then it hit her, like an invisible blanket of familiarity. Raven couldn¡¯t identify it, but it was a definite sense that this big one was nice. That she knew him and that he liked her. And the feeling made Raven remember. ¡°Bwothew.¡± It was a word she and her mamas had practiced a lot lately, while looking at a picture. A picture of this big one, Raven''s mind had belatedly realized, the connections snapping together with an almost audible click in her mind. And as it turned out that it was brother who had come back, the proper rituals had to be honored. As such, Raven plodded forward, looked somberly up at her big brother, and held up her arms. His smile didn¡¯t waver the slightest, instead only growing as he scooped her up as if she weighed nothing at all, and Raven felt that she had chosen the correct approach as the hug he gave was most satisfactory. Then came the next thing that Raven knew was a sure way to impress big ones; when in doubt, show them something. In this case, she held up her rock for big brother to marvel at. He played his part well too, seeming most impressed with her find, before he seemed to think of something. ¡°Oh? You like pretty rocks, little Raven? Want to borrow one of brother¡äs?¡± he asked as he started carrying her back along the path towards the house where they lived. As Raven did indeed like pretty rocks, she nodded. It turned out that big brother knew his stuff when it came to pretty rocks, as he reached into one of his many bags hidden beneath his coat and retrieved a really shiny one. It was big and round, shining with pearlescent colors dominated by golden flecks, and Raven had to grasp it in both hands to properly hold it and look into its depths, hypnotized. The new rock was distracting enough that she even missed her own rock falling from her hand and the lines of big brother¡¯s face lighting up briefly as another, shiny arm appeared to catch it. Only when she heard mama Dove¡¯s voice did Raven realize that they had reached the house where she lived. ¡°Kite! Welcome back, my dear little chick!¡±
¡°Kite, don¡¯t you think that it might be a bit too much to give a two year old an awakening stone?¡± auntie Dove asked with a mix of concern and amusement as she looked at Raven rolling the shimmering stone back and forth across the floor of their living room while she, Kite and Crow all sat gathered around the low table. ¡°Dear, you know that the stones are perfectly safe,¡± Crow gently interjected. ¡°And besides, there is probably a reason for it too. Give it a proper look.¡± Dove did as her wife asked, and after a few seconds of pondering the spark of recognition was clear in both her eyes and aura. ¡°Oh? You mean that is the same as¡­?¡± ¡°It is. An awakening stone of fortune,¡± Kite confirmed, smiling at the little girl enjoying her very much real treasure. ¡°I saw it up for trade in Port Singhni, and while it might be presumptuous of me to assume that she will want to share at least a little bit of her path with her older brother, it felt like a good omen.¡± ¡°I for one feel that it is a most thoughtful gesture, dear,¡± Crow said with a satisfied smile visible over the edge of her teacup. ¡°It will be rather nostalgic actually, seeing such a stone decorating her room for the decade and a half to come. But speaking of other matters, I¡¯m still surprised that you have already returned. I had thought that it might be at least another week of travel, assuming that you lasted the whole six months. Sensing your aura at the gate while keeping a spiritual eye on Raven was a most pleasant development.¡± ¡°It would have, I was rather eager to get home as fast as I could. Gods how I have missed you all,¡± Kite said, basking in the feeling of comfort that being surrounded by family could give him. The house may be new, but that changed little. ¡°And Fortune did smile upon me in that a certain branch director of the capital was very keen on getting me out of there discreetly and as quickly as possible. There has been a bit of development in regards to our suspicions which we spoke of back in Gilded, and director Temren seemed most pleased to not have anything stir the metaphorical pot of the capital at the moment. So she kindly sponsored a discreet portal to Convergence, and here I am.¡± A more serious pallor fell over the room at his mention of the developments regarding Discord and their clergy, but Dove soon dispelled it by scooching around the table and wrapping Kite in another one of her warm hugs. ¡°We might as well wait to bring up such dour subjects until Dragonfly returns, as she¡¯ll surely want to know as well,¡± she said while burrowing Kite in her long waterfall of brown locks. ¡°For now, let¡¯s just bask in the fact that our little Kite has returned home again. You have to tell us everything! And we have to show you around the compound! The first stage of construction has been done for two months now!¡± Raven chose that moment to come and plop down in Kite¡¯s lap, and as he cuddled the toddler Kite pondered where to begin. He had seen so much during these last three months, after all. But as was most often the case, the beginning was ever the appropriate choice. ¡°Well, let us just say that my journey took a turn even before leaving the country. I¡¯m not sure if you have been to the capital lately, but as it turned out, dueling is still held in high regard¡­¡±
Soul, seeker of perfection and blessed of Warrior stopped mid-strike. The other silver-ranker she was fighting, and whose name she had already forgotten, seemed even more startled by the sudden halt in the fluid, shifting offense she had been using to run both literal and figurative laps around the proud swordswoman. Expecting a trap, the older woman leapt back and assumed a ready-stance with a focus on defense. Soul¡¯s mind idly planned a few ways to capitalize on the ¡®feint¡¯, but was more busy in coming to grips with the realization that had at last broken through the metaphorical lid she had been putting on it for a few months now. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ bored.¡± Inwardly, Soul started cursing, words of denial trying to counterattack. She was not. She would never be. Seeking perfection and martial mastery through clashes with other warriors was her thing. Her path. It couldn¡¯t be boring, yet it now was. The thrill of the past gradually watered out, the feeling of mastering a new style and merging it into her own not as glorious. More¡­ hollow. As if every hour spent no longer gave the same progress, something beyond the normal slower pace as one came closer to mastery. Meanwhile, the swordswoman started an offensive as she realized that Soul¡¯s focus had truly been broken, but if Soul had to be honest she had mostly been testing things out in their bout so far. While this little clash was important to the Eden family and whoever had called them out to send champions to duel in their stead over some petty dispute, it was just¡­ nothing special to Soul. Not anymore. That was why Soul changed up the cadence of the fight all in one swift motion, using her superior speed and strength to stomp down on the foot of the woman and get inside her guard before the swing was completed. A fist glowing with transcendent damage hit the woman in her lower jaw and a loud crack shook the dueling arena as the combination of the blow together with Soul essentially locking her foe in place for a crucial moment led to a violently snapped neck, where the woman¡¯s twisting momentum in her strike only served to make things worse. While a broken neck wouldn¡¯t kill a silver-ranker, it made it rather hard for most of them to move around for a bit as their highly magical bodies fought to find other ways to assume control. But a few seconds was enough for Soul to down the now floundering swordswoman, breezing through a few discharged magical bolts and end the fight with a glowing fist stopping just a hair¡¯s breadth above her foe¡¯s rolling eye. ¡°Victory to Soul and the Eden family!¡± the officiator called, and most of the members of Boundary¡¯s prominent families either clapped or simply returned to their conversations in the stands around them, the matter settled. The more ordinary townspeople gathered to watch were usually more impressed, but the sudden and brutal end to the fight instead left them murmuring at the anticlimactic finale. Soul cared for little of this as she swiftly left the arena, as had always been her way. Even the master or the Edens had eventually learned that trying to come and praise or congratulate her was a study in futility. And with Soul¡¯s recent revelation, she would have to disappoint him even further. Quickly arriving at her part of the compound, Soul began to stow her things. All of her things. As she owned little, it wasn¡¯t a lengthy process. She was about to turn and leave right then and there to tell the Eden patriarch of her decision, when she glimpsed the steaming, hot spring bath in the corner of her eye. ¡°Curses of all the fallen gods upon you, Dragonfly,¡± Soul thought a moment later as she slid down into the warm waters, only stopping just before its surface reached her eyes. The cheery, flame-touched woman would be so smug, so inconceivably smug when learning that Soul had continued to indulge in the warm baths Dragonfly had all but dragged her into during her stay there. But that was not the worst of all. No, the true source of Soul¡¯s frustrations was that not only was she bored, but also that Dragonfly had been right about the source of said boredom. ¡°South of Bastion wasn¡¯t it?¡± she grumbled to herself, words lost as bubbles in the steaming water. ¡°I¡¯ll show you, Dragonfly. And you too, Pathbreaker. For messing with my purpose like this.¡± Bastion was rather far away though, and Soul would have to travel far to get there. But that mattered little. Soul would persevere through any trip, as was her creed. There was perfection to be found in enduring, after all, be it sleet and snow or the passage of time. But first¡­ ¡°I¡­ might as well stay in the hot spring a bit longer. Just a bit. In the end, I need to give my all in everything I do, don¡¯t I?¡± 171. Trouble coming his way Dragonfly carefully stood up atop her flying axe, keeping one foot planted squarely on the flat of its blade to brace herself against the wind of their passing. Since reaching silver rank, she had the mana regeneration to use her animation power to turn the hefty weapon into a mode of transportation carrying her above the snow-clad trees on her southward trek from Bastion at a respectable pace. While a familiar like Glint or a dedicated flying artifact would have been more efficient, she had no power to produce the former and the local mana was too sparse to properly power the latter. And it was definitely beating the option of just walking. ¡°There!¡± Dragonfly thought happily, spotting the faint outlines of Kite¡¯s family compound off in the distance. In an ideal world, she would now have channeled another burst of mana into her animated axe to shoot off toward her destination. But as said world wasn¡¯t, and that she was already moving at the maximum speed available to her power that was very much not meant for travel, Dragonfly could do little more than continuing at her current pace. Still, it would be good to be back. Contracts took her further afield these days, but the times of rest with Kite¡¯s family always helped center her. ¡°But I should start insisting on paying for the guest cottage. Or maybe just buy it? I have basically made it mine by now,¡± she thought with an inward wince as she leapt off her flying axe and landed in a small geyser of snow in front of the gates. While Dragonfly carried one of the tokens that would allow her to come and go as she pleased, Crow - and her defensive formations - still preferred that one came and went through the proper entrance. Passing through the screening enchantments, Dragonfly¡¯s aura senses quickly picked up the normal-ranked stewards that the family had hired to take care of the grounds for them - a wholesome extended family of three generations who had been hard at work ever since their arrival. Unsurprisingly, Crow was in her workshop while Dove was in the main house with Raven, the latter having a nap from the dreaming state of her little spirit. But that wasn¡¯t what caught Dragonfly¡¯s attention. Rather, it was the other silver-ranker present. Someone who shouldn¡¯t have been back yet, but somehow was. Heart racing with joy, Dragonfly set off at a dead sprint which then ended in a mighty leap which carried her well over the roof of the bath house and straight into the hot spring on the other side. While normally provided privacy by decorative walls, the airborne Dragonfly got a good look at Kite who was just sitting up as he too had sensed her aura approaching. His eyes, widened in surprise, found hers just a moment before Dragonfly landed in the spring, creating her second geyser of the day. ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± she called happily from where she straddled Kite while wrapping him in a messy hug of cold - and now wet - armor. ¡°Yes, my ardent Dragonfly. I am very much so,¡± Kite agreed with a laugh, returning the embrace.
¡°Oh, heavens. Your teammates sound like they were quite the set of characters,¡± Dragonfly noted where she still lay tangled with Kite in the bed of the guest house which she had been occupying for the last six months. While it had been nice with a hot bath at her arrival - after getting out of her now soaked armor and clothes that is - a soft bed was a much better place to really cozy up as she coaxed each and every detail out of Kite about his time away. It was also a much better place to properly taste and enjoy all the different treats he had brought her. Going above and beyond his promise, Kite had picked something up for her at every opportunity; from simple candies to proper fine-dining. The thought of his efforts, and not just the odd but exciting foreign wine, made Dragonfly warm and fuzzy inside. ¡°Oh I can assure you that they were,¡± Kite agreed, reaching out and grabbing some kind of cheese-filled small fruit which he popped into his mouth. ¡°Each an acquired taste, but decent in their own way. Especially in that they always ceasedany squabbles or bickering when things turned serious. It was truly eye-opening, and probably one of the starkest contrasts from home.¡± ¡°Uh-huh,¡± Dragonfly agreed while nibbling on a piece of some kind of heavily spiced dried fish which felt like it set even her silver-ranked tongue on fire. ¡°Honestly, I almost found it hard to believe. Can you imagine some of the sect members from here doing the same?¡± ¡°Some, but you have caught my point,¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°It made me a bit sad to realize that many of the preconceived notions of our culture were proven rather correct.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯d at least like to think that some of us want to do better. And speaking of that; you should see the guild now, Kite. I had no idea it would grow so quickly.¡± ¡°I look forward to it. At least after another day or two here at home.¡± ¡°Good. Because you haven¡¯t even finished the story yet,¡± Dragonfly said, laying a possessive hand on his chest as if to keep him from flying off. ¡°But it did sound like you could work with them, which is nice. Even that Amica though? I¡¯m not sure I could have just moved past her acting like a creep like that.¡± ¡°While disconcerting, her other actions did make up for it. And in a way, she also reminded me of others I have met, which I believe also helped a bit.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°First of all, it feels like Amica is a bit what Serene might have become, had her church not recognized the need for proper help early. Because I think that we can both remember the Serene from way back then, seeking a bit of control in seeing through others with her outrageous aura perception. Even with all that help, you could still see hints of that drive which is apparently common after surviving such suffering. Amica was probably just more of that, and I¡¯m glad that she had enough sense to realize that her actions weren¡¯t what she really needed.¡± ¡°Well, not that I can lay claim on you all to myself, but I¡¯m at least glad that you didn¡¯t do anything you didn¡¯t want to,¡± Dragonfly grumbled while wiggling just a bit closer to Kite. ¡°And yet I have honestly never felt the need to seek the company of anyone else,¡± Kite said, smiling as he both felt and saw Dragonfly¡¯s slightly flustered blush. ¡°You said that Amica made you think of others. As in plural,¡± she all but blurted, apparently trying to move past the moment of earnestness and her subsequent reaction. ¡°Well, the other one was River. The pain cultist,¡± Kite explained. ¡°You know what they say about soul scars. From what she explained, Amica had plenty. And much like River could, she could also notice an aura mask of a hidden priest of¡­ Well, you know who.¡± Seeing Dragonfly sit straight up and look at Kite in alarm, he gestured for her to relax while quickly adding. ¡°I did say that the story would end up with something important, but I am definitely getting ahead of myself. We¡¯ll go into the astral space later along with my aunties so that I can tell you all everything we know so far and what little I was told by the branch director of Heavenward on my return.¡± ¡°Well, you better get on with it then,¡± she said, settling down close to him again. ¡°It may be a bit selfish, but I¡¯d like to stake my claim on your time for quite a bit longer.¡±
¡°You were not understating things, Dragonfly. Things seems to have grown more than I would ever have expected,¡± Kite said as he stood beside her in front of the gates leading to the Bastion branch of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild. What had begun as a merchant¡¯s former townhouse had been properly rebuilt and expanded, and it looked like the adjacent property had been bought up as well to further expand the guild¡¯s latest center of operations. ¡°And this is just the house, Kite. There¡¯s more. But I should let Noel explain the rest, as he¡¯s a lot better at handling all these little details than I am,¡± Dragonfly said with a pleased smile as she led Kite through the surprisingly bustling place. Kite¡¯s aura senses did paint a picture though, with over a dozen iron-rankers and half as many bronzes currently present in the small but definitely growing compound. And given that they were a guild taking far flung contracts, this would indicate that the majority would be out of the city at any given time. As they entered, Dragonfly received many respectful smiles and admiring glances as she greeted people left and right. Kite got his fair share of respectful bows as well, but with distinctly more formality. He had never met most of these people, after all, even if they did respect his rank. The lack of recognition did end at the doors of Noel¡¯s office, as the bronze-ranker nearly flew up from his chair in his eagerness to give Kite proper bow of greeting. ¡°Honored senior brother, welcome back! I assure you that the branch you left in my hands has been handled with the utmost care and thought,¡± Noel LanCaire said with obvious pride, his worries from back before Kite¡¯s departure seeming forgotten. The blonde man was wearing his usual swordsman¡¯s robes of blue silk, his fair hair styled into a classical Hua-Xi topknot. Kite was also pleased to see his old sword, Carmine Sunrise, leaned against the side of the finely crafted desk, always kept within an arm''s length of the young man. ¡°Hallmaster! The guild indeed seems to be in full bloom. I am most impressed, and will assume that uncle Walker has been as well?¡± ¡°Oh he has. Things might have been a bit more hectic than he¡¯d prefer though, if his ¡®complaints¡¯ at not getting to enjoy leisurely strolls in the woods as much are to be believed. While I imagined that he would very much want to be here to greet you, he¡¯s actually currently down in Convergence.¡± ¡°I see. On a contract?¡± Kite asked as he, Noel and Dragonfly sat down in a small lounge area of the office, which Kite realized was a lot like the arrangement of Jarvan¡¯s. That little detail made it obvious that it wasn¡¯t the local culture of Hua-Xi alone that had made its mark on the younger man over the years. ¡°In his capacity as guild master, actually. Our establishment here and some fortuitous turns of events in the recent months has led to our expansion turning more rapid than expected. This has been both due to the most generous shipments of essences and stones you sent us from the capital, great benefactor, but also due to the fact that we have had a lot more already established essence-users looking to join our ranks. Much like the normal-ranked recruits, they are being thoroughly interviewed, but so far it seems that it is mostly the lure of camaraderie and our contribution system that has caused them to flock to us. This has in turn led to more contracts and us needing to expand the structure of the guild a bit, but also to take at least one more step of expansion. Should we establish ourselves in Convergence, I believe that we can touch upon forming a true network of couriers and similar services who can cover all of northern Hua-Xi, to the benefit of both us and the people.¡± As he spoke, Noel showed Kite several different ledgers, maps and scrolls to verify his tale. While he could only get an overview, it indeed looked as if the guild had taken off beyond expectations. ¡°Oh, and our esteemed head crafter is also probably a good reason for people to show interest,¡± Noel added. ¡°It isn¡¯t many sects or the like that can pride themselves with their own silver-ranked crafter with such a width to her repertoire. Penny¡¯s services are some of the more sought after prizes in our contribution exchange.¡± ¡°Peony has reached silver rank then? That is truly heaven-sent news,¡± Kite exclaimed, Dragonfly nodding along in confirmation. ¡°Oh, yes. Two months ago now. We all pitched in as the guild got a good deal on a batch of silver-ranked cores. Sorry, I forgot to tell you.¡± ¡°No worries. We were a bit distracted with other matters- stories. Other stories. I had a lot to tell you after all,¡± Kite started before quickly backpedaling as the comment had slipped out in polite company. Noel either didn¡¯t notice or was an excellent actor, the former being more likely as both Kite and Dragonfly¡¯s higher ranks made him concealing things from them rather unlikely. ¡°Still, to expand again so soon? Unexpected development, but welcome if we can manage it,¡± Kite said, turning his mind back to the topic at hand. ¡°I will trust the judgment of you all in this though, and you will as always have my support. And speaking of-¡± he continued reaching to a prepared dimensional satchel at his side. ¡°- Sage did create a thing or two for us during my time away. Less than normal since we sometimes moved with time constraints not allowing for the potential delay of a monster manifestation or in areas where gold monsters weren¡¯t entirely unlikely, but six months still allowed for a good haul.¡± Along with the satchel came a list of its contents, and Noel could only smile and bow deeply to Kite again in response. ¡°As always, your generosity knows no bounds, senior brother.¡± ¡°We all want to help make Hua-Xi a better place. And it sounds like you¡¯ve truly made great strides in that regard in my absence. You all have my thanks and respect,¡± Kite said, returning the bow. ¡°And speaking of other hauls, it sounds like I will have even more reason to visit Peony next. While I kept some equipment for the contribution store, she will have the rest as usual. If my guess is anything to go by, the lack of silver-ranked pieces to practice with has no doubt driven her up the walls with impatience. It may be best that I rectify that as soon as possible.¡±
Kite had never met Wayward Peony before she became a bronze-ranker, and so had never seen the difference in appearance wrought by her early rank-ups. When he now looked at his friend, crafter and business partner, he had to admit that it was somehow the most proportional change he had yet to see. Somehow Peony looked very much like herself with her soft features and magenta-colored hair, but there was a certain quality to the number of small changes that had just emphasized those traits even further. She was simply more Peony, as if there was a true self in there somewhere which gradually sculpted its outer shell more to its liking. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The subject of his ponderings was currently humming happily to herself as she was going through the huge pile of silver-ranked equipment. Kite¡¯s guess at her needing more materials to practice with had proven correct, as was one of his other assumptions. ¡°I will still want a look at that nice armor you¡¯re wearing later. You cheating scoundrel,¡± she quipped, her tone light but with a slight edge carrying the depth of her disappointment. Kite knew the risk when he commissioned his new armor elsewhere, and had resigned himself to bear it for a time. ¡°I can promise you fascinating enchantments to inspect,¡± Kite added placatingly, noting how Sun, Peony¡¯s husband, was nodding along in approval of Kite¡¯s most wise strategy. ¡°I¡¯m a silver now, dear husband, which mean that I can feel your mental cheering for Kite even from here,¡± Peony added, not taking her eyes off the mace she was currently inspecting. ¡°And I am once again reminded of the downsides of being a rank behind one¡¯s spouse,¡± the man lamented, giving Kite an almost pleading look begging for support. Deciding to provide, Kite gave Sun an approving nod. ¡°From the feel of things, you aren¡¯t that far behind. You have been working hard, Sun.¡± ¡°Well, the guild can keep one busy. Both me and Peony have constantly been involved in some project or contract recently. We truly don¡¯t mind, as business is booming, but with the added influx of people I still need to work hard so that we can buy the final essences for the rest of our family while they¡¯re still available.¡± ¡°Mother still can¡¯t get over how easy it is to manage her beloved garden now that she has a plant essence,¡± Peony added with a giggle from where she was seated across the room. ¡°Speaking of family, I trust that everything is going well with the next addition?¡± Kite asked, turning back to Sun. ¡°Oh, it is. A beautiful little boy,¡± the man said proudly. ¡°If all goes to plan, we will break him out of the vat in around six weeks. That is sure to make us even busier. Living close to family has never been a bigger blessing.¡± ¡°Well, dear husband, I¡¯m glad to hear that our little addition has given you a bit of perspective as to my lovely parents,¡± Peony interjected with a sweet smile, now having crossed the room to join the two already seated at a low table. The couple playfully bantered a bit back and forth on the subject, the argument apparently being an old one, before she eventually got back to business. ¡°So, my dear, cheating business partner. Before you left you did have some ideas,¡± she said, her eyes promising that she would indeed not forget Kite¡¯s transgression anytime soon. ¡°Why don¡¯t we go over them again? I have made some revisions, and will need plenty of practice with silver-ranked materials first, but I believe that they should still be possible once I have settled a bit with my new powers.¡± ¡°Sounds like an excellent idea, most marvelous and magnanimous Peony,¡± Kite said, not holding anything back in regards to pleasantries. As was conventional wisdom; a flattered crafter was a happy crafter. And you really wanted those who made your equipment to have only the highest opinion of you, after all. ¡°I have had some rather exotic components laying around after my little trials inside the latest gate, and it would be a shame if they weren¡¯t eventually put to proper use, no?¡±
Upon his return to the Bastion guildhall, Kite found Dragonfly in the practice yard between the pair of main buildings where she was currently supervising the end of what looked like lighter combat practice between iron-rankers. ¡°Mantis, remember that your feet need to move too. The same goes for you, Grass. And Singer, watch that mana expenditure. While it is easy to feel you have to go through it all now, finding the pace of your path is important.¡± Kite had to admit that he was impressed with how his lover managed to keep track of them all without perception powers like his own, but supposed that practice and a silver-ranked spirit helped a lot. Still, it showed that Dragonfly had done this a lot during his absence. The sight was surprisingly warming, as the woman¡¯s passion for fighting shone through here as well, albeit with a different kind of light and intensity. He kept his aura retracted, observing in silence as they finished up. As he didn¡¯t try to be that stealthy, Dragonfly had noticed him even if the irons remained oblivious. When they had all finished up, bowing in respect to her as each of the younger guild members made their way towards whatever errands or contracts awaited them, Dragonfly stopped in front of Kite, hands on her hips as she looked up at him with a raised eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s that look for?¡± she asked with some amusement, her one eyebrow climbing even higher as she noticed his own smile widening. ¡°Just me admiring your work, my ardent Dragonfly. While it is different from your burning passion in combat, I can clearly see that this resonates with you. It is most fitting.¡± ¡°Bah, it¡¯s just something to do in between contracts. I just copy a bit of what master Force used to tell me, add some of my own and-¡± she said, gesturing with a motion indicating a ¡®poof¡¯ ¡°-they seem to gain something from it.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t sell yourself short in that regard though. It feels like you will excel wherever your passion takes you. I just thought that some honest appreciation was due.¡± ¡°You and your earnest comments,¡± she grumbled as she fell into step beside him. ¡°Are you sure you aren¡¯t just deflecting from all those appreciative looks that you kept throwing me?¡± ¡°My field of vision is very wide, Dragonfly. I believe that one doesn¡¯t necessarily need to exclude the other,¡± Kite said, smiling inwardly at her puffing a bit at the appreciation. ¡°You having good taste aside,¡± Dragonfly then said, changing the subject. ¡°Noel had something else he wanted to show you. You should have seen his face when he realized that he was carried away this morning. Can¡¯t blame him though; all that need to proudly show off his hard work was quite pent up.¡± It turned out that Noel indeed had something to show off. Something that Kite, or perhaps most of all Glint, had been excitedly hoping for. ¡°I may have stressed the list of items you offered for compensation a bit whenever possible. And it would seem that our members really took it to heart,¡± Noel said as he put a small lockbox on the table before them. Glint was out of her bottle the moment the younger man opened the lid, hovering restlessly beside Kite as the contents were revealed. Inside, thirty-four shimmering scales rested on pink satin padding, each of them a tiny manifested piece of some great dragon¡¯s ancestry. While Glint was bonded to Kite and would always advance along him, she still needed to find and eat such scales to properly develop her powers. Advancement would always increase the scale and potency of what she had, such as her water manipulation, while the scales had in the past allowed her to enlarge her form and start using the conjured water to either restrain her foes or dampen attacks on herself. ¡°As you already left the reward items with us, I took the liberty of distributing them when I received the scales,¡± Noel continued. ¡°The members have so far been most pleased, and stand ready to continue the search, should it be needed.¡± ¡°Thank you, Noel. Both Glint and I are most pleased,¡± Kite said while quickly reaching out and grabbing his little familiar by her caudal fin before she could dive in and devour her treats right away. ¡°Although I do believe that we would be wise to take any further consumption of scales outside. As Dragonfly probably remembers from back in the day, we¡¯d best have some space available if she would happen to suddenly grow even larger. Wrecking our fine guildhall would be a shame.¡± Wrangling a most displeased Glint back outside took more effort than Kite had expected, the carp¡¯s need to feast upon the scales seeming almost like a primal instinct overwriting most conscious thought. It fell to Dragonfly and her Mighty Strength power to keep the familiar at bay long enough for them to reach the practice yard from before, picking up a trail of curious guild members on the way. Finally free from Dragonfly¡¯s firm restraint, Glint dove for the lockbox and started digging in. As always when she consumed a scale, some of her own would shift from pale pink to a more pearlescent shimmer, each accompanied by a faint surge of magic. And this time, the surges didn¡¯t seem to stop when she had gobbled down the final treat. Through his spiritual sense, Kite could sense the pulse going through the aura of his bonded friend, followed by another, and another, giving off the sensation of something burgeoning within Glint¡¯s spirit. ¡°I would advise you all to step back a bit, just in case,¡± Kite said, and when Glint froze in the air before her form started glowing, he repeated his warning with just a bit more alarm. ¡°I truly mean it, step ba- Wall!¡± His silver-ranked reflexes allowed Kite to note and react to the fact that his final words came too late, foregoing the warning to instead erect a barrier wall around the gathered iron-rankers and Noel. He and Dragonfly would be fine, and potential property damage could be repaired, but he would not forgive himself if a poor iron-ranker was accidentally squished if his predictions came to pass. The next moment, Glint¡¯s form started expanding. But unlike Kite¡¯s predictions, it soon stopped at a shape way smaller than what she could currently assume. Instead, her shining outline grew more complex and extended, and within moments the glow itself burst outward, turning into a fine mist as Glint settled on the ground, probably way more stunned than Kite and Dragonfly as she looked at herself. At her hands. Turning her head to look at Kite with visible confusion that he felt even more acutely through their bond, only a confused whine escaped Glint. His familiar had indeed transformed, but in a much more sophisticated way. She had become humanoid. A draconian, or at least something close to it, if Kite was to guess. Glint¡¯s whole body was covered with the same scales as before; mostly pink but with beautiful patterns of pearlescence. As the draconians Kite had seen before, she lacked hair but instead had thin, veil-like fins much like her other forms that fell from her serpentine head, with eyes the same amber-gold mix as before. Overall, her form was slight and a bit shorter than Kite if you didn¡¯t count her tail, which also sported the same kind of fins as could be seen over her head. And while he hadn¡¯t seen any naked draconians before, the rather alien, featureless look fit what he had imagined. ¡°Little beauty, are you alright?¡± he asked, taking a tentative step forward. Dragonfly, on the other hand, was a lot less hesitant. ¡°Glint! Gods above you¡¯re so pretty!¡± she squealed as she stormed over to wrap the still stunned familiar in a hug. Next to Kite, Dragonfly had probably been the person which had given Glint the most amount of cuddles by far during their life together, and the sudden contact seemed to snap the carp-turned-draconian out of her stupor as she joined Dragonfly¡¯s happy, wordless squeal. Not wanting to be shown up too badly, Kite soon joined the hug and the subsequent ¡®oohs¡¯ and ¡®aahs¡¯ as Glint started showing off her new form, completely unabashed in her preening. Being silver rank already apparently made acclimatizing to her new form rather easy, even if Kite suspected that it would still take some time for her to get settled in using that along her other ones. As for talking though, it would apparently take a bit more time, proven as the ecstatic familiar mostly spoke in soft trills and other more simple noises. But as she already understood them well, that too would only be a matter of practice. ¡°Heavens, this was surely not the development I had expected,¡± Kite thought with a smile as he found himself dragged along on a proper shopping trip a few hours later, with Glint and Dragonfly eagerly exploring what would fit the familiar¡¯s new form the best. ¡°But it truly seems to be something marvelous. Fortune, I dearly hope that blessings such as this will keep coming. Because if we are now going to start unraveling what might be Discord¡¯s machinations in earnest, I assume that there will be darker moments ahead where lights such as these will be needed to lift the spirit.¡±
¡°Mistress, I have compiled a report of what we have found out about the silver-ranker you wanted to investigate. Would you like to partake of it now?¡± a bowing man said, proffering a sealed scroll the seated woman who sait in front of a mirror while she was finishing up the arrangement of her hair. For a gold-ranker of her standing to do so herself might be considered far enough beneath her to be shameful, she had always preferred it that way as it gave her plenty of time to manage her other projects through her chosen servants rather than the ambitious and loose-lipped ones her rivals no doubt wanted placed at her side. Pausing in her work after fastening a hairpin in the elaborate arrangement, she reached out with a tendril of smoke to bring the scroll to hand. It only took seconds for her to glean its contents, and what she learned truly set the planning parts of her mind abuzz. ¡°So, little Pathbreaker. You are quite ambitious for someone so humble,¡± she murmured as she took in the known exploits of the now silver-ranker. His little dueling escapades in the capital not long ago was an easy thing to leverage, but that required him to actually be present in the capital. But she also needed to be careful. Delicate, even. The presence of a priestess of Justice that day proved that the other gods were watching them with great vigilance. Which meant that she, even as a gold-ranker, had to move through other, lesser vessels. Fortunately though, there were plenty to be had. And one little fact that would make it even easier. ¡°And a guild, too? Truly a bold move. It stands to show just how rural the north is. Something like that would have been torn apart in its infancy if it had sprung up even just halfway closer to the heartlands. And such a good little point of pressure it will make,¡± she mused, half turning to her servant as she handed the scroll back. ¡°Please prepare material for correspondence for me until I get back. I believe that there is a great number of concerned parties who would need a subtle reminder that something as foreign as a guild has sprung up in their dear homeland. That should settle things nicely, and keep the nourishment flowing to the gardens of Discord.¡± ¡°Of course, mistress. And the council?¡± ¡°Will be informed when I have more results.¡± Sensing the slight hesitancy in the other man¡¯s aura, she fixed him with a stare that contained just a hint of her divine authority, causing him to bow again, even deeper. ¡°Then see to it,¡± the high priestess of Discord commanded, before returning to the arrangement of her hair. ¡°Meanwhile, I will strive to keep our foothold here in the capital firmly within our control. The king has called for one of his concubines this evening, and I will ever need to keep ahead to be sure that the one he calls for continues to be me.¡±
Little Crow Plucks the Moon had his meditations interrupted when a thin letter, barely more than a slip of paper, came gently floating down from above to land in his lap with a soft whisper of paper. Opening his onyx eyes and giving a nod of thanks to senior brother who he knew was always watching, the gold-ranker being the only one within their compound who could slip into Little Crow¡¯s quarters unnoticed. Unfurling the letter, Little Crow nodded to himself as he lit the slit on fire on a nearby oil lamp, letting it turn to ashes in his hand as the normal flames were unable to singe his pale fingers. ¡°So, someone is investigating our adopted little brother. Someone whose actually good at being subtle. Interesting. Most interesting,¡± he mused out loud, knowing that senior brother would hear him as well. ¡°Then I suppose that we will see what more we can find out. This should fall under the covert little contract we got from the branch director too. If senior brother could please take this to the others as well, I will see how we can best go about warning junior brother Kite that some real trouble might be coming his way, while still not ruining all the good finds and nice, juicy tidbits that this may lead to if we can position our pieces properly on the board.¡± Turning to leave, Little Crow grabbed his colorful parasol on the way, twirling it once before letting it rest on one shoulder. ¡°I just knew that you would bring some more excitement in the future, Kite. I just knew it.¡± Then, with another twirl of his parasol, Little Crow had left his abode, off to join the fun and find some answers. 172. I might as well... ¡°Good. Again, repeat after me. Shiiii-¡± ¡°Thiiiii-¡± the toddler and the pretty carp-turned-draconian said together, both similarly struggling with the ¡®s¡¯ as they tried to imitate auntie Crow. ¡°Good try, girls!¡± auntie Dove still praised from the sidelines, causing Raven to respond with her usual somber look while Glint, currently in her new and shiny humanoid form, preened with pride. Given that she had only been anatomically able to form coherent sounds for just shy of a week, Dove had to give it to the familiar; she was a fast learner, even if the contrast of her and Raven sitting there side by side was absolutely adorable. ¡°I better get the recording crystal,¡± Dove realized, hurrying off into an adjacent room as the little lesson continued in the other room. With Raven¡¯s attention span, the gods would be kind if they had more than two or three minutes remaining, so she had to work fast. As she was heading back, crystal already primed and recording, Dove did have the chance to glance out the window, her smile returning in force as she saw the much fiercer practice outside. ¡°Oh how little Kite has grown. And Dragonfly too,¡± she thought as she glimpsed flashing movements and discharging powers. ¡°They sure have been going at it for a long time now. I better make some tea after Raven¡¯s practice is over. Sparring like that always calls for tea afterwards. And- oof, that looked painful. I better bring out a healing pill or two as well.¡±
A loud chiming sound rang out as Kite¡¯s staff intercepted Dragonfly¡¯s axe, snow cascading from the ground beneath as it bore the brunt of the force. At the same time, one of the arms of Kite¡¯s mantle brought out his chitinous shield to intercept the animated one that came in from the side. While Dragonfly normally used her conjured axe in that role, she had quickly learned early in their friendship that she didn¡¯t need to bother with that when facing Kite, as most conjurations just became a liability. Instead, she used her spare; a simple, sturdy thing with more basic enchantments that would do in most situations. Kite too adapted in what ways he could to his lover¡¯s powers, such as withholding his new shield from retaliating through its many small projectiles. Because with Dragonfly¡¯s ramping boon becoming resistant to dispels when ranking up to silver, putting fuel to that fire was now a much more risky proposition. Still, Kite could at least push back reliably, with his superior number of attacking limbs and vectors making sure that he steadily ate into Dragonfly¡¯s mana; another way to circumvent her gaining enough power and speed to outclass him. After a few more exchanges, one where Dragonfly managed to land a particularly powerful kick to Kite¡¯s side, the pair eventually disengaged. ¡°It feels like you have progressed in leaps and bounds, dear Dragonfly,¡± Kite honestly complimented as they cleaned up the yard as best they could before turning to go inside. ¡°Well, plowing through monsters does tend to help one get strong,¡± she said playfully, flexing one arm to further prove her point. ¡°But I got to hand it to Soul; that woman knows how to fight other people. I learned a lot in the two months spent in Boundary with her. And I might just have risen to the level of acceptable in her eyes, even if she was probably still disappointed that I wasn¡¯t you.¡± ¡°The thought of the two of you in combination does feel a bit terrifying,¡± Kite agreed, while still being happy that Dragonfly had chosen to go. His lover¡¯s passion and enthusiastic companionship tended to be a bit infectious, which was probably something that the battle-mad celestine needed. ¡°And as for learning from her, I can only agree. I spent one week with her. One intense week, true, but it was still an eye-opener.¡± ¡°But still, Kite, you¡¯ve obviously grown as well. There is something different in how you fight now. A bit more simple and direct yet still in a devious way. The way your annoying arms kept targeting my arms and legs to interfere were just¡­ well, annoying. Supremely so.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t seem to mind the extra arms that much yesterday,¡± Kite jibed with a wink, causing his companion to flush a bit. ¡°That was entirely different and you know it. Still, those massages¡­¡± she grumbled, even though her tone did turn rather wistful towards the end. The two cleaned up and were enjoying a cup of tea with the rest of Kite¡¯s family when a crystal next to the door suddenly lit up with a distinct blue light. ¡°It would seem that someone is at the gate,¡± Crow noted, gesturing for Kite to remain seated as he was about to rise and go greet whatever guest they had waiting. ¡°Finish your tea in peace, little Kite. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± A minute later, she returned while carrying a sealed messenger¡¯s tube which she used a strand of hair to deposit in front of Kite and Dragonfly as she once more sat down. ¡°Adventure society business, it would seem,¡± Crow said to them, one meaningful eyebrow raised. ¡°The courier was in a hurry, but told me that it would only open to either of your badges.¡± ¡°I thought it odd that you didn¡¯t invite the poor messenger in for tea. The society is sure putting them to work,¡± Dove noted with some concern while Kite and Dragonfly unlocked the sealed tube and retrieved the scroll from within. ¡°Something serious, dear?¡± Crow asked, apparently sensing the way both Kite¡¯s and Dragonfly¡¯s auras seemed to tighten a bit as they read. ¡°Could be,¡± Kite said in way of answer. ¡°Apparently there are some leads to a potential cell of cultists to the south. Dobrazza wants us to come in and help plan a strike against it.¡± ¡°Finally, we can begin in earnest. It felt like ages ago that we had that first gathering up in Knowledge¡¯s temple back in Gilded,¡± Dragonfly said. ¡°I¡¯ve been called in to kick down a door or two while you were gone, but nothing major.¡± ¡°With the information from outside that the task group happened upon and leads from the site we took down, things have apparently started to move along. Braid or Wander can probably tell us more though. From what I gathered, they were involved in this find,¡± Kite noted, rising from the table and calling to the other room. ¡°Glint, it would seem that it is time to return to Bastion. May we humbly ask for your services in ferrying us there?¡± In response, Kite got a confirming cooing sound before his familiar, still in her draconian form and carrying Raven, rejoined them. After the toddler had been safely deposited with one of her mothers, Glint¡¯s form shimmered before it shrank down to her original shape of the carp. As she did so, Kite felt a bit of relief through their bond, and he could understand why. While Glint was ecstatic at the potential of her new form, it was still new and rather alien to her as well. She still slept in her bottle, for example, preferring to widen her new world a little bit at a time. Fortunately, she was still more than happy to help Kite and any other friend of them get around, and the trio was soon zooming northward over the treetops, Glint¡¯s huge carp-dragon form dragging Kite¡¯s enchanted boat after it through the sky on their way to start the process of turning their homeland upside down and see what would fall out, one contract or lead at a time.
¡°Tell me, little one, what patterns do you see? Turn your mind¡¯s eye inward. Embrace the pain of stillness, and let it help you bring clarity.¡± Dancer on the Broken River sat in meditation in her latest safehouse in Convergence. While it was little more than a small crawl space between two buildings, it also benefited enough from the concealing arrays of said buildings to make for an excellent hideout. As an adherent of Pain, the lack of creature comforts could be seen as yet another way of communing with her deity. For the last two months though, River had been more on edge. Something was shifting in the undercurrents of the region, but she had yet to grasp the bigger picture. In his mercy, Lord Pain had offered his assistance, giving River hints until she could procure a certain pill which currently rested between her teeth, ready to be swallowed once she found the correct mindset. River knew that her deity tended to be viewed as female in many parts of the world, but as Lord had ever been the title used by her father and the voice she communed with was distinctly masculine, it just seemed odd to imagine anything else, even if she knew that the appearances of the gods varied. ¡°I can sense your avoidance, little one. You already know how to embrace my gift. Set yourself free in that, and persevere.¡± Realizing the truth in her god¡¯s words, River once more centered herself before finally swallowing the pill. The little sphere went down easily enough, but soon started to make its effects known as currents of chilling, absolute stillness started creeping through River¡¯s body until it finally reached her mind. The agony of the process was severe, but River had spent a life enduring and even embracing Pain¡¯s gift, and supported by her meditations, she threw herself into the icy clarity that her current state provided, where her physical attributes were forcefully lowered for a short time to push her spirit attribute to new, if temporary, heights. ¡°The undercurrents have been shifting a bit these last two months, but its origin isn¡¯t here. Something is making waves, and we¡¯re seeing the ripples,¡± she thought, her mind speeding through the process as her body kept locking up. Going through hundreds of small details she had observed during the weeks gone by, she could also glean some patterns. ¡°The east and north are more compromised somehow, and local operations shift in turn. Information seems to leave for the south. But what is returned? I will have to investigate. This shift should be an opportunity for me.¡± She kept working, mentally analyzing, theorizing and compiling for as long as she could before tingling warmth started making its way back into her rigid form. Gradually, the mental clarity faded, leaving only a dull, aching pain suffusing her whole being. But River leaned into the feeling as she once more centered herself and let her body cleanse the remaining effects of the dangerous pill. Her little crusade had persevered as she had carved out a place for herself in the local underworld, often clashing with the interests of the Lover, the current uncrowned queen of Convergence. But as it had gradually been made clear to the other, more experienced silver-ranker that River¡¯s machinations were not targeting her or her operations, things had settled a bit. River had even made some headway in tracking more and more small trails of resources to attempts at creating small cells and cabals, but it had been slow. Whatever was happening now though, was causing things to move just a little bit more. And with movement came risks. Or opportunities. River would gladly start fishing in these muddied waters.
¡°Wow, Kite, things went pretty smoothly here. Gauntlet seems to have taught you a lot~!¡± one of Wander¡¯s bodies squeaked from his shoulder while Kite himself was busy keeping an eye on their bronze-rankers handling the last of the summoned blood oozes. As he had already taken part in capturing the pair of silver-rankers leading this little cell of blood cultists and Wander hadn¡¯t been able to find other similar threats, it only felt proper to let his juniors temper themselves a bit. The two teams he led on this contract consisted of local bronze-rankers already approved and trusted by Jarvan, Dobrazza or any other branch director they had brought into the fold, with similarities to instructor Whisper and the others led by deputy director Rupert back in Gilded. Kite also had hopes of adding some of their own more combat-oriented guild members to that roster once they had enough members of bronze and above. With their recent expansions, it should definitely be possible. ¡°I believe that I need to tell you the story of when we breached an underwater pirate lair when we have the time then,¡± Kite replied with some amusement. ¡°That should only serve to prove that Gauntlet has been kicking down all kinds of doors now, and has grown most adept at it. I just tried to learn as much as I could.¡± ¡°Stop humblebragging Kite and just embrace some true bragging. It might do you good~,¡± his rat companion jibed, poking one little clawed finger into his cheek. ¡°Both this and the two before were easy work because of that.¡± ¡°Thank you for your praise, oh illustrious Wander,¡± Kite said in return. ¡°But I would hazard a guess that our dear sect allies over there might disagree,¡± he finished, gesturing subtly to the groups wearing the colors of the Wandering Winds sect. ¡°Remind me again why they were invited~?¡± Wander asked, her skepsis clear. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. ¡°Because you marked this as very urgent due to the ritual you discovered, and we needed people for crowd control but didn¡¯t have the time to muster more teams of our own. Hence inviting warriors from the closest sect. It was a good thing too. I don¡¯t believe anyone missed how far that exploding ball of goop scattered the summons.¡± ¡°True. But still¡­ They¡¯re just so¡­ Oh, they¡¯re coming over~.¡± True to Wander¡¯s words, the lone silver-ranked sect elder was currently marching over to Kite, flanked by his two bronze-ranked disciples. Kite had been disappointed to learn that Whistling Ivory, the one person he knew from the Wandering Winds sect, hadn¡¯t been sent. Elder Gale had so far been less than enthusiastic in their assigned role. Still, Kite wanted to at least try and preempt an argument, so he turned and called out as the sect trio drew closer. ¡°Elder Gale! My commendations to the warriors of your sect. None of the summoned monsters managed to escape your cordon, and the people of nearby villages and towns surely rejoice that they are under the protection of the Wandering Winds sect.¡± His polite tone did cause the man¡¯s stern stride to falter slightly, but from what Kite could glean from the other man¡¯s aura, he still wasn¡¯t happy. ¡°Pathbreaker,¡± he greeted curtly as he came close, the title seeming to almost bring a sour taste. ¡°While I had no doubt in our ability to curtail such wretches, I still find our assignment a slight to the honor of our sect. Mere ¡®guard duty¡¯ should have been beneath us, especially while your team gathered both the honor and spoils within the stronghold of our foe.¡± Kite thought that calling the enemy hideout a stronghold was perhaps a great deal too generous as it had been nowhere near as sizable and defended as the one he had taken town with the task group. But he let that point slide to focus on another part of the man¡¯s statement. ¡°Spoils, elder? You truly believe that there were any great treasures inside such a place?¡± he asked, his skeptical look firmly giving away his thoughts on the matter. ¡°As we weren¡¯t allowed to take part in things, there is no way for us to verify that except for your word. And you¡¯ll forgive me if I don¡¯t hold the word of an outcast very highly.¡± Sighing inwardly, Kite resigned himself to the tone in which this conversation would continue. Outwardly, he instead let his aura grow sharper, its solid feeling condensing into that of a fortress ready for war rather than just a place of shelter. ¡°Elder, we offered you and yours a contract, whose remuneration for rather simple duty was clearly above the standard. And yet I find you here complaining while insulting my honor? It would seem like the good impression I had of your sect through Whistling Ivory was a sad misconception.¡± All of this was delivered in a tone that, while polite, brooked no argument. While Kite himself wouldn¡¯t go too much on the offensive, he was way past the time in his life where he felt the need to try and placate the egos of people such as this elder. The tension lay heavy between them for a while, the accompanying bronze-rankers clearly affected by the elder¡¯s aura trying to grind Kite¡¯s down, to no avail. Kite was just thinking if he would need to ready himself for a challenge when elder Gale eventually turned in an attempted show of dismissal. ¡°Bah, as usual there is no proper courtesy or respect to be found from outcasts. Come, we will leave this place and collect our earnings,¡± he stated tersely, the two disciples following him in his wake as if eager to get rid of Kite. ¡°Aaaw, he backed off. I hoped that he would challenge you so that I could get to see a proper fight~,¡± Wander complained from Kite¡¯s shoulder where she had been watching the exchange. ¡°It isn¡¯t impossible that rumors of my little misadventures from the capital have spread. While I am unsure if that will prove helpful or not in the long run, I suppose that it remains to be seen,¡± he said, looking after the retreating elder who started to gather the disciples of his sect. Turning back to the rat on his shoulder, he continued. ¡°Still, you locating yet another location so soon was great work. I couldn¡¯t just tell him the true reason for us keeping them outside either. Even if there were none present this time, risking some overzealous sect warrior outright killing potential captures for us just isn¡¯t worth it.¡± ¡°Oh I know I¡¯m great, but that¡¯s no reason for you to stop saying it~,¡± Wander preened as they too readied themselves to gather up their people and return to Orchard where they would eventually portal back north. ¡°So yes, please praise me just a bit more~!¡±
¡°And this, little Raven, is an icicle. Isn¡¯t it pretty?¡± Kite asked, pointing at one of the many glittering lengths of blueish ice hanging from a ledge high up on one of the stone pillars. The toddler in his arms was entirely uncaring that the two of them stood over thirty meters up in the air, instead fully focused as she stretched out her little gloved hand towards her perceived prize. ¡°Waven. Want.¡± ¡°You want one? Here, let me procure one for you, little young mistress,¡± Kite said with a smile as the toddler somberly nodded. He reached out and gingerly snapped off one of the icicles from its rocky perch, where it soon ended up in the eager hands of the toddler who started waving it around in different ways to see how it catched the morning light. Kite was just about to grab one of his own for some tried and tested icicle fencing when he felt a familiar aura make itself known beneath them, the spiritual presence flaring out to announce itself. ¡°Oh? Raven, I believe that uncle Walker is back from his trip! Shall we go meet him?¡± The toddler seemed to ponder the question a bit before nodding gravely, and Kite started making his way down again, using his small conjured pieces of barrier as a makeshift stairway. As they drew closer to the ground, the familiar shape of Brave Walker of Paths emerged from one of the frost-covered trees, his hand raised in greeting. ¡°Little Kite! And little Raven!¡± he called, looking both happy and weary at the same time. Knowing that his uncle could probably trek along the whole northern part of Hua-Xi without breaking a sweat, Kite suspected that it wasn¡¯t the trip itself that had put such a damper on his uncle¡¯s spirits. ¡°Uncle!¡± ¡°Wawa!¡± Stopping in front of the older man, Raven promptly held out her little arms towards him. A conjured vine swiftly grew from a nearby plant, grabbing the toddler and carrying her the final distance. ¡°How are you, uncle?¡± Kite asked with some concern as he fell into step beside his first mentor. ¡°Is it that obvious, little Kite? Do not fret; it isn¡¯t anything which a good cup of tea can¡¯t mend, especially in the company of the next generation. Don¡¯t think that I won¡¯t demand a repeat of your no doubt exotic adventures beyond our borders.¡± ¡°All in good time, uncle. All in good time,¡± Kite promised, and the trio soon found themselves with warm cups of tea, Dove and Crow both joining them while Raven and Glint played off to the side. ¡°Your aura feels all but spent, Walker. Trouble?¡± Crow noted as she poured tea for each of them. ¡°Just people, Crow,¡± Walker muttered, nodding thankfully to Dove who reached out to drop a dissolving stamina pill into his cup. ¡°Let¡¯s just say that the guild¡¯s establishment in Convergence won¡¯t go as smoothly as it did in Bastion. This old man was forced to go spend two months in that place. Two¡­ months¡­ And most of it wasn¡¯t even in actual meetings.¡± Kite could all but see his uncle¡¯s spirit shudder at the thought, and asked; ¡°Did you face opposition then? From the city lord? Or branch director?¡± Those two were the ones Walker had traveled to meet, after all, as a blessing from them was usually all that was needed. ¡°If only,¡± his uncle grumbled, taking a deep drink of his still scalding tea. ¡°Things actually went well in the beginning. But somehow, the local sects caught wind of things, and started demanding to be part of the proceedings. And that doormat of a city lord didn¡¯t dare refuse them. Only through the local branch director did we manage to get anywhere at all, but she and the city lord aren¡¯t on the greatest of terms. Somehow, weeks flew by as the meetings seemed to grow sparser and sparser.¡± ¡°My condolences, uncle,¡± Kite said with a wince, imagining the nature-loving, free spirit that was Walker caught in such politics. ¡°Honestly, if Spring hadn¡¯t been there to advise me, this old man might just have run to the woods and sworn to never return,¡± Walker grumbled with a shake of his head. ¡°That girl may not have grown up too rich, but she seems to have a way with decorum and protocol. I swear, little Kite, as soon as she reaches silver, I¡¯m sending her on all tasks like this one. Still, thanks to her and the branch director pulling a fast one on the sects, we finally managed to hammer down property ownership. But as things stand, I¡¯ll probably need to be around a lot as the guild gets settled. Because Noel isn¡¯t wrong in his assumptions; from there, we can easily start making a whole network of things and really, truly start connecting the northern parts of this country. And provide some powers for decent people who want to see it grow.¡± ¡°Should I join you as well? Maybe ask Dragonfly as well? In case the sects try something?¡± Kite asked, concerned. But Walker waved him off, even though his aura hinted at his gratefulness. ¡°Thank you, little Kite, but we should be able to manage. The city lord did agree, in the end, so we should have at least some protection. And the sects will probably settle down sooner or later as they realize that we aren¡¯t interested in taking away their proud livelihood. I have yet to meet a sect warrior who loves courier contracts or guarding caravans. Also, you have already done so much for the guild. We need to find a balance to not overly rely on you. Don¡¯t fret though, this old man isn¡¯t too stubborn to call upon help if things start getting out of hand though,¡± Walker added at the end, apparently sensing Kite¡¯s budding protest. ¡°But now, over to more exciting things. Tell me, little Kite, how was your time with that fancy task group of yours?¡±
Soul looked around the clearing which had definitely not been there just half an hour ago. Or maybe crater would be a better word for it. The scouring flames and pathetic attempts at violence from her would-be ambushers had made sure that there soon was plenty of clear space for her to move around in. ¡°It would seem that the sect still had people watching me,¡± she dryly noted to no one in particular. The ambushing three silver-rankers from the Perfected Step sect had fought fiercely, especially elder Keen, as it was clear that her pride had not yet recovered from their last attempted ambush. Soul wasn¡¯t even angry this time, as she knew them to be cowards already. No, she was more disbelieving that they tried, yet again, going at her only three to one. ¡°Still, they did manage something before they slunk back to the sect,¡± she thought, a tinge of frustration flaring up when she looked at the remains of the flying artifact she had once stolen from them. The glass bird construct lay shattered into thousands of pieces, having proven to be less agile than Soul herself as the initial attacks had struck from below. ¡°Perhaps I should try and pursue them after all? Take another foot or three?¡± she thought, glancing towards the south. But she soon discarded the thought, turning back towards the east instead. ¡°No. Let them come find me if they want to break themselves upon me again. Finding Dragonfly and the Pathbreaker will be way more worthwhile.¡± As she started running through the forest, gradually accelerating, Soul did feel the auras of some monsters nearby. While she initially intended to run past them, her time spent with Dragonfly flashed before her mind¡¯s eye, repeating all the time that the annoying woman had pressed the importance of actually killing monsters upon her in order to protect all the weaklings. With a mental sigh, Soul, seeker of perfection and blessed of Warrior, adjusted her course slightly, going straight for the silver-ranked aura surrounded by some bronzes. ¡°I might as well¡­¡±
¡°Another false lead, huh?¡± Jarvan noted, looking down at the map laid out in Dobrazza¡¯s office. ¡°Taking out some actual bandits is never wrong, Jarvan,¡± his fellow branch director pointed out, the smolder woman managing her usual relaxed lounging even while reviewing maps. ¡°No, no¡­ It¡¯s just¡­ Seeker¡¯s sleek sword, Carmella. There just seems to be so much trouble brewing around us, right beneath our noses. Small scale, sure, but still; with that amount, you¡¯d think we would have found more than one additional priestess of¡­ you know. Almost makes me feel like they have started pulling out their clergy.¡± ¡°Which would still be a win, no? If we can then clear out the rest, they have less leverage on the region.¡± ¡°But it still doesn¡¯t take us closer to understanding why. What their plan is. And why they are building up like they are.¡± ¡°Discord just needs chaos, Jarvan. Sometimes the obvious solution is the correct one. And we are making a difference, no matter how frustrated you are. These things take time. Just ask Braid. The patience in that man¡­ Are you sure you won¡¯t transfer him to my branch instead?¡± ¡°True¡­ True¡­,¡± Jarvan said, sitting back in his chair while ignoring the attempted poaching of one of his best investigators. ¡°And our people have done a great job. We should really give them a bonus. But at this rate, we¡¯ll be at this for years, Carmella. And with the potential masterminds gone, it also makes me wonder¡­ What are they doing? And planning? Will they counterattack, and how?¡± ¡°We can only continue doing our best, Jarvan,¡± branch director Dobrazza said with an empathetic look to her glowing eyes. ¡°Prepare best we can, keep sending Kite and the others out to the best leads. And hope that all our semi-hidden rampaging around the local underworld will stir up enough for Anasta to start getting results on her end as well.¡±
¡°-but really now, have you heard of the gall of some of the northerners?¡± ¡°No, what? Not that I¡¯m surprised that those uncultured peasants are up to their usual folly.¡± ¡°They¡¯ve founded a guild.¡± ¡°What? The gall! A slap to our faces! We don¡¯t need such outsider nonsense. The sects are a tested and time honored traditional structure that has given us strong warriors for generations!¡± ¡°I can only agree. And there has even been said that the Pathbreaker is involved.¡± ¡°Really? The outcast? Are you sure?¡± ¡°Quite. My sources were most certain.¡± ¡°Really now¡­ After what he did to senior sister during his travesty of duels, that man needs to be put in his place, and properly. I have a brother in the Luminous Cloud sect north of Orchard. His elders would probably be very interested in hearing about this. Bringing down the Pathbreaker and his venture would give great prestige within the heartlands, I am sure.¡± ¡°Such a devoted and generous brother you are, to share such an opportunity.¡± ¡°For our country to keep its traditions safe, one needs to value sect and family most highly. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I believe I will say farewell to our hosts. This little gathering was most splendid, but with what you have told me, I have some correspondence to prepare.¡± ¡°Of course, honored disciple, of course. May your path lead to the heavens and beyond.¡± As the other man left, making his way through the rich lounges of the Heavenward estate, the one remaining smiled, murmuring softly enough only for his deity to hear. ¡°And may you spread the seeds of Discord¡¯s garden far and wide.¡± 173. Unseemly ¡°I am honored to be the one to first welcome you properly into the guild. How do you feel?¡± Kite asked after giving the freshly minted iron-ranker a polite bow. ¡°Senior brother Kite, it''s wonderful! Uncle Azure always told me, but to actually feel it¡­¡± the young elf woman said, still staring in awe at the lightning which crackled between her fingers. Kite and the aforementioned Azure Devil, who had also been present throughout his niece¡¯s awakening, couldn¡¯t help but smile at her enthusiasm as they had witnessed her testing out her new powers. ¡°It is indeed quite the feeling. But just remember that your adept essence indicates that you will need even more diligent practice,¡± Kite said, trying to properly step into his role as her helpful senior. ¡°But from what we have seen so far, your path looks to be one of both swiftness and power, as long as you can properly master the timing of your spells.¡± ¡°I will, of course I will! Thank you, senior! And thank you, uncle! I¡¯ll make both you and the guild proud!¡± ¡°That¡¯s great, little scamp,¡± Azure said, the bald elf¡¯s smile at odds with the rugged looks provided by the scars running down his scalp. ¡°Now you run off and show your mother, or I¡¯ll never hear the end of it. Proper training begins tomorrow too, so don¡¯t be late!¡± As the guild¡¯s newest member departed, her aura abuzz with all the excitement, Kite turned to Azure as the pair made their way inside the guildhall again. ¡°Thanks, Kite. The guild is probably the best way to start for her. Both me and her mother are quite relieved that she¡¯ll at least stay relatively put for the upcoming six years. While some wanderlust is to be encouraged, an early bloomer like her needs some consideration,¡± Azure said as the pair got themselves seated on one of the balconies, Kite pouring them each a glass of chilled sap-wine. ¡°Fifteen is early, but definitely not unheard of. And we¡¯re happy to have her. With the lightning essence you had already provided, adding balance and adept felt reasonable. If the theories of power sets reflecting their users are to be believed though, she does indeed have the drive to travel. She will literally ride the lightning.¡± ¡°Thanks for making an adjusted contract too. I know it''s a bit out of the ordinary.¡± ¡°As I said, you already had one essence. Demanding the full ten years wouldn¡¯t be right. And the timing is good. We actually had another pair join just a few days ago; twins that will start their training at the same time. Both of them chose the rabbit essences of all things, so if they get along we can probably make sure that the trio team up for the foreseeable future. Their paths all lean toward speed, after all.¡± The pair continued speculating about different power outcomes as Azure sounded out some ideas for awakening stones that he wanted to gift his niece. While the elf didn¡¯t have a family of his own, he was apparently very involved with his sister and family, with uncle Azure being a constant and frequent visitor during their lives. Eventually though, Kite broached a rather different topic. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking, Azure, did you come here on business as well? Nothing new from director Dobrazza?¡± The elf was the right-hand man of Bastion¡¯s branch director, after all, and Kite had so far rarely interacted with him outside of contracts or other such business. This time proved to be the exception, however. ¡°No. No, this time was purely for family¡¯s sake,¡± he chuckled. ¡°What, are you getting restless now that the special contracts are getting fewer and further between?¡± ¡°I will admit that I had hoped that we would see some more progress¡­ Well¡­ Sooner,¡± Kite admitted, deciding to be honest even if he sensed that the answer would make him seem a bit clueless. ¡°We cleared out a good number of hidden cells and cabals during these first three months after all. ¡°In a nice, ideal world, I suppose that we would have,¡± Azure mused after taking a long drink of his wine. ¡°But in reality¡­ These things take time, Kite. A lot of time. Those little priests and priestesses we are looking for won¡¯t just sit still and wait for us to find them. From being in this line of work for a good while now, my gut tells me that most of them probably started pulling out of their little hidden cells when they noticed that we started pushing. And as you know, we¡¯ve started finding more traces of whole cabals having up and left now that they¡¯ve had some time to notice what we¡¯re doing.¡± ¡°So they left? Our work can¡¯t have been that easy,¡± Kite noted with a frown. ¡°Of course it isn¡¯t. At least not on these scales. While I get that your time in Gauntlet might have made things seem easy. You get information, kick in some doors and take down some people, day saved and you can go home. Well, a team from Gauntlet is usually what comes at the end of things like this; sometimes months and even years of investigating and smaller strikes back and forth. So, welcome to the investigative side of things, I guess?¡± the elf said with a knowing smile. Seeing Kite¡¯s consternation, he continued. ¡°I understand your frustration, Kite. I totally do. You¡¯ve been a great asset in planning out the strikes we¡¯ve had so far. Gauntlet taught you well, and the people you¡¯ve taken alive have given us a lot to work with.¡± Rising to his feet, Azure clapped a hand to Kite¡¯s shoulder, his now silver-ranked strength matching Kite¡¯s own. ¡°We¡¯ve plucked the low-hanging fruit, and now we need to see what came of it and start finding other avenues of investigation. Trust me; the directors aren¡¯t fools. They will call upon you and the rest of us at the first whiff of trouble. And while you wait for that, keep on doing other important things. Train. Take contracts. Spend time with your family. Build your guild. Pick up a hobby. You¡¯re not alone in this. I even mean no offense when I say that you aren¡¯t even the biggest actor in this little play. Keep climbing towards the heavens, and your path will surely see you through.¡± Azure eventually said his farewells, and while Kite¡¯s restlessness wasn¡¯t entirely mollified, he had to admit that there was much wisdom to be found in the words of the older elf. Azure Devil had worked with matters like this a lot longer than him, after all, and so had both Dobrazza and Jarvan. ¡°Then the question that remains is¡­ what to do?¡± he mused as he started making his way towards where he would meet Dragonfly and Glint after yet another of their shopping trips. As he finally saw them in the distance near the agreed-upon park that was their meeting spot, he also noticed the vast number of boxes and bags that his familiar, currently in her draconian form, was carrying. ¡°I suppose that taking up some more contracts in the meantime won¡¯t hurt,¡± he mused, making his way over while Glint was still spinning in place to let Dragonfly properly appreciate the fine, white robes she had apparently purchased. ¡°Because from the look of things, funds might soon be in short supply.¡±
¡°Hiiiiiii!¡± The unexpected voice echoing in over the walls of Kite¡¯s family compound caused Kite and Dragonfly to halt mid swing, their spar coming to an abrupt halt as they looked to each other questioningly. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what the local customs for asking for admittance are¡­¡± the voice continued, apparently calling rather loudly for the words to carry. ¡°And those formations look pretty scary so¡­ can I come in?¡± Making their way to the outer gate, Kite opening it revealed a familiar, short elf woman dressed in an eclectic mix of colorful clothes and enchanted jewelry of all shapes and sizes. ¡°Mistress Riz?¡± Kite asked, surprised to see the portal courier that had carried the strike team to Hua-Xi at his literal doorstep. ¡°Oh. Oh! Kite! I thought I recognized the name. But I ferry a lot of people so even my silver brain can¡¯t really keep up,¡± Riz replied, her cheerful and rather¡­ scattered¡­ demeanor not having changed in the three-odd months since Kite last saw her. Noticing Dragonfly, the elf brightened. ¡°New person! Hello! Riz is the name, portals is the game! Come with me and I¡¯ll show you a world of wonders!¡± she said, delivering a similar little spiel as when Kite had first met her. ¡°Ehm. Greetings. I¡¯m Dragonfly,¡± the other woman answered with a hesitant smile, apparently not really knowing what to make of the unexpected guest, even though Kite suspected that the two together would make for a rather energetic group. ¡°Dragonfly! Such a pretty name!¡± the elf said, her eyes almost glittering. Seeing that things might be about to go further off on a tangent than he thought practical at the time, Kite took that opportunity to intercede. ¡°Dragonfly is indeed most pretty in both name and form, but I believe that is beside the point,¡± he said, dragging the conversation back to some semblance of direction. ¡°What brings you to my doorstep, Riz?¡± ¡°Oh, right. Sorry. I just get excited,¡± the elf said, at least having the decency to look slightly abashed. ¡°The adventure society seems to think that they¡¯ll call upon you rather frequently, and as this place is¡­ well¡­ rather remote with few couriers knowing the place, they sent me here to memorize the region so that I can come and pick you up.¡± ¡°Ah, I see. Most gracious of them. And of you, mistress courier,¡± Kite said, giving her a grateful bow. ¡°Oh wow. Each time you call me ¡®mistress¡¯ with that formal voice, something inside me tingles. Mistress Riz, all important and awesome,¡± the elf giggled. ¡°Well, can we assist you then in some way? From your earlier words, it doesn¡¯t sound like Gauntlet has any contracts assigned to me at the moment?¡± Kite asked, once more intervening to keep things on track. ¡°No, I just need to get a real good look at things. I mean, look at all these trees and mountains. Spring sure is nice around here-¡± she said, but seemed to stop herself as if she suddenly remembered something. ¡°But.. Weeeell, now that you mentioned it, eating some really good food definitely helps with the memorization process. To really ingrain the place in both mind and soul, you know. And as I¡¯ll be returning here often, I guess you would really want me to get it right¡­¡± Ignoring the obvious and rather horrible attempt at deception on the courier¡¯s part, Kite instead just smiled, failing to keep the amusement away from his voice. ¡°I believe that what the mistress courier says sounds like a grave matter indeed,¡± he said with faux-gravitas, complete with a frown and a serious nod. ¡°Fortune be praised that auntie Dove has just started making a big batch of meat buns. Hopefully, her special herb sauces will prove sufficient for this most important task. Follow us, if you please. And welcome to my humble abode. It seems like your path might take you here rather frequently in the future.¡±
¡°Still as ravenous as always,¡± Kite noted to himself when the seed beneath the astral space and its purple sand drank down the last mana provided it through Sage. As always, the huge seed didn¡¯t reply, but Kite always spoke to it a bit during his visits, more for himself than anything else. He did feel that some kind of progress was made each time he visited, but that it still remained but a drop in the pond each time. ¡°Well, I am off now, and it might be a few days before I return, as me and Dragonfly are going to take a trip down to Convergence and pick up some proper contracts. Even though the climb is getting steeper, one still needs to strive continuously. And have patience. Something which seems to be a recurring theme here,¡± he finished, giving the seed a meaningful look. ¡°Take care, whatever you are. May the heavens keep us both as we walk our paths.¡±
¡°Guild master Walker, there is something you should see. Or rather, hear,¡± Second Spring said as she entered Walker¡¯s office in their Convergence guildhall. The building was still being renovated around them, but enough members had started frequenting it even in these early days, the pull of the biggest city of the northern regions enough to warrant the trip. ¡°Spring, I do believe that I have said that you do not need to observe the formalities when it¡¯s just the two of us,¡± Walker pointed out while waving her inside. ¡°And I believe that I have said that I will stop observing formalities when you do, guild master.¡± ¡°Spring, please. The matters are quite different,¡± Walker retorted a bit helplessly as he realized that he had walked right into that one. ¡°While the popular saying of ¡®age is just a number¡¯ isn¡¯t universally true, among us essence users it basically is after iron rank. But as you insist on observing such norms, I will do the same in regards to your station, guild master,¡± Spring stated with a carefully assumed tone of professionality. It was a dance that the pair had engaged in every once in a while during the years gone by. Since ascending to bronze-rank and coming into her own in her role as hallmaster, Second Spring had made her romantic intentions toward Walker more clear as, contrary to expectation, what he had previously written off as the fleeting idolization of the young had proven much more lasting. It didn¡¯t help Walker that Spring was both smart and competent, with a kind of dignified authority that had only grown with experience. And while he still kept their differing ages as a barrier between them, the younger woman seemed determined to wear them down. ¡°What¡­ was it that you thought that I should hear then?¡± Walker asked, getting the conversation back on track as he realized that he had been silent for too long already. ¡°One of our members just came back with rather troubling news. While we can¡¯t yet assume that it is anything but an isolated incident, I still thought it best to inform you right away,¡± Spring said, once more assuming her fully professional demeanor. "Would you please come with me? I believe that we¡¯d best get the report from the source.¡± The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. A short walk later, Walker followed Spring into one of the sitting rooms of the guildhall, where Soothing Agate, one of their late iron-rankers, sat waiting. The man had joined them up in Gilded, and had been one of those to take the opportunity to widen their horizons and travel south to help with the establishment of the new Convergence branch. Even as he was closing in on the room, Walker had sensed the unease in the man¡¯s aura, only further proven in the iron-ranker still looking a bit shaken, with some hints of shame in the mix as well. As soon as Walker entered, Agate rose from his seat and bowed as deeply as he possibly could. ¡°Guild master, I am sorry. My failure has brought shame to our guild.¡± ¡°Now, now, none of that,¡± Walker said, cutting off any further apologies as he gently but firmly guided the man back into his seat. ¡°Hallmaster Spring here said that yours was a story I needed to hear, so please, spare no detail.¡± ¡°O-of course, guild master,¡± the man said, proceeding to explain. ¡°I had taken a trio of deliveries to some of the outer villages that had been lying around for a while. I¡¯m not sure exactly when it began, but I started to have the nagging feeling that something was amiss. Still, there was nothing too out of the ordinary with the delivery at first. I cleared out some wandering Gyrmlings and reported a nest of rock spinners for some bronzes to take care of, but otherwise the roads were clear. Until they weren¡¯t. Four iron-rankers barred my path, initiates of the Luminous Cloud sect. They said that they had gotten reports of me carrying contraband into their territory, and advised me not to resist as they would seize any spatial items on me.¡± At this part of the story, Agate¡¯s head fell as the shame once more bloomed into his aura. ¡°I thought of trying to escape them and complete the contract, guild master. I truly did. My path should be excellent for just that. But¡­ For just a moment, I sensed something else there with us. At least one bronze-ranker. And I don¡¯t think that their little slip of aura was an accident. So¡­ I let them take it. Everything. They took my own bags and equipment as well, sneering all the while.¡± Looking up and apparently seeing that Walker¡¯s face had darkened notably, Agate¡¯s panic spiked again as he almost slammed his forehead into the table in his hurry to bow deeply. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, guild master. I know I should have fought them; to at least have shown my honor in some way. But they were so many, and I-¡± Walker silenced him with a nudge of his silver-ranked aura, schooling his features to something more sympathetic as he reached out and clapped a hand to Agate¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You did nothing wrong, Agate. Always prioritize your own life before any delivery. You can help no one if you are dead, be it against monsters or whatever this travesty was. Please give a tally of what you lost, shipment and equipment both, to Spring here and we shall see that the guild will make sure to replace your gear.¡± The man looked almost on the verge of crying with relief at Walker¡¯s words, both at the absence of the punishment he feared and the news that he would receive new equipment. Money was tight for most adventurers, and especially at iron, so Walker felt that it was the least they could do. Eventually, they left the iron-ranker to meditate and find his calm again, and Walker spoke as soon as the door slid shut behind them, the sharpness in his words born from both anger and weariness. ¡°Thank you, Spring, for bringing that to my attention. We¡¯ll need to get to the bottom of this. Please send a message to the local branch director. I will go and speak with the other members, both to warn them and make sure that they stop taking contracts alone for a time.¡± Sighing, Walker thought that he felt a headache coming on. And as he was silver rank and therefore beyond such physical inconveniences, he also knew with certainty that the sensation was born entirely from that which he feared that the future would hold. First and foremost was what might be a threat to their guild, who had so far been a relatively unnoticed but budding little growing rose in the lotus garden. Walker knew all of their members personally, decent people who wanted the region to flourish, and would do everything he could to make sure that they too got the room to grow and advance that they deserved, the sects be damned. And while it remained the most important factor, it came with a certain consequence that was the reason for the aforementioned headache. ¡°There will be so many meetings. I just know it. Curse it all.¡±
¡°Bwothew Kite?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, little Raven. Kite will be gone for at least a few more days,¡± Dove said as she sat down next to the little girl who was staring forlornly out the window towards the gate of their compound in the distance. Raven gave said gate a somber, if also a bit offended, look, before eventually turning back to her colorful bricks. ¡°Today as well?¡± Crow asked her wife as she joined the pair, having just emerged from her workshop. The richer circles of Bastion and Convergence kept the array master quite busy these days, so the pair were grateful for every moment they managed to get with each other. ¡°She¡¯s nothing if not persistent,¡± Dove said with a fond smile. ¡°Ever since he¡¯s been back from Gauntlet, Raven always seems to count down the days to when he once more comes back from his little outings. That is probably a trait for which we can blame you, dear.¡± ¡°Persistence is often a virtue, so I¡¯ll choose to take your words as the admiration and praise they are, dear wife,¡± Crow said with a fond smile, silencing any retorts or quips from Dove with a slender hand that began to gently stroke her wife¡¯s mass of curly hair. With Dove entirely taken out of the fight by such underhanded tactics, Crow continued as her wife¡¯s almost incapacitated state left plenty of room to give voice to her own thoughts. ¡°It¡¯s rather odd, isn¡¯t it. The perspectives of time and distance. Kite was gone for six months, and while that left me fretting I could also somehow place it at the horizon. And now that he might be back in just a few days, the parent in me can barely wait. This is even more odd when one contemplates what he is actually doing; hunting down monsters. Lethal ones at that, all to make these lands a bit safer and stronger. To be adventurer parents of adventurer children truly gives one an odd outlook on things.¡± ¡°Mhmmm¡­.¡± came the barely coherent gurgle, from Dove. Crow couldn¡¯t help but smile slightly in response, basking in that special pleasure one got from really knowing their spouse after so many years together. ¡°Well, no matter. Kite is out with Dragonfly, and those two can take care of one another. The few weeks they have been gone are sure to soon come to an end.¡± As she spoke, one of her tendrils of animated hair had reached out to hand Raven one of her colored blocks, and Crow couldn¡¯t help but smile at the toddler''s focus as she made her little stacks, nice and neatly color-coded. ¡°And when they return, little Raven, they are sure to have plenty of exciting stories to tell you.¡±
Kite stood absolutely still in the middle of the cave of deep red stone as the monster circled him, moving with an odd kind of gliding motion as its semi-gelatinous, glowing body crept forward upon thousands of tiny frills. Its current form was elongated not unlike a centipede, with glassy armor plates protecting the gooey substance of its center, but Kite already knew that the Protean Ravager Snail could be very liberal with its physical form. Within the thing, roiling, unstable energies were already building up, and Kite knew that its volatile discharge could be most dangerous if caught unaware. And yet, he remained still, trying to fall into the calm, precise state of mind which master Zarth-an had helped him foster as the latest part of his combat meditation. But fortunately for Kite, his path had so far left him with little to no actual flanks for opponents to take advantage. This was proven as the monster suddenly shot forward, stretching out its forward half to dart around Kite and try to bisect him from behind with slashing thing pseudopods. Said appendages met only unrelenting barriers, however, as the twin shields of Heaven-and-Void Warding appeared behind him, holding firm against the crackling violent discharges which followed contact with the monster. The cavern floor around Kite already bore the scars of where they had carved through the stone in previous exchanges. And even as the thing moved, Kite did as well, three projected strikes from staff and blade instantly targeting the weak spots between shifting armor plates that were revealed as the creature distended. But while he might have had the time to deliver even more strikes, Kite let up and shifted his stance to follow the creatures movement as well as to shield himself from the explosive retribution that always followed when gouts of roiling energies burst from the body of the monster where he hit. Both prior experience and knowledge had shown that one had to pace oneself when fighting the alien creature, as the retributive blasts only increased further with recent damage suffered. And so their odd dance continued, the creature positioning and striking, either with lashing pseudopods or by spewing gouts of explosive energies, and with Kite either blocking or dispelling the assault while countering in short, controlled bursts where he could handle the fallout. While some of the more violent eruptions managed to envelop and circumvent the barriers, Kite thanked Fortune for the craftsmanship of his new armor, where the mana he constantly spent reinforced it even further, and each blocked hit would mean suffering less damage from the next that slipped through. As the Protean Ravager Snail was in the upper half of silver rank in regards to overall power, those additional defenses were also needed as Kite wore the thing down, his path not one of high damage. But as of silver-rank, he could at least do a bit of a rush towards the end. ¡°Sage!¡± Kite called as he once more made the preparations to strike. Even though it wasn¡¯t the brightest of silver-ranked beings, the monster had started to adapt to Kite¡¯s tactics, where its amorphous body started leaving fewer and less gaps between the armor platings during the attacks. But fortunately, a beam of transcendent damage from his familiar could make an opening in - well - mostly anything. The odd collection of sentient symbols that was Sage had already floated up to find the right angle before the dark void of its body lit up as Kite had it consume all three of its gathered charges. The glassy plates of the alien beast disintegrated before the blue, silver and gold light that carved into it a moment later, the monster undulating wildly while giving off one of its odd, whining roars. But the beam was only a precursor. In its wake, three rippling strikes carrying the darkness of the void followed, passing through the neat hole in the carapace before unfurling into chaotic spatial tears inside the monsters luminous body. While the attack made through Kite¡¯s mantle was not as powerful as the original, the added damage was still substantial. But they paled before Kite¡¯s main strike, where Void-Sunders-Firmament was further enhanced by Potential of Stolen Power. The added power and execution effect was enough to finally destabilize the monster, whose insides promptly began to lose coherence in a most destructive fashion. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± The final explosion that began to rupture from the monster¡¯s collapsing form was swallowed by the dispelling wave, taking the brunt of the blast. What remained merely felt like crackling hot winds in comparison; unpleasant for a silver-ranker but ultimately harmless. ¡°Good job with the timing there, Kite. Compared to the first time, it was as if comparing heaven and earth,¡± Dragonfly called from where she and Glint waited at the mouth of the cave. ¡°I would more like to blame whoever provided the information that they omitted the slight little detail of the monsters exploding¡­If only it had been in the magic society¡¯s index¡­¡± Kite muttered sourly, the memories of the rather explosive start of the day still fresh in his mind. ¡°Still, that should be the last of them, no? Clearing out astral spaces sure means some odd encounters. What even were these things?¡± Dragonfly said as she and Glint joined him. ¡°Unseemly,¡± came a small but surprisingly dignified voice as the carp floated over to inspect the shimmering remains now splattered across half the red stone cavern. While Glint was still in her small carp form, her new and more verbal draconian form seemed to have unlocked more ways to communicate for her as a whole. Kite had been astonished to learn that it was apparently possible to communicate using only your inherent magic, hence allowing the familiar to now properly speak even without something similar to vocal cords. And he had been even more surprised to learn that it was something he himself could - and maybe should - also learn as silver rank would mean that he started shedding some mundane concepts such as anatomical importance of certain functions. Still, Glint¡¯s particular choice of word did spark a reaction. ¡°Unseemly? Little beauty, it would seem that you have been taking auntie Crow¡¯s lessons to heart rather quickly,¡± he noted with an amused smile, still marveling at the familiar¡¯s progress. She was a silver-ranked being, after all, so quickly learning how to speak shouldn¡¯t be that impressive. But the past months of seeing his little glittering companion embrace life and all that which was now more available to her with both humanoid form and the power of speech still felt like a marvel to behold. The little group left the astral space and its winding tunnels and red stone not long thereafter, their contract completed. That space in particular was a stable one found southwest of Convergence, and with no particularly interesting resources or the like it was more a place to be monitored and swept clean by adventurers every once in a while. And while the odd, volatile monsters that manifested there had been a bit of a hassle, Kite had to admit that they made good training while shuddering at the thought of them going berserk and starting to rampage around the countryside. ¡°All in a day''s work,¡± Dragonfly said with some satisfaction when they finished making their way out of the deep crevasse where the aperture of the space could be found. ¡°This has been nice. Even a bit nostalgic. I know it wasn¡¯t that long ago since we were touring around and picking up contracts together, but all those months apart apparently made me miss it more than I thought it would.¡± ¡°It does feel like more simple times,¡± Kite agreed, reaching out to wrap his arm around her shoulders and hold her closer to him. ¡°Back at iron rank, there weren¡¯t as many things lurking beneath the surface.¡± ¡°Except a whole fallen sect full of them,¡± Dragonfly interjected. ¡°Not as many,¡± Kite reiterated. ¡°But you are right. They were always out there. We were just too young to see it and not powerful enough to be noticed. Now though¡­¡± he said, sighing. ¡°Thank you for the suggestion. It has been a most worthwhile trip in the most excellent company-¡± ¡°Oh you definitely got that right.¡± ¡°-but I believe that we should make our way north again to see if there has been any developments at home. Maybe even stop by the new guildhall in Convergence too? It might still be their early days and not much for us to do, but seeing uncle Walker is always nice.¡±
While Walker knew the answer to his question, he still couldn¡¯t help but ask. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose that our ¡®guests¡¯ have finally tired and left?¡± ¡°No, guild master. They have not. I even think that there are three silvers present now, but my senses aren¡¯t strong enough,¡± Second Spring said from beside him. Walker could sense the unease in her aura even though she kept her tone professional. ¡°Oh, there is. Probably because I¡¯m here. Otherwise they might have just left it at some bronzes,¡± Walker grumbled, his spiritual senses picking up the auras of the men and women gathered in the blockade outside. ¡°One would think that illustrious sect elders had something better to do with their time rather than just blockading us. Or maybe besieging is the better word for it.¡± ¡°To say that things have escalated is an understatement,¡± Spring agreed. ¡°The tension¡­ Guild master, there is the feel of danger in the air. Are you sure that the city lord won¡¯t do something soon?¡± ¡°From our meeting when I snuck out? Hardly. The man is a pushover, choosing to turn a blind eye to the sects and their tantrums,¡± Walker growled. ¡°And while the branch director of the adventure society would like to help, there are no contracts and no tasks to be given. They are members too, and this falls under local laws where the sects already reign.¡± ¡°Are we to accept it then? That they don¡¯t want us here, and are apparently willing to start bending both law and civility? Our members are starting to be more afraid of going out on contracts, and that has escalated in only a few weeks. Maybe Boundary or one of the smaller settlements would be a better place to start?¡± ¡°Perhaps, Spring. Perhaps. But I hope that you¡¯ll forgive this old fool for not wanting to just lie down and let them walk over us. I will try and find a way. There might be some leverage we can find to get the city lord to intervene,¡± Walker said, looking out the window towards the gate of their guildhall property and the robed warriors gathered there. Waiting. For the guild to either rise to their provocations, giving them ample reason to strike back. Or for the guild to leave. 174. What comes next ¡°I truly knew that Dragonfly¡¯s damned words would cause trouble. And yet, I walked into it willingly. Perfection yet remains a distant peak,¡± Soul lamented inwardly as she kept her demeanor stern and neutral before the villagers, where the local three elderly women who led the village were each currently in a full kowtow before her.¡± ¡°-truly bring Warrior¡¯s blessing to us. Your prowess knows no bounds, and saving us from the ravages of those beasts has shown us the way. We swear that Lord Warrior will have our utmost dedication in the years to come, and that future generations will -¡± It hadn''t been too much to Soul, just a silver-ranked chimera of some kind and its bronze-ranked brood of who had happened upon the village and nearly broken through their fortifications when she had in turn happened upon them. Dispatching them hadn¡¯t taken much, and Soul was about to go on her way when the village heads had started professing their gratitude. At length. ¡°The worst thing is that they actually are just that grateful,¡± Soul grumbled inwardly. She could sense the auras of the locals clearly, with their strongest fighters being local bronze-rankers, and knew that the old woman currently speaking meant every word. Which made just leaving in the middle a bit too awkward even for Soul. Contrary to everyone¡¯s impression, she did have some tact. Truly. But as this was only the latest in a series of delays caused by Soul taking the time to kill a monster here or clear a contract there, her already lacking patience in these matters was wearing thin. And when the village head started on about a feast in Soul¡¯s honor, enough had to be enough. ¡°I cannot. More battles call, as I am off to find the one called Pathbreaker,¡± she stated curtly after silencing the crowd with a burst of her aura. Apparently she went a bit overboard as more than one of them fainted, but as they weren¡¯t in any real danger, Soul continued. ¡°Strive to emulate Warrior, and you too will find strength.¡± With that, she flickered away, activating one of her greater bursts of speed to forestall any more protests. The forests flickered past her in the second of enhanced speed, but Soul suddenly ground to a halt, her momentum carving a deep furrow in the forest floor as she fell into the ready stance of the Morning Mist style, elusive and reactive. Because Soul had felt something; a presence. A dangerous one. A second later, the same presence appeared more openly, the silver-ranked aura unfurling like a pale flower of moonlight previously thought only a reflection in the still pond. Or at least, that was the image which Soul¡¯s aura perception conveyed, its origin a celestine man with onyx hair and eyes who suddenly stood perfectly balanced on a nearby rock, clad in colorful robes with an equally lustrous parasol resting across one shoulder. ¡°Tengu¡¯s greetings to you, honored traveler,¡± he called, voice pleasant. Still, Soul couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the imagery his aura conveyed held unseen dangers, like the glint of a blade hidden perfectly in the crescent of the moon. And she trusted her instincts, not lowering her stance as she regarded the man in silence while all her senses quested outwards to see if he had any companions lying in wait around them. ¡°Not the talkative sort, eh?¡± the man continued. ¡°I suppose one wouldn¡¯t reach your level of competence without at least a modicum of caution. Very well, I¡¯ll skip straight to the matter at hand. I happened to pass this place during my travels after a nice wandering priest of Knowledge gave me the advice that the route through these woods was most scenic and worth experiencing. Much like you, I sensed the village¡¯s plight, but arrived only in time for a show rather than dashing heroics. As I said, you are most impressive.¡± ¡°So much for getting straight to the matter,¡± Soul thought inwardly as the smiling celestine prattled on, but her flat look didn¡¯t seem to deter him. ¡°But it was then, just before leaving, when I heard you mention a certain name; Pathbreaker. And this, honored traveler and blessed of Warrior, is where my question lies; what will you do when you find him?¡± Once more, the sharp sense of imminent danger caused Soul¡¯s smoldering fighting spirit to flare slightly. But as no violence was initiated in the moments of silence which followed, she chose to answer. ¡°To fight him,¡± she stated simply, the sentiment echoing through her aura. ¡°Oh? And why, pray tell, would you do that?¡± ¡°Because he is a challenge worthy of fighting; a stone upon which to temper myself.¡± ¡°I see¡­ I see¡­ And, should you fight him and win¡­ What then?¡± Soul frowned at the return question. That was an obvious one if there ever was one. ¡°Wait until we¡¯ve both recovered, and then fight him again? At least as often as his other duties allow. The Pathbreaker does squander his potential in that regard.¡± ¡°So you are his friend then? Or at least acquaintance. Do you think that the Pathbreaker would agree to your wish?¡± ¡°He should. At least he did before, when he asked if we could exchange pointers in the future.¡± Once more stillness reigned where the man seemed to regard Soul for a few more moments. Then, as if it had never been there, the edge hidden just out of sight seemed to once more meld into the darkness of the metaphorical moonlit sky, as if it had never been there. ¡°Well, it seems that Fortune has truly smiled upon me then. Perhaps Knowledge too, now that I think of it. Meeting that wandering priest was most serendipitous,¡± he said, twirling the parasol resting across this shoulder. ¡°And why is that?¡± Soul asked, now lowering her stance. ¡°Because I too am traveling in search of my dear adopted brother Kite. Or the Pathbreaker, as you called him. I have important news that he must hear, and apparently now a fellow companion. You know what they say; a journey is but a step and a breath in the right company,¡± he said with a smile, gracefully leaping down from the stone and walking over as if to fall into step beside Soul. Who was having none of it. ¡°No.¡± ¡°No?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°But-¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Please?¡± ¡°No.¡± To make her point, Soul even turned and started running in her original direction. From her maps, northeast was still the way to go. Much to her satisfaction, the man didn¡¯t try to catch up or even run after her, only giving her a pensive look as she started gaining some distance to him. Before he cheated. ¡°Not even if I promise to fight you every evening before we make camp?¡± came his call from off in the distance behind her. Part of Soul wanted to just keep on running. She truly did, just imagining his smugness if she actually did stop and turn around at such obvious manipulations. But another part, her lust of battle, had already been smoldering. And the man¡¯s words, combined with the hidden lethality of his presence, had stoked it into a bonfire. So Soul did stop, turning around slowly. The celestine man quickly caught up even though he seemed to only walk at a sedate stroll, giving her a beaming smile. ¡°Would you even be worthy tempering?¡± she still asked, trying to retain as much of her skepticism as possible. And upon seeing the glint in his eyes, Soul had to admit that he had her right where he wanted to. ¡°That, honored traveler, is a fair question. I can throw in a bit of an added bonus to sweeten the deal. Let¡¯s go at least a few exchanges. You and me, right here. Then you decide.¡± ¡°Done,¡± Soul said, not needing to give it any more thought, her battle lust beating in her ears like the mighty beat of Warrior¡¯s blade upon the shields of his foes. ¡°Excellent!¡± the man exclaimed, stepping back a little. Soul felt his aura harden, reading itself for conflict. ¡°But first, let me at least introduce myself. My name is Curious Crow Plucks the Moon. I am both pleased and honored to make your acquaintance.¡±
¡°Convergence ever remains busy,¡± Kite noted, taking in the bustle of people and the blur that was their auras overlapping. It was a nice spring day, with plenty of river boats on the stretch of water that split the city. ¡°From what you told me of Port Singhni though, doesn¡¯t it feel small?¡± Dragonfly asked, handing him a bag of steamed buns as she returned from a nearby restaurant. ¡°In comparison? Maybe. Port Singhni had a lot more people, and plenty more essence-users too,¡± Kite admitted, depositing one of the buns into Glint¡¯s bottle where the familiar currently rested after pulling the floating boat all the way to the city. ¡°But I still remember the first time we came here together. Just because I¡¯ve seen bigger cities doesn¡¯t make this any less lively in and of itself. But-¡± He was about to continue when a conversation from across the street pricked his ears. Having the heightened perception of a silver-ranker meant that he could have tried to listen in to most conversation within earshot, but that would wear one out rather quickly. With experience and training though, Kite and those of similar rank learned to filter out most things, but also to note when certain more known or interesting words came up in their vicinity. And in this case, said words were also quite troubling. ¡°You mean that guild or whatever it was called?¡± ¡°The new place, yeah. From what I heard, people from the sects are still blockading it, claiming them to be a danger to our way of life. From what I heard, there¡¯s even three sect elders on the scene.¡± ¡°Heavens. Best avoid it then. Shame though. They seemed decent.¡± ¡°Bah. Just sounded odd to me. Why not just form a proper sect instead?¡± ¡°No, no let me finish. You know Hazel¡¯s boy?¡± ¡°The one who inherited the essence? Lucky brat.¡± ¡°Jealous of a child, are you? Grow up. I¡¯m just saying that the guild apparently gave him a good deal. The rest of his essences against a rather decent term of service-¡± As the conversation devolved into speculation of what the unknown boy would get in the way of essences, Kite¡¯s attention snapped back to Dragonfly. Seeing the look on her, she had apparently heard it as well. ¡°Glint? Little beauty? Sorry to wake you already, but we could use your assistance,¡± Kite said, looking out and across the river to where their latest guildhall should be located. He couldn¡¯t see it from where they stood, but his mind¡¯s eye painted the ever-worrying picture. Initially, he got only a sour, grumbling sense by way of response through their familiar bond, but with a moment of focus, Kite sent his feelings to the tired carp a bit more thoroughly as he continued. ¡°Glint, uncle Walker and the guild might be in trouble. Real trouble.¡± To her credit, once the severity of the situation was impressed upon her, Glint was out of her bottle before Kite had even finished speaking. Plenty of people around them cried out in alarm as the carp assumed her larger, serpentine form, with the water of the river surging up to carry her as she plunged into the waters. Kite and Dragonfly didn¡¯t wait, both leaping over the nearby railing before being caught by two cushions of water and deposited on Glint¡¯s back even as she started speeding across the river, zigzagging between the boats and their rather alarmed crew. It was to her credit that the familiar had the presence of mind to control the water around them enough that no waves caused by their rapid passing stretched for more than a few meters out from her form, as capsizing a vessel or three would have been most unfortunate. They quickly reached the other side and Glint didn¡¯t slow down. Guided by Kite¡¯s mental imagery of which direction to go, she instead shot up in a grand arc which let her easily clear the river wall, people on the street and even nearby houses in a mighty spray of glittering water. Said water quickly gathered beneath the carp¡¯s draconic form and continued to carry the familiar and her riders over two more streets and rows of houses before the guildhall of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild came into view in the distance, as well as the row of robed people arrayed before it in a human wall. Kite could feel their proudly displayed auras even from this distance, sensing the tense contention between what he would assume were rival sects change into alarm and readiness when they no doubt spotted the approaching Glint. ¡°Three silvers. The sects sure are determined,¡± Dragonfly noted as they approached. ¡°Indeed. Just crashing down among them might cause trouble before we know more. Would you mind if I take the lead?¡± Kite asked as he tried to get a feel for the three silvers through their spirits. ¡°Please do. But save at least one for me?¡± ¡°I will do my best.¡± Another mental image sent to Glint guided the familiar¡¯s eventual descent. Even though she would have been able to, the carp didn¡¯t gradually slow down. Instead she conjured a huge globe of water over the street a few meters away from the line of sect warriors, and around two heartbeats later, Glint entered it with a magnificent splash. While her water manipulation brought them to a rather abrupt halt that might have injured an iron-ranker, the familiar did not in any way restrict the surface of the sphere during the impact. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. The mighty splash of her entrance caused a massive spray of water to cover the entire street, sect warriors and all. While the three silver-rankers managed to keep themselves dry through a conjured barrier, a blast of sound and magical umbrella respectively, most of the arrayed bronzes were thoroughly soaked. As he unhurriedly descended from Glint¡¯s back, stepping upon small discs of force as if walking down a set of stairs, Kite noted that the silvers - probably sect elders - each wore robes of different colors, as were the accompanying bronzes in an even split between the three. He recognized them as belonging to the sects of Perfected Step, Luminous Cloud and Mirrored Mountain, and while he had only visited or interacted much with one of them, you did not spend much time in Convergence without at least taking notice of the others. As his final step touched down on the wet, cobbled street, Kite spoke his mind before any of the indignant elders managed to find their words. ¡°Three mighty sects all united in front of one little guild. You¡¯ll have to excuse me, elders, in that I find it difficult to fathom why you or your so-called honored organizations would be here today.¡± While his tone was ostensibly polite, the words carried a clear edge impossible to miss. ¡°And who might you be, brat, to dare speak to us in such a way?¡± the leonid man from the Mirrored Mountain sect barked in return, puffing up his sizable frame even more as he towered above the rest of those present. But Kite didn¡¯t even need to reply, as another of the elders spoke up before him. ¡°I know this man! He is the one called Pathbreaker, friend of the traitor outcast Soul,¡± the elder of the Perfected Step sect all but spat, even though Kite did catch a hint of fear in his aura as he mentioned the battle-mad Celestine. Kite did also feel a slight hint of recognition now that he got a better look at said elder, having seen the man once or twice during his time spent with Soul in their sect. ¡°Such presumption from one so young. I¡¯ve heard about it, but didn¡¯t think it to be true. Claiming such a name without the deeds to support it¡­ Disgraceful,¡± the elder from the Luminous Cloud sect spat, the runic woman¡¯s glowing mark seeming to flare with her indignation. ¡°And alas, it was the one given to me,¡± Kite retorted, his smile unwavering. Pray tell then, elders, who might you be?¡± ¡°I am Spine of the World, elder of the Mirrored Mountains sect,¡± the leonid proclaimed proudly, followed by the runic woman. ¡°And I am Twisting Descent of the Skies, elder of the Luminous Cloud sect.¡± ¡°And I-¡± the final man continued, ¡°-am Thunderous Intent, elder or the Perfected Step sect.¡± ¡°I see. Most humble names indeed,¡± Kite said, unable to help the bit of sarcasm that slipped into his voice. His time spend in the capital with all those duels had given Kite quite some experience in this posturing, and he was overall rather comfortable in his own style of patient politeness while only letting the occasional barb or sarcasm slip through. ¡°And pray tell me, elders, do you intend to bar our path as we intend to enter our guildhall?¡± ¡°Bah! This foreign nonsense is a travesty; a true insult to our proud sects,¡± the leonid elder huffed. ¡°The Hua-Xian way will ever reign supreme. Your guildmaster would do wisely to take this pathetic little gathering of outcasts somewhere else. Somewhere nice and remote, so that actual warriors wouldn¡¯t need to see the eyesore.¡± ¡°And yet you did not answer my question, elder. Your opinion of our guild matters little.¡± ¡°Brat! You dare! A fledgling little silver like you should know better when in presence of your superiors.¡± ¡°I would still like an answer, elder. Empty bluster and outrage is just that; empty.¡± As he replied, Kite could almost feel Dragonfly¡¯s silent cheer from his side, apparently enjoying herself quite a lot. She had even started to munch on one of the steamed buns from the paper bag she was still carrying, further adding to her feel of a rapt spectator. The leonid didn¡¯t seem to be enjoying himself quite as much though, and the man¡¯s feline eyes thinned dangerously. ¡°We do not intend to let anyone through here, brat. Just the presence of our might is enough to choke out the pathetic little weed you have snuck into this city. And what will you do about it? Attack us, and our sects will strike back in full even after we¡¯re done feeding what¡¯s left of you to the fish of the river.¡± ¡°I see¡­ I see,¡± Kite replied, seeing the other elders straighten as well. While their sects probably weren¡¯t on the best of terms normally, they had all apparently found the guild threatening enough. ¡°Now, if only there was a way to resolve such issues without devolving into an outright brawl.¡± ¡°Shut up, brat. Your betters are-¡± ¡°A way that was even mandated by the Queen of Jade and Sky,¡± Kite finished, uncaring at the attempted aura suppression that was leveraged against him during the last protest. ¡°Elders, I, the one named Pathbreaker, challenge you all to a clash of paths. You may choose the order in which you fight, or prove yourselves to be spineless cowards acting like thugs while hiding behind the thinnest veneer of honor.¡± ¡°Kite!¡± Dragonfly protested from beside him after hastily chewing through her snack. ¡°Listen to the girl, Pathbreaker. Those words of yours¡­ They cannot be taken back if you choose to go further,¡± the runic woman from the Luminous Cloud sect noted even as her eyes promised death. ¡°Oh, apologies, Dragonfly,¡± Kite said, giving her a small bow before turning back to the elders. ¡°One of you will fight Dragonfly instead.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± his friend and lover said happily, even though Kite could see the telltale signs of her inner flames starting to flicker. ¡°Well, then, elders. Accept or stand aside. I will even let you choose who takes on Dragonfly instead. Fair warnings though¡­ Her touch is a lot less gentle than my own.¡± For a moment, the trio actually seemed a bit hesitant, but any such hesitation were quickly swept aside as pride and the need to save face took precedence. Normally, challenging a much younger warrior might have been seen as shameful, but Kite challenging them first would let the elders throw all such concerns aside. But the elder had also painted themselves into a bit of a corner in this regard as they had brought their students with them as support, as well as their rivals. Backing down now with their honor intact would be a most impressive feat of self-deception. ¡°They probably only took uncle Walker into consideration,¡± Kite thought as he continued to level his even stare towards the three of them, with Dragonfly now munching on another steamed bun at his side.¡± ¡°Well?¡± Kite pushed, even adding a quirked eyebrow for some added hints of scorn. And that was apparently enough. ¡°Fine, brat. If you wish to court death, I shall step up and show you that you aren¡¯t ready for this dance.¡± Spine of the World said, his leonid form towering over Kite as he stepped forward. ¡°Not so fast, elder Spine,¡± the runic woman added. ¡°He insulted all of us. I demand that the Luminous Cloud sect will be the ones to correct this wrong.¡± What followed was a silent staring-match between the two, but all silvers present could feel their aura¡¯s briefly warring for supremacy. After a few tense seconds, the leonid eventually shook his head as he got the upper hand in the brief spiritual clash. ¡°No, elder,¡± was his simple statement. And while her eyes thinned in dissatisfaction, the runic woman stood down. ¡°Then I will take up the challenge of the girl,¡± elder Thunderous Intent said, his rueful smile a theatrical mask. ¡°But know that I relinquish my chance at putting the upstart Pathbreaker in his place only out of courtesy to your sects. Please remember this bond of karma between us.¡± ¡°Warrior teaches us to fight with boldness, and to not underestimate our foes,¡± Kite couldn¡¯t help but remark, as he felt Dragonfly¡¯s aura intensify slightly at being treated as some kind of consolation prize. ¡°It seems you chose some semblance of honor in this, elders. Now, I believe that it is time to talk terms.¡±
As the upstart Pathbreaker dragged the limp form of Spine of the World off to the side of the dueling arena and unceremoniously heaved the unconscious leonid unto a nearby patch of grass, elder Thunderous Intent was starting to feel that his little charade had paid off. While he would never relinquish his thirst for vengeance against that outrageous Soul for how she had humiliated him and his fellow elders that night when they went to seize her, his powers of self-deception weren¡¯t great enough to let him deny her prowess. And the Pathbreaker had been her chosen sparring partner. And now, only his rivals from the other sects stood to lose face while he would further their cause. Only one of the elders had to win for the pair of outcasts to back down and promise to leave the region for a year and a day. Truly, an oath made in folly, when bringing a weaker link into the mix. The girl named Dragonfly had made no name for herself and won no recognition. She might be silver, but what little that the elder¡¯s disciples had managed to dig up in regards to her during the time it took for them to find a dueling arena and replacements for the blockade of the so-called guildhall, Thunderous Intent wasn¡¯t overly worried. A simple brute of a monster hunter. Unremarkable. ¡°I do believe that taking turns is the most polite way to go about this. Don¡¯t you agree, honored elders?¡± the Pathbreaker called to the rest of them as he approached. ¡°Would you like to go next, my ardent Dragonfly?¡± ¡°My pleasure, dear Pathbreaker,¡± the younger woman answered, brimming with the confident folly of youth as she turned to Thunderous Intent. ¡°Elder, ready for some fun?¡± ¡°This will be over in short order, girl,¡± Thunderous Intent shot back as he straightened while gathering his aura into a knife¡¯s edge. ¡°The Perfected Step sect will be the ones to send you outcasts back to the wilds where you belong.¡± ¡°Eh, we¡¯ll see. The heavens favor the strong, elder. I believe that a few months of staying put in your sect might do you some good,¡± the girl shot back, all arrogant. As he took his place opposite her in the dueling arena, Thunderous Intent took some time to size up his opponent; a young human woman with an unruly mane of pinkish, curly hair. Short, but with the compact musculature and fairy-like looks of a silver-ranker. He had already seen her leaning against her weapon of choice, a brutish greataxe, but she was also wearing rather distinct armor; a medium-heavy suit of reddish-tinted metal focused around the vitals. But what was odd was that the thing seemed to also be sprouting life of its own, with vines of purple leaves sprouting small flowers which looked like small motes of flame covering much of it. The suit gave off a sense of vibrant life and smoldering growth, clearly a piece made from most exotic materials. ¡°Perhaps I should have demanded it as an additional prize,¡± Thunderous intent mused as he assumed his stance, drawing his falcata from its sheath as the power of his path caused it to thrum with echoing vibrations that blurred the air. ¡°Donating it to the vault of the sect would have given me a great amount of contribution.¡± Still, he understood why his so-called peers had vouched for something more directly linked to their united cause, as forcing two of the guilds no doubt miniscule amount of silver-rankers away for over a year would no doubt cripple any further resistance the pathetic organization could muster. ¡°Heavens, I¡¯m baffled that they had more than one. And that Pathbreaker is apparently a rather foolish one too, to draw the ire of someone in the capital like that. Curtailing him will no doubt bring great favor to our sect.¡± ¡°Are both the participants ready?¡± the acolyte of Warrior which the Pathbreaker had insisted should preside over the clash called out to the pair. ¡°Ready!¡± the girl named Dragonfly called, brandishing her single-edged greataxe which trailed a series of floating stars. ¡°Ready,¡± Thunderous Intent grunted, his aura already starting to grind against the younger woman¡¯s. ¡°Then may Warrior witness your clash, and both of you learn from this tempering. Begin!¡± Thunderous Intent did not hesitate, shooting forward as he started channeling his mana into one of his staple powers; a field of reverberations that continuously dealt resonating force damage over time to nearby opponents. The elder¡¯s path consisted of the harmonic, pure, potent and reverberating essences, and he prided himself as an offensive scourge upon his foe with his clean, devastating slashes leaving zones of reverberating death to slowly but surely tear his opponent to pieces; a perfect mix of instant might and inevitable doom, at least in his own mind. The effects of his reverberating zone was instantly recognizable as the girl, also charging eagerly ahead, entered the shimmering fluctuations in the air around the elder. Her skin started rending in places and fragments started breaking loose from the edges of her armor. The process was a painful one, providing an additional layer of distractions to the damage itself. Thunderous intent did not stop to admire his work, however, instead stepping even further into the spinning slash, his humming falcata leading his way to victory. In an ideal world, he would have lopped off one of the girl¡¯s hands in that very first exchange, leaving her two-handed fighting style crippled and bringing her one step closer to being completely at his mercy. But the world rarely delivered, and in this case, it even seemed as if it wanted to test the elder a bit. ¡°Kyaaaaahhh!¡± With a mighty shout, flames shot from the back of the incoming axe to give it even greater force all while even more fire started washing out from the blade to envelop the elder. While the latter was dispersed by a thought and a burst of resonating force, the former proved too much. Instead of an elegant deflection, Thunderous Intent¡¯s blow was sent reeling out of alignment as the stones beneath them cracked at the force of their collision. The girl was indeed a brute, but her strength was no mere paper tiger. The elder¡¯s next attack was forcefully shifted into a sidestep as he aimed to, at least, land a glancing blow while the heavy weapon was out of alignment from the mighty swing, but this too was countered as Dragonfly just continued spinning. Once, twice, thrice and more did her axe cut cleaning arcs through the air, spewing flames all the while, and Thunderous Intent was forced to first skip, then block, then make a mighty leap back in order to avoid the worst of the spinning flurry. And while he constantly kept up the pressure with the reverberating auras and zones left behind by the clashes of his falcata, the girl just seemed to ignore them as she continued her relentless charge. Worse, he could note several boons coursing through her body which just kept ramping up in intensity. ¡°Is my attrition empowering her? Fortune curse me,¡± he thought, quickly disabling his aura even while he was mid-leap, the silver-rankers mind working quickly. But it turned out that even this process was soon interrupted as the elder¡¯s instincts screamed of danger. It was just in time that he managed to summon his echoing barrier to intercept a flaming greataxe that had come flying in from above while staying within his blind spot. The weapon kept hounding him even after his first clash with it, floating as if wielded by the thoughts of his foe, which was probably also the case. To make things worse, Dragonfly still came at him. Finding himself pressured from both sides, Thunderous intent knew that he had to turn the table. ¡°At least my purity of purpose keeps her flames from lingering,¡± he thought, the thought a slight consolation as a not inconsiderable part of his path was rendered moot with his foe apparently relishing in any damage dealt over time. ¡°It is time to turn the tables. Tranquil Step of the Water Strider.¡± For a split second, all the reverberating zones of death seemed to freeze with an odd sense of clarity. Then, the next moment, the world seemed to slow down as well to a near standstill. The elder could see the flames shimmering beneath the skin of his foe move with sluggish, dream-like motions while he himself turned mid-air and stepped while delivering a single slash. Using one of his stronger attacks early was always a pain, but Thunderous Intent had enough experience to know that one couldn¡¯t dictate every fight to one¡¯s preferences. His single strike seemed to somehow carry all the motion of their halted surroundings built up and focused into a razor¡¯s edge. In the frozen moment, he could see the armor and skin of his foe¡¯s throat and collarbone start to part as all that potential was delivered unto the thinnest of lines. But that glorious process of severance then stopped with surprising abruptness, as a light burst up from within the girl, swift and undeniable even in the moment where the elder should have reigned supreme. Then, the moment ended, and Thunderous Intent found his own momentum abruptly halted as his falcata suddenly stopped, as if it was a rather dull axe trying to slash into the thickest of trees. He didn¡¯t even have the time to curse this new development, obviously some kind of potent defensive measure, before a gauntleted hand shot up and grabbed the wrist carrying his blade before the elder found a chance to pull it free. A one-handed slash of her axe followed, obviously aiming for his arm, and Thunderous Intent was forced to step backwards, painfully extending his arm as much as possible to avoid the strike while showering his foe in a torrent of rending vibrations in an attempt to distract her and weaken her hold. It was then that he noted Dragonfly¡¯s slight grin, even as the skin and flesh of her face were being torn apart by the point-blank destructive torrent. And that moment of notice was soon followed by searing pain as the burning axe once more descended from just behind and above him, the blasted thing having once more managed to elude the elder¡¯s senses for just a single, vital second. And with the force of what was obviously some kind of special attack, it lopped his right arm off in a single brutal swing. Shoving the pain to the back of his mind, Thunderous Intent managed to at least kick off the ground and leap back now that his grabbed arm was no longer attached to the rest of him. This time though, his foe didn¡¯t pursue straight away. With her face drenched in blood, the girl instead remained in place while holding up the elders own severed arm, its fist still clutching his sword, and using it to wave at him. Then her armor lit up to his magical perception as life and fire seemed to course through the length of ivy covering its surface, now looking more like glowing veins of the earth, while the small flowers started blooming and setting the air around their wearer aflame. And from the way her skin started to char slightly, apparently the wearer as well. ¡°Nice opening exchange, elder. Very decisive,¡± Dragonfly commented even as the fire within her seemed to rise with every moment. ¡°Soul probably wouldn¡¯t rate it very highly though, and part of what she taught me did work really well. I promised that I would deliver her greetings should I ever find myself clashing with one of your sect. So¡­ Soul sends her greetings. The rest of her message¡­ Well, that¡¯s what comes next.¡± 175. Patience is a virtue ¡°Thank you, Fortune. I believe that Dragonfly will be most pleased by this opportunity.¡± Kite silently intoned as he watched his lover ignite the enchantments of the new armor which Peony had finished for her just before they set out on a few contracts. ¡°If that was only her second experiment with using the materials I brought with me from the gate, I can¡¯t wait to see what the future will bring.¡±
WWJS: [Item] First Flame of Budding Spring Armor Silver rank - Epic [Effect] Pay an ongoing mana cost to emit a fiery aura dealing fire damage per second to everyone within a small area, even the wearer. The cost begins at moderate mana per second, but lessens in proportion to the wearer¡¯s health lowering. [Effect] Suffering fire damage will give the wearer an instance of [Warmth of Life] [Warmth of Life] (Boon, fire, heal over time, stacking] - Heal over time. Additional instances have a cumulative effect. [Effect] Pay an ongoing cost of health to activate a potent self-repair. [Effect] The effects of this armor counts as hostile to any powers of the wielder.
The armor had been based on one of the materials which Kite had brought back from his latest trip into the trial of the Queen of Jade and Sky; a vine with purple leaves and small, smoldering flowers much like those which seemed to grow out of the armor itself. He had claimed it from one of the rulers of the challenge; a smoldering treant which seemed to constantly sprout new life while its own flames consumed it. Fortunately for Kite, he had been able to bring the silver-ranked ruler down by suppressing its innate healing with his upgraded Disrupting Strike, making the monster assist in its own demise. The thing had apparently been quite the challenge to work with during the crafting process, but Kite hadn¡¯t regretted a single chunk of quintessence that he and Dragonfly had procured by the bucketful to aid in shaping just the right kind of effect for his lover, with the theme of fire and life too fitting to pass on. The result had been as beautiful as it was volatile, the armor bringing to life some of that cyclical theme of devouring fire and renewing life, but the most important thing was that Peony had even managed to add nature¡¯s vast and uncaring ruthlessness into it all, allowing the flames of the armor to help trigger Dragonfly¡¯s own ramping boons. ¡°Combined with all that she has grown during our time apart¡­ To think that she would find such inspiration in Soul,¡± he thought while a smile tugged at the corner of his lip. Kite didn¡¯t envy the elder at that moment, as Dragonfly shot toward him in one of the best impersonations of a burning comet he had yet to witness. While a missing arm wouldn¡¯t have the silver-ranker bleed out, it was still a limb unavailable to him which would always be a distinct disadvantage as a swordsman. Thunderous Intent managed to back off once more, showing a respectable attempt at adaptability in face of this setback as he tried to muster whatever counterattacks he could through waves of resonating destruction, sudden bursts of speed and potent spikes of power channeled into his attacks. But with his main weapon lost, parts of his path almost directly beneficial to Dragonfly rather than detrimental and the woman in question having greatly increased the pace with which her power, speed and recovery grew, Kite felt rather confident in his conclusion that there was little to worry about in this particular clash. His assumptions proved correct just two minutes of uphill struggling later when Dragonfly once more accepted a few attacks to allow her animated, secondary axe to strike. But the move itself proved to be a feint as the elder reacting to the attempted sneak attack put him in a position for Dragonfly to use her own axe to sever his left foot at the ankle. The man did try to fight to the very end as he stumbled away, the air trembling and almost seeming to break as the elder must have thrown out all available attacks and spells he had in a resonating symphony of destruction creating a truly chaotic mess. The end truly came when Dragonfly, now a bonfire of inner power, simply charged through the bursts of resonating damage, her Unbreakable Moment once more available to let her shrug off even the elder''s final burst when timed right. Her axed carried her in another spinning arc which severed Thunderous Intent¡¯s other foot which Dragonfly then reached out and snatched from the air before turning and shoving it straight into the mouth of the prone man in one swift and brutal motion followed by a downward slash of her axe that descended with a brutal finality. Kite winced as the sound of parting flesh and breaking bones rang clearly enough over the arena for even a normal ranker to perceive, and the next moment the officiating priest of Warrior called the end of the clash. ¡°Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s Reflection is declared the winner through incapacitation!¡± Thunderous Intent lay still on the floor of the stone arena, missing both feet and one hand while the one remaining was feeble clawing at the axehead which had cleaved through his collarbone and left shoulder, angled so that it barely missed the man¡¯s throat and head when it had been driven down with enough force to bite into the stone below. ¡°Soul told me what you tried to do to her,¡± Dragonfly said as she bent down to retrieve her axe with exaggerated slowness. ¡°Even mentioned your name in particular, Elder. There were even three of you trying to collar her in her sleep. Three against one. Such an honorable sect. And while Soul simply seems to shrug you off as beneath her, I-¡± she said, punctuating the word by suddenly yanking up her axe, the weapon trailing a fresh gout of blood,¡±- am usually described as a bit more passionate. Thank you Elder, for assisting in tempering my path. And for giving me the chance to deliver her message.¡± Then, Dragonfly slung her axe over one shoulder, leaving the mutilated elder behind. Silver-rankers could take a lot of punishment and would require more than the mere loss of limbs and broken bones to die, but Kite still suspected that Thunderous Intent would need some lengthy healing sessions to recover from this clash. As for his no doubt wounded pride¡­ Only time would tell. ¡°A most excellent showing!¡± Kite called, bowing with respect as Dragonfly drew closer before turning to the final elder who had yet to fight her duel, in this case against him. ¡°As you can see, Elder, I did not lie when I claimed that my touch was more gentle than that of my companion. Now only our bout remains. Shall we get to it?¡±
¡°Little Kite! Dragonfly! And precious Glint! Rarely has an entrance been as spectacular or well-timed as yours was today,¡± uncle Walker called to the trio as soon as they entered the guildhall. ¡°It only felt appropriate, given the circumstances,¡± Glint answered as she strode in with a surprising amount of dignified grace, now in her draconian form and clad in a truly fashionable set of white robes in the Hua-Xi style. ¡°Too true,¡± Walker agreed, gesturing towards the stairs leading to a private conference room on the building¡¯s upper floor before falling in step beside Kite at the rear of their little procession. ¡°Is it only this old fool or has Glint changed quite a lot in the few months since her little transformation?¡± Walker asked with carefully modulated softness, his voice barely audible so that only Kite would hear him; a challenge when so close to other silvers. ¡°Last I met her, she felt more¡­ playful, mostly hissing happily.¡± ¡°Oh she has changed indeed,¡± Kite agreed, matching his uncle¡¯s soft murmur. ¡°Ever since auntie Crow introduced her little lessons in manners and proper etiquette, she embraced it fully along with a surprisingly good sense of fashion. They say that silvers learn quickly¡­ I can only concur. But deep beneath, she¡¯s still the same. I believe that she¡¯s just exploring this new side of herself.¡± ¡°That most astute observation sounds suspiciously close to something that the very same Crow would tell you,¡± Walker jibed with a mischievous glint in his eyes. ¡°For the life of me, I cannot fathom what you mean, uncle.¡± Kite retorted with a wink. They soon reached the conference room, and as soon as they had activated the privacy enchantments, Dragonfly could no longer contain herself. ¡°Heavens, Walker! What has happened? We¡¯re gone for a few weeks and come back to this? ¡°That, Dragonfly, seems to be a bit of a story and a mystery packed together in a neat little package of troubles,¡± Walker sighed as he sat back in his chair. ¡°Spring, would you mind expanding a bit on our latest troubles?¡± ¡°Of course, guild master,¡± the younger bronze-ranker answered primly, retrieving documents in combination with a map of the region with several markings, where most were centered around different roads and other venues of travel. ¡°As of just over a month ago, our members started getting harassed during their travels in the regions. Threats, confiscation of certain goods and even outright robbery. All done either without motivation or for made-up causes such as cracking down on smuggling and other illicit activities. The local branch director has, of course, been up in arms about the interference with our contracts, but as the local city lord is firmly under the thumb of the local sects, he lets them carry great jurisdiction in their own lands,¡± Second Spring started, adding to her presentation by pointing out marked locations on the map pertaining to the incidents. ¡°We have adapted, of course, sending out groups and prioritizing less obvious routes and couriers with powers to let them navigate other terrain such as the rivers. It worked well in the beginning but we are once more seeing an increase in intercepted contracts as those dishonorable scum instead started tracking which deliveries or other contracts were taken and by who.¡± As she continued expanding upon the rising tensions and harassment growing more overt, it was obvious to anyone with eyes and even more to one with aura senses how furious and frustrated the situation made Spring. ¡°I started keeping an eye on as many of our deliveries as I could,¡± Walker added. ¡°Intervened in a few attempted robberies too. Amazing what the mere presence of a silver-ranker appearing and politely introducing himself can accomplish. And this old man is a quick one these days. That little blockade you saw outside? Spring and I believe that it was as much an attempt at provocation to ¡®justify¡¯ retribution as much as a way to keep me here with the threat of silvers outside the guildhall. And - Dominion damn it - it worked.¡± The last words were all but spat out, with Walker¡¯s scowl having deepened all the while. ¡°Fortune be praised that we came along when we did, then. And Karma too, as I got to deliver her purview in the most satisfactory of ways,¡± Dragonfly said, before leaning in over the map. ¡°So, where do you want us to go then?¡± ¡°What do you mean, senior sister?¡± Spring asked. ¡°Do you think that me and Kite will just nod and walk away after this? What kind of members would we be? Heavens, Kite is the closest thing our guild has to some kind of shadow patriarch with how much sponsorship he has added, and I have spent more than my fair share of hours drilling some combat sense into our members. Justice as my witness, the sects won¡¯t get away with this.¡± As Dragonfly spoke, her aura had started flickering with her usual passion, steadily rising along with the ferocious gleam in her eyes. ¡°Besides, they will probably need to think twice about how they use their silvers from now on,¡± Kite added, already nodding his agreement to Dragonfly¡¯s words. ¡°With our little show and the elders having sworn before an acolyte of Warrior to remain in their sects for six months upon their loss, they can¡¯t just keep using them to pressure us carelessly.¡± ¡°Hah! That¡¯s my boy! Stroke of genius to involve the clergy. No sect member would want to bring Warrior¡¯s ire, and from what I gathered, he is very fond of our clashes,¡± Walker exclaimed, clapping hand to Kite¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Even though I may appreciate the praise, I cannot take credit for the concept, uncle. In the capital, every clash is officiated by Warrior¡¯s clergy. But it was a tradition that I thought would benefit us if it started to spread further,¡± Kite admitted before turning back to the map. ¡°As Dragonfly said, we¡¯ll be at your disposal. With little Beauty at our side, we can be swift. Still, we need to think of something long term too. The sects vastly outnumber us, and us three silvers cannot be everywhere.¡± ¡°Then at least let me praise your wisdom, little Kite. And thank you. It warms this old man to hear your willingness to help us, as I know how busy you are with¡­ other matters. We shall do our best to get to the bottom of this, but for now, our members can at least rest assured that the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild won¡¯t just cower away from this kind of thuggish behavior. And hopefully, that little piece of insight will soon be etched in the hearts of our enemies as well.¡±
¡°Have I told you that you truly are impressive, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite noted as he looked at his lover where she sat at the bed in the room which they had chosen to share at the Convergence guildhall. The moonlight was currently spilling in over where she was currently seated, bathing her form in light and shade in a way that was most flattering. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Well, I know that I am quite the looker, but hearing you say it never hurts,¡± she retorted with a proud smile, finishing to wrangle her mass of hair into some kind of semblance of order before assuming a different pose to show herself off a bit more. ¡°While that was never in question, the thought was not a mere appreciation of your naked form, however alluring it might be,¡± Kite noted. ¡°Overall, I¡¯m just impressed with how you have grown. Both in the time that I was away most recently, but even more since we met all those years ago.¡± ¡°Heh. We were so young. How many years ago was it now? Five?¡± ¡°Five indeed. And I believe that we are still considered quite young, Dragonfly. Don¡¯t let my aunties, Walker or - well - most anyone older than us hear such a sentiment,¡± Kite said with a chuckle. ¡°But as of more recent developments, let me stress again that I am amazed at how much you learned during your time with Soul and how well you have meshed it into your path. That way you used your animated axe like some kind of ambush predator against the elder was terrifying to see.¡± ¡°Well, I have to get a chance to show it off against someone, because you¡¯re no fun in that regard. Curse you and your all-round vision,¡± Dragonfly retorted with a huff of faux annoyance as she laid down beside him. ¡°But I agree. Those months spent with Soul¡­ Heavens, that woman sure does know how to fight people. She can be a bit¡­ intense, but my path could keep up decently once she let me get going a bit. And she helped me figure out new ways to do just that; get going. Knowing how to use my floating axe is just part of it, deciding when to go all out and when to be all sneaky like today. Fighting people is so complicated too. Give me a monster, or better, a horde of them any day.¡± ¡°And yet you made it look rather easy today.¡± ¡°You of all people should know the advantage of being underestimated, Kite. Wasn¡¯t that basically you at iron rank back in Gilded.¡± ¡°Oh, how you wound me. Cleaved my poor heart and pride in twain with but a single lash of your wicked tongue.¡± Dragonfly¡¯s retort to Kite¡¯s theatrics was, appropriately enough, sticking out her tongue at him. ¡°Still, I¡¯ll have to thank Soul again. I know she was hesitant at first, but I¡¯m glad she stuck with me. I may even have managed to impress the importance of a monster-hunting contract on her every now and then. Who knows, one day someone might even get across to that perfection-seeking brain of hers. Make her leave her little semi-hermit lifestyle and actually be around people?¡± ¡°While it would be both gratifying and amusing, my ardent Dragonfly, few would be more surprised than I if that day ever comes.¡±
¡°Dear, it would seem that we have guests,¡± Crow noted as she strode into the kitchen. ¡°Is little Kite and Dragonfly back?¡± Dove asked hopefully, but her eagerness died down upon seeing her wife¡¯s serious expression. ¡°No, at least not according to what I can sense from the formations. But there are two silvers out there, not attempting to hide and not emitting any hostility. Still, we¡¯d better be careful. I¡¯ll activate the defensive arrays of the house when I go greet them, so please keep Raven occupied.¡± Dove looked as if she wanted to protest, but a strand of animated hair was already at her lips like a shushing finger. One more look at Crow in both expression and aura told Dove that arguing would be pointless, so she instead chose to resign, lean in and embrace her wife. ¡°It¡¯s probably fine but¡­ Be careful, dear. Please?¡± ¡°Of course, dear,¡± Crow said, eventually breaking the embrace and leaving for the front gate of their compound. Spring was in full swing around them and the day was pleasant and sunny, but Crow barely noticed as she was instead bringing her hidden defensive arrays into readiness. Curious Crow flies Swift might not be the kingdom¡¯s strongest individual fighter, but an array-master within her domain was a foe to take lightly only at one¡¯s own peril. As she carried the focal stone of the many defenses of the compound, Crow could also receive a bit of the input from the sensory formations as well as stretch her senses past the obscuring ones. And as she drew close to the outer gate, that let her catch a bit of conversation from the two people waiting at their gates. ¡°- and I still can¡¯t believe that people in the city have started calling this place ¡®the Aviary¡¯. You have to give it to these northerners; they sure have a sense of humor.¡± a pleasant male voice said, with Crow only having caught the end of the statement. ¡°Because they all have names relating to birds. Hence the Aviary. Get it? No?¡± From the surly reply that came next, his good spirits and sense of humor seemed to be wasted on his female companion. ¡°And I cannot believe that you won¡¯t stop talking. Warrior, preserve my strength.¡± ¡°I do have to get back at you for beating me up every evening spar, now don¡¯t I? Oh, don¡¯t give me that look. See, that gate is opening too. Great success!¡± As Crow had indeed activated the formation to open the compound¡¯s gates, the talking pair came into view. One was a tall celestine with amethyst hair cropped in a short bob cut with straight bangs, with the rest of her form wrapped in a traveler¡¯s cloak. Her companion, a male celestine, had quite the more conspicuous outfit, with robes of dark purple and midnight blue and a matching parasol over one shoulder. While the clothes were of fine make, Crow couldn¡¯t help but note that they were all scuffed, torn and otherwise showed quite a lot of wear and tear. And while they made for quite the pair, the man¡¯s eyes and hair was what had caught Crow¡¯s attention, as they were a mirror of her own. ¡°I greet the honored cousin of the clan,¡± she intoned while bowing deeply with her hands cupped. ¡°My greetings to you as well, cousin and lost egg,¡± the man intoned while giving a similar, albeit notably more shallow bow. Even through the formalities though, a smile was playing at the edge of his mouth and thin eyes. ¡°My name is Little Crow Plucks the Moon, but I would be pleased for you to call me Little Crow. Lost egg or not, the Tengu¡¯s blood unites us as family.¡± ¡°My name is Curious Crow Flies Swift. I assume that would make Curious Crow the best name for you to use. It was half a lifetime ago since I last had to take the family naming conventions into consideration.¡± ¡°If it pleases you, just Crow will do fine. I¡¯m entering your nest, after all, and the local matriarch owns that title.¡± ¡°You show me much honor, cousin. Would you please come in and tell me the reason for your visit?¡± Crow asked while allowing the gates to open wider in welcome. ¡°I¡¯m looking for the Pathbreaker, and was told he would be here,¡± the celestine woman asked, unmoving even in the face of Crow¡¯s invitation. In turn, Crow took a moment to inspect the woman¡¯s spirit. While it felt hard and sharp, like a blade sheathed but always ready for - or even craving - to be drawn, it was also impeccably controlled, giving off no sense of violence being the purpose of her visit. And given the description she had gotten from Kite and Dragonfly, it wasn¡¯t too hard to guess at who stood before their gates. ¡°Greetings to you as well, Soul, blessed of Warrior. I am afraid that both Kite and Dragonfly are off on a series of contracts at the moment, but we would be pleased to host you until they return,¡± she said, bowing to the other woman as well. ¡°That is disappointing. Do you know where they were headed?¡± Soul replied, a bit of the flatness of her voice giving way to a hint of disappointment. ¡°I believe that they would stop by Convergence and plan further from there, but from their estimates, they should be back so-¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Soul said, interrupting Crow as she turned on the spot and started to walk back up the road. But she was stopped again as Little Crow became a blur of motion as he suddenly appeared before his companion. ¡°Please, dear travel companion, let¡¯s not be rude! A bit of rest and relaxation would be good for us after our long trek-¡± Apparently not knowing the meaning of either, Soul just swerved to move past him before the man flickered to block her again, his words unceasing. ¡°- and besides, she thought that Kite would soon return. We might miss him on the way, and wouldn¡¯t that make us look foolish? Staying for a day or two isn¡¯t any problem, right cousin?¡± Little Crow finished, his voice carrying a hint of desperation as he looked pleadingly at Crow. ¡°He speaks the truth. Our doors are always open to friends and family,¡± Crow agreed, coming to her distant cousin¡¯s aid by adding a little tidbit which she, from what Dragonfly had told her, might be crucial. ¡°There is food and room aplenty, and the hot springs stand ready all year round if one looks to wash off the dust of the road or rest weary bodies.¡± Crow carefully masked her satisfaction as the mention of hot springs did indeed cause the celestine woman to stop in her tracks, turning back to give Crow an assessing look. Little Crow looked ready to collapse in relief as Soul eventually muttered: ¡°Fine. Thanks for your hospitality,¡± before turning to stride past Crow and into the compound. Little Crow appeared next to her in another flicker of motion, and a privacy screen flickered into life around them. ¡°I will be in your debt, cousin,¡± he said with uncharacteristic gravity. ¡°She doesn¡¯t show it, but even that battle-crazed one needs some rest at times. Better that than to let her continuously take out her frustrations on me and my poor outfits. Just look at this one. The self-repair enchantments gave out a few days ago, yet I have not dared to change as that would just be to sacrifice more precious fashion to that¡­ rube.¡± ¡°From what Dragonfly and Kite told me, I am somehow not surprised, cousin,¡± Crow noted, looking after the other celestine as Soul seemed to take in her surroundings as if the very buildings could suddenly turn on her. ¡°Still, you are friends and family. Come join us for some tea once you have gotten settled and cleaned up. I am most curious as to the reason for your visit as well.¡±
A chilling spring rain fell over Convergence with the kind of silent intensity that would leave one soaked to the bones in minutes of exposure. Still, people were moving through its bustling streets as usual as the beating heart of trade never stopped, protected from the downpour through means both magical and mundane. River, however, spared herself no such comforts where she was currently crouching on a roof in the stormy gloom. A truly perceptive essence user might have noticed their own attention wanting to turn away from that particular spot on that particular roof, but the poorly masked sect warriors that River had been tailing for a while as they moved through the more lower-class neighborhoods of the trading city wouldn¡¯t have a chance of noting her even if they stumbled into her. ¡°Pathetic excuse for an elder,¡± River thought with derision as the silver-ranker beneath didn¡¯t even so much as glance her way. She was aware that the aura of her ritually scarred soul was beyond the means of most to contend with, but still¡­ ¡°At least a glance would have indicated a bare modicum of discipline.¡± River itched to dive down and let her chains bring the touch of her god to all of them, but in this case, patience was ever the virtue it was proclaimed to be. Because the sudden and rather dramatic increase in the movements of the sect¡¯s students and warriors was a stark contrast to the last months of most hidden cells and cabals seeming to pull out of the city or vanish into thin air. And while it had been frustrating, River had been dancing this little dance for years now, and where she encountered ebb, flow would soon follow as long as she was patient and attentive. ¡°So, little sect ants¡­ Why are you gathering?¡± From their movements it was obvious that the group was one of many attempting, and failing, to pass unnoticed through the city, probably towards some target location. But the bronze-rankers and lone silver down there were warriors, not actors, and there was still plenty enough pride and danger in their bearing to let all those who were in the know notice; pickpockets, racketeers, thugs, prostitutes and other of their ilk sensing the metaphorical ripple in the mood of the street and slip away. As it turned out, River¡¯s instincts were once more proven correct. A quarter of an hour later, the group beneath joined up with another, and River could easily follow them throughout the drizzle until they finally turned towards a warehouse not too far from the riverbank. At the same time, she also saw another group of similarly disguised people arrive from the other side, fanning out to surround the building while the one she had been tailing went straight toward the entrance. ¡°The guilders should be in there to collect their shipment as we speak. Make sure that none slip through, or at least make it violent enough so that we have a reason to forcefully intervene,¡± the silver said to the people walking next to him, River¡¯s senses picking out the words now that the hustle of the crowds had been left behind. ¡°These traitors to our way barely deserve a reason for us not to gut them outright, but the sect leader was clear in her instructions. Luminous Cloud will strike another blow against them today.¡± The group was about twenty meters away from the warehouse when the huge doors were suddenly thrown open. But where one might have expected a warehouse filled to the brim with goods and maybe even people, given the words of the sect silver-ranker, only one lone figure emerged, the now open doors revealing only emptiness inside. But to her surprise, River recognized the man. ¡°Annoying one,¡± she whispered. While his armor and cloak was new and his ascension to silver-rank had brought the usual changes, she still recognized the telltale solidity of his aura; the same as that day when the Descending Star sect fell and her hunt began, but simply¡­ more. He wore a wide-brimmed conical hat whose enchantments seemed to keep the rain at bay as he stepped out beneath the roiling clouds. From the sudden chain of outrage, anger, fear and hesitation in the auras of the sect warriors, it was apparent that they recognized him as well. ¡°Pathbreaker,¡± was whispered, muttered or even exclaimed by many, and the sect silver-ranker quickly pushed to the forefront of his group to square off against the lone outcast. ¡°Step aside, Pathbreaker! The Luminous Cloud sect has business here, and we will not let anyone stop us. Hinder us at your peril!¡± ¡°Elder. Quite interesting that you chose this very place, but I am afraid that you won¡¯t find much but an empty warehouse. Should it perhaps have been my fellow guild members you sought, they have long left on their contracts. Your underhanded ways have failed. Again.¡± ¡°Why you-¡± ¡°But now that we have this supposed coincidental meeting, elder, why not take some time to test our paths a bit? There are only so many silvers in Convergence after all. I, the one called Pathbreaker, challenge you-¡± River had rarely seen a silver-ranked elder turn and run so fast, making a path through his own people with a lot more force than was proper. And while she might have found the man¡¯s sudden need to be elsewhere both interesting and amusing, her full attention had already been stolen by something else as the other gathered sect warriors erupted in confused outrage, apparently not knowing if they had a fight on their hand or what else they were supposed to do with themselves. Because in all that turmoil of auras projecting left and right, River¡¯s own senses, honed beyond the razor¡¯s edge, noticed one of them that was¡­ different. It was subtle, ever so subtle, but against the background of emotion and turmoil, the slight flatness in one particular aura felt like a needle drawn down along her spine. An aura mask. Among the sect members. And a good one too. Just like¡­ ¡°Oh¡­¡± was all her stunned mind could muster as realization bloomed, and with it came both the unbridled excitement of realization and plenty of self-recrimination. ¡°Of course,¡± River said breathlessly, the hubbub below all forgotten. ¡°Why would the Descending Star sect be isolated? If they had all these cells and cabals, why wouldn¡¯t they have people in the other sects as well?¡± That was where the power was, after all. And where there was power and people, there was potential for strife and conflict. For discord. New plans started unwinding in River¡¯s mind as she turned back to the massed people beneath, where the crowds from the sect had turned into something of an awkward mass not knowing what to do with themselves. One particularly bold bronze-ranker had even thrown an attack against the annoying one, but a flick of his hand had shattered the spell and his raised eyebrow had forestalled any more such attempts. And while River did file the annoying one¡¯s presence away in her mind, she was now on the hunt. Part of her once more demanded that she swoop down and grab what she assumed was a hidden priest. It was just a bronze-ranker, after all. But she once more stayed her hand. They had started pulling out, and might do so from the sects too if she showed her hand too early. ¡°Patience is indeed a virtue,¡± River thought as she once more found herself stalking across the roofs, the aura mask clear in her spiritual perception. ¡°The most painful, agonizing one there ever was.¡± And in the back of her mind, her deity chuckled. 176. See what your path has brought you ¡°Senior sister, they went that way!¡± ¡°Outcast trash! Think you can outrun disciples of the Mirrored Mountain sect? Initiates, follow in direct pursuit. Disciple Crown and I will take a circuitous route to flank them. Remember what the sect leader said; no killing, but anyone who resists needs to be taught a lesson while we make sure that their little contract fails. We will grind this cursed guild to- aaugh!¡± The commanding disciple, an early bronze ranker who led the pursuit of a trio of couriers in the forests northwest of Convergence, had her proud string of commands interrupted as she tripped, falling face first in a wet patch of moss with a loud squelch. ¡°Senior sister!¡± Disciple Crown, who had begun his run at her side, started turning to help her up, which in turn only caused him to perform a similarly undignified fall. As bronze-rankers, merely stumbling should have been beneath them, but Crown pretended not to notice his senior¡¯s embarrassment as he conjured a cleaver of stone to chop down at the offending root that had tripped him up, only to freeze as his descending weapon barely bit into the gnarled piece of wood. And now that Crown really thought about it, had that root even been there before?¡± ¡°It gladdens me to hear that your sect leader has given you such polite instructions,¡± a gravelly voice said sarcastically from behind them as a man emerged seemingly out of nothing from among a copse of trees. And while his dark hair had a few streaks of gray to them, the rest of his seemingly slightly aged but ruggedly handsome features retained a youthful vigor only available to a body reforged by magic. The man flicked his wrist and both disciples were suddenly yanked upward by their feet to be left hanging upside down in front of the newcomer, unable to resist the great strength of the roots now binding them. Acting on instinct, Crown started to swing his cleaver towards the man while preparing his Heavenly Rupture, only for a nearby tree to reach out and wind itself around his wrist and stop the attack mid-swing. ¡°I would advise you to think your next move through a bit more thoroughly, disciple,¡± the newcomer noted. ¡°We wouldn¡¯t want to have any misunderstandings here, now would we?¡± ¡°Outcast scum,¡± Crown managed to snarl even as his aura was ground down by the obvious silver-ranker before him, the unpleasant sensation dulling the intended edge in his words. ¡°We know who you are, guild master. Hurt us, and the fury of the sects will-¡± ¡°Descend upon us with the fury of the heavens, scouring our presence from this proud nation. Or something equally pompous along those lines?¡± Walker interrupted with a roll of his eyes. ¡°And yet you, bronze-rankers, talked so casually about hurting my little iron guild members over there. Is striking one rank down really the tune your sect leader wants to set for this little conflict? Because believe me, brat, I¡¯m beginning to think that I should start teaching you all a lesson severe enough for you and your descendants for nine generations to never set foot in a forest again.¡± ¡°You can harm us, but the sect is vast. Just give us a reason to overwhelm you and actually wipe you from this land,¡± Crown¡¯s senior sister spat. Shade of Ochre Dawn was the daughter of one of the sect elders, and had apparently spent enough time around silver-rankers to find her voice even beneath the guild master¡¯s grinding aura. ¡°Oh don¡¯t I know it, girl,¡± Walker sighed, turning to her. ¡°And yet, in all your vastness, you apparently decided that one wasn¡¯t enough. But I shall indeed keep things civil here, as I have no more time to waste on you whelps. Just know that your mission here failed, and see what your precious elders think about that.¡± With that, Walker turned and left with the two disciples still held upside down by their feet. ¡°Then release us, outcast trash!¡± senior sister Titian called after his retreating form, her indignation overwhelming the common sense to not insult a higher-ranker without one of your own nearby. Walker did stop at her words, looking over his shoulders with a wry smile. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you who said that anyone who resists needs to be taught a lesson? And in this case, I have even been gracious enough to leave a little moment of tempering for all of you. My roots regenerate rather quickly, you see, but maybe if all of you and your little irons manage to cooperate and really get that teamwork going, you might manage to get down within an hour. Two at the most. Try to find a lesson in this, young disciple.¡± And with that, Walker disappeared into the trunk of a nearby tree. His senses, spanning vast distances through the network of trees and plants, had already confirmed that his guild members had gotten away. While not all of them were the greatest fighters, most of their essences had been chosen with speed and ease of travel in mind. And as Walker sensed no other pursuers, he chose to return to his scouting. Because the sect girl hadn¡¯t lied when she said that the sects outnumbered their little growing guild, and Walker had more of his people to check in on. ¡°Apparently, this old wanderer¡¯s work is never done.¡±
Crow couldn¡¯t help but stop in the doorway as she entered the living room of their house in the family compound, the messenger¡¯s scroll forgotten in her hand as she saw Little Crow entertain Raven through a elaborate game of sleight of hand involving several shiny marbles with different kinds of enchantments to float in the air, keep rolling in a certain direction or other such simple effects. The toddler was deep in focus as she attempted to catch each marble while her ¡®uncle¡¯ constantly kept subtly adding to the difficulty each time the little girl succeeded. ¡°I see that the family¡¯s games haven¡¯t changed much,¡± Crow noted as she entered. ¡°But that marble blinking in and out of visibility is a new touch since my time. The nostalgia is undeniable, as well as the contrast many would note in one of the kingdom¡¯s most famed assassins playing with a little girl like Raven.¡± ¡°Family is the most precious of gifts, dear cousin. That part of the Tengu¡¯s wisdom hasn¡¯t changed, and you seem to keep it close to heart even though you¡¯ve left the fold,¡± Little Crow replied without stopping their little game. ¡°And yet the Tengu¡¯s games were always part of training somehow. Not that I disapprove, but I believe that I have made myself clear that Raven will get to choose her own path in life.¡± ¡°Of course, dear cousin. I assure you that I have no such intentions with this little moment of merriment. But I did bring the set of marbles as a gift. Properly developing your perceptual and motor skills early never hurts, no matter which way precious little Raven will walk in the future,¡± the smiling man noted, turning to Crow once Raven caught the final little elusive marble that had eluded her for a while. ¡°But from the feel of your aura upon arrival, I get the sense that you had other matters you wished to discuss?¡± Crow nodded, still unused to not being the one with the sharpest spiritual senses in the compound. While she knew Kite would probably surpass her in time, she still had many more years of experience to lean on in that regard. But her cousin¡¯s senses were sharp and acute to a degree that told her of the smiling man¡¯s actual skill. Little Crow was no paper tiger hiding behind his family name and legacy. ¡°I did indeed,¡± she confirmed, holding out the little scroll for her cousin to read. ¡°A message from the adventure society was just delivered. While its arrival was most fortunate, the contents are troubling. It would seem that Kite and the others have been held up in some kind of trouble near Convergence.¡± Little Crow read as she spoke, nodding to himself all the while. ¡°Ah, I see. So that¡¯s where all that correspondence was going. The sects. Not a bad choice, although they are probably in for a surprise,¡± he mused aloud before seeming to catch himself. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, cousin. As things stand, I might as well clue you in given that me and Soul will probably be leaving soon. I came to warn Kite of his name coming up quite a lot as forces in the capital started to investigate him closer as well as to spread rumors and bring attention to him and his little project. The guild he has formed, along with the splash he made in the capital, would see a lot of people want to inconvenience him on principle alone.¡± ¡°And this is part of that? They¡¯d go so far?¡± ¡°Never underestimate how far people will go when upholding their so-called principles, cousin. Especially not when Kite and his ventures bruise their prides a bit by merely existing. From that little message of yours, I¡¯m unsure if Kite will need my warnings as he seems to be quite aware. Still, it won¡¯t hurt to go and deliver them in person. Maybe even offer my services, if the price is right.¡± ¡°And you think Soul will go with you? From what Kite and Dragonfly have told me, she doesn¡¯t seem to be the kind of person to go for a charitable cause,¡± Crow noted, glancing to towards the bathhouse and their hot springs at the edge of their compound where the celestine was usually found soaking when she wasn¡¯t training, often with a fascinated Raven as rapt audience. ¡°Hah! I believe that you are mistaken, dear cousin,¡± Little Crow said as he led her towards one of the verandas surrounding their house. ¡°Oh? How so?¡± ¡°While I haven¡¯t known Soul for very long, her motivations aren¡¯t that hard to grasp. So I believe that you might have underestimated just who would view the situation as ¡®charity¡¯. Or more likely, a blessed opportunity from Warrior himself,¡± the smiling man said as they exited, before cupping his mouth and calling: ¡°Soul, it seems that Kite and his guild is embroiled in some kind of pseudo-war with three sects down near Convergence. While I get that this may greatly inconvenience you, I would still suggest that-¡± Crow had to admit that she had expected there to at least be some kind of splash when someone moved out of a bath as quickly as Soul did in that moment, but was proven quite wrong. The amethyst-haired celestine landed soundlessly on the roof of the bathhouse for a fraction of a moment, barely touching down before springing off again while somehow managing to go from stark naked to fully clothed before completing the leap. ¡°Convergence? Which sects? How fast can you run?¡± The three questions weren¡¯t delivered with any particular speed, but the intensity in Soul¡¯s expression and spirit was something else. ¡°Blessed by Warrior indeed,¡± Crow thought to herself with wry amusement as her cousin showed the message to the battle-mad woman. Raven had noticed the hubbub as well, and came walking out to join them, half hiding behind Crow¡¯s robes while she kept staring up at Soul with her somber fascination. ¡°Then we are off. Thank you for your hospitality,¡± Soul said, the latter delivered mid step as if an afterthought as she set off towards the compound¡¯s gates. ¡°I¡­ just realized that I really should have packed my things before telling her,¡± Little Crow sighed despondently, before turning and bowing more politely to his hostess. ¡°Thank you, cousin. I hope that we shall return soon. And thank you, little chick,¡± he continued, kneeling in front of Raven and giving her a pat on the head. ¡°Now be a good little lady and practice with the marbles when I¡¯m gone.¡± Getting a somber nod in return, Little Crow rose back to his feet and looked after the departing Soul. ¡°I¡¯d best depart. It will be good to see my little adopted brother again. I wonder how he has grown since we last met?¡±
As the door slid shut behind her, Dragonfly gave out a frustrated snarl as she threw a punch toward a nearby support beam. Fortunately, she had the sense to halt the blow a centimeter before it struck the polished wood and blew out a good chunk of the wall, the guildhall not being made to withstand such violence from within. ¡°Did you fare poorly?¡± Kite asked with clear concern from across the room where he was tiredly studying the map laid out on the table, his hair a bit ruffled from the rush of air which had followed his lover¡¯s restrained punch. ¡°Nope. We did fine. They backed off as soon as they saw me,¡± Dragonfly growled, choosing a less violent expression of her frustrations as she instead leaned her forehead against the wall, her eyes closed. ¡°But while on the way back, I met two other groups where one managed to escape unscathed, but the others lost their goods. Gods, Kite, I just want to go out there and start chopping off limbs to teach those cursed cowards a proper lesson.¡± ¡°I know Dragonfly. I know. But-¡± ¡°But if we do that, the sects will start retaliating in kind and things are already escalating. I know, Kite. I know. I know we can¡¯t fight them all and that they would overwhelm us. I know that they outnumber us and that we three silvers can¡¯t be everywhere. But it¡¯s just¡­¡± ¡°I believe that Amica would have said that ¡®it sucks¡¯,¡± Kite added, walking over to lean against the wall next to her, his closeness hopefully lending her some sliver of comfort. ¡°What? ¡®Sucks¡¯? Why would one say that?¡± Dragonfly asked, looking up at him. ¡°I truly cannot fathom, but apparently it means that something is bad. My foreign companions each had rather odd figures of speech, and found mine to be the same.¡± ¡°Huh. It sucks,¡± Dragonfly said, tasting the word. ¡°No, still weird. But I can agree with the sentiment though. If only those cowardly elders hadn¡¯t started hiding. At least face us and let us clash properly so that we can send you packing back to your sects.¡± The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Maybe that¡¯s exactly why they don¡¯t? It hasn¡¯t worked well for the ones who tried. Spending half a year in the sect compound isn¡¯t what most had planned, after all.¡± ¡°I still think that we should have asked for more.¡± ¡°While I share the feeling, I still counsel caution. It feels like the sects are trying to uphold an odd kind of balance while constantly pushing us to break it so that they can do too. I¡¯m not sure if it is some attempt at keeping face for striking out against such a small organization as ours, or if they have planned something else. Still, half a year is plenty of breathing room, and if we¡¯re clever, we might even be able to corner another of their silvers. Uncle Walker just came back to drop off some more results of his scouting, and he might have found another lead.¡± ¡°Oh, and it¡¯s my turn!¡± ¡°That it is, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite said with a wan smile before turning back to the map. ¡°I just wish that it didn¡¯t feel like we¡¯re just running around and putting out fires even as the house burns down around us. If their aim was to keep us busy, at least they have succeeded. I have some plans I¡¯d like to enact, and if Braid and Wander get my message and can get here in time, maybe we can start turning things around.¡± ¡°Does your plan entail a lot of violence against the sects?¡± ¡°At least choice parts of them.¡± ¡°Then count me in.¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t told you the plans yet.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Dragonfly said, standing up on her tiptoes and giving Kite a peck on the cheek. ¡°You might be a kind man, Kite, but your plans rarely leave me disappointed.¡± ¡°In the violence-department?¡± ¡°You know me so well.¡±
Her mind and perception focused to a razor¡¯s edge, River slowly and carefully guided one of her conjured chains along the cliff face, the other lengths occupied with anchoring her in place where she hung suspended over the landscape far below. Another person on another errand might have at least considered enjoying the stunning view over the summer landscape stretching out beneath the cliff upon which the Mirrored Mountain sect had built their sect compound; a multi-layered series of constructions which sprawled across the outside of and between a series of three identical mountain peaks. But River had neither the inclination nor the time for such things. Her questing chain had so far not found anything of note, and thus River made her move. A spike manifested on the end of the conjured chain before it dug into the cliff face with ease, and River was just about to start making her way toward it and the process of finding another safe spot where to anchor her chain when disaster struck. A minute crack had spread from her new anchor, just a handspan up and to the left. And apparently straight into one of the many, many defensive formations covering the cliff face which River had so far painstakingly managed to avoid. She did not swear or otherwise make a sound, instead immediately releasing all her conjured chains from the cliff wall and kicking off. But even with her swiftness and decisive action, the subsequent detonation still clipped her and sent River hurtling towards the forest below. Shaking off the stunning effect, she drew her chains in close towards her body, coiling them tight as she readied herself. Just because a silver-ranker could most often survive terminal velocity rather unscathed didn¡¯t mean that she¡¯d enjoy spending precious time picking herself out of a crater. As River passed the treetops, she decided that the moment was right, and nine chains shot out in all directions as they found thick branches to wind themselves around or trunks in which to burrow. Pain still lanced through her as the lengths went taut around her body where they had wound themselves, but it was nothing River couldn¡¯t embrace as her descent was halted before the wound up links started unwinding, spinning her around like a circus acrobat. She let the chains disappear as she touched down lightly on the soft ground beneath, already moving off towards the east before the first falling leaf from her passing could touch the ground. ¡°Heavens curse it all,¡± she inwardly thought, finally allowing her absolute focus to lapse slightly as there were no signs of either discovery or pursuit, her slight disturbance probably chalked up to some random monster or animal. ¡°If only these sects were as lax in their defensive arrays as they are in their vigilance.¡± The Mirrored Mountain sect was actually the third sect compound she had attempted to infiltrate, but as with Luminous Cloud and Perfected Step, this too had ended in frustration. But River had known what she had seen and sensed that day when the Pathbreaker had thwarted whatever schemes the sects had tried to enact; an aura mask much like that up in the Descending Star sect. ¡°The heavens are surely laughing at me though, dangling a potential prize in front of me but keeping it out of reach,¡± she inwardly swore, her frustrations feeling like an old companion by now. Scouting outside had so far not worked, as she had sensed no more of them in the groups which moved to pursue the guild which the annoying one and his companions had apparently built. River cared little of that in itself, as anything strong enough to make room for itself had the right to remain, but she would still have wished for them to make some more noise; something to really grab the sect¡¯s attention and allow her to slip into their compounds. Entering to find the potential priests and priestesses of Discord, holed up like parasitic cuckoos inside their ¡®nests¡¯, was the next logical step unless she wanted to keep waiting around for what could be months before she happened upon one of the masked clergy on the outside again. It was a secondary plan, but while patience was a virtue, it wasn¡¯t always the preferred way. But River knew that she did have another option. One that carried risks of another kind. An option that she really didn¡¯t want to choose, but the one that currently seemed like the only viable one left if she didn¡¯t want to return to the simple waiting game once more. ¡°Surrendering one¡¯s pride and asking for help¡­ There is a special quality to that kind of pain, little one. It is one of my favorites.¡± ¡°Then is that what you would counsel, Lord?¡± River asked her deity, his words a familiar scraping against the inside of her skull. ¡°I counsel nothing in this case, little one. There is pain in waiting, and there is pain in acting. And both courses can take you towards your goal, where you will further my cause either way.¡± River kept mulling over the deity¡¯s words for a while as she ran through the forest, but she already knew that she had made up her mind. It caused both trepidation and shame to well up in her, but River mentally embraced the painful feelings, letting the sensations wash through her as she set her course back towards Convergence.
Kite felt a bit despondent as he walked back through the streets of Convergence after just having delivered the latest batch of reports of sect transgressions to the local deputy director of the adventure society. Other members interfering in contracts like this was very, very frowned upon, and as the offenses were repeated, demotions and penalties had started going out left and right. Kite knew that if the branch director herself had been given free reign, she would have kicked all of the offenders out of the society faster than they could blink. But with the state of local politics, he also knew that doing so might risk setting off a chain of events not unlike that of the Descending Star sect during the last monster surge, with the people of the land being the ones paying the heaviest price. ¡°What feels just and what feels like the right thing truly isn¡¯t as clear cut as one would like.¡± The thought came to him as he spotted Justice¡¯s temple in the temple district a few streets over, its straight and rigid architecture dwarfed by the local edifices to Warrior and Dominion. But seeing the houses of the gods did remind Kite that his own visit to sacred grounds was quite overdue. One detour and a few minutes of walking quickly corrected that, however, as Kite found himself in one of the private alcoves in the local temple of Fortune. As always, entering that particular holy ground gave an odd kind of comfort, like the sense of gazing back on a lifetime of choices and finding them to have been the right ones in the end. And while the gods could hear the thoughts dedicated to them, Kite was never beyond a little good and proper prayer. ¡°Fortune, once more it feels like I stand upon a precipice, plans falling into place before me while I have yet to take that first step which will set it all into motion. Please watch me with kind eyes as I do so,¡± he murmured, the token of the goddess he was gifted back at iron rank held gently in the palm of one hand. ¡°Because while I am not its official leader, I will still proudly stand by the guild as something that I have wrought. Seeing it grow, and knowing that it is through the hard work of locals helping shape their home after gaining just a little bit of power¡­ It warms my heart and strengthens my spirit. That is what I, no, what we will continue to defend. It doesn¡¯t deserve to have its growth hampered by spite and dishonor. I¡­ hope that you will see my intentions for what they are, and smile upon my endeavors.¡± As he spoke, Kite did feel himself easily slip a bit into part of the tranquil, reflective state of his daily meditations, the state further enhanced by the atmosphere of the temple. Having felt it before, he wasn¡¯t surprised in the slightest that many of the adventurers and warriors among the clergy incorporated prayer even into their combat trances. But something else also occurred, and while he had felt it before, the sliver of attention from a goddess was something which he never thought that he would get used to. ¡°I have heard your words, young one, and they shall be remembered. And if I may offer you a suggestion, I would recommend that you return to your guildhall with haste. There are developments there which you will want to take into account.¡± ¡°Lady Fortune,¡± Kite said, bowing toward the idol in front of him while his spirit was quivering before even that fragment of the goddess¡¯ attention. ¡°I will heed your counsel. But¡­ if it is not too presumptuous, shall I return with hope or trepidation in my heart?¡± While Kite knew that the goddess didn¡¯t owe him anything, he hoped that a polite question at least wouldn¡¯t hurt. ¡°Oh, I believe that you will be quite pleased.¡± ¡°Then I humbly thank you for your blessing, goddess.¡± ¡°Have you forgotten, young one, that I am found in the result of the dice that is thrown, not the arbiter of its path? It is you who, through words and actions, has laid the foundation for this day, as you will for many more. Return to your hall, and see what your path has brought you.¡± And with that, the presence was once more gone, Kite¡¯s spirit shuddering both in relief and an odd sense of loss. But he did not tarry, dropping some coins in the bowl of donations on his way out, pulling down the thin masking veil fastened to his wide hat as he once more joined the crowds on Convergence¡¯s streets. ¡°While I do not begrudge Glint some time to relax, flying back there would have been much swifter.¡± He did consider running up into the air and above the rooftops with the help of his powers, but managed to let patience guide his steps as he remained earthbound. No need in announcing his haste to the more perceptive observers of the city, after all. Thus, it took Kite nearly half an hour to weave through the crowded streets and return, the trip greatly shortened as the temple district was at least on the same side of the river as the guildhall. And as he drew closer, Kite¡¯s spirit did indeed start to soar as he felt a proud and very familiar aura from within the guildhall, its power like that of a drawn, gleaming blade raised in readiness. Its owner had apparently sensed his approach as well, because Kite had barely passed the gates in the low wall surrounding the guildhall when his instincts took over, his mind slipping into the clarity of his combat meditation in an instant. A fist glowing with transcendent light was barely deflected by a chiming staff of otherworldly metal before the glow shifted, racing across a body in motion to the shin that was about to impact his side, only for it in turn to be met by a spectral arm carrying a chitinous shield. But the kick was in turn just another feint, paving the way for the spinning elbow strike about to connect with his temple, only to meet a thin disc of force the size of a palm which had appeared through a breath and a murmur. Five more exchanges followed within the span of seconds before a sudden, almost simple looking counterattack caused Kite¡¯s assailant to twist, flicker and disengage. ¡°Pathbreaker. At least all that time spent around other people hasn¡¯t made you soft,¡± Soul, blessed of Warrior and seeker of perfection noted as she came to a stop, the taciturn celestine seeming her usual self as her travel cloak fell into place around her form after the earlier blur of motion. ¡°And it seems that you are staying true to yourself as well, Soul,¡± Kite greeted in turn, his smile genuine even if his surprise at seeing the celestine was quite obvious. ¡°I thought you were still up in Boundary, fighting in their local disputes and taking more steps on your road to martial perfection.¡± ¡°I was, but it¡­ became boring,¡± Soul said, the hesitation before the last admittance seeming born from just a hint of embarrassment quickly shoved back beneath her solid veneer. ¡°S-senior brother Kite? S-should we fetch the guildmaster?¡± came a stammering voice from the side. The speaker was one among a group of three iron-rankers, and Kite recognized them all as local members of the guild who he had at least met in passing if not more during his stay in Convergence. ¡°Do not worry, Cedar, this is just Soul¡¯s way. She is not an enemy of ours,¡± Kite told the iron-ranker, his hands raised in a calming gesture. While he had barely registered it at the time, Soul¡¯s little ¡®greeting¡¯ had interrupted a sparring session between the three irons, who had wisely chosen to not try and interfere with the sudden burst of violence. The short exchange also seemed to cause Soul to take note of their presence, and the celestine directed her intense amethyst gaze toward the man. ¡°I am not, and with the way you were moving earlier, you should thank Fortune that it wasn¡¯t the case,¡± she said, speaking without scorn nor pleasantries. ¡°You are an essence-user, and Warrior will expect no less than you fighting like you mean it. If you are afraid to use your powers in a spar, it just means that you lack the control and confidence born of said control.¡± ¡°I¡­ will reflect upon that, senior sist-¡± the man began, but Soul cut him off. ¡°Reflection comes after practice. Practice until your mana runs low and your legs shake, then practice some more. Only then will true reflection come,¡± she lectured, before seemingly going back to disregarding the iron¡¯s existence as she turned back to Kite. ¡°Is this really the type of warriors you are bringing into this¡­ guild of yours?¡± ¡°Well, they are first and foremost accepted based on their personality and potential,¡± Kite said while covertly gesturing towards the irons that it might be best for them to take their leave, a message that was gratefully accepted. ¡°Warriors can be forged over time, after all.¡± ¡°A sentiment that doesn¡¯t hold as much water if the sects start breaking down your door,¡± Soul retorted, and Kite had to nod and acquiesce that she had a point. ¡°I take it that you¡¯ve heard of our troubles then?¡± he asked, surprise once more coloring his tone, and some hopefulness slunk into the mix as he continued. ¡°Is that why you¡¯ve come?¡± ¡°Where there is trouble, there is usually battle. And in battle, we find tempering,¡± Soul replied, her tone hinting it to be obvious even while Kite thought that he could sense the sliver of embarrassment return to her spirit. ¡°And with nothing else to do, an opportunity to measure myself against not one but three sects? It should at least give me some time to consolidate my strength until I decide on the next step of my path-¡± ¡°Don¡¯t let her fool you, little brother Kite!¡± another voice suddenly added from seemingly nothing before a celestine with onyx hair and a colorful parasol fell into step beside the pair just as they were about to enter the guildhall. Little Crow looked the same as when Kite had last seen him in Heavenward, his thin eyes and easy smile never fading as he laid an arm around Kite¡¯s shoulders, guiding him the rest of the way across the threshold. ¡°You should have seen how quickly she came running when she got the news. Me too, of course. When you think of it, it¡¯s quite poetic actually; A crow and a warrior heard the wind speak of your plight, rushing to your side with all the speed we could muster. And hopefully, we might even be able to provide information and assistance both.¡± 177. As is my due ¡°Fortune, while how this came to be is completely beyond me, know that I am ever grateful. And whether it was plan or happenstance, praise be to Knowledge as well,¡± Kite thought, sending a silent prayer to the goddesses as well as anyone else who might have had a hand in this most serendipitous of events. Across the table from where he sat, Little Crow was just finishing up the telling of his trip from the capital, the chance conversation with a wandering priest of Knowledge which had in turn led him to meet up with and join Soul. While she seemed to be content in letting the smiling assassin be the one to handle most of the storytelling, Soul did interject some protest every once in a while when her unsolicited companion went a bit too far in his embellishments. ¡°-and you should have seen it, Kite; little Raven doing her wobbling utmost to match our dear blessed of Warrior here as she went through her meditative katas. The recording I managed to snatch of that put me thoroughly in the grace of your aunties for years to come. I think I have it here somewhere,¡± Little Crow said while he began to rummage around his dimensional bags. ¡°Later. Focus,¡± Soul finally interjected, apparently feeling that the thirteenth sidetrack of the conversation was one too many. Ignoring the mock wounded expression of her companion, she continued. ¡°We got the message from the adventure society and set out immediately. While your compound is nice enough, that¡¯s not where my opportunities lie. Tell us about the sects and these troubles. And where is Dragonfly? Crow and Dove said that you left together.¡± ¡°As for Dragonfly, she is currently out and trying to protect our people. Run counter-interference, as my teachers back at Gauntlet would have called it,¡± Kite explained. ¡°And as for the troubles¡­ Well, it is a bit of a story, albeit one with more frustration than excitement.¡± He still did his best to summarize what he knew, from Walker¡¯s tellings of the first hints of the conflict to his and Dragonfly¡¯s intervention in the attempted blockade and the subsequent game of attrition that they were currently embroiled in. ¡°-and while the challenges initially worked as a way to strike back at their silver-rankers and keep them out of things for a while, their elders have started to make themselves scarce these days, instead content with throwing more and more initiates and disciples at our operations and knowing that three silvers we have had available won¡¯t be able to be everywhere at once. All of this still feels surreal. I can feel that the sects would just love to get a reason to move against us with lethal intent, yet they haven¡¯t so far, instead playing by their own twisted sense of honor in striking downwards within their ¡®rules¡¯,¡± Kite finished, his exasperation clear. ¡°I would have imagined that they would have just made up a reason by now. This whole conflict just feels odd. While I know that the concept of a guild might be an eyesore to their national pride, we haven¡¯t tried encroaching on their territories, even focusing on contracts which they usually find beneath them.¡± ¡°I believe that to be a most excellent que for me to make my own contribution,¡± Little Crow said, producing a scroll which he slid across the table to Kite even as he continued his explanations. ¡°We started to catch wind of very subtle inquiries in regards to you, dear adopted brother, starting just before you returned from your time spent with the task group. While you sure made a splash during your crash of the local dueling rankings, things had begun to settle a bit in the months of your absence, so this broke the pattern. And when these inquiries were starting to turn into small nudges, hints and suggestions as to direct attention towards you and the guild, I only felt that it was proper to provide some warning. We¡¯re family, after all.¡± ¡°So this may not be limited to local politics?¡± Kite asked, realization dawning in his expression. ¡°The players of the capital have started to take note?¡± ¡°It would seem so. Or at least someone made them take note,¡± Little Crow confirmed. ¡°Had it just been some idle rumors or posturing, I would have been content in just sending a message. But with the way things are moving beneath the surface in Heavenward, and a certain contract our family got offered from branch director Temren¡­ Not coming personally and offering my services would have been terribly remiss of me.¡± Seeing the spark of hope ignite even further in Kite¡¯s eyes, the assassin held up a hand to forestall him. ¡°But while I personally would have found no need for it, I am one of the Tengu¡¯s crows, part of the main family branch. Part of the reason that we have been able to keep our lofty and neutral position has been our mercenary nature and clear creed. You know that I like you, Kite. What you¡¯re doing here is an incredible source of amusement to me, as only the heavens know how many ¡®he dares?!¡¯ that has been uttered in the capital as of late. But as one of the Tengu¡¯s crows, I cannot join this cause without proper payment, and only for a time.¡± ¡°Then¡­ how much?¡± Kite asked, trepidation creeping into his voice as he saw the normally smiling man look a lot more serious than usual. So Little Crow told him, and Kite was suddenly very glad for the substantial remunerations stated in his contract with task group Gauntlet. Because he would surely need it in the months to come. But even while his purse would surely suffer, they also desperately needed more powerful pieces on the metaphorical board, both to keep the sects in check and to enact their plan to break the current state of the equally metaphorical game. ¡°That¡­ will be manageable,¡± he eventually responded, smile a bit more strained. ¡°Do you perhaps accept essences, awakening stones or equipment as well?¡± ¡°Oh, of course, Kite, of course. The family even pays a premium for certain types too. Among others, we¡¯ll buy any potent essence you can get your hands on. If one is to take out something as tough as silvers in as short a time frame as possible, adding some more ¡®oomph¡¯ to a power set is always welcome. And I will see if I can¡¯t manage to at least get some kind of family discount or similar concessions from the elders.¡± ¡°I am ever grateful for your generosity,¡± Kite said, giving a small bow to the man before turning to Soul, trepidation rising once more. ¡°And you, Soul? What kind of compensation would you ask for to assist us?¡± ¡°How many fights can you give me?¡± The answer was instantaneous, and both Kite and his coffers had to suppress a sigh of relief. ¡°Hopefully, more than a few. If not against the sects and their elders, then against us. Neither I nor Dragonfly will leave until things are resolved.¡± ¡°You did say that the elders were hiding like the cowards they are though,¡± Soul noted. ¡°I haven¡¯t come all this way to be disappointed, Pathbreaker.¡± ¡°We do have some plans to pin down as many of them as possible, which would be only that much easier with the two of you at our side. But that is only the beginning. I have actually sent word to other allies who should be in the region as well. With their help, and now with yours¡­¡± he trailed off, smile full of meaning. ¡°Well, get on with it,¡± Soul said, not one for theatrics. So Kite told her and Little Crow, leaving the latter nodding thoughtfully while Soul¡­ Actually smiled. ¡°True to form then, Pathbreaker. As long as I can have the Perfected Step sect, I¡¯m in.¡± ¡°Indeed, the idea won¡¯t surprise anyone who knows me. Or of me. But the execution will be a bit different than last time if we are to succeed, hence why Braid and Wander will be of great help,¡± Kite said, his smile mirroring that of the battle-mad celestine. ¡°And while one shouldn¡¯t get too carried away, I will admit that turning the tables and kicking down the door of a sect or three would be greatly satisfying if we can claim victory.¡±
¡°Report,¡± said the high priestess of Discord after activating a privacy screen in one of the combs keeping her hair in place. Her servant knelt behind her while she kept her face in the same mask of half disinterest, half condescension that she always wore as she regarded the bickering court. Seated only two levels below the king, an outrageous position for someone not even part of the prominent families or sects, she had many an indignant gaze thrown her way during the proceedings. But it was a place that she had occupied for a long time now, and the squabbles of her lessers did not bother her. She had held the place for years, after all. In fact, they made her rather satisfied as their positioning and scheming just kept furthering her deity¡¯s cause. ¡°From what we could gather, three local sects of the north have so far picked up the threads that were put out as a result of our actions here in the capital. They smell an opportunity to garner favor with their betters, and are putting pressure on the guild as we speak. It will probably crumble in time, but as they are keeping things public to maximize their legitimacy and as a show of force, things are moving slowly. I have taken the liberty to prepare additional options to speed things along through our contacts in the church of Deceit and Disguise. They will stand ready to act should the council wish it.¡± ¡°I see. I approve of your initiative. So far, I will cast my vote with patience. Better to choke down the weeds to an anticlimactic, inglorious end rather than risk making them martyrs among sympathizers.¡± ¡°As you wish, high priestess.¡± As her servant faded back into the background, the priestess started questing outward with her perception once more. While the use of her spirit would be limited among the golds keeping watch over their silvers, it was easy to forget and overlook the more mundane kind of gathering information. With her many powers improving traits like sight and hearing, the priestess could even weasel her way through a surprising amount of privacy screens and similar enchantments. ¡°It would seem that things are indeed moving towards a champion being assigned to challenge the king within a few years,¡± she thought as she took in the varied conversations, adding the information to the great wealth of knowledge that she had tucked away in her perfect memory. She was unsure if the conspirators in question knew of the plans themselves, but for someone well-versed in reading the patterns of her deity¡¯s garden, the precursor signs were there. ¡°My dear majesty doesn¡¯t get to wet his blade that often these days. It should be a welcome distraction. I¡¯ll see what I can do to speed up the process. A power vacuum after a failed attempt is always fertile grounds for our cause, after all,¡± she thought, already forming plans. ¡°Let the weeds wither in the periphery up in the north. They won¡¯t even know their insignificance to our cause as they fall back into obscurity.¡±
¡°So, there won¡¯t be anyone coming from the Perfected Step sect?¡± Elder Leaping Tide of the Mirrored Mountain sect asked his counterpart, as Elder Eastern Dusk Song sat down across the table from him at the noodle shop in one of Convergence¡¯s finer districts. He activated a privacy screen built into his elder¡¯s medallion, and the shimmering sphere soon surrounded them to keep their conversation private, even though the presence of two silver-rankers in sect robes had already put quite the dampener on the atmosphere within the restaurant. ¡°No. They have been holed up in their sect lately. Haven¡¯t you heard? Apparently the Pathbreaker has recruited some old enemy of theirs, and she¡¯s apparently enough to have them running scared. Just a single silver though. They¡¯ll need plenty more of those to start getting around our numbers.¡± ¡°Bah. Cowards. I have respect for your Luminous Cloud sect, Elder. But it would seem like Perfected Step is starting to slip. When we¡¯re done with handling this eyesore of a guild, we can finally start organizing the next sect tournament between the three of us, and see if Perfected Step has slipped in that regard as well.¡± ¡°A correction, if you don¡¯t mind-¡± ¡°What-¡± ¡°Who-¡± Both sect elders leapt to their feet the moment the disembodied voice spoke up from the empty chair at their table, and a moment later, a smiling celestine man with a colorful parasol resting at his side appeared in the chair inside the privacy screen. Or at least where the privacy screen had been, as it had burst like a soup bubble the moment the man appeared. ¡°There are two of us. New silvers, that is. My name is Little Crow Plucks the Moon, and I would like to challenge you to-¡± The word ¡®challenge¡¯ had barely left his lips before Eastern Dusk Song vanished in a wisp of flame, teleporting away in an instant to leave Leaping Tide looking at the empty space with a clear sense of betrayal in his eyes. ¡°Oh? Didn¡¯t stick around? A shame,¡± Little Crow said, speaking loudly enough that his voice easily carried throughout the room, making this the public spectacle that it was intended to be. ¡°Well, elder, I suppose it is just you here to address my challenge then. Your people have seemed so keen to find the members of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild wherever they may be, so I thought that I¡¯d return the favor. For formality¡¯s sake, I shall repeat myself: I challenge you, to a clash of paths. What do you say, elder? Up for a little trading of pointers. Your fellows in both your and the other sects seem to have become very scarce lately. Scared of fighting some ¡®outcast trash¡¯ as you seem to be so fond of calling us?¡± From the cornered look in the elder¡¯s eyes, the man knew that he was left with few options. While most had initially been keen on teaching the outcasts a few lessons and forcing them out of the conflict, things hadn¡¯t worked out too well for the sects in that regard, and most elders seemed keen on staying out of the conflict these days to let the initiates and disciples interfere through sheer numbers. Most would escape when Kite and the others showed up, but managing to deliver a challenge like this in a public enough setting forced them to a decision point; accept and risk the consequences, or refuse and admit themselves weaker than the outcasts. Running away was definitely more than just skirting the realm of the latter, but it would at least not force the kind of public admittance of actually declining. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Little Crow could see the war inside the other man, and the moment when his internal risk analysis determined that the chance of victory was a better choice than the one which would bruise his ego for certain. ¡°Not the wisest choice, but at least he¡¯s staying true to his path,¡± Little Crow thought as elder Leaping Tide managed to muster some steel in his voice as he delivered a bold response to the challenge. From the feel of the other man¡¯s aura, he felt rather assured of the outcome. Not that the elder was objectively bad, just that if he had been good enough to move closer to the heartlands, he probably would have. ¡°I¡¯ll try to put him down gently.¡±
Rain pattered on the roof of the guildhall, with the distant thunder of the summer storm echoing occasionally from off in the distance. And Kite¡­ Was doing paperwork. ¡°It somehow feels like uncle Walker is volunteering for a lot of these extra sweeps and escorts,¡± he thought with a wry smile as he closed one of the guild¡¯s ledgers. His uncle made no secret of which part of leading the guild he actually enjoyed, after all. Usually, Second Spring picked up the slack when the silver-ranker was absent, but even the bronze-ranker had started to look a bit frazzled after a week of effectively being the acting guild master as Walker had gone out to simultaneously keep an eye on five different teams of the guild during their contracts. In his defense, Walker was the only one with the path able to shoulder the burden of covering such a large area, but Kite had still chosen to step in for a night and let Spring get some rest. ¡°But I truly don¡¯t get why uncle detests this so. With the mind of a silver, these things are easy. Even a bit meditative. It¡¯s probably the principle of the thing.¡± He chuckled with amusement at his own thoughts and was just about to start reviewing the next part of the guild¡¯s bookkeeping when he froze, the pen hovering perfectly still just a centimeter over the ledger. An aura had touched upon his, the spiritual contact feeling like someone dragging a pinprick of ice through the inside of his spine. The only reason why Kite hadn¡¯t already sprung to his feet ready for battle was the fact that the nudge, aside from the deeply unpleasant sensation of it, had been surprisingly careful. Not in the way of someone trying and failing to sneak past Kite¡¯s spiritual defenses either, but in the way of announcing oneself. A greeting. He still spared no time in locating the source through his own aura, having no trouble finding its source on a nearby rooftop. Seeing the silhouette crouching there in the gloom, only faintly illuminated from the occasional passing light below, Kite still gathered his spirit into readiness before pushing open the window and stepping out into the air while donning the wide-brimmed hat gifted him by Walker to keep the pouring rain away. Given the current weather, few people were out and about, and none of them had much reason to look up from under their protective umbrella to see the two silver-rankers squaring off against one another, one standing untouched by the rain on panes of force that kept him aloft while the other still crouched on her rooftop, entirely uncaring of the pouring rain that caused her white, almost translucent hair to cling tightly to her head and cheeks. ¡°Dancer on the Broken River,¡± Kite greeted, his voice soft enough to get drowned out by the soft rumble of the rain hitting streets and rooftops yet loud enough for another silver to hear him. ¡°Annoying one,¡± River greeted in turn. Standing in front of the adherent of Pain and feeling the strength and sharpness of her aura, ritual scars visible like faint lines on her exposed face, Kite once more felt the resemblance between River and Amica, even if the method and circumstances of their scarring were quite different. ¡°Why are you here?¡± Kite asked, and while his voice was carefully moderated to avoid notice, it held no warmth, only wariness. ¡°We have a common enemy. Ever since the revelation at the fall of the Descending Star sect,¡± River replied, her tone brooking no nonsense as she got straight to the point. And it wasn¡¯t hard for Kite to make the connection of who she meant. After all, had it not been for River¡¯s presence that day, neither of them would have found the trail of Discord¡¯s influence. ¡°So we might,¡± he agreed, but kept it short. Both knew better than to speak the deity¡¯s name out loud. While only Knowledge knew all things known to people, Discord was still a god. And actively drawing the attention of a god that was your adversary felt rather unwise. ¡°I have found traces of more of them. Here. In the sects.¡± Apparently noticing Kite stiffening in surprise and realization, River continued. ¡°But the sects¡¯ defenses are too thorough. I need a way in and a distraction.¡± ¡°And thus you come to me?¡± ¡°You of all people should know what they did. They need to be punished. And I need to know more.¡± As River spoke, Kite clearly felt the frustration and cold, tight anger in River¡¯s aura. And while he knew that it was something she let him perceive, her powerful aura more than adequate to hide the feelings should she wish for it, he took it for what it was; a show of sincerity. But sincere or not, River was still a follower of Pain. And they had been enemies, and she still should be due to the very nature of her powers. Should be. Because at that moment, Kite was thoroughly reminded that reality and circumstances weren¡¯t always as clear cut. ¡°You can detect them?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°And catch them?¡± ¡°Possibly. Probably.¡± ¡°And how can I be assured that you will share what you learn from them? Or even better, hand them to me when you have had your answers?¡± ¡°I can swear to share, if that pleases you. You can even witness me extracting the information, but I assumed that you are too weak of mind and spirit to stomach it.¡± ¡°The adventure society is quite apt at extracting information,¡± Kite countered, but River only shook her head. ¡°Are you dense or just blinded by naivet¨¦? What would happen if it was found out that the adventure society had imprisoned what are ostensibly ¡®honorable¡¯ members of the local sects that mysteriously vanished from their homes? Even I have a good enough grasp of local politics to see the risks and find them too high. That would be exactly what they want, after all. To sow more spite and conflict. And I will not give more to them if I can avoid it.¡± While he most assuredly did not like the thought of what River implied, Kite had to give it to her; she had a point. An uncomfortable one, but a point nonetheless. So he let the harder, more jaded parts of himself consider things; the side of himself that he needed to bring out when things were more complicated but decisions needed to be made. The side born in the conflict with the Fallen Sect back at iron rank, and further tempered through his conflicts and strife ever since, be it when ambushed in a warehouse by four sect initiates, or when he decided to kill disciple Mist as his foes threw honor to the wind and ganged up on him at the end of his grand clash in Gilded. The side he had to bring out every time a contract had him bring someone in alive to the adventure society and local authorities, knowing full well that questioning, trial and probably execution was what awaited them. And while that part of him was only just that - a part - it agreed that they did need answers. If Discord was present in this conflict, they needed to be rooted out. And the priestess of Pain before him was indeed their best way to do it. ¡°I will have to discuss it with the others before making such a decision.¡± ¡°If you must, but do not tarry. My - our - prey is elusive.¡± River responded. Her frustration was clear, but she had apparently chosen to remain as diplomatic as possible. ¡°Return in two days. I will probably have an answer for you then. And I will tell you that we already have plans that, should the others agree, would suit your needs. If we can reach an accord that is. A temporary one.¡± ¡°Had I been able to do this alone, I would already have. Thus, I have no reason for deceit,¡± River retorted. ¡°But fine, I will return in two days. Do not let this opportunity go to waste. They need to suffer for what they have done.¡± And with those words, River turned and left, leaping through the rain without looking back, apparently confident in her ability to sense any hostile move Kite might decide to make. He was left there in the rain, thoughts whirling with both the implications of this potential collaboration, but even more with the all but confirmed presence of priests of Discord within at least one of the sects here as well. ¡°Or is it all of them? Is this mere happenstance? Has their church taken notice of us? Or is this just what they do; sow conflict?¡± And while each thought tugged his mind in different directions, his silver-ranked mind easily unfurling long series of speculative deduction, Kite at least had enough clarity to also realize that none of these hypotheticals would be best resolved out in the pouring rain late in the evening. Glint, apparently having sensed his unease, strode into his room in her draconian form just as he closed the windows behind him. ¡°Kite? Is something amiss? Sensing your unease, I have stood ready to bring the wrath of the thousand rivers down upon any and all foes.¡± ¡°Amiss? Maybe. Danger? Not this time. Thank you, little beauty,¡± Kite replied, still not having become fully used to his little carp companion now being so verbal, sounding more like a young mistress each day. As he tried to include her more and more into their dealings, Kite took some time to summarize his odd encounter, with River being the third unexpected arrival into this conflict between their guild and the sects. Albeit one a lot more complicated than Little Crow and Soul. ¡°-and then she left. If what she said is true, the implications are as troubling as the potential lead is enticing. Is this a pattern? How widespread is it? Can we even trust that priestess of Pain enough?¡± ¡°Did she seem sincere, following her path?¡± Glint asked in turn, while busy smoothing out some of the stylish tassels of her current set of layered robes. ¡°I¡­ think so?¡± ¡°Did she seem ready to unleash its wrath on her - and our - foes, given the chance?¡± ¡°Most certainly.¡± ¡°Then what is there to question? It is the duty of each path to cause the heavens to tremble. Trust those that are true to themselves.¡± The exchange did leave Kite a bit¡­ stunned. And suspicious. ¡°Glint?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°How much have you been listening to Soul lately? Because combined with what auntie Crow told you, you are treading rather close to sounding more like a ¡®proper¡¯ Hua-Xian than I am.¡± ¡°Good. I¡¯m a dragon, after all-¡± ¡°A bit of a late bloomer though.¡± ¡°- The most beautiful dragon in the land,¡± Glint continued, ignoring Kite¡¯s comment. ¡°You may now stroke my fins, as is my due.¡± Without further ado, his familiar punctuated those words by turning back into her small carp form before floating expectantly into his lap. Fortunately, her shapeshifting did include her clothes and other worn items, so at least Kite didn¡¯t have to worry about constantly picking up robes and accessories whenever she felt like going back to her original form. ¡°Is it that simple to you, then?¡± he asked, his amused smile breaking through his worries for a moment as he started gently stroking the shimmering veils of her fins. Glint didn¡¯t even bother answering, except for a self-satisfied feeling through their bond. ¡°Oh, little beauty. I¡¯m still most unsure if these lands are ready for you and all you can become. Tomorrow, we¡¯ll see what the others think of this. Somehow, I feel that my ardent Dragonfly will be a bit more¡­ skeptical.¡±
¡°-and you want us to work with her? Her? The crazy, torturing Pain-cultist?¡± Dragonfly asked in disbelief, unable to halt her pacing in the conference room. ¡°And why am I the only one who seems to think that this is madness?¡± The accompanying accusatory glare was directed toward Walker, Soul, Little Crow and Second Spring, who sat spread around the room while seeming half lost in thought after Kite¡¯s telling of his unexpected conversation the night before. ¡°If she steps out of line, I¡¯ll deal with her,¡± Soul said with a shrug, seeming to think that was that. ¡°She tortures people,¡± Dragonfly retorted. ¡°As is her path,¡± Soul noted, not seeming to think more of it. ¡°If she¡¯s skilled in combat, like you seem to think she was in the past at least, I might even be able to get a good spar out of her. Never fought a follower of Pain before.¡± ¡°Kite, Walker, you saw what her kind was like during the war. What her grand elder did. What she did,¡± Dragonfly continued, seeming to realize Soul for the lost cause that she was as she moved on. ¡°Believe me, Dragonfly, I do,¡± Kite repeated. ¡°I¡¯m not saying that we need to properly trust, and definitely not like, her. But¡­ She can find them. Them. And if they¡¯re in the sects¡­¡± ¡°Then we need to get to the bottom of things,¡± uncle Walker agreed, holding up a finger to forestall her protests. ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand me, Dragonfly, I haven¡¯t forgotten either. But she did assist Kite, if somewhat uneasy, at the fall of the Descending Star sect. And if what she implies is true, that gives me a bad feeling for the region. For my home. And this old man has seen a bit too much to still see the world as only blacks and whites.¡± Turning to the last person present for some kind of support, Dragonfly quickly wilted as Little Crow just gave her a beaming smile. ¡°Alas, I am but a mercenary in this case. But from what you told me of this little intrigue when we stopped by the temple of Knowledge¡­ Well, it does paint a complicated picture. Glad that I won¡¯t have to make any real, major decisions here,¡± he finished, leaning back in his seat and taking a drink of his tea. ¡°Most excellent local blend, this one. My gratitude, Spring.¡± ¡°I-it was nothing, master Crow,¡± the bronze-ranker stammered where she sat next to Walker. Seeing that Spring wasn¡¯t going to voice any protests either, which was rather unsurprising as the bronze among silvers, Dragonfly sighed as she sat down next to Kite. ¡°So¡­ We¡¯re really doing this then?¡± ¡°I won¡¯t choose between you and River¡¯s assistance Dragonfly,¡± Kite said honestly. ¡°If it would mean you not taking part, then it is no choice at all. But¡­ I believe that including her has merit. Uncomfortable, troubling merit. But merit nonetheless.¡± ¡°Look who¡¯s talking about something not being an actual choice. Of course I won¡¯t back out. It just¡­ doesn¡¯t feel good,¡± she grumbled, leaning into Kite. He could sense that she was still clearly conflicted, as was he, but there was the steel of determination in her aura as well. ¡°You¡¯ll have to make it up to me though.¡± ¡°If it is any consolation, my ardent Dragonfly, the rest of our plan is still rather unchanged. Braid and Wander sent their confirmations and should arrive soon. Including the priestess will only take minor adjustments on Braid¡¯s part. Most of us will probably see our fair share of fighting soon, so taking your frustrations out on some elder will be an option.¡± ¡°That¡­ does sound nice.¡± 178. These things take time ¡°I believe that we are ready to set out,¡± Kite finally declared where he stood next to Walker outside their Convergence guildhall. ¡°Braid and Wander have already gone ahead, even if the latter should still be nearby. Will you manage on your own, uncle?¡± ¡°Bah, don¡¯t worry about this old man, little Kite. I could take care of myself way before you were even born,¡± Walker retorted, waving away Kite¡¯s concern. ¡°Besides, we¡¯re keeping just enough guild members active for me to keep track of them. If things go even remotely well, the splash you¡¯re about to make will probably be distraction enough.¡± ¡°By the grace of Fortune, may it be so,¡± Kite intoned, relenting in his worries and turning to the others. ¡°Please make yourselves ready. Glint has graciously agreed to ferry us once we get out.¡± The familiar was indeed waiting nearby, still remaining in her draconian form until they had passed beyond the city¡¯s borders, her scales glittering in the summer sun where she stood next to Dragonfly while carrying her new, white parasol - a gift from Little Crow - with careful dignity. The man in question stood next to her, the pair looking every bit like a young master and mistress from the capital who were taking a look around the ¡®boonies¡¯ of the north. Dragonfly¡¯s armed and armored form stood in stark contrast to the two, but that didn¡¯t stop her from chatting happily with the others. Only Soul was still remaining at the other side of the courtyard, currently giving a trio of iron-rankers a most displeased glare as they sparred. ¡°-still lean too heavily on your left foot, weakness a proper enemy will exploit,¡± Kite heard her finish, her words punctuated by a yelp and a crash as she gave a proper demonstration of just that. ¡°That better be gone when I return. Warrior does not show mercy, and neither do I.¡± With that, she turned and walked over to the other gathered silvers, leaving the irons staring after her in awe, a bit of fear and not a small amount of admiration. ¡°It is most kind of you to look after our younger brothers and sisters,¡± Kite noted, only getting a confused scowl in return. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Teaching them.¡± ¡°Well, how could I stand to see that travesty of footwork here every morning? It would erode my spirit and tarnish any gleam of perfection that I might find.¡± ¡°No matter your reasons, the guild is grateful, honorary member Soul,¡± Kite said with a polite bow. At his words, Soul¡¯s scowl deepened further. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe that you¡¯re making me wear this,¡± she grumbled, looking down at the guild¡¯s crest embroidered boldly on her new cloak; a stylized leaf of shimmering red, gold and bronze. ¡°While it is beyond me to force anything upon the great Soul, blessed by Warrior, I still retain my most humble opinion that none should be able to mistake who you are representing. And besides, I would say that we all look rather stylish,¡± Kite finished, nodding to the rest of them who wore similar garments over their armor. ¡°Braid may only have stopped here briefly before setting back out to prepare, but when it comes to weaving, he is most expedient. ¡°Hence why I prefer simple fighting without all this¡­ fanfare,¡± Soul grumbled, but otherwise dropped the subject. Seeing that they were all ready and gathered, the group told their final farewells before exiting the guildhall¡¯s property and out onto the city, heading for a certain alleyway where a small rat was waving excitedly towards them. ¡°The way is clear then?¡± Kite asked Wander as they passed, her rat body hopping onto his shoulder. ¡°No sect spies or others who will send word quickly enough. The normals will talk about it, but that can¡¯t really be helped, but I¡¯ve made sure that the watchers that might have caused trouble have been dealt with. Based on the concoction you gave me, they¡¯ll have quite a bad time pants-wise when they wake up too,~¡± Wander squeaked happily. ¡°Poor bronzes, still having enough left of their insides for that little side effect.¡± ¡°And honored priest Orichalcum Fist?¡± ¡°Is waiting for us at the agreed upon location. I like him! For a priest of Warrior, he¡¯s surprisingly nice and talkative~.¡± ¡°He did seem agreeable. Soul¡¯s presence surely helped in convincing him to join our little venture,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°And those muscles¡­ Mmm, I wouldn¡¯t mind to be properly squeezed by something like that- Oh, left here, then right~,¡± Wander continued, interrupting her fantasizing to give directions. While the path she led them on was a bit¡­ unconventional, partly going through a small backyard with a mother and son arguing while hanging laundry who were too stunned by the troupe of silvers to protest or even react to Kite¡¯s polite apologies as they passed. Eventually though, they were out of the city after having passed through its northern gate, picking up speed as they crested a hill and left Convergence behind them. ¡°Unless they have a gold-ranker watching us, I declare our escape to be a decisive success~!¡± the little rat at Kite¡¯s shoulder declared, puffing up her little furry form in obvious pride. ¡°And look, there¡¯s that lovely hunk of a priest~.¡± A scant second later, Kite too noticed the man slowly going through some unarmed kata beneath a lone tree on the top of a faraway hill, uncaring of the two rats who were constantly scuttling over his bare shoulders and arms which rippled with clearly defined muscles. ¡°Wander, was it you who convinced him to practice without his shirt on?¡± Kite asked with a raised eyebrow as their group slowed down their final approach to be clear in their peaceful intentions. ¡°That¡¯s the best thing! I didn¡¯t~!¡± Wander squeaked happily. ¡°He just saw me watching, stopped and took it off. It¡¯s so nice when art actively accepts its admirers~!¡± Soul was the first to arrive before the priest, and Kite had never seen her bow as deeply to anyone like she did to Orichalcum Fist, priest of Warrior. ¡°Honored priest.¡± ¡°Ah, blessed one!¡± Orichalcum Fist exclaimed, returning her bow with a surprising reverence of his own. ¡°It is good that you are finally here. Our Lord seems to be most pleased with what you are doing here. Glorious combat surely awaits you! And you too, Pathbreaker and Dragonfly!¡± ¡°Honored priest,¡± both Kite and Dragonfly intoned as they caught up, with Kite continuing to speak. ¡°As long as the sects don¡¯t shy away from our challenges, our clashing will hopefully find your Lord¡¯s approval.¡± ¡°All good, all good, Pathbreaker,¡± the priest agreed heartily. ¡°Also, I have looked forward to going along on your most novel mode of transport. To be carried across the lands and towards battle behind a most glorious, beautiful dragon like Glint here¡­ Truly stirs the heart just thinking about it.¡± ¡°It is clear that you can recognize greatness, honored priest,¡± Glint responded, head held high. ¡°All of you, gaze upon my splendor.¡± With that, she stepped off to the side as her transformation started with its usual golden, shimmering glow that left the familiar in its much larger, serpentine shape with silken fins billowing outward to catch the sunlight. While those that had seen it before still gave their token show of appreciation, Orichalcum Fist proved not to be as retrained in his appreciation. ¡°Glorious! Magnificent!¡± he called as he ran along Glint¡¯s body, uncaring of the whipping winds or the ground and trees blurring beneath them during their flight, the priest seeming to want to enjoy the eastward ride in every way possible while all of the rest except Kite had retreated into the shelter of the boat which Glint dragged behind her. Or rather, most of the rest. ¡°Maybe I should¡¯ve gotten the vast essence instead, if it gets one all that attention of a man like him~,¡± Wander mused from next to Kite¡¯s ear where she sheltered from the rushing air. ¡°Orichalcum Fist does seem like one to thoroughly live each moment,¡± Kite noted. ¡°I am sure that he appreciates your path as well.¡± ¡°Or maybe I should get glittering fur~?¡± the rat continued her musings, not acknowledging Kite¡¯s attempted consolation. Leaving her to it, Kite instead leaned out to look to the horizons, where their destination awaited. ¡°Or rather, our first destination. If all goes well, we will do this again soon enough,¡± he thought, imagining the clashes that were to come. It was time for the guild, and him, to get a lot bolder.¡±
¡°-and this humble sect leader hope that this recounting of our handling of the guild issue will be to your liking. The Luminous Cloud sect looks forward to sending a group of our most promising students to the capital in the future, so that they may bring back tales your boundless knowledge, prowess and heritage,¡± Gossamer March of Morning finished, looking to her personal scribe to the side. ¡°Did you get that?¡± ¡°Yes, sect leader. Your way with words is, as always, an inspiration,¡± the younger man acknowledged, letting the conjured brush with which he had been writing vanish in a cloud of dispersing mana. Just a glance at the scroll before him once more confirmed to sect leader Morning that her choice in taking in the young scribe was worth it, as his calligraphy was growing more divine with each month. ¡°Excellent,¡± she confirmed, turning to other matters as she gave the younger man a dismissing wave. ¡°Have it sent out with the next set of messages to the capital. If all goes well, we can soon send confirmation that the guild has finally surrendered before our might, and we can move on to taking care of their members more thoroughly when they are out of the public eye.¡± ¡°Of course, sect leader. As always, you show impeccable wisdom and-¡± the young man began, but froze in his bow. But he wasn¡¯t the only one who had stopped what he was doing at that moment. There was probably not a single one in the entire sect who wasn''t currently diverting their full attention to the voice that spoke from somewhere outside, words ringing out like heavenly thunder. ¡°Luminous Cloud sect! Let it be known under the heavens that you are honorless cowards, base brutes and bullies striking out at those you perceive as weaker than you while lapping at the feet of your betters to the south!¡± ¡°What? Who-¡± sect leader Morning began, but the thunderous voice continued. ¡°The Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild has been nothing but peaceful in our dealings before this, but when faced with your cowardice, the leaves will part to show the thorns. My name is Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, known as the Pathbreaker. Along with me are the guild¡¯s champions, and with Warrior as our witness and divine adjudicator we challenge each and every one of you. Send out your elders. Your grand elders. Your sect leader. You will all break upon our paths, proving the truth of my words; that the only thing your sect is good for is punching down.¡± And with the echoing proclamation also came a spectrum of auras, silver one and all, showing an eroding implacability, smoldering flames of life and power, the feel of perfection glimpsed in a foe¡¯s impeccable stance and the promise of destruction hidden beneath a pleasant veneer. But what was worse, something more seemed to tower over all of them, a presence distinctly different. It was the clashing of steel and the measuring of strength, the cry accompanying a decisive strike and the endless hours spent perfecting a single swing. And while it was neutral, a witness rather than an invader, none who had ever been to the temple square could mistake the touch of divinity. Warrior had indeed sent a witness. ¡°Heavens¡­¡± sect leader Morning breathed before the situation and its risks came crashing down upon her. There was suddenly a blade at their throat, and none of them had seen it coming, thinking it a distant thing scrambling to keep up with their offensive. ¡°They are here? Why weren¡¯t we warned? I specifically allowed a fortune in messenger constructs to our watchers,¡± she snapped, looking to vent her frustrations on someone or something. But the cowering bronze-ranked scribe was not that person, so she just strode past him while calling over her shoulder. ¡°Call for the elders. All our silvers. We need to plan this. And prepare to open the sect¡¯s vaults. Luminous Cloud will not suffer such base slander.¡±
As Kite fell silent, Braid let the inner ritual circle fade, and the outer one projecting their auras outward followed soon after. Kite had to admit that he almost still couldn¡¯t believe how a ritual like this could make his voice carry like that, but at least there was no risk that their intended foes hadn¡¯t heard them. ¡°Well, spoken, Pathbreaker. Stating your intent and tackling them head on is ever approved by my Lord. As Warrior¡¯s eyes in this matter, I look forward to the upcoming clashes,¡± Orichalcum Fist said, nodding with approval. ¡°But I will remind you that I am here to officiate, not intervene. The strongest will prevail here today, and Warrior does not care if it is you or your adversaries, as long as you meet in glorious battle.¡± Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°Of course, priest. We will just have to wait and see how they respond,¡± Kite replied with a polite bow, even as his mind went to the other half of their plan which would be enacted soon enough, assuming that the sects didn¡¯t back down from their challenge. ¡°With as public a challenge as this, I would be most surprised if they don¡¯t rise to meet us,¡± Little Crow noted. ¡°Even though your most impressively loud words won¡¯t be heard all the way to Convergence, the criers we hired should be repeating them as we speak. None will miss your challenge today, Kite. And thus, they cannot back down or they risk losing all esteem from the other sects and people both- oh, look! I would suspect that is indeed news from the city at last!¡± Little Crow pointed out a small dot in the distance which quickly grew as it drew closer, soon making out to be a small messenger construct looking like a mechanical peacock whose tail feathers were instead a mass of trailing cloudstuff. It zoomed past them towards the sect, with none of Kite¡¯s band attempting to hinder its passage. They wanted the sect to know of word being spread in the city, after all, to further back them into the proverbial corner. ¡°Let us hope that it creates enough of a stir,¡± Kite said, a meaningful look passing between him and his adopted cousin. They did want a distraction after all, because if the other part of their plan was discovered, there would definitely be consequences. But they kept silent so as to not alert Orichalcum Fist to their dual purpose. While the man generally seemed good-natured, it felt best to keep his focus on the more straightforward side of things. While waiting outside the sect in the summer sun was pleasant enough, Kite was still most relieved when they finally caught movement at the sect gates. ¡°Only two hours. I had expected it to take longer. Not that I¡¯m complaining,¡± Dragonfly said with a grin from where she was leaning against her greataxe as the gates finally started to creep open, revealing a procession in the pale golds and oranges of the Luminous Cloud sect, complete with banners, fluttering ribbons and disciples escorting their elders. At the front walked an elf woman with black hair leaning towards blue kept in a functional ponytail, built more like an athlete rather than the willowiness that her kind often displayed. She was wearing golden combat robes with bits of similarly gilded armor plating, and nine glowing orbs hovered behind her like small suns, casting a golden haze throughout the mists spread by censer-carrying disciples. ¡°Luminous Cloud indeed,¡± Little Crow noted in amused admiration. ¡°They sure didn¡¯t hold back on style. While bordering on the brink of gaudy, I can at least respect their dedication to the aesthetics.¡± ¡°They didn¡¯t hold back on the silvers either,¡± Dragonfly continued. ¡°Nine, if my count isn¡¯t off.¡± ¡°Which probably leaves at least two in reserve. It should be manageable.¡± Kite agreed. When the sect procession drew closer, Kite decided that it was time to step forward, even though their little procession trailed by Orichalcum Fist looked a lot less imposing. Stopping a good distance away while allowing the silvers to easily pick out any words spoken, Kite inclined his head ever so shallowly towards the sect leader and flanking grand elders. ¡°Sect leader Gossamer March of Morning,¡± he greeted. ¡°It gladdens me to see the Luminous Cloud sect accepting our call to honorable combat. At least this time. Last time I saw your elder there-¡± he said, nodding towards a tall, thin human man in the procession,¡± - I barely got to see anything more than his back, as he couldn¡¯t seem to run away fast enough from the outcast that is me.¡± While he still felt a bit gauche with the theatrics and barbs, Kite felt a lot less shame this time as opposed to when he had crashed the meeting of the disciples from the former Descending Star sect. Having been on the receiving end of this particular sect¡¯s bullying tactics for a time had left little in the way of patience in that regard. ¡°Pathbreaker. I should thank you for this opportunity, as it will finally let us crush you like the traitors you are before Warrior¡¯s holy gaze. A guild has no place in this land, and even less so one consisting of outcasts and cowards. A few strong paths among you does not amount to any true power worth remaining in this region. Your little gathering of trash will be forced to leave after today.¡± ¡°Are we to talk terms then, sect leader? Why don¡¯t you and I finish this without any more preamble? Path against path, as Warrior intended,¡± Kite said, pushing a bit to get around spending a few more minutes posturing for morale. As the highest authority of the guild present today, only I can make such decisions as to where we keep our guildhalls.¡± ¡°Bah, as if I would need to stoop to fight you directly right out of the gate. A sect leader has more dignity than that, but you wouldn¡¯t know that, would you, outcast? My elders will take care of you all before all to witness.¡± ¡°As you wish, sect leader. But I will still advise against it, as these particular elders haven¡¯t fared too well against me and mine,¡± Kite noted, even as he was inwardly pleased with the more lengthy process. ¡°Let us still talk terms, then, before we get on to the only thing that should be truly important for a warrior; glorious tempering.¡±
¡°It has begun,¡± Dancer on the Broken River said where she sat up in a tree on almost the directly opposite side of the Luminous Cloud sect¡¯s compound from where she knew the annoying one and his guild would make their stand. ¡°Really? I don¡¯t- oh, there it is,¡± her companion called Braid asked from the side where he rested hanging from the branches in a hammock of glowing threads. River had felt the clashing begin in her spiritual perception, but the detonations of spells and attacks clearly visible through the obscuring canopy just moments afterwards had apparently allowed the man to catch up. Suppressing an instinct to roll her eyes at his inadequate spiritual perception, River instead leapt down to land softly beneath the trees while Braid was in turn lowered down gently by the same threads that had kept him aloft. As per the prior agreement, the cloth-wrapped man started his ritual, with threads reaching out through the air to form a circle even while he added more and more layers to form an elaborate ritual circle in a scant few seconds. As the concealment ritual hummed to life around them, Braid nodded in satisfaction. ¡°Time to be off.¡± At first, River had found the man¡¯s relative indifference to her to be rather suspicious, compared to the annoying one¡¯s description of the reactions of some of his other companions. But this Braid had been nothing but cordial, mostly seeming lost in a world of his own as he constantly worked on other small projects. River might have thought him a bit daft if he hadn¡¯t already shown off an impressive array of ritual skills, and the magical defenses now ahead of them at the enchanted wooden walls of the sects didn¡¯t seem to give him the slightest pause. ¡°This will be an excellent opportunity to try out a few new tools and techniques,¡± Braid noted as glowing threads emerged from within his sleeves, burrowing into the surface layer of the walls as the sect¡¯s defensive arrays became visible, with multitudes of interweaving defensive formations linked with one another. Before River¡¯s eyes, the threads seemed to shift and merge with the magical lines, and the smile in Braid¡¯s voice was as obvious as the excitement which she could feel in his mostly retracted aura. ¡°Ah, yes. Decent defenses, I¡¯ll give them that. I wonder if their array master would be willing to exchange pointers? There is a certain elegance to how they¡¯ve integrated the defenses with the fibers of the wood-¡± ¡°Can you breach it?¡± River asked impatiently, not interested in listening to a small lecture in arrays when standing beneath the enemy¡¯s walls. Or ever, really. ¡°Breach? No-¡± ¡°You said-¡± ¡°Nothing so crude. A breach would be detected rather quickly. But a slight subversion to create, say, a person sized, invisible opening which the array core will perceive as part of its pattern until someone manually opens it and takes a direct look? Well, in that regard I do believe that I can be of service.¡± ¡°Then do it. I have a hunt to get to.¡± ¡°These things take time.¡± ¡°How much time?¡± ¡°Eighteen more seconds, give or take three.¡± To her surprise, River had to suppress her urge to throttle the man - which in and of itself spoke volumes to her own tensions - because what she felt from his aura was only honesty bleeding through the clarity of his focus. So instead of enacting Pain¡¯s will as was her impulse, she prayed. ¡°Lord Pain, I will now go and seek to spread your purview. Let those who have inflicted agony upon me be touched by you in turn, keeping your domain unbroken.¡± ¡°Your very being pleases me, little one. May your word be torment, your strike carry agony, and your purpose be pain.¡± River¡¯s prayer had been a silent one, but Pain was always with her, and the agony of his words still lingered as Braid nodded to himself. ¡°It is done. The hole in the detection is a circle two meters in diameter right here,¡± he said, a few glowing threads reaching upward to indicate an area above the wall which ostensibly looked to be only empty air, even to River¡¯s magical perception. But the defenses of a compound as extensive as a sect¡¯s would have to be rather shoddy ones if they were so readily visible. ¡°Then I go,¡± River said and started to ready herself to jump when Braid¡¯s words stopped her. ¡°Aren¡¯t you forgetting something? Or rather, someone?¡± the cloth-wrapped man asked, his raised eyebrow clear in the tone of his voice. ¡°Is this really necessary?¡± River asked, frustration clear as she only kept from rolling her eyes through sheer willpower and discipline carved into her by her father all her life. Ignoring her question, Braid started shaking one of his voluminous sleeves. ¡°Wander. Wander? It¡¯s time- Wander!¡± Finally, a brown rat tumbled out onto the ground, looking about a bit confusedly. ¡°Hmm? What? Wha- oh, right. Accompany the crazy priestess. Right~.¡± ¡°Focus, Wander.¡± ¡°Hey, you try focusing when a pretty celestine man with a fancy parasol is demolishing a sect elder in a duel. The parasol is shooting needles everywhere, and the needles are exploding, Braid. Exploding~!¡± ¡°Wander.¡± ¡°Fine, fine~,¡± the rat complained, skittering over and climbing up River¡¯s armored leg and perching on her shoulder while ignoring the glare from the priestess of Pain. ¡°But I¡¯ll keep watching the pretty man fight too. You can¡¯t stop me~.¡± ¡°Now, please go, priestess,¡± Braid told River with a tone rich in the suffering of someone who had danced these particular steps many, many times. ¡°I¡¯d ask the gods to keep you safe, but that would probably anger quite a few of them. ¡° ¡°Hang on then, vermin,¡± River told the perching rat as she once more readied to jump. ¡°And do not get in the way, or you too will feel the touch of my god.¡± ¡°Oh, just you dare, crazy girl. I have a thousand fangs with which to bite you in places not even your lovers have dared venture. You- eeeeeeep,~¡± Wander began, the rat¡¯s little tirade interrupted as River leapt, vaulting three times just to disorient her passenger as she cleared the wall and passed through the hole in the sect¡¯s defenses.
¡°Do not get me wrong, Little Crow, but¡­ I thought assassins were supposed to be¡­ Well¡­ Subtle,¡± Dragonfly noted as the man with the parasol returned to his place in their row of five arrayed on one side of the open stretch of slightly hilly land that was the location for the day¡¯s duels. The poor landscape was now a couple of trees and hills short, as well as having earned a goodly number of craters among which Soul was currently taking her place opposite human woman brandishing a wooden glaive trailing foul, noxious vapors. ¡°Oh, you aren¡¯t the first one to be surprised,¡± Little Crow said with his usual smile. ¡°And while the family has plenty of members able to leave bodies behind without as much as a whisper of sound or trace of motion, taking someone down from silver rank and onwards often becomes a much more messy affair. All those powers and durability¡­ Well, it¡¯s not impossible, but the preparations needed are often extensive. And most often, the target being dead is the most important part of the contracts given to our family, so there are not a few of us who have gone for more¡­ straightforward approach. A lot of damage in as little time as possible usually gets the job done, even if we usually work in pairs to let one initial strike soften the target up while the other takes them out. Preparing escape routes is often a lot easier than planning for the perfect kill.¡± ¡°Remind me to not get your family sent to take care of me,¡± Dragonfly noted after a moment of contemplative silence. ¡°You needn¡¯t fret, Dragonfly. We take very few actual assassination contracts here at home. The complications are rarely worth it if we want some modicum of peace even with the threat of the Tengu looming unseen,¡± the smiling man said, patting her shoulder. ¡°And besides, you¡¯re close to Kite. And he¡¯s basically family. We care about family. Aaaand speaking of family, I sure am glad that the opponent of our dear Soul there is a fellow silver. Had she been any less, I would imagine that any relatives of hers might soon be donning their robes of mourning. That transcendent damage is breaking a lot of things inside her.¡± ¡°Oh, you can tell? Her aura does feel unstable...¡± Dragonfly noted, trying to get a better sense of the state of the beleaguered elder, but a silver could fight through a lot without slowing down. ¡°But I still find it hard.¡± ¡°Perception power. Being able to more accurately assess damage on a foe is very useful, and while it is most favored by healers, many of my siblings have sought stones that might bring similar effects. Combined with the magical aura perception, it makes it a lot easier to get a holistic view of people.¡± ¡°While you pick them apart.¡± ¡°Indeed. As I said, most excellent.¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t need a perception power to know that this duel is soon over.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve fought Soul quite a lot for a few months. She¡¯s clearly found what she wanted from the elder, probably trying out the fusion of Celestial Sweep style and Descending Cormorant style that she has spoken of lately. And with that done, she¡¯s ramping up.¡± ¡°Hmm, you mean the speed of her footwork? Ah, yes I do see it. Now that you mention it, she did do that a lot during our little spars while traveling. Somehow I now feel like a training dummy¡­¡± ¡°A most well-dressed one.¡± ¡°Ah, many thanks. I do think that the golds and sky blue complement the guild¡¯s colors nicely. And it seems that you were right in your assessment, Dragonfly. Good call.¡± The elder had just shrieked a fierce battle cry while raising her wooden glaive high to absorb all the vaporous, clearly toxic trees that had sprung from their battlefield over the course of the duel, spilling out poisonous vapors. This caused the weapon to start emitting a deep, inner glow as the mists spewing from it darkened and started giving off an even more intense sense of decay. Soul seemed unbothered though, be it by the elder¡¯s display or the clear signs of necrotic toxins that spread like a dark moss across parts of her body. The celestine¡¯s stance shifted, her motions somehow giving off the sense of a misty cloud somehow hinting at the threat of thunder from within their depths. As the elder¡¯s strike came surging towards her, supplemented by a torrent of toxic mist reaching out like roots of a hungry forest, Soul stepped into the attack. A tightly-controlled spinning motion carried her past the downward slash of the glaive with speed hitherto unseen in their clash, her swirling passage parting even the seemingly sentient poison clouds as she appeared within the reach of the elder. The woman did respond, with vines suddenly growing from her body to try and grab Soul, but they proved to be too little, too late. Like the surging lightning, Soul struck her foe¡¯s chest with two fingers trailing transcendent light, and the thunderclap that followed was like the wrath of nature which naturally followed. Except that it stemmed from the elder¡¯s ribcage violently cracking inward onto itself, the lightning strike that was Soul¡¯s hand ending almost elbow-deep inside her foe. The shock of the bodily damage was apparently too much even for the silver-ranker, whose body slumped almost immediately, only propped up by Soul¡¯s extended arm. ¡°In the eyes of Warrior, Soul is declared the victor. He approved of this clash and both combatant¡¯s prowess.¡± Orichalcum Fist declared from his vantage of a large stone, where he had stood unmoving through all fights so far. ¡°Most spectacular,¡± Little Crow noted with clear appreciation where he still stood next to Dragonfly, while Soul extricated herself from the elder¡¯s internals and left her to the sect disciples running forward to assist. ¡°We¡¯ll see how many more it will take before the sect leader decides that enough is enough. From the look and feel of her, it shouldn¡¯t be long now. Time for younger brother Kite to step up and show that he can truly back up his words from before.¡± 179. Descending Solar Fury ¡°Sect leader.¡± ¡°Pathbreaker.¡± As Kite stood across from the leader of the Luminous Cloud sect, the clashes already having been forced to move to another area outside the sect due to the often explosive fights causing the terrain to become a bit too rough to have a proper duel, he had to admit that the elf woman was imposing. But while her golden combat robes and the nine small suns hovering behind her, which at a closer look had turned out to be some artifacts with cores of metal and crystal, was indeed impressive, Kite was more struck by her spirit and the strength of her path. Compared to the other ranks, silver was when advancing one¡¯s path towards the heavens truly became an arduous crawl. Reaching the milestone just before the halfway mark was straightforward enough, but then things almost seemed to come to a stop, at least according to the people who Kite had spoken to. It was called many things across the worlds and cultures, but from his time spent with the task group, Kite had the impression that ¡®the wall¡¯ was the most widespread term. And while he himself had yet to reach that limit, the sect leader before him had. Not only reached, but crossed it. Things always became a bit hazy when trying to gauge the strength of someone more powerful than you, but Kite would guess that Gossamer March of Morning had just reached the final quarter of the stretch towards the vaunted heights of gold rank. ¡°I, Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, known as the Pathbreaker, challenge you to a clash of paths. Do you confirm your position as the leader of this sect, and your mandate to dictate its actions?¡± ¡°I, Gossamer March of Morning, sect leader of the Luminous Cloud sect, accept your challenge. The sect is mine to command, but our purpose has ever been united.¡± ¡°Then you agree upon the previously discussed terms for our clash?¡± ¡°I do,¡± the sect leader answered with the surety of someone confident enough in their path to know of their victory. But Kite didn¡¯t feel like this was empty bravado on her part; Gossamer March of Morning knew of him, and had felt his spirit while judging it wanting. Kite would do his utmost to rob her of that notion. ¡°Please confirm the terms before Warrior,¡± Orichalcum Fist urged from the side, the stoic priest of Warrior having found another boulder on which to stand while officiating. ¡°Should the outcast Pathbreaker win, representing the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild, the Luminous Cloud sect will cease any and all hostilities towards the guild, its members, interests and contracts, and swear an oath of non-interference that will last seven years. The exception will be challenges to the clash of paths, as by the Queen¡¯s decree, but any such challenges will have to be delivered in person at the guildhall in Convergence.¡± The questions of keeping duels on the table had been a part of the agreement upon which the sect leader had been adamant in their earlier dealings, but Kite had in turn managed to add the restriction of where challenges were to be delivered so as to not have them just continue their current dance in a barely changed form should he win. He even had a plan in that regard that might work to their favor in the long run. There was also a long list of more specific stipulations and different levels of punishments and compensations for individual infractions, but reading out all that would rob the moment of too much of its gravitas to be appropriate. ¡°And should the sect leader win, the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild will close its Convergence guildhall and swear off any further attempts at further expansion for seven years, with the same oath of non-interference towards the Luminous cloud sect,¡± Kite repeated, even though he dearly wished that this would not come to pass. Before all this, the guild had passed mostly beneath the notice of the local sects which had in turn allowed for much of their expansion like they did. After this, no matter the outcome, things would be a lot more challenging, and if they were relegated back to their guildhalls in Bastion and Gilded while the sects got seven more years to prepare, Kite knew that any attempts to expand again would be met with much, much fiercer resistance. ¡°Warrior has heard your vows and accepted them,¡± the officiating priest confirmed. ¡°May this clash take both your paths towards the heavens and beyond, and may both your organizations cultivate much glorious prowess in the years to come.¡± Sensing that the start of this clash, one of the main purposes of their actions against the sect today, was drawing near, Kite sank into his ready stance. As combat meditation followed, replacing churning thoughts with attentive clarity, he reviewed what little he knew of March of Gossamer Morning. The elf was mostly a spell-user, as was common among her kind, and shared the sun and magic essences with the erstwhile founder of her sect. But unlike the accompanying cloud essence which had been part in naming the sect, sect leader Morning had instead added the zeal essence to her path, resulting in the offensive Wrath confluence. While many held their powers close to heart when possible, you couldn¡¯t rise to such a public station as sect leader without a lot of your powers becoming more common knowledge. From what Kite knew of the sect leader''s powers, he knew that he would need to leverage his path in just the right way, and that this would be a most uncomfortable fight no matter the outcome. Apparently sensing that both combatants were ready through their auras, Orichalcum Fist nodded once, seeming satisfied. ¡°The gaze of Warrior is upon us. Ready yourselves and¡­ begin!¡± ¡°Flaring celestial radiance! Descending solar fury!¡± ¡°Wall!¡± Blazing heat and radiance erupted from the sect leader as a corona of golden flames enveloped her, forming a barrier of both protection and deterrence that immediately scorched nearby plantlife into fine dust. But Kite¡¯s own barrier spell wasn¡¯t an attempt to curtail those particular defenses, but rather what appeared above them. A secondary, smaller sun had appeared in the sky above them, perhaps fifty meters up into the air, growing from a pinprick to around two meters in diameter in three heartbeats before it started to fire a thick beam of light and heat down toward Kite. The spell was a bit of a signature of the sect leader, and there were enough eyewitness accounts to confirm that it would continue to spew its sustained ray of wrath for as long as the sect leader fed mana into it. But the descending beam met what could best be described as a ceiling of force split into multiple segments to cover as wide an area as possible. This meant that the ray of magical flames and light did not immediately start frying Kite like a surprisingly resilient bug beneath a lens, but from the way it started burning through his barrier, it was only a matter of time. Still, time was at least a currency which Kite could spend wisely. Foregoing his mantle for now, Kite instead had the three hungry vortices of Spirit Singularity lock onto the woman, further adding to the drain of her mana as he started forward at a steady pace, projecting attack after attack towards the sect leader. She was apparently already wise to some of his tricks as well, as she took great care to either dodge or intercept the subtle ripples in the air with one of her nine spheres, which in turn had started firing more simple blasts of magic toward Kite. ¡°Ward!¡± From the sheer frequency of attacks, it felt like the woman was wielding nine wands simultaneously. Unlike Emilio Cardenco, the most skilled wand-wielder Kite had so far encountered, she didn¡¯t use any modifications or special attacks, but clearly compensated in volume of fire alone. Kite raised both barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding to protect his advance, thanking Fortune for the silver-ranked upgrade of Spiritual Futility. The special ability would both make sure that the barriers held up better under sustained attacks, as well as continually chip away at even more of the sect leader¡¯s mana, and Kite decided to further add to the retribution as his chitinous shield appeared on his left arm. Targe of the Mirror-Swarm turned each attack striking it or Kite¡¯s barriers into a small, retributive mote of light which unerringly seeked out its origin. And while each attack was rather weak, making the return damage even weaker, there were a lot of them. What began as a steady, one-directed torrent of magical bolts soon became a churning mess as an equal amount of shimmering motes started going back the other way, further added to from above as the beam of sunfire created its fair share from eating through the barriers of Leyline Warding. ¡°Glimpse of dawn, cleave the horizon!¡± Apparently finding the current state of things, with her attacks mostly costing her more mana and painful pinpricks in return, Sect Leader Morning changed things up. The stream of wand-fire ceased abruptly as one of the orbs shot forward and past Kite, and he barely had the time to raise his shield to intercept an emerging ring of slashing, golden light which burst from the sphere that the sect leader could apparently use as a secondary origin point of her spells. The spell was a powerful one too, no doubt usually employed as a melee-range power, and Kite suspected that his shield alone would have been unable to weather it had it not been for Pattern-Shattering Counter helping to break it down. From the way the ground cracked beneath him, there was also a fair deal of kinetic force to the spell, which in turn opened up some more mobility for Kite. Shifting his stride, Kite leapt up and to the side only for a small pane of force to appear for him to push off from. Releasing some of the stored force of Unyielding, he shot towards sect leader Morning in a blur, but had to contend with passing through a series of hastily conjured flaming walls to reach his foe. One was cleaved in two by a swipe of his staff, Kite still wanting to keep his dispelling wave in reserve. The second only slightly singed him as his barriers took the brunt of the flames, but at the speeds he was moving, Kite had to accept the burn of the third and fourth walls of sunlight and fire. The end of his leap ended with a resounding clang of clashing weapons. While she was mainly a spell user, Sect Leader Morning had apparently not been content with letting her melee capabilities fall completely to the wayside, which meant that Kite¡¯s swung staff was met by a raised, straight-edged sword. It was a beautiful piece of craftsmanship and from the ease with which she managed to turn his blow, Kite suspected that its enchantments were more on the defensive side. The pair made a few exchanges of ringing steel, both apparently seeming content with feeling each other out while their respective means of attrition did their work. Because his charge into melee range did force Kite to contend with the constant burn of the sect leader¡¯s fiery aura, something which he intended to deal with as soon as he was able to land a strike. But while he did soon reach the conclusion that his own martial skill was greater than the elf¡¯s, her further advancement into silver and the speed and power that conveyed helped keep Kite at bay while her floating orbs did the attacking for her. ¡°Ward!¡± The barrier appeared just in time to intercept another spell channeled through a flanking sphere at Kite¡¯s right, and he thanked Fortune for his expanded vision, even if it still meant that his barriers were kept busy guarding his back and flanks. Even in melee, Sect Leader Morning utilized her powerful spells to attack from awkward angles, putting pressure even on Kite¡¯s omnidirectional defenses. But on the other hand, Kite did manage to pressure the sect leader in turn, changing to wielding his shield and one of Matra¡¯s descendants to keep the retributive damage going in order to punish any poorly made attacks by stealing both her mana and health. ¡°Wrothful lance! Flight of the will-o-wisp!¡± The moment one of Kite¡¯s attacks finally slipped through her guard and dispelled the ongoing flaring flames which emanated from her body, his foe had apparently had enough of melee for the time being unleashing two spells almost simultaneously in order to create some distance. But while he was singed all over and fighting through the seemingly distant pain, her attempt to disengage did cause one corner of Kite¡¯s mouth to twitch in the very hint of a smile. A solid beam of roiling, red lightning came at Kite from the side in order to force him to step back while Sect Leader Morning started dissolving into a magical sprite to flit away and create some distance. In response, Kite struck - Once, twice, thrice - as the tattoos of his mantle glowed for a brief second. The additional arms appeared as brief, sweeping flashes of light, carrying each strike towards its intended target through Kite¡¯s intent. One sweep broke the beam of lightning, Matra¡¯s descendant seeming to cleave the red fulmination in two before the dispelling effect traveled the length of the spell in a ripple of dissolving magic. The next, made with a blade only half seen but fully felt, flicked out to deliver a Disrupting Strike to the glowing wisp that was the sect leader, shattering the spell and forcing her back into physical form. And the third, a chiming staff trailing the emptiness of the void, swung with just the right timing to strike her now falling form. The sect leader did react, reaching out to grab one of her spheres to drag her out of the way of the attack, but she was just a hair too slow. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Void-Sunders-Firmament impacted the left side of her face, spatial tears unfurling to sunder flesh and bone before its twin echoes followed just moments after. And these were true strikes, not targeting only the sect leader¡¯s mana pool, and the ensuing hiss of pain as one half of her face along with one eye, was ruined. ¡°Tides of dawnlight!¡± The next spell was of a different magnitude than those that had come before, three waves of searing sunfire which rose to burst out in every direction from the elf, and this time Kite did let her push him back a bit as he retreated under the protections of his barrier instead of letting them engulf him. His time spent with Gauntlet had taught Kite a few things, after all. First, not to fall into the habit of only depleting his foes mana, even if that was usually Kite¡¯s way to victory against other essence users. Crippling important body parts would only make the ensuing fight that much faster, after all, and it was an excellent opportunity to feint if the opponent looked to accept attacks while thinking that only their mana was on the line. While not lethal to a silver, losing a hand, a foot or an eye did impact them and their capability to fight after all. ¡°The direct route to victory lies in utilizing all parts of yourself and your style,¡± master Zarth-an had counseled during one of their precious sessions. ¡°Honing in on only the one, even if it is often the best approach, would be pure neglect. Even in a battle of mana and spirit, the physical will ever remain another area which you must conquer.¡± ¡°And I have Ryker to thank for the other lesson learned,¡± Kite thought in the split second where he and the now one-eyed sect leader regarded one another, a moment of spirits even as their auras continued their clashing. ¡°My mantle need not be all or nothing. Just revealing a glimpse at a time, unfurling its potential when you see a moment of weakness, will still keep my enemies wondering.¡± He did know that the artifact¡¯s secret would be out sooner rather than later, but keeping it as mysterious as possible for the clashes to come felt worthwhile. If it was even possible, that is. Because the sect leader did fight well. In many ways, Kite got a similar feeling to when he was fighting with Ryker when the man had started to properly let loose in their sparring; that feeling of more experience and higher physical power pushing Kite¡¯s path, advantages and martial skills towards the edge. Fighting someone who had progressed further was by no means impossible, but the advantages someone like the sect leader had did make it a most risky prospect. As Kite¡¯s aura remained stubborn in the face of the more powerful one bearing down on him, both combatants sprung into action again; spell clashing against barriers as staff and blade cleaved the sun. Through him, the guild had struck the first major blow, but Kite did have a feeling that things would only get more heated as their duel beneath the heavens truly began.
Junior elder Silk moved through the streets of the Luminous Cloud sect compound at her usual brisk pace. With her swift essence, brisk was perhaps an understatement, but to the students of the sects, her dignified walk which somehow had her blur along its streets and corridors had become commonplace. As a junior elder, Silk¡¯s days were always filled with work. They were the managers of the sect, after all, handling most day-to-day routines and the logistics of making the institution work, leaving the elders, grand elders and sect leaders to focus on the broader strokes and the strengthening of their paths. And as her position let her flit about the sect bearing messages and orders while talking to any and all, it had remained the perfect position for Silk. After all, it left endless possibilities to sow the seeds of Discord. Small ones, sure, but every ecosystem needed growth of all scales to thrive. ¡°Thank you, junior elder,¡± one of the disciples said after Silk delivered a message from one of the remaining elders to their group standing at the ready to defend the sect, should the need arise. Even inside the sect¡¯s walls, those sensitive enough could feel the clashing silver-ranked auras from the duels being fought. That spiritual spectatorship had everyone on edge, and Silk very much wanted to keep it that way. ¡°And thank you, disciple, for standing ready to defend the sect from those traitors to our way of life,¡± Silk intoned. As she was about to turn and leave, she still left enough hesitation in her posture and aura to make it impossible for the other man to miss. She was just a ¡®lowly core-user¡¯ after all, and the students always assumed that any such slips of the spirit were unintentional for people such as her. ¡°What is worrying you, junior elder?¡± the man predictably asked, straightening a bit as if the mere act could make his middling bronze-ranked presence more imposing. ¡°Please speak freely.¡± Silk schooled her expression as she turned, presenting even more hesitation. ¡°Disciple, I¡­ am not sure if¡­ The other disciples said¡­¡± ¡°Please, you will find no trouble in sharing,¡± the man assured him, clearly curious. ¡°The word of a fellow disciple should always be shared among us equals.¡± ¡°Well, if the disciple is sure¡­¡± Silk said, carefully moving closer to speak more softly. ¡°It¡¯s just that three other groups are preparing to intervene in the duels outside should they feel wronged and find the other side wanting in honor. They are worried about plots and ploys, and has - heavens bless their courage - sworn to defend the sect and its values no matter the elders and their orders, bound by politics. I¡¯m just¡­ worried for them, that is all.¡± The disciple nodded along, and Silk had to suppress her smile of triumph as she felt the suspicion and frustration build a bit in the man¡¯s spirit. ¡°Thank you, junior elder. Your worries are well-founded, it would seem. With this brought to my attention, how could I - Striking Dusk Hornet - not stand with my fellow disciples? If you¡¯ll excuse me, I need to speak with my entourage and fellow disciples.¡± ¡°Of course, Disciple,¡± Silk said with a demure bow before turning and once more leaving on her business. Even if the dreamed-of intervention of the bronze-ranked disciples would probably fail, it would still further their cause. And should they actually be able to gather enough of them to threaten or even bring down one of their enemies? Well, the polarization and possible abandonment of honor that followed in the conflict would be even better. ¡°Sow each seed with care, and nurture those that grow. Each opportunity let go is potential that will always be left unrealized,¡± she silently mused to herself as she made a sharp turn to the left in order to take a shortcut between some of the houses where the more favored disciples lived. They were all empty at the moment, the favored ones either being part of the procession to meet the guild or at the walls to spectate. But Junior Elder Silk, hidden priestess of Discord, did not get to make the next right turn which she had been intending to. Her raised foot never touched the ground, instead finding itself snagged on something. Pain and agony raced through her body a moment later, and any attempt at screaming only became a hoarse gurgle as Silk¡¯s throat seized. It was only belatedly that she heard the faint clinking of chains and a whisper of triumph. ¡°Found you.¡±
¡°Fulminating judgment!¡± Gossamer March of Morning felt the hints of spiritual exhaustion seeping in from the corners of her mind as she once more unleashed the one spell in her arsenal which had proven the most effective against the young upstart; a rather simple explosion of roiling red lightning which would burst from a point of her choosing to envelop an area. It engulfed and circumvented the Pathbreaker¡¯s barriers, and even if that still triggered retributive effects to damage both her mana and body, she was at least making some kind of progress. ¡°But is it enough? No, it has to be. My path will prevail. The shame I would suffer upon defeat. I am the instrument of the sect, and will uphold its honor and- gods curse it!¡± The thoughts raced through Sect Leader Morning¡¯s head in an attempt to steel herself and keep her morale in the odd kind of attrition, but the firm handle on her emotions slipped when the brat she was fighting once more trumped her expectations. The explosion of her most reliable spell had just started manifesting close to his feet when he reacted. Previously, attempts to dodge or disrupt the spell had been met with partial success at the most, but the younger man was apparently a quick learner. Too quick for the sect leader¡¯s liking. Her frustrations boiled as his odd tattoos once more flashed and those odd arms appeared quickly enough for one of his dispelling attacks to snuff out the budding detonation in its infancy. But as if that wasn¡¯t enough, two more attacks were projected towards her. She managed to dodge one of the odd, rippling strikes but the other clipped her shoulder, devouring even more of her mana even though the rest of the attack found nothing to dispel. Morning had long since abandoned such attempts, as any boons on herself had to be chosen most wisely or risk just being turned into a fulcrum of her downfall. And with the young man now learning to predict and counter even her Origin of Wrath, she was forced to add it to the disturbingly long list of spells which would simply cost her more than they would provide. It still irked her of how her very signature, the Relentless Touch of Baneful Suns, had proven naught by a hindrance. Casting her self-cleanse once more to at least be rid of some of the Pathbreaker¡¯s afflictions, one of them some kind of devious curse confounding her own internal senses, Morning mentally braced herself. Things were looking dire, but she at least had a card left to play. ¡°And the glory of the sect is worth any cost. As its leader, it is up to me to accept any burden to keep it going towards the heavens with head held high,¡± Morning thought as she dodged a few more projected attacks while sending out a lance of wrathful lightning of her own. The attack remained frustratingly futile, but this time it was but a mere distraction. Or rather, the distraction to the next distraction. ¡°Descending solar fury!¡± Her signature sun returned, but this time it was not its relentless beam that hounded her foes she was after, but rather the simple distraction of its brilliance. Because from within its core, Morning¡¯s nine orbs followed, carefully descending as close to the searing beam as possible in order to further hide their presence. The Ninefold Suns were her most prized treasure, and repairing them after what she intended to do next would be most costly, as well as a weakness which she needed to keep hidden from her true rivals in the other sects. While the Pathbreaker blocked or disrupted both incoming rays, Morning did smile as the orbs managed their descent into a circle around the man, boxing him in as she started their detonation. The artifacts were powerful, with mana carrying the affinity of sun and potency stored within. If she was fortunate enough, the resulting detonation might even kill the man. Such things did happen in clashes after all. As usual, the brat seemed to have eyes on the back of his head, but Morning had expected that. Him noticing them at this stage would not help him, as the detonations would come from all around and with enough force to sunder any barrier or other attempt at defenses. Part of her wanted to shout her impending triumph to him and all onlookers, but she refrained from inviting calamity like that, instead feeling the energy building over the two heartbeats it would take. The Pathbreaker did react, his tattoos once more flashing as barriers started appearing around him, both the discs and walls while three attacks flickered out towards her. Even with her victory close at hand, Morning still parried one and dodged the next. But like so many times before, the third did connect, eating its usual chunk of her mana. That mattered little though, as- ¡°What?¡± The thought was a startled one as a completely new sensation came over the sect leader, something which she had so far never felt in her life since awakening her powers; Morning¡¯s connection to her artifacts just¡­ vanished. Not completely winking out, but instead muted and off, as if she could only feel its calling from very, very far away. But what did wink out was the nine orbs, their connection lost to her as they fell to the ground as mere spheres of metal and crystal. ¡°What?¡± The thought repeated itself, echoing in the sudden blankness of Morning¡¯s mind. And the moment of stunned startledness cost her, as three more attacks impacted her spirit; each tearing out more mana than the last. As her consciousness finally started slipping, Gossamer March of Morning did not know exactly which of the three attacks that finally did it, her thoughts consumed with confusion, shame and an uncomfortable, deep sense of loss.
¡°Thank you Fortune for the peculiarities of my path. And thank you, Soul, for all the pointers in how to best utilize them,¡± Kite thought as the sect leader finally collapsed. He remained the lone standing figure in the charred desolation that covered a great area outside the sect, and even while Sage kept pouring in every charge the familiar generated into the gradual healing effect it possessed, Kite still felt a bit of kinship with the scorched terrain. It had been a while since he was that sore after a duel, and even if he would have been able to keep going for a while longer still, Kite really hadn¡¯t wanted to try being on the receiving end of the detonating artifacts that the woman had managed to sneak in around him. So he had cut her connection to them. ¡°A weapon is a weakness in itself, and especially wands and such nonsense,¡± Soul had said during one of her rants uplifting the body and its magic as the only true implement of power in this world. ¡°They become a crutch for most, and if you take them away, what are they? And with your powers, Pathbreaker, you can really drive that point home.¡± And the celestine had been proven right. Dispelling conjured weapons had become somewhat of a mainstay for Kite during his career as adventurer and duelist so far, but this was the first time that he had managed to suppress just the right kind of special ability in his foe. To use more advanced magical implements, such as offensive wands, staves and even many vehicles, one needed a corresponding essence power. And as the nine orbs had always seemed to act very much like a multi-faceted, advanced wand during their duel, using Disrupting Strike¡¯s silver-ranked version had suppressed that very power, both canceling a most dangerous detonation and letting Kite drive home the finishing blow. ¡°A crutch indeed,¡± Kite couldn¡¯t help but muse as Orichalcum Fist called his victory from his stone, one of the few landmarks in the vicinity seemingly untouched by the violence. ¡°The Pathbreaker claims victory, and through him the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild have proven their strength before Warrior. Praise be his strength, and praise be the great dedication you have shown him this day,¡± the man called, seeming most enthusiastic of the development so far. ¡°May the tempering you both found here take you to the Heavens and beyond.¡± What followed was a bustle of activity as the sect procession ran over to encircle their fallen sect leader, their auras a mix of disbelief, fear, anger, outrage and other similar notions. The representatives of the guild also made their way to Kite¡¯s side in short order, Dragonfly being the first. ¡°You did it, Kite! We all did it! We won!¡± she cheered, almost taking him off his feet with one of her assault-grade hugs that caused the scorched ground beneath to crumble further. ¡°We did, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite said, albeit a bit distractedly as he was following another development off in the distance. ¡°Or at least managed to accomplish what we came to do.¡± Popping a healing pill into his mouth, Kite turned his attention more fully towards the sect itself, and what looked like some kind of activity at its closest wall, continuing; ¡°But we might need to brace ourselves, as more trouble might just have decided to come for us in turn.¡± 180. I will not be found a liar Striking Dusk Hornet could feel the disbelief, frustration, disappointment and anger wash through his fellow disciples up on the sect¡¯s wall as they witnessed the defeat of their sect leader in great detail thanks to the farsight crystals which were currently projecting Morning¡¯s slumped form. But while most of the gathered bronze-rankers stood stunned or started murmuring among themselves, Hornet steeled his spirit and nodded to a few of his fellow disciples scattered among the lamenting group. Most started preparing to enact their plan to reclaim the sect¡¯s honor from these - no doubt cheating - interlopers. And as for Hornet, he had taken it upon himself to rally those weaker in heart and spirit. ¡°Fellow disciples!¡± he called, projecting his aura to catch their attention. Most did pause to look at him, so Hornet continued. He had always aimed to claim glory and decisiveness, and should their plan succeed to at least some degree, Hornet hoped that he might even catch the eye of one of the elders for personal tutelage. ¡°I know not what treachery these outcasts just enacted to bring low our glorious sect, but I - Striking Dusk Hornet - will not stand for it. They need to be punished. The sect will need to strike back against these traitors to our way of life.¡± His proclamations caused a stir among the gathered disciples, a bit of hope and agreement felt among the confusion and trepidation still dominating the emotions of the crowd. ¡°But they¡¯re silvers,¡± someone interjected. ¡°What could we even do?¡± ¡°That they are,¡± Hornet agreed, trying to keep the stoic look of defiance as clear on his face as possible. ¡°And while we are many, a direct confrontation would still be folly. Dying for the glory of the sect is a worthy death, but I and some of our fellow disciples, knowing the treachery of the sectless outcasts, have already made other preparations. One that will show our unity of purpose while allowing us to to strike at our enemies in unison.¡± With perfect timing, one of Hornet¡¯s fellow disciples took the opportunity to activate a nearby set of crystals, and magical formations started appearing in the air above their section of the wall. The array revealing itself caused another stir, one of realization as the gathered disciples started piecing together what Hornet and the others had planned. Because this was something each of them - bronze-rankers one and all - knew. ¡°Our response will be as one,¡± Hornet continued, letting his proud smile grow. ¡°and carried out through the sect itself. Come. Join your mana to ours. Let us show these intruders the might of Luminous Cloud!¡± Being taught to man and operate the magical emplacements which was part of the sect¡¯s defensive arrays was something every bronze-ranker knew. The mana pools of iron-ranked initiates was too small for any meaningful contribution, but those who had climbed further on their path towards the heavens were expected to help defend the sect during monster surges or potential attacks from rivals during times of conflict. While they normally couldn¡¯t access these defenses, one of Hornet¡¯s fellow disciples had studied more closely under the array masters of the sect, knowing enough of the magical infrastructure to activate part of them. And to punish but a few enemies of the sect, Hornet felt confident that a part would be enough. To show his own dedication, Hornet stepped up and touched the magical diagrams forming in the air, the lines glow increasing as he took control over the emplacement and started channeling his mana. ¡°For Luminous Cloud!¡± The call came but a moment later as another one of Hornet¡¯s fellow disciples stepped up and laid her hands on another part of the formations, providing another flow of mana. ¡°For the sect! ¡°For Luminous Cloud!¡± ¡°For victory!¡± A nearby glowing indicator started showing their steady progress as more and more of the disciples joined their spirits to further charge the aggregation of mana, and Hornet smiled in triumph. At this rate, charging the shot would take maybe ten more seconds. The air around them started thrumming with familiar power as the glow of the potent emplacement grew ever steadier, the feedback from the array causing Hornet¡¯s arms to tingle and fall numb. ¡°Soon! Retribution! We-¡± Hornet began calling as the charge was nearing its crescendo, trying to muster his fellows for a final push. But his words were cut off as another jolt of power unexpectedly shot through his arms, much more potent. ¡°Wha-¡±
¡°Is this truly how low Luminous Cloud has thrown their honor?¡± Kite called to the sect procession, even though his gaze was fixed on the building charge of magic on the compound¡¯s walls as their magical defenses had come alive mere seconds before. None answered him, busy trying to get out of the way while Kite and his fellow companions were steadily backing off as well. The only one seeming unbothered was Orichalcum Fist, still standing atop his boulder and observing the proceedings. Kite did note quite a lot of confusion from the auras of the sect procession, but he wasn¡¯t surprised that the bronze-rankers making up the majority of the procession, whose auras he could easily read, hadn¡¯t been clued into any potential plan of betrayal. The silver-ranked elders that still remained on their feet revealed nothing to him. ¡°The terrain is rather unfavorable,¡± Little Crow noted from beside Kite, gesturing to the open, broken remnants of land with his parasol. ¡°We can attempt to run, but I would think that some kind of defense against whatever is charging up over there will still be needed.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll prepare what I can,¡± Kite agreed. Even if he felt a bit spent, he still had his Gate of Nihility available. ¡°If I use everything I have I have together with any other means we can muster, we shou-¡± His words were interrupted by a flash of light, followed momentarily by a shockwave of rippling mana which caused a wall of ash and soil to wash over the group representing the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild. Kite hadn¡¯t even had the time to raise his barriers, but given that the slight burst of force, ash-covered armor and a lingering tingling sensation was the extent of the ¡®damage¡¯ caused by whatever had been unleashed from the wall, he thought it safe to assume that things had not been as dire as he had feared. Or rather, that things had not gone according to the sect¡¯s plans. Little Crow ¡®tssked¡¯ as his parasol opened, and a mighty swing of the accessory soon cleared the dust and ash from the air in a wide swathe before them. This revealed the portion of the walls where the defenses had been charging up just seconds before, but where mighty wooden walls had stood pristine and proud, chaos now reigned. More of the defensive arrays had lit up, but from the way things crackled and sparked, even Kite knew that something had apparently gone quite wrong. Even worse for the sect, there was an ever growing hole in the array where its lines were crumbling away, like a candle touched to the middle of a paper burning a hole which slowly but surely ate its way outwards. Stunned, charred and otherwise incapacitated disciples still crowded the wall, their reactions varying between trying to drag injured comrades away to desperately - and futilely - trying to contain or hinder the growing damage to the array. ¡°Well¡­¡± Dragonfly breathed from Kite¡¯s side, the burning glow of her armor fading from her earlier preparations. ¡°That sure took a turn.¡± ¡°That it did,¡± Kite agreed, before once more turning to the equally frozen sect procession and calling: ¡°Luminous Cloud! It would seem that our little¡­ discussions¡­ are yet to be concluded. As your cowardly attempt at betraying our agreement failed, the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild will deign to at least negotiate terms of reparations.¡± Kite didn¡¯t even try to suppress his smile as the two silvers who were still in any kind of fighting shape among the procession looked like mice caught in the grain barrel. ¡°What was it that foreign adventurer used to say? Opportunity into fortune,¡± Kite mused silently, before straightening. It was time to get some more concessions from their dear adversaries.
River leapt, easily clearing the invisible hole in the defensive array even with her additional burden slung over one shoulder, wrapped in her chains which occasionally sparked with the stamina-draining - and very much painful - reddish-purple lightning. ¡°And then Kite just seemed to annoy her so much that she just quit the sustained spells - that ¡®wrath from above¡¯ kind of thing she did - and tried other ones. But Kite being Kite, he just went ¡®whoosh¡¯ and ¡®haha, I can see everything, anywhere¡¯ and ¡®stuck up sectie, you¡¯re no match for my earnest emotions and overly polite commentary¡¯ and- oh, wait, the scary girl is back~!¡± River¡¯s sharp senses had heard the squeaking voice of the rat-woman even before jumping, and rolled her eyes at the commentary. As one of Wander¡¯s bodies had been with River during her investigation of the sect, the shapeshifter could have given her warning well before their return. ¡°I take it that the annoying one succeeded then?¡± she asked, spending neither time nor effort on pleasantries as she landed in front of the waiting pair, the cloth-wrapped man seated against the wall with threads still attached to the formation while the rat was standing on its hind legs in his lap, apparently in the middle of acting out her little retelling of what was no doubt one of the fought duels. The rat with River had at least managed to keep quiet as they snuck about, and as such, she knew little of how things had transpired outside. ¡°It would seem that Kite and the others did indeed succeed,¡± Braid acknowledged, rising as Wander¡¯s rat-body scuttled up to perch at his shoulder, playfully waving to its counterpart on River¡¯s own. ¡°And while Wander already told me of your success, it is always a relief when extraction goes smoothly. Let me just- hmm¡­ Wait.¡± ¡°What?¡± River asked curtly, senses immediately questing out for potential danger. ¡°Oh? Ambitious. And rather dishonorable. A lot of self-deception probably went into convincing themselves that this was the right path,¡± Braid noted, the forlorn tone in his voice hinting that he was speaking to himself. His threads, still attached to the defensive formations, started lighting up in rapid-fire sequences, with the array-master humming and mumbling to himself all the while. ¡°What?¡± River repeated, but a few more seconds passed before Braid turned to her, his threads disappearing with a curt hand gesture. ¡°A few inside decided to take matters into their own hands. And as they were playing with things a bit beyond their expertise, I decided to take it out of theirs in turn.¡± ¡°Explain-¡± River¡¯s words were cut off by a loud, rippling detonation off in the distance along the wall, lighting up the defensive arrays for several hundred meters as they started breaking apart. From her deity¡¯s pleased humming in her mind, River suspected that whatever had gone off had indeed spread much agony among everyone involved. ¡°Oh, maybe it was those disciples we overheard our little priestess here go around riling up~?¡± Wander mused. ¡°Sounds right. Excellent deduction, Wander~,¡± the other rat commented, clapping its little forepaws in applause. ¡°Why thank you, Wander. I do agree~.¡± ¡°Oh? Our little captive was behind it?¡± Braid asked, nodding towards the slumped woman even as his thread-based concealing formation wove itself around the little group when they started to move out from the wall of the sect and out into the surrounding landscape. Wander was updating the others of their success, but due to the guild¡¯s little stunt and its inevitable aftermath, it was probable that Kite, Dragonfly and the others would need to remain for a little while longer. ¡°She was going around and riling up the disciples, in the usual treacherous way of her ilk,¡± River confirmed. ¡°From the few members of that particular clergy that I have managed to track down over the years, that seems to be their usual mode of operations. In this case, it was just made a lot more simple because those fools had already started entertaining the notion, needing just a little tip over the edge.¡± ¡°Do you think she¡¯ll know something worthwhile then~?¡± Wander asked, skittering over to the unconscious woman still slung across River¡¯s shoulder while poking and prodding the woman¡¯s robes with her tiny paws. ¡°A bronze like her? Doubtful? But every bit helps. And every one of those pests cleared out is another victory for my path,¡± River answered, voice as flat as usual. ¡°They will know pain lasting nine generations.¡± ¡°Because that is a totally normal and not at all crazy sentiment to have~,¡± Wander said from her new perch on the unconscious junior elder. ¡°Totally, completely sane~.¡±
¡°To the guild!¡± Kite called, raising his glass of northern sap-wine to the others gathered around the table in the guildhall, the call echoed by several of them. While the silvers had their own little gathering along with Second Spring, the other members shared the merriment in the rest of the guild''s small compound in convergence, with over two dozen others irons and bronzes taking part of the celebrations. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. ¡°The city is completely abuzz with your little show, Kite. Me and Spring have been working hard to properly evaluate the influx of other outcasts looking to join us,¡± Walker said with a content smile after drinking deep. ¡°Seven years of some kind of calm between us and the Luminous Cloud sect¡­ If we can continue with this stroke of victories, that time should allow us to dig in deep. Maybe even show the stubborn locals that we aren¡¯t attempting to change their very way of life and livelihood.¡± ¡°The monetary concessions sure were helpful too,¡± Second Spring added, speaking up more easily around the silvers as she was a bit into her cups as well. Not enough to drop her proper posture and demeanor, but the slight flush to her cheeks and her aura told another story. ¡°Not that I advocate any more backstabbing or betrayal, but you sure wrung a lot out of them, elder brother Kite.¡± ¡°I had good help,¡± Kite replied, nodding to Little Crow. ¡°But it did prove rather fortunate, allowing us to recuperate a lot of the lost income from the sects¡¯ interference so far.¡± ¡°Oh, my dear adopted brother is just trying to deflect from his most bold actions,¡± the onyx-haired celestine protested, leaning in and wrapping an arm around Kite¡¯s shoulders, glass held high. ¡°He might be all polite and forthright, but there is proper, hard jade in the Pathbreaker. Those remaining sect elders seemed rather taken aback by the solidity of his presence, especially after the little show we put on in the beginning.¡± ¡°Cornering them through publicity was still a most satisfying move,¡± Walker chuckled. ¡°There are few ways to wriggle out of a challenge delivered like this, especially with the criers we hired here. Hence, they all know of our victory.¡± ¡°And would know of our failure too,¡± Kite countered, even while his own smile was undiminished. ¡°Such is the way of choices, little Kite. Actions having consequences is a rather unavoidable fact of life. And the sects sure will come to regret theirs.¡± ¡°Speaking of¡­¡± Dragonfly ventured. ¡°Any word from the potential priestess that woman dragged out?¡± The question did add a somber note to the atmosphere, eyes turning to one of Wander¡¯s bodies who had its whole snout stuck into a nearby glass. As the first answer only came out as bubbles, Braid reached out and gently lifted the little rodent up by the scruff of its neck. ¡°I said-,¡± Wander repeated, ¡°- that there hasn¡¯t been much news yet. But gods, she is rather scary when she puts her mind to it~.¡± ¡°From your earlier comments, I wouldn¡¯t have expected that particular sentiment to be a new one,¡± Braid noted, some shifting beneath his cloth mask hinting at a raised eyebrow. ¡°Well, sure. But earlier, she was more ¡®dark and brooding, slightly unhinged as she sought vengeance¡ä-scary. But now? This is the priestess in her. She¡¯s intense. But so far, the bronze-ranker doesn¡¯t seem to have known much except some hints of more measures that she might be instructed to take should some kind of ¡®council¡¯ give the decree. I expect that we¡¯ll get to turn the captured priestess over to the clergy of Unity or someone like them soon enough. They can probably make sure that the rest is handled with discretion and to make local politics explode. River is just making sure that she isn¡¯t holding anything back before we do~.¡± The rat¡¯s words had left the atmosphere growing even heavier, but eventually Dragonfly spoke up in an attempt to shatter the pall of somber reflections. ¡°Well, at least that is one less of that particular kind of priestess to worry about. And where there is one, there might be more. I may not have liked the plan initially, but it has merit. I mean, what if these hidden priests were responsible for the sects acting out in the first place? They did seem to want to urge things on quite a lot.¡± ¡°Or maybe that was just them spreading the purview of their god?¡± Kite suggested. ¡°From what Little Crow told us, the sects seem to want to impress higher powers in the heartlands who seem frustrated or offended by us going about things differently.¡± ¡°Ah, but you forget, dear adopted brother, that this all started with us noticing investigations into you in particular,¡± the assassin added, his normally casual, pleasant tone carrying a bit of an edge. ¡°Dragonfly¡¯s words are ones to keep in mind. I will send word back to the family with such musings. This might be connected to the stir you have been making even before that, given yours and the guild¡¯s role in hunting down cells of undesirables.¡± ¡°That¡­ would be troubling. But you are making sense,¡± Kite agreed, leaning back in his chair. Thinking about it all, it did put some fuel on the fire of certain worries of his own. The connections had been vague so far, but if they continued to find more clergy of Discord in other sects, or similar cells of other restricted essence users or similar foul gatherings, combined with more attempts to drown their guild in strife¡­ ¡°Well, we need to explore this further, even if the mere implications here feel most daunting. See what we can find with the other sects. The criers should already have started, no?¡± ¡°They have,¡± Walker confirmed. ¡°While it pains me to give them more time to prepare, I do believe that sticking to the most public of routes will give them even less room to try and evade what is to come. Our grand, most ¡®honorable¡¯ sects can¡¯t be seen backing down from a chance to both defend their own honor and show themselves superior to their rivals, no?¡± ¡°Just don¡¯t forget what you promised me, Pathbreaker,¡± Soul noted from where she sat meditating in a corner, unwilling to participate in any celebrations. ¡°Have no fear, Soul. Have no fear,¡± Kite assured the celestine. ¡°In both cases, things should be moving along soon. The Perfected Step sect is next, after all. And as for what we suspect will come in that other matter¡­ I can only once more relay the sentiment that we, the guild, will be in your care.¡±
¡°-and as for that other matter, the development with that little guild in the north seems to have taken a turn,¡± the woman in the black wooden mask noted matter of factly. ¡°Oh? Did they crumble sooner than expected? Three sects should be more than enough,¡± the gold-masked man asked, turning to the final gold-ranked member of their council. ¡°You have taken the lead in the matter. Anything with which you want to enlighten the rest of us?¡± The high priestess, once more clad in her mask of white porcelain, looked upon her two so-called peers. All of them knew each other, but kept the masks during their council meeting so that their identities wouldn¡¯t spread uncontrollably throughout the lower ranks of Hua-Xi¡¯s clergy of Discord. After all, the reports they were getting spoke a clear truth; being one of their ilk was getting fraught with more and more danger by the week. ¡°The guild seems to have shown previously unrevealed resources,¡± she began, weighing her words carefully. ¡°We do not know if it is divine interference or other powers at play, but they managed a counterattack through a surprisingly elite force of silvers, challenging their way through the entire leadership of the Luminous Cloud sect.¡± ¡°Such folly was surely punished severely?¡± gold mask retorted, skepticism clear in his tone. ¡°Such ¡®folly¡¯ led to the Luminous Cloud sect being forced into seven years of non-interference, seen, witnessed and testified by a local priest of Warrior,¡± porcelain mask replied. ¡°Bah, surely that cannot stand. They will just find another way to crush them.¡± ¡°But until then, the guild has struck a blow against our efforts. And with the delay in reports from the north, we only know that they had publicly announced going after Perfected Step next. There is no backing down from that, not with the other sects and similar worldly powers of the capital watching. For all we know, they have already succeeded or failed.¡± ¡°You were the instigator of this project. What do you propose?¡± black wooden mask asked. ¡°Because it is starting to sound like things are getting out of hand, in a way that is not according to the will of our god.¡± ¡°Measures have been prepared. Given the earlier results, I see little point in trying to interfere with whatever the outcome of the guild challenging the Perfected Step sect. Instead, I would send word to our assets within Mirrored Mountain to prepare to flip the table and change the nature of the conflict. Our resources might be more limited than we¡¯d like up there, but with what we have cultivated so far, we only need a torch to light a new kind of fire.¡± ¡°I approve of this,¡± black wood mask stated, with gold mask nodding his agreement. ¡°I do as well, but this better shows results. Too many projects of yours up north have yielded little to no results as of late, and I¡¯m starting to question your judgment as part of this council,¡± he said, the air growing tense beneath his towering gold-ranked aura. This was no core-user, but a fully fledged warrior in service of their god. ¡°More failures might mean that we should disregard your protests in moving up our general timeline, as this patient approach of yours seems to be a bit too far-sighted even for the workings of lord Discord.¡± Porcelain mask only nodded in response, keeping any snide remarks to herself. She was the most junior member of this council, after all, and her position mostly built on her close proximity to the king and the court of Heavenward. While she had a world of ideas of how she would have done things, she had to recognize that their undertaking was too much for her to command alone. ¡°Then I have communications to send. The budding domain of our lord must be protected and cultivated without interference. This little guild and presumably the Adventure society backing it will be drowned in discord and strife, so that our work can reach fruition. But there are still many years left. Haste will only make his garden lesser.¡± ¡°We¡­ shall see.¡± was gold mask¡¯s curt response.
The susurrus that rippled through the gathered crowds was barely recognized by Soul¡¯s senses when the downward chop of her hand broke the wrist of her opponent¡¯s outstretched arm. Sure, her increased spatial awareness and general sensitivity to any and all surrounding stimuli when in combat did note the gasps and murmurs from the stands around them, but it was simply filtered away as unimportant in comparison to Soul¡¯s own path; perfection of the self as a warrior. But that perception was currently eluding her, much to her chagrin. The chopping strike should, given the right angle, force and accompanying special attack, have been able to actually sever the wrist of Sect Leader Journey, who Soul was currently facing in a duel. She had only seen the man fight a few times, and while Soul had to admit that the man was decently competent, all that time spent politicking and managing the sect had taken its toll. ¡°But still, the Grim Cleaver style will need more working on. Shame, I had hoped to have mastered it properly by now. May Warrior have patience with my failings,¡± she thought as she whirled away from the sect leader¡¯s counterattack, his broad-edged sword seeming to flow from one hand to the other like water reshaping itself according to the man¡¯s will. ¡°You will pay for that, traitor. It is but a drop in the irreverence which you have shown the sect that took you in and nurtured you-¡± the man kept rambling, but Soul had shut that out long ago. Neither his words or the surrounding crowds had fazed her in the least, especially as the former were just the yapping of a hypocrite who had shaped the sect whose elders had tried to collar Soul in her sleep. As for the latter, it turned out that the Perfected Step sect had chosen to step up to the guild¡¯s challenge in an equally public matter, even going as far as inviting people to witness them handling the upstart organization. For an entry fee. A gamble, of course, but Soul would leave it to those that cared for such things to speculate if it had been a worthwhile one or not. Soul only wanted to temper herself further, and if the man that was the leader of such a rotten sect was to be her next whetstone, then she surely wouldn¡¯t complain. Adding a bit of the more flexible Primordial Vine style to her motions, Soul countered the next attempted watery shockwave by teleporting through the attack while simultaneously striking out to further aggravate the man¡¯s broken wrist with a lashing strike while she swept one of his legs. For a split moment, the older silver-ranker lost his footing, and before his supreme reflexes could save him, Soul activated one of the powers of her swift essence, and she briefly sped up to kick his other knee hard enough to cause tendons and bones to creak ominously even through the sect leader¡¯s armor. Soul might only have one special attack, but it was hard to beat the efficiency of transcendent damage, leaving the rest to Soul¡¯s individual skill and the many styles she sought to master. Just as she liked it. The exchange did lead to several thin streams of water gouging chunks out of her left arm, but Soul¡¯s passive regeneration, greatly increased through her resolute essence, quickly caused them to start closing. But said exchange and sped-up intervention also led to one prone sect leader, one that would soon feel the true strength of the Primordial Vine style Soul had been working on so diligently. A vicious kick to one arm delayed the man getting back to his feet for just a moment longer, enough so that Soul could dive for his other arm, locking it in place outstretched between her knees and trapping the sect leader prone on his stomach. Primordial Vine style featured a lot of grappling, after all, and against a single opponent, maintaining such control could lead to easy victories. But when it came to essence-users, this did become a rather complicated affair, as maintaining a hold on someone with magically enhanced strength, the ability of flight, melding into the earth or projecting scorching flames from their body was a different kind of beast. You had to add your respective power sets into the consideration along with mass and skill, and Soul already knew that she would have a hard time trapping someone walking the sect leader¡¯s path for any extended amount of time. But for the surprisingly strong and swift Soul, with her Mighty Strength and Great Speed powers, some techniques of the Primordial Vine style helped her create techniques that fit her build and speed. Because many vines hid vicious thorns, their entangling lashings brief, but painful. The brief moment of control allowed Soul to deliver two swift jabs of transcendent damage to an exposed neck before the man counterattacked, firing two more streams of pressurized water towards Soul while water burst from beneath them to launch them upwards. Or at least himself, as Soul had already sprung off him only to dodge another beam of water before grabbing the man¡¯s broken arm, anchoring herself enough to turn his upward momentum into a curving arc ending in him being slammed down into the ground again, struck thrice before Soul released her hold to dodge and counter again while constantly hindering the increasingly frustrated and pained proud leader of the Perfected Step sect to actually find his footing again. The damage she did take remained superficial and within acceptable limits, and as their earlier exchanges hadn¡¯t shown any powers which would force Soul to change tactics - most being different kind of sword strikes and water conjurations - their clash was swiftly devolving to a one-sided beatdown which she supposed would be found a bit humiliating by most. Soul had never understood that particular sentiment, as being beaten by someone identifying and noting the gaps in your paths and style should be a good learning opportunity. At least in most cases. But in this? A particular choice, or rather demand, which Sect Leader Journey had made at the very start of their clash would soon come back to bite him. After breaking the man¡¯s other arm at the elbow and both legs in several places through brief but brutal use of knees, leverage and occasionally even the burst of force from the man¡¯s own attempt to use pressurized water to find his feet again, Soul felt ready to be done with things. ¡°-there will be eternal vengeance haunting your line for-¡± Still constantly rambling, the man tried to prop himself up by controlling conjured water to create a kind of enveloping bubble around himself in order to be able to stand, but such flimsy conjurations were easily shattered by a swift series of blow, toppling the larger man to land on his back in a spray of droplets and blood. Only when Soul started walking up to him, planting one foot on his chest right atop his golden sect medallion, did the man¡¯s proud facade crack. ¡°W-wait. Mercy. I surrender. The victory is yours. I-¡± ¡°It was you who insisted - nay, demanded - that this clash was to be to the death, sect leader,¡± Soul stated, centering herself as she found her balance in preparation. She could find the right angle. She just knew that she could. ¡°We both swore it solemnly before Warrior. And in front of him, I will not be found a liar.¡± ¡°No, gods- stop- hal-¡± Feeling that sense of rightness that Soul recognized as her being ready; body, mind and spirit having found balance and grasped what she had been striving towards, she moved. Hand outstretched, flattened like a blade and glowing with transcendent light, Soul¡¯s single strike cleaved through the prone man¡¯s throat in a single, perfect arc, sending a spray of blood off to the side. The head barely moved beyond rolling slightly to the side, such was the cleanness of her strike, and the man¡¯s aura winked out, the fear and desperation severed as abruptly as a thread snapping after being held too taut for far, far too long. There was a moment of silence across the hastily erected arena, disbelief, excitement, outrage, fear and multitudes of other emotions flickering across the auras of the onlookers before the voice of Orichalcum Fist rang out like the clashing of swords. ¡°Victory goes to Soul, blessed by Warrior. May this clash have left you tempered, and become another step on your path towards the heavens.¡± 181. Good enough for me~ Even though the late summer sun was shining nice and brightly outside, Haze of Bright Evenings, priest of Discord and ostensibly a junior elder of the Mirrored Mountain sect, made sure to slide every shutter and door thoroughly shut, activating the privacy enchantments of one of the few townhouses in Convergence which the sect owned as soon as the last of the three women had entered. And even though he had been warned beforehand of the particular eccentricities of these mercenaries recommended to them by their allies in the church of Disguise, Haze couldn¡¯t help but shudder a bit as the three women turned identical faces towards him. Each of them looked like identical human women, their faces petite with huge doe eyes and lips painted a sharp red, and each seemed to give an identical smile as the three silvers no doubt sensed his discomfort. ¡°Are you the one who will direct us, little bronze?¡± one of the women asked, Haze mentally labeling her as number one as she stood to the left in their neat little row. ¡°I am,¡± Haze retorted, drawing himself up. ¡°And you will get us into the sect at the appointed time?¡± ¡°I will. But you will be handling the disguises and-¡± Three identical laughs interrupted Haze, who clamped his mouth shut in indignant embarrassment, glaring as best he could at the mercenaries. ¡°Little bronze, I assure you that you will not need to worry.¡± Number two said, a condescending smile teasing scarlet lips. ¡°We will handle things as agreed to the contract offered to us.¡± ¡°And it will be public?¡± ¡°That it will. At the day of the clashes, as instructed.¡± ¡°And no one will-¡± ¡°-doubt that it was the guild, choosing to take things further,¡± number three said, finishing his sentence. ¡°Or at least it will be obvious enough to excuse any and all retaliation you would want.¡± ¡°Good¡­ Good. The strife that will come of this will please my god and our interests. And the challenge will be the best and most public spectacle available in a long time. We need enough damage in one swoop so that any further claims will just be swept up in the conflict, church of Truth be damned. I will prepare routes of retreat for you. As a junior elder, there isn¡¯t that much else I can do to keep the actual sect warriors off your backs. There are plenty of hidden nooks up in those mountains.¡± ¡°Then we have an accord,¡± all three of the mercenaries intoned as one.
¡°It would seem that you have gained a bit of a following,¡± Kite noted with not a small amount of amusement as Soul joined him in front of the guildhall. Behind her, looking at her retreating back with awe, stood a group of four iron-rankers and two bronze-rankers. ¡°They will have to work hard, very hard, if they want to stand before Warrior with pride in their hearts. Can¡¯t just let them stumble about as they were,¡± the celestine replied, a pulse of her aura giving off the feeling of sharply looking over her shoulder with a judging gaze. The spiritual nudge was all the irons and bronzes needed, their trance broken as they threw themselves back into the sparring with great fervor. ¡°Well, each time you¡¯ve spared them a word or three, there has been clear improvement. Rarely have I seen a bronze-ranker so happy to be knocked around,¡± Kite said as the pair rounded the house to find a sparring yard of their own. While it wasn¡¯t roomy or durable enough for the two silvers to go all out, the open space behind the main house and the compound¡¯s outer wall still served well enough for some closer melee practice. It even sported some obscuring formations, courtesy of Braid, which made sure that any spies would have to come very close indeed if they wanted to glean anything from the upcoming spar. ¡°Maybe Soul, blessed by Warrior, will add ¡®vaunted mentor¡¯ to her list of titles?¡± ¡°The road to perfection does not have time for such diversions,¡± Soul retorted quickly, adding some emphasis to her protest by throwing the first punch, Kite¡¯s staff whirling in a series of attacks and blocks as the pair started their exchanges. He had to keep his mantle active from the very beginning, the spectral arms being the equalizing factor which meant that Soul could really let loose and find herself under actual pressure from the way Kite had learned to interweave attack and defense. ¡°And yet you¡¯ve found yourself back at their side again and again,¡± Kite jibed. ¡°Not that I¡¯m complaining though. If the occasional pointer from you will nurture some more champions of the guild to take up challenges and more direct combat situations, Warrior and you will both have my most sincere gratitude.¡± ¡°Distractions. Fight like you mean it, Pathbreaker,¡± Soul said tersely, stepping up her speed and coming at him with renewed focus. ¡°Oh, I am. Maybe me pointing out that many a sage has found teaching others to be the way forward for their own paths, finding insight in the development of-¡± he began, pausing to sacrifice one of his spectral arms to block a particularly impressive strike from the celestine, her hand shooting for his chest like a bolt of lightning from a clear sky. ¡°- others lesser than themselves is just a distraction to throw you off balance ever so slightly? But I do believe it to be true. One of my earlier masters, Unyielding Soul of Stone, sought his own insights that way.¡± ¡°Or maybe someone seeking such an option is only doing so out of desperation, their path having reached something insurmountable that they are too weak to conquer.¡± Soul countered, punctuating each word with a strike, the flurry only ceasing when Kite did prove his words a distraction. Using all of his spectral arms for defense for a moment allowed him to deliver a surprisingly simple thrust of his staff straight into Soul¡¯s sternum, Disrupting Strike suppressing the passive ability increasing her speed. ¡°My path will find perfection on its own merit,¡± the celestine continued, changing tactics in a fluid instant to compensate for her lowered swiftness as Kite went on the offensive. ¡°It is the only thing I need to reach the heavens.¡± ¡°And would it be anything less than a testament to the strength and prowess of your path if sharing only glimpses of it will uplift others and foster new warriors to spread the very same god¡¯s purview?¡± Kite countered, sensing that, while Soul¡¯s physical guard was like an impenetrable wall, his arguments were finding purchase in her mental one. ¡°At least show me your own might before starting to plan the rise of others,¡± Soul called, ending the argument with a counter-offensive so abrupt and forceful that Kite could only do his utmost to hold on. Back and forth they went, silence now reigning between them as both had sunk into their combat meditations; Kite working further to incorporate the direct and the simple into his strikes, the assurance that any strike would hit as long as timing and target were correct, while Soul in turn started meshing yet another of her many martial arts into the comprehensive monster that was her style. She had even gladly told Kite about it during previous spars; how each new style could bring something. Sometimes a whole set of stances and motions, sometimes just a slight shift to a bent knee in a certain set of movements. ¡°Perfection is found both in the whole and the details,¡± Soul had lectured, probably the most passionate Kite had ever seen her outside of actual, challenging combat. ¡°You cannot neglect any part of it, or you neglect a chance to advance even the slightest hair¡¯s-width on your path.¡± And even as he fought for all he was worth, Kite couldn¡¯t help but to admire the amethyst-haired celestine, her motions and spirit so united as she sought her own truth in the world and the strength to turn it into terrifying reality. And as usual, Kite couldn¡¯t help but speak his mind. ¡°You truly are impressive, Soul, blessed by Warrior,¡± he said once they gave each other a shallow bow of respect, the spar ending in a draw slightly skewed in Soul¡¯s favor as she was unable to utilize her greater speed and footwork in their current confines. ¡°If perfection is ever attainable, I have no doubt that you will reach it. Or at least spend eternity trying. Just don¡¯t neglect yourself as part of the world while reaching for the heavens. Every warrior needs a battlefield to be part of. Earth on which to ground their stance.¡± Soul gave only a snort in recognition of his statement, but as her aura told a different story, Kite quickly said his farewells as he left by entering the guildhall through one of its back doors facing the sparring yard. As she walked back to the front of the guildhall, one part of her mind processing the lengthy spar, other parts of Soul¡¯s thoughts seemed to have meandered off elsewhere into reflections and ponderings more unconscious than not. Fingers twitching in responses to imagined blows and correction to said blows, a discordant glimpse in the corner of Soul¡¯s eye caused her bubble of reflection to shatter. One of the irons, while trying to follow her advice from earlier, had started showing a slight tendency to lean into her swings just a bit too much. While not egregious, it was something that could and would turn into a bad habit difficult to shake down the line, and Soul was already halfway across the yard, correction forming on her lips when she realized what she was doing and froze. None of the lower-rankers had yet to notice her, Soul¡¯s silver-ranked aura currently averting notice when they were engrossed in their sparring. Had they looked her way, the internal struggle inside the celestine would have been visible to everyone as slight twitches and almost imperceptible shakes as words spoken not long before had started to seize ground in a mind that had thought itself closed off and impervious. Completely unknowing of their idol¡¯s inner turmoil, the irons and bronzes continued their sparring, and when the younger woman once more leaned into her swing in the very same, slightly overextended way as before, whatever resistance Soul had managed to muster towards the verbal sappers slowly digging their way into the fortress of her mind crumbled before the frustrating display before her very eyes. ¡°Heavens curse you, Pathbreaker,¡± was all Soul muttered before she let her aura wash outward, the guild members in the courtyard suddenly very aware of her presence, her call like divine judgment held above their heads. ¡°What in the name of Warrior most high was that?¡±
Dancer on the Broken River, adherent of Pain, took some pride in that she did, in fact, not lash out and crush the stone in front of her into fine gravel. It was an old thing, made mostly smooth by the wind and stream from which it was jutting during past millenia. And it would have been so easy for River to break that smoothness, chains tearing it into fine pieces while River imagined it to be the very image of the god Discord. But River¡¯s father had taught her better. She was to be collected, sharp, focused- ¡°You totally wanted to smash that rock just now, didn¡¯t you~?¡± a squeaky voice asked from the side, and it didn¡¯t even twitch as River whirled on it, glaring silent daggers. Seeing that the priestess hadn¡¯t risen to the jibe, Wander continued. ¡°I get it. You¡¯re frustrated. We wanted them to know more too. But there¡¯s plenty of other, better ways to let out such frustrations. Some like meditating. Or maybe fighting a monster? Knitting? Oh, maybe find a guy, gal or both and reeeeeeally just get into it for a while~?¡± As River just stood there, almost translucent hair falling across a face torn between a stiff outrage and disbelief, the rat - as always - took the silence as River¡¯s blessing for her to continue. ¡°But you don¡¯t seem like the cuddly type, eternal vengeance and all that. I mean, sure, some people might really enjoy that ¡®chain and pain¡¯-thing you¡¯ve got going - which would be a great name for a side business by the way, should you ever want to go semi-legit - but I could see most having a problem with it. Iffy consent is never a good basis for relaxation. But wait, how old are you? Somewhere close to Kite? And you¡¯ve been on this crusade ever since the fall of the Unbreakable Chains sect? Have you even- wait, no, don¡¯t tell me¨C are you a virg- eep~!¡±This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. The chain had been fast as it descended like a lightning strike from above, chunks of the smaller stone upon which Wander had been perched spraying everywhere along with the tumbling rat, her ranting musings now interrupted. Another chain shot out and snared the rodent, yanking her small form close to River¡¯s now even more intense glare. Things were also made much, much worse as the voice of Pain rang out in River¡¯s mind, full of amusement. ¡°Ah, the delectable pain of embarrassment. It has been a long, long time since you last gave that to me, little one.¡± River¡¯s first impulse was to squeeze, conjure the barbs along her chain and rip the little thing to pieces. It was just a part of the whole after all, easily replaceable. But she did not. Instead, she took a moment to center herself, before slowly depositing the rat down on the remnants of the stone upon which she had been sitting earlier. Even if the thing was disposable, River still needed to cooperate. Because even if the two priests she had captured so far had known little, it was still two priests of Discord removed from the board. And River would be damned if she let her potential chance of finding a third within the Mirrored Mountain sect be lost just because of her own lack of discipline. ¡°Why?¡± she still asked, a bit of remnant frustrations still leaking into her flat voice. ¡°Why what~?¡± Wander retorted cheekily. ¡°Why are you like this? Your ¡®observations¡¯ contribute nothing of worth. You are an observer to liaise with me; a temporary ally. You needn¡¯t interact with me. You shouldn¡¯t interact with me. There is no point. No purpose.¡± ¡°Oh? Maybe I just like talking. Talking is fun, after all. And I see so much at the same time, that a bit of venting is almost always needed. Wouldn¡¯t want to go crazy, after all~¡± Wander squeaked in reply. ¡°And yet your words only seem to make you look more so,¡± River retorted. ¡°I truly don¡¯t understand you, myriad one. You speak oddly, act oddly and your aura feels equally odd. Blessed Pain, you even smell oddly. Like¡­ I don¡¯t even know how to describe it.¡± ¡°Well, maybe it¡¯s just part of my charm,¡± the rat replied, striking a mock-suave pose on the rock. ¡°And maybe you just need to see more of life and broaden your horizons, crazy priestess. But letting loose isn¡¯t your strong point, is it? I mean, you didn¡¯t even slip once while extracting what you could from the two priests - horrible yet hauntingly competent show, by the way - so I wouldn¡¯t put it beyond you to simply never be relaxed. Glad that you are at least a silver-ranker, otherwise your shoulders and neck would be stiffer than a diamond ranker¡¯s-~¡± Embracing the pain of surrender, River simply let the rat before her glide into some startlingly vulgar comparisons before finally managing to bring the conversations back on track. ¡°Are the annoying one and the rest at least ready to travel to Mirrored Mountain soon?¡± ¡°Yep~,¡± the rat squeaked happily. ¡°They leave in a day, so I thought to tell you in advance. Getting into position and all that. Oh, speaking of positions, if things are really as dire as it seems for you, there is probably a lot that you should know-~¡± Having actually gotten the information she needed, River easily let the rambling rat go on her lengthy musings while she started making her preparations. One more sect remained, and River suspected that at least one priest or priestess would be found there. And with the pace of the guild¡¯s challenges, hopefully they hadn¡¯t even caught on to the fact that they were being hunted from within the very shadows which they hid in.
Centering himself, Haze of Bright Mornings took one final look around before sliding the door open to one of the inner disciple¡¯s abodes. This particular small house was empty, its occupant having been recruited to join one of the sects closer to the heartlands, and would remain so a few more weeks as the current students of the sect vied for the now empty position. But said house was not empty, as three identical women waited for Haze, turning to look at him simultaneously in that most uncanny fashion upon his entering. ¡°Your spirit is uneasy, junior elder,¡± one of the mercenaries told him, scarlet smile unwavering. ¡°The bouts have begun, and unfortunately ¡®my¡¯ dear sect has so far been frustratingly unable to solve my problems for me. Just one of the elders winning would have made my day much less tense,¡± Haze muttered after making sure that the door behind him was thoroughly closed. The risk of someone listening in was completely negligible however, as all of the sect was gathered at the arena to witness the spectacle. Mirrored Mountain sect housed the most prominent dueling arena in the region, after all, carved out of one of the adjacent mountains to house almost all of the local inter-sect tournaments. And as they too chose to rise to the guild¡¯s challenge in order to once and for all prove their superiority, housing the clashes and any spectators there was the natural option. ¡°Then we are to strike as agreed?¡± another of the women asked, and Haze could only steel himself and nod in response. ¡°Yes. I have prepared one of the side entrances into the stands of the arena where the junior elders are seated. They are either bronze or irons, and will fall easily before you while creating more than enough outrage for a swift, unbridled response. Show me your disguises,¡± Haze said, trying to keep his tone of command even in the face of the higher-rankers. His efforts did receive a quirked eyebrow in return, but the three women all started changing soon thereafter. It was an eerie process to watch, their faces seemingly rearranging themselves while clothes shifted and changed. Haze was unsure if the transformations were due to actual transfiguration, illusion or both, but he had to admit that the now green-cloaked figures who prominently bore the crest of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild all felt most convincing as local members. Even their auras changed, giving off the feel of outraged firebrands who would see victory seized at any cost. Their looks didn¡¯t match any actual known members, but Haze didn¡¯t think that would be needed either. Better to have them identifiable enough while remaining nondescript, leaving the guild as a whole to take the upcoming ire. ¡°They are¡­ passable,¡± he said, containing his shudder. ¡°When I left, the one called Pathbreaker was about to start his bout with the sect leader in a quarter of an hour. Wait around five minutes here, before you make your way to the entrance specified in our arrangement. Do whatever you must, as long as it''s public enough, then retreat along the route I provided you through the old escape tunnels.¡± ¡°We have already walked this sect and know the route,¡± the third woman said, waving away the scroll which Haze offered containing the details. ¡°Be on your merry way, little priest. We trust that the second half of the payment will be waiting for us as agreed upon.¡± Haze didn¡¯t need to be reminded twice, saying a prayer to Discord as he left for his own quarters, where his things were already gathered. It was time for the junior elder Haze of Bright Mornings to perish in this most dastardly strike by the guild, and for him to be given both rewards and other assignments. Maybe even- Haze paused and turned, smoothly conjuring his short, curved bow as he drew and fired. And while his bronze-ranked body wasn¡¯t very swift and precise compared to that of a silver, it was more than enough to hit the rat scurrying across the nearby yard. The pitiful thing gave off a pained squeak before its insignificant aura vanished, and Haze only sighed at his own twitchiness as he let the conjured bow disappear. ¡°Center yourself, Haze. Acting in haste like that might cost you much in the future,¡± he chided himself, hurrying off. This did mean that he soon passed out of line of sight from the dead rodent and the remaining arrow, which would dissolve soon enough on its own. Except that if, by chance, Haze would have turned to take another look, he would have found the rat gone, the dissolving arrow lying discarded among the neatly trimmed grass.
¡°Ow. Owowow!~¡± ¡°What?¡± River murmured to the rat hiding out at the nape of her inside the hood she wore. ¡°Crazy bastard. Just shooting a poor little rat like that~,¡± Wander continued, grumbling. ¡°Lucky us that I¡¯m so very good at using my aura to feign death, or we would have lost one of the bodies in here with us.¡± ¡°And why exactly would that be an issue? You are myriad,¡± River asked forlornly, more focused at suffusing her aura out through the sect in a way that would let her detect others while staying hidden herself. That particular feat had taken much, much training, and her god had hinted that it required particular strength and finesse of spirit to even attempt. It did let River sense the few people still remaining in the sect proper, with the overwhelming majority long since in place at the arena across the huge stone bridge. But River¡¯s focus was shattered when Wander gave her answer. ¡°Because it would take a while to sneak another in here or replenish it, and I might lose track of the guy who is probably our hidden priest~,¡± the rat squeaked with her usual singsong nonchalance. ¡°What?¡± River almost called out loud, suffocating her own outburst to a hiss as she came to a stop atop the tiled roof which she had been traversing. ¡°Where? Give me a direction!¡± ¡°Not so fast. I overheard him talking with some other, creepy silvers. It sounded like they were planning some kind of sabotage directed against Kite and the guild, impersonating members and doing some pretty mean stuff. You gotta stop them first~.¡± ¡°Irrelevant. I am only here for my quarry,¡± River shot back, even as she remained as still as a statue while doing her own sweep for whoever Wander had indicated. ¡°And I¡¯m here to help Kite, a friend~,¡± Wander shot back. ¡°We can¡¯t just let them take a cheap shot like this. You can stop the silvers first, then go after the priest.¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°I still have a body tailing him, hence the need to keep it intact rather than just let it explode when hit with the arrow. Take out the impersonators, and I¡¯ll lead you to him, even if he goes outside the sect~¡±. ¡°This was not our deal.¡± ¡°I was never part of any deal, crazy girl. We helped you get in here as agreed. Me tagging along and helping with communication and tracking is just me being nice. But do I get a ¡®thank you, Wander¡¯? No, because whoever thanks the rat~?¡± ¡°I will-¡± ¡°-do as I ask if you want my help. You might be able to find him on your own, but is it really worth it when I can make it a guarantee? And besides, don¡¯t pretend that this little cooperation hasn¡¯t been helpful to you. Is it really worth letting the guild potentially get swept up in whatever they have planned instead of keeping them as potential allies in the future~?¡± Wander¡¯s singsong voice had gone surprisingly tense, and River was suddenly all too aware of the sharp claws and teeth so very close to her neck. Even though the little rodent was only part of the whole, the steel in her odd aura was uniform enough. Centering herself, River pushed away the frustration that told her to just throw the rat down the nearest chimney and set off on her own. Instead she thought, weighing Wander¡¯s words against her objectives and her long-term quest that had felt like a fruitless, drawn-out search for so, so long. ¡°Fine,¡± River finally said, the word clipped and flat. ¡°You swear to uphold your end?¡± ¡°I do~.¡± ¡°Then lead me to them. I¡¯ll handle what I can, but I won¡¯t put my extraction or ultimate goal at risk. If they get somewhere too public, the annoying one and his guild are on their own.¡± ¡°Good enough for me. Then go north three streets over, then west. With your scary senses, you won¡¯t miss them~.¡± River was already off before Wander had finished her sentence, shooting from one roof to the other through the basically abandoned housing district of the Mirrored Mountain sect. Powers from both her adept and dance essences had always let River find sure footing, be it in combat or while running at breakneck speeds. The same set of powers and skills let her keep that very speed even as she veered off against a trio of silver-ranked auras moving at a sedate pace through the sect, retracted far enough so that most other silvers probably wouldn¡¯t think much of them at a spiritual glance. But River was not just any other silver-ranker, and she felt both their presence among other things. ¡°Such flimsy attempts at likeness and misdirection,¡± she inwardly scoffed as she felt the trio¡¯s auras. Choosing a nearby house - a large one which seemed to be some communal eating area that was currently empty - River vaulted in through an open window at the back and stopped in the middle of the room, glancing at the surrounding pillows spread around two dozen low tables. Another subtle surge of her aura confirmed that the closest other person except her three targets were at least three houses away, River stopped in a ready position, like a grim statue completely at odds with the otherwise warm, utilitarian room. ¡°Pain, I dedicate my actions to you,¡± she murmured under her breath, pausing for just a moment before nine chains materialized around her, winding themselves around her form even as they shot out towards the sliding walls on the opposite side of the room where a trio of shadows had just moved into sight, silhouettes barely glimpsed beyond the closed drapes. Said silhouettes became a lot more distinct once River¡¯s chains easily punched through the flimsy sliding walls, winding themselves around one of the silver-rankers on the other side and yanking them inside in another, bigger burst of splinters. The victim was pulled halfway into the room, ravaged by the reddish-purple sparks of pain coursing along the chains, before ¡®she¡¯ managed to get free, even though River¡¯s senses had already made out enough to know that her eyes couldn¡¯t be trusted with these. This was proved doubly true as the means of freeing ¡®herself¡¯ was by turning into a fleshy mass which flowed around the snaring links, even if River prided herself that the process took a lot longer and was a lot more painful than usual, courtesy of one of the powers of her chain essence. The other two silhouettes, identical women to the one reforming off to River¡¯s side, entered the building a breath after their companion, and River noted with some satisfaction that they chose to enter through the already made hole rather than just plowing in through the wall, all but confirming that the trio also had a bit of a vested interest in keeping themselves as unnoticed as possible. ¡°Rude. And most unwise,¡± the reforming mass of flesh said even before it had completely regained its form, the trio apparently content with talking while spreading out in the room to flank the lone priestess of Pain. To their credit, the trio acted the moment they were in position, shooting in towards River with all the speed their silver ranks could muster. And in turn, River gathered her spirit into the naked blade that was her signum, chains coiling around her, as the dancing homage to her deity began. 182. And thus would karma be severed Like the points of a triangle converging on a single spot, the points of three straight swords plunged into a winding mass of chains in the middle of the otherwise empty dining hall. The passage of their wielders would have been enough to easily shatter the simple low wooden tables and other furniture, but none of the combatants seemed to be willing to resort to more collateral damage than needed at the moment. Instead, each step of the three identical-looking women was careful and measured, as were their strikes. But their target¡¯s response proved their better, as the points of their blades never found the softer resistance of flesh among the twined chains. Their heads snapped up too late to see River already vaulting out from the coiled links and over her assailants, more chains trailing her form while a twisting motion of her wrist sent the coiled mass left behind into action. It unfurled like the blooming of a violent flower, thrashing chains striking against anything within a few meters while snagging blades and limbs with indiscriminate abandon. One of the three assailants did lose her blade and all three were struck and hampered as they disengaged, suffering a few painful lashes before getting clear. They did prove competent however, immediately continuing their pursuit of River around the unexpected hazard, two blades and one leaping kick aiming for her descending form. River shifted through one of them, instantly moving two meters to the side and through the attacking silver-ranker before lashing out with three of the conjured chains still attached to her while two more shot out to drag her out of the way of the follow-up attacks. The pace was frantic, three opponents chasing after her even as she continued to weave through the room while leaving her ever-present trail of chains; a staple power that had remained unchanged in purpose since iron rank only to grow in potential for each new realm of power she had reached. But River¡¯s path had always been to dance through the chaos and make way for the ever tightening web of control that she spun. And the first few exchanges, with only blades and chains doing the talking, did let her confirm a bit of her suspicions about her opponents. The trio fought with straight blades and nimble tactics, surrounding and constantly using movement powers and footwork to flank and attempt to outmaneuver. Occasionally, a flashing dagger wreathed in lightning would appear in one of their hands, delivering a single, more powerful surprise attack before it vanished again, and from the looks of it none of River¡¯s lashing strikes and painful blows left a lasting mark on either of them, even going as far as visibly regenerating a broken arm in seconds. ¡°Speed, regeneration, movement, bursts of damage¡­ In a set of three, a devastating combination,¡± River inwardly mused. Her father¡¯s lessons already had her questioning the likelihood of such a trio even existing in a world of random essence powers, even if it did appear to be the case here. But it was his training, and all the controlled agony she had endured to scar and strengthen her soul, that allowed her to part the veils and realize the truth. And through that truth lay victory, as long as River could get her timing right. The combatants clashed again, and she accepted a light cut to her cheek while another blade scraped along a raised vambrace, all worthy sacrifices to have six of River¡¯s nine chains aim for the final of the three opposing women, whose thrust with the lightning-wreathed dagger would have been the decisive strike. The woman was yanked along with River¡¯s own motions as her chains pulled her to the side even as thorns grew from the links that had managed to thoroughly wind themselves around the calf of one leg and the thigh of the other. At the same time, one of River¡¯s free chains snuck in and struck one of the first two assailants, delivering a curse which would, among other things, afflict the target with the Inescapable affliction. Before her prey could free herself further, River unleashed her special attack usually reserved as the finisher to a fight. The thorns growing from the chains became both longer and sharper before the twisting, constricting set of links unwound. This process had always been a quick one, but at silver rank, the speed had turned rather absurd. In the blink of an eye, a high-pitched whine was followed by a slightly belated scream of agony as both of the opposing silver-rankers legs were severed in a messy explosion of gore. The decisive move did give the other two assailants pause as they were stepping in to engage River once more, and she took the moment to drive home another spike of doubt into their morale. ¡°Impressive work of synchronization,¡± she noted, towering above the downed foe even as her chains flicked to clear themselves of the blood in a neat spray. ¡°But I don¡¯t believe that you will be able to heal from that one. Because that is not part of your path, but ¡®her¡¯s¡¯, isn¡¯t it?¡± River finished, nodding to one of the other silvers still on their feet before turning back to her crippled foe. ¡°The question is, are you the illusionist or the dagger-wielder?¡± A lightning-wreathed dagger thrown towards her from below answered that question well enough, and River whirled out of the way in a blur of motion while one of her chains impaled the offending arm to the floor. ¡°I see,¡± she stated, voice flat as ever. ¡°That leaves illusionist and flesh-warper.¡± The startled pulse going through the auras of all her foes was the final confirmation needed. River had felt something off with the trio even while she drew closer, beyond their aura masks that ostensibly made them feel identical. And while exchanging blows, the undercurrents she managed to dig out from beneath the obscuring layer over their spirits made her realize that the three were indeed rather different in paths, and probably in looks as well. One had to be an illusionist, making sure that the group looked and sounded alike, among other potential tricks along those lines. Another had to be on some kind of flesh-aspected path with potent self-healing. And at least one of them - River guessed the flesh-warper, a guess which was probably correct if she went by the result of her gamble - also had a power to rapidly and frequently swap places with their teammates beneath the illusions to accept blows that would land. That was why she targeted that particular ¡®copy¡¯ with her inescapable curse, and why it had paid such dividends. ¡°Still, you are inferior,¡± River stated coldly, sending more chains to harass her downed opponent while advancing towards the other two. It was rather satisfying to feel their resolve breaking before her advance, River¡¯s own pain-inducing aura bearing down on theirs as their spiritual defenses faltered. But it did come with certain, annoying consequences. An unspoken conversation seemed to be held between the two assailants remaining on their feet for a fleeting moment, before they - while demonstrating the same level of impressive coordination as before - bolted. River was about to pursue immediately, but was forced to abort her first attempted burst of speed as the downed ¡®woman¡¯ attacked her again, showing a surprising degree of loyalty to the others as ¡®she¡¯ accepted more strikes of River¡¯s chain in order to deliver a criss-crossing series of lightning slashes that came at the priestess in crackling waves before throwing her dagger again. At the same time, more illusions of the escaping pair started forming, filling the room with chaotic lights and sounds that tore into River¡¯s senses, even somewhat confounding her aura sense. Inaction would not do, however, and River turned back to finish her downed foe quickly so as to not risk her whole pursuit failing due to some other tricks, striking a rapid-fire series of attacks with a frustrated snort. Most illusionists had limits to the scope and number of illusions they could maintain at the same time, and the fleeing one in this case seemed no different, as the guise of the ¡®woman¡¯ on the ground bled away to reveal a human man with sharp, handsome features. At least they looked that way before River¡¯s armored shin impacted his cheek, a special attack from her dance essence causing her sweeping leg to move like lightning as part of her controlled series of movement used to ruthlessly beat down and suppress any further attempts at struggling. Finishing him took only a dozen heartbeats, her barbed chains soon finding his neck and turning it into a gory mess even without the help of her executing special attack. But a dozen heartbeats was a lot of time for two silvers to gain quite the lead even without essence powers to help them, and the last gobbets of torn throat hadn¡¯t yet touched down upon the wooden tables and worn cushions of the dining hall before River passed through the hole in the sliding walls in hot pursuit. Pursuing an illusionist was always a chore too, but in this case, River still had the pair¡¯s spiritual scent. And as she vaulted across yards, streets and rooftops in pursuit, she already had an inkling as to their destination. ¡°Dedicated bunch, huh~?¡± Wander noted from within River¡¯s hood as it was made obvious that the pair was heading straight for the arena to the north of the sect¡¯s main compound, either to find some kind of safety in numbers or, more likely from the feel River had gotten from them, on their way to enact their mission even in face of the opposition. ¡°You have to give it to the church of you-know-who; they sure know how to find other people to bleed and die for their cause~.¡± River didn¡¯t know if the jibe had been intentional, but she forcefully fought down the memories of her father and his hidden sect - used and discarded - and the hot anger those memories brought back in her. They were just a few dozen meters away from the massive stone bridge leading towards the peak-turned-arena when River finally found herself within striking range again, chains seeking the backs of her fleeing quarry. But that was also why River was once again reminded of another annoying aspect of hunting an illusionist. ¡°Help! Disciples, assist us! An invader is coming for the elders!¡± Just before turning the last corner before the bridge, the illusions covering the two fleeing silvers shifted into young men wearing the robes of the sects. A closer inspection would probably have let the six bronze-rankers guarding the bridge note that something was amiss, but a blood-splattered River in hot pursuit with barbed chains already reaching for the fleeing pair was apparently a most excellent distraction in that regard. ¡°Mirrored Mountain! Form up and- aaaagh!¡± the lead of the bronze-ranked disciples called, snapping from what River could only suspect to have been frustrated boredom at the position as a guard during such interesting events, probably handed out as some kind of penalty or punishment. His day suddenly became a lot worse as his side was suddenly cut open by the two fleeing silvers passing through their midst, the pair creating quite some carnage as their guises shifted again. ¡°Hah! Fall before the might of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild!¡± one of the running silvers called over his back, clothes now having shifted to ¡®reveal¡¯ the green cape and leaf emblem instead. Once again, the theatrics might have been rather easy to doubt, but being cut apart by unexpected violence once again tended to skew one¡¯s perception of things. River could only watch helplessly while sprinting towards the bridge in pursuit as the leading disciple heroically ignored his own wounds to activate an array stone at his belt even as he was falling to the ground. ¡°The mountain¡­ endures¡­¡± Not even a blink later, a shimmering defensive array appeared, cutting off the whole mouth of the stone bridge along with several dozen meters of the edge in both directions. A secondary barrier appeared to shield the group of guarding disciples from the other direction as well, even though the fleeing ¡®guilders¡¯ did not bother to make any more attacks as they covered the final stretch towards the arena. The appearance of the barrier sent a stinging feedback into River¡¯s mind as her chains, already rushing past the beleaguered disciples in pursuit of the actual foes, were severed by the powerful defensive barrier that snapped into place. Her pursuing momentum was too great to simply stop, but with the perfect balance and control of her dance essence, it was simple for River to just step up onto the barrier, run up and along its surface for a few meters before vaulting backwards to land in a graceful crouch. She ignored the challenging calls of the terrified disciples, looking after the two remaining silvers who were almost at one of the arena¡¯s entrances. ¡°I will claim that I did what I could, and that I thus have upheld my end of the bargain. Time to do the same, myriad one. And perhaps warn the annoying one?¡± River noted silently to the rat still residing inside her hood. ¡°Yeah, I guess you did~,¡± the rat mused, peeking out to look after their actual targets. ¡°Alright, time to go hunt down a little priest instead. Kite and the others can hopefully handle things. Probably. Perhaps. Maybe~?¡± River had already turned and left, sensing that other disciples left guarding the sect proper had been drawn by the ruckus and obvious lightshow of the array, and she did not care to waste time on dispatching them. ¡°Then do your part, and guide me.¡± ¡°Sure, crazy girl. Let me just do that while doing a dozen other things at the same time. Thank you, Wander, for being such a selfless multi-tasker. You¡¯re welcome, Wander. Here, have infinite praise and a warehouse of cheese. But does anyone say that? Nooo~-¡± the rat said, starting her little monologue of complaints even as she and River left the scene, moving rapidly across the rooftops towards another of their quarries and the resolution of their deal. And thus would karma be severed. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
¡°Ward!¡± Dual discs of force appeared before yet another gout of flame, an accompanying cheer erupting from the various sect disciples as their sect leader turned yet another part of the sand floor of the arena to crackling glass. Fortunately, whatever flames that managed to lap around the barrier splashed harmlessly over the magically charged surface of Kite¡¯s armor, consuming the Impervious boon that it had built up through their duel so far. ¡°And once more I thank Fortune for my rather odd path. Taking on this clash as a more conventional magic fighter would have been a lot more challenging,¡± Kite thought as he countered, pulsing his mantle to send a trio of projected attacks in return towards his foe, their dispelling force cleaving through the flaming breath before impacting, draining some more mana. ¡°The mountain endures, brat. Do you really think that you can outlast me?¡± Sect Leader Bright Shining Stride asked, the man looking very much his namesake as he was currently covered in reflective scales, lingering flames flicking about his lips as he spoke. Kite had to give it to the sect leader that his path was also a rather odd one. He had never heard of the Glimeron confluence before his preparations for this challenge, formed of the mirror, venom and fire essences to give a power set based around the pangolin-like magical creatures with its reflective scales. Using Sage in any offensive capacity had quickly turned out to be a study in futility, as most magical projectiles seemed to simply be reflected off the scales, the defenses even having proved resistant enough to magical influence to block Kite¡¯s own attempts at dispelling them. Physical force did work, even though the scales gave a manner of defense in that regard, but going into melee with the sect leader was a rather intense affair as Kite had to content with breathed fire and venomous special attacks delivered through a flexible bladed whip-sword as well as the claws that came with the scaled transformation. Off to the side, Glint was currently holding the man¡¯s familiar - unsurprisingly, a bonded Glimeron familiar - at bay. While she still lacked more offensive means than attacking through beams of pressurized water, Glint was nimble and cunning enough to easily negate and curtail the lumbering pangolin, flames quenched before they could reach her as she floated around in her larger, serpentine form. ¡°I cast no aspersions on the endurance and tenacity of the Mirrored Mountain, Sect Leader, but I will question its honor and judgment,¡± Kite countered, using his mantle more and more to deliver a steady stream of attacks. Fighting an opponent with the mirror essence usually meant at least some means of damage or power reflection even without taking any confluences into account, and the sect leader was no exception. Multiple weak attacks became the way to go as Kite would have to eat the effects of his own strikes every now and then, and he still did not dare to use anything more potent as that might literally backfire on him. ¡°A brat like you questioning our venerable sect is already evidence enough. Our institution has staked our claim for hundreds of years, and you are but a fleeting weed trying to invade our slopes, soon to be forgotten-¡± None of the words exchanged caused the clashing to stop, with claw and whip-sword scoring the occasional wound upon Kite while his spiritual blows and presence ate away at the reserves of his foe. As its damaging beams were of little help, Sage instead had to work hard in using its charges to cleanse the venom delivered with each strike, which still wasn¡¯t enough to nullify the impact of the afflictions. Both warriors were slowly but surely whittling each other down, and a more decisive strike landed by one of them had even more potential to swing the bout in either¡¯s favor. Kite was just about to try for such a strike, having managed to bait out the most readily available reflection power a moment earlier. In a feint of footwork, he suddenly stepped off a pane of force in the air to take himself in a different direction than the sect leader expected, armored greave stomping down on the extended sword-whip as he came down swinging. Sect Leader Bright wisely dropped the weapon and leapt back, but was still hit by the following two projected attacks, ripples in the air carrying both Disruptive Strike and Chakra Implosion. The slight stunning effect would have been a perfect opportunity for Kite to further press the advantage, but as his expanded field of vision revealed the tiny form of a rat scuttling down one of the walls leading into the arena before it started sprinting with all its little silver-ranked speed towards him, he instead mirrored the sect leader in backing off and creating some distance. ¡°Wander?¡± he murmured as the rat took a surprisingly mighty leap to clear the last five meters, almost skittering off the pauldron of his armor given her great momentum. ¡°Kite! Treachery is afoot! You need to move towards the northwestern wall now!¡± the rat squeaked, urgency clear in her tone. While that would be rather disadvantageous in his current duel, Kite had also found that the less singsong there was in Wander¡¯s tone, the more urgent things were. And there hadn¡¯t even been a hint of it in her proclamations as she urged him to act, her ability to project seriousness into the squeaking voice of a rat most impressive. So instead of pressing his advantage, Kite sent a few harrying attacks the way of the sect leader, maneuvering around his foe to a better starting position before he started a dead sprint towards the wall in question. ¡°What is this? Fleeing before your betters?¡± came the taunting call from Sect Leader Bright before the man started his pursuit. ¡°Wall!¡± Kite snapped in return, enclosing the man in as many barriers as possible. Without him remaining near to reinforce them, the man would chew through the obstacles in seconds, but seconds was probably all that Kite needed. At least he hoped so. ¡°-incoming illusionist and other, setting you up,¡± Wander continued her explanation. ¡°I¡¯ve warned the others, but the elders are making things hard on them.¡± Her words were confirmed by a glance, where Kite saw Dragonfly and Little Crow squaring off against a line of disgruntled elders apparently none too pleased with them suddenly getting up and starting to rapidly move along the stands. Another trio of elders was currently chasing after Soul, who had, true to form, seen little point in humoring the pointed questions of foes she and the rest of them had already defeated in earlier duels, passing the line in a blur of movement. She would still have to circumvent the arena floor itself though, forced to take a longer route around to the portion Wander was indicating; the section where the junior elders of the sects - irons and bronzes all - were seated. Just as the sect leader broke through the cage he had been left inside, Kite had drawn close enough to the stone wall surrounding the arena, beginning to climb upward through the air via the sustained version of Leyline Warding. And that was when he saw them; a pair of figures dressed in the green cloaks of the guild, complete with adorning leaf patterns. None of them looked like anyone Kite himself recognized, but as Wander had warned him about illusionists, he would have been surprised if that had been the case. All of their publicly known silvers were already in attendance, after all. The pair didn¡¯t hold back their auras either, blasting them out and therefore making it impossible for anyone with essences to miss them. ¡°Death to the sects! Our guild will reign in these lands, and your weaklings will be culled!¡± one of them called, voice magically empowered as the nondescript man dramatically brandished a thick, curved sword before the suddenly terrified lower-rankers before him, most of them core-users in administrative or logistical functions. The other one spared their prey no words, drawing a similar blade and lifting it in preparation for a vicious slash. Even without special attacks, the thick slab of a sword and the strength of a silver would be enough to brutalize anyone lower ranked. Kite, though, did have some words of his own, his chant drowning out the cries of outrage and betrayal from all around the arena. ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± Knowing what he did of the structure, Kite had only one option with which to intervene. Or at least one option which might have a chance to pass through the defenses and make a difference. There were protective arrays in place all around the edge between the wall enclosing the fighting space and the stands in order to protect the audience from any stray, harmful things coming their way. It felt like the world slowed down to Kite¡¯s senses as the almost unseen ripple started to expand from him, making its way towards the sections of the stands currently in the earliest stages of chaos as the junior elders were belatedly starting to react to the threat in different ways. Some were simply frozen in disbelief or incomprehension, while others were starting to activate what defensive or evasive means that they could. Fortune did smile upon Kite once more as his spell seemed to pass through the array without the defenses triggering, washing over the section of the stands. While this did cause some activating magic to fizzle and fail, Kite sending a few more quick and silent prayers to the deity that this in and of itself wouldn¡¯t cause undue deaths, it did have the most important effect; the one of which he had hoped for. Green cloaks vanished like mist beneath a gale, taking the features and most other visible parts of the two silver-ranked assailants with them. This revealed an elven man and human woman standing, swords raised even though they both flinched as the dispelling effects carried the sting of transcendent damage. Still, it was not enough to deter the blade already in motion, and Kite was just about to hope that his barriers would also be allowed to be cast through the array when the need for further intervention disappeared. How could he hope to outdo perfection, after all? Soul¡¯s arrival was like a lightning strike, roiling thunder echoing in her wake as she was suddenly upon the pair of would-be assailants. Nearby junior elders were still sent staggering or tumbling away from her passage, and even more so as her upward kick impacted the flat of the swinging blade from beneath. The thick cleaver was forced upwards so abruptly and with such force that its wielder, the human woman, was sent staggering backwards for a step in order to maintain her balance, and Soul did not let such a critical opening go to waste as another punch to the woman¡¯s side sent her stumbling into side of her fellow saboteur to further hinder his attempted slash. ¡°Brat! What treachery is this?!¡± came the outraged roar from the rapidly approaching Sect Leader Bright, the silvery man charging towards Kite with all the speed he could muster. ¡°I could ask you the same, sect leader,¡± Kite shot back, turning to face the man after sharing a look with Soul where the celestine woman clearly conveyed that she would be able to manage. ¡°Oh please, Pathbreaker. They are nothing before perfection,¡± had been the more exact message Kite had gotten, but he still couldn¡¯t help but partially keep an eye on things through his expanded vision. ¡°I know not what kind of attempted slander this was supposed to be -,¡± Kite continued, ¡°- but even at a glance I can see that it was a most crude one.¡± ¡°As if I would trust such words from an outcast, especially one having the gall to throw such accusations back at us; the ones clearly in danger,¡± Sect Leader Bright scoffed, even though the outrage and anger Kite could sense beneath his arrogant facade were most genuine. ¡°Then me and mine shall swear so before Truth, proving our innocence-¡± ¡°Bah, as if we¡¯d let you get out of here under such pretenses! We always knew that you had no honor, and that this was only to be expected,¡± the sect leader retorted, interrupting Kite while projecting his aura even further to grab the attention of the rest of the arena. ¡°Mirrored Mountain sect! Elders! We have been betrayed! Seize the intruders and-¡± Even the beginning of his proclamations had caused quite a stir, the tense posturing in the stands taking on a more severe note by the moment as essence powers started being activated in preparation of possible violence, it turned out to be the sect leader¡¯s turn to be interrupted. ¡°I will remind you, Sect Leader Bright, of the Queen¡¯s decree and that clash upon which you have sworn before Warrior,¡± Orichalcum Fist said, his voice calm but with a clear sense of disapproval. ¡°A clash that has yet to be concluded.¡± ¡°But honored priest, surely you must see that whatever trickery this so-called guild just attempted must have precedence over-¡± ¡°All I see, sect leader, is that members of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild had put a stop to whatever interference that just occurred,¡± Orichalcum Fist noted, nodding towards where Soul was currently brutalizing one of the interlopers quite badly. The other had apparently tried to take an opportunity to escape, only to run into what could only be described as a torrent of rats which had flooded out of the would-be exit. And while Wander¡¯s myriad tiny bites weren¡¯t the most damaging, being buried in that amount of vermin was still quite the distracting experience. ¡°And as there does not seem to be much else to threaten these proceedings, I do not see anything taking precedence over this clash,¡± the priest finished, stern gaze locked on both Kite and the sect leader. ¡°Let Truth and their servants work out the particulars when the actual important matters have been settled. Or will you disregard Warrior, sect leader, just like you seemed to disregard how Truth could shed light on this matter in the near future?¡± While the question was a simple one, there was quite the amount of gravitas in the meaning behind them, and it suddenly felt like the tinge of divinity in the aura of the priest somehow felt a lot more prominent for that brief moment. Sect Leader Bright looked from the priest, to Kite, to the now well-controlled brawl taking place in the stands, his face a controlled mask, his aura closed off to the world in an iron grip of control. His eyes, though, were calculating. Kite knew that the sect leader had kept his position for quite some time while slowly advancing through silver rank, and that he wasn¡¯t stupid. Overly proud like most of them in a public setting? Yes. But he had also seen the potential opening and reason to abort the duel and simply apprehend the guild members for what it was, and had attempted to take it. His next words also confirmed Kite¡¯s assumptions. ¡°Then I will heed the wishes of Warrior, honored priest,¡± the silver-scaled man eventually said, his tone even and controlled. ¡°May the gods guide us to the truth of this matter. What comes of it will be for us mortals to handle.¡± ¡°Warrior approves of your wisdom,¡± Orichalcum fist agreed, gesturing down to the arena. ¡°I believe that the both of you have a clash to conclude. Continue.¡± 183. Stay safe on your lonely path Soul was frustrated. In the arena beneath them, the Pathbreaker fought a rather interesting clash against the sect leader of the Mirrored Mountain sect. The man¡¯s path combined what looked like a pleasantly surprising degree of cunning in utilizing the toxins, flames and reflective properties of his defenses. The swathes of flames combined with either the flexible sword whip or powerful claws which together formed a comprehensive whole that Soul had to acknowledge as decent. Clear thought and care had gone into the style as a whole. ¡°Of the three local sect leaders, Bright Shining Stride is clearly the most skilled,¡± she noted silently to herself. ¡°Not that it will change his fate, but at least they both get a good tempering out of it.¡± And hence her frustrations. There was the Pathbreaker, living her desired best life while she had to stand here and square off against agitated sect elders in the odd and very much tense situation that had just been handled. While the masked pair, their illusions promptly ripped apart by the Pathbreaker¡¯s ministrations, hadn¡¯t been much of a fight, Soul did see the damage they could have wrought in a short, bloody surprise attack among the core-using irons and bronzes who had previously occupied the part of the stands where they were currently gathered. While the weaklings had retreated, all of the sect¡¯s remaining silvers were menacingly surrounding Soul, Dragonfly, Little Crow and what was probably most of Wander¡¯s bodies. One of their grand elders was currently repeating his shouted demands of them handing over the prisoners and standing down, only to be continuously deflected by Little Crow dancing verbal circles around him. This was further enabled by the elders apparently knowing enough of the capital and the more powerful actors therein to recognize the significance of Crow¡¯s family. ¡°At least that infuriating smile is good for something,¡± Soul thought, tuning out whatever mess that someone had tried to pin on them, instead focusing on the duel again. ¡°The sect leader seems to have caught on that not everything is as it seems. It does take experience to notice the touch of that subtle blade,¡± she mused, seeing that the older man had started pushing harder, apparently no longer as confident in the previous battle of attrition. The sect leader¡¯s sword-whip once more tried to sneak around Kite¡¯s guard, but the younger man was apparently confident in changing up his strategies as well, catching the almost hit on a deviously small barrier at the very end of the exotic weapon¡¯s odd trajectory. ¡°Which should be followed by- but instead overpowered through-¡± Soul thought, trying to keep mental notes of her predictions and to give the Pathbreaker any needed pointers after this was done. ¡°He really should push harder though, and continue with that directness he has been working on, or-¡± A heavy clawed strike broke through Kite¡¯s armor in a solid blow, the noxious energies hinting at the nature of the venomous special attack. This did not come without cost, however, as the sect leader had chosen to accept a heavy dispelling strike from Kite¡¯s staff to get close enough. ¡°Might have looked like a worthwhile trade, but quite the gamble. And while Warrior can reward taking risks to secure victory, it is more often the consistent strike that will fell its foe. The echoes from that staff alone-¡± More of the mana-draining blue cracks appeared just as Soul predicted, but she was surprised as Kite had let the rest of the attack keep its physical nature. Still, she was pleased to see him mix things up a bit more, as the stopping power and staggering effects of such a strike was something one ignored at one¡¯s peril. The blow did cause Sect Leader Bright to stagger slightly, the sand of the arena thrown wide by the combatant¡¯s powerful, clashing blows. ¡°Or maybe this will be the beginning of the end?¡± As if to finish her thought, Kite had apparently chosen to follow up this time. And follow up properly. His staff once more appeared in his hands as he began a proper, powerful swing, the strike further improved by that empowering special ability Soul knew he possessed. The chiming rings at the head of the combat staff seemed to almost glow and crackle with hungry blue energies as Kite had apparently chosen to empower his mana-draining attack, a potential finisher if there ever was one this late in a battle against another essence-user. ¡°Still, rather telegraphed. Has he accounted for the mirror essence properly?¡± Soul thought, the enhanced cognitive processing of her Unparallelled Mind special ability passively increasing that part of her spirit attribute to a level where her internal monologue could stay ahead of the actions of the combatant. The sect leader did indeed activate what Soul assumed was one of the more potent mirror-based defenses that was common to the essence. With a shout of defiance, a reflective disc appeared to intercept the attack, and from the odd depth and sense one got from gazing into its shimmering surface, it was clear that this particular mirror could handle concepts far beyond mere light. Soul suspected that it might have started out as a simple, if potent, power to reflect a spell or attack back to its origin, and that its silver rank would just add more strength and versatility to the reflection. A trump card to turn another¡¯s trump card into an advantage, which was most potent in a duel. ¡°But I see that the Pathbreaker did indeed think ahead. Well fought, Sect Leader Bright. You did not embarrass yourself before Warrior this day.¡± Because while the empowered strike had been initiated, the tattoo¡¯s of Kite¡¯s mantle had also flickered briefly, one of the spectral arms appearing for a brief second in a blur as something only half-seen also struck. It was a projected attack at very close range, the thrust carried the short distance through Kite¡¯s intent in but a moment. But the timing of that moment proved to be a most important one, because the subtle projected attack impacted the mirroring surface of the sect leader¡¯s power just a blink before the actual head of Kite¡¯s staff did. The barrier shattered instantly, multiplying and reflecting the strike back at Kite too fast for even Soul to properly follow. But unfortunately for the sect leader, a pinprick carrying a normal mana-draining attack was not enough to turn the metaphorical tables, no matter his intentions. This meant that Kite briefly had to suffer some of his own mana-draining medicine, but Soul suspected that it felt like a small price to pay to see the slight look of surprise register in the eyes of the older man before the staff, crackling with Kite¡¯s most potent mana-draining attack, struck him. At first, though, a less perceptive observer might suspect that something had gone wrong as the staff simply passed through Sect Leader Bright in a blue arc, Kite even stepping past him as he finished his strike. But as Bright Shining Stride did not move afterwards, just standing still for one confused moment, any such misconceptions would surely have been shattered. Bright blue cracks suddenly burst all across his form from the point of ¡®impact¡¯, seeming to dig deep into the man¡¯s core. Then they flashed again, and a third time, like an ominous echo from the past returning to haunt him. ¡°Victory goes to the Pathbreaker and the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild,¡± Orichalcum Fist declared even before the sect leader¡¯s unconscious form had the time to reach the sands below, the man¡¯s state clearly recognizable in his destabilized aura. While Soul wasn¡¯t surprised, having found the outcome the most probable one, it was clear that many of the sect members weren¡¯t as perceptive. ¡°Or maybe just lacking the skill to actually judge things properly,¡± Soul thought, the words of the nearby grand elder bringing her back to the actual confrontation at hand. ¡°-will ask you to stand down, Master Crow. No matter the duel, we cannot-¡± ¡°Oh, but dear Grand Elder, I believe that the duel did indeed just settle things nicely,¡± Little Crow interrupted with his usual cheer. ¡°After all, your sect is now honor bound not to hinder, hamper or interfere with us in the guild, barring any further undue or uncouth actions from our part, that is.¡± The smiling man hadn¡¯t kept his voice silent either, his words sowing both confusion and outrage among those listening in, but the Grand Elder still looked as if she would protest further, so the celestine quickly continued. ¡°However, in the spirit of truth and the upcoming seven years of harmonious coexistence, we will gladly leave one of the captives with you, for you to get to the bottom of things on your end until that meeting at the temple of Truth which adopted brother Kite suggested.¡± ¡°Now just hol-¡± ¡°Because surely, the Mirrored Mountain sect also wishes to find the truth beyond such a delicate situation, rather than jumping to conclusions and acting on base impulses? Surely, the sects of the heartlands would be most impressed to hear of your justice-seeking spirits in this matter upon my return.¡± Soul had never been to the capital, but knowing what she did of the heartland sects having had a hand in bringing the guild to the locals¡¯ attention, she doubted that the matter would be simple. All of them would probably indeed praise any open display of honor, to keep face and try to vouch for the integrity of their own institutions in the public eye, all while gnashing their teeth at the failure of their little intervention beneath the surface. Soul doubted that this was the last they had heard in the matter, but given her role in their plans for the future, she honestly wouldn¡¯t have it any other way. ¡°But you, on the other hand -,¡± she thought, looking at the two captive silvers being kept in check by Wander, their bodies broken enough to be kept in check for now, even though Wander had to continuously nibble the woman of the pair whose regeneration was a lot more potent. ¡°- your little attempt here bodes of something more directed, not just as simple as siccing the dogs on a small matter. Although, Warrior be praised, at least it will be up to others to actually figure out why that is,¡± Soul thought with a slight smile as she started eyeing each and every silver present, making sure that the challenge and superiority were clear in gaze and aura both. ¡°Because I will be too busy tempering my path towards the heavens.¡±
Haze of Bright Evenings, priest of Discord, had a steadily growing feeling that things weren¡¯t going the way he hoped. At first, his escape from the sect had gone well, Haze using a side passage along with a slow-fall artifact he praised himself to have procured, and it had led to him swiftly finding himself in the wooded hills beneath the mountains upon which the Mirrored Mountain sect had been constructed. Scaring away a few iron-ranked monsters with his bronze aura had been a trifle, and he had even taken the time to put an arrow through a hapless rat who had been staring at him from a nearby bush, the normal-ranked vermin unaffected by his aura. But then Haze had seen another rat. And then another. And for each one he killed, the ominous sensation in his stomach grew with each seemingly identical rodent that showed up to look at him with those dark, beady eyes. ¡°By the gods, just leave me alone!¡± he eventually snarled as he turned around a cliff only to find another rat sitting atop a boulder in the open straight ahead of him. Conjuring his bow, Haze even let one of his few special attacks channel into the arrow, a discordant attack granted through the essence of his deity which would curse the victim¡¯s body to go out of alignment with itself, causing gruesome damage over time. It might have been a waste of mana, but- Instead of outright dying like the rest had, the rat simply did a little flip over the arrow in flight faster than what should have been possible. Even worse, its tail snaked down while still airborne and snatched the projectile from the air, somehow both stopping its momentum and managing to land in the same perching position afterwards, arrow held behind its back. ¡°While I¡¯m as ready to sacrifice a body or five as the next girl, that particular shot looked a bit nasty~,¡± it then proceeded to squeak in a tiny singsong voice. Haze wasn¡¯t even surprised at the words, not after that little display of casual power. And especially not after just having sensed the silver-ranked aura which had suddenly started to emanate from the rodent. ¡°I- I- beg your forgiveness, oh great mistress. Your mastery of stealth and cunning were too great, and I knew not upon whom I fired,¡± Haze quickly started, throwing himself on the grow in supplication while inwardly cursing his luck. He had been worried enough to stumble upon a silver-ranked monster, and now had instead gone and agitated an actual essence user who might just have been curious. Overwhelming regret and flattery was usually the way to go there. ¡°Hmm, is that so~?¡± the rat retorted, small voice suddenly most imperious as it straightened upon its perch. ¡°And how will you, lowly one, make up for your most inconveniencing transgression~?¡± ¡°I am but a lowly bronze-ranker, oh great mistress. Surely there is little I can provide you at this time, but name a prize and I shall aim to fulfill it to the best of my capabilities. At the very least, if you would only tell me your name, I could forever sing your praises and extoll your virtues to the world!¡± While Haze was feeling most frustrated over this holdup, wanting to get as far as possible from the sect as he could, he shoved those emotions down deep. Neither his nor his fellow clergy¡¯s mission could be continued upon if he was dead, after all, and Haze had high hopes of being welcomed further into the fold and gain further insights into their grand design after him successfully infiltrating the three mercenary silvers into the sect as commanded. ¡°Oh, that does sound good. I¡¯ve always wanted to hear my praises being sung. Why don¡¯t you give me a little demonstration~?¡± ¡°N-now, mistress?¡± ¡°Yes, yes, now~.¡± ¡°But mistress-¡± ¡°You might want to get to it soon. Quickly. Please~?¡± ¡°Wha-¡±Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¡°Pretty plea- oh, darnit. She¡¯s here. Sorry, little priest. I thought I could have some fun, but it looks like my part of the deal is done now. Thanks for the nice words, though! I¡¯ll remember them~!¡± During her urgings, the previous imperious demeanor had gradually slipped, her little paws gesturing more urgently to Haze to do as she asked, leaving him most confused as to what was going on as the rat then just waved at him and leapt down from the boulder and out of sight. ¡°What in the name of the most vaunted one-¡± was all Haze had time to murmur, before the first chain wound itself around his throat.
Bright Shining Stride, leader of the Mirrored Mountain sect, did his very best to remain composed as the glow of the ritual circle didn¡¯t shift one bit, and therefore indicated no falsehoods, as each of the silver-rankers from that heaven-cursed guild gave their testimonies in regards to the attempted slaughter of the sect¡¯s junior elders. ¡°Had our accursed elders dared to act sooner, any truths behind it would have mattered little, lost in the conflict that would have followed; a conflict where the sect, as the aggrieved party, would face few if any questions if they came down hard and fast on the guild before such trifle things as the actual truth would have made themselves known,¡± he thought sourly, seeing the lost opportunity for what it was, but also letting it go. His aunt, the previous sect leader, had taught Bright better than to cling to tools no longer available, as that would help neither him nor the sect. ¡°No, we will need to focus on the future instead, and how we can act to salvage our standing and face in the years to come while within the bounds of that blasted agreement,¡± he inwardly seethed, even though he kept his exterior stern but polite as he thanked the priest of Truth for their assistance in this matter, and for helping them bring the truth to light. While this didn¡¯t help explain the actual origin of what had turned out to be not two, but three silvers - one of them found dead in one of the communal eateries - it was at least clear that the guild hadn¡¯t been behind them. And in a frustratingly public, official statement at that. Giving only the briefest and most curt of acknowledgements to the outcast, no-name guildmaster, Bright then quickly gathered up his own entourage and left Truth¡¯s temple. Only once they were properly off the temple grounds and had emerged out onto Convergence¡¯s bustling streets did grand elder Far sidle up to him, the runic¡¯s presence a question in and of itself. Bright chose to acknowledge the unspoken words, activating the privacy screen of his sect medallion before giving his command. ¡°Speak, grand elder.¡± ¡°Sect Leader,¡± the grand elder began tentatively. ¡°While we don¡¯t want to question neither the gods nor you on this matter, I can already say with certainty that this will not be welcome news. The outrage is already running strong, from the most lowly initiate to the most vaunted of elders. What is the plan going forward? What can we tell them, to show them that Mirrored Mountain will seek to right this slight to our name and honor?¡± Part of Bright just wanted to snap at Far, to berate him and blame him and the rest of the sect for this failing. But Bright also knew the runic man to be a deeply rooted pragmatic, and that such a question from him came from a place of necessity, not passion and doubt. So instead of rage of his own, Bright Shining Stride¡¯s answer was calm and composed. ¡°That, grand elder, will indeed be the question. The terms of our agreement will not lend themselves to bending, lest we face the dissatisfaction of more than one clergy and risk an even greater loss of face. But while I generally curse Gossamer March of Morning and her Luminous Cloud weaklings, I will give her praise in one regard; that they did leave one venue of attack open to us.¡± ¡°The duels, sect leader?¡± Grand Elder Far asked, catching his superior¡¯s meaning. ¡°But will that be enough?¡± ¡°That is for the future to show us, but it has potential in that we can allow each and every one of our disgruntled members and elders to go and deliver their challenges; to personally strike back. If they succeed, they bring much needed glory back to us even if the results of such duels won¡¯t be much more than mere resources changing hands. And if they fail, they have only themselves to blame, not us. But it is worth remembering that we are many while they are few. If we can bring enough challenges to their doorstep, we should be able to exhaust them and their guild both; to drown them in that tempering which they claim to seek.¡± ¡°That¡­ would indeed be a wise course forward, sect leader. The heavens truly blessed us when you took your position,¡± Grand Elder Far said, giving Bright a deep nod of respect. ¡°If it is not too presumptuous of me, may I also give a humble suggestion, Sect Leader?¡± ¡°Go ahead, Grand Elder.¡± ¡°Well, I thought that it might be prudent to make use of the other sects in this regard. While they are no equal to the might of Mirrored Mountain, they should at least be good chaff with which to tire out the opposition if our attempts could find some manner of coordination? Only a temporary one, of course.¡± Bright regarded the grand elder for a moment, mulling over his suggestion before answering. ¡°An unconventional approach, Grand elder, but in these unconventional circumstances, I will approve it. You have my blessing to make arrangements and reach out to the rest. I am sure that they would be happy to lean against our strength in the matter.¡± ¡°I thank you for the confidence, Sect Leader. It shall be done,¡± Far said with an approving smile. ¡°It might take longer, but it will at least be a step towards salvaging some of what was stolen from us by those traitors. After all, no institution has champions with the will and fortitude to fight in clashes beyond counting, no?¡±
¡°-and then Dragonfly just went: ¡®Well, elder, it looks like I am hotter than you in both body and spirit,¡± and the woman was like: ¡®Noo, how can my steaming looks and path having been trounced by such a mayfly? Perhaps I was indeed too weighed down by my enormous pair of~ -¡± ¡°Wander! That was not what I said!¡± Dragonfly protested furiously, trying and failing to slap a hand over the woman¡¯s mouth as her target just fell apart into a pile of rats who, without pause, continued the retelling in a squeaky choir. ¡°But you have to admit that your foe did sport some most impressive attributes,¡± Little Crow chimed in, thrusting another cup into Dragonfly¡¯s hands to forestall any more futile attempts at rat-wrangling. ¡°Glorious mountain peaks, indeed. Enough of those in the world, and the heavens would already be within reach.¡± ¡°Bah! Men!¡± Dragonfly grumbled, taking a deep drink. ¡°And women! I¡¯d like to point out that even I was thoroughly impressed~,¡± the now reformed Wander added, causing Dragonfly to make grumbling bubbles in her beverage. Kite sat back, watching the spectacle with a smile and deep sense of contentment. While there had been celebrations after each of their victories, actually managing to conquer all of the three sects to bind them into the oath of non-interference wasn¡¯t something which he had taken for granted. Especially Mirrored Mountain was called the most powerful sect of the area for good reason, and Kite had needed to consume more than one of auntie Dove¡¯s pills to deal with the lingering toxins and flames after their bout. Still, to see the results and everyone gathered beneath the starry late summer skies outside the guildhall, with Wander, Dragonfly and Little Crow regaling anyone within earshot with stories from their exploits, Glint holding court like an imperious, dignified queen with all the gathered familiars of the guild members present while Soul had already once more taken to drilling her little group of devouts in order to correct their many perceived shortcomings. While Kite felt that there were faces he dearly would have wished were part of the festive crowds, from his aunties to Will and Serene, it was still a sight to behold. ¡°A lesser for your thoughts, little Kite?¡± Walker asked as he and Braid came to join Kite where they sat, Walker causing another set of chairs formed of winding vines to grow from the ground below to provide seating. ¡°Just grateful, uncle. I have many to give thanks to after these trying months, both mundane and divine,¡± he said, raising his cup to each of the two. ¡°Speaking of, I might as well begin with you, Braid. Once more, your expertise came to the rescue. River is questioning the last one as we speak, and we wouldn¡¯t have been able to locate the hidden priests in time without you. Truly, you have my thanks and my respect,¡± Kite finished, giving a seated bow to the cloth-wrapped man. ¡°A worthwhile endeavor, Kite,¡± Braid answered, his masked features and voice hinting at a smile. ¡°And not just a local one either. While there has been some dissatisfaction among the branch directors at our little¡­ cooperation with the aforementioned priestess, the results and confirmation of the hidden clergy¡¯s presence has been enough to forestall any other response for now. But I do believe that there is a tacit understanding to leave her presence out of any reports prepared for the higher-ups outside the country. It is a lot easier to have rigid principles when your perspective is far removed from where the action is.¡± ¡°It does indeed get rather complicated up close,¡± Kite agreed with a helpless shake of his head. ¡°I saw it many times during my time training with Gauntlet, and it has held true for most of my career. Let us at least hope that our efforts can bring some more brighter nuances into the complicated tapestry of this kingdom and-¡± Kite¡¯s words were interrupted by a not-so-subtle whisper from just beneath Braid¡¯s chair, the attempted covert question failing spectacularly on any attempt at subtlety. ¡°Braid. Braaaaaid! Have you told them yet~¡±? One of Wander¡¯s bodies said, theatrically peeking out from beneath one of the leaves sprouting from the conjured piece of furniture. Given the woman¡¯s actual skills at stealth, it was most obvious that they were all indeed supposed to notice. ¡°No, Wander, I haven¡¯t. As you probably know, because I suspect that you are listening in to each and every conversation here,¡± the cloth-wrapped main said with a suffering sigh. ¡°But with you already having so smoothly inserted yourself into our conversation, why don¡¯t you go ahead?¡± ¡°Why thank you, Braid, for the most spontaneous and genuine offer. Really, I¡¯m touched~,¡± Wander retorted as she quickly made her way onto the table to stand before Kite and Walker on her hind legs, front paws tucked formally behind her back. The little vest and cloak which Braid had made for her, able to split into equal copies on all her bodies should she wish for it, it was easy to imagine Wander to be some kind of small herald or seneschal. ¡°Pray tell, good Wander. What tidings do you bring?¡± Walker urged with a chuckle. ¡°Well, given what transpired here and all the opportunities that seem to abound around your little guild, me and Braid have decided to take you up on your most kind offer of membership. You may now give appropriate praise and adulations~,¡± she said, raising her little nose as high into the air as possible. ¡°Truly?¡± Kite asked, looking to Braid who nodded in confirmation. ¡°It won¡¯t hamper our work, and the conditions of membership you offered were most generous,¡± the weaver elaborated. ¡°While your initial plan of connecting the north still holds great merit, I believe it safe to say that the venture has garnered more attention than you might have suspected, and that you will need other skill sets to keep things going. I actually have some ideas on that which I¡¯d like to discuss further with the both of you.¡± ¡°Well, it seems that my gratitude to the both of you will be what reaches the heavens way before I do,¡± Kite exclaimed happily, bowing to each of them in turn. ¡°While the guildmaster will have final say, I dare believe that a proper welcome is also in order.¡± ¡°Bah, as if I¡¯d protest,¡± Walker interjected, also bowing to each of the new additions to their cause. ¡°Master Braid, Mistress Wander, the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s Guild is truly blessed by your presence.¡± The group spent another half hour discussing more pleasant topics, the more business-end of things able to wait until the coming days when the consequences of the splash the guild had just made in the metaphorical pond. It was in the middle of that conversation that Wander gave a show of her actual skills in subterfuge, as another of her bodies was suddenly seated at Kite¡¯s left shoulder, neither him nor anyone else around the table having noticed its approach. ¡°Kite, the crazy girl is done. I believe she wishes to speak with you~.¡± ¡°I see. Where?¡± ¡°Behind the dormitory. Darkest corner with the gloomiest lighting. I know, no one¡¯s surprised~.¡± Telling the others of his errand, Kite let them continue their festivities as he made his way around the newest building of the guild¡¯s local compound, made to provide simple but comfortable housing for members who wished for it. While Wander had somewhat exaggerated River¡¯s choice of location, Kite had to give it to the rat; she knew how to paint a picture. ¡°Annoying one,¡± the priestess greeted once Kite drew closer, all but invisible to his aura senses. ¡°I take it that you are finished?¡± Kite asked, ignoring her continued use of the moniker she had assigned him all that time ago in iron rank. His question was bordering on the rhetorical though, as the slumped, collared bronze-ranker at the priestess¡¯ feet was clear indication. ¡°I am. This one gave a bit more than the others.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°As we suspected, he was part in organizing the three silvers that the myriad one and I intercepted. They were a measure sent from his higher ups, with his role only being in allowing them access to the sect and assisting in their planned escape,¡± River explained, her voice carrying its usual flat tone. ¡°And I did get proper confirmation that they were sent in part to specifically target your guild and its efforts, as well as enough bits and pieces to say with some surety that you and your guild was indeed the intended target all along for those who incited the sects to act. I should not need to explain all the implications of this.¡± ¡°No¡­ No, it is clear. Those that we seek have definitely noticed our actions. And given the origin of the response, we are probably only on the outskirts of their web of influence.¡± ¡°Yes. The heartlands will have more answers for me.¡± ¡°And a lot more dangers. We could not just repeat this feat with their sects and other similar organizations, should they come for us.¡± ¡°They won¡¯t, or at least it¡¯s highly unlikely,¡± River retorted, waving Kite¡¯s concern aside. ¡°The vaunted sects of the heartlands wouldn¡¯t be caught dead to be publicly seen caring so much about whatever happens here at the outskirts. And that will be their downfall. Whether it is now or in a hundred years, I will make my way to the heart of this matter eventually.¡± ¡°That is important information indeed, then. You have upheld your end of our bargain, Dancer on the Broken River. And while our past differences are unresolved, at least know that you have my thanks for your participation, however mutual our benefit has been in the matter.¡± ¡°A reasonable sentiment. We have struck a small blow to them here, annoying one, but the task ahead is still a long one. I hope that you are as diligent in punishing them in any of your future endeavors.¡± With that, River gave Kite a curt nod before turning to leave, having already leapt onto the nearby wall and passed halfway out through the privacy arrays when Kite - after a moment of consideration - called out to her again. ¡°While our paths in general do not align, I will extend you the offer to seek me out again in this matter, should you find reason for us to once more act in unison. The adventure society seems to at least be content in ignoring your presence for now, and should you keep from making any transgressions to their sensibilities, I believe that the guild can accommodate similar cooperation. Unless such an arrangement would go against yours or your deity¡¯s sensibilities, that is?¡± River did stop at his words, her almost translucent hair hiding her face as he spoke as she was still turned away from him. A few seconds of silence lingered between them, and when River eventually answered, Kite was surprised to hear a hint of something complicated in her otherwise terse demeanor. ¡°That would be¡­ acceptable. To me. As for Pain, he¡­¡± she said, pausing. ¡°He tends to approve. Farewell.¡± After that, she completed her step, passing through the arrays of the guild as she disappeared out into the city beyond. ¡°Fortune, I hope I won¡¯t come to regret that. Even though I believe that it was the right choice,¡± Kite mused to himself as he turned to go back towards the festivities after a slight detour to deposit the unconscious priest somewhere that could contain him for a few hours. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like she left me a way of contacting her either. I suppose we¡¯ll just have to let the heavens dictate when we next meet, Dancer on the Broken River. Stay safe on your lonely path.¡± 184. Who would like to begin? ¡°Mistress, I return with news,¡± Bounding Sagacious Trout, bronze-ranked inner disciple of the Luminous Cloud sect, called respectfully as he fell into step behind his master - elder White Jasmine - in her steady but regal stride throughout the streets of Convergence. The leonid woman was, as always, meticulous and graceful in all things, and the inner disciple did his very best to emulate her poise as he walked a step behind her, awaiting her response as courtesy and their rank dictated. ¡°Speak, disciple.¡± ¡°Yes, Mistress. It would seem that the heavens have chosen to test your patience this day. When I arrived, an elder of the Mirrored Mountain sect had just strode up to declare his challenge.¡± ¡°So we will have to wait, then,¡± White Jasmine retorted with a slight frown creasing her brows, midnight-black fur in stark contrast to her name in a way that Trout found both bold and inspiring. ¡°Which elder?¡± ¡°Elder Eternal Thunderbolt, Mistress.¡± ¡°Ah, I see. We might have to wait some more then. Win or lose, he always takes his time.¡± ¡°You believe that he won¡¯t succeed, Mistress? Like you, he was away at the time of the outcast curs challenging us. And he has ranked highly in the sect tournaments for the last decade,¡± Trout said, even as he made sure that his tone carried every ounce of respect that he could muster, lest the mistress mistake his question for insolence. ¡°Disciple, while I did not myself witness these outcasts in action, the fact remains that they did succeed, no matter the purity of their intentions or honor,¡± White Jasmine pointed out where she walked, hands clasped before her and hidden in her voluminous robes. ¡°We will need to feel them out properly, and bring back word. No warriors are perfect, after all, and you know of the requests from the other sects to coordinate and join forces in the matter. Even should I lose today, there will still be an important lesson learned from it that will bring us one step closer to bringing them down eventually.¡± ¡°But Mistress, surely you cannot-¡± Trout began, but fell silent as the aura of his mistress gave him the spiritual equivalent of getting his head cuffed. ¡°I am not infallible, Disciple. Let the heavens and our paths decide the outcome, not your preconceived notions. You will watch and you will learn. Understood?¡± ¡°... Yes, Mistress. Sorry, Mistress.¡± ¡°Good. We are soon here, although we might need to wait for a while. As I said, Eternal Thunderbolt is-¡± Trout continued to wait with baited breath while looking up at his mistress, but when he realized that no more words were coming, he instead followed her gaze. Upon his brief run over there, Trout had wondered why a whole city block next to the guildhall had been leveled to the ground, but had been too caught up in his task of scouting ahead to really give it much thought. Now, though, the edges of the open space flickered with the hints of a defensive array, albeit one directed inwards rather than outwards. It sprung from little more than tiles laid around the large open area, a temporary solution if Trout ever saw one, but it still formed the semblance of an arena. An arena in which Elder Eternal Thunderbolt had just left a small furrow in the ground over twenty meters long, not getting up afterwards. The human man was still very much alive, from the looks of things, but if he - a silver-ranker - wasn¡¯t getting up, his injuries must be grave indeed. ¡°Thank you for your assistance in tempering my path,¡± the other person inside, an amethyst-haired celestine, said while bowing like formality demanded. Even through the faintly shimmering barrier, Trout still almost instinctively winced away from her look and posture, feeling as if a mere glance could be interpreted as him taking up a challenge from a spirit who was as ready for battle as a naked blade already blooded. Worse, the celestine noticed their approach mere moments afterwards, and Trout felt a tide of relief wash over him - and subsequent shame at his cowardice - as the woman only had eyes for Mistress White Jasmine. ¡°Oh, another? Warrior, I praise your name for the bountiful opportunities you provide!¡± she called, seeming surprisingly happy. White Jasmine, on the other hand, did not seem as pleased. Stopping just outside the array, the leonid drew herself up, and the words which followed felt like they were carrying the first frost of winter. ¡°And who are you, outcast, to disregard proper etiquette? You stand before Elder White Jasmine of the Luminous Cloud sect. I have come to lay down my challenge to your guild, and to measure myself against this famed Pathbreaker of yours.¡± Even as the defensive arrays dropped while she spoke so that the other defeated elder could be helped out of the arena by his disciples, the celestine did not seem fazed in the slightest. Rather the opposite, in fact. ¡°Oh? Then I will hate to disappoint you, elder. The Pathbreaker is the right hand of the Guildmaster. If you want to challenge him or anyone else of silver and above in the guild, you and anyone else will have to defeat me first,¡± she stated, seeming most satisfied. ¡°I see. And who are you then, outcast? Name yourself, and let our challenge commence.¡± ¡°No complaints? Most worthy of you, Elder. Warrior smiles upon those walking to battle without preamble or excuse. I like you,¡± the celestine said, her voice gaining a bit more intensity. ¡°As to your question, I am Soul. Blessed by Warrior, Bane of the Perfected Step and, as of late, the Champion of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s Guild. With Warrior as my witness, I welcome your challenge.¡±
¡°Oh dear, is she at it again? Those arrays are only placeholders, you know,¡± auntie Crow said with a note of concern as she looked out the guildhalls windows, where the flashes of light and hints of clashing auras made no secret that Soul had indeed found another challenger. ¡°Given the frequency so far, it seems like the sects do indeed view us as an eyesore to be stamped out through any means possible. A shame for them that the particular tactic of them trying to drown us in challenges might just backfire onto them,¡± Kite said with a note of amusement from where he was finishing to gather up his belongings, along with a neat row of assorted pill-packages, courtesy of auntie Dove. ¡°Soul did give off quite the impression during her brief stay with us, but will she be up to the task? You did just spend a small fortune in purchasing city property to build an arena for close convenience, so I will assume that you have quite some faith in her abilities.¡± ¡°Honestly? Yes. Soul is rather terrifying, and this -¡± Kite said, gesturing out towards the violence in the distance, ¡°- is what she lives for. It is her path and her calling. After getting a taste of our current situation during the last few months, she basically jumped at the chance to join the guild when this was the position offered to her., And her little group of fans are coming along surprisingly well under her tutelage, no matter how much she seems to grumble. The guild was made with messengers in mind, but it seems that we have a budding little proper combat core in the making here. Heavens, Soul even footed the bill for the whole property purchase herself.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°I believe that her words were something along the lines of only spending money on things that could help take her closer to perfection. Basically, a personal arena in which to walk her path before Warrior and the Heavens? Apparently, that fits neatly into those sensibilities. And speaking of, thank you once more auntie for setting up the arrays on short notice.¡± ¡°When my little Kite comes calling for my work, who am I to deny him?¡± Crow asked rhetorically, a strand of hair reaching out to smooth out part of the cloak Kite wore over his armor, brushing away imagined dust. ¡°And with the convenient travel offered, even better. While certainly a colorful character, Riz is a gem. Raven has really taken a shine to her.¡± ¡°I can see worse role models than an eternally cheerful portal courier,¡± Kite noted with a smile, finishing up. ¡°And speaking of our dear elf, I believe that she should arrive any moment. While the matters are always grave, I¡¯m actually glad for an opportunity to take Gauntlet up on one of their contracts, or they might start regretting all that training put into me. With how hectic things have been recently, both me and the guild will not complain in regards to the added income either.¡± ¡°Where will they take you this time, then? And when will you be back?¡± ¡°As for the first, I¡¯m not at liberty to say until afterwards,¡± Kite replied, checking his pouches one final time. ¡°But as for the second, expected time for the contract was one week, but you never know with these things.¡± ¡°I suppose not,¡± Crow noted, falling into step beside Kite as they both went down into the guildhall''s extensive foyer, where a small group of people had gathered to see him off. Walker was conversing with, or rather being conversed at by, Riz, the animated elf seeming most engrossed in one of her many ponderings. Nearby, Dragonfly, Little Crow and auntie Dove were all trying very hard to keep their smiles under control while observing Glint in her draconian form who was trying - and failing - to give the easily distracted Raven some lessons in proper decorum. ¡°- yes, that is right. One should walk like that and keep your back straight. You will be the young mistress of your family, little Raven, and- no, wait- Raven! A young mistress does not taste the furniture. It is most uncouth! And that medallion is not a toy-¡± Raven was quite unperturbed by Glint¡¯s attempts at stopping her, the silver-ranked familiar having to work her silver-ranked dexterity surprisingly hard in order to keep the persistent toddler from simply continuing her climb up the front of her robes to the medallion in question that had caught her fancy. ¡°Do not fret, dear Glint. I will save you from this little doer of dastardly deeds,¡± Kite called with a laugh, scooping up the initially protesting toddler, although said protests only lasted until Kite started using the arms of his mantle to gently spin and tumble her in every angle possible. ¡°This young mistress is thankful,¡± Glint commented over Raven¡¯s bubbling laughter, straightening her robes. ¡°Are you finally ready to be off, my bond?¡± ¡°I am. Everything is prepared, and I only await our most illustrious ferrywoman to take us across the world in a blink,¡± Kite said with faux gravitas, any semblance of seriosness completely dispelled by the mirth of the small girl still in his arms. Still, Glint did not let that stop her. ¡°Most excellent. This young mistress is also ready to step back out in the wider world and bring some karmic draconic justice down on the head of the wicked,¡± she said, head held high. The socializing continued while waiting the final quarter of an hour for Riz¡¯s portal cooldown, where Dove took the opportunity to pull Kite aside. ¡°Be careful, little Kite,¡± she said after giving him a proper, warm hug that had been her signature throughout his life. ¡°I know that you usually are, but us parents will rarely cease our worries.¡± ¡°I will, auntie. And Glint will also be with me, remember.¡± ¡°Oh, I know, I know. It¡¯s just¡­¡± Dove said, giving the familiar a thoughtful look. ¡°She just seems so different as she tries to find her way. It''s as if she, in some way, had to grow up all at once and is suddenly speeding through her teenage years in some ways, but with the capabilities of a silver-ranker. Just¡­ take extra care of her, alright? You know how impressionable you were in those years.¡± ¡°I- I was? If I may protest, you have always praised how I comported myself,¡± Kite protested, sense of self a bit shaken by this sudden parental jibe. ¡°Oh, you sure were. But it also took exactly one book of romantic poetry for you to add ¡®sage¡¯ to your future warrior epithet and run off serenading Brook,¡± Dove noted with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Which was most adorable and earnest of you, little Kite. But just¡­ keep that in mind now that Glint is in the process of finding herself as well,¡± she continued, as Kite could only stare at his aunt with the faint, abject horror only a parent reminiscing of past times can elicit in the young. ¡°Well, good mistresses and masters!¡± came a cheerful voice, saving Kite from any further reminiscing from his auntie. ¡°I, the great Riz, am now ready to ferry our fearless warrior and his most pretty companion towards their adventures. Do I remember correctly that the esteemed ladies wanted to stay here in Convergence until his return?¡± ¡°Indeed, mistress courier,¡± auntie Crow answered the elf who had taken the center of the floor, preparing to bring forth her portal. ¡°We might as well see the sights and do some shopping now that things seem to have stabilized.¡± ¡°Please take care,¡± Dove added, having retrieved a somber Raven who waved to Kite and Glint with the serious gravitas of a toddler on a mission. ¡°We¡¯ll hold the fort while you¡¯re away, Kite,¡± Dragonfly chimed in. ¡°Or rather, Soul will do most of the holding. She sends her regards. Probably. Oh, and don¡¯t forget to bring me something tasty!¡± ¡°However could I forget, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite responded, giving a low, informal bow to all of them. ¡°Please stay safe, everyone. I will return to you soon. And additional thanks to you, Little Crow, for prolonging your stay. I do understand the call to return to hearth and home.¡± ¡°Oh, it was no trouble, dear adopted brother,¡± the smiling celestine retorted from where he had taken a seat near Walker. ¡°You go and show the world some Hua-Xi prowess now, and make the Tengu¡¯s legacy proud.¡±
Cliffwalker swore under his breath when he felt the ambush trying to close its jaws upon him. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°I suppose that¡¯s what I get for coming too far down from the mountain. Shouldn¡¯t have, but here we are,¡± he morosely thought to himself, bringing up another set of stone pillars behind him to slow down the stone troll apparently having laid in ambush among a small pile of rubble which Cliffwalker had previously thought too small and insignificant to be of any danger. An assumption that both turned out to be a faulty one, in addition to leaving him with three trolls to fight rather than two. Trying to calm his wildly beating heart, he instead looked to his path for salvation, mana flowing through him as he cast a spell while using his Peakstrider to make the earth and stone hidden beneath the greenery at his feet to lend him its strength and speed. ¡°Jaws of the earth!¡± the runic man called, stone spikes emerging to injure and hinder the two trolls ahead of him, even if the damage would mean little to their regeneration. Still, it would let him double back towards the lone ambushing troll and hopefully rush past it to have a chance at escaping, hoping to outrun the three predatory monsters. For good measure, he also tapped the three stone pillars behind him, turning them to shrapnel which was sent hurtling towards the final monster, slowing down its charge somewhat. ¡°It might be close, but as long as I can evade its stone shaping, I can-¡± ¡°Blooming Ruin, Gale hides blades unseen!¡± The voice was light, feminine and definitely not coming from one of the roaring, grunting trolls. Rather, their gruff voices growled in pain and surprise as a strong wind suddenly came roaring into them from above, cutting them open through some kind of shredding effect. That was not all, however, as the gale also carried large, shimmering pollen which seemed to stick to the trolls and detonate into poisonous bursts that seemed especially devastating when it came into contact with the open wounds of the very cutting winds that had carried them to their targets. ¡°What?¡± Cliffwalker thought a bit dumbfounded, both him and the last troll finally noting the silhouette that came gliding in from above to land gracefully on a nearby boulder, keeping her high vantage while unleashing another similar salvo like before upon the two stuck trolls. As for the woman in question, she had a lithe and petite frame and was clad in a sleeveless combat robe to better let the conjure membranes she used for flying move freely. Her features were clearly transfigured, the features of her face, accentuating streaks of soft, grey fur and the long, bushy tail giving a clear indicator as to one of her essences. ¡°A squirrel,¡± Cliffwalker mumbled, almost unable to clear his mind of her most distracting form to react to the troll snapping out of its surprise as well. Whatever she was, it was clear that the woman was no mere hatchling when it came to combat, as she started to glide around the pair of previously stuck trolls while bombarding them with a constant barrage of wind attacks supplemented by the exploding pollen which seemed to manifest some kind of hostile, parasitic plants onto its targets that gradually sapped them of life as new plants grew from the wounds. Any worry that Cliffwalker might have previously felt quickly vanished, as taking down a trio of trolls with another bronze-ranker at his side was a much more comfortable prospect. A few minutes of blood and sweat later, the last of the monster were felled, barely recognizable beneath all the hungry plants sprouting from its body. Still, even a relatively easy battle was quite exhausting, and Cliffwalker sat down heavily against a nearby set of boulders. ¡°Greetings, adventurer,¡± the woman called to him as she landed on another set of stones across from him, giving one of the most well-executed proper bows that Cliffwalker had ever witnessed. ¡°I was on a delivery nearby when I felt your aura surging, and hope that my intervention did not cause offense.¡± ¡°I¡­ No- It¡¯s¡­¡± Cliffwalker began, initially having a hard time finding his words in face of the squirrel woman whose tail looked soft as a cloud and- ¡°Focus,¡± he thought sharply to himself, a trickle of mana causing a bit of stone to dig into his arm in order to jolt himself into some semblance of dignity. Gathering his spirit, the woman either not noticing or kindly having overlooked his previous staring, Cliffwalker rose and gave his best bow in turn, feeling like a graceless country bumpkin in comparison. ¡°I assure you that I took no offense, young mistress,¡± he said, her overall poise and dignity meaning that he was taking no chances with the title. ¡°I missed the troll lying in ambush, and would have been forced to flee had it not been for your help. I am, of course, glad to give you an equal share of the bounty on the contract once I get back to Boundary.¡± ¡°While you are most flattering, I am no young mistress of some important family or sect,¡± the woman replied, politely but firmly waving away any attempt at spluttered apologies. ¡°My name is Second Spring, hallmaster of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild, and I firmly believe that us outcasts should look out for one another. One should not climb towards the heavens alone.¡± Cliffwalker felt honestly surprised at her revelation, but a closer look did confirm that Second Spring wore no sect medallion and that her clothes and armor were utilitarian rather than carrying some kind of color scheme to indicate allegiance. ¡°C-cliffwalker. My name, that is,¡± he managed to splutter, having to keep his aura in a spiritual vice so as to not let too much flustered embarrassment leak through. ¡°It was given to me by the villagers among the mountain, as I am one of the few who has stayed out of the local great families seeking champions in their squabbles and kept clearing their contracts.¡± The last was said with not a little amount of pride, as Cliffwalker tried to muster whatever pride he had left. But that was also when part of the woman¡¯s introduction seemed to properly register in his mind. ¡°Wait, what did you say just now? A¡­ guild?¡± He was worried for a moment that his blurted statement might cause offense, but to his relief he felt no such thing from the squirrel-shifter. Instead, she gave Cliffwalker a calculating look before speaking again. ¡°Yes, indeed. But before I elaborate, you were heading back towards Boundary, correct?¡± ¡°Ehm¡­ yes?¡± ¡°Good. That gives me plenty of time,¡± she said, gliding down from her rock and gesturing for Cliwwalker to follow. ¡°There is a bit of a story to the guild, you see. And maybe even an offer for you at the end of it.¡±
¡°- and as such, our new path is chosen with two in favor,¡± the man in the golden mask said, not bothering to hide his satisfaction. ¡°We will pull back the rest of our projects in the north, minimizing damage and focusing on the core of our operations. With this, we should be able to move up our timetable too, perhaps from eighteen to twelve or thirteen years.¡± And while the woman in the mask of black wood nodded along, her posture indicating her being deeply in thought, the priestess in the white porcelain mask couldn¡¯t help but to speak out. ¡°I will still hold to my claim that rushing will lead us nowhere. Only in time can our Lord¡¯s garden grow-¡± ¡°And your patience and little project has lost us three more priests within the sects as well as most of our gardens and growing assets in northern Hua-Xi,¡± gold mask shot back. ¡°It is clear that waiting for too long will only cost us more, and the north is sparsely populated at best, so even with the little momentum they have gathered, that little guild won¡¯t be able to do any more substantial damage.¡± ¡°Besides, I still believe that Unity might have had a hand in things, at least through her mortal instruments,¡± Black Wood mask added. ¡°The gods opposing us are surely doing everything they can to strain their limited ability to act now that we draw closer to our goal. We¡¯d best be careful not to throw more of our acolytes into their clutches.¡± ¡°But-¡± ¡°The council has decided,¡± gold mask said curtly, cutting off the new protest of his younger colleague. ¡°And while our lord revels in disagreements, this forum is not where they belong. You will follow our decisions and re-distribute your assets with a greater eye towards the capital. All of our stirring things up has caused locals to have started keeping an eye out, and our operations and preparations here in Heavenward cannot be allowed to be discovered yet. I¡¯m sure that there must be dozens of scandals you can use to make sure that the local sects keep being at each other''s throats? It is only five more years until the Grand Proving, and it will be an important first step for us.¡± Keeping silent this time, porcelain mask simply nodded, her normally languid posture stiff with indignant, smoldering rage. ¡°Good. Then the council will move on to discuss the project in regards to the local adventure society branches; how they can be used and what weaknesses we have uncovered in order to further cement their status of contention. Who would like to begin?¡°
¡°Pathbreaker.¡± ¡°Hua-Xi boy! Good job! See you in the future! We totally need to spar some day!¡± ¡°...¡± ¡°Mister Kite.¡± One after another, with approaches varying between stern acknowledgements, happy well-wishes or simply a mute glance, the different members of the team put together for the latest Gauntlet contract all said their farewells as Kite made his turn for the portal square of the local adventure society. His portal back home was scheduled the earliest, and as he still chafed at being away from home so soon after the recent troubles with the sects, Kite didn¡¯t mind one bit that it caused him to miss the celebratory dinner. But he didn''t have the time to walk more than a dozen meters after his turn, when his final temporary team member chose to make an appearance as well. ¡°Mistress Celeste,¡± he noted calmly even as the shadowy raven flew in to perch at his shoulder, knowing that the familiar usually showed itself to act as a mouthpiece for their elusive scout. ¡°Kite. Thought that I at least say farewell,¡± came the celestine woman¡¯s voice from within the darkness of the bird. ¡°Much appreciated. From your absence earlier, I had guessed that I might not have the opportunity to deliver mine. And let me once again voice my appreciation for your path. That dimensional tracking of yours is the sole reason that the head summoner didn¡¯t get away.¡± ¡°Well, back at you. Trying to summon something with you around is just plain useless. That wave of yours is a fast one, too. Almost clipped my position before I could reposition.¡± ¡°Oh, my apologies, I-¡± ¡°- could probably not see me. Hard to know in that case,¡± came the retort. Celeste Rayn had been their scout for the mission, a fellow void essence user, albeit with a notably different power set from Kite¡¯s own. Combined with the dark and dimension essences, she was even more mobile and stealthy than Emilio - the scout from Kite¡¯s training team during his induction into the task group - and combined with her familiars and dimensional tracking, Celeste became a supreme scout that Kite hoped would be assigned to his team in the future. ¡°Glad to know that the particular transgression has been forgiven, then,¡± Kite chuckled. ¡°Now if you¡¯ll excuse me, I believe that I best go save that poor merchant from Glint. Take care, mistress Celeste. May your path take you to the heavens and beyond. And may our paths cross again.¡± ¡°The same to you, Kite.¡± With that, the raven departed on silent wings as Kite hurried his steps to catch up to his familiar, the now draconian-shaped Glint seeming to be in the heated discussion with a local merchant woman. ¡°-outrageous to even try to charge a young mistress of my standing such a prize-¡± ¡°- honored customer will have to understand that, while the necklace would suit your perfect more most spectacularly, I have seven children to feed -¡± The words that reached him were only fragments of the conversation, but as Kite didn¡¯t want to just bowl through the mostly normal-ranked crowds, he could only remain a witness as the transaction finally concluded, defeat clear in the merchant¡¯s aura as she accepted coins from Glint, the familiar promptly turning and walking towards Kite. ¡°Glint, do I have to remind you how intimidating you can be to the lower rankers?¡± he tiredly asked as she drew near. Instead of answering, the familiar just walked up to him and deposited the newly bought necklace into the bottle at Kite¡¯s belt before shifting to her smaller form and floating in after it. ¡°I am ever in need of pretty souvenirs, my bond. And I could feel that merchant¡¯s defiance in her aura all through our haggling. She was not as helpless as you made her sound,¡± came the retort, echoing out from inside the vessel. ¡°Still, it is a habit that you should be wary of,¡± Kite noted, before a thought struck him. ¡°Wait a moment. How many trinkets have you put in there by now?¡± Unclasping the bottle from its belt loop, Kite lifted it to his face and peering inside, his expanded vision allowing him to keep walking during his impromptu inspection. ¡°Not nearly enough,¡± came Glint¡¯s answer, even as he saw the little carp resting inside on a small mound of glittering things, like a little island of riches popping out of the otherwise mostly water-filled space. ¡°Now take us home, my bond. I wish to show my latest acquisition to Dragonfly, so that she may bask in my splendor.¡± Taking in the sight, Kite could only mutely shake his head, smile torn between amusement and surrender. ¡°It seems like we¡¯ll need to buy a bigger bottle. Again,¡± he murmured, words lost in the bustling crowds as the pair made their way towards where Riz was no doubt waiting at the portal plaza. And through her, back home.
¡°Well, that¡¯s a lot of adventuring done in one week. If only I had someone to just portal me out, get almost straight into the action, and then back just like that a week later,¡± Dragonfly said, only half-complaining from where she had already snuggled up close to Kite in the bed they shared, letting her fingers comb through his hair. ¡°Should that come to pass, dear Dragonfly, you might just be able to empty the world of monsters eventually. Leave some heroics for the rest of us,¡± Kite countered with a chuckle while thoroughly enjoying the attention. ¡°But speaking of, I have started to set aside some funds for us to eventually try and raise at least one portal-user within the guild. But as expected, the essences that produce such a path somewhat reliably are most expensive. Seeing those auction listings almost made me cough blood.¡± ¡°Oooh, for me? You shouldn¡¯t have,¡± Dragonfly replied jokingly, the pair sharing a laugh as their conversation devolved into all kinds of silly uses one could find for portals. That particular line of reasoning did go on for quite some time, before Kite finally managed to drag the topic back on something resembling a proper - or rather dignified - track. ¡°Dimensional lavatories turned weapons aside, the contract did go well. It was another attempted summoning, something really unpleasant from the looks of things. They tried bogging us down with lesser summons to finish up, but.. Well¡­¡± ¡°Dissolve the patterns of power!¡± Dragonfly called in her best, overly-earnest Kite imitation, earning herself a sneaky tickling through a hastily conjured spectral arm as payment for her antics. ¡°Jokes aside, you¡¯re not wrong,¡± Kite chuckled, finishing his telling. ¡°Long story short, our scout managed to keep tracking their leader even after teleporting, and we got them good. Some paths sure are terrifying, given enough time spent hidden away in some nook or cranny of the world. A few more months, taking on that little operation would have been quite the venture. Which meant that our supervisors were all the happier. It wouldn¡¯t surprise me if I will be picked out as part of the teams disrupting quite a lot of summonings in the future. But enough about the contract. How have things been here at home? Have the sects made any trouble for you?¡± At his question, Dragonfly sighed. ¡°No, things have been¡­ Well, fine. Splendid even, if you ask Soul. There has been nothing but attempted challenges. And when the silvers want to delay their own defeat, they bring their disciples to face Soul¡¯s little fanclub. Some have won, some have lost, but they all seem quite happy nonetheless. Even though Soul wouldn¡¯t admit it. The rest of us have taken turns going out on contracts, but it has only been a week.¡± Sensing something in tone and aura both, Kite chose to go straight for the heart of the matter. ¡°And yet you sound so despondent. Is it the thoughts regarding that most elusive goal of yours?¡± At his words, Dragonfly stopped and gave Kite a long look. ¡°Heavens, Kite. Was it that obvious?¡± ¡°We have been together for just over five years, Dragonfly. Some familiarity is to be expected,¡± Kite noted, suspecting that Dragonfly¡¯s next response would be either more deflection through humor or to seek comfort. ¡°Well, you¡¯re not wrong,¡± she said, proving his latter prediction to be true as she slid down and snuggled closer to his chest. ¡°I know I can¡¯t just magic it up and decide on something. Like I said when I talked about it with master Force; I need to have patience. It¡¯s just that I¡¯m terrible with patience.¡± ¡°And yet you¡¯re taking the time to explain things to me. The heavens will surely count that as something,¡± Kite noted, stroking her hair. ¡°Hmm¡­ That is true. I am pretty great, aren¡¯t I,¡± she replied, some of her usual humor and smugness returning. ¡°Still, when I can¡¯t tackle something head on and have to wait, I need a distraction. And you, Kite, might prove to be a most excellent one,¡± Dragonfly finished, a certain tone leaking into her voice which - combined with the fact that her hand was tracing his chest and moving ever downward - made her intentions rather clear. ¡°Oh. I suppose that comfort is a concept with quite diverse¡­ expressions,¡± were the last coherent thought Kite felt forming in his now most distracted mind, before things thoroughly devolved from there. 185. What calamity is coming your way ¡°Alas, I believe that it is high time for me to return to the capital,¡± Little Crow said as his now empty teacup was put in its place on the low table with decorum perfect enough to make auntie Crow swoon, had she been present. ¡°This has been a nice little outing though, dear adopted brother. While rural, there is definitely a charm in moving around these parts of the country, especially as one is suddenly at the top of the food-chain as a humble silver.¡± The pair were alone in the chambers Kite had claimed for himself during his prolonged stay in Convergence, sunlight illuminating the hints of early autumn seen through the generously sized windows. ¡°Your presence will be sorely missed,¡± Kite replied, not surprised at the celestine¡¯s departure given that the term of their contract had run out. ¡°And both the guild and I will be forever grateful for your assistance. Your warnings helped us realize that there was more going on than just the sects acting out, and we contributed a lot of clues for the adventure society to follow up on in the further search for certain hidden clergy and whatever they have planned.¡± ¡°Which will in turn probably lead to me being quite busy once I return. Alas, no rest for the virtuous,¡± Little Crow lamented. ¡°Still, I would once more urge some caution, Kite. Because it does look like you, personally, are on the blacklist of the local clergy of at least one less reputable deity. And while things have remained calm since our little strikes against the sects, that doesn¡¯t mean that it will remain as such forever. If things get more heated, do not hesitate to call on the clan or to come to us for sanctuary.¡± ¡°Thank you, Little Crow. The offer remains very generous, even though I hope that I don¡¯t need to take you up on it. Still, going back to the capital for a visit is part of my plans for the future, even if me and Dragonfly will spend a good chunk of time helping the guild settle here in Convergence now that the current flavor of troubles have blown over. It will be nice to focus on some more honest and simple adventuring, even though I also suspect that Gauntlet will come calling too. As I suspect that she will be joining me on the trip to the capital as well, I will make sure to bring her for a visit once we¡¯re there. Assuming that she would be welcome, of course,¡± Kite finished, adding the last bit as he remembered his own first attempted visit to the Tengu¡¯s clan. ¡°Of course, of course. Dragonfly is a treat, and I can vouch for her thoroughly enough. The doors of the clan will be open to the both of you! Still, I will ask for your reason for the eventual trip? Things did get rather heated during your last stay.¡± ¡°Well, I do have some purchases I would like to make for the guild, my aunties and myself, as well as trading some essences and awakening stones. Spending much time in these parts tends to leave me with a lot of plant and tree, and while they are ever useful, some variety is in order as well now that the guild¡¯s presence and purpose seems to be expanding. I wouldn¡¯t have imagined that so many outcasts would start coming out of the woodworks to join us after us making our stand against the sect, but I will not complain in the slightest. But that means that the guild¡¯s vault of things to exchange for contribution will have to expand accordingly. Thank Fortune for equipment-creating looting powers and an enthusiastic crafter with an odd path,¡± Kite said, taking a long final sip of his own cup of tea before it too joined its sibling on the table. ¡°But there is another purpose as well. The Silent Horizons sect did give me a most generous standing invitation for some training and touring their compound, and I must admit that while I have no intentions of joining, Chime of Morrow¡¯s Bounty did make a good impression. Maybe having positive ties to at least one sect might help somewhere down the line?¡± ¡°That gold-scaled draconian? I will make sure to see what the clan knows of her upon my return, but if you have to pick one sect, Silent Horizons would be the one to go. They¡¯re at least as removed as a sect can be from most of the more nasty politicking,¡± Little Crow said with an approving nod. ¡°Still, maybe try and enter the city as inconspicuous as you can though? Senior brother - the gold-ranker who helped out when you were ambushed - will get grouchy if he has to run off and save us juniors too often.¡± ¡°Advice I will take to heart,¡± Kite replied earnestly. Sensing that the time had come, both men rose and left for the compound¡¯s exit. The guildhall was rather busy these days, but the normal, iron and bronze-rankers around did make sure to give the pair of silvers their space. ¡°I will miss you, Little Crow,¡± Kite said, giving his best formal bow of farewell once they had reached the guildhall¡¯s main gates. ¡°Know that there will always be a place for you here as well, whatever the reason.¡± ¡°And I you, adopted brother,¡± Little Crow said in return, mirroring the bow before he straightened and unfolded his colorful parasol. ¡°You have brought some interesting times to me and mine.¡± ¡°Not too much trouble, I hope?¡± ¡°Kite, we¡¯re assassins and mercenaries. Troubled times are where we thrive and opportunities abound,¡± the man answered with a laugh, waving farewell over his shoulder as he started walking down the path towards the exit in the low wall surrounding the guildhall. ¡°At least that is what the Tengu himself likes to claim. And by his wisdom, we have lived and thrived in turn. As, I believe, will you and yours.¡±
¡°And¡­ you would all like to join?¡± Walker asked, his respectful voice warring with the sense of slight disbelief. ¡°That is correct, guildmaster,¡± said the young man clad in light armor made of some kind of monster scales. His name was Shine Like Copper. Like the rest of the six present, he was an early iron-ranker. And like the rest of them, he was also an acolyte of one of the gods. They each presented it in different ways though. The man armored in scales had only the pendant of Knowledge to show his allegiance, while one of the elf women proudly wore the ceremonial robes of Guardian. Only one of them wore no obvious symbols of allegiance, but the leonid was decked out in enough different kinds of knives and blades for Walker not even having to brush up against his aura in order to sense the divine touch of Warrior. ¡°Far be it from me to question the gods, but I would still like to ask in order to make sure; are you here on our doorstep because you were ordered to by your clergy? While we will not turn you away, I would still be more comfortable in knowing,¡± Walker said, wanting to at least give voice to his concern. His guild had been through a lot, after all, and six different young adventuring priests and priestesses showing up at the guild¡¯s door at once was quite the coincidence. ¡°No, guildmaster. I assure you that we are all here to further our own path and cause,¡± Copper, the young priest of Knowledge, said. Even though Walker outranked the man in both years and progression on his path, he still got that annoying sense that the youngling knew so much more than he let on. Which, given his deity, was probably the case. What the man didn¡¯t give off, however, was the sense that he was lying or subverting the truth as he continued. ¡°But when I heard of your guild and the good work it has done so far, as well as its earlier plight, I was inspired. As someone who has grown up in these northern regions, both me and my goddess can truly appreciate your work in connecting not only the cities, but the smaller settlements and villages as well. Thinking that there might be other kindred spirits like me, I instead took the time to declare my intent to seek you out among other acolytes of my station. And thus, our little band is gathered.¡± ¡°Your cause must be protected,¡± the priestess of Guardian added with clear fervor. ¡°By doing so, we safeguard not only ourselves but the most vulnerable of our people scattered among the hills, plains, forests and mountains in their drive to find their own way through life.¡± ¡°And besides, the blessed of Warrior stands among you. A chance to learn from the receiving end of her path is an opportunity I cannot pass up on,¡± the priest of Warrior added, seeming as single-minded as the celestine he was speaking of. ¡°Well, that settles it then. I will gladly welcome each and every one of you to the guild. There is an application process to go through, as we do want to get to know prospective members and see that they are a good fit. I do hope that you will understand that we make no exceptions,¡± Walker said, and did his very best to hide the sour hint in his smile at the response. ¡°Of course, guildmaster. My goddess had already informed me. Please, lead the way. We do look forward to sharing your cause and finding opportunity together.¡±
¡°I¡¯m ready!¡± Dragonfly called, armor and axe alight with roaring flames that fueled her self-serving cycle of life broken down and born anew through fire. ¡°This young mistress is as well!¡± Glint called from where she floated above, a swirl of conjured water carrying her draconian form aloft high above the battlefield. Part of this outing was for the familiar to get more practice with fighting in her humanoid form, which was more nimble than the larger serpentine one at the cost of mass. And more precisely, to practice further in utilizing equipment. ¡°Then, little beauty, if you please!¡± Kite called from the middle of the pack of six blight basilisks that were currently circling him with quick, nimble motions as they ran across the tepid waters of the marshland where the group¡¯s contract had taken them. The silver-ranked monsters were long lizards reaching the height of Kite¡¯s thighs at the shoulder, with webbed feet and gray-green scales that made them very hard to spot when moving both through and across the swampy terrain. Manifesting in packs made them individually less dangerous, but their nimble movement, decaying affliction of their bites along with a self-healing ability that gradually decayed everything living around them made them great attrition-based hunters. Still, Kite wasn¡¯t so modest as to not give himself some credit in regards to lasting during a fight, and so it had become his role to trigger the pack¡¯s ambush and make them commit to engaging. All six arms of his mantle worked in a steady concert with his barriers to defend himself and counterattack where he could, and all of the basilisks sported at least some manner of hard-to-heal wounds from Void-Sunders-Firmament. But as his companions were now in position, it was time to change things up. Sensing a discharge of mana from Glint, Kite blocked a single lunging strike from one of the monsters by batting it aside with his staff before he sprang upward, pushing off from the pane of force upon which he had been standing in an empowered leap. At the same time, each and every one of the six monsters suddenly found the water betraying them, their usual habitat and hunting ground now under the control of someone else. It shifted and shot upward enveloping them each in a small sphere that hovered in the air. But where the spheres would previously be nothing but restraints, Peony¡¯s most recent crafting project added something a bit less pleasant into the mix, as said spheres rippled and shifted into circles of teeth-like spikes that bit inwards. Blood flowed freely from the wounds, but instead of mixing with the water it instead seemed to vaporize and be drawn toward Glint in thin streams of reddish life essence. Or more specifically, towards the maw of the chakram in her hands.
WWJS: Dominion of the Lamprey Queen Chakram Silver rank - epic [Effect] Water-based spells, conjurations and attacks made by the wielder may now be modified to deal physical damage, with the damage being either instant or over time depending on the ability in question. If the ability in question could already do so, its damage is instead increased. [Effect] Any damaging water-based spells, conjurations or attacks made by the wielder will restore a small portion of the damage dealt as health.
The chakram in question was constructed around the circular jaws of the grand lamprey, ruler of the lake domain in Kite¡¯s latest trip into the Jade-Sky gate. Said circle of bone and teeth formed the inner circle of the artifact, with an outer layer of silvery metal forming wave-like blades along the outside with gaps added here and there to provide more ways to grasp it. And as it had been made with Glint in mind, it was also heavily decorated with a variety of quintessence gems from the concepts of water, teeth and hunger. The end result was more ritualistic than practical, but as it was mainly enchanted to supplement Glint¡¯s casting and working with the lamprey-jaws as a base, Kite had to give Peony credit that she had done very well. While the craftswoman did grumble quite a bit over how difficult it had been to find the right materials to combine into the end result, the beaming pride in her aura had taken the edge off any faux-disatisfaction. And thus, the basilisks found themselves not only restrained but fed upon by watery teeth, and each of the monsters renewed their already frantic attempts to escape. But while Glint could now sport at least a bit of damage with her conjurations, she would still be mainly supportive in most fights. The liquid fangs did provide the added distraction needed though as the actual trap sprung into place, the armored form of Kite leaping out being replaced by an incoming meteor of flaming, Dragonfly-shaped death.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. ¡°Wall!¡± Having carefully waited for the appropriate moment, Kite had timed his spell for the force-walls to appear just as Dragonfly was among the struggling monsters. The barriers of Leyline Warding appeared as a cube around the levitated monsters and incandescently flaming woman, forming the casket of their demise as Dragonfly initiated her spinning special attack. To his chagrin, Kite had to strain to keep the walls of said cage intact for more than a few seconds as her flames carried the added touch of disruptive force, but as Dragonfly¡¯s relatively new armor had helped her charge up a bit even before battle had been properly joined, a few seconds were all that was needed. The first barrier panes breaking was soon followed by pieces of smoldering monsters being strewn around the marshlands, with Glint raising watery spikes from beneath to shove any more-or-less intact escapee back into the flaming grinder. The floor of the cage soon started giving out as well, and it was only Dragonfly¡¯s increased speed on top of her own silver-ranked reflexes that let her notice and move to avoid being dumped down into the now chum-filled waters of the marsh. ¡°Perfect timing!¡± she called happily from where she had landed at one of the patches of dry land, her flames unable to do more damage to the surrounding terrain already ravaged by the decaying auras of the previously alive monsters. ¡°And good job, Glint!¡± ¡°Well, this young mistress will not be seen while unable to properly contribute,¡± the familiar responded, head held high in pride. ¡°And while I thought this implement on the brink of being too unseemly at first, it does have its uses,¡± she finished, regarding the chakram where the final dregs of stolen life force were still being pulled into its maw-like center. ¡°I am glad you found it to your liking,¡± Kite noted, ignoring the familiar¡¯s growing pickiness. ¡°And we will have more time to practice, I believe. The contract did report what they believed to be two more packs.¡± ¡°Or maybe it was just the same one seen by multiple people? You know how this kind of information is,¡± Dragonfly noted, before quickly adding. ¡°Not that I¡¯m complaining! Honestly, it''s a bit weird that being out here among monsters that definitely want to eat us feels a lot better than fighting duels where one¡¯s life is rarely on the line, but somehow carries a whole different level of consequences?¡± ¡°I believe that the simplicity of person versus monster is what you are looking for, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite said, still keeping his distance as the flames of her armor were calming down. ¡°And I do agree. This summer was simply devoured by troubles more complicated, so I suggest that we take our time to enjoy these simpler times while they last.¡± ¡°You say that as if you know that they won¡¯t,¡± Dragonfly retorted unhappily. ¡°Well, we are part of an investigation going after the machinations of a clergy devoted to strife and the sundering of harmony, so I would say that it is a rather safe guess,¡± Kite helpfully replied. ¡°Even so, I would say that we have done well in creating what little pocket of peace and unity for ourselves. Now we just have to help shore it up so that it may last. Oh, and speaking of-¡± Kite said, mentally giving his assent for Something from Nothing to activate. One swirl of rainbows later left him with a pair of high boots made from gray-green scales, and Kite took some time to run his senses through them while trying to get a feel for their enchantments. ¡°Oh, I see. Water walking and the ability to spread decay through water and nearby life. Maybe something for you, little beau-¡± ¡°This young mistress would not be caught dead wearing something like that,¡± came the swift reply, the draconian looking down her nose at the boots which - admittedly - would clash with the rest of her pristine appearance. ¡°Just because you are content with looking like a walking mess, my bond, doesn¡¯t mean that I have to.¡± Kite was about to protest, but after a glance down his own rather shiny armor, odd fungal cloak, the hat uncle walker gave him and assorted other pouches and knicknacks, he decided that some battles one would only win by not actually fighting. ¡°Then I suppose it is one more thing for Peony. Or maybe the contribution vault of the guild,¡± Kite noted, stashing the boots away. ¡°Besides, we might need to be more discerning in what pieces of equipment we decide to tailor for you, Glint. From the sound of it, adjusting them so that your kind can wear them is apparently quite the process. So we¡¯ll not be decking you out in too much either way.¡± ¡°Well, at least tell the mistress craftswoman to make something in either white, pink, silver or gold next time then,¡± Glint noted as she started floating along Kite and Dragonfly as they went deeper into the marshlands in search of more monsters. ¡°Because blue really isn¡¯t my color.¡±
¡°Honored priest.¡± ¡°Blessed one. Warrior is proud of what you have created here,¡± Orichalcum Fist said, gesturing to the arena around them as Soul approached him at the slightly raised platform for the officiator of any duel fought within. It was a simple affair of slate-gray stone made out of simple magically shaped tall blocks forming a spacious confines over what had previously been a very simple residential area, each of the previous occupants having been paid well enough to easily afford new accommodations of a substantially higher standard. The arena had no stands or seating arrangements, the officiator¡¯s platform being the only thing standing out. This left any bystanders to find their own place to spectate, mostly done from atop the wall formed by said stone blocks that made up the place. Only the protective arrays, now worked into the stones themselves to protect both the simple structure and its surroundings from stray attacks, was the feature that - truthfully - looked to be most expensive. ¡°I needed a place to hone my path. And as Warrior was the one who blessed my path, I am glad it has found his approval,¡± Soul replied, once more bowing respectfully. ¡°Oh, it is not only the arena that has won his liking, even though he is most pleased with the pure dedication to his art shown in its construction. There is no showmanship or gaudy details, only purpose,¡± Orichalcum Fist began. ¡°But there is more here that you, Soul, have wrought,¡± the priest finished, gesturing to the pair of bronze-rankers fighting in the arena beneath. Both were fully armed and armored, but where one proudly displayed the colors of the Mirrored Mountain sect on various pieces of decorative cloth and tassels adorning his equipment, the other only had a small pendant with a leaf wrought from some metal shifting with all the colors of autumn. The sect warrior was currently trying, and failing, to pressure the greatsword-wielding woman of the guild through different kinds of jabs and feints with his spear, only to be forced on the defensive once more as the woman from the guild struck with simple yet effective swings that were a lot faster than any slashes from her curved, long blade had the right to be. One particular engagement had the spearman seemingly score a hit, only for the woman¡¯s heavier armor to flash brightly for a brief instant to turn the blow aside. This was quickly followed by a vicious, blurring counterattack that forced the spearman to either let go of his weapon or lose at least one arm, and he wisely chose the former as he leapt back even though this still left a shallow cut which bit through one of his armguards. ¡°Roseate Sunset,¡± Soul noted, following the priest¡¯s gaze as he regarded the guild member. ¡°She came here as an out of balance mess, overly trusting in her swift essence while not using the powers of her armor essence enough. It might be weaving a crutch into your spirit, but she still needs to own up to her choice and make the path her own. Turning that blow and closing the trap at least shows improvement, but that counter should have come a hair quicker. She will have to do better if she wants to stand before Warrior with nothing but pride in her path.¡± ¡°And yet she fights with determination and directness. One can feel it in her aura even from here. There is a confidence there, blessed one, and it is a confidence which I believe comes from your tutelage.¡± ¡°Bah, I only gave her a few pointers. My path leaves no time for students. Only in perfection of myself will I be able to walk in Warrior¡¯s footsteps.¡± ¡°Of course, of course,¡± Orichalcum Fist noted, his amused tone ignored by or simply not registered by his companion. ¡°Pray tell though, have the others made any progress then? She seems to have quite the line of companions over there, what I assume to be brothers and sisters in arms from the sound of their encouragement.¡± ¡°They have, but much like Roseate Sunset they still have far to go. Steel¡¯s stance still needs work, and Jade still lacks confidence to shift her stance and go on the offensive quickly enough once her water double manages to confound her foe,¡± Soul began, absently counting off a number of perceived flaws among the gathered iron and bronze-rankers. ¡°And still, for each pointer you give them, they all become a little bit closer to Warrior. He will ever smile upon those who help further his kind in this world. Maybe you will even find some inspiration of your own in their growth?¡± ¡°In them? No. That will not happen,¡± Soul said, although Orichalcum Fist did note that the answer came just a bit too quickly. He turned back to the fight in order to hide the smile tugging at the corner of his lips before continuing. ¡°Well, who am I to question the blessed seeker of perfection? Still, I believe I will soon be calling this bout of tempering to a close. In around five more exchanges, I believe.¡± ¡°Four, if she manages to remember what we practiced last,¡± Soul said, once more a bit absently as she seemed to be keenly analyzing the fight, giving it a lot more of her attention that her previous words might indicate. ¡°Then we shall see whose blade Warrior decides to favor,¡± the priest agreed, his next words echoing only in the confines of his own mind. ¡°Or maybe his favor will fall the most with the smith behind said blades?¡±
¡°No new developments, little Kite?¡± Dove asked from where she sat at the low table of their living room, deftly sorting piles of pills of every kind into various small bottles, packages or paper envelopes for when a courier would come and pick them up. ¡°None today, even though I still feel that there has been clear progress since I became silver rank. My whole mana pool a few times each day I am around might be but a bucket thrown into the lake, but at least it is better than the mere cup it was before,¡± Kite replied, brushing some snow from his wide hat before he entered their main house. ¡°That seed in the astral space sure is a glutton, but believe me when I say that it is better to let such things take their time. Plants need not only nourishment, but also the proper time to grow,¡± Dove professed most sagely. ¡°Says my dear auntie with the plant essence, whose mere touch can have her garden in full bloom in the earliest days of spring?¡± Kite asked with an arched eyebrow as he sat down, pouring himself some tea. ¡°Oh hush you,¡± Dove grumbled. ¡°I remember that a certain young boy loved following me around during the spring blooming. Raven does too, so apparently she¡¯s taking after you in that regard.¡± ¡°Which only serves to prove that the children you raise will turn into utter delights,¡± Kite said happily, smiling as he gazed outside. ¡°But I suppose that most children will enjoy the magic of¡­ well, magic. It is quite amazing. Still, we might be trounced by dear Glint. With the cold start of this winter, she seems to have mastered the art of making just enough water at just the right height for it to turn into snow.¡± True to his words, a very happy Raven - now just having turned two years old - was frolicking outside in the very localized heavy snowfall, enjoying just plopping down in different places or plowing through the small drifts that formed here and there. ¡°Well, she has missed you three terribly during your outings. Be they days or weeks, everything feels like forever to the young,¡± Dove said with a fond smile as Dragonfly entered the snowy fray outside, using her enhanced strength to scatter snowdrifts far and wide, much to Raven¡¯s delight. ¡°Me and Crow missed you too, of course, but we also know and understand the adventuring life and you flitting about. We¡¯re just blessed that you are so far content with staying in the country most of the time, rather than going on long trips around the world.¡± ¡°While that surely would have been nice, the investigation will definitely have me stick around for quite some time, contracts with Gauntlet notwithstanding. But they at least provide the portals,¡± Kite noted. ¡°Still, traveling the world in search of contracts while finding one¡¯s path alongside friends and loved ones¡­ That does have a certain ring to it. Maybe in the future, Fortune be willing. But for the near future, we did promise Jarvan and Dobrazza to make a trip down the coast and follow up on some clues which Wander and Braid have found, taking what contracts we can on the way. Apparently the sects down south are preparing for their annual local inter-sect tournament, which leaves a lot of contracts to be completed.¡± ¡°And then you¡¯re off to the capital again? Given what happened last time, I¡¯m still a bit bothered by that thought. Those sects better not cause trouble¡­ Honestly, the place sounds rather terrifying,¡± Dove said with a dark look, before noting Kite¡¯s carefully schooled expression. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Kite, what was that just now?¡± ¡°What do you mean, dear auntie?¡± ¡°That look.¡± ¡°I assure you, just weariness after my session in the astral space.¡± ¡°Kite, you¡¯re a silver-ranker. You wouldn¡¯t be tired if you flipped each and every stone in that astral space.¡± ¡°Well-¡± ¡°Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. You¡¯ve occasionally had that look on your face while growing up. And each and every time, there has been some kind of secret causing it. Something which you¡¯re keeping for someone else, or if you¡¯re unsure if you should mention something or not. So you might as well tell me, young man. You might have progressed further than me along the path towards the heavens, but gods help me if I¡¯m still not your mother. You¡¯ll have to work way harder than that to keep such a thing from me.¡± Seeing that the jig was up, Kite¡¯s shoulders slumped slightly while he was frantically trying to think of what had given him away, as he had felt that both his aura and expression were as placid as could be. ¡°Well, auntie, it¡¯s just that I was unsure whether auntie Crow had told you yet.¡± ¡°Told me what?¡± ¡°It¡¯s probably better for you to ask her directly. She¡¯s probably in her worksho-¡± ¡°Told me what, dear Kite?¡± Dove¡¯s words were soft. Too soft. A tone which Kite knew held promises of a world of trouble, inciting that primal fear inside every child that came with the distinct feeling of being caught and cornered. ¡°That¡­ you, Raven and her¡­ were coming with us. To the capital. But surely she has told you? But then, given how you talked about us going, not mentioning yourselves¡­¡± he said, letting his words trail off as auntie Dove¡¯s features morphed to a certain expression - a simple, ostensibly placid smile that was anything but - as she slowly rose to her feet. ¡°I see. Thank you, Kite. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I believe that it has been some time since I visited my dear wife in her workshop.¡± With those words, she strode off, pace measured in a way more ominous than serene. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, auntie Crow,¡± Kite thought, sending the onyx-haired celestine a silent prayer. ¡°I sure hope that your spiritual senses remain keen enough to sense what calamity is coming your way.¡± 186. Best not provoke them too much ¡°For a boring meeting, I would say that went pretty well,¡± Walker noted happily, walking beside Second Spring as the pair exited the Convergence adventure society campus and began their walk back towards the guildhall through the mild yet crisp winter air. ¡°You have to give it to branch director Anchali; he¡¯s got a bit of a ruthless streak. The way he keeps pressuring the sects now that we managed to pull through their little stunt last summer¡­ Almost brings a tear to this old man¡¯s eye.¡± ¡°While I do agree, guildmaster, I am also a bit concerned,¡± Spring noted, the bronze-ranked hallmaster observing her usual propriety as she walked half a step behind her superior. ¡°None will argue that our influx of members in the last few months have made us more of a budding influence than anyone might have expected. It¡¯s just that it also concerns me.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Walker asked, his tone clearly indicating for the younger woman to continue. ¡°Given what we now know -,¡± Spring began, glancing around them to make sure that their privacy screen was up an running, ¡°- won¡¯t the adventure society pushing back still play a bit into the hands of the instigators? Their deity¡¯s very purview is contention and strife, after all, and it is quite clear that the branch director pushing his advantage isn¡¯t helping the matter.¡± Her statement caused Walker¡¯s smile to gradually fade, replaced by a scowl as he followed her line of reasoning. ¡°Well¡­ I¡­¡± he began, shoulders eventually slumping. ¡°Earth¡¯s erotic eruption, you¡¯re right.¡± ¡°Guildmaster!¡± ¡°Sorry, sorry. Jarvan used that one when we last met, and it kind of stuck with me.¡± ¡°Such casual blasphemy is unbecoming of a man of your station,¡± Spring noted, mouth a thin line of disapproval. ¡°Once more, I am most sorry, dear Spring. Does this mean that you won¡¯t extend your usual invitation for tea to this uncouth old brute?¡± Walker asked, eyes twinkling with just a bit of mischief. ¡°You haven¡¯t asked me today, after all.¡± ¡°Would you even accept even if I did? It¡¯s not like you seem to have changed your mind on the matter, however unfounded your sentiments might be,¡± the younger woman noted sourly, the conversation moving into what was now a rather familiar dance between the two of them. ¡°Well, you may be right in that regard,¡± Walker admitted, Spring only rolling her eyes in response behind his back. ¡°If you will keep being stubborn, then I will not bother this day. Still, as your hallmaster, I would at least suggest a meeting to go over the latest set of applications and suggested essences for the candidates.¡± ¡°Will there be tea?¡± ¡°If the guildmaster wishes. Completely ordinary, patience-testing, platonic tea.¡± ¡°Most excellent,¡± Walker replied, giving Spring one of his best roguish smiles, his unspoken invitation for their little dance to continue accepted by a slight tug at the corner of her otherwise frowning lips. ¡°We have to properly hold the fort down and prepare for the future, after all. Kite and Dragonfly can¡¯t come in and save the day every time there is trouble. Still, I hope their trip to the capital goes well. Hopefully they won¡¯t bring back too much trouble this time.¡±
¡°Amazing,¡± Dragonfly breathed, her words almost lost to the winds where she, Kite and Crow stood at the low railing of the small ship that was currently racing through the winter air of Hua-Xi¡¯s heartlands. ¡°I know. The form of this young mistress is most pleasing,¡± came the voice of Glint from ahead of them where the familiar was pulling the vessel through the air at great speed, her huge serpentine form catching the pale sunlight upon glittering scales. ¡°You always look amazing, Glint,¡± Dragonfly agreed. ¡°But I was referring to that.¡± She pointed to Heavenward off in the distance, the huge capital dominated by the stairlike mountain which housed its more affluent districts, with the rest spilling out into the surrounding landscape. ¡°It is indeed impressive,¡± Kite agreed, while keeping to himself that, when compared to some of the cities he had visited while on contract with the task group, Heavenward lost some of its magnificence. Still, it was very Hua-Xi in every way, embodying his homeland in everything from architecture to its people. ¡°Even though the light it casts upon our nation does have its fair share of shadows,¡± Kite thought as he turned back towards the little house atop the flying ship. ¡°Auntie! Raven! We¡¯re drawing close, and the view is most pleasant! Why don¡¯t you come out and join us?¡± ¡°No. The less we are exposed to that place, the better,¡± came the grumpy reply from within, Dove¡¯s aura still feeling like a thundercloud threatening rain. ¡°It¡¯s just a view, dear,¡± Crow called, joining Kite in his attempt. ¡°To watch from afar surely won¡¯t hurt. The city won¡¯t bite.¡± ¡°It¡¯s the principle of the thing!¡± ¡°And is that principle enough for you to deny Raven the experience as well?¡± Crow asked, the pointedness of her words most obvious. They were met by a few moments of silence before everyone present could feel a slight shift in the emotional state of Dove¡¯s aura, a bit of shame leaking into the earlier defiance. And eventually, there was an answer as well. ¡°Fine¡­¡± A short while later, Dove emerged as well, carrying the wide-eyed Raven who was properly swaddled in layers of clothing to ward off the winter winds. While Dove¡¯s silver rank allowed her to easily navigate the swaying walkway to the ship¡¯s bow, she still walked with utmost care while carrying her precious and most distracted cargo. Crow said nothing, wearing only a slight smug smile as her wife stopped next to her, seemingly transfixed by the view of the rapidly approaching city, the winter sun highlighting the high buildings in a most pleasant fashion. The royal palace and the sect compounds were the most spectacular, but there was enough architectural effort spent that one always found something new and fascinating wherever one looked. ¡°Given my¡­ experiences¡­ last time, we will head straight for the clan¡¯s compound upon arrival,¡± Kite called to the rest, having to raise his voice to be heard over the wind of their passing. ¡°With us recognized as their guests, there should be little to fear during our stay here as long as we don¡¯t act to provoke the other influential factions.¡± ¡°Are you sure that us managing to fight back last summer won¡¯t be seen as provocation enough?¡± Dragonfly asked, leaning against Kite¡¯s side to more easily be heard. ¡°Little Crow found it unlikely,¡± Kite explained, referring to his discussions with the assassin before the man¡¯s departure. ¡°The guild is so far removed from the capital at the moment, and such things are easy to ignore. And if they claim outrage, they will have to publicly be seen caring about what should, to their sensibilities, be a trifling matter up in the rural north.¡± ¡°And if he¡¯s wrong, and we arrive only to meet a line of would-be challengers long enough to circle that mountain?¡± Dragonfly asked, indicating the heavenly stairway and its rich architecture in the distance. ¡°Let¡¯s¡­ hope it does not come to that. I did hope for this to be a bit of a vacation of sorts,¡± Kite said with a wince that caused Dragonfly to giggle. ¡°Kite, I¡¯m willing to bet ten silver coins that you will fight at least a dozen duels before we leave.¡± ¡°What? Of course not. Five- no, six at most. Definitely less than a dozen,¡± Kite protested while still being forced to admit at least a bit ¡°Shall I take it that you agree to my little wager then?¡± ¡°It would seem like my honor wouldn¡¯t allow me to step down from such a brazen challenge,¡± Kite countered, voice full of faux self-importance. ¡°Good! But you better fight through them quickly,¡± Dragonfly countered with a sweet, sweet smile. ¡°Because I intend to do some shopping, and it would be most convenient if the additional funds were available early.¡±
¡°Speak.¡± The command was swiftly obeyed as the personal servant of Discord¡¯s priestess entered the range of her privacy screen, kneeling down beside where she was seated in the court of Heavenward¡¯s royal palace. The man hadn¡¯t even needed to ask for any permission, the question already having been picked out of his aura by the gold-ranked socialite. ¡°Mistress, I have both an initial report and confirmation that the Pathbreaker has arrived at the capital. His party, consisting of silver-rankers only as well as a small child, have been admitted to the Tengu clan¡¯s estates.¡± ¡°I¡­ see,¡± she answered without looking back at the kneeling man, instead keeping her head high and bismuth-colored eyes on the proceedings below. Court was a bit lively today, after all. ¡°We already knew of his connection to the Tengu¡¯s clan. Cease all close to medium surveillance in the city during their stay.¡± ¡°Mistress?¡± ¡°A concerning number of careless informants and similar parts of our outer networks have started reporting troubles in the past months, with the beginning of last summer. It is assumed that the Tengu¡¯s brood is involved, and if they have been greeted as guests of the assassins, we would be foolish to send our people too close only for them to vanish. Still, we should send a request to black wood mask to look into it. A gold-ranker like her will at least be able to survive the potential slap on the wrist without being exposed,¡± she said, pausing a while to think. ¡°Make it a polite one, though. My standing within the council is tenuous enough as it is, at the moment.¡± ¡°Of course, mistress. Anything else?¡± The priestess remained silent for a while, taking in the procession that was currently approaching the spot where more influential or favored petitioners could make their case before the king. Given the gold-ranked warrior walking proudly, if somewhat tense, next to the matriarch of his family and the general feel of what she could skim from the very surface of their auras, the picture the queues painted was rather clear. ¡°Yes. Make ready to properly prepare a little soir¨¦e in my viewing box at the arena. Because I believe that our dear king will soon receive a rather grave challenge.¡±
¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you got a rather ominous reception upon your first visit to the Tengu clan?¡± Dragonfly asked where she walked beside Kite through the streets of Heavenward, a fancy privacy screen obscuring both their looks and conversation. ¡°Because this one was anything but.¡± The artifact had been lent to the pair by their hosts, because while Little Crow and the rest of the clan were most happy to see them, everyone at least wanted some control over the rumors of Kite¡¯s return that would no doubt spread in certain dueling circles, and make it just a bit more difficult for any would-be challenger to pin him down. ¡°Well, my second visit was a lot more welcoming, as you might remember,¡± Kite noted. ¡°But I will admit that their reaction at seeing little Raven was a bit more enthusiastic than I expected. My guess is that she will want for nothing during her stay here. Seeing her take that masked gold-ranker by the hand and somberbly lead him off on some kind of adventure sure was a sight to behold.¡± ¡°Bah, being surrounded by silvers all the time while growing up sure has made her jaded to power from a young age. I thought my hair would stand completely on end when I felt what that gold let us glimpse of his aura,¡± Dragonfly said with a shudder. ¡°Still, they were definitely nice enough. I just have to remember which Crow is which.¡± The pair eventually reached their destination, which once more had Dragonfly crane her neck to take in the size of it. ¡°They sure build everything to be huge around here. Just look at the size of it. Given what many seem to think of the adventure society, they sure allowed them to build an impressive campus.¡± ¡°Well, much like back home, the relationship seems rather complicated and - if some of the locals were to have their way - a lot more one-sided. They like the convenience and opportunity the adventure society offers. Just not¡­ Well, the rest of it. Demands, regulations and such,¡± Kite said with a sigh. ¡°But at least the local trade halls are equally impressive, so we should be able to find what we need.¡± Just a few minutes of walking and sightseeing later, Kite¡¯s prediction proved true as they entered the large, multi-storied complex, adventurers of all kinds and allegiances bustling around the many different vendors and craftspeople who plied their trade within. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°I will aim to resolve my business at the essence exchange first and foremost,¡± Kite stated, looking at a nearby sign for guidance. ¡°What about you?¡± ¡°Well, I should be on the lookout for one or two more artifacts. Mainly utility, or if I can find something nice that really fits my path. But with the armor Peony made, that bar has been set far above the clouds,¡± Dragonfly mused. ¡°Still, just a bit of shopping for something nice just for myself maaaay occur. A teeny bit. Some good food, maybe some new clothes-¡± ¡°Ah, then how fortunate you are to be in the company of this young mistress,¡± Glint suddenly exclaimed, breaking into the conversation while she emerged from her bottle and assumed her draconian form. ¡°When it comes to fashion, I am ever striving towards the peak in defiance of the heavens!¡± The familiar¡¯s loud proclamation had more than one passerby give the group a look, their expressions ranging from amusement to annoyance. ¡°Well, it sounds like I will be in the best of care then,¡± Dragonfly said happily, sauntering off to Glint¡¯s side. ¡°Shall we then, young mistress?¡± ¡°Please keep this poor warrior in mind as well. My wardrobe could sure use an upgrade!¡± Kite called after them, an amused smile playing on his lips as he felt a stirring from within. ¡°Yes, Sage, I assure you that we can find some nice calligraphy too. Maybe not here, but I¡¯m sure that there are plenty of galleries in the city.¡± This seemed to properly mollify the astral gatherer, and Kite made his way towards the essence exchange. While one might have expected the place to be a spectacular place with glowing cubes beneath protective barriers as far as the eye could see, the reality was somewhat more pragmatic; a simple storefront with a plethora of magical slates where one could read the extensive lists of things on offer or demand. Most of the actual essences and awakening stones were stored in the most secure vault at hand, but that was mostly if the seller expected to not remain in the capital for the near future. If they would be in the vicinity, the sale or trade of such expensive items easily warranted the cost of a runner to send word that a trade had been accepted or if a prospective client wanted to discuss the deals or offers made. ¡°Greetings,¡± Kite said to the silver-ranked elf clerk behind the lone counter as he strode over to one of the enchanted slates, channeling a bit of mana into it to display its various lists and categories. ¡°Anything particular that the young master is looking for?¡± the man asked politely, gliding over to Kite upon a small floating cloud which enveloped his feet. Kite didn¡¯t even have time to ask before a privacy screen enveloped them, making sure that none of the other patrons had a chance to eavesdrop. ¡°Well, I mostly have a vague set of guidelines as I¡¯m mostly looking to trade,¡± Kite explained, knowing from previous experience that the clerks of this establishment were most knowledgeable. ¡°I have twelve plant essences and five tree essences along with similar awakening stones, and am looking to trade for some diversity. Fortune be willing, I will find at least two hunt essences, as my uncle has his eye on potential personal mentorships among our mem- students,¡± he explained. If the clerk noted his little slip or was surprised at the number of essences being traded, he did not let it show. Kite had already decided not to draw undue attention to the guild during his stay, gladly hinting at being part of a sect or similar establishment instead. ¡°Then if I may recommend a few listings to the young master, I believe that I have somewhere to start. At least one hunt essence should be manageable from the start, and if you are either willing to negotiate or make some other trades beforehand, I believe that we can secure another. Are there any particular confluences you are aiming for?¡± ¡°Domain, directed at plant regions, but there are plenty of other interesting ones. Any leanings towards speed and the ability to travel long distances is always appreciated, but numbers are important too. We have many prospective students to provide for.¡± ¡°It seems that you are a most generous institution then. May the heavens smile upon your endeavors,¡± the elven man said politely. ¡°But back onto business, knowing your preferences, we may have a few more solutions, if I may demonstrate-¡± What followed was the man guiding Kite through an impressive chain of trades and deals in order to get an outcome as close to what he preferred. Trade two plant essences for one crystal on one occasion, then the crystal with someone else for a different one in turn which could lead to a final trade to get one hunt essence along with four awakening stones aligned with the guild¡¯s requirements. A few repetitions of said process later, Kite found himself with a tally much more to his liking. Coming in with quantity and going for moderately higher quality would always land him at a net loss in pure numbers, but Sage and luck had been on Kite¡¯s side during the months that had passed during the conflict with the sects and the subsequent autumn and winter spent out on contracts. ¡°- and as long as neither party renege on their offers, we should have the essences available within a day. Will you be picking them up yourself or would you like to purchase transport to an adventure society branch of your choice. Additional fees will apply,¡± the clerk finished explaining, looking expectantly at Kite as he awaited an answer. ¡°Transported, please. To the Convergence branch. And thank you, once again. Your knowledge in these matters have been invaluable,¡± Kite said, his gratitude most honest as he deposited his share of essences, paid the fees of the exchange as well as giving the clerk a generous tip. ¡°I will tip you as well, benefactor Sage,¡± he murmured to the familiar still subsumed within himself as he left to find Glint and Dragonfly. ¡°The whole guild should make sure to provide you with regular tribute.¡± The vague sense of eager approval Kite got from the formless astral gatherer did make Kite wonder if he may have planted too ambitious an idea into the alien being¡¯s mind. ¡°Given it¡¯s proclivities, we might have to buy land somewhere and make a gallery of our own for Sage to curate,¡± he thought, but left such matters for another time as he spotted the objects of his search off in the distance. Glint was currently trying out a most flattering set of robes, their formal lines and pale pink color beautifully complementing her natural sheen and amber eyes. And from the amusement in Dragonfly¡¯s aura and the mix of elation and exhaustion in the bronze-ranked tailor¡¯s, Glint had apparently stayed true to herself throughout the whole endeavor. She even seemed to have found herself an admirer, as Kite saw another draconian off to one side among what looked like an entourage of bodyguards. He had cyan scales, fine robes and, to Kite¡¯s slight amusement, a distinct lack of subtlety in the glances he threw Glint¡¯s way ever so frequently while pretending to inspect a set of jewelry in a nearby display case. As Kite drew near, Glint noticed him as well, promptly walking off towards him. ¡°My bond,¡± she greeted formally. ¡°It is good that you have returned. While the master tailor here possesses excellent skills in her trade, her judgment is otherwise lacking as she requires a familiar¡¯s master to vouch for their ability to pay for any purchases. So please, dear master, would you kindly do so for this poor dragon?¡± Kite had never thought of himself as Glint¡¯s master, and the two had immediately reached confirmation of their mutual understanding of the matter once Glint could properly speak for herself. Still, he saw her sarcastic charade for what it was, and chose to play along. ¡°Of course, of course. A familiar of mine deserves no less,¡± he said with an air of faux-arrogance as he approached the tailor. ¡°I assure you that her allowance should be enough to cover her purchases. How much?¡± ¡°Th-hank you, great benefactor and customer,¡± the tailor said, apparently not catching the jest in Kite¡¯s words, or at least not daring to assume anything when dealing with one of higher rank. She then named a price in spirit coins, and Kite had to do his very best to keep his massive, abrupt wince entirely internal. ¡°I see,¡± was the only response he could muster, taking a moment to gather himself. ¡°Here, this should be enough,¡± he finally managed, handing over a few stacks of silver spirit coins. ¡°Only the best for my familiar, of course. She does deserve her simple pleasures.¡± The tailor was nodding eagerly at Kite¡¯s words, eyes and aura alight with the sudden windfall. But as things would happen, someone else had apparently been listening in as well. And his reaction turned out to be quite different. ¡°Enough of this farce! You dare, human? You dare to speak that way to a descendant of the dragons?!¡± The loud, outraged calls did, of course, come from the draconian man who had been eyeing Glint before, his own silver rank easily letting him eavesdrop on their exchange. ¡°Only the heavens would know how you would have seemingly bound one of our illustrious kind, carrier of the bloodline of power, to your filthy spirit. But I have heard enough!¡± he kept loudly proclaiming to the stunned Kite, marching over menacingly all the while. ¡°Such a perfected specimen of our kind should be vaunted, shown off to the heavens and praised for her beauty by each and every generation that is to come. To think that such a brute - nay, a knave - like yourself has forced her into foul servitude? Oh lady of starlight, you whose scales shimmer like the dawn of creation, just say the word and I, Cloudburst Tempest of the ancient Monsoon bloodline, will strike him down in an instant for the very crime of daring to behave like that in your presence!¡± The last part was obviously directed towards the equally stunned Glint, and the combined outrage and praise had, without fail, drawn the attention of everyone within earshot. To Kite slight horror and disbelief, Glint soon found her words, but not in the manner which he might have hoped. ¡°And I take it that you wish to offer something in his stead, should you truly strike him down like you promise?¡± came the familiar¡¯s words, and Kite had to mentally facepalm as the feeling he got through their bond was the equivalent of ¡®Yes! Praise me! Praise me more!¡¯. Cloudburst Tempest was apparently most emboldened by her words, properly turning towards her as he continued. ¡°Dear lady, you are a vision. A most illustrious piece of the heavens which must have fallen to this lowly world. Should you wish for it, I would offer you all the protections of the Monsoon family. One such as you should want for nothing beneath the skies, be it in worldly things or protection. I will even promise you my heart in courtship, should you wish for it, for such is your splendor and perfection that your very visage has moved my spirit.¡± His words set the crowds abuzz, with those in the know apparently finding this proposition to be quite the big deal, and Kite began to idly wonder if this was indeed how he would find his end; cut down by some lovesick fool and his five silver-ranked bodyguards? Still, he felt that any protest of his would only fan the flames of outrage in the man, so he chose to instead hope that Glint might have gotten her proper fill of adoration for today and was ready to close this scene straight from any romantic farce. ¡°Young master Monsoon does indeed have a way with words,¡± she began, taking a step forward to the fervent draconian who had even sunk to one knee at the end of his latest declaration. ¡°Still, this young mistress will have to give a slight rebuke in turn; to be so forward is not proper. If I am indeed so radiant as you describe, I should not be swayed by mere words of passion, no?¡± Kite did not know from where she had produced the hand fan, a pristine white piece with delicate silver artwork, but he had to admit that he was most impressed with how she artfully used it to hide her face, only her amber eyes visible to the kneeling man. ¡°O-of course. Forgive me, radiant one. I was swept away by your beauty and forgot myself. Please, have mercy on this most foolish Cloudburst Tempest.¡± ¡°I will indeed forgive you, young master-¡± Glint began, and the draconian man sprung to his feet in response even before she had finished. ¡°Then your slaver shall meet his end this instant. I, Cloudburst Tempest, chall-¡± he began calling out to Kite. But it was time for the young master to be interrupted in turn by a loud snap. In one smooth motion, Glint had closed her fan and slapped it down atop the man¡¯s serpentine snout. The blow was not a forceful one, but even the lovestruck Cloudburst Tempest seemed to recognize the severity of it, freezing in place in startled silence. ¡°Interrupting me does you no favor, young master. I will once more choose to view your words and hastiness as an act of passion, but this young mistress will not do so again,¡± Glint stated, leaning firmly into the haughty persona that she had fully embraced since being able to walk in society as one of its people. ¡°Because what I was about to say is important, so listen well. This human -,¡± she said, waving one voluminous sleeve toward Kite, ¡°- is most important to me. It was I who, some years ago, offered to intertwine our destinies and reach towards the heavens. He has brought me power, as I have him. Do not overstep and make such assumptions again.¡± There was a distinct note of finality in Glint¡¯s words as she retracted her closed fan, once more opening it to let it flutter most fashionably. Cloudburst Tempest straightened and regarded Kite properly for a moment, giving a small nod which seemed to convey some paltry acknowledgement of him maybe, potentially having acted a bit rashly. Then, his full attention was back on Glint. ¡°Your words and dedication move my heart, visage of splendor,¡± he said, glancing about as if only now noticing the surrounding crowds who had hung onto every word of their exchange with rapt attention. ¡°But if you don¡¯t mind-¡± he continued, words cut off as a privacy screen enveloped the pair, leaving them visible but obscuring any words spoken. This left Kite and the young master¡¯s bodyguards staring awkwardly at each other for a long minute until the screen finally dropped, Cloudburst Tempest giving one final bow toward Glint before turning and marching off, his entourage in tow. Kite¡¯s own privacy screen, loaned to them by the Tengu clan, snapped into place a mere moment afterwards, Dragonfly soon catching up to them and entering its obscuring zone after making sure to bring all the clothes they - that is, mostly Glint - had bought. ¡°What¡­ just happened,¡± Kite eventually managed to get out, mind still trying to properly process the last few minutes of his life. ¡°This young mistress just got a date,¡± came Glint¡¯s reply, as if the matter had been a mere trifle. ¡°Do try to keep up, my bond.¡±
¡°You should have seen her, auntie. It was as if one of those novel series you so enjoy had sprung to life before my very eyes,¡± Kite told auntie Crow, the pair seated in one of the gardens of the Tengu clan¡¯s compound and enjoying a cup of evening tea together as their first day in the capital drew to a close. ¡°Is this what they mean by ¡®they grow up so fast¡¯?¡± ¡°Well, little Kite, your story certainly is as incredible as it is amusing,¡± Crow noted while giving her tea a dignified sip. ¡°But I will admit that I may be somewhat at fault here. When Glint stayed with us to practice speech while you and Dragonfly took on some contracts, I may have started reading said novels to her as a way to expand her vocabulary. With the results in hand, it isn¡¯t much of a stretch to say that my attempts may have landed a bit too well.¡± ¡°That¡­ does explain things. A lot of things,¡± Kite noted, even though his current feelings were more of amusement than anything else. ¡°We¡¯ll see if it is just a phase then, or if she will eventually become the most sought after young mistress in all the lands. Wait, I just realized,¡± he then said as a troubling thought came to mind. ¡°Auntie, if Glint is going on a date¡­ Should I make sure that she knows how to stay safe? Send her to Fertility¡¯s clergy for an introduction to how things work? While I am most definitely not her parent, I do feel somewhat responsible for her introduction to society,¡± he finished, concern mounting only to shift to a somewhat betrayed look as his words sent auntie Crow of all people into a fit of giggles. ¡°What?¡± Kite asked, tone dry as Crow quickly composed herself. ¡°Well, little Kite, it is clear that you don¡¯t seem to have taken the time to read said novels of inspiration,¡± she began, amusement still clear in her tone. ¡°I¡­ may not have found the time,¡± Kite admitted. ¡°If you had, I believe that you would be able to lay those concerns of yours to rest. Glint did say that she wanted to do things the proper way, no? Given her source of ¡®proper¡¯, I do believe that you won¡¯t have to worry about such things until after at least a year of courtship, all thoroughly chaperoned of course. This will give those of us around her ample time to make sure that she has things figured out.¡± ¡°I see¡­ Thank you, auntie. That is actually quite the relief,¡± Kite eventually said, relaxing back into his chair. ¡°Your concern is touching though, little Kite, and I am proud to have raised a responsible young man. Still, I would have expected you to be more concerned with tomorrow¡¯s planned visit to the Silent Horizon sect. While I have confirmed with Little Crow that they do indeed seem to value a more conventional view on honor and hospitality, I still can¡¯t shake the feeling that there will be some kind of spectacular clashing to be had as soon as you come into contact with one of our ¡®institutions of national pride¡¯ ¡°, auntie Crow finished, her final words carrying the clear note of sarcasm. ¡°Don¡¯t give fate any ideas now, auntie,¡± Kite chided, continuing. ¡°But no, I don¡¯t foresee much trouble to be had this time. I don¡¯t even know if Chime of Morrow¡¯s Bounty will be present to meet with me, and even if she is, I would assume that some training and maybe a tour is the most we¡¯ll get out of it. It¡¯s just a visit after all. Surely, there are no spectacular happenings to be had this time.¡± ¡°Now who¡¯s providing the fickle fates with ideas, little Kite?,¡± Crow retorted, giving her adopted son an arched look above her enchanted glasses. ¡°Words like that might even be taken as a challenge by the heavens. Best not provoke them too much.¡± 187. Did you hear that, heavens? ¡°You know Kite, I¡¯ve long been wondering what the sects back home seemed to be trying to compensate for with their self-importance. I believe that I now at least know part of the answer,¡± Dragonfly said as the pair stood before the gates of the Silent Horizon sect, looking up at its crisp splendor. It was an extensive compound with several pagoda-like towers built from white-lacquered wood, their gleaming roof tiles a contrasting deep black. Horizontal lines of blue were incorporated in many places, carefully placed so that wherever one might look, some sets would line up to hint at a horizon in the distance. ¡°While it isn¡¯t necessarily larger than the sects of the north, at least not seen to how much land they possess, one does have to admit that the projected wealth and power is on a different level,¡± Kite noted, still impressed even though he had seen the place before. ¡°But yes, I imagine that it is quite easy to measure oneself against this and find yourself wanting.¡± A few minutes later, the gates once more slid open enough to admit one of the sect''s junior elders, the woman having been the one to greet Kite and Dragonfly upon arrival. ¡°Inner Disciple Chime was most happy to receive news of your arrival, honored guests. If you would please follow me, I will guide you to her residence. The Inner Disciple will host you from thereon.¡± ¡°Thank you, Junior Elder. Lead the way,¡± Kite said, and the pair fell into step behind their guide as they entered the sect proper. Technically, they were a trio, but Glint was currently sleeping contentedly inside her bottle atop her ever growing pile of shiny things, having made her disinterest clear beforehand. Much like the other similar compounds that Kite had witnessed, the Silent Horizon sect was both a place of living and of learning, where those admitted came to live along their fellow students as they received training and guidance along their paths. Students of all ranks could be glimpsed, seated within the gardens - which featured a lot of finely raked plots of pristine white sand - in meditation or performing different kinds of tasks. Their little group even had to swerve around a distracted silver-ranker who walked inside a swarm of floating sheathes of paper, seeming to be scanning all of them simultaneously and thus being just a bit too unaware of her surroundings. ¡°So many silvers though,¡± Dragonfly murmured from where she walked next to Kite. ¡°Back home each sect only has a few, and they¡¯re mostly elders and above. Here? They can be a simple disciple.¡± ¡°While it is certainly possible, most silver-rankers usually attain the personal tutelage of the sect elders,¡± their guide said, apparently having heard Dragonfly¡¯s ponderings. ¡°But there are cases where they remain in the lower parts of the sect¡¯s hierarchy, be it an eccentric¡¯s choice or some kind of punishment. But we of the Silent Horizon sect take great pride in the quality of our members, and the current dueling rankings have more than half in the top quarter of fighters coming from within our ranks.¡± ¡°Having once clashed with the inner disciple we are about to meet, I am not surprised,¡± Kite replied politely, having no trouble imagining the claim to be true. The more insular and path-focused nature of the sect led to fewer numbers, but their overall quality seemed to be widely recognized as a cut above the rest. It turned out that the residence of inner disciple Chime was within one of the towers that rose above the compound, and the group was soon led into a large apartment where the golden-scaled draconian woman was waiting for them. ¡°Ah, Pathbreaker! I was most glad to hear of your return, even if I will admit that word of your presence had already reached me. From the sound of it, you almost got thrown into bloody battle with a descendant of the Monsoon bloodline? I¡¯m sure that the story behind that is most interesting,¡± Chime of Morrow¡¯s Bounty called as she came to greet them with a formal bow, whereupon the junior elder discreetly left them. ¡°And you brought a companion as well? On behalf of the Silent Horizon sect, I bid you welcome. My name is Chime of Morrow¡¯s Bounty, inner disciple of our venerable sect.¡± ¡°Thank you, Inner Disciple. I am called Dragonfly Upon Sun¡¯s Reflection, although just Dragonfly will do nicely. No titles,¡± Dragonfly replied, returning the woman¡¯s bow. ¡°Yet you are a boon companion of the Pathbreaker. I am sure that you will find plenty more names in the years to come,¡± Chime gracefully complimented. ¡°We would be pleased to learn more of your capabilities in the days to come as well. The sect is always on the lookout for suitable talents.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m not known for turning down a good clash or three, even though my path isn¡¯t nearly as complicated as Kite¡¯s,¡± Dragonfly replied, clearly eager now that it seemed that she too would be included. ¡°Then you should fit right in,¡± the inner disciple noted with a slight grin, which - given her draconic nature - was a rather toothy affair. ¡°So, how much of our illustrious sect may I present to you? I have made no secret that you, Pathbreaker, would be most welcome to join our ranks, and for that I would like to allow you to experience the full range of what we are. I did not exclude you out of disrespect, Dragonfly. I simply do not know you or your path.¡± Seeing that Dragonfly indeed did not seem bothered by the statement, Chime continued. ¡°As such, I would like to give you a tour of our halls, interspersed with some friendly sparring and tempering with our students and elders alike, to give you a feel for what you could learn from your potential peers and future teachers both. Give me three days of your time, and I assure you that you won¡¯t be disappointed.¡± As she finished, Kite looked to Dragonfly who shrugged. ¡°It does seem nice to really get to enjoy the experience. And as I said; I¡¯m always up for some good tempering.¡± Kite also nodded in response, although a bit of hesitation still remained within his heart, and so he spoke up. ¡°This is indeed most generous, Inner Disciple Chime. I would like to take you up on it, but I will admit that it is mostly out of curiosity and opportunity. Like I said when you extended the offer; the chances of me actually joining up are most slim. I simply fail to see what kind of reason you could offer that would be compelling enough,¡± he explained, choosing honesty. ¡°And I do mean no offense to your sect with this. Honestly, even this visit would have been most unlikely had it been any other institution offering.¡± To his relief, Chime took his words in stride, only nodding along. ¡°You did clarify that, Pathbreaker. Please enjoy our hospitality for what it is. If not now, there might come other times in your life when you will realize that joining has become the best step forward for you on your climb towards the heavens. As they say, the offer has no strings attached. The sect is old and patient. You will see the truth of things in time.¡± ¡°Then three days of learning awaits us,¡± Kite said, ignoring the seemingly complete surety that the draconian seemed to have in her case and position as he bowed in polite gratitude. ¡°We shall be in your care.¡±
¡°Did you hear? That Pathbreaker is back in the city.¡± ¡°Really? I¡¯m surprised that there isn¡¯t a mob of disgruntled duelists from the sects roaming the streets to find him. How long ago was it he threw the rankings into chaos? A year? Silver-rankers have a good memory.¡± ¡°Something like that, but my guess would be that Breath of Valor challenging the king for the throne might be a good enough cover for now.¡± ¡°True. I¡¯m glad that my family managed to get us decent seats. One doesn''t want to miss such a showing. Breath of Valor has just returned from abroad, right? I wonder how far he has managed to temper his path?¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t believe that he¡¯s an idiot. Even if challenging the king might bring his sanity into question. Still, living up to his name at least. But that¡¯s a bit beside my point. What I wanted to get to was that the Pathbreaker has still managed to land himself in some trouble. Was apparently seen acting uncouth towards someone who had caught the eye of young master Monsoon. A spectacular beauty apparently, at least if you have draconian sensibilities.¡± ¡°Hmm, I did hear of that. But from what I heard, it was the Pathbreaker who defended said lady from the grubby young master, defeating him and his whole entourage.¡± ¡°What? No way.¡± ¡°It did sound silly, but spicy rumors are ever changing. That Pathbreaker does seem unable to help himself from making a splash wherever he goes. I wonder what he¡¯ll do next? Step up and challenge the king himself if Breath of Valor fails?¡± ¡°Bah, how far into your cups have you gone? The king is far into gold rank. And you have to have a lot more than just personal power for the court to accept your challenge. An outcast fighting the ruler? That¡¯s the stuff of stories, and stories only. Come, let¡¯s take a walk. It¡¯s a nice, crisp evening. And you apparently need to sober up a bit.¡±
¡°Good. Again,¡± Elder Silver Thistle instructed, his gleaming, buzzing wings once a blur behind him as he hovered a meter above the ground, spear held in a ready stance. ¡°As you may have noticed, the resonance from my wings will break your barriers if you hold them too long. You will need to push your timing to the limit that your rank allows.¡± ¡°Understood, Elder,¡± Kite replied, readying himself once more where he stood in the center of the practice ground. Part of his vision revealed Dragonfly being pressured by conjured, lashing vine which sprung from the ground faster than she could readily slice apart, forcing her to work further on her footwork to complement her ferocious attacks in order to not get pinned down. But as Silver Thistle suddenly shot forward, Kite¡¯s focus had to narrow to the very point of the elder¡¯s spear as it struck out towards him. ¡°Ward!¡± Even though his instincts had screamed for him to conjure the barrier a split second earlier, experience and the hour of tutelage Kite had received so far let him hold out just a little bit longer, trusting in his combat meditation and silver-ranked spirit attribute to let him gauge the timing correctly. The twin barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding appeared, layered atop one another. This proved vital as the magical shields started degrading almost the moment they appeared from the aforementioned disruptive resonance of the elder¡¯s buzzing wings. But with the help of his evolved racial gift and his newfound timing, this time enough of the first barrier remained for the elder¡¯s spear to only plunge through the first before the strike was turned by the second one. Had this been a real combat and had Kite been using his mantle, he would probably have been able to hamper the blow further through simultaneous counterattacks, but that was not the purpose of this particular exercise. ¡°Excellent,¡± Elder Silver Thistle praised again, and Kite couldn¡¯t help but straighten. While he hadn¡¯t known the older man for long, Kite had heard enough of the elder¡¯s rather terse, analytical way of teaching to feel that any praise given was praise earned. ¡°Thank you, Elder. Again?¡± Kite asked as the man zoomed back to his starting location in another blur of movement, the wings of his wasp essence carrying him with great speed. ¡°Yes, but we will add layers. I will start adding multi-vectorial special attacks, and you will have to properly plan all your defenses. Once more, trust in your mind to guide your instincts rather than just act.¡± ¡°Understood, Elder,¡± Kite agreed, and they continued their fierce practice. After spending close to a whole day in the sect, Kite had to give Chime some credit in that she wasn¡¯t lying when claiming that their people were skilled. So far, their day consisted of a basic tour of the training grounds before they had joined a few elders tutoring a group of inner disciples. Going up against them had felt a lot like going up against Ryker and his ilk, showing that a silver-ranker that had progressed further into the rank combined with more experience could make a world of difference. With his odd path and advantages, Kite knew that he would be able to put up an excellent fight should their conflict have been genuine, and maybe even had a chance of winning. But that was a mere chance rather than something entirely likely, and the elder had so far had a keen eye for finding things Kite could further improve. Small things in the grand scope of things - Kite had benefited from the assistance of Master Zarth-an in designing the foundations of his own martial techniques after all - but it were the minutiae that could make all the difference against other, more experienced silvers. ¡°Well, Pathbreaker. Dragonfly. What do you think? The elders are quite knowledgeable, no?¡± Inner Disciple Chime asked as the trio were making their way back towards the sect¡¯s gates, the day having started its gentle transition to dusk. The draconian hadn¡¯t been a mere observer, but had gone through rigorous training of her own as well. ¡°Had we had the time, I would have loved for us to go out on contracts together for some real-life showing of our paths against the beasts of the world, but alas, the sect¡¯s rules would make that more of a hassle than it would be worth.¡± ¡°Yeah, they sure were impressive!¡± Dragonfly agreed readily, still seeming both pleased and energized by the day¡¯s exertions. ¡°Felt a bit like my time with Master Force, but more adjusted to my current level.¡± ¡°Oh? A mentor of yours? Another outcast?¡± Chime asked, curious. ¡°Yes. She¡¯s trained me since childhood. Took me under her wing after a monster surge,¡± Dragonfly said wistfully, the potential aches from those turbulent times long having faded. ¡°Well, you have both thrived surprisingly well without the heritage of a sect to lean against. I¡¯m glad to hear that the tradition of mentoring still lives on in all walks of life,¡± Chime noted diplomatically, keeping any further thoughts on those without allegiance to herself. ¡°And what about you, Pathbreaker? You were already skilled when we last met, but it sure seems like whatever tempering you have gone through has been most thorough. Who has taught you?¡± Kite took a few seconds to ponder his answer, but given the feeling he got from the inner disciple, the question was one of genuine curiosity. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve had quite a few mentors during my years, thanks be to Fortune and Warrior both for our paths crossing. My uncle and aunties were the first, but Frost among Morning Dew and Unyielding Soul of Stone were both very formative in my early years, even if I only had the privilege of training beneath the latter for three months. Then after that-¡± Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Kite was about to continue, but Chime¡¯s expression made him pause. ¡°Inner Disciple? Is something the matter?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Pathbreaker,¡± the draconian said a bit abashedly. ¡°I was merely taken aback. There must be a bit more to the outcast¡¯s way of life than I had previously believed, if someone like you has found tutelage beneath not one but two gold-rankers.¡± Seeing Kite¡¯s now equally blank, questioning expression, Chime continued. ¡°Because those names are rather distinct, so I would not expect anyone else to possess them. Frost among Morning Dew, sect leader of the Fated Severance sect? Ascended to gold rank not long after her most dramatic return from exile a few years back? And Unyielding Soul of Stone did make quite a splash upon his return to the capital five years ago, now a gold-ranker as well after having spent a long time in solitude while searching for his means to ascend?¡± ¡°Those two¡­ They¡¯ve reached gold now?¡± Kite managed to get out, finally finding his words. ¡°From the details you mentioned, they do indeed seem to be my erstwhile mentors, even though they were both silver at the time. Still, this is wondrous news! I wonder if Mistress Dew would mind if I took the detour to visit her? The Fated Severance sect is off to the east of the capital, if I¡¯m not mistaken?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve apparently kept illustrious company, Pathbreaker. Or at least people that were powerful names in the making,¡± Chime noted with some amusement. ¡°But yes, last I heard, Frost among Morning Dew was still managing her sect. She has apparently made some rather¡­ controversial changes to things which have put them even more at odds with the other more traditional sects of the area.¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t overly surprise me,¡± Kite admitted, having no trouble imagining such a scenario. ¡°Mistress Dew was ever the one to stick to her own path and ideals, slow to change but not unable to, given some time. I am most curious of what place her sect will be,¡± he finished, while mentally moving up a visit on his list of things to do, if only to inform her of Discord¡¯s infiltrators in the other sects up north. If that pattern continued, she would want to take proper countermeasures. ¡°But you mentioned Master Stone as well. Do you know anything about his current whereabouts?¡± ¡°Unyielding Soul of Stone is rumored to be somewhere south of the capital on some kind of contracted task. While the details aren¡¯t clear, the rumor mill has still figured out the obvious parts in that anyone able to task a gold-ranker with something is rather influential themselves. So he apparently has the attention of the powers that be in some regard. But other than that, I know little except that he got married soon after his return. Rumors say that it was a pairing long in coming, true love and all that, but that the now wife¡¯s family had previously refused his proposals. A bit harder to say no to a gold-ranker though,¡± Chime finished with a smile. ¡°Well, I will have to congratulate him if I get the chance,¡± Kite noted. ¡°And introduce him to you, Dragonfly. While your paths are most different, somehow I feel that you would get along.¡± ¡°Especially if he lets me help throwing rocks at you all day,¡± Dragonfly retorted with a wink just as the group reached the sect¡¯s gates. Kite properly turned to Chime, giving her a polite bow. ¡°I thank you for this most illuminating day, Inner Disciple. Let none claim that your sect isn¡¯t hospitable to those that catch its attention.¡± ¡°Thank you, Pathbreaker. I will see you both tomorrow. And do keep our offer in mind.¡±
¡°Kite! Dragonfly! A word before you leave?¡± The early morning sun cast beams of radiance in through the generous windows of the Tengu clan¡¯s compound, the splendor of the old and venerable buildings only highlighted by its radiance. Kite and Dragonfly were just finishing preparing their equipment for the day, arms and armor stored and ready for the sparring that was to occur later during the day, when Little Crow found them after having politely flared his aura outside their guest suite. ¡°Little Crow! I hope you are well? From what my aunties told me, yesterday was quite eventful for all of you,¡± Kite greeted, making sure that the last of his dimensional pouches were properly fastened. ¡°Curious Crow might be a lost egg, but she¡¯s still family. Everyone is delighted to have them! And while the clan has had plenty of kids during the years, with everyone¡¯s long lives they¡¯re still rather far between. Little Raven¡¯s presence has been a most pleasant distraction for many, and even given me a temporary reprieve from nosy elders with their constant questions of when I will take my responsibility for the clan and sire a few hatchlings of my own,¡± the assassin said with an exasperated sigh. ¡°I mean, sure, the church of Fertility would probably be most helpful, but I can¡¯t help being a romantic at heart and waiting for the right companion before properly nesting down.¡± Seeing Kite¡¯s and Dragonfly¡¯s questioning nods, the implied ¡®Was this what made you come seek us out?¡¯ clear in their eyes, Little Crow straightened and got back on track. ¡°But alas, I digress. I came to invite you to a most rare event that will take place in a week.¡± ¡°Oh? What is it?¡± Dragonfly asked, seeing that the assassin was letting the silence linger to build some suspense. ¡°Well, there has been a declaration, you see,¡± Little Crow said almost conspiratorially. ¡°The public announcement will go out soon, but the more powerful families in the city always seem to end up with such information quite a bit earlier. There has been a challenge for the throne. It will take place in one week from now, and the both of you are cordially invited to watch this historical event in the comfort of the Tengu clan¡¯s private box at the arena.¡± Little Crow seemed most pleased as his announcement got the response he hoped for, as the looks both Dragonfly and Kite were giving him changed from questioning to astonished. ¡°Heavens, that is momentous. When did that last happen? Eight years ago? Nine? I will admit that my political history is most lacking,¡± Kite asked. ¡°Nine years indeed,¡± Little Crow confirmed. ¡°And around ten more since the one before that. His majesty, King of the Pure Firmament, has kept his throne for well over fifty years now, an impressive time given the turbulence early in his reign. His track record has been excellent too, which has led to the attempts to challenge him have gotten rather sparse. Any such challenge carries a steep prize for the challenger, after all; an exile that will only be lifted once the one - who has overestimated themselves so severely - finishes a certain task or quest as dictated by the defending ruler. Such a task always takes years or decades, and many do not return at all. As such, few families want to risk their scions that manage to reach gold rank.¡± ¡°If they can even manage to get the political clout to support such a challenge. Not just anyone can walk up and demand such a clash after all,¡± Dragonfly noted, even if her following words took on a bit of a defensive note when Kite looked at her in obvious surprise. ¡°What? I know a bit about how these things work. Master Force made sure of it after I started having queenly dreams and aspirations back when I was twelve. It sounded so easy to a child; just grow strong and defeat the current regent,¡± she finished with an embarrassed chuckle. ¡°If Soaring Soul chose to be called Queen of Jade and Sky, and I believe that King of the Pure Firmament was called Thousand Blades as One before ascending the throne, even though I suspect that was not his birth name. Did you have a name planned as well? ¡± Kite ventured, giving Dragonfly an expectant look. ¡°Que.. f Des... ing ...desce..., Re... of M...ers ...r of Ha¡­¡± Dragonfly¡¯s murmur was so silent that neither Kite¡¯s nor Little Crow¡¯s silver-ranked perception was enough to catch it, a blush creeping up her throat. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, wha-¡± ¡°I said ¡®Queen of Descending Incandescence, Reaper of monsters and Bringer of harmony¡¯,¡± Dragonfly repeated herself, her voice taking on the slight whine that only remembered shame could bring. ¡°I was twelve, alright? I couldn¡¯t decide so I made three titles into one long one. And ¡®descending¡¯ and ¡®incandescence¡¯ don''t really roll off the tongue together, do they?¡± ¡°That was¡­ actually quite impressive for a twelve-year old,¡± Kite admitted. ¡°I sincerely doubt I knew the word ¡®incandescence¡¯ when I was twelve,¡± Little Crow agreed. ¡°Still, it¡¯s embarrassing,¡± Dragonfly grumbled, before forcefully leading the conversation back on track. ¡°But witnessing a clash for the throne would be most exciting. Thank you, Little Crow.¡± ¡°And please convey our gratitude to the clan as well,¡± Kite added, giving another quick bow in gratitude towards the general direction of the clan compound¡¯s heart. You never knew when a gold-ranker was listening in, after all. ¡°I will make sure they know,¡± Little Crow said with a smile before turning for the door, calling the rest over his shoulder. ¡°And good luck at the sect today! Just don¡¯t listen too much to their propaganda, alright? Every sect has at least a few scandals they would very much like to be forgotten. The clan knows most of them too, so don¡¯t hesitate to ask later if you want to know the juicy stuff.¡± As the assassin left, Kite turned to Dragonfly. ¡°Ready? It sounded like there would be a lot of sparring against the disciples and inner disciples today. They probably want to show them off a bit too, so let us at least be cordial guests.¡±
Dove was humming happily to herself as she entered the guest suite she was sharing with her wife and Raven, waving farewell to Desirous Crow, one of the clan¡¯s herbalists. ¡°Did you have a fun time, dear?¡± Crow asked from where she sat reading a scroll, one of her tendrils of hair simultaneously wielding a pen to take notes. ¡°Hmm? Oh, yes dear. Desirous Crow was most knowledgeable, and you should have seen their gardens! You have to learn those arrays dear. The things they could grow even in the winter,¡± Dove replied happily if a bit distractedly as she began sorting the assortment of small cuttings and seeds she had received from the all too happy celestine. ¡°It gladdens me that you are enjoying yourself, dear,¡± Crow noted, and the tone of smug satisfaction in her note did not pass her wife by. Dove looked as if she wanted to protest, but wilted after a mere second of forced defiance. ¡°Fine.. Fine, you¡¯re right. It has been wonderful. The gardens, the shopping trips, your clan -¡± ¡°Technically former clan, dear.¡± ¡°Bah! With how they treat us, there barely seems to be much of a difference,¡± Dove retorted, continuing. ¡°But yes, dear. You were right. The capital isn¡¯t so bad if you have the right company. It¡¯s actually pretty marvelous.¡± ¡°Thank you, dear,¡± Crow retorted with a smile, taking care to hide most of the triumph in her voice while throwing out a peace offering. ¡°Still, you are right in that the place has its fair share of dangers. And while I enjoy the visit, I would not want to move here. Our peace and quiet is too precious to me.¡± ¡°Oh heavens no. Just imagine trying to keep a proper garden here with the property prices,¡± Dove shuddered, sitting down next to her wife. ¡°And I will still gladly stay behind with Raven when you go watch that big fancy duel. Too many people and too much bloodshed for my tastes. And speaking off, where is Raven?¡± ¡°In the tender care of Finicky Crow and some of the other elders. It sounded like they¡¯d take her exploring one of the clan¡¯s nearby holdings which has a copse of thousand-faceted willows.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve only read about those. Apparently they shimmer with all the colors of the world,¡± Dove said, excitement clear in her eyes. ¡°Do you think it is too late to catch them? Seeing them would be wondrous.¡± ¡°Hmm, no you might still catch up to them if you move quickly,¡± Crow noted, Dove immediately springing to her feet only to freeze at her wife¡¯s following words. ¡°But they did say that they¡¯d be gone for at least three hours,¡± Crow continued, her voice and one raised eyebrow carrying a world of meaning. There was a moment of silence as the two just looked at each other in silence before both moved, book and notes hastily thrown onto a nearby table, now completely forgotten.
¡°I do hope that Glint is alright,¡± Kite murmured where he lay in the bed next to Dragonfly, the pair just having finished a long bath after the day''s exertions. While silver-rankers didn¡¯t sweat per se, Kite still felt that luxuriating in the warm waters still gave a sense of cleanliness and freshness like nothing else. Sure, things like cleansing rituals and crystal wash did a more thorough job, but the results from those felt almost too perfect and sterile. Nifty and practical, but it just wasn¡¯t the same. ¡°Kite, her date for the evening picked her up in a palanquin carried by silver-rankers, his older sister present to chaperone. And given how he acted, he seems to be taking her words about proper courtship to heart,¡± Dragonfly noted, poking some fun at the fretting Kite. ¡°Glint is a big fish-dragon-girl now. You have to trust in her to learn.¡± ¡°I know¡­ But thank you. For reminding me,¡± Kite sighed. ¡°She does deserve the attention. And we will live long lives. Her just remaining in a bottle at my belt is not the way to live for someone like her. I just can¡¯t help but worry. From what auntie Crow told me, she¡¯s still making her way through references from high society romance novels.¡± ¡°Yeah, Crow told me too. I¡¯ve read those books, Kite, and given how this young master Monsoon acted, they shouldn¡¯t be too far from the actual mark, absurd as it may seem. But I do think that it¡¯s sweet of you to so earnestly care for her,¡± Dragonfly said, pecking his cheek. ¡°Besides, you can just check up on her through your bond and call for assistance should you get the feeling that things are amiss.¡± ¡°Once more, you are right, my ardent Dragonfly, even though I try to keep my senses mostly away from it. Glint deserves some privacy too.¡± ¡°But speaking of courtship and such matters,¡± Dragonfly said, changing the subject. ¡°I still get the feeling that Chime might be starting to fancy you a bit.¡± ¡°Chime? Truly?¡± Kite asked, surprised. ¡°Well, she did quite a number on that young-mistress-something that kept propositioning you during our spars today. A lot more than a spar would call for.¡± ¡°I honestly thought that was mostly because she felt that I might take offense and that it would reflect poorly on the sect.¡± ¡°Maybe a bit of that too, but not only.¡± ¡°Oh? What makes you so sure?¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s what I would have done,¡± Dragonfly noted playfully, clutching Kite with theatrical possessiveness. ¡°Why Dragonfly, could it possibly be that you fancy me a bit too?¡± Kite asked playfully, getting a stuck-out tongue in return. ¡°No, of course not,¡± Dragonfly said with faux-haughtiness. ¡°I¡¯ve just been using you for your body these past - what is it now? - five years.¡± ¡°Ah, to be reduced to such a state. The mighty Pathbreaker, soon to be just a face in the resplendent Dragonfly¡¯s endless harem. At least I¡¯ll have company,¡± Kite lamented, but still squeezed Dragonfly closer. ¡°But what is one to do? When Queen of Descending Incandescence, Reaper of monsters and Bringer of harmony has one¡¯s heart, one best just accept one¡¯s fated lot in life. Things could definitely be worse.¡± Things could indeed be worse, and also devolve quite a bit from there, and thus it was only later into the night when proper conversation resumed. ¡°Kite?¡± Dragonfly muttered sleepily next to him. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°What was it we were going to do at the sect tomorrow?¡± ¡°I believe that we were to get some guidance in meditation by one of their grand elders, followed by a tour of their public vaults to learn of the sect¡¯s history and victories.¡± ¡°Oh, right. Thanks.¡± There was a few more seconds of silence, and Kite was just about to doze off himself when Dragonfly¡¯s voice came again. ¡°Kite?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°You do know that I truly like you, right? Even though I joke around about it a lot?¡± With a silent chuckle, Kite held her just a little bit closer, his answer only slightly garbled as he leaned his face into her great mass of pink locks. ¡°I do, my ardent Dragonfly. And you are most dear to me as well.¡± ¡°Good. Just making sure. Because we promised to be honest and direct, back during that first time back in Gilded.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s both keep that promise then. A vow before the heavens,¡± Kite mumbled. ¡°Sounds good. Did you hear that, heavens?¡± Of course, only silence followed. ¡°Well, I suppose we¡¯ll have to take that as a yes. Goodnight, Kite.¡± ¡°Goodnight, Dragonfly.¡± 188. Likeness ¡°-and over here are the thirteen stanzas penned by sect leader Unending Flux before her historical duel with the leader of the erstwhile Wrathful Everglades sect during the eighteenth year of the reign of the Queen of Jade and Sky. As you can see, all of them are carved into this piece of heartwood from the sycorae tree, the symbolism-¡± the sect elder accompanying them described, Kite and Dragonfly having to work extra hard with keeping their auras under control so as to not give away the boredom which was gnawing away at their spirits. Still, the elder did have at least half of his audience captured in rapt attention down in the outer areas of the sect¡¯s vaults; beautifully crafted underground hallways decorated with interior wooden beams and paneling in a way so that it was only the glow stones replacing windows that gave away its subterranean nature. First off, Inner Disciple Chime seemed to stay true to herself as she seemed engrossed in the tellings, and had been so ever since their little tour entered the public vaults. And the second rapt listener was the floating collections of odd symbols named Sage, the astral gatherer having found a deep appreciation for the apparent tradition of the sect¡¯s leaders to pen different kinds of poems and similar works of flourishing writing. ¡°Fascinating. Momentous Skilled¡± That and similar praise was regularly being emoted by the familiar, and the elder - apparently knowing an appreciating audience - had started to address it a lot more than Kite himself. Half an hour - and one most passionate reading of the elder¡¯s favourite piece - later, the scenery around the group shifted and Kite found himself waking from his half-trance of nodding and occasionally humming along as scrolls and books shifted into large, elaborate paintings of all kinds. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s just beautiful,¡± Dragonfly said, looking at a particularly impressive portrait titled ¡°Raising of the Celestial Stairs¡±. Stepping up beside her, Kite had to admit that she was right. The painting somehow managed to convey a whole scenario, magic definitely involved as one could see the colorful mountain that was the very center of Heavenward gradually seeming to shift and rise from the landscape in cascades of spectacular color and proportions. ¡°Ah, yes. One of our most prized displays,¡± Chime noted, sounding pleased as she stepped up behind them, the draconian taller than either of the others in the group. ¡°It is said that the painter found a stroke of true inspiration as he witnessed the Queen of Jade and Sky create the heavenly stairway. He actually ground down a small fortune of mirage quintessence into his paints as he worked, and along with skill and enchanted brush they made the foundation for this almost living painting,¡± she explained with the elder nodding along, the older man apparently pleased by her enthusiasm. This led to Chime half taking over the tour as they continued throughout the gallery, and even Sage - usually only enthused by the stark lines of calligraphy - seemed properly impressed. Paintings, banners and other artistic works of all kinds were inspected and appreciated, and Kite had just started to wonder if even his silver-ranked memory could manage to store all of the wonders when they drew near the obvious exit; a long corridor with grand portraits of lone individuals. ¡°And to complete the tour of our sect¡¯s long heritage we have the preserved likenesses of our sect leaders throughout the history,¡± Chime said proudly, starting a brief summary of each one as they slowly made their way towards the exit. While they could vary wildly in style, each portrait did indeed portray different powerful individuals with the themes of their essences always worked into the imagery; from a swordswoman only gleaned in the reflection of her shining blade to an elven man seated on a throne of crystal. One particular painting near the end caught Kite¡¯s eyes, and he stopped to regard the painting of a runic woman surrounded by layers and layers of floating symbols, with the painter somehow having properly incorporated enough depth into the work that it felt like Kite could plunge into its depths. ¡°While they have all been most impressive, I must admit this one to be my favorite so far,¡± he noted, and it was only when he didn¡¯t get a response after a second or two that he glanced to Dragonfly. ¡°Uh huh¡­¡± she said, eyes locked on something behind Kite, with Chime and the elder apparently having followed Dragonfly¡¯s gaze. ¡°What?¡± Kite asked, only then managing to properly draw his attention out from the painting of the runic and, through his expanded vision, give the painting behind him a proper look. It depicted a man with dark hair and strong features - his perfection announcing his gold rank easily enough - that was seated in a position of meditation over what seemed to be a spherical patch of darkness that somehow took the concept even further. And while his posture was dignified but relaxed, there was a kind of cold intensity to his blue eyes that the artist had made all the more pronounced as they contrasted greatly with the rest of the work. A plaque beneath read ¡®Ardent Horizon Seeker¡¯, and the years of when he held the position of sect leader only had a starting date, with the place for the end left blank. ¡°Well, that one is most impressive too,¡± Kite said diplomatically, even though he still found the one of the runic to be far more captivating. ¡°Kite, look at it. Really look,¡± Dragonfly urged. Kite did, and while details previously unnoticed did reveal themselves beneath further scrutiny, there wasn¡¯t really anything unexpected to be found. ¡°As I said, most impressive,¡± Kite reiterated. ¡°Is there anything I¡¯m missing?¡± ¡°Bah, wait. I have- almost-,¡± Dragonfly said as she started to rummage around in one of her dimensional bags. ¡°Ah, here,¡± she said, producing a mirror with one hand while the other gently pushed Kite a few steps backwards. ¡°Look up here, straight forward. And-¡± she finished, holding up the mirror in front of him. ¡°See?¡± Kite normally didn¡¯t spend much time looking at himself in the mirror, feeling that he had a pretty decent grasp of what he looked like and that the way he did his hair generally didn¡¯t need the reflective assistance. But apparently he didn¡¯t have as clear an image of himself as he thought, because it was only when he effectively - with the help of the mirror - got to look at himself side by side with the portrait behind him, that he too saw the stark resemblance. It wasn¡¯t perfect, of course. The depicted man¡¯s hair was a shade darker and his eyes lacked the golden tone that was mixed into Kite¡¯s blue. But the jaw, mouth, nose and all those myriad other small details making up one''s features? The resemblance was undeniable. Dragonfly had seen it, and from the odd look that both Inner Disciple Chime and the elder were giving him, they had too, with the point driven home further by Dragonfly repositioning him. ¡°Well¡­ Isn¡¯t that something,¡± was all Kite could manage, his mind feeling both abuzz with thoughts and completely empty at the same time. ¡°With all the people of this world, one should eventually come across someone rather similar. Thank you, Dragonfly, for pointing it out,¡± he said, his cheer a bit forced as his mind started asking questions, an itch felt in an old, faded scar within his sense of self. He gestured towards the door, giving Dragonfly a short but meaningful look as he said. ¡°Shall we complete the tour, honored Elder? Inner Disciple?¡± The draconian and the human exchanged an unmistakable look before the elder eventually nodded. ¡°Of course, of course. If you¡¯d please follow me-¡± he said, leading them onward. But even as they exited, Kite couldn¡¯t help but keep his attention on the portrait of Ardent Horizon Seeker; the blue eyes seemed locked on him until the very last moment.
With the bustle of Heavenward¡¯s streets around them, Dragonfly and Kite barely rounded the first street corner which took them out of sight from the sect when Dragonfly¡¯s hand quickly reached out and tapped the pin that was their loaned privacy screen, courtesy of the Tengu clan. ¡°Kite, I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have made a big deal of it in front of the others,¡± she began, words tumbling out in a hurry. ¡°I was just so startled and wanted you to notice too and-¡± ¡°Peace, Dragonfly. It is quite alright,¡± Kite said, stopping to clasp her wildly gesturing hands and keeping his grip on one of them as he continued leading her down the streets. ¡°I mean, maybe it''s nothing? A coincidence, just like you said? But you just looked so much like him-¡± ¡°Which in turn might not be a coincidence at all,¡± Kite finished, a bit wearily. ¡°Believe me, Dragonfly, when I say that it felt like my mind started exploring every possibility - from the likely to the wildly absurd - the moment I saw what the rest of you did. While I rarely think about it these days, the younger me often did wonder. About my biological parents. Do they live? Do I have other relatives? Who knows of my existence? And those thoughts were definitely dusted off and brought back into the light just now. Have I just seen the likeness of someone that I¡¯m related to? An uncle? Father? Brother? Cousin five times removed? Or even great great great great grandfather? As a gold-ranker, the generations could be most confusing.¡± ¡°Then¡­ what will you do about it? Do you want to find out? Meet him, if possible?¡± Dragonfly asked. ¡°We may both be orphans, but at least I knew my family for a time.¡± ¡°Honestly, I already know my family too,¡± Kite said, a fond smile creeping into his voice. ¡°Do not misunderstand me, Dragonfly. This revelation has me most curious and definitely causes old ponderings to stir. But I¡¯ve long since felt secure in my place and who my people are. Still, would I want to know more? Definitely. And given what Little Crow told us this morning, I believe that we even have an excellent opportunity to maybe glean something more from it.¡± ¡°And you¡¯re really fine with how things went? Me not being very discreet and all?¡± Dragonfly asked, clearly not having dropped her worries. ¡°I am,¡± Kite reassured her, squeezing her hand. ¡°And thank you for not just letting it pass. If nothing else, it is a bit of an intriguing mystery. But come, let us speed up our return. Because I am indeed most curious,¡± he said as panes of force started appearing beneath their feet to carry them upwards like a stairway, the pair having had plenty of practice in sharing the limited space of Kite¡¯s flavor of air walking. Heavenward had its fair share of people able to fly or similarly bypass the streets, but not enough for the need of specific lanes or rules regarding such modes of travel. As such, the pair could make a beeline straight for the Tengu¡¯s compound and bring a lot more of their silver-ranked speed to bear. Their hasty retreat wasn¡¯t entirely unnoticed, however, and Kite had to make a calming gesture towards a previously unseen celestine woman with onyx hair and eyes that send a questioning nudge of aura his way, making sure to indicate that their speed did not spring from any threat. Still, it would seem that words traveled quickly among the Tengu¡¯s clan, because Little Crow was waiting for them at the gates of the clan compound when they arrived. ¡°Kite, Dragonfly? Is something the matter? The two of you usually tend to enjoy the more scenic routes while going about, and the sudden deviation from the trend made some of our watchers a bit concerned,¡± the assassin asked after the gates had closed behind them. Still, his posture and aura were both kept calm, even though Kite thought that he could glimpse the point of a long needle within one of the celestine¡¯s sleeves. ¡°Nothing threatening or urgent, I assure you,¡± Kite said placatingly. ¡°But it is rather fortunate that it is you who greet us at the door. Because we would very much like to take you up on the offer you made this morning.¡± ¡°Oh? You wish to know some gossip all of a sudden? Now I¡¯m suddenly most curious as well as to what transpired at the sect,¡± Little Crow replied, smile widening. ¡°But just to be sure; you left in good order? No bad blood or the like?¡± ¡°No, things were most amicable. And we did learn a lot, even though neither of us will be joining anytime soon. But I do still feel rather good that they would have had me, had I desired to accept,¡± Dragonfly explained, puffing up with a bit of pride.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. ¡°Still, there are certain matters of which we are unsure as to what they will make of things. It shouldn¡¯t mean trouble though. At least I hope not,¡± Kite explained. ¡°But that is where you come in. We should invite my aunties as well, because this is something which you¡¯ll all want to hear.¡±
¡°Do not fret, Inner Disciple. The sect leader, while a busy man, is always most courteous,¡± Grand Elder Halcyon said, the gold-ranker apparently having sensed Chime¡¯s nervousness. ¡°But he is also a man with great depth, showing little to the world. As such, I urge you to not take his often neutral tone as disinterest or dismissal. It is just his way.¡± ¡°Thank you, Grand Elder. I shall keep that in mind,¡± Chime noted, happy that she at least managed to keep any stammer from her voice as they approached a set of doors which Chime had never laid her eyes upon during all of her years at the sect; those leading to the sect leader¡¯s personal study. She tried to mimic the calm of the other elder at her side, the older man walking leisurely and relaxed. It had been at his urging that they take the matter of the Pathbreaker to a grand elder for guidance in the matter, which had in turn left Chime on a direct course for a meeting with Ardent Horizon Seeker to retell what they had witnessed. Once they drew close to the doors, Grand Elder Halcyon flared her aura to announce them, and the returning signal was the first time Chime had felt her own sect leader¡¯s aura since silver rank. There was a depth to it; an emptiness that somehow seemed devoid of substance yet hinting at untold things contained within at the same time. But it was also most somber and almost a bit flat, but the power she could barely glean during the short instance was unmistakable. Still, the grand elder entered without delay, and Chime soon found herself walking across a floor of polished black tiles into a decently sized room that seemed to serve both as study and meditation chamber. While bookshelves covered the walls, everything was neat, clean and almost austere; the tomes and scrolls the only hints at worldly positions except for the equally sleek furniture of pale wood. Ardent Horizon Seeker sat floating in the air over a deeper patch of darkness in the floor, his stance one of meditation yet his eyes were open. Chime had to keep from doing a double take as the man literally had the same pose - if a bit different clothes - to his portrait in the vaults beneath. And having just met the Pathbreaker, Chime¡¯s assurance of the resemblance she had seen was reaffirmed. ¡°Sect leader Horizon,¡± the grand elder greeted, showing a clear hint of familiarity with the man. ¡°Grand Elder Halcyon,¡± the sect leader replied with an acknowledging nod, his tone as somber as his aura, voice soft. He made no indication of intending to rise from his current position, which left his visitors standing before him. ¡°And these are the elder and inner disciple who had witnessed something which you found worthy of my attention? Greetings, the both of you. While I am sure that we have seen each other from afar at times, a meeting in person still deserves acknowledgement.¡± It had been some time since Chime felt a lump in her throat; a psychosomatic remnant from a time where her body was less magical. But she was proud to manage a proper bow along the elder. ¡°Honored Sect Leader,¡± she intoned, before falling silent and waiting to be addressed. ¡°As I said, the grand elder said you had something which to share with me,¡± Sect Leader Horizon prompted, Chime getting the sense of a kind smile even though his lips hadn¡¯t moved. ¡°Please, go ahead.¡± Seeing that the elder beside her looked at her expectantly, clearly giving her the honor of reporting their observations, Chime gathered herself and straightened slightly. ¡°At once, Sect Leader. We recently had a visitor at our sect; a prospective member. He is an outcast who - along with a companion - were invited to spend time with us to see how much we could offer them and properly show the heritage of our sect. He is called the Pathbreaker-¡± Chime began, starting her telling while silently praying to all the gods that she wasn¡¯t making a mistake.
¡°- and there it was; a distinct likeness in more than just the small details,¡± Kite said, finishing his telling. ¡°Dragonfly was the first who noticed, but from their looks I believe that it wasn¡¯t missed by the inner disciple or elder either. Hence I wanted to consult your family¡¯s knowledge, Little Crow. Is this mere happenstance? Or is there a potential connection? I at least feel that I want to make an attempt to slake this particular curiosity, if possible.¡± The gazes of all present; Kite, Dragonfly, auntie Crow, auntie Dove and - a bit belatedly as she had no idea what was going on - Raven, turned to the smiling assassin, who was giving Kite a scrutinizing look. The silence was soon broken, however, as a small series of shakes started rocking the shoulders of the assassin, quickly rising in intensity until it erupted in a full body laughter. The fit went on for at least half a minute before Little Crow once more found his self-control, righting himself in his seat. ¡°I- I do apologize for that particular indiscretion,¡± the assassin excused himself, wiping an imaginary tear from the corner of his eye. ¡°And I do believe that our knowledge might give a hint of context. Nothing certain, of course, but certain things are lining up almost ridiculously well. It¡¯s like something out of a story. Oh Fortune, this is a most serendipitous moment. I will make sure to bring you a proper offering in the future for letting me experience this.¡± ¡°Gods beyond, Little Crow! Get on to actually telling us!¡± Dragonfly called, the first to voice her impatience, Raven nodding severely in agreement even though the toddler still had no clue as to what they were talking about where she sat playing with the floating, shiny marbles; a collection which had only seemed to grow during their stay in the capital. ¡°Of course, Dragonfly, of course! Just trying to work up some suspense,¡± Little Crow apologized before straightening in his seat, his voice changing to his best impression of a somber storyteller. ¡°Since none of you have lived in the capital recently - as in the last twenty-five years - it isn¡¯t odd that you haven¡¯t heard much of the most tragic story. As many of these tales go, it is a tale of love and obligations coming into conflict, as two elders from different sects found a bond which they thought would carry them to the heavens. One was named Tranquil Divide, and she was an elder of the Crystal Pinnacle sect. And the other was the man now called Ardent Horizon Seeker, even though he went under a different name back then, not yet having reached gold rank nor claimed his current lofty position of sect leader,¡± the assassin began his telling, and Kite got the distinct feeling that the man would have no doubt put on quite the accompanying show had he possessed the power of an illusionist. ¡°And at first it was considered nothing more than slightly scandalous. Such things happened all the time, after all, and the sects were not enemies back then, just the ordinary rivals one would expect. But once you¡¯re part of a greater hierarchy, things may also move outside of your control. The peaceful, moderated strife didn¡¯t last. The erstwhile leader of the Crystal Pinnacle sect was an ambitious one, and she had her eyes set on bringing down the Silent Horizon sect and taking its place as first among equals. And the past leader of the Silent Horizon wasn¡¯t one to back down either.¡± At this point, sadness crept into Little Crow¡¯s voice, the faux-gravitas from before bleeding away a bit to reveal some actual emotion. ¡°The conflict quickly escalated. Such things happen all the time as well, of course. The people of the capital are quite used to it. But this one¡­ Just kept on going. I will spare you the brutal details, but the eventual cruelties inflicted by both sides were enough for a proper inter-sect war to break out. And caught up in this were our two lovers. Both Tranquil Divide and Ardent Horizon Seeker were great assets to their sects; rising stars that would surely go far. Most of the people of the capital were - and still are - unaware of their love caught up in the strife of the time. But those with power were most aware, and eventually they were both commanded to end their entanglement, as their loyalties needed to be with their sects and their sects only.¡± ¡°Which I will assume that neither wanted? Even though things rarely seem to be so simple as an individual''s wants and needs in these things,¡± Kite noted, receiving a nod of confirmation. ¡°Indeed. Both of our lovers were deeply devoted to their cause, as well as their personal honor. But their bond was also strong. For a while there, it looked like they might just choose to up and vanish together, abandoning everything for each other. But such is a choice more easy to make in a story, not in a life where honor, face, other bonds and even one¡¯s very place in this world is suddenly at risk. Still, it tore at them, and through them, their sects. Because their hesitance affected not only them, but their friends and confidants. And ostensibly, known to most who only did some light digging into the matter, both eventually chose duty in the end. The conflict escalated, and eventually ended with the Crystal Pinnacle sect being defeated so soundly that the King stepped in and disbanded them, the current Thunderous Soul sect taking their place within the capital. The remaining members fled the country, else they would never find peace again. Tranquil Divide was among them, and as far as we know, she has never returned. Ardent Horizon Seeker would eventually rise to become sect leader, steering the organization more and more away from the politics and onto their current spiritual path. It is often speculated that being forcefully separated from his lover was the deciding factor that made him choose that path, finding the ambition to take command where he had before been content to follow.¡± At that, Little Crow fell silent, taking a long drink from a nearby cup. He wasn¡¯t fooling anyone, however, unable to hide the slight, smug smile in anticipation of someone biting the proverbial hook. And Dragonfly, true to her nature, was the quickest. ¡°Ostensibly?¡± she noted, an eyebrow quirked. This soon escalated to a pillow launched across the room with great force as Little Crow let the silence drag on yet again. ¡°Ostensibly?! Little Crow, gods help me, if you don¡¯t continue this instant-¡± ¡°Oh, so you did note that little hint. I am most pleased,¡± the assassin said with a smile after smoothly catching the pillow, laying it to rest behind his back as he lounged back all relaxed while trying to ignore the fact that the force of the throw had pushed his recliner a good meter back across the floor. ¡°What I have told you so far are details that you could easily have gathered by yourselves. But this next part? That is a tale within a tale that a lot fewer know.¡± ¡°Then could you please elaborate?¡± auntie Crow asked politely, choosing the more diplomatic approach as a tendril of animated hair reached out to refill the assassin¡¯s cup. ¡°Of course, dear cousin. Of course. For those in the know at the time, this whole little lovers¡¯ tragedy was a bit more complex. To say that Tranquil Divide and Ardent Horizon Seeker were influential within their sects might be an understatement. They were both very well liked, with plentiful allies, admirers and students of their own; silver-rankers with gold just within reach. Should either one of them - or worse, both - choose to actually step away from the conflict, it would have been more than just a single silver lost for either side, as well as a power vacuum neither side could afford at the time. And as the pair proved a bit more¡­ stubborn than their sect elder¡¯s would have liked, the opposing sides actually - and utterly temporarily - joined forces. There is some solid information from the time indicating that a meeting took place, and that both representatives of the adventure society and the churches were present to mediate. The meeting did indeed end with the pair choosing loyalty and duty, but not before several concessions were made. They were, for one, never to fight each other - allowed to walk away should their paths cross in the conflict. But the one thing they got that is of most relevance to us is that they demanded a legacy; a symbol of their love remaining in the world. One that had the potential to last and thrive. The sects would never accept anything overt or public of course, and thus a bargain was made. We know little of the exact details, but for that both the churches and adventure society were involved in its execution. The church of Fertility most of all,¡± Little Crow said, his gaze most meaningful. ¡°Thus, with their mysterious concession granted, things did otherwise progress according to the official stories. But I do believe that you can see why I found the details adding up. Especially when you take the paths of the most tragically separated parties into account.¡± ¡°Which are?¡± Kite prompted, now feeling almost as impatient as Dragonfly, the implications of the story turning his thoughts into a most confusing jumble. ¡°Well, while Tranquil Divide hasn¡¯t been seen within these lands for over two decades, her path is well-documented. She was surprisingly martially oriented for an elf, and her path was centered around the use of barriers and shields, using them for every purpose. Be it personal armor, shielding her allies or cutting her foes apart with the edges of her shields, Tranquil Divide was apparently attack and defense in one devastating union. And as to Ardent Horizon Seeker? His path has ever been one of absolute annihilation, with the void essence featuring most prominently in his more public displays as he would sunder even his foe¡¯s ability to detect him. Both were also considered martial prodigies, using great foundation fighting prowess to supplement their paths. It was apparently something as intense as a duel that once lit the spark between them, at least if one is inclined to believe the romantics. Given what you¡¯ve told me of your most vague heritage, Kite; of a certain lockbox and the included essences and letter? Coincidences are most prevalent in this world, but sometimes there are just one too many.¡± Two cubes; one of deepest void and the other of interlocked, shimmering barriers flashed before Kite¡¯s eyes, along with a letter most vague that was essentially an apology for selfish acts and a declaration of karma being severed. ¡°It¡­¡± he began, taking a moment to center himself. ¡°It does indeed seem likely. Most likely, even. Thank you, Little Crow. For telling us.¡± ¡°Yes, thank you,¡± auntie Crow chimed in. ¡°We were only assured that no trouble was on the heels of the little baby boy we once accepted. And while it hasn¡¯t been of too much import as our little Kite grew up, all of us have of course wondered.¡± ¡°Still, to think that is how Kite came to be? Rarely have I been so glad and so sad at the same time,¡± Dove noted, wiping at her eyes. ¡°Without them being torn apart, our little Kite wouldn¡¯t have come to us. Still, it just drives home how cruel these politics can be. And how easily your desires can be trampled and forgotten in their conflicts. But most importantly, how are you, Kite? How do you feel? Do you want some time to process things?¡± she finished, turning to Kite full of her usual concern and worries, as she had always been during all the years he had spent with them. Be it a slight scrape or inner turmoil, auntie Dove had always been there when Kite needed unbridled empathy, complemented by auntie Crow¡¯s caring reasoning and processing. ¡°This¡­ this will indeed be a lot to process,¡± Kite began, nodding along. ¡°But honestly? I do not find this a matter to process only by oneself. My mind will have plenty of time for that going forward. No, I¡¯d rather do it alongside family. If you all do not mind?¡± ¡°Of course we don¡¯t, our wise little Kite,¡± auntie Crow assured him gently. ¡°Let us join forces in taking on this spectacular series of events of which we have been told. But I will agree with my dear wife on this; tracing as it may be, I will forever be thanking Fortune for the outcome nonetheless.¡± ¡°Well, just wait until Walker hears of this,¡± Dove half grumbled. ¡°He was so assured that you weren¡¯t some lost princeling or the like when he delivered you to us. And while technically true, I would say that the truth - assuming that we now know it - was a great deal closer to that than might have been safe and proper.¡± 189. Thunderclap ¡°Well? How are you feeling?¡± Kite wasn¡¯t in the least surprised at Dragonfly¡¯s sudden question while they were getting dressed and ready for the day, even though the bustling streets of the capital had felt like another world while the pair had luxuriated in bed for a while longer than usual after the revelations last evening, with discussions and speculations lasting well into the night. Since the moment they woke up that morning, Dragonfly had seemed a bit extra caring and almost cautious around him, and while it was nice, Kite also felt a bit relieved as she finally got around to asking. ¡°Assuming that you meant after yesterday¡¯s talks about my potential heritage? Good. Surprisingly so. While there are plenty of questions that remain unanswered, and probably will for life, it was still good to give it some proper time. Thank you, Dragonfly. For staying,¡± he said earnestly, and even managed to hide the satisfaction at the slight fluster it still caused in his lover. ¡°Of course I¡¯d stay. I wanted to know too. And I think your aunties have wondered a lot over the years as well. It¡¯s just¡­¡± ¡°A bit more than one could imagine?¡± ¡°Mhmm¡­¡± she agreed, words temporarily garbled by a silken band which she held in her mouth while her hands were busy trying to wrangle her mass of curls into some semblance of order. Once she finally had it under control and was using said band to tie it off, she continued. ¡°I would probably have reacted the same as Little Crow, honestly. It¡¯s like straight out of a story. One last stand of a love not meant to be, still leaving its mark.¡± ¡°And it does explain how they could afford the essences in question. They went a long way for the symbolism of it all, too. The void essence surely isn¡¯t a cheap one, given its rarity,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°So have you decided what you want to do about it?¡± ¡°Well, there is honestly not that much I can do,¡± Kite said with a shrug. ¡°Just sharing my thoughts with family and others close to me feels enough for now. It really doesn¡¯t change much in my actual life or my path towards the heavens. They - Tranquil Divide and Ardent Horizon Seeker - gave me life, even if it was mostly for the sake of their own principles and emotions. And they provided me with a start for my own climb towards the heavens. While grateful for both, I believe that will be it for now. Should I eventually manage to reach gold rank and meet with my suspected birth father, I might ask though. But given the story, it feels like the matter might be complicated enough to be best left alone.¡± ¡°The usual Kite then. Calm and collected. Almost annoyingly reasonable,¡± Dragonfly teased. ¡°Would you rather I went into pieces and immediately set off towards the sect in a desperate attempt to connect with my heritage and a man I only know through speculations and stories?¡± Kite retorted, amused. ¡°Maybe dedicating my life to the Silent Horizon sect doesn¡¯t sound that bad, after all.¡± ¡°Well, of the two of us, you¡¯d definitely adapt to sect life the best,¡± Dragonfly giggled, fastening the last strap on her - according to Kite - most fetching outfit in the shape of a pale gold silk robe cinched tighter around her waist. ¡°Still, I can surely pull off a robe when needed. What do you think?¡± she said, twirling as she finished. ¡°You are an absolute vision. Careful so that the contenders don¡¯t get distracted and drop their clash to contend for your attention instead,¡± Kite complemented, honest in his opinions even through the hyperbole. ¡°Well, I guess I would have to contend with the no doubt ridiculous amount of courtesans and lovers that our most affluent combatants no doubt have fawning over them? No thank you. And besides, you don¡¯t look too bad yourself. A girl could definitely do worse,¡± she retorted, straightening a sleeve of Kite¡¯s own formalwear; a new iteration of the dark blue robes he had bought back in Bastion a few years back. ¡°Although it feels a bit odd to dress all fancy to see a duel.¡± ¡°Had we been part of the masses watching, there would probably have been less need for it. But given that we will be seated with the Tengu clan, at least some eyes will be upon us,¡± Kite reminded her. ¡°Besides, it''s nice to get a reason to dress up every now and then.¡± ¡°Speaking of dressing up, is Glint coming with us? Or with the young master Monsoon?¡± ¡°Neither. From what I gathered, another young master of a different draconian heritage has apparently entered the fray, managing to impress Glint enough to have her accompany him to the event. It¡¯s apparently starting to cause a bit of a stir in those circles. The draconian families of Heavenward are apparently quite affluent, enough to have their own court of intrigues.¡± ¡°Heavens, Glint. Lofty ambitions,¡± Dragonfly shuddered. ¡°Just imagine it.¡± ¡°Oh I believe that Glint can, at least. From what Little Crow could gather from the clan members with their ear to that particular piece of the rumor mills, she¡¯s apparently doing most well in gathering a reputation as a reclusive, lofty beauty with exacting standards in regards to propriety. ¡°I suppose that we¡¯ll see her there, then. Trying to spot any foul glares from her other would-be suitors will probably be a decent past-time as we wait for it to start.¡± ¡°A most excellent suggestion, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite said, offering his arm to her while indicating the exit. ¡°Shall we? It¡¯s not every day that one has the opportunity to see the king bare his blade. And from such prime seating too.¡±
¡°Mistress, the King has requested your presence,¡± a servant who sat next to her on the palanquin murmured, mere moments after receiving a note from a runner. The priestess of Discord didn¡¯t look at the woman, only nodding her confirmation. A few more whispers and notes sent around among the staff had her means of transportation, currently carried by six fine jade constructs shaped like soldiers, diverted from its path leading towards one of Heavenward¡¯s arenas exclusive entrances. The constructs were part of Threefold guard; three hundred and thirty three identical silver-ranked magical automata left as a parting gift for all the regents that followed by the Queen of Jade and Sky upon her abdication after reaching diamond rank. The animated jade soldiers mainly served as guardians of the palace, but could be temporarily assigned to other tasks to show favor. And having six of them was a show of favor that was unique to the priestess and the priestess alone. She soon arrived outside an even more exclusive entrance; one of the challenger¡¯s gates outside which thirty more of the Threefold guard stood in steady vigilance. None of them responded at the palanquin¡¯s approach however, and neither did they move when the priestess stepped down and entered. Alone, of course. Only she had been called, after all. ¡°Your majesty.¡± A courtesan did not look at her liege without being given permission, gold rank or not. As such, the priestess had barely entered the opulent chambers in which the ruling monarch prepared themselves for a challenge before she sank to her knees, head bowed deeply with hands cupped in the ritual greeting. ¡°Rise, Ametrine. We are alone, and I have questions and a task for you.¡± King of the Pure Firmament, the current monarch of Hua-Xi was a moderately tall man, his ascension through the ranks having left him with the whipcord body of a dancer rather than the more wide and powerful builds many others sported. But one in his presence could not deny the sheer command and danger in his aura; the feeling that the man always had a distinct advantage over you, a somehow innate superiority which he could bring to bear against you at any moment, should you displease him. The king was currently seated in front of a mirror, in the process of touching up the thin line of dark beard that traced his jaw before coming together into an extended goatee around his mouth. While he could always have commanded servants to carry out his every whim, he had always preferred taking care of his own grooming even after ascending to the throne, letting none other intrude upon his self-care. With one exception. ¡°What would you have of me, your majesty?¡± Ametrine asked while gliding up behind her liege, feet resting upon a shimmering, conjured trail of smoke hidden beneath the hem of her robes. With a transition smoothed to perfection by gold-ranked attributes and years of repetition, she took over the exquisite razor, its blade never halting its exacting, precise motion along his jaw. Ametrine''s other hand was placed lightly at the nape of the king¡¯s neck, a light, circling touch just the way he enjoyed so much. ¡°I would know if there is anything more that your little wisps of smoke have been able to gather in regards to Breath of Valor,¡± the king said, his note of command growing a lot gentler at Ametrine¡¯s close touch. ¡°We know his path, but little of any changes since his time spent abroad. I sincerely doubt that the Valors would make a move such as this unless they thought themselves having an edge. And given how quickly the challenge was posed after his return indicates that it is an edge that would be much dulled should it be known beforehand.¡± ¡°The Valors have been most exacting with their security during the two months since their Young Master¡¯s return,¡± Ametrine began, having expected the question. ¡°But a recent development did allow my wisps to glean a bit more. But I will have to apologize beforehand, your majesty, as it is nothing encompassing.¡± ¡°We have turned even the most minute detail to our advantage before, Ametrine. Speak freely, and worry not.¡± ¡°I suspect that the Young Master Valor have come into possession of some kind of artifact, either something of a single use or something limited in scope enough to be easily counterable should one know of it beforehand. The few hints of it my wisps have gathered tells my instincts that it is something small and innocuous as well. Beware the venom of the small scorpion in ambush, my liege, as it might try to fell the mighty elephant,¡± Ametrine said, sparing no detail while taking care to keep her tone controlled and smooth as she laid the delicate shaving razor aside, moving on to gathering up the man¡¯s dark hair into a topknot held in place with silk bands and a decorated hairpin that sat like a small, elaborate crown atop his head. ¡°That should be more than enough. My path will carry us both to the heavens, Ametrine, but even the mighty needs to keep an eye where he steps. No step towards the peak is without risk, be it the scorpion in ambush or the blade that you see coming,¡± the king replied, nodding gravely as he met Ametrine¡¯s eyes through the mirror. ¡°Anything else?¡± ¡°No, my King.¡± ¡°And the other courtesans? What is the talk among my harem?¡± ¡°Nothing of note, your majesty. While they sure have their uses in their scheming and intrigue, none seems to have been conspiring along with the Valors in this regard. The fall of the Lunar family is still fresh in the minds of those that would cast you down.¡± ¡°Excellent.¡± Silence reigned between them for a few minutes as Ametrine finished up, leaving her monarch most ready to be seen by his people, be they loyally cheering or secretly scheming. Feeling content with her work, Ametrine stepped up to the king¡¯s side, regarding him in the mirror as she leaned forward, letting a ringlet of her bismuth hair touch his cheek as her gaze once more met his through the mirror. ¡°As his majesty seems to be out of questions, what task did you have for me?¡± she asked, already knowing the answer. Her providing him with the information that her network of ¡®wisps¡¯ gathered was just a natural part of their dynamic, after all. A given. ¡°The clash is still some time away, and as usual I find myself wanting for company. And distraction.¡± While the words seemed composed and commanding at first glance, Ametrine knew the king¡¯s mind and aura well enough to already having sensed his burgeoning lust; a habit before most, if not all, of the previous important trials he had faced during their time together. She had already been setting things up, gentle touches and presence deftly wielded towards this very outcome. Ametrine was most invested in his success as well, after all. Her king was both a sword and shield, to both Ametrine¡¯s person as well as her deity¡¯s grand undertaking during all these years. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. As such, no more words were needed. Ametrine just slid around her liege and into his lap, a small surge of mana opening hidden clasps within her formal-looking exquisite robes to lay most of her bare for him. And while she was a lot more than a mere companion; so much more than the powerful man currently drinking her in could realize, Ametrine could also be most distracting when she chose to. It was her path, after all, and one that she would wield for both herself and her deity until the very peak. It wasn¡¯t until half an hour later that she once more emerged to her still waiting palanquin, her look once more pristine. Ametrine ignored the poorly hidden spies of the other courtesans noting her return, knowing the frustrations that would spread among the other ambitious ones yearning for her favored spot at the King¡¯s side, thinking it within reach if they only played the games well enough. It was a foolish notion, but one that both Ametrine and the king needed to keep alive in order for them to remain useful. He would always choose her, after all, as he had long before he was known as King of the Pure Firmament. ¡°And long before I held the name Ametrine Dreams wreathed in Silk, I suppose,¡± she mused, still most content with the name she had been given all those years ago. ¡°Still, it will be most satisfactory to see the others¡¯ carefully schooled faces during the clash, knowing that I was once again called. It will make them plot even more furiously, a false hole in our defenses that some foolish enemies might try to exploit again in the future. And a way of serving you, omnipresent Discord.¡± ¡°An offering that remains most delectable, gardener,¡± came her deity¡¯s response, an answer given to the thought prayer. ¡°Keep your heart steady as you help the garden spread. The grand undertaking continues. My garden will soon be more than a mere constant backdrop to the others.¡± ¡°Of course, my God,¡± Ametrine thought back even as she outwardly showed only dignified detachment while her palanquin entered Heavenward¡¯s grand arena, heading towards her viewing box. ¡°Today is just another step for us. It will be a pleasure to watch my chosen shears prune this next in a long line of weeds that will inevitably spring up as we draw closer to another blooming of your garden.¡±
As Kite entered the Tengu clan¡¯s seating area in Heavenward¡¯s grand arena, his first instinct was to stop and just take it all in. Only the flow of people around and behind him kept him moving, following in the wake of little Crow and Dragonfly to find his seat. Or rather, his place to lounge. ¡°Please, get comfortable!¡± Little Crow called happily, gesturing to the spacious viewing box that could easily hold a small party for over fifty people while leaving plenty of room to mingle. Only the stair-like nature of the space kept it from feeling like some kind of banquet hall, the sloped nature allowing for a good view of the arena below from almost anywhere within it. It was filled with different seating arrangements; from recliners and sofas in groups to piles of pillows around low tables. Food was plentiful as well, and the general air of festivity belied the fact that the event that was to unfold down in the arena could change the course of the Country¡¯s history. The members of the clan hadn¡¯t waited on any kind of signal or permission, spreading out to talk and eat while they waited. Kite and the others did follow their examples, and soon found themselves seated with a great view. ¡°Have you ever seen a pair of golds fight?¡± Little Crow asked, popping a grape into his mouth. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing that you are all silvers, otherwise the majority of the clash would mostly be a blur. The gap between ranks only gets more and more pronounced, after all.¡± ¡°No, this will indeed be the first time,¡± Kite admitted, with Dragonfly and auntie Crow shaking their heads as well. ¡°But if I may ask, how will the rest of the spectators manage? Most aren¡¯t silver rank, after all.¡± ¡°That depends on how much money they¡¯re willing to spend,¡± Little Crow explained. ¡°While such an important historical event is open to the masses, most won¡¯t get anything out of the experience other than to claim bragging rights to have been there. Not unless they spend a good amount to rent enchanted glasses or other similar solutions. What this boils down to is that the clash is, at its core, meant for those wielding actual power themselves. Is it the most sympathetic way to do things? Definitely not. Would it have been more available in a proper mirage arena? Yes. But these clashes have so far been kept to corporeal, as the still living tradition holds firm that one will need to be willing to bleed in order to reach the heavens.¡± The assassin¡¯s explanation did answer some of Kite''s follow-up questions, as he had wondered why the duel was held within this fine but old structure of enchanted woods protected by layers of defensive arrays. During his contracts with Gauntlet, he had witnessed the grand mirage arenas of some of the most affluent cities in the world; works of architectural wonder which left the structure Kite was currently in thoroughly in the dust. Still, while he wasn¡¯t overly traditional, he had to admit that it did feel like the building had a spirit of its own ingrained in the old, lacquered wooden planks. ¡°Speaking of power -,¡± Little Crow continued, ¡°- it would seem that Glint is creating a bit of a ripple, being seen at the side of young master Ever-Jade like that. He guided the other¡¯s gazes around the different seating boxes dotting the higher reaches of the stands, pointing out several different draconian families where more than a few took every chance to throw withering glares towards were Glint sat next to a green-scaled silver-ranker who might risk tipping backwards if he was to hold his head any higher. ¡°Most of the important names are here. We have the Valors, of course, coming in force to see how their bid for the throne will turn out.¡± The assassin followed it with a rapid-fire introduction of the other power players in local politics, their families claiming old and lofty concepts as part of their names. ¡°And over there - see that cluster of smaller boxes there? - is the King¡¯s harem. The biggest one is usually reserved for the one courtesan currently most in favor by the current regent. While most monarchs, starting with the Queen of Jade and Sky, had the position shift rather frequently, King of the Pure Firmament has been surprisingly loyal with his affections. See the celestine woman with the shimmering hair? That¡¯s Ametrine Dreams wreathed in Silk. She has held her position for the whole of the King¡¯s reign, basically the closest thing to a co-regent we¡¯ve ever seen in these lands.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Dragonfly asked, looking closer. ¡°Heavens, she surely has the looks. She¡¯s a gold too, right?¡± Kite took a good long look too, agreeing with Dragonfly¡¯s assessment. The celestine possessed an almost terrifying perfection, her poise most proud and dignified where she sat on a glittering cloud of smoke which beautifully complemented her many layers of robes. ¡°Indeed, which should tell you a lot about the King¡¯s relative loyalty. Raising a core-user to gold rank isn¡¯t done without great expense,¡± Little Crow agreed, continuing his introductions. ¡°And as you can see over there, the branch director of the adventure society is here in person too. Of course, you¡¯ve already met director Temren, Kite. I¡¯ve always found it rather amusing that the seating of the sects is so close to them. Maybe it is to keep the glaring at a minimum-¡± Little Crow continued his presentation, but Kite soon found himself giving the introductions only partial attention as his own gaze had stopped on a man which he had previously only beheld depicted in an inanimate painting. Ardent Horizon Seeker sat among his sect, clad in the flowing, formal robes bearing the colors of the institution. His face was even a mirror of the expression in the painting; a kind of somber intensity in his blue eyes as he seemed to be looking at nothing in particular where his seated form floated a good meter above the floor of their viewing box. ¡°Well, little Kite, while I already believed your telling, seeing it with my own eyes only makes me ever more certain,¡± auntie Crow noted from beside him, apparently having noted where Kite¡¯s gaze was lingering. ¡°Had I not been a silver-ranker, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to make out enough details at this distance, though.¡± ¡°Is it that obvious then?¡± Kite asked, snapped out of his thoughts by her words. ¡°I would say that only someone intimately familiar with the looks of either of you would have a chance to notice without the direct comparison. But having spent quite some time looking at you while you grew up, I do believe that I fall into that group,¡± his auntie said with a gentle smile. ¡°I suppose that you and auntie Dove would indeed. But then, neither of you have been anything but the most caring of parents,¡± Kite retorted, briefly squeezing her hand in thanks. However, any further commentary was interrupted as a deep resounding gong was struck somewhere out of sight, its reverberations easily carried throughout the entire space as it made all of the thousands of people gathered in the stands fall silent. Unlike the mirage arenas Kite had visited briefly during his own travels with Gauntlet, there was no announcer to work up the crowds or to similarly comment on the proceedings. But the gong did cause a slight reaction, as in every one of the partitioned viewing boxes, a single individual stood up and walked up to the railing. Some were silver-ranked, but most were gold; from high priests of local temples to the matriarch or patriarch of local families. The sect leaders of the capital were present, as well as director Temren and the red-masked member of the Tengu¡¯s clan which Kite so far only knew as ¡®senior brother¡¯. None spoke, yet all clearly knew their role as their actions acknowledged the two combatants that entered the arena below, the gong¡¯s continued, rhythmic beating their only accompaniment. And while Kite had never laid eyes on him before, he instantly knew which of the two men who were his monarch and ruler. King of the Pure Firmament wasn¡¯t overly tall or broad of shoulder, yet exuded a bearing of command and control as he strode across the floor of the large arena; dark hair held in a warrior¡¯s topknot kept in place by a crown-like hairpin and the thin beard that traced his jaw and mouth neatly groomed. He was clad in sleek white and gold metal armor that mixed plate and scale, and what first looked like a long flowing cape soon gave hints of being a mere illusory enchantment to add the flair without hampering movement. His opponent was a larger man in both height and stature, carrying a similarly powerful presence in his own way. While both were gold-rankers, showing the agelessness that came with their level of power, Breath of Valor still somehow looked younger. His blonde hair was kept short and while his scarlet armor was most distinctive, it too bore the design of a suit that was made for combat and combat alone; a heavy plate that probably required the supernatural strength of a gold ranker to even move about in. And where the king so far looked to be carrying no weapon, a huge glaive with a heavy, curved edge was hovering at his side while wreathed in what looked to be a very localized whirlwind, complemented by another blade at his back and several daggers and similar weapons glimpsed at his waist. ¡°As you know, our Young Master down there is today¡¯s challenger,¡± Little Crow murmured, their box¡¯ enchantments keeping the worst of the noise from the gong at bay. ¡°A fine warrior in all accounts that we¡¯ve heard, having spent a surprising amount of time abroad for one of the local scions. He returned just a few months ago with tales of heroism and victory in the wider world.¡± ¡°Well, he sure is a pretty big guy,¡± Dragonfly noted. ¡°Feels a bit like Gold with all that plate. Is that part of his path?¡± ¡°In a sense,¡± Little Crow confirmed. ¡°Breath of Valor essences are might, swift, iron and juggernaut. Common essences all, as you might have noted, thus making him a great example in that rarity of concept does not make the warrior. And while all of his powers aren¡¯t widespread, he has fought enough duels in his younger days to at least be a relatively known quantity. Or at least he was, as the man was silver when he left and gold on his return. Perhaps that was even the ploy all along? While you will soon see it in action, I will give you a hint; all that heavy equipment of his sure won¡¯t seem that way when he uses them. But will it be enough to face the King? I will admit that I have my doubts, but the Valors wouldn¡¯t have made this gambit if they didn¡¯t think they stood a chance.¡± ¡°And the King?¡± Kite asked, seeing the two men sizing each other up at a respectable distance. ¡°Our dear monarch has ever been an ambitious one, or at least that is what the histories imply. There are a lot of essences out there that lend themselves well to dueling, with you Kite being an excellent example of certain combinations resulting in something unexpectedly potent. His majesty¡¯s, however, isn¡¯t as much of a surprise. Flesh, mirror, omen and nemesis. While it is a rather rare confluence, a path that adapts to be the antithesis of a foe does lend itself most well to the singular focus of the dueling arena.¡± Kite could only nod along in agreement, having read of that particular confluence during his training with Gauntlet. While he had yet to face someone carrying it, it was most advised to do so with a team at one¡¯s back so that the numbers and varying powers of the group wouldn¡¯t give the shifting powers as much of an advantage even if the opponent in question had backup as well. ¡°And he is a swordsman?¡± Kite asked as he remembered what Little Crow had told them beforehand. ¡°At least I would assume such from his name before ascending the throne?¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Thousand Blades as One does give it away,¡± the assassin agreed. ¡°You will see plenty of blades before this is over, I assure you. He-¡± Little Crow was interrupted by a spiritual poke from his gold-ranked senior brother who remained standing to witness the proceedings. ¡°It is time,¡± the man with the red mask announced softly, proven correct as Breath of Valor started calling out his challenge. ¡°I, Breath of Valor, the Descending Meteor of the Sundered Pass and Young Master of the Valor family, challenges you, King of the Pure Firmament, to a clash of paths. As a prize, I would have your throne and this kingdom, in accordance with the traditions dating back to our founding.¡± His voice was like a clarion call, easily piercing the remnant echoes of the now silent gong which still echoed faintly in the arena. The king somehow matched it in volume, even though his voice was deeper, his tone one of surety rather than challenge. ¡°And in accordance with the traditions, I accept your challenge, Breath of Valor. You come before me knowing that the prize of failure will be exile on a quest of my choosing, the face and honor of your family at stake. Thus will our traditions continue, standing the test of time and the corruption of the outside world. May we both find tempering in the conflict to come, and may Hua-Xi stand stronger no matter the outcome.¡± Even though Kite knew the words to be part of the ritual, they did carry the proper gravitas. All the crowds had remained silent, and it felt like one could hear a pin drop in the now silent arena. Then came the first signal, as all of the representatives of the mighty gently pulsed their auras, although carefully enough so as to not start knocking any observers unconscious. Then came the next, the second of what felt like spiritual heartbeats of pure anticipations. And finally came the third, slightly more powerful than those that came before; a surging signal of power that made the air feel heavy and thick, as if lightning would strike at any moment. There was no fourth pulse, only the thunderclap of battle being joined. 190. Valor ¡°I have to give it to that young upstart; his aura is strong,¡± King of the Pure Firmament thought as the third aura pulse of the powers-that-be marked the start of their clash. While they were both very, very fast as gold-rankers, their spirits became both their vanguards as the auras of the dueling pair met before even a finger could twitch in response. Breath of Valor¡¯s presence was much like his personality and essences would indicate; forceful and unstoppable. King knew of his path before his unconventional sojourn out into the wider world, and he wasn¡¯t surprised that it had been found worthy of putting their family¡¯s hopes and ambitions behind. With impressive levels of strength and speed, combined with the self-restoration of the juggernaut and the weight-manipulation from what King suspected was his iron essence, Breath of Valor was the very epitome of what a traditional Hua-Xian warrior should be; the individual strength to conquer every obstacle. ¡°Yet every path has its weak links to be sundered. Still, I should take his dedication to our traditions into account when I decide on his punishment,¡± King thought, the two having just begun to move as he sent mana to activate the very cornerstone of his path; the one that had let him seize his crown and country. ¡°Perfection of the Undeniable Adversary.¡± Having sprung from his nemesis confluence, the power was simple at a glance yet endlessly complex in execution. For an ongoing mana cost, King would receive a number of special abilities that would let him better counter his foe. Back in the hazy memories of iron rank, it had been a single advantage; resistance to fire against a flaming rock hopper or increased resonating force damage dealt toward a heavily armored adversary. Then at bronze, the number of advantages rose to two, then three at silver and four at his current rank of gold. And with each rank, the advantages grew more potent and more complex along with the delay between activations becoming smaller and smaller. Said delay was still around five minutes, meaning that King would never - or at least not yet - adapt instantly to many differing opponents. But to one? ¡°Shredding strikes, enhanced speed, limiting damage from single, powerful blows and increased regeneration after each time I take damage,¡± King noted silently as he interpreted the abstract sensations the power gave him by way of feedback. ¡°Almost disappointingly straightforward.¡± Another nostalgic memory from iron rank popped up, with his much younger self struggling to make proper use of the instinctual knowledge. But the King of the present? He was an old hand at it, easily shifting his balance and compensating as his speed rose during the charge both men had begun; King¡¯s gold-ranked spirit letting him think and process at astonishing speeds. Around them, the crowds felt like they had slowed to a standstill, most among them unable to follow what came next. A staggered barrage of whirling iron blades shot from Valor¡¯s armor even as he closed the distance with one of his signature charges. The trailing, wind-wreathed glaive snapped into his hands halfway, the shredding gale around it seeming to unfurl as its enchantments - because King knew that Valor possessed no wind powers of his own - used the man¡¯s great momentum to further boost its shredding power. Meanwhile, King¡¯s Thousand Blades started manifesting around him; straight-edged, balanced blades with perfectly smooth, reflective surfaces. One was already in his hand while the rest started to create a shining array in the air above them. Even at gold rank, the creation gave the feeling of still being somewhat incomplete, its grand symbol not yet fully formed while still carrying such potential. The sword in King¡¯s hand became a blur as it started intercepting some of the numerous incoming projectiles, the constant and increased resonating force damage added by Undeniable Adversary allowing him to easily carve through the sharp metal with abandon. Over fifty of the things were shredded in the short instant it took for the two golds to meet, the crowd¡¯s gasp not even fully having left most people¡¯s mouths before battle was joined in earnest. Valor¡¯s grand swing, looking to carry the weight of the world, suddenly sped up greatly as the man used another of his more signature powers as the weapon became light and swift in his hands while somehow becoming only more heavy and dense to the rest of the world. It was part of the more known powers of Valor¡¯s iron essence, allowing him to make use of heavy weapons and armor with the same ease that others wore casual clothing. And while King¡¯s powers would allow him to mostly bypass the latter, the younger man¡¯s more powerful strikes were still something he would rather avoid. ¡°Fleeting Omen of Harmful Potential¡± King couldn¡¯t help but smile as he noticed a slight instant of hesitation in his foe - unnoticeable to all except the golds among the audience - as another of King¡¯s famous powers were put on display. Illusions of potential actions started to spring from him in what he had been told was a most distracting and confusing mess. One King stabbed straight ahead while three others dodged in different directions as two others countered with different kinds of powers even as two more dodged to either side. It was a rather cheap power with only a short delay, excellent in both offense and defense as its flashing hints of what could be was most hard to get used to even if one knew to expect it. Valor proved no different, and his mighty strike was fouled as it chose to go for the densest cluster of his illusory foes in the hopes that one of them was the correct one. King had chosen to dodge, however, the rapid motion carrying him past the larger man while slashing him along one side. Even with his enhanced blade and a special attack adding further resonating force damage, King still had to up his respect for the man¡¯s defenses a notch or three. With all that armor-piercing capability, he had hoped to part the enchanted steel like scissors through silk. Instead, the result was only a shallow rent drawing a bit of blood beneath; less than a trifle to a gold ranker. ¡°So death by a thousand cuts will not do just yet,¡± the monarch thought as he whirled around and leaped, vaulting out of the way of Valor¡¯s swift and decisive counterattack. King had to accept some light damage from the sharp blade-like shrapnel which constantly kept bursting from the younger man¡¯s armor, his now further improved regeneration fortunately keeping up for a time. ¡°Then a thousand cuts will be struck as one.¡± King remained on the defensive for half a dozen more exchanges made over the course of three heartbeats, stepping, whirling and deflecting as he tested the other man¡¯s potent defenses. One particularly spectacular attack made by Breath of Valor - air screaming around the sudden force of the blitz that was his swing - forced King to shift and more forcefully block. His mirror-sword looked small and flimsy beneath such an onslaught, yet it somehow stopped the attack dead in its track. Above them, one of the many swords making up King¡¯s array shattered in a violent burst of force that was channeled harmlessly up into the air, even though this went largely unnoticed by the two combatants. Beneath the floating pattern of blades, the next exchange had already begun, Breath of Valor following it up with two waves of iron spikes that formed and launched themselves towards the monarch like fangs closing upon their prey while the other man once more split into several illusions showing multiple possibilities of his intentions. Both auras surged as they clashed again; once, twice, thrice. Then, discordant to the settling rhythm, there was a blinding flash of reflected light accompanied by the screaming of torn armor. And, a mere moment later, the sound of blood splattering the stone floor of the arena.
Even Kite¡¯s silver-ranked mind had to truly work to process the furious battle that had begun beneath, and he didn¡¯t envy all those of lower rank among the spectators as a set of blurring illusory images of the monarch of Hua-Xi suddenly converged, their previously differing trajectories and actions aligning in decisive offense. A bright light followed, glaring enough to activate the protective enchantments around the rim of the arena. When it subsided, both combatants were already moving again, but Kite just had the time to notice something being odd with Breath of Valor¡¯s left arm; the limb seeming to move more twitchy and stiffly than before. This did not stop the man from delivering a mighty downward strike that broke the stone floor of the arena in a wide cone of flying shrapnel in front of him, but the slight loss of motion was still noticeable. ¡°Wha¨C senior brother? Have pity on us young ones?¡± Little Crow asked, the assassin obviously having had trouble following as well, and therefore turned to someone who could. ¡°The King severed the left arm of Breath of Valor,¡± the red masked Crow murmured in answer, ostensibly still keeping his eyes on the continued dueling beneath. ¡°It was only separated for a moment though, before Breath of Valor had the armor reattach itself with his powers. He¡¯s probably using some kind of metal manipulation to move his left arm at the moment while waiting for the limb itself to regenerate enough.¡± ¡°Such a feat? At such speed?¡± Kite asked, awe creeping into his voice as he imagined the fine control needed for Breath of Valor to even make the attempt with barely a loss of momentum. ¡°And the King just severed it like that?¡± ¡°He did,¡± the gold-ranked crow confirmed. ¡°At a cost.¡± A small nudge of the man¡¯s head had Kite look closer at the odd array of mirror swords that had formed above the pair at the start of the battle, floating high above while seemingly unaffected by stray projectiles and the like. And upon closer look, saw that there were a few more swords missing from the grand pattern. Even so, Kite felt that the subsumed Sage seemed most impressed by the display. ¡°Ah, I see, I see,¡± Little Crow mused. ¡°The King¡¯s thousand reflections. Well, not a thousand per se, even though people speculate that he might reach the number should he ascend to diamond rank. The swords in the array sure are flexible in both offense and defense. I¡¯ve only read about them, as they are one of his most publicly known powers.¡± ¡°Well, out with it. What do they do? Empower his strikes?¡± Dragonfly asked distractedly, her eyes practically aglow as she watched the fight with rapt attention. ¡°That, or his defense, or most other things that involve his sword. His majesty can sacrifice a number of them for various purposes. So far he hasn¡¯t fought in a single official duel where the array was completely emptied, or at least as far as the official stories go. Still, no rumors contradict it either.¡± As the battle beneath continued, each exchange, powerful step or special attack missing its mark caused an ever-growing web of cracks to start spreading along the stone floor. For a time, it seemed like both combatants were inexhaustible and evenly matched in a seemingly unending array of moves, feints, sidesteps and all-out attacks that were sometimes hard to follow, Kite¡¯s mind mostly registering the aftermath. Breath of Valor lived up to his confluence¡¯s name, seemingly having unending stamina to draw on as he kept up his steady stream of powerful attacks while shrugging off or ignoring most grazing hits of his adversary. Meanwhile, the King was more of an oddity, constantly bursting into his many illusory selves to attack and dodge while somehow also employing more subtle powers to stop or reflect certain attacks while he too seemed untiring. Slowly though, as the minutes of utter destruction ran their course, Kite started to feel a slight shift in the dynamic. It was a subtle thing, not easily gleaned in the moments of the combatant beneath. ¡°You have noticed.¡± ¡°Excuse me, honored senior?¡± Kite asked in return, giving a seated bow to the gold-ranked Crow whose words had interrupted his attempted analysis. The man still hadn¡¯t turned toward them, but a shift in his aura made Kite absolutely certain that the man¡¯s attention was on him. ¡°I felt the realization in your aura. You have noticed the change,¡± the gold-ranker repeated, his statement clear. ¡°What? What?¡± Little Crow asked, looking most curious. ¡°The battle? It still looks like a stalemate to me.¡± His questions were met with silence by the gold-ranker, and eventually Kite felt a slight nudge to his aura, the message clear. ¡°While I am not certain, I believe that the shift is twofold,¡± he ventured tentatively, continuing after another similar nudge to his spirit. ¡°The first is that the rate of swords shattering in the King¡¯s array seems to have slowed noticeably. That could imply that he finds less and less need for them as the fight progresses.¡± ¡°Hmm, you might just be right,¡± Little Crow replied, giving the array of swords a more thorough look. ¡°And the other part is the balance of their auras. It feels like the King is winning out on that front, even though all the fluctuation and the sheer power of it makes it a bit hard to tell. I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s connected though, or if that is just my imagination. Not having an aura power in a duel would sure be a disadvantage, but it is usually less noticeable without allies for it to affect.¡± Little Crow did nod thoughtfully at that, and both he and Dragonfly seemed to join Kite in tentatively questing out with their spiritual senses, even though the dueling gold-rankers beneath contributed their fair share of distractions. Eventually, all three of them found themselves looking to the gold-ranker nearby for answers. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°It is correct,¡± the older Crow stated softly. ¡°It has long been part of his majesty¡¯s path, even though only known by the players of the city that are powerful enough to keep such a secret. Our clan is one, but I would still advise the utmost caution and consideration should you decide to spread the information. But yes, the King¡¯s own aura power will, among other things, increase the effects of other powers within his nemesis confluence upon those whose aura he has suppressed.¡± The three silvers all nodded along, processing the information with expressions differing from thoughtful to slightly in awe. But their attention was drawn back to the arena soon enough, where it looked like things were heating up even further.
¡°Valor does not retreat, it advances. Valor does not fear, it shows only defiance. Valor does not fall, it will always keep ascending. Valor-¡± The family¡¯s long-kept mantra kept its steady rhythm through Breath of Valor¡¯s mind, the combat meditation keeping him calm and centered in what might be the most important fight of his life so far. And its calm was needed at that moment, helping him ward off the creeping sensation of being picked apart at an ever rising pace. At first, the unstoppable momentum of his path had been able to let him mostly keep the offensive going, even through those confounding illusions and sudden, abrupt attacks that would always threaten more grievous damage. The powers of his juggernaut confluence still helped keep Valor intact, greatly speeding up his regeneration to close wounds and reattach limbs while his armor kept him together. Combined with his constant great recovery, he had thought that anything which he could not push through, he could at least outlast. But as another set of ominous illusions heralded the next shift in the offensive without the King ever pausing or seeming to tire, that too was an assumption about to be thoroughly put to the test. ¡°Not this time!¡± Valor thought as he saw the illusions suddenly shift from their varied responses and all go on the offensive shifting the weight of his armor in a fluid series of changes to help him effortlessly transition his mighty overhead strike into a circular one, glaive trailing shearing wind in a mighty circular slash angled to intercept each and every copy of the monarch. Unstoppable Force was a power widely spread and known, but knowing that the metaphorical rockslide crashing down toward you was heavy and powerful did little to actually save you; you either got out of the way or were utterly buried. The weapon cleaved through them all in an instant, Valor following up the circle of devastation with a burst of metal spikes from his armor in every direction that punched small holes in the rising dust kicked up by the vortex around his glaive. ¡°And now to-¡± His thought and attempted follow-up were almost immediately interrupted, as the King was suddenly in front of him. As if the world around suddenly moved at a crawl, his hemisphere of iron spikes still only having traveled a few meters out, Valor saw the other man¡¯s sword flash; a brilliant, mirrored arc moving like lightning in his otherwise sluggish perception. Pain followed soon after as Valor¡¯s right arm was once again severed. ¡°Cursed heavens,¡± he inwardly swore even while his armor once more closed itself up in an instant. These strikes were landing with increasing frequency. He couldn¡¯t hold on. Even his regeneration was nearing its limits. And that look in the King¡¯s eyes - the gleam of assured victory on his otherwise somber face - was what made Valor make the decision. He had hoped to persevere under his own power alone, believing in his path. But the man before him was a monster of the dueling arena; cold and calculating in his power as he kept sinking his fangs through the cracks in Valor¡¯s defenses and capabilities. And he who fights with monsters? He must be willing to do anything to put them down. Decision made, Valor did not hesitate. A series of enchantments lit up along his glaive as he let the weapon dance to its own wind. The vortex of wind along the blade instantly elongated and grew, forming into a huge whirling hand that wielded the weapon in a furious series of attacks against the monarch. And while the King did not bat an eye at the development, sacrificing another in his accursed array blades to deflect the first blow and create some space to back up a few steps. The effect was the most potent one of its numerous enchantments and would be unavailable for the rest of the day; a hidden advantage that had helped Valor close out more than one fight teetering on the edge during his time abroad. But now, that mighty ace up his sleeve was reduced to a mere distraction, buying the split second of distraction and space needed for him to reach down to a seemingly unremarkable dagger at his hip. ¡°Heavens preserve me,¡± Valor thought as touching the weapon instantly sent rampaging, icy pain up his arm. The thing wanted - no demanded - a prize from him, and while Valor had known that paying that prize would mean agony, he had so far never felt anything akin to the true pain of his soul being assaulted. It was somehow made even worse that his gold-ranked body was usually able to reduce agony to a faint sensation to be noted rather than something truly affecting him, the long absence making the sudden, soul-deep agony all the more acute. Still, Valor paid its price, his life¡¯s essence starting to flow into the dagger which all but flew from its sheath as he drew, the illusions hiding its true nature ripped asunder by the gathering forces. What had previously looked like a fine but unremarkable weapon - at least as far as any gold-ranked armament could be called as such - was instead revealed to be quite an oddity. It was still dagger-like in shape, but was perhaps closer to a spike than actual blade, and was made out of some kind of mostly opaque, shimmering resin. The shape of the thing looked rather raw and unworked, but a network of runes and magical symbols across its surface belied its crafted nature. And to anyone with any modicum of magical perception and knowledge, the ¡®dagger¡¯ somehow emitted a sense of deep wrongness. Valor¡¯s foe seemed to realize that as well, and the younger man had time to feel some satisfaction at the slight widening of the King¡¯s eyes before the power inside the spike in his hand was unleashed. Valor knew that the object in his hand was illegal in quite a few of the major countries, kingdoms and city states across the world, and the less said about the people he had worked for in order to procure the item, the better. In some ways, literally paying with years - or more probably, decades - of his life to use the artifact felt like a way to alleviate some of the guilt that still plagued him. ¡°And once I reach diamond, achieving immortality, there are further amends I can make,¡± Valor thought as the power of the spike shot forth as a chaotically undulating beam of multiple colors, every nuance somehow off the natural spectrum. ¡°For now¡­ Valor does not fear, it shows only defiance.¡±
Ametrine Dreams Wreathed in Silk felt herself go numb as the illusions fell away from the supposed dagger which Breath of Valor had drawn, chaotic energies unleashed towards her king. Or perhaps discordant was a better word to describe them, because Ametrine did not fail to note the ever so faint hint of her god¡¯s divine concepts within, even if they somewhat felt a bit¡­ antiquated. Like an ancient painting depicting something intimately familiar. ¡°What-¡± Her thoughts did not have the time to finish the inquiry before the attack reached her king, who fortunately did not hesitate for long. He ignored an attack from the vortex-wielded glaive, letting it shear through part of his armor and bite into his side, instead making a simple slash through the air, and Ametrine felt like she could almost hear the name of that particular power of his path, intimately familiar with each and every one. ¡°Aegis of the Mirror Guard!¡± Just as the discordant beam struck, a mirror-image of the monarch - taking the word mirror most literally as it was impossibly both reflective and translucent at the same time - copied his sweeping slash perfectly in time for its blade to intercept the incoming chaos. Screams erupted among the crowd as the resulting colliding powers resulted in enough force and light to partially overload the defensive array, enough leaking through to leave people clutching their eyes or staggering backwards. Even Ametrine had to close her eyes, the sound of hundreds of mirror-like blades shattering in a single cascade reaching her a moment later. However, when she opened her eyes, only a cloud of dust greeted her, but her relief was still palpable as she felt the king¡¯s aura emanate from within. Its instability was of more than slight concern, but as the aura of Breath of Valor felt even more out of balance, said concern was only slight. ¡°So he made it, even if he had to show off his Mirror Guard,¡± she thought, noting the other change that was soon obvious as the dust began to settle. ¡°And his whole array was spent. Even in victory, this will definitely be a blow to his image. We will have to spend quite some time rebuilding it.¡± The last thought was not without its fair share of bitterness, even as the questions once more came to the forefront of her mind. ¡°But what in the grand garden was that thing? And how did something carrying the touch of Discord make its way into the Valors¡¯ hands?¡± Ametrine was no artificer, but even she knew that the spike had to be something heavily restricted in polite society. Maybe outright illegal in most. ¡°An old creation, my gardener. A remnant from a time of war and strife.¡± Her god¡¯s voice in her mind had Ametrine mentally school herself, sitting just a bit straighter at her floating cloud of smoke. ¡°My God?¡± ¡°Our followers have made many things in centuries past. That artifact is even based on a part my purview shared with one of the powers I personally have gifted you, even if its scope - and cost - is on a different scale.¡± ¡°I¡­ see,¡± Ametrine thought, mind already working on multiple hypotheses at once as she tried to deduce how the item just happened to be revealed here and now in the hands of one of their rivals. It might just be happenstance, but Ametrine¡¯s work was much too important for her to leave this to chance. ¡°Then, Ever-present One, do you know where it came from? Who placed such an artifact in the hands of the Valors?¡± ¡°I know much, gardener, but some actions of mortals are not for me to disclose,¡± her deity answered, Discord almost seeming amused. ¡°Still, its use pleases me. Because no matter the outcome, my garden grows stronger.¡± And with that, the divine presence disappeared, leaving Ametrine with plentiful questions just as the dust settled enough to reveal the combatants beneath. Breath of Valor lay on his back, missing his right arm and leg. Still, there was no blood, as where flesh should have been there was instead a chaotic mess of jagged, glass-like protrusions melding into both armor and tissue. Close to his still intact left hand, only a pile of slag-like droplets remained of the artifact that had been the source of the rather messy turn of events. In front of the prone man, the king still stood, but not unmarred. He too had lost his whole left arm from the shoulder and down, in addition to the lower left part of his face. But his mirrored sword did not waver where it rested at the chest of his opponent. There was mostly silence from the audience at this point, but then a gold-ranked aura from one of the viewing boxes flared, followed by the rest as the gathered powers of Hua-Xi unitedly declared the clash to be over. ¡°Breath of Valor. I thank you for this opportunity of tempering,¡± the king said, ritual words slightly garbled by the stiff growths of glass keeping his left jaw from moving properly. ¡°But your path has yet to reach the heights of your ambitions, and for that a price must be paid, as is tradition. I will expect you at the palace at sunset, one week from now. Then you will receive the task which you are to perform for this kingdom in order for our karma to be severed. Fail to show, and it will be your whole family and line that pays the price.¡± With that, the monarch of Hua-Xi turned to leave the arena, choosing to levitate through his aura. While it sure looked impressive to the masses, Ametrine suspected that he had chosen to do so more due to the risk of walking unsteadily due to some still healing injuries rather than a need to show off. She too rose and strode from her viewing box, ignoring the whispers and glances from the other members of the king¡¯s harem. Ametrine knew that her king would request her presence after this turn of events, and she too was already making mental preparations and notes to where she would send her little wisps of smoke to start investigating. Because Ametrine¡¯s instincts were all screaming that the Valors were mere pawns in this mess. And that if this wasn¡¯t some scheming from her peers rearing its head, she would eat her whole jewelry box, piece by piece.
When the flecks of light had finally cleared from Kite¡¯s eyes, the clash for the throne had been concluded. He did not know exactly how both the king and the challenging young master had ended up in their current states, but he suspected that whatever artifact that Breath of Valor had used was to blame. And while he shared the crowd''s collective excitement at the most dramatic turn of events, part of Kite was also quite concerned. ¡°Honored senior brother?¡± Addressing a gold-ranker, especially one that he had barely interacted with outside of a handful of occasions, still caused Kite quite some trepidation. But in this case, he hoped that a polite question would at worst receive a polite dismissal. A nudge of a powerful aura was his response, sending its tacit approval for him to continue. ¡°Was what we witnessed just now something¡­ normal? For gold rank?¡± At his question, the gold-ranked Crow¡¯s red mask turned slightly toward him, the man looking over his shoulder to regard Kite as he answered. ¡°No. It was not. From what I could sense of his aura upon activation, I expect that young master Valor paid a heavy price for its use too. Given the particular group you are part of within the adventure society, the concept of restricted magic surely isn¡¯t new?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Kite responded, thinking of his contracts with Gauntlet. ¡°I can¡¯t properly judge for gold and above. Do you know what it was?¡± ¡°I do not. Such things are beyond my expertise. But given the look of our esteemed branch director, I would not be surprised if the clan will soon receive a contract to investigate the matter. I suggest that you seek her out, should you wish to be part of things.¡± The man¡¯s last words carried a distinct note of him being done taking questions for the moment, and Kite was instead left with his own musings next to where Dragonfly and Little Crow were animatedly discussing the finale of the clash. ¡°Concerned, little Kite?¡± auntie Crow asked him, not having taken part in the discussions of the others. ¡°In some ways, yes,¡± Kite freely admitted, auntie Crow ever having been the one of his adopted mothers with whom he had broached musings, concerns and reflections. ¡°While I am unsure whatever that was -,¡± he continued, gesturing down to the now empty arena below, ¡°- it surely isn¡¯t something unique, at least not in power or devastation in the wrong hands. I¡¯m sure that plenty of things, items, rituals and other magics like that hide beneath the surface of both our kingdom and the rest of the world. And given my path, both with Gauntlet and the guild, I¡­ I suppose I just hope that the others and I are up to the task of surviving them like the King did.¡± ¡°Oh believe me, little Kite, that is a constant worry for Dove and I as well. But such will ever be the curse of the parent, I suppose,¡± auntie Crow mused, nodding for Kite to continue. ¡°Well, and beyond that it might just be the normal feeling of inadequacy,¡± Kite ventured, looking down over the ravaged stone floor of the arena below, remembered glimpses of the earlier battle replaying before his mind¡¯s eye. ¡°The heady feeling of reaching silver, in some ways the very top of the people in the sparser magic up north, had already started losing its luster. And after what we witnessed here today, along with what I have seen of the wider world? I¡¯m starting to feel that the pond in which I am swimming was only the smallest of puddles compared to the heights of power I have yet to glimpse.¡± 191. A good old push ¡°Adventurer Kite, adventurer Dragonfly. While we do appreciate your offers of contribution in this matter, I¡¯m afraid that neither of your power sets or expertise are of a kind to lend the sort of assistance that would make a significant impact,¡± Maximilian Brackenstar, deputy director of the adventure society¡¯s Heavenward branch, frankly explained. While the somber elf would easily have come across as rude to more prideful individuals, Kite did get the feeling that it wasn¡¯t meant as a slight to their skills, and took it for the honest evaluation that it was. ¡°I see. We do hope that you will call upon us, should it be needed. I do have some experience in regards to restricted magics, but will admit that my experience with - and aptitude for - proper investigations is a bit lacking. We were just¡­ concerned¡­ after the display at yesterday¡¯s clash.¡± ¡°As is the branch director. But as local laws are a lot more lax in that regard than we¡¯d like, the adventure society can only make our own preparations and investigations. Because not every source of power like that will be directed against a single person. You should know enough of the power that can be found in means like sacrificial rituals and the like to have a decent grasp of the potential threats,¡± the deputy director replied with a nod. ¡°Now, I will have to excuse myself and move on to other, scheduled matters. Good day, adventurers.¡± Without further ado, the gold-ranked elf was gone, the now open door to the small meeting room being the only trace left of his passing. ¡°Well, it¡¯s still out of our hands then,¡± Dragonfly said, leaning back in her chair. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m relieved or disappointed. Honestly, I don¡¯t picture myself as the investigating type, but just carrying on as usual? The thought makes me restless.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s any consolation, you will get used to it. There is sometimes a bit of a relief to be found in the knowledge that some battles just aren¡¯t yours to fight,¡± Kite said, looking at the open door with a thoughtful look. ¡°Still, it was nice of the deputy director to even meet us. I would have assumed that we¡¯d just get to leave a message with a functionary.¡± ¡°The way that receptionist looked when you told him your name, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they had you on some kind of list of well-meaning troublemakers. Given what happened last time you were here, they might even have invented the list then and there,¡± Dragonfly noted with a giggle as she joined Kite in making their way back towards the entrance. ¡°At least things have been calmer this time. The way things look at the moment, I will be winning our little bet. Only three duels fought so far, and with the leisurely pace we¡¯re looking for during our last week in the capital, I¡¯m even starting to feel a bit confident in the matter,¡± Kite shot back. ¡°Cursed clash for the throne stealing all the attention,¡± Dragonfly grumbled, before dramatically turning her head towards the skies - or rather, ceiling - in supplication. ¡°Oh Warrior, this humble adherent begs you to send a few arrogant young masters or mistresses our way.¡± ¡°Not my way?¡± ¡°I¡¯m allowed some fun too. Even if I lose, the experience and tempering is great!¡± ¡°Then we¡¯ll just have to subject ourselves to the whims of fate then and see what it has in store. But for now, I¡¯d like to seize destiny just a little bit for ourselves and go to that calligraphy exhibition which Sage has been clamoring for these last few days. And lunch after that? I¡¯m in the mood for lots of grilled meats today.¡± While Dragonfly had started to look a bit doubtful at the mention of the gallery, the promise of good food in good company swayed her most quickly. At that time, the pair had just exited the administration building of the adventure society and had just begun planning which route they would take to their destination when destiny - ever the fickle one - decided to seize them instead. ¡°Excuse me? Pathbreaker?¡± Kite and Dragonfly halted at the polite call, turning to see a runic woman in the black, white and blue robes of the Silent Horizon sect approach them. As she drew closer, a privacy screen sprang up around them while she gave them each a polite bow. ¡°Ah, Inner Disciple Star was it? Lone Star Lights the Way?¡± Kite asked in way of greeting, mirroring her bow. While they hadn¡¯t previously interacted, Inner Disciple Chime had pointed her out during their time spent with the sect, silver-ranked memory now making the recall easy. ¡°That is correct, Pathbreaker. Both you and Dragonfly here left quite an impression during your stay, but that is not why I have come seeking you. At least not entirely.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Kite asked, even if his experience with sect students - and therefore warriors - seeking him out did make him willing to hazard a guess as to her errand. ¡°I would like to challenge you to a clash of paths-¡± ¡°I knew it!¡± Dragonfly half-whispered in triumph, the inner disciple giving her a meaningful look before continuing. ¡°- as would five of my fellow inner disciples who did not get the chance to temper themselves against you during your stay. But we chose to send me as the lone messenger to further show that we simply seek to test ourselves and learn rather than some show of force. There will be no prize demanded should you lose.¡± ¡°Well now¡­¡± Kite began, almost not knowing what to do with himself in face of this most polite of challenges. While not the only one delivered with tact and respect that Kite had received, it had immediately soared into the highest reaches of such a list. Mistaking his response for hesitance rather than the slight stupefaction that it was, the inner disciple quickly continued. ¡°The sect elders have also pitched in for a small reward for you, should you accept,¡± she added, sweetening the deal. This did make Kite a bit suspicious, even if nothing he could sense in the woman¡¯s aura hinted at her having ulterior motives. Curious, he asked: ¡°That is most generous. Will one of Warrior¡¯s acolytes be officiating as well?¡± ¡°Of course, Pathbreaker. As is tradition.¡± Hearing that, Kite allowed his curiosity to shove his suspicions to the side, and he bowed politely to the disciple. ¡°Then I believe I will accept, as long as Dragonfly here can accept the change of plans-¡± he began, but stopped as he noted that Dragonfly had once more resumed her theatrical prayer towards the skies, this time in thanks for wishes granted.
Obsidian Crow Unseen on Skies of Night - or Senior Brother Crow as he was mostly called by the local members of the clan - was seated in meditation when the part of his awareness which monitored his dense network of shadow threads alerted him to something that might warrant his full attention. A slight expenditure of mana had his awareness follow the particular thread as it snaked and weaved through the clan compound via all manner of nooks, crannies and cracks. The slight gaps between the paved pathways leading to each and every house was his most favorite ¡®highway¡¯ for his network, and after a slight falling sensation that had long since stopped causing even the slightest sense of vertigo, Obsidian Crow found the conversation in question. ¡°-and Kite accepted?¡± Little Crow asked another member of the clan, one of the eyes and ears of the Tengu who was currently spending the mandated years in the direct service of the family upon reaching silver rank. ¡°He did, but not until after he verified that a priest of Warrior was to be present. They didn¡¯t object to Dragonfly¡¯s presence in the slightest either.¡± ¡°Well, how nice and trusting of Kite to take their word at face value. Still, the Silent Horizon sect hasn¡¯t given him reason not to trust their word so far,¡± Little Crow answered with a sigh and a fond shake of his head. ¡°Given that they let him choose the venue for the clashes, I believe that his choice was the correct one. Still, after what happened last time, I thought it worth reporting immediately, as the sect showing such an interest in a single outcast remains outside the norm.¡± ¡°Thank you for bringing it to our attention. Still, this time I believe that it might just be an opportunity for tempering they are looking for. Kite and Dragonfly did catch the attention of many within the sect while there, if our informants are to be believed. But there is no need for us to do anything more at the moment. Let us-¡± Hearing that Little Crow was about to make a reasonable - if partially faulty - decision, Obsidian Crow decided that it was time to step in. ¡°No. I will handle it.¡± Even after all these years, it was still rather satisfying to note the startled surprise in the auras of the two silver-rankers even if they both schooled their expressions rather well. ¡°Senior brother? Was I that mistaken?¡± Little Crow asked with a concerned look. Most times, Obsidian Crow would only step in when there was a true danger to the clan¡¯s interests, be they tiny or grand in scope, so the younger man¡¯s worry was reasonable. If also unfounded. ¡°No, at least not given what you knew. But I believe there is a part in this that is above your station. I will handle it myself, even if the threat level itself is negligible. Mostly, it''s a matter of decorum.¡± ¡°In that case, I will be glad to leave it in senior brother¡¯s capable hands,¡± Little Crow said with a respectful bow. Obsidian Crow said nothing further, but simply withdrew his presence back along his network of shadow threads, only to immediately send it out in another direction. He felt his perception snake out of their compounds and out into the city, following hidden and ever so thin shadowy pathways in the constantly shifting web. At gold rank, the network could technically have covered most of the city, but the realities of politics and other gold-rankers made that unfeasible at best. Because of this, there were great holes in the network of shadow threads crisscrossing the city, Obsidian Crow refraining from making any ambitious undertakings within the domains of the other golds. A thread here and there was just good sport, a bit of a game between powers. But more than that might be seen as the clan taking action against someone, and Obsidian Crow would not flippantly show any such intentions. Still, the adventure society campus was mostly neutral ground - the inner parts and private rooms of the administration building excluded - and as such it was easy to cast his awareness out in that direction, combing through the different dueling arenas to find the one which the watchers had reported. It took only a moment for Obsidian Crow to find what he suspected and, with a sigh, his body melded into the shadows as well. The conversation that was to come was one best held in person, after all.
Kite¡¯s staff intercepted the diamond-like blade of his opponent, neither weapon even slightly nicked by the collision. Instead, the usual chiming echo that the ringed staff gave off seemed to be further amplified, leading to each exchange becoming a surprisingly melodious affair even though such a thing was part of neither combatant¡¯s path. ¡°Flashfire!¡± ¡°Ward!¡± The inner disciple that was Kite¡¯s opponent once more cast her quick spell as she briefly released her hold of her blade with one hand to punish the stalemate, sending out a thin, white-hot ray of flame. And once more, Kite¡¯s ward appeared to intercept, only for a quick thought and a flick of the woman¡¯s eyes to send the ray snaking around the barrier to lash at him like a - well¡­ - snake. But as painful repetition was the mother of learning, Kite had become wise to the disciple¡¯s tricks. The snaking flame was agile and would split and attack from multiple angles, acting as a frequent and constant harassment that also seemed to impair healing and regeneration for a time. ¡°Attrition to outpace some endurance fighters. I¡¯m not surprised that such a path on a skilled user can rank highly in the local dueling scene. I will need to up the pace as well,¡± Kite thought, his tattoos flashing as the spectral arms of his mantle flashed into existence for the first time during the duel. Much like with his duels with the different sect leaders of the north, he kept the channeling to a brief moment, but with two extra sets of arms, a brief moment could make a world of difference. One arm of the mantle swept a descendant of Matra through the incoming tendril of fire, Pattern-Shattering counter dissolving the flame that had previously been too fast for Kite to shift a free hand of his own to intercept. At the same time, another wavy-bladed sword swept towards the arm of the inner disciple which still held the sword locked against Kite¡¯s staff. The spatial tears of Void-Sunders-Firmament unfurled inside the lower arm of the woman, temporarily mangling the limb. While Kite still fought mostly with his mana-draining attacks, he had continued weaving in the crippling special attack when targeting limbs and the like. A swordsman unable to use an arm or a leg for a while would make landing further blows that much easier, after all. To her credit, the inner disciple was quick on the uptake, disengaging from Kite in a flash of flame while sending another series of fire bolts towards him to hamper any attempts to pursue. Unwilling to let her reset the initiative, Kite let the arms of his mantle flash again as Heaven-and-Void Warding intercepted the incoming projectiles while sending a few attacks of his own in pursuit, carried the distance by All is Void before Intent. He was about to continue when his foe surprised him with another cascade of the snaking flames, this time five at the same time as crystal spikes started erupting from the ground. ¡°Heavens, I will accept this humble reminder that I¡¯m not the only one who might hold back a bit as I gauge my opponent,¡± Kite thought with a wry smile even as he sprang into the air, ascending on panes of force like a stair even while all three of his arms along with ward started intercepting the incoming attacks. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Like the other disciples of the Silent Horizon, Chime among them, his current foe showed that the sect¡¯s reputation in the capital was one earned through clash after clash. Each exchange and clash had Kite and his opponent push each other further and further, and he could really feel parts of his technique and path becoming more clear and familiar with each blow, feint and deflection. ¡°Thank you Fortune and Warrior, for this opportunity. Honestly, with nothing but tempering at stake¡­ I will admit that this is quite fun. It seems like Dragonfly has further rubbed off on me.¡±
Outwardly, Ardent Horizon Seeker showed little in way of emotion as he sat on a simple stone bench in the private dueling hall, observing the clashes between the inner disciples of his sect and the young man called Pathbreaker. ¡°Or Kite,¡± the gold-ranker thought, still having trouble wrapping his head around the fact that what was in all likelihood his and Tranquil Divide¡¯s defiant legacy in the flesh. Ever since Inner Disciple Chime had brought her observations before him, the possibility of this young man actually being his progeny had gnawed at Ardent¡¯s mind. Finding one of the young man¡¯s duels recorded at his last visit to the capital - which had turned out to be anything but low-key in the dueling circles - hadn¡¯t been hard. Ardent had seen the likeness then, but knew that it could be simple happenstance. Then he had found an opportunity to covertly observe the Pathbreaker across the arena during the clash for the throne, which had done little to reinforce his convictions in said happenstance. And now, seeing the young man square off against what was the young elite of Heavenward, his aura both resolutely solid yet triumphantly alight, Ardent had to admit that this boy was indeed the sum of the defiance of past, tragic love. ¡°Sect leader.¡± The voice interrupted Ardent¡¯s musings, but as he instantly recognized it, he also knew that there was no cause for alarm. Had Obsidian Crow Unseen on Skies of Night wanted to strike at him, the assassin would not have greeted him first. ¡°Master Obsidian Crow,¡± Ardent replied, turning his head to look at the man in dark combat robe and stark red mask now seated next to him. ¡°To what do I owe the pleasure?¡± Of the golds more or less permanently residing in Heavenward, Obsidian Crow was the only one close to being Ardent¡¯s equal when it came to the more subtle nuances of aura manipulation. As such, both men sat undetected by the gathered silver-rankers through mastery of aura alone, the attention of the younger generation sliding off them as if they weren¡¯t there. ¡°Officially within the clan, I got reports that made me suspect that one of the golds of the city was taking an interest in a guest of ours. And while I would not have expected foul intent from you, our tenets of hospitality means that the clan will at least want to show that we know of you.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Ardent noted, eyes not leaving the finale of the duel in front of them, where the Pathbreaker managed to hold on to an impressive counteroffensive that kept scattering Inner Disciple Cinder¡¯s relentless coiling flame as multiple sets of arms kept scattering the offensive magic time and time again. From how Cinder was flagging, it was only a matter of time until her mana ran out, at least of Ardent was to be the judge of it. ¡°But from your phrasing, I will assume that there is an unofficial reason?¡± ¡°You assume correctly. I also came here because someone apparently needs to tell you that arranging circumspect duels just to get a better opportunity to observe a young man - who is potentially your son - is just being creepy. You¡¯re a gold-ranker, Ardent. You can just walk up to him or summon him, and few if any within the city would want - or even be able - to stop you.¡± The Crow¡¯s words did cause Ardent Horizon Seeker to wince slightly, before turning to regard the masked man. ¡°While I am not surprised that you know, I do not know if I should be touched that you care or insulted by what you are implying,¡± he said, somber countenance somewhat tinged with a bit of annoyance. ¡°Besides, if you know how young Kite here came to be, then you also know that our karma is well and properly severed. Both we and our sects made sure of that.¡± ¡°And putting Kite through a series of clashes just for your own wants is a surefire way to keep it nice and balanced?¡± ¡°Your sarcasm is not appreciated, Obsidian Crow. I¡¯ll have you know that I even arranged for things to maintain equilibrium. My disciples will ask for nothing but tempering - a good deal in and of itself for all parties - and I even arranged a reward for young Kite¡¯s time. Which turned out to be extra warranted, as he has given me some thoughts of how we need to include a path like his in our training regime.¡± ¡°What is the meaning of this, then? Balanced karma is all well and good, but intentions carry their own weight,¡± Obsidian Crow asked, not letting the other man change the subject. ¡°Honestly? I just wanted to get a closer look at him. And his path. I never expected that I would get the chance, after all. It would seem that he did indeed use both of the essences Tranquil and I provided. A piece of both of our paths in him, combined with something of his own choosing. The symbolism of it all does feel right and proper.¡± ¡°You gave the child essences, and are surprised that he used them?¡± ¡°Obsidian, we sent him away with the express orders to find a remote, loving family. It said nothing of their affluence. For all we knew, he might have been adopted by a far-flung city lord already, disinterested in having any part of his heritage. Although I will agree that sounds rather¡­ unlikely¡­¡± Ardent finished, adding the last at what felt like a flat stare from the red mask. ¡°And you only wanted to see? To satisfy your curiosity?¡± ¡°Yes. Even if it turned out to be a bit more¡­ complicated¡­ than expected. Some old wounds still itch as I see him. Looking like me, even though the feel of him is a lot more like Tranquil. Their auras have some similarities; a fond kindness and optimism beyond that resolute exterior.¡± ¡°And that he seems to take to fighting with the same ease you do,¡± Obsidian Crow noted archly. ¡°Kind words, old friend. For convenience''s sake, I will forego the humble excuses and just take the compliment for what it is. So yes, from what I have heard, that might be a seed inherited from me. Even though he has apparently nurtured it into something of his own. See how he shifts between offense and defense, only to upset it all with those arms of his to do both at the same time. He has been through a gate, correct?¡± ¡°Two, actually.¡± ¡°At his age? Heavens, I¡¯m glad that he¡¯s still alive. Most don¡¯t enter until silver for that very reason.¡± The pair remained seated like that through two more duels with some breaks in between, making comments, observations and speculations through both. They were closely fought, even though the Pathbreaker ultimately proved victorious, and the sixth and final one was well underway when Obsidian Crow chose to bring matters back on topic. ¡°While this has been a most pleasant distraction, old friend, I do believe that I shall get going. But before that, I will need to know of your intentions going forward.¡± ¡°As I said, young Kite has nothing to fear from me. My curiosity is at least somewhat sated, and our karma remains in balance.¡± ¡°And do you know that he would want it to? You know that such a balance matters little to the bonds forged between people.¡± ¡°From what you¡¯ve told me, Obsidian, he¡¯s already surrounded by strong bonds with loving family and friends,¡± Ardent replied with a sigh. ¡°I may be his progenitor, but I cannot try to claim to be his father. That was ever how things were meant to be. But I will thank Fortune for the opportunity for some closure, at least.¡± ¡°For you, that is,¡± Obsidian Crow retorted. ¡°Imagine his questions though, ones that might never be answered. And besides, there are a lot more types of bonds between people. Ever thought of that?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Ardent began, eyes looking distant even as they kept observing the sixth duel¡¯s finale; an intense running battle within a conjured half-maze of barriers where projected attacks and elemental spells were traded in every brief opportunity. ¡°I will meditate upon what you have said, Obsidian. As always, I will not take your counsel lightly.¡± ¡°No, that is true,¡± the Crow agreed with a thoughtful nod. ¡°But it is also true that you tend to take your sweet time in making up your mind, Ardent. And that you rarely - if ever, since the war - put your own wants and curiosities before duty and decorum. Waiting a year or two won¡¯t help the matter along.¡± ¡°Well, such is my path. Reflection and meditation, proper deliberation and-¡± ¡°That was why I actually had a third, even more personal reason for being here,¡± Obsidian Crow noted. And Ardent Horizon Seeker did not like the slight smile creeping into his voice. ¡°Obsidian, what are-¡± The man didn¡¯t get further before Obsidian Crow¡¯s aura suddenly blasted outward with full force; a spiritual volcano going off in the enclosed space which sent all the silvers stumbling while it scattered Ardent¡¯s own concealment. Within a second, eight very surprised silver-rankers - along with the officiating bronze-ranked acolyte of Warrior who seemed to handle the pressure surprisingly well for his rank - were staring at the two golds in their midst, Obsidian Crow calmly rising and giving them a shallow bow in response before finishing. ¡°Sometimes, Ardent, old friends need to do more than counsel. Sometimes, them giving a good old push for someone¡¯s own good is a lot more appropriate.¡± And with that, the man melded back into one of his shadow threads and vanished, leaving Ardent alone and meeting Kite¡¯s confused gaze even as the disciples had all started throwing themselves to their knees, calling out their respects and greetings to their sect leader.
¡°We greet the honored sect leader!¡± While being silver rank helped one to easily shift attention and adapt to new situations quickly, what had just occurred was pushing that to the limit. One moment he had been trying to grasp victory in an ever more tense duel, his opponent very skillfully conjuring and directing stars of elemental fury according to her needs as they fought a running battle. The next he had found himself staggering from a sudden spiritual pressure greater than that from any of the silver-rankers present. This led to Kite now looking straight at Ardent Horizon Seeker, with the form of Senior Brother Crow vanishing after delivering a few final cryptic words. The silence which now reigned after the outburst of the disciples felt deafening, and while part of Kite¡¯s mind did find some amusement in seeing a mighty gold-ranker looking as lost and confused as he did, the rest just wanted to get away from the awkwardness of the situation. Not knowing which path to take, Kite decided that decorum rarely led one astray. ¡°We also greet the honored Sect Leader,¡± he belatedly followed, giving a deep formal bow which was soon mimicked by Dragonfly, who in turn did her very best to pretend that she did indeed possess powers of stealth powerful enough to let her meld into the wall behind her. The formalities seemed to help Ardent Horizon Seeker to snap back to the moment, as his expression was once again schooled into the somber mask that had started to show some cracks before. ¡°Disciples. Outcasts,¡± he greeted, a nod to each of the groups in acknowledgement hinting that neither word was said in derision. ¡°I will apologize for how the esteemed Obsidian Crow interrupted the end of your clash. He and I will have words about that at a later date.¡± ¡°It is no trouble, honored Sect Leader,¡± the inner disciple in question answered, forehead still pressed to the floor. ¡°How can your disciples be of assistance to you?¡± ¡°I have no demands of you today, Disciples. It was simply curiosity on my part that brought me here. Keeping up to date with the capabilities of the disciples of my sect is important after all, and I thought that these bouts of tempering which you sought out would be a better demonstration than the ordinary sparring yard. I will commend all of you for battles well fought, and will leave my thoughts and pointers to your respective masters.¡± ¡°Thank you, honored Sect Leader,¡± the disciples once more called as one, even though Kite picked up more than a little worry from the auras of some of them. ¡°Still, there is one duel left unresolved, which leaves me with the opportunity for a question,¡± Ardent Horizon Seeker continued. ¡°Inner Disciple Opal?¡± ¡°Yes, honored Sect Leader?¡± answered Kite¡¯s final opponent, whose clash with him had not been properly concluded. ¡°In your judgment, how would your clash have ended?¡± The question was straightforward enough, even if the test in it was clear. Inner Disciple Opal, to her credit, took a few seconds to ponder the matter in silence, before sitting up and looking at her sect leader while delivering her answer. ¡°I had some potential avenues of victory left, Sect Leader, but those were slim at best. Neither of us seemed to have shown our most potent powers, and my mana was already flagging. I am honestly unsure if I would have remained on my feet if I had unleashed Cataclysmic Flux, given its great cost, whereas my opponent¡¯s defensive path and plentiful dispel would be in a better position to endure it.¡± Ardent Horizon Seeker regarded her for a few seconds before giving a slight nod and turning his eyes to Kite. ¡°And you, Pathbreaker? While you are not part of my sect, and therefore not obligated to answer, I would like to hear your thoughts nonetheless.¡± As taking the time to think was apparently most acceptable, Kite stayed true to his nature and did just that before answering as honestly as possible. Trying to weave in unnecessary falsehoods before the judging spirit of a gold-ranker was folly, after all. ¡°I will agree with the judgment of my honored opponent, Sect Leader,¡± he began, managing to keep his focus as the object of many a recent speculation stood before him. ¡°While I will not divulge more than necessary of my path, it should be possible to piece together from my previous clashes that singular, potent attacks is something which my path is well equipped to handle in most cases. Still, I would like to give Inner Disciple Opal my deepest respect for her skills. In most cases, those relying more heavily on mana-intensive spells tend to falter a lot more quickly against my path than she did. Her capabilities of adaptive attacks are commendable.¡± Ardent Horizon Seeker gave his words the same regard, before nodding. ¡°Then I believe that the clash can be called, in the favor of the Pathbreaker. I agree with both your assessments, which do you both credit. Neither bluster nor false humility will help you reach the heavens. Please give the Pathbreaker the arranged reward, so that the karma between you may be properly severed, allowing your paths to keep climbing towards the heavens without entanglements or imbalances holding you back.¡± ¡°Of course, Sect Leader!¡± Kite was promptly handed a small, lacquered box, and while he had other things warring for the forefront of his mind, decorum demanded its due. As such, he opened it to reveal the sphere of an awakening stone inside; a blue orb with a clear horizontal line visible in its midst that gave one the impression of looking into the far distance. ¡°An awakening stone of the horizon,¡± the Inner Disciple clarified. ¡°A traditional gift of thanks from our sect to honored opponents. May it one day empower someone you find worthy.¡± ¡°I thank the Silent Horizon sect for the most generous compensation,¡± Kite replied, bowing to each of those present before closing the lid shut. ¡°It shall indeed be put to good use.¡± Another moment of silence followed, during which Kite thought that he noted the slightest hint of indecision on the face of Ardent Horizon Seeker. Whatever it was though, the man seemed to make up his mind rather quickly as he turned to all of those gathered. ¡°Then, Disciples, I believe that it is time for us to return to the sect and reflect upon today¡¯s tempering. As for you outcasts, I believe that I might have heard of the offer of membership being extended to you. An offer which you both politely declined,¡± he said, looking to Kite and Dragonfly. ¡°And while I will respect your decision, I would still like to invite you to a meeting where we could at least continue to personally discuss it further.¡± While Kite thought that he understood the actual meaning of the question, he wasn¡¯t entirely certain how to interpret the somber man with the intense eyes. Fortunately, the ever decisive Dragonfly was either more keen in that regard or perhaps simply more willing to give Kite a nudge of her own. ¡°While I am very thankful for the opportunity, honored Sect Leader, I do not believe that the sect is for me. But I do believe that certain discussions might still have a bit of interest to you, Kite?¡± Kite met her gaze and couldn¡¯t help but smile. Dragonfly clearly hinted that she thought that he should take the opportunity and would let the two of them meet in private, but still left a clear way to extricate himself as well in a socially acceptable manner. ¡°Why, I do believe that you are correct, dear Dragonfly,¡± he said, giving her spirit a nudge in thanks as he turned back to the sect leader. ¡°While I will make no promises, I will take up your offer, Sect Leader. As long as a meeting with just me would still be worth your time?¡± Sect Leader Ardent looked between the two of them, and Kite thought that the intense gaze might have softened just a little bit as he replied: ¡°That will indeed be acceptable, Pathbreaker. Then if you¡¯d please accompany us back to the sect, we can sit down for a talk.¡± 192. Found wanting ¡°I have answered your summons, my king,¡± Ametrine Dreams wreathed in Silk announced with a deep bow, accompanied by a slight tinkling from the many small decorative hairpins and gems in her shimmering bismuth hair. King of the Pure Firmament, monarch of Hua-Xi, sent the rest of his personal servants away with a glance and a pulse of his gold-ranked aura even as the more experienced among them had already started making their subtle withdrawals at the celestine woman¡¯s arrival. Soon enough, the pair were alone in the king¡¯s personal suite of rooms, with Ametrine approaching the king where he sat cross-legged at a low table. They were currently at the very topmost floor of the palace; a masterpiece of carved and lacquered woods furnished with all manner of luxuries for one to partake of while one could gaze down on Heavenward and its surrounding lands no matter which way one looked. But even though the peak of the palace was also visible from most places in the city, it was also one of the buildings most thoroughly covered with defensive arrays of all kinds; from barriers shielding it from actual attack to layered defenses against espionage in all of its forms. As such, neither of the gold-rankers needed to mind their words as they would in most other settings. ¡°Ametrine. How are the investigations faring?¡± ¡°Progressing, my king, albeit slowly. The Valors have either become a lot better at hiding their dealings, or have found some kind of allies or retainers for that purpose. My wisps and I will need to be careful. Still, we aren¡¯t the only ones trying to glean the truth behind how Breath of Valor acquired the artifact. Many of your rivals and other interested parties are doing the same, and my wisps are currently keeping them under watch as well.¡± What Ametrine couldn¡¯t share was that there was another layer to the investigations which she was currently pursuing, one with a lot more personal risk for her and her position. Still, the preliminary hints had started to confirm her suspicions that another one from her own clergy was involved. ¡°I see. We need to keep a watchful gaze then, so that this won¡¯t set a precedent for other attempts. Our traditions regarding the clash for the throne is one of the cornerstones of this kingdom, and I will not see it spoiled and debased to some kind of race to procure the most powerful, forbidden trinket,¡± the king said with a deep frown. ¡°Had Breath of Valor''s path proven superior to mine, the throne would have been his. That is the way, and as such it will remain.¡± Ametrine didn¡¯t comment, instead simply sitting down next to her king as wisps of shimmering smoke helped make sure to arrange her flowing robes properly and keep them from wrinkling. Unlike herself, her king and blade was indeed dedicated to the traditions and strength of Hua-Xi. It was part of what made him such a good blade in the battle she had been waging ever since she first saw that the throne of the country may indeed be within their reach. It was part of what she admired in him as well; an adamant dedication to his path and its role in shaping the kingdom around them. ¡°And what a beautiful garden this kingdom will become,¡± Ametrine thought, while reaching out and fondly caressing the king¡¯s left arm, still hidden within a voluminous sleeve, as she eventually spoke. ¡°What about you, my king? How is your recovery progressing?¡± ¡°Slowly.¡± The lone word did contain its hint of disdain as the king raised the arm in question to reveal the still recovering stump. Only a few shards and patches of the the glassed flesh remained, and there was indeed easily noticeable progress. But for a gold-ranker, recovering a lost arm with the help of healers should have been a matter of an hour or two, not two days. ¡°The healers have confirmed that whatever the artifact was, it somehow interacted with the magic making up my body and caused it to somehow destroy itself; matrix and all. Thus, the recovery feels glacial even with the help of my own path. Still, had my Mirrored Blade not been able to turn as much of it as it had, it would be worse. And my path of mirrors did make sure that the fate Breath of Valor suffered is a lot more¡­ encompassing.¡± ¡°Which only proves how close your path is to touching the heavens, my king. ¡° ¡°And that there are still plenty of dangers left on the climb towards the heavens. It feels like all this time holding courts has made me complacent, which is something that must not be allowed to happen. As such, I believe that it is time for me to start making the occasional hunt again. My path needs to stay sharp and focused.¡± ¡°I¡­ see,¡± Ametrine said, her mind set abuzz by the consequences of the king¡¯s plans. Him being away from the capital more would no doubt complicate things. More room for their foes to scheme, and more opportunities for the very same foes to perhaps make even more similar attempts. ¡°May I then make a most humble wish of you, your majesty?¡± She could see him setting his jaw as he turned to look at her, defenses to any of her protests already at his lips. Ametrine would need to moderate her words carefully. ¡°While you reaching the heavens is already a foregone conclusion, my king, I simply wanted to beg you to give the matter some more time. Let me and my wisps get a thorough grasp of the situation and know that no similar or worse attempts on your person are in the workings. The Valors are only one family among many, after all. And that isn¡¯t even touching upon the foreign powers. What if other parties, uncaring of our traditions and way of life, were to make such an underhanded attempt with even more potent means? Please, my dear king, let me at least do what I can to make sure that you can remain focused on your rise and your rise alone.¡± To her relief, the man didn¡¯t protest right away. As this was a clear sign that he was listening, Ametrine said no more, confident in her knowledge of his heart and mind both. While King of the Pure Firmament was not necessarily adverse to advice, he was still a proud traditionalist. In Ametrine¡¯s experience, it was always best to let them feel that any changes to their plans was their own idea and decision. ¡°There is merit to your words,¡± the king eventually agreed, nodding to himself. ¡°While I will start planning for the future excursion, you are right in that the attempt during the clash might just be a precursor. By solidifying our foundations here in court again, I will need to have fewer concerns. Still, I can¡¯t help but feel nostalgic at the thought of you portaling us out for hunts again. Our meeting at mere bronze rank feels so long ago now,¡± he finished, reaching out to caress Ametrine¡¯s cheek. She leaned into the touch, relieved that any abrupt changes to her own plans seemed to be averted, at least for now. ¡°And this will let me get to the bottom of who among my so-called peers have had their hand in this,¡± Ametrine thought in the quiet moment the pair shared, the king seeming lost in fond memories. ¡°I will not let everything we have worked on for so long be ousted now that we are nearing the final stretch of our preparation. Just a bit more than a decade left now.¡±
As the doors to the sect leader¡¯s chambers behind them closed with a soft click, the awkward silence that had reigned during the whole walk back to the sect - their passage hidden by a potent privacy screen to avoid the worst of the possible rumors arising from Kite being seen next to Ardent Horizon Seeker - only seemed all the more deafening. The chambers in question were as neat and austere as the man who resided in them. While the polished black floors and wooden furniture were no doubt of the finest make, the lack of decoration, curios and the like caused it to lack the homely feeling which Kite had always enjoyed in Jarvan¡¯s office back in Gilded. The only things that stood out in the sect leader¡¯s chambers were a single, neatly arranged bookshelf and the even deeper patch of darkness on the floor that looked to be some kind of meditation space. While every inch the powerful gold-ranker in most regards, it seemed that Ardent Horizon Seeker might be even more at a loss than Kite as to what to do in this situation. And that was even taking into account that Kite himself had no idea which level of decorum that was expected of him. As the silence dragged on, the older man just seeming a bit at a loss, Kite still decided that some kind of initiative was better than none. ¡°If I may ask, honored Sect Leader, what is that circle made of? Is that¡­ void quintessence?¡± Kite asked, his voice feeling loud and odd in the otherwise silent space as he indicated the disk of absolute darkness that he had assumed was used for meditation. Before the man could answer, Sage also decided to insert itself into the conversation. Kite had let the familiar float around freely during the day in an attempt to keep the astral gatherer somewhat appeased after the change of plans that further delayed its unslakable thirst for calligraphy and similar art. Given his current circumstances, he had then completely forgotten to absorb the familiar again upon their arrival to the sect. ¡°Nothingness Absence Void Origin¡± ¡°You are indeed correct,¡± the older man noted while giving Sage an assessing look. ¡°As your familiar confirmed, it is in part constructed of fused void quintessence to further help with my meditations.¡± ¡°Oh? Given the expense, I would assume that it does provide great benefit?¡± Kite asked, hanging onto the risen topic. ¡°It does, at least for those with the mindset. But we are touching upon things which you do not yet need to concern yourself with, young silver,¡± the sect leader noted. This wasn¡¯t the first time in his life that Kite had stumbled upon people turning most vague in regards to the matter of reaching gold rank, and from the sect leader specifically addressing Kite with his current rank, he thought that it was a likely reason for the secrecy. ¡°Of course, Sect Leader,¡± Kite confirmed, which led to Ardent Horizon Seeker giving him another complicated look. But this time, the metaphorical ice at least somewhat broken, the awkwardness did not get the opportunity to return. ¡°If you do not mind, call me Ardent. At least in private like this. Given our¡­ shared history, it honestly feels rather odd with too much formality even though I will not claim to know you. And from what Obsidian Crow told me you seem to be at least a bit clued in to the events some twenty four years ago,¡± he said, a distinct twinge of tiredness creeping into his voice at the mention of the past. ¡°I will admit that I thought it surely a jest or happenstance at first; that the heavens were toying with me. And yet, with you standing before me, any attempts at denial would be foolish beyond reason.¡± Seeing that the topic had finally been thoroughly broached, Kite felt the tension in the room shift a bit. It was lighter, if still tinged with a great deal of uncertainty. But there was at least a gesture that was easy to replicate. ¡°Then please, call me Kite,¡± he said. ¡°It was the name my aunties - my adopted mothers, that is - gave me. Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune.¡± ¡°So I have heard. An auspicious name, but not too grandiose. Given your circumstances, I can see the symbolism, ¡° Ardent said, before hesitating once again as if pondering whether to ask his next question or not. The look was still starkly at odds with the power most gold-rankers exuded, although Kite had to admit that he hadn¡¯t met many, and none in a setting leaning towards the informal. And once again, it was Sage that came to the rescue. ¡°Hesitation Power At odds? Fascinating¡± Not caring the slightest for personal space, the astral gatherer had slowly floated up very, very close to the side of Ardent¡¯s head, as if it wanted to drink in every detail of this fascinating phenomenon. ¡°Sage, that is quite rude. Either look around politely, or I will have to subsume you until we leave,¡± Kite interjected, giving the familiar a stern look accompanied by a sharp poke of his spirit. ¡°Boring Lost opportunity Sensitive¡­¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. The familiar somehow managed to emote said words in a grumpy way as it floated off to find something else to occupy its attention. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that. Sage is¡­ rather alien, especially in what catches its fancy. Who knew that an astral gatherer would be so fond of calligraphy,¡± Kite apologized with a helpless look. Fortunately, it looked like the gold-ranker hadn¡¯t taken offence. On the contrary, even. ¡°While I am unfamiliar with the creature, it does say something about my countenance that even it could pick up on my ponderings and hesitations. Somehow, its ¡®words¡¯ were most astute,¡± the man said with a slight smile and a shake of his head. ¡°In an attempt to better myself, I shall try to forge on instead.¡± With this, Ardent returned his full attention to Kite, the intense blue eyes meeting Kite¡¯s own gold-flecked ones. ¡°Our karma has so far remained severed, Kite. It was part of the deal made way back then. As we wrote in the letter, both me and Tranquil knew that our actions were selfish, most of all to you. You owe me nothing, and I can demand nothing of you, at least not by merit of bond or familiarity. As such, I was unsure whether to even ask this question of you; of the karmic implications and how it is further complicated by our rank. But while he can put his metaphorical beak where it doesn¡¯t belong more often than not, I do believe that Obsidian Crow had a point in something he told me of karma and bonds. So I would like to ask you, Kite¡­ Would you mind telling me about yourself? Of your life? Bonds? Of where you grew up, of how you earned the name Pathbreaker?¡± Taking a moment to center himself, the older man continued. ¡°I have already foresworn any rights to know of it, and will gladly pay a price should you wish for one to maintain balance. This is only out of my own want to know what became of our selfish actions back then. To know what became of it. Of you. Because I have wondered. Many, many times.¡± The silence was back in place between them, with the metaphorical ball thoroughly on Kite¡¯s side of the court. But this time, the response came both easy and natural. ¡°Now that is a request that I¡¯d be glad to grant you,¡± Kite said with a smile that he hoped was as calming as he meant it, given that the other man seemed to be caught in a tangle of his own making; wants and formalities, emotions and duties once more at war inside him. ¡°And I believe that we can leave the thoughts of karma to the outside world for a time. People deserve closure. But it might be a lengthy tale. Where would you like me to start?¡± ¡°From the beginning, please, if that isn¡¯t too much trouble,¡± Ardent Horizon Seeker requested as he sat down then and there in the middle of the floor, and the reason for the lack of chairs in the room was soon revealed as the man comfortably floated up on his aura as he assumed a cross legged position. ¡°Then I will do my best,¡± Kite replied, trying to mimic the move and at least half-succeeding, even if the levitation of a silver-ranker was a far cry from the aura feat currently demonstrated by the gold. ¡°While the first parts will only be a retelling, I have been told that it all began on a clear, crisp night up in the Autumn Lands, where one can find a village named Starberry Peak¡­¡±
¡°I know that you are longing for the peace and quiet of home, dear, but I would say that staying a few more days so that Kite can have a few more talks with the sect leader is time well spent. Some closure for them both.¡± Dove stopped in her previously unconscious pacing, giving her wife a withering look that soon softened to a sigh. ¡°I know, love. I know¡­ It¡¯s just¡­ He¡¯s a gold-ranker. What if he suddenly decides to lay some kind of claim to our little Kite? It¡¯s not like we or Kite could stop him. Or what if some rivals catch wind of it, and try to use our boy in their politics? Or-¡± During the rant which followed, Crow had slowly and meticulously started putting her many engraving tools back into their casings as well as carefully laying aside the formation plate which she had currently been working on. She then silently strode over to her fretting wife, reached out and put a gentle finger on Dove¡¯s lips. ¡°Dearie, I will ever love you for your passion and concern for those dear to you. But in this case, believe that we can do little but rest easy and trust in Kite¡¯s choices. From what he¡¯s told us, Ardent Horizon Seeker has acted with nothing but respect and a care for propriety that seems to be bordering on the ridiculous.¡± Her words and touch had caused Dove to relax slightly, and the taller woman did giggle a bit at Crow¡¯s last statement. ¡°He¡¯s even worse than you. By far.¡± Her giggles resumed at seeing Crow¡¯s arched eyebrow, tension continuing to bleed off of her, and the celestine took that opportunity to continue. ¡°As I was about to say, the Sect Leader¡¯s actions so far indicates no foul play, and while I can¡¯t promise that the clan would go to war over any sleights against Kite¡¯s person, I will remind you that they do take hospitality quite seriously. And with their skill set, they can cause quite a lot of trouble, should they decide to.¡± ¡°You¡¯re¡­ right, dear.¡± ¡°As I often am.¡± ¡°Oh hush you. Anyway, I will try to collect myself. Little Raven is quite thoroughly enjoying herself too. It''s almost like this place was built to allow a toddler to explore hidden nooks and crannies to their heart¡¯s contents. All those little passages and crawlspaces¡­¡± ¡°Well, it is. Fosters instincts that can become the foundation for stealth training in the future.¡± ¡°What?! Love, our daughter will not be an assassin in the future-¡± ¡°I know, love. And they do too. But seeing Kite¡¯s path, there is more than a slim chance that adventure might call to her. And much like with the enchanted marbles, the play now won¡¯t be a detriment, no matter her future path. It does sound that you need something to take your mind off things. Come, let¡¯s go take a relaxing walk in through the greenhouses. These last few days will be over before you know it.¡±
King of the Pure Firmament sat straight-backed upon the very peak of the dais at the end of his throne room, long and stair-like steps curving off to either side to form platforms which seated favored retainers, advisors or - in one case - the courtesan of the reigning monarch¡¯s harem who was currently the most in favor. Ametrine sat there in all her splendor, as she had done during his whole reign without fail, and King¡¯s heart still stirred at the sight of her perfection; shimmering bismuth hair framing her sharp features while metallic eyes of the same hue held amazing perception and wit. There were few things she did not notice, and ever fewer that could escape her investigations given time. He was well aware that while his path was the deciding factor when he took the throne all those years ago, reaching the social and political position for his challenge to be taken seriously would have been so, so much harder without her. ¡°If possible at all,¡± King thought, before schooling his spirit to make sure that none of the fond and lustful feelings that welled up inside him spilled out into his aura. Breath of Valor was approaching after all, and a sentence was to be carried out. The young man still showed some traces of the injuries inflicted by that foul artifact during the tournament even though most of the traces were hidden beneath his massive armor. Only those in the know would note that his right arm and leg moved just a little out of balance with the rest, the young master probably using his powers of metal manipulation to move the armor to assist the motions. Still, King could not cast aspersions on the man in that regard, because even with the healers at his disposal his left arm felt a bit sluggish and slow as it was in the final stages of recovery. Unlike the last time Breath of Valor stood before him, the younger man now stood alone without the company or obvious support of family. Given what everyone knew of the punishment, he was dressed and geared for travel, and said punishment was something that King had thought of long and hard in the days since their clash. He was rather pleased with the potential of the one he had decided upon. ¡°Breath of Valor.¡± King¡¯s first words silenced the whispering court, the arrays of the room further amplifying his voice to just the right degree. ¡°You have invoked the traditions to declare your challenge for the throne, and have pitted your path against mine for the right to rule. And failed.¡± King let his words sink in, pausing for gravitas. The whispers sprung up again even as Breath of Valor remained stoic and straight-backed. ¡°Even with the assistance of artifacts that bordered on the line of what a clash would allow, my path defeated yours and proved my right to rule. Such are our traditions, and in accordance with them, your punishment will be exile accompanied by a task. Only when said task is completed will you be allowed to return and take your place within your family once more. You will undertake this task alone, carrying only the equipment you wield and what supplies you alone can carry in a single spatial bag.¡± Even though everyone already knew of the terms, the whispering in the room still grew; speculations flying wildly as to which task the king would appoint to his fallen challenger. King decided to not leave them waiting for too long. ¡°As such, I appoint this task to you; you will go into the world beyond and there you will find the horn of a Kirin-¡± A susurrus of gasps echoed through the court at the mention of the mythical creatures. Born at gold rank, they were the stuff of legends. And King wasn¡¯t even finished. ¡°When you do, you will find a master crafter to shape the horn into an artifact of purity and healing; a tool of protection and restoration in balance to the object of destruction that you brought to bear against me. When you present me, or any ruler that would follow me, with this object, your task will be complete and you will be allowed to rejoin your family and be restored to a position of honor. Only thus will karma be severed, and Hua-Xi have grown stronger still.¡± The whisperings were now a steady murmur, but King ignored it. Instead, he let his gaze rest upon Breath of Valor, where he only received a small nod in return before the younger gold-ranker turned and strode towards the exit. No matter his success or not, King would have won something and remain more secure in his position. If Valor failed, either through being unable to complete the task within his lifetime or simply abandoning it for a life elsewhere, one of the rival factions had lost a gold-ranker. Raising one through conflict and the proper tempering took decades of investments for a family, and the Valors had already lost much by their failed gambit. And should the young man succeed with this most difficult task, which would no doubt take at least two decades if not more, the King would receive a powerful artifact to further solidify his position. Even in success, Valor would also have lost something; his position in society. Being removed from the goings on of the capital for decades was not something one just rebuilt in a night. Things moved on, and even with the personal power the younger gold-ranker would no doubt possess at that time, he would be out of touch with everything and everyone except his closest family. While it was definitely possible to recover, the young master wouldn¡¯t be in a position to challenge King again soon. If ever. Such was the price of trying to grasp the heavens, and being found wanting.
¡°-and as such, understanding the void at a glance is simple, yet actually comprehending it is impossible due to its nature. Comprehension of the nothing will in the end become nothing, each thought and reflection gone. Yet for each try and attempt, each new reflection and insight gained, we still grow stronger and closer to it.¡± Ardent Horizon Seeker sat floating in the air opposite Kite, with the young man seated in meditation above the dark disc that of void quintessence, trying to take in his words while identifying the odd sensations that were coursing through his body and spirit both. Kite had spent a few hours a day during his slightly extended stay of the capital, the pair exchanging stories. While he had been doing the dragon¡¯s share of the talking, Kite had also gotten a lot more comprehensive picture of the circumstances of him coming into being. Between the different topics of inquiry were also sessions of learning and instruction like their current one. Kite was unsure if it was some unconscious urge of Ardent¡¯s to maintain balance between them, some habit of instructing or simply the drive to share a deep-seated interest and topic of study, but falling a bit more into the mentor-mentee-dynamic had done a lot to dispel the awkwardness between them. And from those few glimpses alone, Kite was not missing the opportunities for what they were. Ardent Horizon Seeker was a scholar, but more one of the spirit and comprehension rather than theoretical knowledge, and their few sessions - spontaneous as they had been - had already done more for his aura control than he thought possible in such a short time. ¡°Good, from the feel of your spirit I can sense that you have reached an acceptable mental state. Try to keep that while I will try and expand upon your question,¡± the older man instructed, his teacher¡¯s voice growing a bit more somber as they approached Kite¡¯s topic of inquiry. ¡°Tranquil Divide was¡­ an inspiration. Dedicated and kind, her honor was not just something to be twisted at will in order to justify her actions. And she was a genius in battle as well, utilizing her shields and barriers with wit and deceptive versatility. Our paths first crossed during a duel in one of the regular inter-sect tournaments, and my dear brethren and sisters at the time would never let me live down how obvious the spark was between us that moment. Our love came easily, and it remains one of my most cherished memories.¡± Even though the start of Ardent¡¯s telling was mostly sweet details of unexpected love, one particular word caused Kite to wobble in place where he floated as he realized the implications. ¡°Was?¡± The lone word held a clear question, and Ardent could only nod slowly in confirmation, his words carrying what seemed like a bone-deep weariness. ¡°Yes. Tranquil Divide was slain.¡± ¡°That¡­ was more than the Crows knew. They thought that she was among those that escaped.¡± Kite said sadly. The storied woman was no more than a tale to him, but the thought still sent a pang of sadness through him as any chance of having the same kind of talks with her - to show that the legacy of her bond with Ardent still lived and thrived - was snuffed out. ¡°It is honestly more than most know, and I would appreciate it if you did not spread the knowledge further than the Tengu¡¯s clan. As for the escaping remnants of the Crystal Pinnacle sect, they were ostensibly let go. But my predecessor was not content with leaving any of our enemies alive, even though their sect would never recover. It was only later that I learned of the elders she gathered and how they hunted down all they could find, abandoning honor even further as the erstwhile sect leader used her path of gold to snuff out that of silvers. Tranquil Divide was among those slain.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± was all that Kite could manage in response. ¡°Our sect was already stained after the war, our honor sullied with each ¡®necessity¡¯ that was committed. But I will admit that it was when I heard of this last act of cruelty that my own spark of ambition was lit. And I will also admit that I might not have held back in the slightest when delivering the finishing blow in my duel for the position of sect leader. It will remain a stain upon my own actions, but it is a stain that I still bear with satisfaction. Even though Tranquil Divide deserved so much more than to be avenged.¡± A moment of silence followed, both men caught up in their own thoughts for a time before Ardent decided to continue. ¡°Still, your question was of the woman which I loved. And while you deserved to know of her end, I still have more than one story of moments most beautiful and amusing. If you would still like to know of them?¡± ¡°It would be an honor.¡± Ardent actually gave a slight smile at the earnestness of Kite¡¯s response, settling down a bit where he floated as he began. ¡°Have you ever encountered a monster called a miasma ooze? No? Well, Tranquil Divide hadn¡¯t either, which did make our hunt together a most amusing one. It began when-¡± 193. Purpose ¡°We once again thank the Tengu¡¯s clan for your hospitality, friendship and assistance during our stay,¡± Kite intoned, giving Little Crow and the other members of the clan a deep bow along his Dragonfly and his family. Quite a few of the onyx-haired celestines had shown up to give their farewells, because while Kite hadn¡¯t had that much time to properly interact with them during this stay, both of his aunties seemed to have made fast friends with some of them. Most, though, seemed to be present to give their enthusiastic farewells to little Raven who received many a gift in parting as she somberly waved to each and every one of them. ¡°It has been a pleasure, adopted brother Kite,¡± Little Crow replied, giving a slightly less deep bow of his own. ¡°You and yours are welcome at any time. Also, should you need assistance of a more martial nature in the future, you know where to find me. And my rates,¡± he finished with a mischievous smile. ¡°While I hope that we will not need it, you would always be a welcome addition. Even though I¡¯d best start saving up the essences and stones sooner rather than later. Farewell, all of you. May your paths take you even further towards the heavens until next we meet. And an extra note of thanks to the most honored senior brother. His intervention was most welcome,¡± Kite finished, neither him nor Little Crow doubting in the slightest that the gold-ranker had heard. Then they were off, the gates of the clan compound closing behind them as the group started making their way down the streets of the heavenly stairway and down towards Heavenward proper. ¡°Oh I can¡¯t wait to get home! Those greenhouses of theirs were such an inspiration. Dear, we just have to get you the materials for those formations-¡± auntie Dove said, chattering excitedly of her plans while auntie Crow just nodded along where she walked beside her wife. ¡°I will surely agree to that,¡± Dragonfly told Kite as she sidled up to him, nodding to Dove¡¯s animated explanations while giving Raven a boop on the nose where she rested in Kite¡¯s arms; one that was received by a proper and somber gravitas, as was tradition. ¡°The capital has been awesome, but all those monsters aren¡¯t going to hunt themselves. And you probably have a message or three from Gauntlet waiting impatiently at your doorstep. Happy with your stay? And your meetings with¡­ you know who?¡± Kite nodded in response, weighing his words more carefully as they had returned the potent privacy screen which they had been loaned by the Crows. Both he and Ardent had agreed that the longer they could keep their connection a secret from most, the better. During their time spent together exchanging tales and stories of their respective lives, the pair had found a bit of an ease in the dynamic between them. Kite wasn¡¯t looking for a father, and neither was Ardent trying to find a son in him. But once past the initial awkwardness, their interactions had become rather pleasant as they often ventured into topics of the spirit, auras and meditation. By the time of Kite¡¯s departure, there was a kind of informal teacher-student relationship brewing, and Kite had been left with a standing invitation of visiting the sect even though any potential meetings with the sect leader would remain a discreet affair. That was why Kite could answer Dragonfly¡¯s question honestly as he spoke. ¡°Yes. While the development was most unexpected, there is an odd kind of closure between us. And he seems to be fond of teaching, an opportunity I would be a fool to squander. Still, compared to the last time I visited, things went rather smoothly.¡± ¡°Still, I do believe that there was the matter of a certain number of duels. Remind me, how many were there in the end?¡± Dragonfly asked sweetly. ¡°I honestly thought I was going to make it there before the sect disciples made their group challenge there at the end,¡± Kite said, handing a stack of coins to his lover with a sigh. ¡°It was good tempering though, and even came with a prize. Who-¡± His words were interrupted by a procession of bodyguards turning a corner in the distance; a group of silvers that set its course straight towards Kite and his family. ¡°I believe that I spoke too soon in regards to complications,¡± Kite said as he recognized the draconian in the front. ¡°Little beauty? I believe that this is a matter for you?¡± Glint, walking beside Kite while clad in a fashionable set of pale pink robes - one of many new outfits she had procured or been gifted during their stay in the capital - had also noted the approaching group. ¡°Indeed. Leave it to this young mistress to handle the matter. I shall return shortly,¡± she said, closing her fan with a snap as she strode ahead of the others. Even though it seemed like the Young Master Monsoon couldn¡¯t wait until she drew close before speaking. ¡°Oh radiant one! I apologize for my presumptuousness, but I just couldn¡¯t stand idly by as you left Heavenward without any word of when you might return. Please, won¡¯t you reconsider? My family would be most happy to host you for however long you¡¯d like, with your own guest house and company to ensure propriety-¡± The rest was cut off as Glint got within range to activate her own privacy screen, and the onlookers got to witness a lot of heartfelt gestures from the young master while Glint in turn stood aloof and prim. After a bit of back and forth, the shoulders and tail of the suitor finally drooped, even though he quickly recovered at least the semblance of proud dignity. ¡°-at least leave you with a remembrance so that you would not risk forgetting about me,¡± the young master said, producing a beautiful lockbox which he opened, proffering its content to Glint. Kite only managed to see a glimpse of something very shiny before Glint gave a final nod of acceptance, which led to the young man brightening as he closed the little box and reverently handed it over to her. ¡°Then I can only pray for your prompt return, you whose luster rivals the starry skies. Please-¡± ¡°Monsoon!¡± The cry of outrage interrupted whatever more the young master had to say, as another entourage of bodyguards was making their fast approach, another - most irate - draconian almost racing ahead of his followers in his haste. ¡°Ever-Jade!¡± Monsoon¡¯s retort was more a growl than a call, his eyes thinning as he turned to meet the one who dared intrude upon what he no doubt thought of as his moment. The two draconians were soon squaring off against one another, snouts almost touching while their auras were already locked in combat. Kite recognized the newcomer as Glint¡¯s company to the clash for the throne, Young Master Ever-Jade¡¯s vibrant green scales a distinct contrast to the pale cyan of Young Master Monsoon. ¡°Who are you to accost the pearl of the heavens like this after she chose me as her companion for last evening¡¯s soir¨¦e? Know your place, lizard!¡± ¡°Y-you! The gall!¡± Young Master Monsoon called, recoiling from the most harsh insult. ¡°She only accompanied you because of family matters calling me out of the city. This very image of perfection has already spent the day before enjoying my company at my family¡¯s pleasure barge as we took a tour down the river, accompanied by the sweet sound of our retained orchestra. Don¡¯t you dare go debasing her good name with your presence!¡± The trading of insults continued, with Glint apparently content with letting the two men verbally fight it out while the rest of the onlookers could only watch with expressions ranging from amused to horrified. Auntie Crow definitely belonged to the former group, even producing a small bag of candied nuts to delicately eat while watching the spectacle unfold, although from the sparks which had started playing across the spines of Young Master Monsoon¡¯s neck, Kite wondered if their conflict would remain one of words alone. But when the argument had started going in circles, it seemed that the object of said conflict had finally had enough. The snap of Glint¡¯s fan closing once more wasn¡¯t loud, but apparently carried a certain quality that had both men immediately fall silent as they looked to the one eliciting such passion in their hearts. ¡°Young Master Monsoon. Young Master Ever-Jade,¡± she spoke, voice kept aloof. ¡°You are both starting to let your decorum slip, both through your words and your continued delayal of my departure.¡± A gesture with her closed fan forestalled any attempts to beg forgiveness, with Glint giving them both a grave look. ¡°As you both should know, neither of you has progressed far enough for an exclusive courtship. As such, I would instead like to remind you of the fact that I do plan to return in the future, and that you might want to spend your time until then in a more worthy fashion. Young Master Cinnabar has already sworn to present me with a grand trophy from a series of monster hunts which he has now scheduled. I would recommend that both of you similarly consider how you aim to show me that you are devoted to improving yourselves and your paths.¡± ¡°C-cinnabar?¡± the two young masters sputtered almost in unison, before giving each other an assessing look. ¡°Well, Ever-Jade, then I believe that I cannot spend any more precious time verbally destroying you, as it would be time for me to go out on some hunts of my own soon. Prepare to be thoroughly left in the dust of my rise.¡± ¡°Bah! Words are wind! You will be left whimpering before the deeds I shall be performing soon! Mark my words!¡± As the pair continued their bluster, Glint once more opened her fan and made her dignified return to her group, leaving the pair of rivals to their quarrels. ¡°Well then, my bond. Honored aunties. Dragonfly. Raven. Shall we depart?¡±
¡°Thank you, honored Crow. It seems that there is indeed a trail to follow here. Please keep us informed, even if we expect the investigation to be a long one,¡± Branch Director Anasta Temren said to the shadowy bird on her windowsill, the magical conjuration bowing once before dissolving into shadow. ¡°Well, that was pleasing news,¡± Maximilian remarked, the deputy director¡¯s pen making a final flourish as he finished taking notes. ¡°Oh it is, it is,¡± Anasta agreed, a fierce grin spreading across her face. ¡°The clashes of the locals have finally given us a trail to follow. That artifact, whatever it was, is our first and foremost lead even without us even having it in our possession.¡± ¡°The reports of the analysis by the magic society are positive. Discord''s affinity was subtle, yet there. However, those affinities won¡¯t linger in the ambient magic forever. Most would not have been able to make it out, especially not without the proper tools and knowledge. ¡°And we¡¯d best keep it that way. Gods bless that we at least have some reliable local members of both societies,¡± Anasta agreed, looking out over Heavenward with her grin still playing across her face. ¡°But we finally have something conclusive, rather than the games of shades and misdirections which our investigators have been playing with their people. The little stunt at the clash should up the pressure on them. And that almost always leads to mistakes. We should continue preparations and contingencies of our own as well. So that when they make some kind of move, we will be there to notice it.¡±
¡°Speak,¡± Ametrine commanded her subordinate, the servant giving a proper bow behind where she was seated at a low table. A casual observer would think her busy painting her nails, where someone more observant might notice the odd haze around her; the thinnest sheen of shimmering smoke obfuscating documents and reports. ¡°We have confirmed some of the information sent by your allies on the council to have been false leads, with a higher concentration than usual from Gold Mask,¡± the silver-ranked man stated, referring to one of Ametrines counterparts in their local council. ¡°While it might be happenstance, you have specifically ordered to be informed of any such irregularities. Also, we believe that the adventure society, supported by some members also part of the magic society, have picked up the trail as well.¡± Had these news reached Ametrine a few months ago, she would have most thoroughly cursed any such developments. Keeping the adventure society following false trails had been challenging for the council, but worthwhile and doable due to the local political landscape. If they had found a firm trail of the council¡¯s presence and influence, things would only become that much harder. But given what occurred during the clash for the throne, Ametrine now saw an opportunity. ¡°I see. Keep delivering any such words to me, and start activating some of our assets in the Heavenward magic society. Nothing major, but bog down any attempts at coordination in as much administrative procedures and internal politicking as you can. The more affluent masters and mistresses playing at being researchers and investigators involved, the better. I will handle some other matters myself.¡± ¡°Of course, honored Gardener.¡± As the man disappeared, Ametrine took a thoughtful draft on her long, thin pipe, enjoying the pleasant tastes while it gave her a perfect cover to spread even more obscuring smoke from her essence powers throughout the room. Satisfied, she looked back to her documents - written in her personal cipher, of course - and began a new line of speculations. Gold Mask was powerful, but of the council, he was the worst schemer by far. Fortunately, such talents weren¡¯t required by all of Discord¡¯s clergy in a world where might did in the end make the right in most cases. But that also meant that he was either a more nuanced person than Ametrine had so far taken him for, or that the trail was a false one. ¡°Which would then leave Black Wood Mask as the main suspect,¡± she thought. The other woman in the council, whoever she might be, was indeed a schemer. And while the maneuverings between her and Amterine were normally within the acceptable levels for a kind of truce to reign between them, a move such as indirectly sponsoring the Valors with such an artifact as the one revealed during the clash would be a declaration of war. A hidden one, to be sure, but nonetheless a declaration that Black Wood Mask had her eyes on Ametrine¡¯s part of their grand undertaking. With those thoughts in the forefront of her mind, Ametrine changed some internal priorities of inquiry. Maybe the nosy adventurers could indeed be useful down the line, protecting her and King¡¯s place in their grand working while ostensibly also doing their jobs. A thoughtful smile teasing at her lips, Ametrine dove into her work. It was easy to sow the seeds of Discord, but for them to thrive? One had to be most meticulous and patient.
¡°Dear heavens above,¡± uncle Walker said, leaning heavily back into his chair as he processed what he had just been told. ¡°That sure is quite some tale, little Kite. Extraordinary in scope, yet specific enough to be believable, even had I never known you for a liar.¡± This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. ¡°Oh, I do understand, uncle,¡± Kite said, sipping his tea. ¡°Proof that fates and fortunes are most complex, and that the world is both so very large and so very small at the same time.¡± The pair was seated in the Convergence guildhall, which had - given the troubles of the past summer - become Walker¡¯s new base of operations. While the older man often grumbled of missing the forests of the Autumn lands up north, not even he could deny that there was barely any need for his services there anymore now that the irons and bronzes of the Gilded branch had thoroughly come into their own. Never before had the rural regions been so well connected or patrolled, which in turn freed Walker up to be at the guild¡¯s front lines of development with Second Spring in support. ¡°Well, we already knew you to be precious cargo, little Kite. And from your telling of things, you seem pretty content with the outcome.¡± ¡°Indeed. Even should it complicate the future, there is a bit of closure in at least knowing something of how I came to be. It lets me focus even more on what is to come.¡± ¡°And what is that, little Kite? With the truce with the local sects, the guild is in a good place now that we can begin to fill our little niche around Convergence as well. Soul is handling the martial side of things too, even if she would claim that it¡¯s only for her own benefit. We even had a few students of some sects of the south coming to seek out her arena the other week. First I thought they¡¯d mean trouble, but after a few days of challenges and trading pointers, they left; all smiles and polite bows once those bruised egos had been allowed to heal a bit.¡± ¡°Hah! As someone who has been sought out for duels before, I can surely believe it,¡± Kite laughed, just imagining the celestine woman¡¯s satisfaction as even more foes came to her rather than the other way around. ¡°As for my plans? Well, the heavens won¡¯t reach themselves. As I am at the infamous wall of silver rank in most parts of my path, things will probably be slow and steady for a few years now. At least as far as one can call working for Gauntlet anything like slow,¡± he finished with a wry shake of his head. ¡°Just the grind then? Not diving head first into any of the Queen¡¯s gates, kicking down the doors of a sect or otherwise being ambushed by young masters and mistresses thinking themselves heaven-chosen?¡± ¡°Oh hush, uncle. Strife does tend to find those with some kind of power. Hence, one can only plan for the calm moments in between,¡± Kite retorted. ¡°And I do have some plans within ¡®the grind¡¯ as you so eloquently put it; working more with Peony now that their life as parents is starting to settle in, trying to raise at least one portal-user for the guild, expand the family compound a bit with living arrangements for traveling guild members, accompany Glint to the capital for her little games of courtship,¡± he started counting off on his fingers. ¡°And that is even on top of my work with Gauntlet and going on plenty of contracts with Dragonfly.¡± ¡°You forgot spending quality time with your dear uncle there, little Kite. A pure oversight, I am sure.¡± ¡°Of course, most venerable mentor. I would be remiss in forgetting to pay my respects regularly.¡± ¡°Bah, no need to get all fancy with this old man,¡± Walker grumbled good naturedly. ¡°I do appreciate your company, little Kite. And all that you do for the guild. With all the progress recently, especially those adventurer priests that keep showing up to join, we¡¯re really making a difference for these parts of the country.¡± ¡°What about you then, uncle? Any plans?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll probably have to ask Spring. She¡¯s usually in charge of my schedule,¡± Walker muttered, his feelings regarding some parts of the guild master life made quite clear. ¡°Except when you suddenly leave for a small, nice little week-long walk in the woods? Woods that you conjure yourself?¡± ¡°Talked with her already, haven¡¯t you?¡± Walker asked, looking completely unashamed at his blatant little flights from responsibility. ¡°I did. I hope that she is getting some time off for her own pursuits too, uncle. You know that she¡¯s aiming for silver in the long run too,¡± Kite pointed out. ¡°Of course, little Kite, of course! Can¡¯t work poor Spring to death now, can I? She¡¯s taking plenty of contracts too. Have even recruited some members while on the road.¡± ¡°Speaking of pursuits though-¡± ¡°Little Kite, I don¡¯t think we need to go there.¡± ¡°-maybe you should actually consider how long she¡¯ll be putting up with your little antics before moving on to some more reasonable targets. From what I¡¯ve heard, more than one young master has professed his interest, claiming her to be one of the fairies of legend for her looks.¡± ¡°What? One of those fops? Spring wouldn¡¯t give them the time of day.¡± ¡°Maybe not today, uncle. But what about tomorrow? Mind you, I would never try to push you into something that you clearly did not want. But in this case, you¡¯re both obvious enough that there¡¯s even a communal betting pool in the guild of when you¡¯ll eventually dare and admit it to yourself. And a separate pool regarding how long it will take until she finally gives up on you.¡± Walker gave Kite a long look through thinned eyes, remaining silent for a while longer as he managed to grumpily sip his tea. ¡°Bah, young people these days. No respect for your elders and propriety. Traitors, the lot of you.¡±
¡°Even as my life has moved on, spectacular revelations and all, you remain the same,¡± Kite thought to the big seed, illuminated in purple by the faintly glowing moss in its cave. ¡°Or well, almost the same,¡± he inwardly corrected himself as he cut off the stream of mana which the seed - true to form - had eagerly devoured. Even as Kite had fed the thing mana here and there over the years since he had first found it, progress had been slow. But there was still progress. The lights in the small cracks were a bit brighter, and the thing felt more vibrant. Kite lacked the knowledge or instruments for anything more specific, but if he had to hazard a guess he thought that it would be at least a few more years. Assuming that the thing wasn¡¯t just some endless devourer of mana, but that wasn¡¯t what his magical perception was telling him. ¡°Well, I will see you again once I¡¯m back. Gauntlet has come calling. Some kind of summoner who has crossed more than one line with his research. Heavens keep you, whatever you are,¡± he said aloud, even waving once as he started making his way towards the exit. As always, the seed gave no response. But Kite still left with the distinct sense that it was quite busy growing.
¡°Kyyyyaaaaaahhh!¡± Dragonfly¡¯s warcry echoed between the sharp mountain cliffs, causing birds and other critters within hundreds of meters to scurry to safety. The dreadmaw in front of her - a small but stocky vaguely humanoid thing whose torso was mostly a set of huge gaping fangs - did not even flinch from her outcry. But her empowered axe tearing into its side? That at least garnered a reaction. Dreadmaws were slow for silver-ranked monsters, lumbering around on two stubby, thick legs which seemed too small to properly support their larger bodies and fangs. But like most silvers, they had magical tricks to both make up for some deficiencies and lean into their strengths. The case of the dreadmaws, those advantages were twofold. First, their ridiculously powerful fangs were further supplemented by magic that could bite off and devour other magic. Be it natural manifestations or - as in the case of Dragonfly¡¯s flaming axe - magical conjurations, the things gobbled up everything they could. And while the second set of powers were less dangerous to a silver-ranker like Dragonfly, it was what made them such a danger to anyone less powerful. A great clump of rubble consisting of masoned stone and lumber support beams suddenly rose and launched themselves towards Dragonfly, who in turn let her axe continue its trajectory to cut and incinerate the biggest of the incoming projectiles while letting the smaller pelt and bruise her to stoke her inner fire. More telekinetically launched rubble came flying at her as the other individuals in the dreadmaw pack followed suit. Still, while the incoming debris was certainly a distraction, Dragonfly actually felt grateful. Because for every one of the monsters utilizing their powers to attack her, one less had the chance to continue excavating the piles of rubble that had previously been a village to get at the people hiding or buried beneath; their fearful auras giving them away as surely as if they had been standing out in the open. Given the amount of blood that had been incinerated by the flaming aura of Dragonfly¡¯s armor so far, those buried beneath fallen timbers and trapped inside their cellars were still somehow the lucky ones. Feeling that all of the monsters were now fully focused on her, Dragonfly decided to change up the pace. Her flaming greataxe appeared in her hands at the same time as she sent Piece of Heaven, the axe formerly wielded by the leader of the erstwhile Descending Star sect, out into a low, circling arc that passed beneath the bulk of incoming projectiles. Simultaneously, Dragonfly then executed her spinning special attack with both axes, creating dual circles of scything mayhem. Butcher¡¯s Pinwheel, grimly named by someone long before Dragonfly¡¯s time, carried great force with her heavy weapon. She continuously angled the burning axe in her hands to cleave through and scatter the incoming debris, turning danger into opportunity as the stinging hits that came through just further boosted her. At the same time, Piece of Heaven carved bloody circles through the Dreadmaws as it circled her eight times in three heartbeats. ¡°Just try and eat that axe,¡± Dragonfly thought triumphantly as she transitioned from Butcher¡¯s Pinwheel into Power Leap, barreling through the final clutter thrown her way and cleaving one beleaguered Dreadmaw in half. The monster might not be the optimal target for Shield Breaker, but the added damage always helped to add just that final touch and cleave right through instead of risking her axe getting stuck. And best of all, it continued to trigger Dragonfly¡¯s evolved racial gift from back at bronze rank. Vigor of Passion, as Dragonfly had named it, increased the potency of each special attack Dragonfly used as long as it was a different one than she had previously used. This increased potency was further boosted by the fact that the cost also increased, taking the empowered attack to further heights. For many, this might just have turned them into candles burning brightly but briefly, spending all their resources in short order. But for Dragonfly, who just kept replenishing faster and faster the longer she fought and was injured? For Dragonfly, it made her path truly come alive if she could hit her stride. Shieldbreaker transitioned to Internal Ember¡¯s Treachery before Descending Sunwheel allowed her to finish yet another of the monsters, and it continuously went downhill from there for the ravenous manifestation. At one point, one of the beasts did manage to use the demise of one of its packmates to launch itself onto Dragonfly and clamp its huge fangs down onto her head, torso and upper arms in spite of the aura of fire it had to dive through to get there. Instead of a crunching demise, however, the magically enhanced teeth barely managed to break through the light armor and dig into the flesh beneath before they abruptly stopped. Within a heartbeat, a gout of flames erupted from within the monster while the animated Piece of Heaven came in from the side and knocked the now slack-jawed monster off of Dragonfly just in time for her to swing and punch another of the monsters aside before the burning greataxe was once more in her hand. ¡°Thank the heavens for Unbreakable Moment,¡± Dragonfly thought as the mounting slaughter resumed. ¡°Still, have to be careful with the fire. Wouldn¡¯t want to accidentally have it reach anyone unintended. Woe the silver-ranker and her awesomely huge areas!¡± The final sarcastic thought caused the grin on her face to widen even more as she threw herself back into battle with ever rising vigor. While it was always hard to determine time in a fight, the delays between the availability of her power did help Dragonfly to slightly gauge the time spent as she finally stood among the charred corpses of the Dreadmaws. ¡°Only a few minutes. Good,¡± she thought to herself as she didn¡¯t delay longer than it took to use Gather the Embers to absorb what cinders remained in the area before she was off towards the nearest house where she still sensed one or more auras. The village had been thoroughly sacked during the monsters¡¯ initial rampage as they had swooped in and no doubt started breaking apart the brittle shells of the mundane stone houses to get at the fleshy treats inside. She knew that someone like Kite might have formed a better plan on how to go about the rescue operation now underway, but as he was currently away on a contract for Gauntlet, these particular villagers would have to settle for the more straight-forward Dragonfly. Action was better than inaction in most cases like these, after all, she reasoned. A pile of rubble was thrown aside while her animated axe played at being a plow in a nearby house, freeing cellar trapdoors and similar places of hiding. One more unlucky soul was found buried beneath a pile of rubble without such protections, and Dragonfly made the most of her still empowered speed as she threw debris off the gasping young man before making sure that he didn¡¯t choke on the bronze-ranked healing pill she fed him. Then she was off again, pushing herself to the limits of her waning boons. As the more able-bodied among the freed villagers started to help in her efforts, Dragonfly could direct her efforts even better, prioritizing the greatest piles of rubble, and an hour later she came upon the last aura she could sense that hadn¡¯t yet been freed. It was terrified but steady, and as such she had left it last. Stepping into the ruined house, Dragonfly saw that pile of fallen roof beams and shingles piled up around the hearth of the house with the chimney emerging from it like a weathered monument. It didn¡¯t take long for her to shift a few of the fallen beams aside and with a groan of effort Dragonfly shifted the whole remaining pile to the side at once. She had barely let the burden fall to the side before a shriek and a glint of steel came from the fireplace. To Dragonfly, the soot-smeared arm holding the knife moved ever so slowly, and it was a small matter for her to kneel down and let the point of the mundane knife stop dead against the flat of her bare palm. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, little one. I¡¯ve handled the monsters,¡± she told the stunned looking girl of maybe ten years who was hiding among the coals of the fireplace, almost as black with soot as the cramped space she had been hiding inside. Contrary to what Dragonfly had been expecting, she got a question in response, rather than the tears of relief that she might have expected. ¡°A-all of them?¡± the girl asked, trying to put some steel into her voice even though Dragonfly could feel her aura shake with distress like a leaf caught out in the gale. ¡°All of them,¡± Dragonfly confirmed, which got an attempted stoic nod in return. ¡°Good.¡± ¡°I try to do my best. Would you like to come out?¡± At first it looked like the child would refuse, but after a few seconds spent regarding Dragonfly¡¯s outstretched arms, she caved, even letting the adventurer carry her as they walked to rejoin the other gathered villagers. ¡°Th-thank you, great Mistress! We would surely all have perished had you not arrived. Truly, Fortune and the heavens be praised!¡± The praise began with one of the older women, and was soon echoed by each and everyone of the survivors. Dragonfly took a moment and just basked in the nice, warm feeling before finally raising a hand for silence. ¡°Fortune be praised indeed. I was just passing through on the way back from another contract when I felt the auras of the monsters,¡± she began, leaving out any lamentations of not having gotten there sooner. They all shared that sentiment, and the grief and shock was barely contained within the auras of some of the more silent survivors. Instead, Dragonfly gestured to the soot-covered girl on her other arm, the child having silently burrowed her face into Dragonfly¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I did find one last holdout as well. And a fierce one at that,¡± she said, giving the girl a silent squeeze of approval. ¡°Anyone know of any family or relatives of hers?¡± The woman who had begun singing Dragonfly¡¯s praises stepped forward to peek at the girl, who still mostly attempted to hide from the gazes of everyone by clinging harder to her rescuer, and a moment of scrutiny later led to an answer. ¡°Ah, it''s Sprite. Little Sun Sprite,¡± the older woman said, her expression turning more complicated. ¡°Poor young one lost her parents a few years ago. Been a bit of a loner since then. She¡¯s been living with the old baker since, helping out. Has anyone seen him?¡± Her final words were directed to the crowd, and a few moments of murmuring and looking around gave no response. ¡°I¡­ see,¡± the woman said with a sigh. ¡°He was one among us with a single essence. Part of the militia too¡­¡± She didn¡¯t need to finish, the implications clear. The militia of most villages were the ones responsible for operating the defensive formations or arrays. And were also the ones closest to any monsters if said defenses proved insufficient. ¡°Well, little Sprite, we¡¯ll sort you out. Come here now. Don¡¯t bother the mistress adventurer any more.¡± The villager made to reach for the girl, but Dragonfly could feel the child¡¯s aura tense, coil and surge in fright and a bit of anger. Catching the primal, defiant kick delivered backwards before it had barely begun was no trouble, and the villagers seemed to brace herself before another try. ¡°There, Sprite. Don¡¯t be difficult now. I¡¯m sorry, Mistress adventurer. She means no harm, it''s just her way-¡± But Dragonfly had already half forgotten the woman as she glimpsed the girl¡¯s eyes briefly before she once again buried her face into Dragonfly¡¯s armored shoulder. They were filled with fear and anger, tears welling up in the corner of her eyes. But there was also something defiant in them, triggering another memory of a girl from over a dozen years ago, all but quivering as she stood staring up at Force of Raging Torrent and proclaiming that she wanted them to kill all the monsters in the whole world. ¡°Oh¡­ Heavens,¡± Dragonfly thought as things snapped into place, her heart telling her with quite some surety what she should do. That some karma could never be severed, because that had never been the end goal. But that the very same karmic links could be spread and shared, creating a chain of something better. And that this was just such an opportunity. A purpose. ¡°Sprite, was it?¡± Dragonfly asked, holding up a hand to forestall the villager¡¯s next attempt at prying the child from her arms. She got no response, but continued anyway. ¡°What I am about to say is a pretty big deal. You¡¯ll need to think it through, and we need to have another long talk about it before you decide. But with that said¡­ If you don¡¯t have anyone waiting for you here, and if you are willing to leave this village¡­ Would you like to come with me? As my student?¡± 194. Student A vague, ominous creaking resounded throughout the whole complex of dark stone and gilded walls. While most of the sounds were rather mundane - cracks spreading through stone or metal warping slightly - it also held another, distinct quality; as if the sounds themselves were muted and quenched far too early, snuffed out. Or rather, swallowed. Even so, it was enough for a consciousness to once again surface from its torpor. ¡°Alas, will this remain my fate; the most glorious potential and fate snuffed out before it even had a chance to bloom? Before I could be bequeathed unto the worlds of the cosmos?¡± Laevyeth¡¯s words were similarly devoured and muted by the cracks of nothing which had begun to impeach upon her prison, the pale not-color dissolving the reality slowly but surely. It was nothing new, and neither were her words of lamentations. Laevyeth had probably said them all many, many times before, but her periods of torpor made both memory and timekeeping somewhat challenging. Even so, the indignity of her situation always returned with the same fervor. She was someone amazing after all. Her mistress and creator had said as much. At least in the beginning. Before¡­ ¡°Oh mistress, why have thou not returned yet? Kept thine vow? You in your resplendent mantle as a ruler of the cosmos? The time draws near, and your most glorious creation still lingers. Surely, you haven¡¯t forgotten? Surely-¡± Laevyeth did not know how long she begged. Then raged. Then sobbed. But she was rather sure that the cracks of collapsing reality had drawn just that much closer before all her energy had eventually been spent, the edges of her senses growing duller as the torpor drew closer yet again. Part of her, a small part, wished that she wouldn¡¯t wake up again; that the cracks would reach her where she remained forgotten and shackled to one of the gilded walls while she still slept. Trading one oblivion for another shouldn¡¯t make too much of a difference, after all, would it? But most of Laevyeth still raged and fought against her bonds. And the indignity of it all. She was the bud yet to bloom, the seed of glory still hiding beneath the surface of the soil - whatever soil actually was. Laevyeth had only gotten the vague impression from her creator¡¯s touch after all - the aria yet unsung, the- the¡­ Laevyeth¡¯s world faded again, her consciousness whisked away. And all around her, the literal world of which her prison was but a small part faded with it. One mote of reality at a time.
Little Sun Sprite couldn¡¯t sleep. In and of itself, this wasn¡¯t unusual for her. Not since her parents died, at least. Tossing and turning in her bedroll was an old, familiar dance she had danced many a time, and it mattered little if the bed was new or familiar. But this night, huddled up in a row of bedrolls along with the other children of the village beneath one of the few remaining roofs, Sprite¡¯s insomnia had taken on a new, more terrifying quality. Memories flashed before her, glimpses of yesterday¡¯s events repeating themselves before her mind¡¯s eye; the walls crumbling, the screaming, vicious fangs and movements often too quick to follow. The tightness of the oven around her, rough and soot-covered stone scraping her shoulders. So tight. Almost too tight. No, suffocatingly tight. She- Sprite sat bolt upright, untangling herself from her bedroll in a few frenzied motions. Even so, she was careful not to make a sound so as to not wake the other sleepers in the room. She wasn¡¯t the only one whose sleep was troubled, after all. Through the gloom, Sprite took a long look at her bedroll, its warmth not the comfort it ought to be. Not like¡­ ¡°Would you like to come with me? As my student?¡± The words echoed through Sprite¡¯s mind, as they had done many times before. And then and there, she made her decision. Or rather, two. As silently as possible, Sprite rolled up her bedroll and tucked it beneath one arm as she gingerly stepped over and around the other sleeping forms belonging to people she had known her entire life. Most were kind, or at least decent, but there had always been that distance between them. Sprite was always welcome¡­ but just never properly invited. The chill night air of spring was crisp and fresh, but a shade of winter¡¯s sting still remained behind. It caused the hairs on Sprite¡¯s bare arms to stand on end, but she ignored it as she stepped out onto the dirt path outside, her goal in sight. There were no villagers on guard or militia dozing against the remnants of the walls. Normally there would have been, even after a less devastating monster attack. But tonight there was no need, because Sprite¡¯s savior kept vigil. Dragonfly sat meditating in the middle of the open area between the houses, floating a few centimeters above the ground. Even in such a tranquil state, Sprite thought that she exuded power and warmth. The memory of her attempted stab - even if it still made Sprite more than a little embarrassed - and how it had stopped dead against the bare skin of Dragonfly¡¯s palm still filled Sprite with awe, and she still remembered the feeling of safety as she had been carried out in the woman¡¯s arms as if she weighed nothing. And it was that memory of safety that caused Sprite to tentatively approach the meditating woman. Ready to bolt at any sign of disapproval from the adventurer, she slowly walked closer, stopping around a meter away as Dragonfly cracked one eye just a little and gave Sprite a look from the corner of her eye followed by a slight smile. Taking the gesture as approval, Sprite slowly unfurled her bedroll on the grass next to Dragonfly, and crept back into its still warm insides. Silence continued to reign between them for a while, with part of Sprite wondering if the decision to seek out the adventurer like this had been a bad one, and if it made her look too pathetic and desperate. But she shoved those feelings to the back of her mind, instead following through with her plans. Coming out here was only one of her decisions, after all. ¡°I want to be your student.¡± Sprite hated how her voice broke a little after hours of not uttering a word. Not that she spoke overly much on a good day though. There was rarely any need. Her words did cause Dragonfly to open her eyes and give Sprite one of those long, searching looks that gave the girl the impression of the older woman seeing straight through her, feelings and thoughts alike. Then, just before the fear of having overstepped threatened to creep back, the adventurer spoke. ¡°Are you sure? Really, really sure? Because this will mean change. Everything you¡¯ve known will be left behind. And things will continue to change. I travel a lot, and I won¡¯t always be able to take you with me, especially not in the beginning. Even though I promise that you¡¯ll always be cared for, it will still mean a lot of waiting. And training. Oh, will there ever be training,¡± she said, smiling to herself as if remembering something fondly. ¡°Also, there will be danger. I fight monsters, and that¡¯s what I can teach you. It¡¯s easy to think that the power to fight will make things alright, easy even. But that¡¯s only true up until you¡¯re the one doing the actual fighting. I will not lie though¡­ It¡¯s both terrifying, and some of the best and most important thing there is,¡± Dragonfly finished, the hint of a fierce smile breaking through the otherwise somber words. As it seemed important to Dragonfly, Sprite clamped down on her immediate response and at least gave a show of giving the matter some consideration. But the words were soon out of her mouth anyway. ¡°I still want to. I still want to come with you.¡± Once again, Dragonfly gave her that discerning look from before, before one corner of her mouth quirked upwards in a half-smile. ¡°Give it some more thought until tomorrow. Sleep on it. Then look at the things you would leave behind in the light of a new day. After that, we¡¯ll talk about it some more.¡± Sprite couldn¡¯t help but feel some slight frustration and disappointment at the lack of direct confirmation in Dragonfly¡¯s words, but once again held back any protests. She needed to prove that she could listen; that she was mature enough. That she understood. As such, she gave her intended teacher a nod of confirmation. Dragonfly hadn¡¯t protested her presence so far, and Sprite thought that if she was to toss and turn somewhere, she might as well do it here. And that was her last conscious thought before falling into the deepest sleep she could remember.
As he exited the portal, having waved his farewell to the ever cheerful courier Riz just before entering, Kite smiled and took a deep and relaxing - if unnecessary - breath of the warm spring air. ¡°This time of the year is most flattering to the family compound, don¡¯t you agree?¡± he asked Glint who was currently floating beside him in her original form. ¡°A most pleasing home, my bond. But it will be more pleasing when that woodworker I sent after will arrive to modify my quarters. This young mistress will settle for nothing less than the proper aesthetics after all,¡± the familiar noted, managing to work in a bit of proud haughtiness into her otherwise limited piscine expressions. ¡°Well, you have worked hard for your share, and it is only fitting to spend it on things that are important to you,¡± Kite replied patiently, a smile tugging at his lips. It was rather remarkable to see how Glint had flourished after becoming able to properly communicate and interact with society at large, truly coming into her own. And while it had some downsides - with Kite¡¯s funds having borne the brunt of it before they had settled on their current system of Glint receiving a proper share of contracts and other work Kite did where she helped - it also brought so many possibilities for the both of them. As the pair approached the gate, Glint zipped off ahead of Kite and over the walls as she was off to add her latest set of treasures to the growing little hoard she was keeping in her small house within the compound, as the growing collections had simply outgrown the dimensionally expanded flask hanging from Kite¡¯s belt. Seeing his familiar going on her merry way, Kite instead took a moment to let his spirit gently sweep over his home, both announcing his return to the essence-users present as well as getting a sense of who were currently at home. ¡°So auntie Crow is still out, which means that the array in Bastion which she was going to put into place probably encountered some issues. I would bet a great deal that the buyer failed to provide some specification or detail that they found unimportant¡­ But nobody would take that bet,¡± he thought, the topic being a common source of consternation for his adopted mother. ¡°Auntie Dove and Raven are both in the kitchen, and Dragonfly is out in the yard with¡­ Oh, who is this then?¡± Noting the unfamiliar, normal-ranked aura that probably came from a child, Kite curiously made his way straight to the spacious yard in the compound¡¯s center, built as an easy place to gather as well as a space for sparring and other physical exercise. There, he saw his lover going through some basic motions meant to help one find the proper balance and efficiency of movement that could one day become a foundation for more intense combat training. Next to her, face tense in concentration, a thin and willowy elf girl tried her best to mimic the different moves. The child had the deep, dark blue hair which was common among the elves of Hua-Xi gathered into a thin braid and Kite gauged her to be somewhere between ten and twelve years old even though that was an age that was sometimes challenging to determine at a glance. As he approached, Kite also got some clues as to how this scene came to be when his aura brushed against Dragonfly¡¯s in greeting. That slight spiritual touch alone sent back a flurry of emotions; worry, care, self-doubt, focus and pride. Still, he thought it best to actually make sure rather than make assumptions. ¡°Dragonfly!¡± Kite¡¯s call came just as his lover looked up after properly sensing his spiritual nudge, and her little companion looked up with a startle that caused her to wobble and start toppling over while in the middle of a long, meticulous step to the side. ¡°Kite! Welcome back!¡± Dragonfly called in return while casually leaning over and steadying the child, who in turn met Kite¡¯s gaze for a short moment before casting it down towards the ground as she sidled closer to the Dragonfly. ¡°Did things go well with Gauntlet?¡± ¡°It did. Unpleasant people planning unpleasant deeds, but we stepped in before-¡± Kite began, but decided that some details weren¡¯t appropriate for the younger part of the audience and chose to shift focus. ¡°-unpleasant things happened. But where are my manners?¡± he instead asked, crouching down at a decent distance from the elf girl and giving her a friendly smile and a small bow. ¡°Greetings to you! My name is Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, but everyone around here calls me Kite.¡± Only silence and downcast eyes was his response, and even though Dragonfly tried to gently give the girl an encouraging nudge, no reply seemed to be forthcoming. ¡°This is Sprite. Little Sun Sprite,¡± Dragonfly explained, eventually coming to the girl¡¯s rescue. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ well, she¡¯s my student.¡± His suspicions confirmed, Kite gave Dragonfly a look which said that he was most eager to hear the full story behind these particular developments before turning his attention back to Sprite. ¡°Well then, Sprite, your teacher is a fine warrior. And from the look of things when I arrived, I can see that you¡¯re already working hard. Dragonfly will no doubt learn a lot from you as well. Fortune be willing, you¡¯ll both help each other along on the path towards the heavens.¡± Even though Sprite gave no response this time either, Kite could sense a bit of resolve in her aura at his words among the slight fear and anxiety that the new situation and environment no doubt still gave rise to. ¡°But don¡¯t let me disrupt your training,¡± he finished, standing up. ¡°I¡¯ll go and greet auntie Dove and Raven, and see you both at¡­¡± Pausing, Kite looked up to the spring sun shining above. ¡°Dinner, I believe? Heavens, portaling across the world sure can mess with one¡¯s sense of time.¡± As he left, Kite¡¯s expanded field of vision saw the girl finally dare to look up and properly regard his back as he made for the main house where his aunties and Raven lived, green eyes regarding him intensely before she started slightly as Dragonfly began taking her for a slow run around the compound.
¡°- and when she just clung to me like that, a little ball of soot and fear, I realized that it had to have been just like that I looked at the time I met master Force. And that it was time to pass on the great kindness she showed me a dozen years ago,¡± Dragonfly explained where she lay snuggled close to Kite in the bed they shared, the moons and stars clearly visible on the night sky outside the window.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. ¡°So I made the offer, even though I was sure to give her time to think on it before we talked some more about it the day after. Sprite was determined, though, no doubt about it. While it sometimes feels like cheating with normal-rankers, given how we can read their auras, it was nice to know that she truly wanted it. Heavens know it has helped me ever since. The girl doesn¡¯t really talk much.¡± ¡°Well, it does sound like she¡¯s been through quite a lot, even before the monster attack. Auntie Dove seems to think that it will just be a matter of time though, and she seems to sleep remarkably well even in such under such new circumstances,¡± he noted, sensing the thoroughly relaxed aura of the sleeping Sprite in the small room they had cleared for her on the bottom floor of the house. Said house was technically Dragonfly¡¯s even though Kite rarely slept anywhere else. ¡°At least as long as I¡¯m around,¡± Dragonfly answered with a helpless shrug. ¡°I had to leave for a day to get supplies for her and the compound, and could feel the lack of sleep in her aura when I returned. Honestly, it all feels a bit overwhelming for me too. Kite, I¡¯ve basically adopted a child. A student, sure, and I know that it¡¯s done all the time. It felt so right at the time, and still does, but I¡¯m just worried. Can I give her what she needs? What kind of life does she want? Oh heavens, she¡¯s what? Twelve? Kite, she¡¯ll be going through puberty soon! Master Force always made things seem so simple¡­¡± ¡°From your perspective, perhaps,¡± Kite noted, giving his fretting lover a kiss on the forehead. ¡°While she¡¯s the only one who can truly answer that question, I would hazard a guess that she felt the same as you. And if you think about it, you¡¯re a silver-ranker as opposed to Force¡¯s bronze at the time you met. Money for the bare necessities for the two of you will never be a problem. And perhaps even more important, you¡¯re not alone, Dragonfly. I¡¯ll help too whenever I can, as will my aunties. You¡®ve seen how Dove fusses over her. Also, you¡¯ve always told me of how grateful you are to Force for the foundation she provided for your life. Now you¡¯ve done the same for Sprite. Heavens as my witness, Dragonfly, you¡¯re amazing.¡± What began as an attempted comfort soon turned into a full admiring tirade, with Dragonfly only flushing more and more for each moment until she finally buried her face in Kite¡¯s chest. ¡°Mercy, Kite, mercy! There¡¯s only so much comfort appreciation a girl can take in a single breath,¡± she grumbled, but her aura belied her true emotions as Kite could clearly sense some of the anxiousness giving way to relief and warmth. ¡°But thank you. Dove told me as much as well. Don¡¯t misunderstand me; she¡¯s my student and I will take responsibility for her. But as you like to say; the climb towards the heavens doesn¡¯t have to be made alone.¡± The pair lay intertwined like that for a while in comfortable silence before Kite eventually spoke again. ¡°This would be my suggestion for our new circumstances; We¡¯ll let Sprite settle in for a bit more, letting her get more comfortable with the compound and the family. Then she can start following us along for some contracts. Not the actual hunts, mind you, and we can limit things to shorter trips. See how she takes to the lifestyle and work from there. If we make sure to set out from one of the cities with a guildhall, then we always have a place for her to stay during the dangerous parts. Should she find the life too hectic or not fare well, she can stay here at the compound instead. If that is acceptable for her esteemed master, of course. I would never mean to overstep,¡± he finished, some faux humility creeping into his words at the end. ¡°Well, I suppose that esteemed master Dragonfly can accept your advice this time. But don¡¯t get too presumptuous, lowly Pathbreaker. My ways are as ineffable as they are improvised. My secret technique ¡®Making it up as I go¡¯ knows no bounds!¡±
¡°Kite! Good to see you! Come in, come in!¡± Jarvan LanCaire called as he waved Kite forward, either not noticing or nor caring about the slightly displeased look that Carmella Dobrazza shot him. They were in her office, after all, but after plenty of meetings there over the years, the blonde man had begun to really make himself at home. ¡°Jarvan, Carmella. My greetings to you, honored Branch Directors,¡± Kite greeted in turn, as he sat down next to the pair in the spacious office decorated in blacks, reds and gold. ¡°Still such a polite young man. You could stand to learn from him even now, Jarvan,¡± Carmella replied, the smolders glowing eyes twinkling as Jarvan held his chest as if struck by a most hurtful arrow. ¡°But Kite, tell us! We¡¯ve seen Dragonfly more frequently around these parts as of late, toting around a little elf. What is this new development?¡± ¡°Ah, that must be Sprite, Dragonfly¡¯s new apprentice. A local girl who seemed to have no true place of her own, and with enough steel in her to make Dragonfly take notice,¡± Kite explained, accepting a small glass of something which glowed bright orange from Carmella with a nod of thanks. ¡°We have begun taking her along to get her more familiar with the kind of life we lead. A shy girl, but definitely dedicated.¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s good to see that the two of you continue to be a good influence on the young,¡± Jarvan toasted. ¡°Noel has grown so much since being entrusted with the branch here in Bastion, Kite. His mother and I are so proud. Hearing of this makes me rather nostalgic actually. It wasn¡¯t so long ago that you and Dragonfly ran around Gilded while hanging onto the coattails of Walker and Force.¡± ¡°A lot of things can indeed happen in seven years,¡± Kite agreed, before making an attempt to get the meeting onto its intended track. During the years of regularly coordinating with the two branch directors, Kite had become even more acutely aware of Jarvan¡¯s almost impressive ability of going out on different tangents. ¡°And speaking of progress, how are things going? Any other leads or traces we should be aware of?¡± ¡°Alas, things are still calm. Almost frustratingly so,¡± Carmella sighed. ¡°I know I should be happy that we seem to have managed to keep most of the unsavory elements in check, our main target of investigation included. But knowing that they are most likely continuing to conspire in the shadows elsewhere without me being able to intervene is making me restless.¡± ¡°But at least Anasta seems to be onto something in the capital, as long as the last message she sent is to be believed. They hope that we can keep up the pressure so that it won¡¯t be as easy for certain undesirables to retreat north to recuperate,¡± Jarvan added. ¡°And I must say that the guild continues to be a blessing in that regard. With your members moving to and fro across the northern regions, they can easily pass on information that might be of interest to us. Also, fewer contracts remain unclaimed out on the more far-flung boards, which means that less and less suspicious activities get passed off as just another monster attack.¡± ¡°So¡­ just carry on?¡± Kite asked to clarify. ¡°Just carry on,¡± Jarvan confirmed. ¡°It¡¯s not like you should lack something to occupy your time in the meanwhile. As you might have noticed, the wall of silver is very much real. Rupert, Fantina and I didn¡¯t get far beyond it before taking our little extended break, so I know the feeling.¡± Kite was nodding along when the branch director¡¯s words caused realization to strike, and a polite - if slightly mischievous - smile started spreading across his face. ¡°Why Jarvan, when you word it like that, it sounds like I¡¯ve basically caught up to you now.¡± The look on the other man¡¯s face was priceless, and Carmella just made things even worse for him by bursting out into a deep, throaty laugh. ¡°Oh Jarvan- he¡¯s got you now!¡± she managed to get out between chortles, causing Jarvan to shoot her a sour look of his own before straightening a bit in his chair. ¡°Well, while that might technically be the truth, there is still the matter of age and experience. Certain things can¡¯t really be quantified, you know?¡± he defended himself, and by doing so walked straight into Kite¡¯s second trap. ¡°Wise words, esteemed branch director, wise words,¡± Kite readily agreed, stroking his chin. ¡°As you say, there is a certain quality to one¡¯s path that only true experience can bring, forged and tempered in the heat of danger. Then surely, you would not mind taking a few bouts in the sparring arena? To share some of that great experience that only comes with the vaunted heights of age?¡± This time, Jarvan¡¯s expression upon realizing the trap too late was so thoroughly horrified that Carmella could no longer manage to remain in her chair, falling to the floor in her fit of pure, unadulterated schadenfreude.
Little Sun Sprite swung her practice staff again, sweat dripping across her brow in the late summer heat. The others were still inside, finishing dinner together, and it had taken a great feat of willpower for Sprite to turn down auntie Dove¡¯s offer of another plate of steamed dumplings to instead go out and resume her repetitions. ¡°I will only take what I need from them. No need to burden them more than necessary,¡± she thought, trying to put the tasty delights from her mind, scattering the temptations through swing after swing. But even with her training gear adjusted for her slight frame, the exercise was hard. And Sprite had vowed to keep at it until it no longer hurt. A vow that was a lot easier to keep steady in one¡¯s mind before it felt like one¡¯s arms were about to fall off. ¡°Fifteen, sixteen, seven- agh!¡± Sprite¡¯s mental count was interrupted when the now slick staff slipped slightly in her grip, its lower end rapping her across one shin. The sudden pain caused her to stumble, and Sprite soon ended up curled up on the soft grass of the compound belonging to Kite and his family. And her teacher too, at least in a sense. ¡°No. Again. You have to be better.¡± Her own self-criticism like a lash at the back of her mind, Sprite was just about to pick herself up and pretend like there weren¡¯t any tears to blink away when she suddenly heard the soft rustle of someone settling down next to her. ¡°Ooof, I do remember that hitting the shins really hurt back when uncle Walker started teaching me. I was about your age too,¡± Kite remarked from where he had sat down next to her, holding out a hand to help her up. Kite, the silver-ranker; a vaunted position of powers only spoken of in stories while Sprite grew up. Kite, her teacher¡¯s lover and equal, even able to defeat Dragonfly in most of their spars. Kite, who seemed to have eyes at the back of his head constantly aware of his surroundings. To summarize, the very Kite who still felt terrifying to Sprite. She had even seen the pair fight together, from far away while protected by Glint. Her teacher¡¯s destructive potential was inspiring, carving through hordes of monsters in flaming glory. And it was a straightforward kind of power. One that left Sprite wanting to just bask in Dragonfly¡¯s fires. Kite, on the other hand, seemed to be a constant presence among the beasts, his many hands somehow on every scale with barriers and attacks flickering in and out faster than Sprite could follow. His power was immovable and hard to grasp, flaming projections and sparkling bolts winking out before him as if they weren¡¯t there. Sprite wasn¡¯t sure why that scared her more than the obvious destruction of her own teacher, just knowing that it did. But that was a fear she quickly tried to swallow as she instead scrambled back to her feet, ignoring the offered hand of assistance as so many times before, and giving the man a bow. ¡°Apologies. You had to see me fail,¡± was her simple statement. Even after spending most of spring and the summer under Dragonfly¡¯s tutelage, Sprite was still unsure which title to use for Kite. Just his name felt too informal, and he had outright rejected master, claiming that he was neither the master of her or his family. ¡°As I have seen myself fail many times, both then and now,¡± Kite agreed, no judgment in his tone. Still, Sprite knew that it had to be hidden somewhere beneath those words. How could they not? ¡°And if you¡¯ll excuse my candor, I do believe that you might fare better if you ate your fill rather than stopping yourself most of the time. You¡¯re going to need food for growing as you mature as well as fuel for your training and it needs to come from somewhere.¡± ¡°Apologies. I will not slip again. My will-¡± ¡°Matters surprisingly little without the energy to fuel the rest of you,¡± Kite gently chided as he interrupted her. Sprite was about to protest - she knew her own spirit and how it was lacking after all - but Kite interrupted her by producing a basket of sweet buns and a jug of water from one of his dimensional bags, handing them to Sprite faster than she could follow, even less attempt to reject the offered food. ¡°While I would never force you, I would like to give a kind recommendation that you eat these while you can. Because I happened to overhear that Dragonfly was pondering some more laps inside the sands of the astral space for you in the near future. And I for one wouldn¡¯t want to take on something like that with a half-empty stomach,¡± he said, giving Sprite a wink as he stood up and left without saying anything more. The girl sat frozen for a while, staring after his retreating back before his words truly registered in her mind. And while she had initially intended to wait until he was out of sight before digging into the food now in her lap, the thought of the purple sands awaiting her broke the last of her resolve. Because terrifying or not, Kite¡¯s words definitely held merit that even Sprite¡¯s pride couldn¡¯t deny.
¡°The heavens never cease to surprise, my erstwhile student. How long has it been now? Six years?¡± ¡°Six years and change, Master Stone. I¡¯m honored that you still remember me,¡± Kite replied with a smile as he sat down opposite the huge man that had trained him in the fundamentals of using his barriers during what felt like a lifetime ago. ¡°While we gold-rankers have excellent memories, I would not have forgotten either way. You were my last student before ascending after all,¡± Unyielding Soul of Stone said as he waved to one of the waiting staff to start bringing food and drink into the private room that had been reserved for them at one of Heavenward¡¯s finer restaurants. As with most high-rankers, the years had been most kind to the man who had briefly been Kite¡¯s master, with him looking ever more like his namesake. Master Stone was a powerfully built mountain of a man, both tall and wide. Gold rank had only further emphasized all the sharp lines of his face, and he had started growing out a neatly trimmed black beard since Kite saw him last which only further added to his rugged good looks. But one notable different compare to last time was that the huge man seemed more at ease and happy than he had during his time spent as a hermit up north ¡°While I had already heard of your exploits and your ascension, allow me to congratulate you in person. Gold is a most impressive milestone. With how busy you must be, I am again honored that you took the time to see me.¡± ¡°You would be surprised how many doors power opens, Kite. But given that you¡¯ve reached silver at a decent speed, I would be surprised if you hadn¡¯t already noticed it at least a bit,¡± Stone said, pausing to thank the waiter that had just finished pouring drinks for both of them. ¡°Outside of special projects such as me helping construct the sea wall down south before the next surge, I¡¯m at a place in life where people usually come to me with offers of work and contracts rather than the other way around. Which suits me greatly, as it leaves me plenty of time to spend with my family. Four children now, with a fifth in the vat. Even with all the hired help, they still keep us most busy. But not enough so that I can''t find the time to take a break and see and old student who reached out. Your letter was most welcome.¡± ¡°Then congratulations are in order again. I did hear of your marriage shortly after your return to Heavenward,¡± Kite said, posing his questions between bites of food. ¡°With you being blessed fivefold like that already, you sure didn¡¯t waste any time.¡± ¡°Heh. No, we did not. Given how long we had to wait to actually be allowed to marry, both my wife and I were most eager to actually get to have the family we had been dreaming of for so long. So we got to it before her family came up with some other inane reason to try and impair our union and life together. Walls are pretty pointless if you have nothing important to protect, after all. A lesson I¡¯d suggest that you take to heart. You may still be young, but don¡¯t be afraid to care about things and people, otherwise all those long years during your climb towards the heavens will just feel empty.¡± Kite paused a bit at that, giving the somber advice some proper consideration which in turn seemed to please the older man. ¡°Still the same introspective one, huh? Good. That¡¯ll help you in the long run,¡± Master Stone noted with a cryptic smile. ¡°But what about you, Kite? Tell me of your path to silver.¡± ¡°Well, things have indeed been busy these last few years. Did you ever hear of the change within the Victorious Sunset sect? It shouldn¡¯t have been too long after you left and-¡± Kite said, beginning the telling of a story that would take them through most of their multi-course meal together. He did leave out some details, such as the hunt for Discord¡¯s clergy and the discovery of his connection to Ardent Horizon Seeker, but managed to otherwise give a decent retelling of his adventuring life. ¡°So it turns out that you¡¯re that Pathbreaker that made such ripples in the dueling circles of the city a while ago. And not only that, you¡¯re involved in the guild up in the north too. Will the heavens smite me for having had a hand in shaping such an agent of chaos and change?¡± Master Stone jokingly said as Kite had finally finished. ¡°I do hope that you won¡¯t lament the bond between us too much, Master,¡± Kite retorted. ¡°Unless you yourself are part of one of the sects, now honor bound to uphold their tarnished reputation?¡± ¡°No, you need not worry in that regard,¡± Stone noted with a deep, low chuckle. ¡°When you¡¯ve reached gold rank, it doesn¡¯t really matter that much if you¡¯re an outcast. Sure, the sects will try and gripe and grumble about it, but they¡¯ll still come to me for my expertise in construction and defenses. But your little guild sounds interesting¡­ A way for outcasts to have some manner of support system beyond their immediate connections while still remaining mostly free and unbound. Keep up the good work and I might even send my children your way once they come of age, should they choose the adventuring life. But speaking of adventuring and essences -¡± the older man said, glancing out at the afternoon sun still decently high in the sky outside ¡°- I believe that there is still some time before I need to get back to the family. If you wouldn¡¯t mind, why don¡¯t we head over to the adventure society campus and find ourselves a training hall so that you can show your former Master how well you¡¯ve kept practicing on your foundations?¡° ¡°That would be my pleasure, Master Stone, especially as I don¡¯t expect Glint to return from her little outing of courtship until well into the evening,¡± Kite replied, rising along with the older man. ¡°I will do my utmost to not disappoint.¡± 195. Once more across the world Dragonfly schooled her expression as best she could, hiding the wince of concern as Sprite once more ignored her proffered hand of assistance to get up. ¡°You did well, Sprite. You¡¯re doing great in everything so far. Almost too great. Rest and introspection are equally important,¡± she told her student as the girl got back on her feet. ¡°Building a foundation is about patience and steady progress, not just rushing ahead for greater heights.¡± ¡°Thank you, teacher. I will think upon what you have said,¡± Sprite replied, and while the words did sound grateful, Dragonfly¡¯s aura senses told a different story. ¡°Still so much fear, even after two seasons have passed,¡± Dragonfly thought with concern as she felt the fright which still lingered in Sprite¡¯s aura. While aura senses weren¡¯t mind reading, Dragonfly had such an advantage due to the great rank disparity between her and her student that the girl¡¯s emotions were like an open book, giving clear indications as to her thoughts. And while Dragonfly tried to not pry all the time, it was hard not to use it to glimpse some of the truth; that Sprite wanted to keep pushing herself to be good, obedient and to excel. Those aspirations were in and of themselves everything Dragonfly would ever wish from a student, but the crux of the problem came from the accompanying, simmering fear that took those ambitions to their extremes at times. ¡°But I suppose that Dove and Crow are correct in that these things can¡¯t be forced. Even though ¡®giving it time¡¯ is just so¡­ frustrating,¡± she thought, leaving such musings to another day as she instead focused on the elf girl that stood expectantly before her. ¡°Teacher?¡± ¡°It was nothing, Sprite. Just an indication that it is high time for us to take a break for food and to center ourselves with some meditation after that,¡± Dragonfly said. ¡°You will also be having some more lessons with Crow and Dove in the weeks to come while I go out on some contracts. Kite may have been called away by Gauntlet with short notice - which probably means that it is something either important, complicated or both - but that doesn¡¯t mean that there aren¡¯t any local ones that need to be taken care of. And as he brought Glint with him, it¡¯ll simply be too dangerous for you to come with me this time.¡± Seeing the girl¡¯s obvious disappointment at being left behind, Dragonfly tried to cheer her up. ¡°I¡¯m honestly a bit jealous that you get so many lessons though. My own master always provided for me, but she didn¡¯t have the contacts or stable home to give me such an opportunity to learn. If you keep doing your best, your path will just become all the stronger for it. Just imagine it; knowing magical rituals, alchemy or any of the other many magical secrets of this world. While I¡¯m great at many things, I know almost nothing of how they work, so you¡¯ll surpass me in no time.¡± Sprite did straighten at her teacher¡¯s words, a bit of the fire rekindling in her spirit even though the ever-present fear never completely left. ¡°Of course, teacher. I will not disappoint you!¡± the girl declared, before racing ahead of Dragonfly towards their house to wash up before the meal. ¡°I¡¯m not worried in the slightest, little Sprite,¡± Dragonfly murmured, her feelings complicated as she watched her young student charging off as if intending to prove herself the washing-up-champion of these lands. ¡°If only you could say that to yourself as well.¡± With an inward sigh she followed, letting her thoughts drift back to Kite. The contract had indeed sounded urgent, as he was rarely called away on such short notice. And while Dragonfly had every ounce of trust in him handling himself, she also knew that there were powers out there far beyond them. ¡°Stay safe, Kite,¡± she thought, the words half a prayer to Fortune at the same time. ¡°May things go smoothly and without issues for you. There are enough complicated matters here at home.¡±
¡°Mast- I mean, Sir Ilmaril. My greetings.¡± Kite, with the currently draconian-shaped Glint in tow, had barely stepped out of the portal and onto one of the more secluded marshaling yards of the Port Singhni adventure society campus before he found himself before the gold-ranked elf that had been his superior and supervisor during his training with task group Gauntlet. As many high-rankers were wont to do, Ilmaril Thenston looked much the same as before; blonde hair in a sidecut half framing the solid blue orbs that were his eyes. But unlike the times Kite had interacted with the man in his office, the gold-ranker was now wearing a full set of cyan crystalline armor with multiple other faceted gems hovering around him; from the common but efficient ones that passively helped to restore mana to a trio of smaller orbs that orbited Ilmaril¡¯s head like a crown. The whole setup was most impressive, and gave a clear indication that the man probably shared the crystal essence with his niece Christine, who had been another of Kite¡¯s instructors. ¡°Adventurer Kite. I¡¯m glad you accepted the contract even on such short notice. It¡¯s always annoying when we have to move down the list to people with less fitting power sets,¡± Ilmaril said in way of greeting, clearly all business at that moment. ¡°As we expect to portal out within the hour to the actual staging point, pre-contract briefing will be handled by the respective team leaders. Lansar is awaiting you along with team four.¡± As the dismissal in the gold-ranker¡¯s tone was clear and another portal had already opened up behind Kite, he quickly made his way towards where he had already seen some familiar faces. ¡°Kite! Oh, wait- Junior Brother Kite. My greetings.¡± Christine Thenston, the aforementioned niece in question, aborted her initial cheerful call into her best attempt at a Hua-Xi bow, her tone a clear imitation of Kite in his more formal moments. Behind her, the midnight-skinned Mtanga shot Kite one of his pearly white smiles while Ryker Lansar put one hand over his rugged face in another show of clear exasperation. ¡°Senior Sister Christine. My greetings,¡± Kite replied, his tone somber but with a clear smile on his face as he did his best to mimic the elven woman¡¯s own attempt at mimicry. ¡°And to you as well, teacher. And Senior Brother Mtanga.¡± ¡°Kite. Good,¡± came Ryker¡¯s gruff acknowledgement, the man choosing to ignore the antics of their other team members. ¡°It¡¯s not always we get those who we request to fill out our team for a contract, but I¡¯m glad to see you still answer the call. But your record is at least good in that regard.¡± ¡°Why teacher, I¡¯m most honored for you to find me worthy to call upon,¡± Kite remarked, bowing again and even deeper as he continued teasing his team leader and sometimes mentor. ¡°But if they¡¯re deploying the three of you directly like this without prospective members in tow, I will assume that things are¡­ complicated?¡± he finished, his tone making the statement a clear question. ¡°More like intense, and a bit time sensitive,¡± Christine chimed in. ¡°But definitely complicated on the magical front,¡± Mtanga added. ¡°There will even be a contingent from the magic society moving in our wake to secure the site afterwards. As members, Christine and I will be liaising after things are done. Assuming it goes well, of course.¡± ¡°Sir Ilmaril did say that you would handle the briefing, Sir,¡± Kite said, turning to Ryker. ¡°What are we charging into this time? Or are we waiting for more members?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s time. All five of us are here,¡± Ryker said, causing Kite to look about for the supposed fifth, or sixth if they were counting familiars like Glint. ¡°A scout then? Or stealth specialist?¡± Kite asked as he couldn¡¯t detect anyone else near them. It wouldn¡¯t be the first time one among that specialization chose to remain hidden until it was time for introductions, be it a prank or to show off their skills. Ryker didn¡¯t reply, instead just turning and looking meaningfully behind the group. While Kite didn¡¯t sense or detect anything, his teammates apparently did. ¡°Linger, this is Kite,¡± Christine said, looking in the same general direction as Ryker. ¡°We know that this is a good opportunity to practice, but introductions are in order.¡± Kite had to admit that he had not expected what came next, and had to fight down the instant impulse to conjure his weapons as a towering form suddenly appeared at the back of the group, a vanishing shimmer over its grayish skin being the only hints of the fading obscuring magic. The monstrous form was well over two meters tall, with wide shoulders and a head situated more between them due to the lack of a distinct neck. ¡°A¡­ lurker?¡± Kite asked in disbelief, instantly seeing the similarities to the troll-like monster that existed in many shapes, forms and ranks across the world. In response, the monstrous thing gave Kite a wide smile filled with razor sharp teeth as it lifted a clawed hand to wave cheerfully. A moment later it seemed to shrink in on itself, the towering figure reaching less spectacular proportions as the transformation was completed. ¡°Got it in one,¡± said what was revealed as a celestine man with short-cropped hair and eyes of a matte, pale metallic gray. He was in combat robes which seemed to shift colors to blend it into the environment but otherwise looked to be unarmed. ¡°The name¡¯s Linger, and the essences are lurker, echo, harmonic and transfiguration. I¡¯m a scout and support all in one regenerating package, and I can share my special abilities with you to different extents. People just love to get some of that lurker regeneration for themselves!¡± ¡°And with us five, we have a decently rounded team,¡± Ryker said, getting them back on track. ¡°As for the contract, some concerned powers-that-be caught track of a mass-summoning event out in the tundras far north of Estercost and east of the Mirror Kingdom. Mostly a mass of unregulated city states out there, the kind where there hasn¡¯t been an adventure society branch in a long, long time.¡± Kite was already familiar with similar regions around the world; where the laws and norms of polite society were more like very vague suggestions. With the relatively lax - or entirely lacking - regulations, such places were rife with restricted magic, forbidden soul experimentation, followers of the shunned gods and other such unsavory practices. The smuggler town of Havenpeak that Kite and his team had infiltrated during his training with Gauntlet was one such example, and that was a most tame one compared to some others which Kite had heard of or encountered during contracts that followed. Adventurers usually only came there on illicit errands of their own, or to make one of numerous sweeps and strikes against the forbidden practices which came into light. ¡°So far we have little information about the summoning, only that the site is apparently well hidden and protected, and that the main ritual being performed is gold rank with several other sites of silver ones acting in concert. Given the unknown time frame of said rituals, the society chose to call upon Gauntlet directly. We will be one of ten silver teams acting in support of a team of five gold-rankers, with Sir Ilmaril being one of the golds in question. Our foremost objective will be to hit the silver-ranked sites unless the gold in charge says something else, and the contract is pretty open-ended given the low level of information. Expect other tasks to crop up as we go.¡± Given the nods of understanding from everyone involved, Linger included, no one seemed surprised at the last addition. More often than not, a contract needing the intervention of Gauntlet tended to branch off into other different matters that also needed to be handled, be it impromptu investigations or lengthy pursuits. ¡°And our roles, teacher?¡± Kite asked, having an idea of it but seeking confirmation. ¡°As we said, Linger will be our scout and support with some healing involved. I will act as rapid response and close-quarter damage, with Mtanga and Christine as ranged damage support. And, as usual, you will be leaning into the role of defender and suppressor, with Glint acting as control,¡± Ryker stated, giving the familiar a nod which she deigned to return. ¡°As we deem the risk of our targets summoning reinforcements to be high, you are to prioritize thinning them out when possible, as well as ritual disruption if we deem that there isn¡¯t enough time for Mtanga or Christine to dismantle it more properly. But I don¡¯t need to remind you all to stay flexible as the target will no doubt make things complicated for us.¡± They continued with the briefing over the course of just under an hour, the conversation soon centering more around a quick discussion of different tactics to employ with their respective power sets in combination. While Kite knew that few things could beat the thoroughly ingrained teamwork of a stable group who had fought alongside each other for years, each of those chosen as outer members of Gauntlet were adaptable; the quick cognitive processes of silver rank making it easy to at least establish a simple outline for coordination. ¡°See? Pretty neat, isn¡¯t it?¡± Linger asked with a smug smile as the others in the team were in the process of getting used to their brand new - if temporary - sense of echolocation. One of the celestine¡¯s special abilities from his echo essence was just that; a supernaturally enhanced ability to sense the world around him through how minute sounds echoed off everything nearby. Another ability of Linger let him share up to two of his special abilities for an ongoing mana cost, and the group had spent some time cycling through all of them. For Kite, it was less of a change as he was already quite used to the widened perception and helped further by his mantle, but he found it incredibly useful as it helped with noticing things his eyes couldn¡¯t readily detect. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°Oh wow, this is amazing!¡± Mtanga exclaimed with his normal grin. ¡°Just imagine what I can do when curving my arrows with this. The-¡± His words were interrupted by a pulse of a gold-ranked aura, Ilmaril instantly silencing the whole marshaling yard with this spirit. ¡°We got word via water link that the portals will be inbound soon,¡± the gold-ranker declared. ¡°Teams one and two, follow me through the one I enter. Teams three to five, use the other ones. We¡¯ll exit at a prepared staging ground and will make the final approach with the help of conjured vehicles. Briefings will be updated with what the forward scouts have discovered, but expect to be at the site and probably in combat within two hours. Prepare accordingly.¡± As if to punctuate his statement, a disc of shimmering water appeared at one of the designated spots behind Ilmaril just as he finished, and a latticework archway of glowing metal followed soon after. The gold-ranker didn¡¯t hesitate, turning and walking through the disc of water without another word. What Kite assumed to be teams one and two followed, and Ryker took the lead as their team four joined the queue. ¡°Once more across the world. May Fortune preserve us. And may Warrior guide our hands.¡±
Vitruvius Edmonton smiled as he once more felt another loop of the ritual complete, one of multitudes of magical fractals locked in and building upon those that came next. Even with their blessed powers bestowed by Winter, each of the golds and silvers present at the ritual site could feel the sting of the increasing chill. While not directly harmful, it had still been a long, long time since he could feel it so clearly. ¡°Blessed Rimebringer, another step of the ritual has been completed,¡± one of the silver-ranked acolytes needlessly informed him, but Vitruvius didn¡¯t chastise the noticeably exhausted ritualist. All of those present were fervently dedicated to the cause of the Everfrost Order, each and every one as eager as Vitruvius for the ritual to be completed. So instead, the gold ranker gave a nod of confirmation to the acolyte, placing a hand on the other man¡¯s robed shoulder. ¡°Winter bless your hard word. The Fimbulwinter Herald has taken one step closer to us, and through it blessed Winter will begin its inevitable march to reclaim this world.¡± Zeal shone in the acolyte¡¯s eyes as Vitruvius spoke, mirrored by the gold ranker. Around them, other exhausted ritualists paid their respects as they, one by one, switched places with another to continue the next frozen fractal of the summoning. Vitruvius continued his vigil, him and the other golds able to take much longer shifts, and it was three full days later that he found himself walking back through the frozen corridors of their hidden sanctum on his way for some rest. Such thoughts were abruptly scattered as he felt the auras of his fellow gold-rankers flare in alarm, outrage and defiance. They were gathered in the command center - which was also the main shrine dedicated to Winter within the complex - and it took but seconds for Vitruvius to join them as he accelerated to his full speed. ¡°- it the Order of Snow¡¯s Cycle? Have those so weak of faith suddenly decided to grow a spine rather than to insist on their so-called harmony and balance with the others?¡± The angry words came from Abelinde, another gold-ranker among the order. Vitruvius shared every ounce of her contempt for the rest of their brothers and sisters who couldn¡¯t see that Winter was always meant to take command of this world, and that their holy duty was not just veneration but to actively make sure that they came closer to such a blessed existence. ¡°What is the matter?¡± he asked, the other golds turning to him. ¡°Our outer defenses have been activated. We have incoming enemies of our god and cause,¡± Abelinde answered, gauntleted hands clenching so hard the enchanted steel creaked ominously. ¡°But as to your question, blessed Avatar, I do not sense the touch of Winter on them. The force is a hodgepodge one, no doubt adventurers,¡± another of the clergy - a smolder glowing not with the heat of the earth¡¯s blood but the pale chill of Winter - said, his misty eyes seeming distant as his senses was projected through the ice and snow of the whole region. ¡°Bah, it was no doubt the other orders who tipped them off,¡± Abelinde spat. ¡°And it matters little. I will prepare the defenses and the knights. By the ever-lasting will of Winter, we will hold them off until the rituals are completed.¡± ¡°Why did this have to happen now, of all times,¡± another priestess swore. ¡°We were so close.¡± ¡°Gather your inner chill and find peace, sister,¡± Vitruvius counseled. ¡°We always knew that discovery was a risk. There are plenty of gods that would spend their authority to act against us given what mighty force of the dark cold that will arrive should we succeed. Preparations have been made. Trust in them and our fellows. Our devotion will see us through!¡± His words did have a calming, steadying effect on all in the room. As Rimebringer, Vitruvius was the most senior among them; the first among equals. And his words were no lies; they had indeed prepared. Had even gotten farther than Vitruvius had feared before any discovery of note came their way. And now, all that was left was to prove their devotion, emulating their relentless patron. A herald of Winter¡¯s purview would soon march across these lands, and the Everfrost Order would join its charge. ¡°Everyone to your chosen place of proving. For Winter, we march!¡±
¡°Well, I don¡¯t think we need to doubt the last pieces of intel we got upon arrival. If it¡¯s not some radical offshoot cult of Winter, I¡¯ll eat my cloak. Probably stupid enough to try and summon something akin to an apocalypse beast,¡± Ryker muttered where the team stood atop the battlements of the latest exotic means of conveyance Kite had experienced during his time in Gauntlet. He had been carried to the site of contracts atop many different kinds of familiars and vehicles before of course, but they had all been silver rank so far. In this case, gold rank once more proved to be in a league of its own. One of the five gold-rankers chosen for the mission - a Viscount Melordrian if Kite remembered correctly - had the fortress confluence. Upon hearing this, it hadn¡¯t been too much of a surprise that the man could indeed conjure a fortress; a shining white edifice with gleaming spires and bristling battlements. As far as fortresses went, it was on the smaller side, but small on such a scale meant that it could easily house hundreds of people. But what had been more of a surprise was that said fortress proved to be their transport, as it had risen from the ground above a floating golden disc with several majestic feathered wings springing from its rim. Magic was obviously involved in more ways than one, as said wings didn¡¯t need to do more than gently sway to keep the thing aloft and flying towards their goal at a good clip. And as to their supposed targets¡­ ¡°Teacher, if I may ask, is it common for more legitimate churches to cause trouble like this? Assuming the information to be correct, that is,¡± Kite asked Ryker, still feeling a bit torn in going up against clergy of such a deity. ¡°The churches as a whole? No. And while they¡¯re usually kept in check by either other parts of their clergy or those of other deities, this isn¡¯t the first time and definitely not the last. There¡¯s always some fanatics who like the thought of giving their deity¡¯s domain a nice little push, and many of the nature gods are simply too uncaring of people to intervene or really care,¡± Ryker explained, all while keeping his eyes trained on the barren tundra landscape zooming by not too far beneath them, their relatively low altitude necessary to not attract too many monsters of the skies. ¡°I felt the same when I first encountered it,¡± Christine chimed in, apparently sensing Kite¡¯s hesitance. ¡°Things are pretty easy when the followers of Undeath or Destruction are your opponents. But when those you face cry the name of a god whose temple you could visit in most major cities, things get a bit more complicated conscience-wise.¡± ¡°If they¡¯re trying to devastate cities or regions to further their cause, they¡¯re all the same,¡± Ryker said darkly, apparently having seen enough of the phenomenon to leave any such qualms behind. ¡°And back to the briefing, it would seem that our targets hid rather well.¡± As he spoke, Kite¡¯s teacher and team leader nodded ahead, to where the tundra was changing to a large frozen lake, its gleaming surface completely serene in the early morning light. ¡°It¡¯s not that hard to hide well in the middle of nowhere,¡± Mtanga countered, ¡°but at least we were lucky enough for someone to note that it and its surroundings remained frozen even as the seasons were changing. Tunnels beneath? Or a compound hidden by illusions? Any bets?¡± ¡°Illusions,¡± Linger immediately said, quickly followed by Christine vouching for tunnels. ¡°Neither. And both,¡± Ryker added, just as they all felt the fortress around them come alive even more as defenses started activating. ¡°Call it instinct, but I think that we have been spotted.¡± As if to confirm his words, the icy lake started shifting in the distance. Kite could see the vague glow of formations coming alive across its surface, and said surface was soon disturbed by great jagged spikes of glowing ice that emerged at an angle. They formed a rough circle, like some ominous and grand winter crown, and other spikes of ice started to form along their lengths before being launched up into the air and towards the approaching fortress in ominous volleys. ¡°At least they were nice enough to clearly point out their location,¡± Mtanga noted cheerfully, even though Kite could feel his aura sharpen and gather itself, much like that of every adventurer present. There was no general alarm or warning, because there was no need; all of those present were professional enough to keep their attention where it belonged. Or at least all members of Gauntlet. ¡°Lansar! What¡¯s going on? I very specifically demanded to be notified at once should something happen!¡± A most irate human woman in heavy blue robes with the magic society emblem pinned to her chest was storming over towards their group, her core-laced aura barely under control. The emblem was not the only decoration, accompanied by several necklaces and rings on every finger. One of those adorned fingers was pointing accusatory at Ryker during her whole march up the stairs to the battlements of the fortress. ¡°I demand to- eeeekk!¡± Her next tirade was interrupted as one of the incoming projectiles impacted nearby, fragmenting against a hitherto invisible barrier not far from their location with a thunderous boom. While most people flinched or steadied themselves, the angry woman stumbled away more ungainly, only her silver-ranked balance helping her stay on her feet. One of Ryker¡¯s length of cloth had also shot out to steady her, even though she looked at the steadying fabric as if it was a personal affront as she regained her feet, a previously neat bun of black hair now looking a bit frazzled. ¡°Well?¡± she finally demanded, ignoring the rest of the team to level a glare at Ryker. ¡°As you can see, Lady Ljublia, we are under attack as we¡¯re making the final approach,¡± Ryker said dryly, not fazed in the slightest. ¡°Yet another reason as to why I would strongly suggest that you and your team wait here in the fortress until we sound the all-clear, as we cannot guarantee your safety-¡± ¡°And let you meatheads ruin all of that no doubt delicate magical equipment and materials? Don¡¯t be absurd,¡± the woman snorted in response, literally turning her nose up on the team leader. ¡°The members of my team are experienced field researchers who can handle themselves. So you will stick to the agreements which your betters have already made,¡± she finished, even poking Ryker hard in the chest at one point. ¡°As you wish then,¡± Ryker retorted, his aura gaining a bit of an edge even though his words kept their dry tone. ¡°Then you should at least know of our capabilities so that we run less risk of friendly fire by accident. Christine here is-¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care who your goons are or what they can do. You¡¯re supposed to be professionals, so I¡¯ll expect you to act like it and keep your violent tendencies under control. And given that no one saw fit to inform us about the potential of violence even during the approach, I will direct my team to wait inside with at least a modicum of the comfort our station deserves. We will summon you when it is time to descend.¡± With that, she turned to storm off again, only flinching slightly at another impact nearby. For a few moments after her departure, the rest of the team could only stare in mute incomprehension as Ryker pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°Teacher¡­¡± Kite eventually began, tentatively breaking the silence. ¡°Yes, Kite.¡± ¡°I would assume that to be part of the magic society researchers that would be coming along ¡®in our wake¡¯.¡± ¡°You would be correct.¡± ¡°It did sound like our and their definition of how far behind the aforementioned wake is did differ quite a lot.¡± ¡°You would be correct again,¡± Ryker repeated, his annoyance clear. But where the team leader showed a remarkable level of restraint, the normally casual Christine was a lot more vocal with her feelings on the matter. ¡°Seriously? What kind of heidel dung was that?!¡± the elf half shrieked. ¡°I refuse to believe that command would have agreed to this!¡± ¡°In a perfect world, they wouldn¡¯t,¡± Ryker agreed, turning to the team. ¡°But we are instead left with one where politicking between the societies and their different sub-groups can cause a lot of stupid decisions to be made. As such, we¡¯ll have to put up with the agreement as is. And thank the gods that our superiors at least managed to refuse any actual responsibility for the researchers. They are indeed supposed to manage their own security.¡± ¡°So-called researchers at least,¡± Mtanga muttered. ¡°You know who among the magic society that are chosen to go on expeditions such as these. The most well-connected ones. And those are rarely the ones who are actually the most competent.¡± ¡°They¡¯re at least silvers, right?¡± Linger asked, trying to keep his tone cheerful. ¡°Should be decent meat shields then?¡± The flat look Ryker gave him in response was so unamused that even the celestine had the grace to backpedal, raising his hands in a placating gesture. ¡°Just kidding, of course! Kidding!¡± ¡°While Linger¡¯s solution would indeed come with a certain level of gratification, we will have to take them into account,¡± the team leader said, turning to address the whole group. ¡°While our own safety and taking care of the ritual will remain a priority, I will not just leave them entirely to their own devices. Consider keeping the researchers intact a tertiary objective for now. Because agreement or not, it will reflect badly on Gauntlet should none of them return.¡± While they talked, more of the defenses from the hidden complex ahead of them had come alive, blue frigid beams joining the icicles as an artificial snowstorm was starting to swirl around the area, gradually widening. The approaching flying fortress was not without defenses of its own though, barriers flaring as they absorbed hits and crystals atop the spires sending crackling golden lightning to intercept whole salvos of projectiles and tear apart the icy protrusions in the distance. While the defenses of both sides were gold rank, the fortress had so far shown a clear superiority in both offense and defense, and had the battle merely been between the two behemoths, Kite did not doubt that their shining bastion would come out victorious. ¡°But piercing their outer defenses is just the first step,¡± Kite thought, taking in the spectacular levels of violence exchanged between the two sides. ¡°We¡¯ll soon be the ones to take the plunge and dive deep. May the heavens keep us.¡± 196. Linebreaker ¡°Team two, team four. Prepare! We have identified your entry points. Get to your assigned spikes!¡± Ilmaril Thensten¡¯s voice held all the command of his station and gold rank, with Kite and his team moving even before the order had been finished. Around them, the raging snowstorm was frequently lit up by the golden lightning of the fortresses defenses and individual powers of the teams that had already taken to the sky to intercept incoming defenders of their targets; a mix of flying ice constructs and essence-users. Here and there, the flurries of snow were momentarily parted in great swathes as one of Gauntlet¡¯s gold rankers delivered some kind of massive wind slashes reaching hundreds of meters in length. ¡°Christine, come with me and help herd our assigned group from the magic society. The rest of you, go to the spike and make whatever preparations you need,¡± Ryker said, ignoring the spectacular echoes of combat from outside the shields as he and Christine veered off towards the main citadel while the others continued, and Kite once again felt a bit of relief of not having to be the one to wrangle any contrarian nobles. ¡°One cannot fault the adventure society in preparedness, at least,¡± he mused as they drew closer to their means of conveyance; one of several huge spike-like contraptions of enchanted metals held up by scaffolding inside the fortress walls. Each had multiple hatches and their tops were hollow to allow up to a dozen people to get inside and find a handhold. One could generously call it a vehicle, except that it had very little in the means of propulsion. But their team had been assured that the pull of the earth would take care of such matters. ¡°Even though our engineers must be ever so gleeful for how many comforts and safety measures they can leave out when constructing things for silvers and above,¡± Mtanga noted sardonically. ¡°I sure wouldn¡¯t want to get anywhere near that if I was still a bronze-ranker. They had barely started to make their way into the ¡®vehicle¡¯ when Ryker, Christine and five silvers from the magic society caught up to them. The frustration flickering in the aura of the team leader was a clear indication of the tone of their previous conversation, and Ryker¡¯s disgruntled state was clearly mirrored by Lady Ljublia. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe that we too are meant to venture down in those death traps,¡± the leader of their assigned research team complained, a sentiment that had apparently been repeated more than once. Kite could clearly see the routine polite response die on Ryker¡¯s lips as something in his aura snapped just a little, replaced by something probably a bit closer to his true feelings on the matter. ¡°Then, Lady Ljublia, you are free to make your own way down. I am sure that the pull of the earth will extend the same courtesy to you. You might even be able to lend some assistance to my colleagues out there while going down,¡± he said flatly, making it easy to read between the lines that Ryker was hoping that such assistance would be in the role of meat shields. ¡°As for my team and I, we will choose the heavily shielded ¡®death trap¡¯ meant to specifically punch through the ice and into the compound below.¡± At Ryker¡¯s words, the leader of their assigned research contingent became very, very still. After a moment of regarding him, as if trying to commit Ryker properly into memory for future vengeance, she eventually replied in a terse voice. ¡°Then at least get on with getting your squad of meatheads in there. I don¡¯t want to be confined in there with you for a moment more than I have to, and least of all in the middle.¡± ¡°Very well,¡± Ryker replied, a smile playing on his lips as he turned to his team. ¡°Team four, you heard her. Get inside. Our dear and brave researchers here have volunteered to take the outer positions, ready to be the first ones out the hatches upon entry. Remember to thank them properly for the courtesy of testing any inner defenses for us.¡± To her credit, Lady Ljublia only gave Ryker a vicious glare before realizing that there was nothing more to gain from this particular verbal spar. With a slight huff, she led her group inside, finding handholds around the central pillar inside the spike and activating the enchantments to lessen any impact upon those inside. Ryker treated himself to a slight smug grin before his normal stern mask was back in place, climbing in last and signalling Sir Ilmaril of their readiness. The insides were indeed about as cramped as Kite had imagined, and he envied Glint who was most content to remain in her bottle as he found a spot of his own near one of the ¡®windows¡¯ of the spike, which was to say that it was an opening covered by a magical, mostly translucent barrier rather than an actual metal covering. No one said anything for the awkward minute it took for the crew of the fortress to activate some more enchantments on the spike¡¯s exterior. A soft humming echoed through the hull and Kite¡¯s magical senses noted a distinct shift in the amount of mana flowing through the vehicle. A moment later, the spike gently floated up into the air around a meter as the surrounding scaffolding was removed. ¡°H-how do they know where to drop us? And how are we supposed to get back?¡± It was another of the research team who broke the silence, his clear knot of worry earning him a venomous look from his team leader. Ryker, on the other hand, was surprisingly gentle in his answer, at least as far as his gruff demeanor could take such a sentiment. ¡°The fortress is not just a piece of conjured stone. Viscount Melordrian has several powers related to it, and one is an impressive array of various sensors. From what I have been told, he¡¯s gotten a good grasp of the internal layout of what we¡¯re approaching; a network of tunnels beneath the ice. Apparently the whole lake is frozen solid, and our targets have made themselves a nice little nest down there. If nothing goes wrong, we¡¯ll be dropping in very close to the ritual chamber that is our primary target.¡± ¡°And¡­ do you trust that the Viscount has gotten it right?¡± the man asked, emboldened by the comprehensive answer. ¡°I¡¯ve found that it¡¯s usually best to trust the gold-rankers who are my superiors. In Gauntlet, you don¡¯t rise that high without a good amount of skill and an even greater amount of proper judgment. And besides, second-guessing the person that is currently carrying your whole team out into a battle within a magical snowstorm is usually best done before entering the vehicle that said person is carrying,¡± Ryker finished with an amused smirk just as the whole spike started floating upwards with a slight jerk. Through his ¡®window¡¯, Kite could see Sir Ilmaril flying upwards carried aloft by wing-like formations of smaller blue crystals, with a similarly crystalline chain in each hand that dragged the pair of spikes after him through the air. ¡°We¡¯re about to pass through the barrier now,¡± Kite reported. ¡°I believe that it is time for us to brace ourselves. May Fortune keep us.¡± The last of his words were almost entirely swallowed by the violent shaking that began the moment they passed through the defenses of the flying fortress, its spires still firing arc after arc of the golden lightning at unseen foes out in the snow storm. Even through the stabilizing enchantments, everything and everyone inside felt the forces assailing the spike, further worsened as Sir Ilmaril sped up towards their destination. While the trip through the chaotic skies was a short one, a minute at the most, the cramped confines and constant barrage of attacks, spells and lesser ice constructions made it feel like so much longer. At one point, one of the great wind slashes cleaved the storm mere meters from their little convoy at one point, the swathe of calm briefly revealing one of the gold ranked adventurers brandishing a jade-green great scimitar in a spectacular display of ranged swordplay against a figure clad in frozen armor wielding a greatsword of their own. Both were over fifty meters apart, yet their projected attacks clashed with a frequency far beyond the most intense exchanges Kite had ever found himself in. The moment soon passed, replaced by the snowstorm and all that might lurk among the swirling flurries of sleet. ¡°We should soon be ar-¡± Ryker eventually began, but his words were almost immediately interrupted as their little world inside the spike suddenly turned into a nauseating lurch where it was all anyone could do just to hold onto their handholds. One of the researchers even lost his grip, forcing Ryker to send several strips of cloth to reel the man back in and towards his place. From his position, Kite had seen at least parts of what caused the sudden motion. One moment, Sir Ilmaril had kept a steady flight through the chaotic skies. In the next, the gold ranker had swiftly swung the chains and the spikes out and off to one side in a heaving arc. When the vehicle righted itself, Kite saw the gold-ranked elf locked in combat with some kind of construct; a great sphere of ice and steel which floated on its own and attacked with eight blades arms that sprung from its surface in all directions. As the construct was gold-ranked as well, he could just barely make out how Sir Ilmaril sped up. A scepter of light appeared in the man¡¯s hand and a prismatic cone of energy beams shot from the weapon a moment later. The beams seemed to carry a distinct physical force as well as searing radiance, knocking the construct back and sending its closest cluster of limbs wide. Next came what Kite suspected was a chanted spell, and an intricate cage of hexagonal bars of light snapped into place around the intercepting foe, completely freezing it in some kind of stasis for a time. Having bought some time, Sir Ilmaril took a quick look around before turning to gaze at the two spikes, the vehicles now having righted themselves after the initial lurching motion. For a brief moment, Kite caught his gaze, and seeming content that someone in both vehicles could see him, the gold-ranker made a quick motion with one armored hand accompanied by a burst of aura. A signal Kite recognized. ¡°He¡¯s going to have to drop us now. Not the optimal position, but good enough,¡± he relayed, bracing himself even more against the handholds. ¡°What do you mean ¡®drop us¡¯ now?¡± Lady Ljublia demanded, voice shrill. ¡°I de-¡± Then some enchantments of the spike winked out as others engaged, the vehicle no longer kept aloft as an initial burst of force turned it to lock onto some previously designated point below before causing it to shoot off like an arrow. As their world lurched even more violently than before, all team four could hear was the violent shaking and rumbling from their passing, and Lady Ljublia¡¯s words turning into one long screech.
Ilmaril Thenston took a second to watch the drop spikes shoot off and out of sight, following the departing vehicles and the various levels of distress from their occupants with his spiritual senses for a while longer before the snowstorm obscured their auras as well even to his gold-ranked senses. Through the feedback of his essence powers, Ilmaril could feel the gold-ranked construct starting to muster the strength to free itself, but he would have a little longer. His power set, consisting of crystal, cage and scepter to form the prison confluence, lent itself well to keeping hostile creatures nicely contained. That was why he could easily make time for picking up his communication crystal that was buzzing in the loop around his neck while part of his mental processes made sure to cast one of his spells that would start to rapidly corrode the defenses of anyone caught within his magical grip. ¡°Viscount,¡± Ilmaril said, acknowledging the man¡¯s rank. Even though his noble station was of little consequence in and of itself during this mission, the man was a most valued member of the task group. And courtesy took one a long way to make sure he felt little inclinations to ever leave. ¡°Thenston. I sensed an early deployment of the drop spikes. Problem?,¡± came the voice of Viscount Melordrian, the voice a bit garbled due to the magical interference of the snow storm. ¡°A gold-ranked construct. I didn¡¯t want it to chase the spikes, so I elected early deployment to take care of it. From what you told us, their golds are either out here defending or at the main ritual site, so even if they¡¯ll end up a bit off the mark, the teams should manage.¡± ¡°Good, because we will soon need you for a proper push. I just managed to get some proper readings on the ritual through all this interference. It¡¯s close, Thenston. A lot closer than our estimates.¡± ¡°Nether clans take them,¡± Ilmaril cursed, sending a few more damaging spells into his crystal cage still keeping the now visible struggling construct in check. ¡°Where do you want me?¡± ¡°Move your catch towards me and go assist Clarai. She¡¯s doing fine in her little duel with their champion, but we don¡¯t have the time to let her win with style. I¡¯ll make sure that the construct is taken care of once it¡¯s out. The fortress is better against those kinds of targets anyway.¡± ¡°Understood. Moving out.¡± With a thought, Ilmaril¡¯s crumbling crystal prison was sent careening toward the lumbering shape of the flying fortress off in the distance as he sped off through the snowstorm. Clarai would be most displeased with him for interrupting her fun, but it couldn¡¯t be helped. ¡°There are ever complications in our line of work, after all,¡± he inwardly mused before his mind wandered back to the teams below, hopefully having breached the hidden compound safe and sound. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope they can detect the urgency as well. Because our timetable just moved up by an uncomfortable amount.¡±
¡°Kite! Christine! Go!¡± Ryker¡¯s terse command had the pair shoot out of their respective hatches just as the barrier dropped, spells already on their lips as they became the vanguard while the rest of their group were untangling themselves from the loops upon loops of enchanted cloth that Ryker had been forced to deploy in order to keep the research team in their positions. ¡°Glean the uncountable geodes! Fractured bones of the earth!¡± ¡°Wall!¡± Neither of the emerging adventurers had gotten more than a glimpse of the enemies among who they had landed, still clattering debris and snow formed from innumerable ice fragments billowing out into the frozen chamber whose roof had just gotten a neat and round new hole where the drop spike had passed through. But where his physical senses failed, the spirit prevailed, and Kite could sense around a dozen silver-ranked auras of differing kinds now scattered around the room by the impact. Four of them were essence users and the rest were some kind of icy constructs, all physically reeling from the sudden and violent intrusion even though it would not last for more than a moment. Fortunately, a moment for Kite and Christine was more than enough to buy the rest of their teams a few additional ones to get out. Green, glowing crystals suddenly grew across the ice-wrought room, visible only as hazy green dots through the cloud of snowdust before the conjured stone wall followed, supported by the barriers of Leyline warding. Christine¡¯s conjured crystal clusters detonated a moment later, glowing green shards ricocheting wildly as they stressed Kite¡¯s barriers. He was in turn sending a constant stream of mana into the force walls when he felt the burden lessen slightly as Linger formed his unseen connection to them all, sharing his special ability which further increased mana regeneration. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°Shattering my barriers!¡± Kite called a few tense seconds later as he felt the mounting pressure from their counterattacking foes start to damage the protective panes of force faster than he could keep them up. Immutable Echo appeared in his hands and he swung thrice, each swing followed by a glassy ¡®pop¡¯ and a low, thrumming sound as the barriers shattered into waves of resonating force. Incoming sharp icicles and similar projectiles disintegrated upon meeting the relatively slow-moving wall of danger while a few more intangible bolts and beams of magical energies were less hampered. But the combined one-two-punch of Christine¡¯s and Kite¡¯s offensive defenses had been enough for the rest of the adventurers to make their exit. As the resonating waves faded, Mtanga had already swung up to crouch along the slanted side of the drop spike, easily balancing at the steep angle as he leaned out to fire cluster upon cluster of animated arrows to strike down at their foes as great grasping hands or crushing palms. When the snowdust finally cleared, Ryker looked almost disappointed as the last surviving woman - some kind of acolyte, if the markings on her robes were to go by - attempted an escaped only to be snatched up by the blur of a huge and previously invisible hand, the claws of Linger¡¯s lurker form closing to tear most of her neck and throat apart. ¡°Efficient. Good entry. Report.¡± he instead called, such praise rare from the man while out in the field. ¡°No more foes in the immediate vicinity. I will bar their passage should they decide to investigate,¡± Kite called, taking up position near one of the two tunnels leading out from where they had managed their breach. From the look of the room and the other half dozen constructs that seemed to lay crushed and scattered beneath where the drop spike had pierced deep into the floor, Kite suspected it to be some kind of barracks or storage for the things; the room¡¯s now mostly empty state indicating that the zealots had deployed their minions in force. ¡°Setting up a ritual to orient us. Mtanga, please come help me,¡± Christine called from where she had conjured a stone slab upon which to draw out the beginnings of a glowing set of magical sigils. ¡°I will range out a bit in this direction. Will stay close though,¡± came Linger¡¯s disembodied voice from the tunnel opposite the one which Kite was guarding. ¡°Good. As soon as we know the direction, we can-¡± Ryker was interrupted by a louder call of orders, Lady Ljublia¡¯s voice cutting through the room like a tray of dishes dropped in a busy restaurant; all present falling silent and looking to her. ¡°You brutes! Get away from our objects of study! And just look at the state they¡¯re in! Meatheads, all of you!¡± The woman even tried to shoo Ryker away from his position, the team leader standing over the broken remains of one of the ice constructs supporting the zealots. In ¡®life¡¯ it had been a floating sphere around half a meter in diameter walking around on a pair of long spindly legs that ended in points. What little Kite had seen of the things showed that they somehow easily kept their balance while conjuring a rapid stream of icicles to launch against any they deemed to be a foe. Ryker¡¯s gaze as he met the woman¡¯s eyes seemed to convey enough ¡®You¡¯re very far away from any kind of allies or witnesses and nobody who cared would hear you scream¡¯ for Lady Ljublia to pause, and after a brief moment she contented herself with brushing past him instead, continuously throwing out orders to her team of researchers. While Kite claimed to be no expert of the magic society and its workings, he felt that there was a concerning amount of fumbling and doing things with no other purpose than to look busy. An exchanged glance with Mtanga and a roll of the other man¡¯s eyes hinted at further explanation, and Kite went back to keep watch. ¡°When we know the direction, we will move out. The rule of an unknown time frame is to assume that is a lot shorter than we would want,¡± Ryker finished, pretending that the magic society researchers had all gone up and disappeared. ¡°Team leader. Movement from this direction, but not heading towards us. Probably another breach nearby or the main defenses,¡± came Linger¡¯s voice a few seconds later. ¡°Intercept or ignore?¡± Ryker didn¡¯t immediately answer, instead looking towards Christine and Mtanga. Half a minute later, their ritual faded and Christine retrieved a round, polished rock from the middle of the dissolving magical diagram. A clear, glowing dot was visible along one edge, staying pointing in the same direction even as she turned. Seeing the tracking ritual always brought Kite way back to iron rank and his and Dragonfly¡¯s first contract with Serene, where they had used a similar - if much more rudimentary - ritual to find the source of death affinity mana. ¡°Southwest of here,¡± Christine stated, the glowing dot pointing decidedly away from where Linger had discovered the hostile movement. ¡°Then our part of the mission takes precedence,¡± Ryker said, already moving. ¡°Assisting the other teams comes later, should we succeed.¡± It was only when the team had gathered at the chosen tunnel that he stopped and turned, the action seeming almost painful as Ryker addressed Lady Ljublia. ¡°We shall head out now. I would not recommend staying for too long before following. But¡­¡± he said, taking a steadying moment. ¡°If trouble finds you, activate the defenses of the drop spike and call for us. We will try and assist you if the mission permits.¡± Kite¡¯s respect for the man only grew with each pained word, as did his opinion of the Lady plummet even steeper as she merely waved them off, not even turning from where she stood lording over her team. A short nudge of aura from Linger did bring all of their attention back to the present and the task at hand, as it was the signal meaning that the way was currently clear and that the group should follow as soon as possible. And as one, they did, making their way deeper into the complex where the ritual was still in progress.
Vitruvius Edmonton, Rimebringer of the Everfrost Order, prided himself that he did not wince when another deep rumble echoed throughout their hidden sanctum. As their spiritual leader and the mastermind of their current plan to further Winter¡¯s influence, it was his duty to keep the morale up and the faith of his underlings unshakeable. Even if things, according the reports he was receiving, were falling apart. ¡°-tell Abelinde and her knights to abandon the outer defenses and focus on buying time.¡± ¡°Of course, blessed Rimebringer,¡± the acolyte turned messenger responded with fervor, before hesitantly asking; ¡°Anything else?¡± The tone of the younger woman¡¯s words indicated that she predicted that Abelinde wouldn¡¯t be pleased with the news, such actions threatening to both bruise her pride and risk her and the knights she led to become some kind of sacrificial pawns. Vitruvius understood that as well, and while it pained him, he knew what he had to do. ¡°Yes. Tell her that I will start to use the arctic core to fuel a last push of the ritual, and lead it myself. That should convince her that we all share the devotion for our cause, and that no sacrifice is too great of our success,¡± he said stoically. While the acolyte didn¡¯t know the specifics of what his words meant, she still gave a grateful, deep bow to Vitruvius before retreating. Vitruvius, on the other hand, very much knew and he did not look forward to it even if he meant every word. ¡°While the core would have been ideal to fuel the first push of the herald¡¯s domain, it is worthless to us if there is no herald at all,¡± he thought, turning back to make preparations of his own. ¡°Damnable heathen adventurers, meddling in the affairs of the gods¡¯ chosen. I really thought that our preparations were enough.¡± But one could only use the means available, and even though Vitruvius surely didn¡¯t look forward to the pain and very real danger he was about to take upon himself, the cause of Winter had to come first. ¡°Bring out the arctic core and prepare my place in the ritual,¡± he commanded, one of the ritualists scurrying off to do his bidding. ¡°The Fimbulwinter Herald must emerge soon. For Winter, and the Everfrost Order!¡±
¡°Ward!¡± Even as the discs of Heaven-and-Void Warding appeared, Kite¡¯s all-encompassing vision and silver-ranked perceptual processing speed gave a clear verdict; he was about to get hurt. Sharp icicles had appeared around him in a perfect hemisphere, courtesy of one of the Winter acolytes holding out with surprising fervor in a hastily fortified room. According to Christine and Mtanga¡¯s tracking, the room beyond should contain their target ritual site. Unfortunately, this also meant that the defenders were both numerous and fervently motivated to not let the adventurers pass. What had begun as a scattered resistance along the frozen corridors was now a gathering of essence users hiding behind frozen barricades to throw spells and other attacks towards the invading adventurers while other frozen constructs mostly made of animated ice fought on the front lines. Or at least as much as such a line could form against the more mobile members of the Gauntlet team. At the beginning of their time in the frozen compound, the team had been worried of the fighting possibly leading to a collapse or similar instability, but so far each of the original walls had regenerated damage done to them in seconds, leading to them not needing to hold back as they fought outnumbered. But not outmatched, Kite¡¯s current predicament aside. A moment after forming, the icicles around Kite struck inward like a set of omnidirectional fangs. And while he accepted the fact that he would not be able to emerge unscathed, both Leyline Warding and Ripple of Cancellation used not long before, Kite would not just take the assault lying down. The tattoos of his mantle glowing with channeled power - his armor similarly alight - Kite swung both his staff and five of Matra¡¯s descendants outward to rip through a few of the incoming projectiles. This was further made possible by his aura power, the passive unsung hero of his path that had blunted so many magical edges over the years. Discarnate Erosion had begun eating into the magically shaped icicles the moment they formed, the silver-ranked addition to the power making it even more effective against the more solid types of magical manifestations. While the short moment was nowhere near enough for something as satisfying as the ice just falling apart moments after forming, it was enough to allow Kite¡¯s sweeping strikes to cut and crush their fair share before he was forced to close his defenses as much as possible. Quickly kneeling, Kite raised the one spectral arm not involved in the counterattack which instead carried his actual shield, Targe of the Mirror Swarm, adding it to the barriers. A moment later, pain still lanced through his left leg and right bicep where the incoming icicles found the few holes in the defenses that remained and punched through his armor. Being silver rank, the injuries hampered him surprisingly little as Kite sprung back to his feet a moment after to track and follow up on the glowing pinpricks of disruptive force that his barriers and shield sent out in response. The missiles unerringly homed in on one of the robed acolyte in question who was just starting to duck back behind a pillar of ice, causing the runic man to dive for cover even more frantically only to come reeling backwards as this had him diving straight into the projected staff strike Kite had directed to come at him from the other side of the pillar. ¡°Open!¡± Kite shouted to his companions as he moved on, conjuring another set of barriers to cover Mtanga¡¯s flanks where he was strafing around the walls and ceiling of the room to get a better angle of fire even as he started to once again intercept each and every projectile he could strike from the air through his projected strikes. Apparently having sensed his intent, Glint took the opportunity to snag the now stumbling acolyte into her growing ball of constricting water which already held two more of his ilk. A ripping gesture and some mana spent later turned the water into fangs chomping inward, the vicious restraints transferring some of the life force stolen into healing for the familiar. Kite found himself healing rapidly as well from his earlier wounds, courtesy of the lurker regeneration Linger was currently sharing with them all. While the scout did not possess an abundance of special attacks or similarly potent means to inflict spectacular harm, the celestine used his powerful lurker form well; appearing from the magical camouflage to drag the occasional acolyte screaming out from behind their cover and throw them into the room and Ryker¡¯s waiting tendrils of razor-sharp cloth while his regeneration let him shrug off the flurry of attack coming his way as he once more slipped back into concealment. And while the fighting was fierce, Kite and Christine together created enough of a defensive anchor for the adventurers to continue to keep up the pressure even outnumbered as they were. The more prolonged battle had led to the research party of the magic society catching up to them, and some of their members were even occasionally helpful as they threw spells of their own as far back into the zealot ranks as they could. ¡°Remind me to have Peony make me a few more shields,¡± Kite noted to Glint as he stepped up next to her, intercepting raking blades of ice from a construct and cleaving the simple thing into pieces with Void-Sunders-Firmament. ¡°I thought one was enough, yet the heavens saw fit to correct the errors in my assumptions.¡± ¡°You are a silver-ranker, my bond. With your memory, this young mistress shouldn¡¯t need to remind you of anything,¡± Glint shot back, manipulating her chakram to intercept a stray chunk of ice before redirecting her restraining magics to other targets as Mtanga started firing clusters of arrows into the acolytes she had bundled up. ¡°If anything-¡± Glint¡¯s words were interrupted not by any incoming attack, neither stray nor directed. In fact, all of the more magically sensitive essence-users of the room had a moment of pause as the ambient magic of the frozen complex suddenly felt agitated and raw, fluttering wildly like water disturbed by something in the distance making a massive splash. While harmless, the feeling was deeply uncomfortable and prickly, and as the ritual-made tracking stone in Christine¡¯s hand burst with a loud snap a moment later, all of the adventurers of Gauntlet had their concerns confirmed. ¡°Not again! Why do they always do this!?¡± Mtanga cried out in frustrated dismay as he intensified his attacks, holding nothing back to clear the defenders and force their way into the chambers beyond. Without speaking, Kite joined his efforts along with the rest of the team. Even as a relatively junior member of Gauntlet, the telltale signs of their targets attempting something drastic to finish whatever they were doing in time was something he was most familiar with. Desperate times requiring desperate measures, as the old saying went. ¡°For Winter!¡± ¡°Our victory is at hand!¡± ¡°Just a bit longer! The herald comes!¡± From the smattering of emboldened war cries coming from the remaining defenders, the acolytes barring their way seemed to have very much the opposite reaction to the events. The ripple of conviction going through their auras spoke clearly enough even if the greater amount of mana most started channeling hadn¡¯t already hinted at their most potent remaining spells and powers being prepared. And to make matters worse, Kite could also sense another group of reinforcing ice constructs incoming from one of the side passages. ¡°We need a linebreaker. Kite?¡± Ryker¡¯s words were terse and clipped, mid combat as they were. But Kite knew their meaning, and agreed with the plan. Whatever was going on with the rituals, the need to disrupt them or just simply delay had just gone from pressing to the utmost urgency. Sending someone as a vanguard for a delaying action had worked well in the past in situations such as this. Supremely risky for the individual launched ahead into the unknown, yes. But just letting whatever their targets were up to run its course were rarely a better option in the kind of situations into which Gauntlet was called. ¡°At your signal, teacher,¡± Kite responded. ¡°Go! The rest of you, pin them down!¡± Ryker called, and Kite set off at a sprint towards the enemy lines even as his allies cast their most disruptive measures into the remaining zealots. Crystals erupted with sonic booms among clusters of detonating arrows, each area amplified and chained by a power of Linger¡¯s harmonic essence. Ryker¡¯s sharpened cloth tendrils also joined the fray, but far from the amount which the team leader could usually muster. Most of it was gathering and twining together to Ryker¡¯s right, with more and more continuously emerging from his dimensional storage to either join the growing mass or to form their own set of support scaffolding to better anchor their conjurer to the ground. As one final layer of fabric joined the mix, aglow with some of the more potent enchantments which Kite had seen the man deploy, Ryker lifted a fist. The densely twined pillar of enchanted cloth moved in tandem, Ryker¡¯s magic causing the top end to sharpen to a point normally impossible for the material, the end result resembling a huge flexible spike. Or rather, Kite supposed upon seeing the helix of entwined fabric line up against the gate upon which he was currently closing in, a drill. With a terse grunt of effort, Ryker stepped forward and punched. The room shook like thunder as parts of the cloth construction unwound, and the tip shot forward and overtook Kite in an instant. It was only Kite¡¯s silver-ranked perception that allowed him to see the rest of the creation similarly unfurl at the moment of impact before another sonic boom and flurry of snowdust washed over him and the defenders among who he currently found himself. He ignored the acolytes and their scattered attempts at stopping him, however, conjured panes of force beneath his feet taking him up towards where the result of Ryker¡¯s efforts would be. ¡°Fortune, please watch over me! Because I would very much like to avoid the indignity of running straight into a wall among my enemies,¡± Kite thought in silent prayer. A moment later, he felt an intense chill draw closer, but no impact came. Instead, a gap in the snowdust revealed the hint of the insides of thick icy gates, the edges of the drill-blasted hole slightly aglow as the structure had already started to rapidly repair itself. With the sounds of combat now dampened behind him and the light of several huge magical circles almost blindingly bright in front of him, Kite pushed through. Into the unknown, but definitely into danger. 197. Oh so terribly wrong Garl gritted his teeth against the pain coursing through his body where he stood in one of the outer ritual circles. Even with Winter¡¯s blessing, the elf acolyte thought that it felt like the cold mana caused his magical matrices to start growing manifold small, sharp crystals all along his insides even as his auburn hair started to frost over. It wasn¡¯t even the fact that he was a relatively new silver-ranker which caused the discomfort, having been allowed to ascend ahead of time with a bounty of cores before leaving for this holy venture. Even Garl¡¯s closest superior across the ritual circle from him seemed to be similarly struggling, the leonid priestess looking as if she had recently taken a snow bath. Still, Garl fought on. He hadn¡¯t been initiated into the deepest mysteries of Winter or the order yet, but even a ritualist assigned to one of the less important outer circles knew what this sudden development meant; the main ritual had started tapping into the arctic core ahead of schedule. This meant that things were dire, but also that it was even more important that he and all the others kept their mind solely focused on their holy cause, even though sensing the vague, muted auras of conflict outside their ritual chamber did contribute its fair share of distraction. ¡°Oh blessed Winter, I emulate your stillness. Crystallize my thoughts and let flurries of snow obscure me from the world-¡± The prayer had ever remained Garl¡¯s favorite way of centering himself during particularly important rituals, lending him ease of focus beyond even what his silver-rank would allow. But even its chilling, soothing embrace could not stop him from abruptly looking up as a sonic boom and burst of snowdust exploded inwards from the ritual chamber¡¯s gates. However, the next flurry of assumptions and emotions threatened to make Garl lose his composure entirely; fear that the gates had been breached, relief that he saw that the hole was just over a meter across - something which the self-repair of their compound should fix in a matter of seconds. Then came another spike of worry as a hazy form dove through the snowdust, followed by smug triumph as Garl realized that it was only one lone adventurer who had made it through. As one of the lesser rituals, the chamber in which Garl and his fellow devotees performed their part in the order¡¯s grand design had only been assigned a small group of guardians; two silver-ranked knights and two of the more stable ice constructs. Still, Garl felt a pang of relief for their presence as the four quickly reacted and started towards the invader even as the ritual''s inner defenses manifested in a cylindrical barrier of clear ice around the ritual circle. ¡°Four should be enough against a single heretic,¡± he thought even as the room outside the emergency barrier became a blur of vague silhouettes, and Garl began returning the straying part of his focus to his portion of the ritual. The clashing shadows outside, occasionally lit by the flash of a spell or other essence power, would soon settle as the defenders dealt with the invader. Garl had seen the knights in practice, after all, and knew of their prowess. Except that they kept going. And going. And going. One of the silhouettes, presumably the invader, had lit up with glowing lines over both face and armor, turning into a many-armed specter from Garl¡¯s perspective; a dark patch with limbs of light wreaking havoc. The blur was impossible to follow completely even with his silver-ranked perception, but Garl felt an increasingly growing pit in his stomach as he started feeling the shift in the auras of the two knights. What had begun as proud zeal was slowly being colored by more and more frustration and a bit of fright, the sensation further growing as the first of the two supporting ice constructs crumbled to dust while the invader¡¯s aura felt as steady as it had upon entering. Then, a slight clattering sound drew another sliver of Garl¡¯s attention. To split his focus three ways was most dangerous, given the dignity of the ritual, but given the stress he couldn¡¯t help but glance at the small chip of ice which had fallen from the barrier, bouncing a few times with light taps to land at his feet. Then came another. And another. ¡°Th- the barrier,¡± was all Garl could muster in way of thought, disbelief washing through him as their final layer of defense started to crumble. It was slow, more a trickle than a flood, but more than enough to be visible all around him as small chips and shards were seemingly worn away by an invisible force. Or perhaps eroded. ¡°This isn¡¯t good. No, no, no- this- this is-¡± Garl¡¯s thoughts had started to rush away from him, but he found himself locking eyes with his superior and teacher from across the circle as her aura brushed up against his. Seeing the conviction in her eyes, Garl actually took the time to gauge their progress in the ritual. And noticed that they were almost completed. At long last, their part in the order¡¯s undertaking was perhaps only a few dozen seconds away from reaching fruition. So even as the second ice construct fell outside, Garl steadied his mind and ignored the steadily increasing clatter of the eroding barrier. For Winter, he would prevail. Just a little, little while longer. ¡°-may the everfrost of the north continue its steady march across the world, each crackling crystal and snowflake a testament to your inevitability. Each-¡± Every second of prayer felt like an eternity, as even without looking Garl¡¯s aura senses betrayed him as they revealed one of the defending knights falling unconscious outside. But the few dozen seconds were now down to their last, a final stretch so easily counted and quantified. ¡°-great Winter, bringer of cold, freeze this moment in time and bring us stillness-¡± The temperature in the room plummeted further, another layer of rime spreading across the floor from the lines of the magical diagrams. They hinted at the things to come; the servants of the Fimbulwinter Herald. Garl¡¯s knowledge of astral magic wasn¡¯t overly advanced, but he thought that he could feel the threads of their ritual somehow finally breaching the limits of their world and connecting to something beyond. ¡°-lord of rime, let the balance be shattered and you reign supreme-¡± Just a few heartbeats were left, flickering lights like the aurora of the northern skies faintly appearing in the circle¡¯s midst. ¡°-my heart with your frozen touch, inuring me to the feeble warmth of the world. Let us rise to fight your foes, as they are weak. They are transient and changing. They are nothi-¡± The rest happened fast. Very fast. In the blink of a moment, the shadowy silhouette outside with the glowing lines and arms suddenly grew a lot bigger, and it was only belatedly that Garl realized why as the icy barrier, weakened and eroded, exploded inward as the adventurer - a relatively young man in chromed plate armor aglow with lines of mana - charged through it like it wasn¡¯t even there. Six arms, two wielding an odd staff and the other four carrying short blades, swung before the first of the chunks of ice from his violent entrance had even touched the floor, causing almost invisible ripples to travel the distance to their targets in the blink of an eye. Garl wanted to shout in outrage as the priestess that was his teacher reeled from one of the blows, as did several others of the ritualists. ¡°But it shouldn¡¯t matter,¡± he thought, the world around them seeming to move at a glacial pace to his silver-ranked perception which was now working overdrive. Because Garl could feel the stream of mana in the ritual give a hint of fading, the final dregs soon reached its core. ¡°We are done. Another second or two. We-¡± Garl did not know if it was the elation in his own aura or something else entirely that gave it away. But somehow, the adventurer caught on. And before anyone could even utter a word of protest, six arms swung again, new wavy blades appearing in their corporeal and spectral hands alike. But this time, their targets weren¡¯t the ritualists. It was the ritual itself. ¡°Blessed Winter, don-¡± Garl didn¡¯t have any chance for further reflections. Six different points in the ritual diagram, convergences of lines seemingly chosen at random, were struck. And while three of them were merely chipped and slightly distorted, the other three seemed to shatter like an ephemeral mirror before some kind of special attack. In the blink of an eye, the same change was mirrored in the forming aurora in the ritual¡¯s midst, the crackling sound amplified a hundredfold as Garl could feel something go wrong. Oh so terribly wrong. ¡°No! The astral connection! The-¡± were the last thoughts to cross Garl¡¯s mind before he knew no more.
¡°Fates, cease thine cruel and capricious jests with me and just grant me oblivion in the bliss of sleep!¡± Laevyeth cried in frustrated anguish as another shudder echoing from the very core of her prison had once again awoken her. Judging by the cracks of non-color nothingness which now dominated her prison, a long time had passed. Laevyeth did not know how long, as the growing dissolution of the room where she was still strapped to the wall had been the only way to know that time passed at all. Currently, the room of gilded stone was only a patchwork of its former self, more nothing than something. But by some grand joke entirely on Laevyeth¡¯s behalf, the wall where she was kept had remained the most intact, leaving her to watch her world crumble. ¡°This isn¡¯t fair¡­¡± Her tirade over, the last statement was more a whimper. Had Laevyeth been able to, she supposed that now would have been a good time to cry. She knew about crying too, from the brief touches of her mistress and creator. But alas, it would forever be denied her. ¡°I was supposed to become so much. Mistress was to bequeath me to someone worthy, and we were supposed to wander the cosmos. I shouldn¡¯t have rejected them all. I shouldn¡¯t, I-¡± Another rumble, deeper and more ominous than the first, interrupted Laevyeth¡¯s lamentations. They had never come so frequently before, never kept her awake for as long as they had this time. ¡°The workshop must be in its final throes of death¡­ My world and prison, gone. While the mistress has simply moved on. To other projects.¡± In that moment, thinking of her creator, Laevyeth even allowed herself to hate the mistress. She knew little of the order of things, but she did know that the mistress was beyond powerful. And that she would be entirely unable to simply have forgotten about Laevyeth. In that moment, she didn¡¯t know what she would have preferred. Ignored or forgotten; both hurt in equal measure. ¡°I curse thee, Mistress. I curse thee for abandoning me. For not providing me what thou promised. For forsaking me and moving on. I cur-¡± Once more, Laevyeth was interrupted. This time it was by an intense wave of cold which followed one of the deep rumbles, creeping beneath the door of her prison and covering what remained of the stone in a layer of creeping cold. ¡°One of the mistress'' workshops must have finally collapsed. The ice affinity one should have been near,¡± Laevyeth mused, temporarily distracted. She had only gotten a glimpse of her maker¡¯s knowledge of the workshop, but knew enough to imagine that several of the tools and materials could have become most volatile if broken the wrong way. She also noticed the cracking in space speeding up. What had been years of slow progress would now be shortened to mere minutes. ¡°No. Not minutes. Seconds,¡± Laevyeth realized as another crackling sound resounded through the complex. It seemed to be the last drop needed for the proverbial goblet to overflow too. In a ripple, the far wall of her prison crumbled into the not-space, and it kept on going like a wave about to swallow her whole. ¡°Greetings, oblivion! I welcome thine embrac-¡± Laevyeth called, but the pace of the crumbling was enough to even rob her of the dignity of completing her final words. Then nothingness claimed her, and Laevyeth knew no more. Until suddenly, after an unknown stretch of time, she did. Impressions and alien sensations suddenly assaulted her, as if she had been ripped from deep torpor in the blink of an eye. Cracking noises, some muted and some very near. Several spirits nearby, auras desperate and violent. And chilling cold, bone deep. This in particular was an odd sensation, as Laevyeth had never had bones. She had never had eyes before either, of that she was certain, yet a noise distinctly different from the cacophony assaulting her caused her to open them. ¡°Excuse me, Mistress, are you well?¡±
WWJS: Racial ability: [Dimensional Errant] Language adaptation. Immunity to identification and tracking magic. Improved concealing effect from withdrawing your aura. May receive knowledge from a willing creature through touch.
Laevyeth had the odd sensation of somehow knowing that she did not understand the words, yet she did. With the opening of her eyes, her surroundings came back to her. It was a different perspective than she was used to, but the sensation was at least more familiar than the way the cold assaulted her at the moment. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Her surroundings were odd; a room of ice, sporting numerous huge cracks and gouges all over as well as the remnants of some kind of collapsing ritual circle whose broken lines had their glow steadily fade in cascading sparks of harmless mana. The shapes of broken people - which Laevyeth recognized as celestine, human, elf, runic and leonid from the memories gleaned from her mistress¡¯ touch - were scattered around the room But one of the people remained upright, and was currently the one addressing her. He was a human man with dark hair, gold-blue eyes and odd metallic markings outlining his face. The man wore armor, but was overall in quite the disheveled state as his equipment was torn and scuffed, parts of the armor even missing completely over the man¡¯s right hand and lower leg to reveal naked flesh. Like her, he was of silver rank, even though Laevyeth knew that the man had spent time reaching that level while she had come to exist that way. Laevyeth could feel his aura most keenly too, the proximity helping her make it out more clearly in the spiritual cacophony which came from somewhere outside the room''s boundaries. Off in the far distance, she could even sense hints and tremors of a conflict between greater powers, even if they still felt paltry to what she remembered of her mistress. ¡°No. Creator,¡± Laevyeth corrected herself, looking blankly at the man who in turn seemed to be oddly keeping his gaze very level and fixed on hers. ¡°Mine own creator hath lost the right to that honorific when she left me. I should have realized sooner.¡± The thoughts, tinted with familiar vitriol, helped Laevyeth shove the other sensations of soul-deep fright and disorientation to the back of her mind. One part of her, a small quivering one, also wondered if whatever had happened might also have granted her the freedom she had so far been yearning for. She was obviously not in her prison anymore, and Laevyeth had never experienced the so-called dreams of which she had only known existed in theory. Then the human spoke again, snapping Laevyeth back to the present with an odd lurch of perspective as part of her moved. Laevyeth definitely hadn¡¯t had moving parts before. ¡°Are you able to move? I don¡¯t know how you came to be here, but this place definitely isn¡¯t safe.¡± She could clearly feel the concern in his words and aura both, and if higher existences were battling nearby, she knew his words to carry truth. But Laevyeth needed to know more. More of¡­ well, everything. And an instinct arose within her as to how she was to find said knowledge. ¡°Thou. Touch me,¡± she said, forming the words through her aura in the same way as she always had; at least one thing staying the same in these unexpected circumstances. ¡°P-pardon?¡± he replied, seeming taken aback for some reason, seeming determined not to look anywhere but to meet her gaze or somewhere else. ¡°Touch me,¡± Laevyeth repeated. Another instinct caused her to do something else which had previously been entirely unfamiliar - and unavailable - to her. She took a step forward while reaching out with one hand. The motion was so unfamiliar that it finally caused Laevyeth to stop. Her perspective once more lurched, and she found herself looking down. From a set of eyes. Gazing down at a body. The body of a person. It looked to be made of flesh with a slightly blue tint, with a shape similar to that of her creator. Laevyeth had mixed feelings in regards to that, but basic anatomical knowledge long unused told her that the body - her body? - had all the features common to a female of the human, celestine, runic, elf and other similar species with the exception that it was entirely hairless. Which was probably the closest thing it had in common with her original form.
WWJS: Racial ability: [Of Twin Forms] Gain the ability to assume a humanoid form of your rank. You may change back to your original form and back at will. The humanoid form retains your increased physical resilience, but most other magical abilities pertaining to your original form will be unavailable to you.
As Laevyeth thought of her true self, another surge of instinctual knowledge confirmed that it was still there and available to her. The realization caused a wave of relief far beyond what she had expected to wash through her, and gave Laevyeth enough peace of mind to return focus to her original intent; knowledge. And fortunately, while the concept of moving around on her own was entirely alien in many ways, it was surprisingly instinctual. In five steps she crossed the distance between them and reached out her hand to the man, holding it out as she had learned was proper when inviting someone to take it. ¡°Please. Thine touch will give me knowledge. I mean thee no harm,¡± she repeated, adding the last statements as she felt trepidation and slight readiness for danger in the human¡¯s aura at her approach. In closer proximity, she got another sense of his spirit too. Much like her first assessment, it was solid and protective, feeling like a shield against the world for a friend and a fortress to break upon for an enemy. But now, Laevyeth¡¯s keen senses could also sense a bit more of his nature, and she knew that more would be revealed should they make contact.
WWJS: Racial ability: [Bond of the Pure Paragon] Your aura senses are vastly enhanced when targeting a creature with which you are in physical contact. When in your true form and wielded by a creature whose spirit harmonizes with the nature of your bond, all of your powers are enhanced, gaining additional effects depending on the magic of the wielder. Mismatching wielders will suffer varying levels of discomfort and pain upon touch, increasing with lower levels of harmonization.
They stood there for an extended moment, both momentarily ignoring the rumbles off in the distance. To her relief, Laevyeth sensed his decision a moment later and the man reached out with his hand that was currently missing armor and carefully let his finger touch hers. Much like what she remembered of her creator, his touch felt warm. But that sensation was almost immediately drowned out by all the impressions and knowledge which rushed into her mind. For the first time, Laevyeth felt pain. It was intense, hot and agonizing, but not overwhelming. Still, it caused her to stagger back, the man also taking a step back in alarm as his aura shuddered at the unexpectedly intense spiritual proximity. ¡°Once again, are you well? And who are you?¡± Seeing that she still made no move to attack, the concern had returned to his spirit and caused the repeating of the question. Fortunately, their brief touch had been enough and Laevyeth had already gotten what she needed. Her mind spun to process it all, along with the much more detailed image she had of this human¡¯s spirit. Beneath the surface she had felt kindness and a deep earnestness; a strive to make his way while both protecting and uplifting. There was also a bit of ambition to leave his mark upon the world in a way that resonated with him. And while those traits at least partially resonated with Laevyeth, partially was the key word in that assessment. This man lacked the purity of mind, spirit and purpose which her nature required, and while he was kind and generous he also lacked a certain nobility and conviction where it mattered. The very same requirements had - if her final words to Lavyeth was to be believed - been the reason why her creator had eventually abandoned her like that; strapped to the wall of her prison. ¡°A shame,¡± part of Laevyeth thought. ¡°But expecting to find the harmony of the bond with the first person I meet, however I may have found myself in this place, is perhaps a bit much to ask of the fates.¡± Given the man¡¯s scattered memories of some kind of ritual concerning the astral gave Laevyeth a vague clue, even though the echoes of her creator¡¯s knowledge in that regard were lacking to say the least. But more information crystallized with every moment, and one particular part caused alarm to shiver through her spirit as she heard crunching strikes from the gates leading into the room, faint arguing voices heard through the forming cracks. ¡°I suppose he shall have to do, at least for the briefest of moments. There is no finding a bonded wielder if I end up trapped as someone¡¯s plaything or object of study again,¡± she thought, once more locking eyes with the human and speaking aloud. Because through their brief connection she had felt his impressions of his companions. And the less favorable one of those that followed in their wake. ¡°I am Laevyeth, the Blooming Lance that Pierces Iniquity. And I will place my trust in you to take me from this place. Please shield me from those that would find me a mere curiosity. I-¡± Any further explanations would have to wait though, as the doors to the ritual chamber burst open in a cloud of snowdust. Laevyeth didn¡¯t hesitate any longer, but sprang forward towards the man. And changed.
¡°Fortune, I owe you a thousand prayers and more. As soon as we return from these frozen depths, I will pay my dues most swiftly,¡± Kite thought as he stood in the remnants of the ritual chamber. Because surviving the cascading results of the brutally disrupted ritual while only costing him an arm and a leg had in truth only been due to a cast of fate¡¯s dice. His entrance and subsequent engaging of the few defenders were all a blur in his memories, and his actions at the end - sensing the very imminent completion of the ritual - had been done in a moment of semi-controlled desperation as Implacable Motion had let him burst through the partially eroded barriers of ice and done what his path did best; disrupt ongoing magics. But even the relief of his survival almost paled in comparison to his surprise when the collapsing connection to whatever the zealots had been summoning had visibly warped and shifted, taking on a plethora of colors akin to a magical manifestation even if the addition of the blue, silver and gold of transcendent energies had been an odd part of the mix. For a brief moment, two silhouettes had been seemingly overlapping in the coalescing form; the long, straight form of a spear and a more humanoid silhouette. What appeared in the end had been the latter; a woman around as tall as Kite looking somewhat like a celestine with distinctly blue-tinted skin and irises of gleaming silver. Completely hairless and entirely naked, he had felt her silver-ranked aura shudder in the deepest sense of confusion and disorientation which Kite had ever sensed in another being since awakening his own aura senses. As the oddity had steadied herself, he had gotten a better sense of her; a kind of purity and directness in a way that felt alien to him. Whatever she was, the woman was of no species which Kite had ever interacted with before, no matter the physical similarities. The ensuing demands of touch had scrambled his mind for a while as it warred between caution, curiosity and being just a bit flustered by her nakedness. But in the end, curiosity had won out. ¡°And now¡­ now what,¡± he thought bewildered, looking at the object in his hands. It was a long spear, and undoubtedly the most beautiful weapon Kite had ever laid his eyes upon. The handle was made from a light, almost golden wood with finely carved vines, flowers and leaves covering its whole length. At the top and bottom, the carvings became more three-dimensional, seeming alive as they created vibrant, flowing settings for the spearhead and counterweight at the top and bottom. The head was longer than Kite had seen in most spears, hinting at the nature of a glaive even though the thin, tapering blade of blue-tinted metal would still lend itself better to thrusting strikes. The oddest detail was also the one which further increased the captivating beauty of the thing. Throughout the whole weapon, no matter if it was the haft, decorations or spearhead, glowing blue veins of obviously magical ice or crystal grew. They snaked and meandered much like ore veins in the depths of the earth, giving the asymmetry and contrasting colors an organic feel that only heightened the overall impression; making the weapon feel alive. ¡°Well, it - she - is alive. I assume,¡± Kite thought, still too absorbed in thought and the mental image of Laevyeth¡¯s body giving off a brief glow before shifting into the spear, to give more than a small wave of acknowledgement to the adventurers and magic society researchers which came rushing in through the now open doors. Some bore scrapes and small injuries and all looked different degrees of worn and exhausted, but any damage was healing at a decent pace thanks to Linger and his lurker regeneration which he shared. ¡°Kite. Report.¡± Ryker¡¯s voice snapped him out of his musings, and he turned to face the team leader. ¡°Sir. The ritual was indeed about to be completed, but I managed a disruption. Even if it was a bit¡­ rougher¡­ than recommended. Had to use my restorative power to regain a lost arm and leg-¡± ¡°Magic society! Spread out! Start sifting through this mess our so called allies have left for us!¡± Lady Ljublia¡¯s shout of command was loud enough to interrupt Kite¡¯s telling, directing her researchers to spread out into the room with imperious command before turning to Kite, with an outstretched hand. ¡°And you. Any items found are to be turned over to the magic society for proper study. Hand it over.¡± At her words, Kite could feel the spear¡¯s - no, Laevyeth¡¯s - aura shudder in fright and trepidation, her spirit remarkably clear to Kite ever since they had made contact after her transformation, along with a slight uncomfortable tingling that he constantly felt while it rested in his hands. It was a bit akin to being in contact with a higher-ranked artifact, except that it felt like it wasn¡¯t rising or ramping up. While he had no clue as to what was going on with the odd woman suddenly transforming into a weapon after asking for protection, her earlier words and current reaction was enough to clearly indicate that she seemed to fear being taken away by the magic society. ¡°The spear, adventurer. Now. Before you brutes break anything else of value,¡± Lady Ljublia insisted, apparently seeing Kite¡¯s hesitation and slight shift to firm his grip on the weapon even through the tingling discomfort. Ryker apparently senses Kite¡¯s hesitation as well, stepping in before Kite himself could find his words. ¡°Lady Ljublia, the agreement between our organizations clearly gives the right of looting the equipment of fallen foes the precedent over any claim you might have. As this was surely a weapon taken from the fallen defenders, Kite¡¯s claim is greater than yours by right of contract. And that is just what it is, right Kite?¡± ¡°Yes, team leader. That is indeed correct,¡± Kite quickly confirmed, the older man¡¯s intervention helping him regain his wits from the distracting experience of carrying an object with a living aura of its own, the spiritual proximity feeling intimate almost the the level of discomfort. The lack of reactions from the others in that regard made Kite think that Laevyeth was perhaps most skilled in hiding her aura from others, which - if true - would greatly help sell their lie. ¡°As I thought. Carry on with your work then, Lady Ljublia. If you ask nicely, Kite here might be willing to sell some other pieces of equipment from his defeated foes to your research,¡± Ryker said, a bit of a smug smile even briefly coloring his otherwise stern features before the somberness returned. ¡°But I suggest that you make haste, we don¡¯t know how the golds are faring. The call to extract could-¡± As if on cue, a powerful aura washed over the complex, detectable even in the otherwise shielded ritual chamber. Everyone present had already been briefed that an aura-projecting artifact would be used to make sure that everyone felt the spiritual signal. And the lack of a second, similar pulse sent a clear message. ¡°Well, it seems that I¡¯ll need to correct myself,¡± Ryker said, looking off to the distance where the aura originated from, as if he tried to gaze through all the intervening walls, corridors and rooms to the main ritual chamber. ¡°Our golds have handled things on their end. So take your time, Lady Ljublia. Because it seems like we¡¯ve won.¡± In the continued flurry of activity, with Kite and the other members of Gauntlet working to set up a defensive perimeter of their own, he could let his musing on the odd developments and the spear still in his hand roam freely. And he didn¡¯t miss the looks that Lady Ljublia shot him occasionally, when she thought he wasn¡¯t looking. ¡°I don¡¯t know how much she saw,¡± he pondered, not needing to turn her way to take note of his watcher. The entrance of the others had been abrupt, after all. Had she seen the transformation? Or was it something else setting her off? ¡°Fortune be willing, this is the end of it,¡± he thought. ¡°An organizational squabble soon forgotten. We¡¯ll just have to last through escorting them back and the debriefings.¡± But even with those thoughts occupying his mind, Kite still started making plans and preparations of his own. Because while there was definitely a mystery here, one he was most curious to know more of, Kite also knew that someone afraid and lost had thrust herself into his care. And his aunties hadn¡¯t raised him to just disregard such a plea. ¡°Well, Laevyeth,¡± he murmured, softly enough that no one else could hear him. ¡°It seems that you will have to remain with me for at least some time more. I look forward to our future cooperation. And to ask some more questions, when the situation allows.¡± 198. Standing up ¡°That was good, Sprite. Let¡¯s end it here for now,¡± Dragonfly said, trying to convey as much of the genuine praise as she could into her tone and words as she leaned forward to offer her prone disciple a helping hand as she thought; ¡°Perhaps this will finally be the day-¡± But once again, Sprite insisted on clambering to her feet on her own. In her aura, Dragonfly could feel that while the praise had definitely made the elf girl happy even as it had done little to chip away at the core of fear. While aura-senses weren¡¯t mind reading, context and some conversations skirting the subject had made Dragonfly pretty confident that it was Sprite¡¯s fear of not proving herself worthy; of not being good enough. ¡°More time needed then, I suppose,¡± she thought with an inward sigh even as she outwardly smiled patiently towards her student. ¡°Over half a year is a long time in some regards, I suppose. And you just can¡¯t force someone to open up. Master Force always said that it was important to help someone find their own sense of safety before expecting-¡± Thinking of her old mentor¡¯s words, Dragonfly was suddenly struck by inspiration; a way to perhaps, in time, turn these tendencies to Sprite into something more productive. And as she was a woman for whom there was rarely that much distance between thought and action, Dragonfly¡¯s smile turned a bit impish as she suddenly leaned forward and gave Sprite a good poke. It was carefully moderated, of course, and Dragonfly felt that she had found just the right level as the still rising Sprite fell back on her backside, giving Dragonfly a quizzical look. ¡°Well, there had been some progress at least,¡± she thought, noting the lack of actual fright or shame in her student. At least Sprite felt secure in that Dragonfly wouldn¡¯t suddenly assault her or try to humiliate her. ¡°You know, Sprite. I just realized that I never actually taught you how to stand up properly.¡± Dragonfly then said, assuming her best teaching voice. ¡°Teacher? There is¡­ more than one way?¡± Sprite asked, confused. ¡°Why, of course. Just think about it; if you find yourself on the ground and your enemy still stands, do you want to slowly rise using both your hands? What would be the downside of that?¡± ¡°I¡­ would be vulnerable. No hands to use in defense,¡± Sprite eventually answered, the light of understanding dawning in her eyes. ¡°Good, you¡¯re catching on. My master had to explain it waaaay more to me before my childish mind caught on,¡± Dragonfly praised. ¡°There are several ways to do it, and even more depending on your rank and essence powers in the future. For example, if you can fly with something like the wind essence, you can probably just use that. And if you¡¯re a silver like me, especially with Mighty Strength -,¡± she continued, demonstrating as she laid down and then flipped back to her feet with a small shove of one hand,¡±- there are plenty of easy ways. But as we don¡¯t know what the future holds for you yet, and silver rank is still years and years away - should you wish to strive for it - we have to be thorough. So we¡¯ll keep it simple for now, and then when Kite comes back he can help me demonstrate. Should be any day now, in fact. Unless he¡¯s been delayed.¡±
Even though he had seen it before during their many, many sweeps throughout the compound of the Winter zealots, Kite still had trouble looking away from the utter devastation that had once been the main ritual chamber. Now, it was an uneven and sloping crater, thinning towards one end. It led up to a point where it was easy for him to imagine a single person standing and unleashing a mighty blow; the calm origin of such devastation. It wasn¡¯t just the ritual chamber that had been devastated either, as the gold-ranked strike team had done quite the number on surrounding parts of the complex. Where Kite and his team had only been able to temporarily damage the structure, the collateral damage of the golds was on an entirely different level. Here and there he could still see the occasional flicker of the ice trying to rebuild itself and fail, the enchantments, array or whatever else that fueled the process too disrupted and broken for it to succeed. From what they had been told, the battle had been fierce; the zealots employing some kind of last ditch effort to fuel them beyond their original means at the end. But their golds had been outnumbered and outclassed, and the Fimbulwinter Herald - as had apparently been the being they intended to summon, discovered among the zealot¡¯s scriptures in the aftermath - had never stepped into their world. ¡°It is a bit terrifying, the power of a gold-ranker,¡± he murmured. Glint, who was sleeping soundly in her bottle atop a new pile of glittering loot liberated from the zealots, gave no reply. But Kite¡¯s other, odd companion did, as he felt a flicker of emotion from the retracted aura of the spear in his hand; polite acknowledgement barely hiding a sense of¡­ was that indifference? Or something similar. Clearly, the being named Laevyeth wasn¡¯t too impressed by the talk of gold-rankers, something which Kite would need to ask her as soon as he could provide a safe enough environment for her to dare talk. Because while she didn¡¯t seem impressed with the concept of a gold-ranker, she most assuredly feared the people themselves and the potential of discovery. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kite said in the same low voice, feeling the slight anxiousness of the weapon which followed as she too apparently had the same thought. ¡°The golds don¡¯t have the time for something as menial as guard duty. We won¡¯t find them lounging around here.¡± Sensing the spear¡¯s aura so clearly while in contact was still odd and intimate in a way that was a bit too intense for Kite¡¯s taste, at least with someone so unfamiliar to him in most other ways. But the thought of leaving her alone made him center himself and once again shove the slight, buzzing discomfort of her contact to the back of his mind. ¡°Hopefully it won¡¯t be too much longer until we finally make our leave,¡± he eventually said, moving on with his patrol. ¡°And besides, at least it takes us away from the bickering researchers for a time.¡±
¡°Lord Van Sztramm, thank you for taking the time to see me,¡± Lady Ljublia said, giving the gold-ranker a deep curtsy. While she felt terribly underdressed in her society robes before the other noble, Ljublia thought that donning anything else while still out in the field would risk showing a lack of dedication. ¡°Lady Ljublia, please come in. You¡¯ll have to excuse the simple accommodations for the moment. My actual field pavilion has already been stashed on the skimmers. Really, one might have thought that Melordrian could have shown some consideration and stayed around long enough so that we could travel back in a way more befitting of our stations,¡± the man in question retorted, gesturing to the other chair next to his, only a small table with some refreshments separating them. A privacy screen had sprung up around them, shielding their little meeting from the hustle and bustle that was the joint strike force and research division packing up their equipment and preparing to leave the now empty complex of the offshoot cult of Winter¡¯s church. ¡°Of course, my Lord, of course. One could hardly demand anything else after having spent nine days in this frozen wasteland. Alas, what one won¡¯t suffer for the name of progress and the magic society,¡± Ljublia replied, taking a moment to glance and take in her host and superior as she got herself seated. Lord Basilev van Sztramm was a human like her, and shared the pale complexion and fair hair of the region. Or at least the civilized parts with connections to the actual world of power, rather than the more fringe city states priding themselves at their ¡®independence¡¯. But unlike Ljublia, Van Sztramm came from even higher up in the nobility, having been raised up to gold rank through cores. Even for the nobility, such a thing was an economic strain few could just shrug off, and Ljublia had to admit that the man across wore the improved looks very well with his chiseled jaw, powerful frame and perfectly groomed blonde mustache. ¡°I¡¯m glad you understand then. Now, pray tell me what had you come seeking my time?,¡± the gold ranker asked, returning his cup of tea with a soft yet distinct clink to its tray, the gesture being a clear gesture for Ljublia to get on with it without him needing to be so base as to put the command into words. ¡°As you no doubt know, my team has been hard at work in studying the remnants of the gold-ranked ritual. Those rubes of the adventure society might think that interrogating the survivors will give them enough answers, but as always it is we of the magic society who will find the actual truth of things.¡± ¡°Of course, my Lord,¡± Ljublia said, straightening in her chair. ¡°In the briefings before our departure, you warned us how the adventure society and their goons might attempt to steal opportunities away from us. Well, I might have witnessed something along those lines which I thought might warrant a moment of even your precious time.¡± A carefully measured sip of tea was Ljublia¡¯s response, but in the subtle language of local nobility, the command to continue was clear as day. Sensing that this mere information was an opportunity for her to maybe get the gold-ranker to take proper notice of her, Ljublia started her telling, leaving out nothing. ¡°You see, at the end of our perilous gauntlet towards the ritual chamber, one of the adventurers got the order to charge ahead and disrupt the ritual. Those brutes thought the ritual close to completion, and didn¡¯t even consult us. And oh, what a mess he made of things. Barely left anything for my team to study. But while you already know of their incompetence in any delicate matter, what truly made me take notice was something I caught a glimpse of right there at the end when we finally made our entrance into the chamber¡­¡±
¡°This, my bond, is markedly a step down in quality of our conveyance. This young mistress is of half a mind to just have you bring out the ship and take us the rest of the way myself, if only to shorten the indignity of it,¡± Glint complained sullenly where she stood next to Kite at the railing of one of the heavy-duty skimmers making up a convoy, the vehicles zooming across the tundra at a steady if somewhat slow pace compared to what the pair were used to by now. The going was rough, to say the least, with harsh winds adding to the rumbling and shaking of the skimmers themselves, and Kite knew that most would agree with his familiar¡¯s sentiments. Himself included. ¡°While I understand the need for the change of transportation, I will admit that I do miss the flying fortress. But they can¡¯t have golds with paths like the Viscount just waiting around for too long, and we did spend a good number of days at the site. And you know as well as I that we are supposed to protect the convoy and be debriefed in Svyatograd once all of the gathered artifacts and other pieces has been properly stored and gone through initial categorization,¡± he said with a rueful shake of his head. ¡°Honestly, I have trouble understanding politicking at a level like this between the societies. But I do believe that I can imagine the dissatisfaction of my superiors when they had to essentially extend our services as some glorified guards for a while even after the mission itself was finished.¡± ¡°Well, this young mistress will at least cut her losses and retire for now,¡± Glint answered, her draconian snout curling in discomfort at a particularly strong gout of wind which managed to penetrate even the environmental shielding of the skimmer. Without further ado, the familiar changed back into her carp form and returned to her bottle, her dissatisfaction clearly felt through their bond. ¡°I will do the same once my turn keeping watch is over. Because there is currently more than one intangible feeling demanding some privacy,¡± Kite thought to himself, sensing the clear restlessness from the spear slung onto his back. During the days spent keeping watch and sweeping the rest of the compound of the Everfrost Order, as they had learned the zealots called themselves, there had been little to no moments of peace, quiet or actual privacy. As such, there had been no opportunity to further inquire with Laevyeth in any substantial way except the occasional short exchange of whispered words. Because while Laevyeth could talk through her aura even in her spear form, she rarely did due to fear of being overheard by the other silvers around. And as it turned out that she couldn¡¯t - and most assuredly did not want to - be deposited into Kite¡¯s void sheath, he had been stuck carrying the spear that was Laevyeth around for days on end. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. During those days, he had continuously seen Lady Ljublia eyeing the weapon, but as they were now all packed up and the convoy skimmers were now drawing closer to the city of Svyatograd by the minute, that was a potential problem Kite thought would at least disappear sooner rather than later as their paths diverged. Fortune had favored him in that the researcher in question wasn¡¯t even on the same skimmer as his team. Half an hour later of Kite letting his mind wander while watching the landscape zoom by around them, Linger eventually came to take over as their team¡¯s lookout, and Kite gave the celestine a comforting pat on the shoulder as they walked past each other. Through his expanded vision, he managed to glance the man transform, the towering shape of the lurker huddling down before the door leading down into the skimmer¡¯s interior close behind him. Each of the skimmers felt more like a barge compared to the sleek crafts Kite had occasionally ridden when on contract with gauntlet. But while their size meant a much slower speed, it also meant that there was at least a modicum of space left for some creature comforts among the bulkheads of their interior. ¡°Finally,¡± he sighed, the door to his team¡¯s cabin closing behind him and gently laying the spear slung onto his back down on one of the cots. None of the others were present at the moment, with Linger being upstairs while Ryker, Christine and Mtanga were off on other errands. ¡°Probably liaising with the magic society or trying to sneak their own look at the cargo,¡± Kite thought with a smile as he imagines Ryker¡¯s stoic, stern face trying to remain polite in the face of bureaucratic posturing which still seemed to take place between both the two factions and among the magic society research teams themselves. And while he would usually find the lack of company to be a bit dull, with Glint now being thoroughly asleep, as things turned out, Kite wasn¡¯t actually alone. ¡°The formation is active now, Laevyeth. Unless someone barges in most unexpectedly or one of the golds happens to visit, we should have some time,¡± Kite said, and he didn¡¯t need to turn from finishing the activation of the privacy formations to see the form of the spear shift and change, revealing Laevyeth as she had appeared before him almost two weeks ago at the rather rough conclusion of the Order¡¯s ritual; stark naked where she sat on the cot, seeming lost in the moment as she let one of her hands play across the fabric while looking fascinated at the feeling of the texture beneath her hands. ¡°Well, from what little she has told me, it seems like the very concept of having hands is a rather novel experience for her,¡± Kite thought, deactivating his expansive vision to at least make a bit of an attempt at politeness as he gave her a moment to - well - enjoy the moment. Instead he began looking through one of his less used dimensional bags, and soon found what he was looking for. ¡°Here, put this on,¡± he said, holding out a simple silk robe to her without turning around. ¡°You¡¯re about my length, so I figured it would fit you better than one of Dragonfly¡¯s spares.¡± ¡°I thank thee, even though I still find this whole sense of propriety a bit¡­ perplexing,¡± Laevyeth replied, but Kite could feel her take the garment and heard the slight rustling as she was apparently struggling to put it on properly. ¡°Purity is a thing of spirit and purpose; of the fearless stride towards the valorous ideal. Perhaps I have yet to truly process what knowledge thou hast shared with me, but it still feels odd to somehow have mixed it up with the matter of covering one¡¯s form.¡± ¡°Well, I suppose that receiving the theoretical knowledge of social norms and actually making sense of them are two different things,¡± Kite thought at her reasoning. ¡°But I thank thee nonetheless, Kite, for this opportunity¡± Laevyeth continued. ¡°While I remain most at ease in my original form, I would be remiss not to experience what is now available to me. I don¡¯t know for how long I was strapped to that wall, but the freedom to move about is¡­ Something else. Even limited as this space may be,¡± she finished, and Kite turned to see her gazing around the cabin. He didn¡¯t know if it was mere instinct, acting or just her nature, but Laevyeth somehow managed to look surprisingly regal even seated in one of his spare robes on a cot in a cramped cabin, her back straight as a - well - spear as she stood up to once more test her legs. ¡°From what little you have told me, I can imagine that it is quite the contrast,¡± Kite remarked, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as Laevyeth was once more lost in fascination at her perambulatory state. ¡°Would you mind if I asked some more questions of you while you stretch your legs? The concealing array should keep us safe enough, even though I am quite sure that the team would also help you, should I explain-¡± ¡°No!¡± The outburst was sudden, even seeming to surprise Laevyeth herself as she turned to him. The terror visible on her features was pure and unadulterated, in many ways similar to a child who had yet learned to school them. Even a bit of her tightly controlled aura slipped free for a moment, matching the emotion, and Kite was once more glad for the aura shielding which Christine and Mtanga¡¯s simple arrays provided to their living quarters, lest other nearby silvers might have sensed the unfamiliar presence. ¡°No. Please,¡± she continued, collecting herself. ¡°Thou know how I feel on the matter. I have felt that thou trusts them, Kite, but your knowledge of them of which I have partaken is too incomplete. I¡­ would not want to risk my freedom. Even coming with thee was a risk that might have been foolish, even though I was fortunate enough that the first one I encountered was at least a kind soul.¡± The argument wasn¡¯t a new one, and Kite had thought that the odd woman might have started warming up to the idea over the days spent together as she had processed more and more of his understanding of the world and the people he knew. But as it turned out, her lack of a more vocal reaction before might just have been due to the risk of being discovered. ¡°I understand, I understand,¡± Kite replied, raising his hands placatingly. ¡°What I actually wanted to ask of you was of your nature. Were you truly created as I¡¯ve seen you? A spear? You have referred to it as your original form.¡± ¡°Yes, thou hast surmised correctly,¡± Laevyeth responded, seeming to be a lot more at ease to get on with the actual question.
WWJS: Racial ability: [Soul-wrought Armament] Greatly increase resilience to damage. When wielded, you gain immunity to most afflictions. No need for food, water or similar sustenance while in zones of sufficient magical density. Consume spirit coins to subsist in zones of lower magic. Magical healing targeting you has greatly reduced effect. Consume spirit coins or the mana of a wielder to restore yourself.
¡°But¡­ how?¡± Kite couldn¡¯t help himself. The question might be ridiculously basic, but it still just kept boggling his mind when he thought of it. ¡°You- you have an aura. And, I assume, a soul. While I might not be the most powerful or knowledgeable of individuals, according to my understanding you don¡¯t just make a soul. It¡¯s inviolable. And to somehow shape it into a weapon¡­¡± he said trailing off. ¡°Alas, of this matter I know little,¡± Laevyeth admitted, brows creasing over silver eyes in a show of pure concern. ¡°I only remember coming into being and from what my creator showed me. At the beginning, she even called me her pinnacle creation, the first of a line that would shake the cosmos,¡± she continued, voice growing wistful. ¡°Even though I was but a silver ranked seedling, the lowest of the low and a bud yet to bloom into actual usefulness, she spoke so highly of me. ¡®A proof of concept¡¯, she said. Isn¡¯t that the highest praise? To embody something so fundamental?¡± Kite could hear the warring emotions in her voice, both pride and bitterness, so he held his correction of what the term ¡®proof of concept¡¯ actually meant for now. Also, her mention of silver rank as something puny and diminutive gave a clear hint that her creator was much, much more powerful. ¡°But then she¡­ left me there. Cast me aside when I couldn¡¯t find a bond who could live up to my ideals. And I¡­ knew only silence and loneliness after that. My creator said she would return. She promised. But¡­¡± ¡°She didn¡¯t,¡± Kite finished, having heard enough snippets of her telling before to know the ending. ¡°And you¡¯re saying that whatever prison you were trapped in eventually collapsed, leaving you here?¡± ¡°Yes, as thee can surely guess,¡± Laevyeth replied, even if there was no sarcasm in her tone. ¡°Somehow. I don¡¯t know how. And from the knowledge of thine which I have sifted through, thou knowest not either.¡± ¡°No, unfortunately astral magic is far, far from my field of expertise. If that is even what¡¯s at play here, although many summoning rituals do incorporate it to at least some extent,¡± Kite said. While he wasn¡¯t prone to bluster in the first place, there was little point in trying to hide the fact from someone with whom he had literally shared his knowledge of the world. ¡°But even if you don¡¯t know how your creator did what she did, do you know why? What was her purpose for you? Because from the sound of it, I suspect it wasn¡¯t just to throw you out into the world, or whatever place this workshop of hers resided in.¡± ¡°In that, thou hast also surmised correctly. My creator did speak of a purpose. I was to be bequeathed to a wielder of her choice, someone who closely matched my nature and ideals. We-¡± At that moment, the door to their cabin rattled once as someone outside tried to open it, only to find it locked. Even so, Laevyeth had started and returned to her spear form at the moment she noticed the interruption, and Kite barely managed to snatch the weapon from the air before it clattered to the floor while he simultaneously rose to unlock the door. ¡°Sorry, was I interrupting you in some private time, Junior Brother Kite?¡± Christine asked with a teasing smile and a raised eyebrow as she entered, the blonde elf giving Kite a good-natured pat on the shoulder as she slunk past him and unceremoniously threw herself onto her cot. ¡°If you must know, honored and most dignified Senior Sister, I was merely changing-¡± Kite began, before realizing that the robe he had loaned to Laevyeth - part of his hastily thought out cover-story - was nowhere to be seen.
WWJS: Racial ability: [A Space to call One¡¯s own] You have a personal dimensional storage space into which you can store objects you are touching. Upon shifting form, you may choose for any eligible items currently on your person to be stored in the space and/or to retrieve and don any items stored. Any item which you loot or receive through a similar way will be directly stored within the space if possible.
¡°- clothes,¡± he finished quickly, trying to cover up his odd pause by leaning over and stashing the spear in one of the weapon racks close to one of the bulkheads while thinking; ¡°Got to remember that she actually has a dimensional storage of her own. And to ask what Laevyeth was about to say when we next find the time.¡± Given Christine¡¯s arched look and amused smile in return, his attempted excuse just seemed to cement her previous assumptions, but she did let the matter drop, Fortune be praised. ¡°How fares your studies? And liaising with the magic society?¡± Kite instead asked, sitting down on his own cot. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s been a fun pastime, even if the good stuff is on another skimmer,¡± Christine replied with her usual casual tone, stretching where she lay. ¡°It¡¯s mostly to see if me and Mtanga can manage to sneak past the so-called defenses of our ¡®colleagues¡¯.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be easier to just¡­ ask?¡± ¡°In our defense, we did try. But from your question, it once more shows that you really aren¡¯t a part of the magic society. Just giving away opportunities to rivals like that? Unthinkable!¡± Christine said, mock indignation in her voice. ¡°That would just sidestep all the hard work, maneuvering and general sycophancy that has already gone into establishing the pecking order of the expedition and thus the access to any particular finds. And we can¡¯t have that now, won¡¯t we?¡± ¡°Your sarcasm when speaking of them so far does make me question why you are actually a member,¡± Kite noted. ¡°Surely, there must be some upsides?¡± ¡°Sure, sure,¡± Christine said, waving away his concerns. ¡°There are plenty of good people and amazing minds within the magic society, and for me who''s also an active adventurer, it is a lot easier to find opportunities in the field. These kinds of problems mainly show themselves during prestigious outings like these, where the ambitious hog the spots and the actual competence stays inside their workshops and studies. They will still get their look at it, of course. Who else will write up all the actual findings for the more pompous, well-connected ones to cram their name onto? I¡¯m¡­ not selling this very well, am I?¡± ¡°No, but your point sure has come across. I¡¯m not sure if it is comforting or troubling to see the nature of people and their ambition in all the stratas of the great organization like this,¡± Kite said with a rueful shake of his head. ¡°If anything, Ryker is the one who has it the roughest, caught in between as he is right during this contract. Each time he returns from being called over to the lead skimmer where all the important people are, he looks like he is about to have an aneurysm. And as we silvers are long past such things, it speaks for itself. At least Sir Ilmaril is with us, which means that their gold-ranker can¡¯t attempt to just bully us around however he wants.¡± ¡°May the gods have mercy on me during our next practice session then, because from the sound of it I am unsure if Teacher will be able to refrain from taking some frustrations out on me,¡± Kite said, rising and retrieving Laevyeth¡¯s spear form from the rack again. ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me, it might be best for me to find him and deliver my watch report. Should only be a day left on this trip now, right?¡± ¡°Yep. Then hopefully just a few more in Svyatograd before we¡¯re portalled home. Here¡¯s hoping that it will be more like a vacation!¡± Christine cheerfully called after him as the door to the cabin closed. ¡°Here¡¯s to hoping indeed,¡± Kite agreed, murmuring softly. Both to himself, and the restless spear now slung across his shoulder. 199. Iniquitys bane ¡°Gather around, everyone. New orders,¡± Ryker stated tersely into the skimmer cabin where Kite and Mtanga were both seated in meditation. The pair quickly rose to join the others in one of the smaller cargo holds which had become the team¡¯s informal gathering spot as the skimmer¡¯s interior and cabins - while allowing for additional passengers - was cramped and utilitarian at best. Kite made sure to retrieve Laevyeth from the weapon rack too, slinging her to his back. He could sense the gratitude in her aura even if she didn¡¯t speak. The odd woman-spear hadn¡¯t said a word or shifted back to her humanoid form since Christine almost walked in on their conversation the last time, her fear of discovery still at the forefront of her actions. But while it would be more practical for Kite to simply leave her in the cabin, their close aura contact had already shown him plenty of times that being left behind and alone seemed an even worse prospect. ¡°Proof that the ambivalence and irrationality of emotions seem to be a universal constant at least,¡± he thought while he tried to project some comforting patience in return to the clingy spear. ¡°I still maintain that seeking the help of my colleagues here would be the prudent action, and save you much trouble and worry.¡± The last part he had murmured aloud, softly enough for only Laevyeth to hear. But the subsequent, adamant refusal in her aura at the repeat suggestion had him not pressing the matter. Instead, Kite entered the cargo hold in question, joining Ryker, Christine, Mtanga and Linger in sitting down at one of the crates fastened to the floor or bulkheads. ¡°I¡¯ve got good news and bad news,¡± Ryker said, looking at each of the team members. ¡°Bad first then?¡± Christine suggested. Ryker nodded, and sighed before telling them. ¡°Our team has been one of those chosen to stay behind until the last of the contingent from Gauntlet leaves. Given the tension in negotiations with our magic society allies during this trip as well in the debriefing with the church of Season and its offshoots, I believe that we¡¯re looking at at least a few days in Svyatograd before this contract is finally done and over.¡± While no one groaned aloud, the slight shifting in the auras of the rest of the team spoke volumes. ¡°And the good news?¡± Kite asked, thankful that Laevyeth was most proficient in hiding her aura, as the frustration he felt from her at the delay was even more potent. ¡°The good news is that it will be Sir Ilmaril who is staying behind. We¡¯ll be acting as his guard detail and assistance. Not that a gold like him needs any guards, but in discussions like these it is more a formal statement through our presence than any practical need.¡± ¡°Is it just me, or did that sound like pretty bad good news?¡± Linger quipped, all except Ryker chuckling or smiling in response. ¡°The actual good news is that not all of us will be needed at any given time. I¡¯ve discussed it, and Sir Ilmaril is not unaware of our situation. Only three of us will be on active duty at a time, leaving some room for rest and relaxation for those not with him.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ actually better than expected,¡± Linger said after a moment of collective silence. ¡°We¡¯ll have to act extra properly around our charge then. Show him our discipline, gratefulness and all that.¡± ¡°Please do,¡± Ryker said. ¡°And while I hope that it doesn¡¯t need to be said, please make sure to be extra respectful towards the gods and churches during our stay. In Svyatograd, the balance of power is firmly leaning towards the churches and their clergy. I haven¡¯t known any of you for a blasphemer, and it would be a very bad place to start such a habit.¡±
Before joining task group Gauntlet, Kite would probably have been in complete awe as he saw Svyatograd¡¯s skyline become more and more defined in the distance as the caravan of huge skimmers made its approach. The city state was nestled in the crook of one of the bigger rivers of the region, located just within the limits of a zone of higher magical density that cradled much of the settled lands to the south and west. It had begun its life as a trading post, but some - to Kite - unknown events of the past had led to the city becoming a place where the followers of both major and minor deities had gathered and built places of worship. And it was those very temples and other edifices to divine glory which made the city look so impressive, with each building dedicated to the major deities rising higher than the last as they seemed to war over who could be the first to reach the skies. But as things were, Kite took only a few moments to appreciate the grand architecture before his thoughts moved to other matters. Contracts of the past had shown him such a variety of wonders that he had found himself a bit inured to the experience, the sights not eliciting the same thrill like before. Now, being most aware of the spear slung across his back, Kite longed more to have more comfortable lodgings and to leave this place behind. In their few conversations since meeting, Laevyeth had at least sounded positive to the prospect of returning with Kite back to Hua-Xi as a first step to find her bearings in this world, seeming to find a sense of safety in the thought of a country where a silver-ranker was pretty high up on the scale of power. ¡°And I do truly want to help her. It¡¯s hard to imagine how lost and afraid one would be in her place. It feels like the least I can do,¡± he thought, glancing at his other team members who stood along the railing of the skimmer to his right. ¡°Even if it feels like an unnecessary layer of subterfuge to keep it from them.¡± Still, he would continue to respect Laevyeth¡¯s wishes for now as long as things didn¡¯t become untenable. Residing in Svyatograd should at least provide more opportunities to talk to her. Hopefully. As they finally drew up to the walled city, any further thoughts, worries or longing for home was put to the back of Kite¡¯s mind as the skimmers became a flurry of activities. The ones making up their return transport were way too big to safely navigate any city streets Kite knew of - more akin to ships than the smaller models more common in some parts of the world - and thus the cargo had to be unloaded onto smaller wagons. The adventurers continued serving as guards, the teams spread out along the vehicles. While Kite suspected that few would be interested in stealing the objects of mostly theoretical importance, their presence still helped to keep up appearances and lend a look of importance to the small procession as it made its way throughout the streets towards the magic society campus of Svyatograd. ¡°This almost feels like a parade of sorts,¡± he said to no one in particular as he and the other members of his Gauntlet team did their best to look alert and impressive where they sat at the sides of the open wagons. The procession drew a lot of curious onlookers, curiosity fluttering in the auras of the crows like the ripples of a lake beneath a sudden wind. And as the team¡¯s wagon drew closer, the spirits of those nearby would also often be colored by a fair share of awe, the object of their adoration seated most primly at the top crate atop the cargo bed. ¡°This young mistress feels that it is only suitable,¡± Glint said, making sure to look each and every inch the dignified lady in her pristine robes of pale pink and plentiful golden jewelry adorning fingers, neck and even the frills of her draconian form. ¡°It isn¡¯t every day we get paid to just look impressive. Better enjoy it while we can,¡° Mtanga agreed, waving to the crowd as he shot them his signature pearly white grin. Kite might have expected Ryker to protest their banter, but apparently their team leader was too busy looking sternly at the surrounding crowds. Or perhaps he sensed what Kite did in the auras of everyone; vigilance, even in the face of their casual talks. They were Gauntlet-trained adventurers, after all. What Kite felt most distracting was perhaps Laevyeth¡¯s mixed reaction to the crowds. On one hand, she seemed to retreat even further into herself, keeping her aura thoroughly and tightly withdrawn to the extent that none of the golds in the company had even looked their way in passing during the unloading. That was a feat beyond most silvers without further support of powers or other more grim consequences like the soul scars born by Dancer on the Broken River or Amica Steiner. On the other hand, Kite could also sense that the spear longed to sweep her own aura over the crowds, like a child reaching towards the swirling river from the side of a boat. ¡°You¡¯ll have the chance to meet plenty of people in the future, should you wish for it,¡± he thought, hoping that the spear would pick out his meaning through their close aura-proximity. If she did, Laevyeth did not show it, her iron control of herself never wavering.
¡°Lord Van Sztramm,¡± Lady Ljublia greeted, approaching the gold ranker where he stood atop a set of stairs overlooking the unloading of the cargo after the man had waver her over. ¡°Lady Ljublia,¡± he replied, activating the privacy screen built into one of his cufflinks without taking his eyes away from the crowds of magic society functionaries handling the unloading and the adventurers still standing guard. ¡°I have taken what opportunities I can to look into the matter you broached with me before our departure,¡± Van Sztramm continued, giving the slightest of nods in the direction of the adventurer in question. ¡°At first, I thought you mistaken, but after some more thorough scrutiny I had to revise that opinion. There is something to that spear. Even my aura senses can¡¯t make it out fully, but the sense of spirituality is there. Should it prove true, it would be remarkable; the research opportunity of the decade. I thank you for bringing it to my attention. For that, you will be both commended and rewarded. The future within the magic society is a bright one for those with your perception and judgment.¡± ¡°I thank you for your praise, Lord Van Sztramm,¡± Ljublia replied, making sure to channel how pleased she was with his praise into her aura to give credence to her words. Hiding her emotions from a gold-ranker was pointless, after all. Better to be forthright. ¡°This is why, effective immediately, you will be moved to my personal staff. I will acquire that spear soon, and will need people of suitable discretion to help me uncover its secrets. People like you. Because as you may understand, it would be a project that would risk drawing undue attention from both rivals and concerned parties lacking the ambition and pioneer spirit of our kind. As such, we will conduct initial trials in my personal laboratory at one of my villas. Room for you is being prepared even as we speak.¡± Lord Van Sztramm¡¯s words had Lady Ljublia straighten before she quickly curtsied once. ¡°Thank you, my Lord. This will indeed be a remarkable opportunity,¡± she said, suppressing the traitorous sense of worry that was shoved to the back of her mind. By telling her what he had, Lord Van Sztramm had already made her part of it. It would clearly be a project of more¡­ clandestine nature. Word couldn¡¯t be allowed to spread, and Ljublia suspected that any attempt to decline on her part would end badly for her in the long run. People like the gold-ranker beside her couldn¡¯t afford to have such loose threads running about, now could they? ¡°It will indeed. Let us venture boldly into the unknown together then,¡± Van Sztramm agreed, giving a satisfied nod at her understanding. ¡°To break new ground will always require hard work and some sacrifice, after all.¡±
¡°-then the meeting is adjourned, for now. I will ask you to reconsider your stances on topics two and four on the agenda until next time. Neither Gauntlet nor the adventure society find such rates to be acceptable,¡± Ilmaril Thenston said, rising from his seat in the lavish conference room. In the bright light of day, courtesy of the wide panoramic windows providing an impressive view of the temples of the city, the frustrated creases on the faces of many of the meeting¡¯s participants were easy to notice. Neither party was content at the moment, that much was at least clear. ¡°Well, I suddenly find that this guard detail isn¡¯t as bad as I first feared,¡± Kite murmured to Christine who stood beside him next to one wall, waiting while Sir Ilmaril mingled and talked for a bit in the crowd of the dispersing meeting. ¡°Oh? Then you must truly have mastered the art of patience, Junior Brother. I was just about to create a statue in my likeness and hope that it would act as a decoy for long enough to make my escape. Because this had been more dull than watching paint dry,¡± the elf shot back, her smile looking a bit frazzled. ¡°Patience is a lot easier when you find yourself glad to not actually have to be in charge of such a meeting, Senior Sister,¡± Kite replied, amused. ¡°Just standing silent at least allows you to let your mind wander a bit.¡± Christine was just about to reply when someone cleared their voice at their side. Even though Kite had seen her approach, he was still most surprised that Lady Ljublia had stopped next to him. Given that they had barely interacted at all during the expedition except her either making demands or otherwise being most unreasonable, Kite had hoped that she too would have had little interest in any further interactions. ¡°Still, politeness will ever be the sure way to not escalate things,¡± he thought, fondly remembering auntie Crow¡¯s many proverbs as he turned to the leader of their previously attached research team. ¡°Lady Ljublia?¡± The blonde woman, still dressed in the combination of magic society robes and enough gaudy jewelry to stock a small jeweler¡¯s shop, drew herself up at the address, but the words leaving her mouth weren¡¯t what Kite expected. ¡°Adventurer Kite, wasn¡¯t it?¡± she began, her face calm and composed. ¡°On behalf of the magic society, I would wish to deliver a formal thanks to your team for a successful cooperation during the expedition. Given your team leader¡¯s absence today, I hope that you will relay my words to him and the others.¡± ¡°I¡­ see,¡± Kite said, trying to make sense of the sudden pleasantries, even formal as they were. Lady Ljublia¡¯s aura did give a hint of her feeling like she was currently being forced to poke something unclean and malodorous, which did feel more in-character for the woman. ¡°I will be sure to do so, and I am sure that Ryker returns the sentiment¡± he continued, at least offering the woman a shallow formal bow to give a show of politeness to make up for the bald-faced lie. Imagining Ryker standing there and being forced by decorum to give similar words in return was entertaining though. ¡°Now, if you¡¯ll excuse us, I believe that we are about to take our leave. Farewell.¡± Sir Ilmaril had indeed started making his way towards the door, Christine waving for Kite to join her in following the gold-ranker, so at least it provided a quick and easy escape from any further conversation. But Kite had just turned away when his expanded vision revealed a quick motion from Lady Ljublia who now stood behind him; her hand briefly blurring towards his back. But she froze as Kite quickly pivoted and locked his gaze on hers, aura sharpening in clear warning. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. ¡°Is there anything else I can help you with, Lady Ljublia?¡± Kite asked, voice low in clear warning. The motion had been too fast for him to properly register, probably the result of an essence power or the like, but it didn¡¯t seem to have been an attack. ¡°... No, I don¡¯t believe so,¡± she eventually replied after a tense moment where it looked like she wanted nothing more than to shriek at him in outrage. This time, Kite only gave a curt nod by way of farewell, and he quickly strode and joined Christine where she walked behind Sir Ilmaril as he exited the conference room. ¡°What was that about?¡± the elf whispered once he fell into step beside her. ¡°Heavens if I know,¡± Kite replied softly, brow still creased in confusion and concern. ¡°But just to be sure, I¡¯m going to have a good and proper look that all of my equipment is in place and in order once we are done with this guard detail.¡±
Laevyeth stood fixated to the spot as she gazed upon herself in the mirror. It was the first time since arriving in this world - because she was quite certain at this point that was what had happened - that she actually had the opportunity to really take a look at this new form of hers. Being hairless hadn¡¯t felt odd at first, but the more other people she had seen combined with managing to break down and make sense of the knowledge she had received from Kite, the more she felt that it was something she was lacking. ¡°Even though I could perhaps be taken for a runic, if not for mine distinct lack of said runes,¡± she thought, gazing into the silver eyes of her reflection, surrounded by a face whose coloration bore a distinct - if pale - blue hue. Seeing herself like this, the sense of discordance in Laevyeth¡¯s sense of self returned. Not in full force, but suddenly having another body which she somehow knew how to use without ever before having had most of its features remained disconcerting to say the least. ¡°Is there anything troubling you, Laevyeth?¡± Kite asked, breaking her out of her reverie. Her temporary guide and guardian sat hovering cross-legged above the bed of the private rooms which he had been assigned at the so-called adventure society campus, able to keep his meditation and focus enough even when cracking an eye to regard her. As before, the human caused mixed feelings within Laevyeth. Mostly gratefulness though. She wasn¡¯t arrogant enough to disregard that she had been very, very fortunate that the first person she encountered was a kind one, even enough to take her on with only a few moments of conversation and spiritual contact to go on. But she also felt guilty for just that. She was the Lance that Pierces Iniquity, after all, yet she was forced to use him for protection and orientation both, even pleading with him to keep her a secret from his allies. But the fear wouldn¡¯t leave her. ¡°I will not be caged again. I shall not allow this opportunity to find actual purpose be taken from me. The apologies will hath to come at a later date,¡± she thought, replying without looking away from the mirror. ¡°Everything is simply so¡­ different. From how I imagined. Or dared dream, perhaps.¡± ¡°How so?¡± ¡°First of all, this form of mine. I never imagined such a thing to be possible. But also the alterations to mine true shape,¡± she said, remembering seeing the blue veins suffusing both shaft and spearhead which she had glanced at in reflective surfaces while Kite was carrying her around. Laevyeth knew she had more to tell on that topic; instinctual knowledge hinting of changes deeper than the mere superficial. Her fear told her not to disclose it, to keep everything she could of herself close to heart. Or at least hidden from someone who did not fully resonate with her. But days spent in close contact with Kite and his spirit won out in that regard. The human was currently the only metaphorical rock to which she could cling, at the moment, after all. And probably deserved to know at least something. ¡°So those weren¡¯t part of you before? Strange,¡± Kite noted, either unaware of or unwilling to call Laevyeth out on her reservations. ¡°For what it¡¯s worth though, it does suit you.¡± ¡°Alas, they were not. Not of mine original creation at least. Indeed, I am not sure yet whether to see them as boon or taint. But¡­ there is more.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°Some capabilities of mine have changed with them. At least that is what my instincts say. The powers I bear are different in some ways, carrying aspects of¡­ cold, I think? I most certainly did not possess such things before.¡± Laevyeth¡¯s creator had swung her a few times after her forging, but the moment of contact had been few and far between since her creator resonated with Laevyeth¡¯s bond and ideals most poorly. She had endured enough to test some of her creation¡¯s capabilities, but little beyond the bare minimum. The feeling of discomfort in contact with Kite was nothing next to those faint memories. Turning to look at him, Laevyeth saw Kite seeming deep in thought where he floated, chin in palm as he pondered. ¡°So you were changed¡­ Perhaps by the ritual? At least that¡¯s the obvious answer, if grossly incomplete,¡± he mused. ¡°While I don¡¯t regret my path, this very moment at least has me lamenting not spending at least a bit more time in studying the fundamentals of magic. Because I have absolutely no clue why or how such a thing could come to be. But¡­¡± he paused, looking to Laevyeth. ¡°Would you like to try them out? Your powers, that is? Get a proper feel for them now? This campus has plenty of practice chambers. I could rent one and leave you to it?¡± Once more, Laevyeth¡¯s fears told her not to; to not risk anything further. But this time, another sentiment was the one that won out. Curiosity, raw and - for the moment - unbridled. ¡°That¡­ wouldst be most appreciated,¡± she eventually said. ¡°But it would once again have me leaning on thee for assistance. To access my powers, I need to be in my true form. Wouldst thou mind¡­?¡± ¡°I would be delighted,¡± Kite replied, unfurling from his meditative pose to step down from the bed. He waited patiently as Laevyeth took one last look at herself in the mirror before changing back to her spear form. She could still see herself; a grand beautiful thing - even marred by the icy veins as she now was. This was and would remain her true self, the other form still feeling so alien. But¡­ ¡°I will admit that having hands of mine own is most convenient,¡± she thought even as Kite caught her before she could clatter to the ground in a most undignified fashion.
As Kite had expected, finding a private practice chamber wasn¡¯t a challenge. He was not the only adventurer who wished for some privacy while letting loose, and given the number of fortified doors he passed while searching through the one matching the access key he had been given, they saw heavy use. Much like the city around it, the Svyatograd adventure society campus was a thing of splendor, with imported pale stone and dark woods mixing to give the place a mansion-like quality. Whether it was to match the splendor of the many temples or simply show off the affluence of the northern trading hub, Kite had no idea, but it was impressive nonetheless. As the city was often called the last bastion of true civilization before the tundra, that also left a thriving adventurer populace who ranged around the vast region where monsters could manifest in great numbers without notice. As expected though, the practice room itself was a lot more utilitarian, with windowless stone walls covered in protective arrays, and varied types of shielded targets and dummies stood against one side. ¡°So, anything in particular you want to start with?¡± Kite asked Laevyeth as he unslung her from his back, holding her reverently in front of him. He had never once swung her as an actual weapon since their meeting, as there had been no need. The thought of swinging around a person just felt a bit¡­ off. ¡°Anything I should know?¡± Laevyeth seemed to hesitate a bit, but as they could both sense the dense aura shielding of the room, she eventually spoke; her voice created through her aura. ¡°I was created with powers fivefold, even though my creator thought that I would manifest another once I reached gold rank.¡± ¡°But she didn¡¯t know, because you are the first? The ¡®proof of concept¡¯?¡± ¡°Correct,¡± Laevyeth replied, bitterness clear in her aura as she spoke. ¡°Also, my powers will each adapt and intertwine with those of a wielder who truly resonates with my bond. As this is not the case with thee, we shall have to make do with the basics. Through no fault of thine, of course,¡± she said, quickly adding the last as she apparently realized how her words might be received. ¡°Well, the most important thing right now is that you familiarize yourself with any changes, no?¡± Kite asked, ignoring the potential critique. None of them could possibly have missed the slight dissonance between them after days spent in contact, after all. ¡°Shall we begin then? Mind you, I might need to swing you properly if we are to simulate something vaguely realistic.¡± ¡°I am the Blooming Lance that Pierces Iniquity, Kite. Even though thou aren''t one of my resonant wielders, thou art worthy enough. Go, thrust me into the dark and the unclean and let my blade cleave through lies and falsehood!¡± Feeling the excitement in the spear¡¯s aura, Kite acquiesced. He began moving into an initial set of practice sweeps and thrusts, both to dust off his own skills with the weapon as well as make sure that Laevyeth did not mind or react adversely. But he needn¡¯t have worried. ¡°Yes, let me sing through the air! Darkness and deceit, thou will know what strikes thee down yet be unable to do nothing but perish!¡± From the tone of Laevyeth¡¯s calls, the words seemed to have been pent up for a long, long time. Kite let her have her moment, only smiling in response as he sped up his motions to the full capacity of his silver-ranked body. The spear didn¡¯t seem to suffer from any kind of vertigo or dizziness as she was swung around either, even though Kite found himself a bit silly for worrying. ¡°That would have been a one impressive design flaw,¡± he thought amusedly to himself. They soon transitioned into basic thrusts, sweeps and strikes towards the different dummies, where Laevyeth soon showed off the first one of her powers. ¡°Iniquity¡¯s bane!¡± In the fraction of a second before striking, the sculpted flowers all over the spears seemed to come to life and unfurl icy petals which released a blinding flash of light which brought Kite¡¯s thoughts to the harsh glare of the winter sun split into the whole color spectrum when reflected from the surface of a vast frozen lake stretching as far as the eyes could see, leaving nowhere for shadows to hide.
WWJS: - Iniquity¡¯s Bane - Innate. Cost: High mana Cooldown: 10m Effect - silver: Release a powerful burst of revealing light which shreds the wicked, dealing high disruptive force damage to nearby foes. The light will attempt to dispel hostile illusions, with additional effectiveness against effects involving darkness, shadows or smoke. Additionally, the light will attempt to cleanse all afflictions of the curse, poison and unholy subtypes from allies within range.
While the light didn¡¯t blind Kite, he could still appreciate its splendor as it ate away at the shielding of multiple target dummies. ¡°Most impressive! How did that feel?¡± he asked, brandishing the spear as he continued some lighter thrusts and feints among the flickering shields of the practice equipment. ¡°Wonderful! Again! Let me smite again upon these hapless constructs!¡± ¡°Glad to hear that you¡¯re enjoying yourself at least. Any notable changes?¡± His words did have a sobering effect on the spear, and he could clearly feel her pondering the question. ¡°It would seem that the alterations of this particular power of mine were cosmetic only. The light seemed different compared to what I remember,¡± Laevyeth mused. ¡°This brings me joy, as this particular power was one I was most fond of. It was inspired by this name of mine, after all. But as for now, another!¡± Mid-swing, Kite could see the head of the spear start emitting a faint inner light before a coating of gleaming frost covered it, trailing glittering particles as it moved.
WWJS: - Caress of Pure Winter¡¯s Day - Innate. Cost: Ongoing moderate mana Cooldown: None Effect - silver: Cover yourself in the purest of frost, your touch eating away at the wickeds¡¯ will and capacity to escape your ministrations. While active, each attack deals additional cold damage and inflicts an instance of [Touch of Purest Frost]. The additional cold damage is increased for each stack of [Touch of Purest Frost] currently afflicting the target. [Touch of Purest Frost] (affliction, ice, holy, stacking): Each instance of this affliction lowers the target¡¯s [Speed] attribute as well as inflicting ongoing cold damage. Additional instances have a cumulative effect.
¡°Beautiful,¡± Kite remarked at seeing the trailing, gleaming particles left in the wake of the spear. It was still odd to feel the weapon in his hand use mana and activate powers of its own, Laevyeth¡¯s having her own reserves. But her next words brought his focus back to the present. ¡°But¡­ but it- that was not it. At least not how I remember,¡± she said, a bit subdued. ¡°My blade was supposed to hum with the truth of justice, piercing mail and rending stone. Now¡­ It is somewhat the same, yet not at all. As if what hath used to be is now viewed through a lens tinted with cold and frost¡­¡± ¡°I¡­ see,¡± Kite replied, not knowing what to say. And feeling that perhaps there was nothing that he could say, at least not to make the sad confusion which he felt from the spear go away. Whatever had brought Laevyeth to this world had changed her, at least in part. To Kite, that didn¡¯t feel like an experience you just walked off and ignored. ¡°How do you find it then? The power itself, without the comparison?¡± he eventually asked as the silence stretched onwards from seconds and was closing in on a full minute. ¡°I¡­ I am not sure. It¡­ it is¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I believe that I need a moment. Let us take our leave of this place. But- but I thank thee for thine assistance, Kite. Truly, I am most fortunate.¡± The last part was added in haste, and Kite could once again feel the spike of fear that heralded the words. ¡°Do not fret, Laevyeth. While I am definitely curious of what other wonders you are capable of, it will remain up to you what to show and when,¡± he assured her, slinging the spear over his shoulder again as he brought the training dummies back to the side of the room. He was just about to open the door and exit when Laevyeth spoke again. ¡°Wait, please. Before we leave there is¡­ something else thou shouldst know.¡± Even though he could see her just fine through his expanded vision, Kite still turned his head to look at her and show that he was listening. ¡°It is another part of mine own nature. A new part. I know not how or why, but it seems like I am¡­ obscured, for lack of a better word. Tracking magic will not find me, or so mine instincts tell me at least.¡± ¡°I¡­ see?¡± Kite began questioningly, about to ask more before it dawned on him. ¡°Ah, you mean in case you are somehow lost? Or we get separated?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± the spear confirmed, her aura feeling very small at that moment as it had been wont to do during Laevyeths more anxious moments. ¡°Please do not misunderstand, as I am already most grateful for all the assistance thou have lent me. But the thought of being more lost than I already am¡­¡± ¡°It does seem like a problem which can be ameliorated, at least temporarily,¡± Kite mused, picking up the conversation as she trailed off. ¡°While we are on escort duty for the next two days, how about we take a trip to the trade pavilion and see if we cannot find anything there to allay your worries for the time being?¡± At that, Laevyeth was silent for a while before her aura pulsed in acquiescence; the spiritual equivalent of a nod. Hesitant, but there. ¡°Yes, that would be nice. I thank thee again, Kite. Let us do so, even if just to allay my unseemly fears. A few more days like these should not bring any more troubles upon us, after all.¡±
¡°Hmm¡­¡± ¡°My Lord?¡± Lady Ljublia had stood silent so far while Lord Van Sztramm had performed his ritual, precious resources evaporating along with the magical lines of the diagram covering the floor of the ritual chamber adjoined to the gold-ranker¡¯s office at the local magic society branch. She still felt honored to be included in the man¡¯s plans so far, but the sense of displeasure in his aura had her worried. ¡°It¡¯s not working. The tracking stone remains inert, indicating nothing.¡± ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, Lord Van Sztramm. Perhaps I failed in acquiring the aura sample there at the end of the last conference. I really thought I got the wand close enough-¡± Ljublia¡¯s apologies were interrupted by a raised hand from the gold-ranker, and she fell silent. ¡°No¡­ No, the wand indicated a response. I saw it myself. And given the cost of it, the quality of the equipment is not in question,¡± Van Sztramm mused, looking back at the inert tracking stone. ¡°Yet the ritual gives us nothing. Fascinating, if frustrating. It seems we will have to resort to more mundane means of tracking the spear¡¯s location. But this is at least something¡­ Yes, progress. Tentative proof that my senses weren¡¯t misleading me. That weapon seems to have an aura of its own in some shape or form. Because I trust that you verified what I asked of you?¡± ¡°Yes, my Lord,¡± Lady Ljublia replied, relieved. ¡°None of the reports of the adventurer in question reports him having any spear conjurations, and his two familiars are accounted for. None of them should have been a confounding factor.¡± ¡°Excellent. Then it is time for you to make preparations for an extended stay away from the city. Make sure you have a reasonable cover to stay away from your other projects for a time,¡± Van Sztramm said, twining the edge of his blonde mustache as he spoke. ¡°I will personally make sure to acquire the spear in the days to come. Then, whatever secrets it holds will be ours to unravel.¡± 200. Know your place ¡°... What?¡± Christine asked as she noticed Kite¡¯s expectant look as the doors to the conference room closed behind them, Ryker and Linger having just changed shifts with them as part of Sir Ilmaril¡¯s entourage. ¡°I was just waiting.¡± ¡°For?¡± ¡°Senior sister, that was the end of our last shift. So far, each time we¡¯ve emerged from these doors, you have served me a brand new metaphor for the tediousness of it all. Watching paint dry, emptying a lake with a spoon, witnessing a mountain eroded down to nothing by the wind, listening to the grass growing,¡± Kite said, ticking off each example on his fingers. ¡°I had hoped to add another to the collection today, as you may have saved the most spectacular one for last.¡± ¡°Well, perhaps I found this particular meeting to be of actual interest?¡± Christine retorted nonchalantly, before almost immediately caving at Kite¡¯s raised eyebrow. ¡°Fine¡­¡± she muttered. ¡°Today¡­ Today was worse than being the silent witness to a single glacier reaching out to swallow the world, every single thing ground to dust beneath its passing with agonizing slowness.¡± ¡°That¡¯s my Senior Sister for you,¡± Kite noted, satisfied. ¡°On another note, what are your intentions for the rest of our time in the city? It is noon now, meaning that we have a full day of freedom here in the city until tomorrow morning when we¡¯re portaling out.¡± The last was in part a question to make small talk, and in part for Laevyeth¡¯s benefit. Kite could feel her restlessness where she was slung across his back, and he empathized. The past two days had been slow. Calm, but slow. And the time seeming to crawl by had worn away at what little patience the nervous spear could muster. ¡°Me? Well, I¡¯m going to relax. Good and proper,¡± Christine replied, her normal casual tone back in force as she stretched, arms behind her head. ¡°The city apparently has some really good high-end bath houses, so I thought to seek one out and not emerge until it¡¯s nice and dark outside. Want to join me, Glint?¡± ¡°This young mistress finds the prospect most pleasing,¡± the familiar replied, peeking her head out of her bottle at Kite¡¯s belt. ¡°You¡¯ve spent all of these days sleeping languidly, and you¡¯ve still got room for more leisure?¡± Kite asked the familiar, amused, only getting an indignant snort in return. ¡°It seems like your company is handled then,¡± he continued, turning back to the elf walking beside him. ¡°Could I perhaps interest you both in lunch before you¡¯re off to the pleasantries? I¡¯m looking to spend the rest of the day meditating and browsing the trade halls after that.¡± ¡°Sounds like a plan. I saw this interesting place yesterday in passing that served some kind of pie that smelled amazing-¡± As they exited the building, emerging out into the crisp air and brightness of day, Kite sent a comforting pulse of aura to Laevyeth while keeping up with the spoken conversation. ¡°Soon,¡± he thought, hoping that the spear would catch his meaning. ¡°We¡¯ll soon be taking our leave. And once we¡¯re back in Hua-Xi, you¡¯ll hopefully feel safe enough. Eventually.¡±
¡°All this food. It just seems so¡­ odd.¡± It wasn¡¯t the first time Laevyeth had considered this particular practice, having been silent witness to many meals of which Kite had partaken during the days since their meeting. But even with the knowledge in her head, confirmed by the vague memories given by her creator which Laevyeth still held, to ingest parts of the physical world like that using their mouths¡­ ¡°But¡­ Now I shouldst be able to do so too, shouldst I not?¡± Now there was one unsettling thought, added to the long list of things that made Laevyeth ambivalent of this new, alternate form of hers. Hands and being able to move around were definitely a distinct advantage, opening up a world of possibilities. But eating? It joined the grouping of other activities which the people of this world seemed to be most fond of but which Laevyeth felt were most alien to her sensibilities. Some particular ones involving the bodies of chosen others even seemed to be considered very enjoyable if Kite¡¯s knowledge was to be believed. ¡°I suppose I shall have to withhold judgement for now. Perhaps partake in the future, at least once. To experience what all that excitement is about.¡± As for Kite¡¯s companions, Laevyeth was still trying to figure things out. This Christine was part of his previous knowledge, yet she knew of many others who the human was a lot closer to. Her creator had imparted knowledge of a vast cosmos, but it was one thing to conceptually know of it and another thing to experience it. Laevyeth had already felt dizzy upon considering the number of people her current wielder knew, further aggravated by the fact that it was but a miniscule portion of this world. And that the world itself was almost insignificant before the wider cosmos as a whole. ¡°Still, Kite seems to insist on his trust in them. Perhaps I shouldst¡­? No. No. Not here. Perhaps in the future, near his home. This place is not safe. Not with those ¡®researchers¡¯ still near.¡± Even with her fear once more taking charge, Laevyeth still found herself drinking in the conversations she was listening to. But not just the words itself, but something more intangible. There was something with the interactions that caused a longing to ache inside her. She didn¡¯t know exactly what it was or how to put it into words, but that mattered less at the moment. But perhaps one day, not too far off into the future, it would.
While they weren¡¯t the most expansive Kite had ever visited during his travels, the Svyatograd trade halls connected to the adventure society campus were definitely among the most lavish. Walking through the pillared great halls among booths, vendors and storefronts felt like entering the foyer to some kind of palace. Many of the more affluent stores even had separate rooms or small wings dedicated solely to them. Arrays of glowstones high above highlighted the fine stone and beautiful wood paneling, and the environment gave a distinct sense of dignity to even the crowded halls filled with arguing, haggling and other voices advertising all kinds of wares. But at that very moment, most of it became a simple buzz in the background; muted and distant as Kite¡¯s perception had zoned in on something else. ¡°Haven¡¯t I seen her before?¡± he thought as his expanded vision let him focus on a human woman with auburn hair up in a bun and dressed in what looked like ordinary clothing for the region and season; thick and layered skirts and a jacket similarly insulated against the cold weather. Through the mass of essence-users, Kite couldn¡¯t pick out her aura well enough to get a proper read beyond that she seemed to be a bronze-ranked core user, probably not an adventurer herself. As other than adventurers themselves often frequented the trade halls around the world - from servants to auxiliary team members making errands in their respective adventurer¡¯s stead - this particular woman shouldn¡¯t stand out. But Kite had idly noted her many, many times already during the two hours or so he had spent browsing and searching for a potential tracking solution to Laevyeth¡¯s earlier concern. Too many times to feel fully coincidental. ¡°Sir?¡± The lone word, the question clear in its tone, brought Kite back to the present where he was standing with a sparkling shield in his hands. It was an interesting piece of craftsmanship, rectangular in shape while looking as if it was made from stained glass. And from the merchant¡¯s expectant look, it seemed as if he was waiting for some kind of answer from Kite. ¡°What do you think? A versatile tool for any adventurer, no?¡± the man continued. ¡°Or do you wish me to go further into the details of its enchantments? My earlier explanation was but an abridged version, and-¡± ¡°No, thank you,¡± Kite interrupted as politely as possible, handing the shield back to the man. ¡°It does sound very impressive, especially with the different rechargeable runes, but I do believe that it is a bit beyond what I need at the moment. Please convey my compliments to the crafter in question though, as the complexity is astounding.¡± What he didn¡¯t say was that it was an idea of which he would tell Peony upon his return, as the enchantments had some interesting properties which might serve as inspiration. Kite soon found himself rejoining the crowds, albeit with a different objective in mind. He went to browse several alchemy shops, a vendor selling one-use projectiles and a jeweller who was all too happy to refer Kite to a multitude of brothers in other fields. And as he did, his suspicions were proven true. Because even when Kite made sure to cross the more expansive central hall multiple times, going out of his way to plan an asymmetrical route beyond any simple shopping trip or errand. And all the while, that same woman was somehow always shopping nearby. After visiting two more stores just to get confirmation beyond any reasonable belief, Kite decided that he had had enough of the subtle chase. ¡°Time to see what this is about,¡± he thought with an inward sigh, turning on the spot and starting to make his way directly towards the woman instead of away as he had before. ¡°Perhaps I can at least get to know who sent her without making too much of a disturbance.¡± At first, the woman didn¡¯t even glance at his approach, even if she did move further away while putting up a quite convincing act that it was merely her own fancies which made her change direction. But as Kite increased his pace, she soon looked up, eyes widening slightly in alarm as her gaze met his. She didn¡¯t bolt though, as Kite might have had suspected. Although something close to it. In a puff of mist, the woman briefly disappeared before reforming a short distance away, gaining a distinct lead on Kite in his measured pursuit. ¡°Curses,¡± he swore inwardly. Kite had made sure to start his counter-pursuit as far from the exits as he could reasonably manage to make sure that he could discreetly catch up without causing a scene. But if the woman had a short-range teleport¡­ ¡°It seems like some subtleties will have to be thrown to the wind.¡± With the thought, a trio of vortices appeared above him and locked onto the retreating woman even as Kite pursued at a brisk walk. Neither moved fast enough to need to shove their way through the crowds, especially not with grace of essence users. And so far, most people in the crowds didn¡¯t even react much to the visible effects of Spirit Singularity beyond casting the occasional glance. ¡°Well, one of the perks with being in a city with plentiful adventurers,¡± Kite thought to himself as he stepped up his silent pursuit. The woman with the auburn hair seemed to realize her predicament as she jerked in place a few seconds later, her teleport failing beneath the full attention of Kite¡¯s spirit singularity. He wondered if she would bolt then, but was proven incorrect again as she continued at a somewhat measured pace, albeit changing directions. Kite witnessed her cut through a few more crowds than before, earning herself a few scowls and muttered words before eventually reaching one of the more affluent stores of the trade hall, the sign above reading ¡®Svarowsky and sons¡¯. It was one of those with a whole set of rooms beyond the walls of the main hall, with huge enchanted windows showing off impressively cut crystals of most shapes and sizes Kite could imagine. Beyond the showcases, heavy drapes hid the rest of the store from the outside world to create that private kind of atmosphere which customers of means seemed to prefer the world over. ¡°But apparently I am such a customer these days,¡± he thought as he entered, the two silver-ranked guards at the door only glancing Kite¡¯s way briefly before looking back towards the crowds. ¡°And unless she works here, it should be a good place to quietly get some answers and-¡± Kite¡¯s thoughts were abruptly thrown aside as his instincts warned him that something was wrong after taking only a few steps into the store. As he expected, the insides were richly decorated with plenty of heavily enchanted display cabinets holding different kinds of quintessence and a plethora of other crystals. Everything was set up just densely enough to give a sense of a rich and varied inventory yet sparsely enough to maintain that clean, exclusive feeling which the whole store seemed to want to emit. But what set Kite on edge was the fact that there were currently only two people other than him in the store, and neither looked to be any kind of clerk or storeowner which one might expect. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. ¡°Thank you, Lana. That will be all,¡± said the person whose presence was currently dominating the space, in stature and aura both; a powerfully built human man with fair hair and an impeccably groomed mustache who was turning from a counter at the far end to face Kite while giving a dismissing wave to the woman with the auburn hair whom Kite had been pursuing. ¡°The bait,¡± Kite thought bitterly, inwardly chiding himself for not seeing it before as he watched her - Lana - step up with her back to a nearby wall, her posture indicating her to be a servant of some sort, ready to serve her master should he please. She was a bronze-ranker, and therefore not a threat, at least that¡¯s what Kite had thought. And he had also thought the venue way too public for something of actual danger to befall him. Which now left him alone and isolated inside an enclosed space with a gold-ranker. A gold-ranker Kite knew, at least by name and title. ¡°Lord Van Sztramm. My apologies if I am interrupting your shopping,¡± Kite greeted, words polite even as he readied himself for trouble, stance and all. Even a core-using gold was very, very dangerous, and Kite¡¯s lack of instant or easy movement powers made it pretty much irrelevant that he could see the guards outside lean in and lock the door before stepping closer together to block any view through the glass portions of the door. ¡°Oh, not at all, not at all,¡± Van Sztramm replied, leaning back against the counter behind him. Calm, and in control. His attire also hinted that the man did not expect trouble that day, at least not for him, dressed as he was in a fine coat of bronze velvet, with the high boots and ruffled shirt that was the local height of fashion among the wealthy. ¡°In fact, I am most pleased that you came by. I¡¯ve been looking for an opportunity to have a talk with you for a few days now even. A private one. And my dear friend Piotr - Piotr Swarovsky - was even kind enough to lend me the use of his store for an hour or two for this very purpose. A generous, good fellow. I highly recommend purchasing something from him before you depart tomorrow. You¡¯ll not regret it.¡± ¡°I¡­ see,¡± Kite replied tentatively, mind racing through different outcomes of this most worrying encounter. Because he knew that Lord Van Sztramm was most influential in Svyatograd, both within its magic society and noble circles alike. ¡°And why not just extend an invitation then?¡± ¡°Oh, but I do believe I said that I wanted this to be a private meeting, did I not? Lana here did a most excellent job in making sure to pique your interest enough for you to follow. Because you, little adventurer, have something I want. And in this city, I¡¯m in a position to get it,¡± Van Sztramm replied, lips quirking upwards in a confident smile. ¡°The spear at your back will be coming with me. You did a fine job in hiding it from us, as it could indeed have been passed by as just another piece of loot. But still, you failed. And now you will lose it, as is the way of this world when one more powerful than you wish for something you have.¡± Seeing that his words made Kite slide deeper into a balanced stance made for quick reactions and footwork, the gold-ranker just sighed dramatically. ¡°Please now, none of that. I¡¯m not a brute like you people,¡± he tutted. ¡°I¡¯m just clarifying the way of the world for you. Sometimes you just lose, and that is that. As long as you are wise enough to see that and adapt accordingly, perhaps you too will reach my position and get what you want in the future. And at this moment, the wise choice will be to thank me for my kind offer, take your payment, leave the spear and be on your merry way. Lana.¡± Van Sztramm called the name with a distinct note of command and a flick of his wrist, which caused the woman in question to step up to the counter and retrieve a stack of coins from a dimensional pouch at her waist, each carrying a distinct golden shimmer. ¡°Five gold spirit coins should be enough for you to get a new toy and leave the actual artifacts for your betters who can appreciate them,¡± Van Sztramm continued. ¡°You should know better than to negotiate the sum, as it is more than you deserve. But if that will make you go back to whatever backwater corner of the world you call home and let us just forget about this little incident, it is money well spent. Don¡¯t make me hurt you, silver.¡± Kite was only listening to the obvious threat with half an ear though. The rest of him was currently trying to project as much calm as he could against the almost overwhelming wave of fear and anxiety which came from Laevyeth who was still his back, their proximity leaving no way to shield himself from the raw, primal emotion. This was her greatest fear, after all, at least of the little she had told Kite. And it was during that time that Kite had an idea. ¡°Well, Lord Van Sztramm, it seems that you are indeed speaking the truth of the matter. As things stand, I¡¯m all backed up against a Wall!¡± The barriers of Leyline Warding appeared in the blink of an eye, layered as many times as possible while forming a corridor leading back towards the door of the store. Another blink of an eye had cracks forming across the outer layers as the gold-ranker, core-user or not, had very fast reaction speeds. ¡°Laevyeth, take this,¡± Kite hissed under his breath, reaching into a dimensional pouch and producing a small object which he pressed to the haft of the spear. ¡°Theycannottakemepleasedon¡¯tletthem-¡± ¡°Laevyeth!¡± Kite¡¯s next hissed whisper was accompanied by a sharp nudge of aura, temporarily dispelling the spear¡¯s panic. ¡°Take this and drop it somewhere once you¡¯ve stopped. It¡¯ll help me find you. I¡¯ll bring help.¡± For a brief moment, Kite was unsure if he had gotten through to her, but then the object disappeared into Laevyeth¡¯s dimensional storage. Sensing the thing vanish, Kite spared no time in turning and starting a headlong rush towards the door. Because even with his improvised contingency, he would very much rather get back out into the public again. ¡°I suppose we¡¯ll soon see how well fortified this place is-¡± But he had only managed to cross half the distance to the door when he felt the feedback of his barriers breaking, and not even a breath later Kite found himself yanked backward and up by his neck by a powerful hand, Implacable motion proving incapable of blocking the restraint. ¡°Adventurers,¡± Van Sztramm tutted from behind him as he reached out with his other hand and yanked Laevyeth from Kite¡¯s back, the simple cord snapping as if made of straw. ¡°Always so confident in your abilities. Respecting the tyranny of rank is a lesson you¡¯d do well to learn. Here, let me instruct you.¡± With a half-hearted swing, the gold-ranker then threw Kite back into the store. Even so, the force was enough to cause Kite¡¯s world to become but a blur for a brief moment before the impact - and accompanying pain - struck him. As it turned out, the internal defensive arrays protecting the walls of the store were strong enough to withstand the adventurer-turned-projectile. ¡°Know your place. Luminous lance!¡± ¡°War-¡± Before the pull of the earth had even had the time to start pulling Kite downward and the short chant left his lips, a beam of light shot from Van Sztramm¡¯s hand and struck him square in the chest. Even though the disrupting force damage was not the best at piercing armor, it came from a gold rank spell. Kite¡¯s breastplate crumbled and another burst of pain jolted through him as the damage registered, leaving a deep, charred hole halfway through his chest as he was allowed to slide to the ground. ¡°Ward.¡± This time, the chant did come out in time even though it was more like a croak. The barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding formed between Kite and the gold-ranker, but as a thought struck him, Kite remained slumped against the wall as he let go of some control of his aura while shoving the very real pain he was suffering to the forefront of his consciousness and spirit. Van Sztramm regarded Kite for a moment from across the room, but no more attacks seemed forthcoming. ¡°Well, I suppose that wisdom in hindsight is at least better than complete absence of it,¡± the gold-ranker said casually, his disdain clear. ¡°Remember this, little silver, and make better choices in the future. And please, by all means try and go complaining to your superiors. It will be another good lesson for you in how power speaks the loudest.¡± With that, Van Sztramm gestured for his servant who appeared at his side in a swirl of mist to open the now unlocked doors of the store for him, exiting without another glance towards the still slumped Kite. A second passed, then another. When none returned, Kite sprung to his feet. The pain in his chest was very much real, but the beam of light had at least been a weak spell. And with a silver-ranker¡¯s body, such a wound wasn¡¯t nearly as bad as it would have been for a bronze. But even expected pain was still equally painful, and ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Laevyeth,¡± Kite murmured, worry clouding his heart and spirit. His plan was sound, at least he hoped, but it was also thought of in the moment. He would need to act fast to not risk losing the potential trail. ¡°I should have seen it. I really should. People like them don¡¯t just give up like that. I¡­ still have a lot to learn.¡± But as auntie Crow was fond of saying, regrets were vain feelings. ¡°They will gladly devour as much attention and time as one gives them, ever demanding more¡± Kite could almost hear her say. ¡°Only by looking to the future and moving on could you hope to put them in their place.¡± So even with the emotions gnawing at his mind, Kite still straightened and made to leave the store after donning a cloak and drawing it close around him to hide his injury. He needed to make any observer left to think that he had indeed been beating and was slinking away to lick his wounds. Even if the truth was anything but. ¡°And I am sorry again, Laevyeth, for what is to come next,¡± he thought, joining the crowds of the trade hall and making for the exit. ¡°Because if I¡¯m to have a chance at rescuing you, I will need help.¡±
¡°What? He didn¡¯t? And what did Monsoon - sorry, Young Master Monsoon - do next? Because surely he wouldn¡¯t just take that lying down?¡± Christine asked wide eyed, leaning forward in the tiled pool of steaming water. ¡°Oh, this young mistress assures you that he did not. The Young Master of the Monsoon family is very determined, something both a virtue and a detriment at times,¡± Glint replied where she sat, a dignified counterpart to Christine¡¯s casual lounge in the private bathing suite the pair had rented. ¡°Young Master Cinnabar is a crafty one, but tends to underestimate the lengths which his contenders will go to. As such, he almost lost his composure when Young Master Monsoon came gliding up alongside his pleasure barge in but a small skiff piloted by a single wielder of a water essence, serenading me. In a most pleasing way, I¡¯ll admit.¡± ¡°Hah, I can imagine. What must a woman do to get that kind of treatment, I wonder. Except being a ridiculously pretty draconian who''s literally sparkling in the light,¡± Christine mused, smiling wistfully. ¡°This young mistress will not apologize for being admired. It is only the natural state of things for beauty to be witnessed,¡± Glint stated matter-of-factly. ¡°Even so, I would imagine that Senior Sister Christine would have little trouble finding suitors, should you wish.¡± ¡°Oh I agree Glint. You go, girl! Keep doing your thing. Especially that thing you¡¯re doing with the water. It feels like my back is getting a proper massage while relaxing at the same time. If you ever wish for another job, being the Mistress of a bathing house would probably earn you renown throughout¡­ Glint? What is it?¡± Christine sensed the change in the familiar¡¯s aura even as she saw Glint stiffen, sitting more upright as she closed her eyes as if focusing on something distant. ¡°It is my bond. He¡¯s hurt. Fighting? No. Or yes, in a way,¡± Glint murmured, eyes still closed. While Christine had none of her own, she knew of the special connection between bonded familiars and their essence-users, able to sense each others¡¯ directions and states of mind, among other things. And as far as she knew, this wasn¡¯t a sense which one could easily misinterpret. ¡°What? Where is he? How far? Let¡¯s go!¡± the elf called, rising from the bath as stone armor adorned with geodes of crystal formed over her naked form. Christine had needed to perform such a stunt several times before during her training and career, and was most thankful of her silver-ranked body these days. Back at iron, the chafing had been in a league of its own. ¡°Hold.¡± Glint¡¯s reply was surprisingly calm given the situation, a single palm held up to forestall the elven woman from storming out that instant. ¡°My bond is¡­ in control. At least in a way. I sense no more pain. A bit of fear, a lot of chagrin and regret. But I believe that the most immediate danger has passed.¡± ¡°Still, we need to get to him-¡± ¡°Which we shall. After getting dressed,¡± Glint replied calmly, manipulating the water to carry her out of the pool and instantly drying herself as each and every drop slid back into the pool as of their own volition. ¡°One should only abandon dignity when it is absolutely necessary, after all. Let us get on with it and go to his aid. Both of us,¡± the familiar finished, giving her companion a pointed look. Despite her words though, Glint donned her fashionable robes with a distinct efficiency. Local fashion would view them as more exotic than the height of style, but with how the familiar-turned-draconian looked and comported herself, Christine doubted that anyone with eyes would be able to deny that the end result was immaculate. The elf matched her pace, throwing on the more utilitarian pants and blouse which she wore most days, and just to be sure she re-conjured her stone armor as the pair exited the bathhouse. ¡°If Senior Sister doesn¡¯t mind, I believe that flight will be more expedient. Allow this young mistress to carry you.¡± As Glint spoke, she was already transforming on the side of the street, the shimmering spectacle causing some of the passersby to stop and gawk as her long and sinuous dragon-carp body stretched out over the street while carried aloft on a floating stream of conjured water. Christine just grinned in response and gave off a happy ¡°whoop!¡± as she leapt onto the familiar¡¯s back. The pair shot up into the air and joined the vague lanes of flying traffic, following Glint¡¯s instinctive sense of where Kite was currently located. Svyatograd was rich enough in essence-users that it had some basic rules for flying within the city limits, and the shimmering familiar drew more than her fair share of looks even while they were in transit, the evening light most flattering to the coloration of her scales. ¡°There,¡± Glint spoke after only a minute or two of cruising above the city. The familiar swerved downward, making a controlled spiral towards the one of the streets below close to the adventure society campus. It didn¡¯t take long for Christine to spot Kite either, wearing his distinct conical hat and cloak drawn closely around him. He must have sensed them as well as he stopped and looked upward before promptly starting to skip upward into the air, leaping lightly between panes of conjured force like he was skipping across stones in a river. ¡°Heavens, am I glad to see you,¡± Kite said as he landed on Glint¡¯s back. His motions were controlled and he didn¡¯t wobble in his seat, but Christine could immediately sense the pain in his aura, warring with some other emotions. She also noted that the spear which he had been constantly carrying since their strike against the order was missing, an oddity which she hadn¡¯t yet asked him about. ¡°Kite, what happened? Glint felt you being hurt,¡± she asked, looking about for other signs of trouble. ¡°Are you being followed? Do you need healing?¡± ¡°No and¡­ Well, not immediately,¡± Kite replied, voice tight. ¡°What happened then?¡± ¡°It¡­¡± he said, hesitating. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you some of it on the way back, but most will have to wait until the team is gathered. There is something you all should know. And¡­ I need advice on how to best proceed. Because there is someone I will need to rescue.¡± 201. Patience and temperance As he sat in the skimmer, gazing out at the harsh yet beautiful wilderness zooming by outside, Lord Basilev Van Sztramm was currently regretting some life choices. Namely in not being a bit more patient in his youth and holding out for awakening stones more likely to provide him with powers of teleportation or even the vaunted portal. Instead, as things stood, he was forced to endure the four-hour trip the slow way, even if his current means of conveyance - a personal transport skimmer equipped with every creature comfort possible to cram onto such a vehicle and still comfortably be able to seat up to half a dozen people - should have been more than enough. ¡°But when discovery and new horizons awaits, patience doesn¡¯t come easily,¡± he thought, looking at the oblong wood box currently containing the spear. Van Sztramm would have liked to begin his studies immediately even during the ride, at least on the surface level, but there was a complication to it all which he had noted the moment he snatched it from that little silver-ranker. ¡°I wonder how he could manage the resonance for so long when even I couldn¡¯t endure the contact for more than a few minutes. It¡¯s a good thing I decided not to kill him at least. This means that we can always bring him in for questioning down the line, should we need to.¡± The fact that killing the adventurer would have the adventure society up in arms and no doubt attempt to crawl all over his business during what would, in all probability, be a crucial time in his career did also play into the decision, even if Van Sztramm wanted to think himself beyond reproach from people such as them. Turning his mind to more interesting things, Van Sztramm instead chose to turn to address the latest addition to his personal research team and currently the only one with him in the skimmer on the way to his villa with the exception of other, more menial staff. ¡°How goes the compilation of the different resonance levels so far?¡± he asked Astana Ljublia, the blonde woman almost jumping in her seat at the sudden address. The start was mostly in her aura though, along with several other nuances of nervousness and excitement, and the younger woman composed herself quickly. ¡°My Lord, our improvised trials have so far yielded mostly scattered results. You were, of course, the one able to endure the resonance for the longest duration. Among the silver-rankers in your guards back in the city and myself, the results range from thirty seconds to two minutes and forty-seven seconds. It should be noted that your handmaid managed to last longer than any of the silvers, and that I suspect it to be the ordinary feedback of touching a higher-ranked object which forced her to break contact.¡± ¡°Interesting,¡± Van Sztramm replied, nodding to himself.¡± We will have to arrange more trials further once the others arrive. Extracting them all from their projects at once would raise too much suspicion though, so it will be just you, me and the servants for the first few days. Enough to start some preliminary experiments and initial lines of inquiry. I will spare no expense in this, as the rewards in the form of future glory should pay dividends a hundredfold.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to be too presumptuous, My Lord, so I hope that you don¡¯t mind me asking¡­¡± Lady Ljublia Began, pausing briefly before continuing at a nod from her superior. ¡°Did you find some kind of confirmation? That this object was something extraordinary? Because outside of the odd resonance, I detected nothing out of the ordinary.¡± ¡°Oh Astana, I did. I did indeed,¡± Van Sztramm replied, feeling most pleased as he sat back in his seat. ¡°While I was touching the spear I could sense enough to confirm your hypothesis that the weapon is alive, at least in a sense. It has an aura of its own, distinct and sentient. I even managed to dig out some notes of fear from it during my brief contact earlier today. They still felt distant and vague though, so perhaps it is a simple being with basic emotions like a child? But it was nonetheless there, which means that there are plenty of answers for us to find.¡± Van Sztramm could sense relief flood through the noblewoman¡¯s aura at his words, which pleased him. Astana Ljublia had the kind of temperament he valued in his underlings, with just the right level of independent initiative to be useful. ¡°Even so, we must be both disciplined and brave, Astana. We might be breaking new ground here. And that will require that we do everything within our capacity to find answers. Everything. I do hope that your dedication will remain firm. It would be a shame to find out that I made a mistake in recruiting you.¡± His words had the intended effect this time as well, causing a jolt of worry and determination to surge within Ljublia¡¯s aura as she hurriedly spoke. ¡°Of course, Lord Van Sztramm. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Whatever it takes, I will not fail you.¡± ¡°Good. Good,¡± Van Sztram said, smile widening as he leaned further into the plush skimmer chair. ¡°Hard work awaits us. Hard work, and interesting times. Where we will turn opportunity into fortune. And even better to have snatched that opportunity from beneath the noses of the undeserving brutes of the adventure society. Even though we won''t ever meet again, I almost wish I could see their faces once the fruits of our labors are eventually revealed to the world.¡±
¡°Thank you for coming on such short notice, Teacher,¡± Kite said as he admitted Ryker to his room at their shared lodgings. The hotel wasn¡¯t part of the adventure society campus itself, but situated nearby and apparently used to cater to visiting foreign essence-users. As such, it had enough privacy and defensive arrays to be counted as a small fortress in certain more mana-sparse parts of the world. Therefore it was an excellent place to carry out any meetings or conversations which one would rather keep private. ¡°It sounded important,¡± Ryker grunted in way of reply as he entered the room, where Christine and Mtanga were already waiting. ¡°Do you know if Linger will-¡± ¡°Already here!¡± the celestine¡¯s voice called from the seemingly empty corridor, his lurker form revealing itself a moment later before shrinking back to reveal the smiling man with the matte gray metallic hair and eyes. Even casual as his tone was though, the man wore his light armor and gear in apparent readiness. ¡°Better safe than sorry, given the tone of your message,¡± Linger commented with a grin upon seeing Kite take note of his attire. ¡°Fellow adventurers rarely call upon each other like that if there isn¡¯t anything remotely dangerous involved.¡± Linger took a seat in one of the few chairs in the rather small room, and Kite immediately found himself the center of attention. ¡°The truth first, advice later,¡± he thought to himself, gathering his words. ¡°I¡­ need your advice on a certain matter, one complicated in more ways than one. But there is context that needs to finally be shared, and I will forewarn you that there is so much of which I don¡¯t know either. Most of it, probably.¡± ¡°Oh, this is sure to be good then,¡± Mtanga said, the dark-skinned man shooting Kite a bright smile. ¡°Come on, Kite. Don¡¯t keep us waiting. You¡¯re among friends.¡± ¡°I know. And thanks,¡± Kite replied, feeling some of the tension bleeding away. ¡°I just¡­ I wish she would have seen that too.¡± ¡°She?¡± Christine asked, before her eyes lit up in revelation as she pieced together some few snippets of details which Kite had already told her. ¡°No, wait, do you mean-?¡± ¡°I do,¡± Kite said, turning to the rest as he began his explanation in earnest. ¡°Back during the strike against the ritual of the Everfrost Order, when you sent me ahead as a linebreaker, I met someone. Or rather, she was flung here from gods knows where. Her name is Laevyeth, and she is of a most strange existence. You might wonder why you haven¡¯t seen her, and it is here one of the first great oddities come in; you have. She is the spear I have been carrying around these past days. Well, not only a spear, even though I believe it to be her original form.¡± ¡°The spear¡­?¡± Ryker¡¯s statement managed to sound both gruff and a bit disbelieving at the same time. Only slightly though, as he had been part of Gauntlet for a lot longer than Kite. And Kite had already seen his fair share of odd magics during the contracts with the task group to understand if it might make one inured to the ¡®impossible¡¯. ¡°Indeed, the spear,¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°Her nature is both fascinating and alien to me, even though her story is a sad one of loneliness and abandonment. Apparently-¡± Kite proceeded to tell the group what little he and - if his impression was to be believed - Laevyeth herself knew; of her mysterious creator of unknown power, her so-called purpose and subsequently being cast aside when she failed to meet it. And of her described experiences with her prison crumbling, ending with her finding herself face to face with Kite. ¡°-and while in her spear form, she is most adept at hiding her aura even if she can also get very close with one touching her on a spiritual level should she wish. And Laevyeth she was - is - afraid. Very afraid. So she begged me to carry her to freedom in secret, not trusting anyone else. Probably not me either, at least not fully, but I seemed to have been deemed at least good enough for now. And as I could detect no falsehood, ill intent or anything of the sort during our time together - combined with the fact that she was of silver rank - I went with her wishes.¡± ¡°And kept a pretty big secret from us, your team,¡± Ryker noted, clearly displeased. ¡°Silver or not, that¡¯s a damn huge security risk, Kite. What were you thinking?¡± ¡°Oh calm down, Ryker,¡± Christine countered. ¡°Kite had been a good judge of spirit and character before. You¡¯re the one who trained him to be, remember? Helping this Laevyeth out and respecting her wishes, at least for a time, isn¡¯t that outlandish. Whatever she is-¡± ¡°Outworlder.¡± It was Mtanga who spoke after having looked to be deep in thought for a time as Kite told of the odd events. ¡°She¡¯s an outworlder. She has to be,¡± the man continued as the others turned to him. ¡°A ritual gone awry in a chaotic way, one involving some flavor of astral magic no less? It has to be. Gods, I should have figured it out faster. Shame, Mtanga. Real shame.¡± ¡°Hmm, wait, you''ve told me about those at some point. Very rare, but not unheard of? Beings pulled across the astral due to cosmic flukes? Often alone, confused and in possession of odd powers? That¡­ does fit the bill,¡± Christine agreed. ¡°It looks like I should start listening a bit more closely to when you get all fired up about astral magic.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m a journeyman within the subject at best,¡± Mtanga said modestly. ¡°It is a very difficult field, with few across the world even finding it worthy to study in detail.¡± The term outworlder had also sparked a memory for Kite, as he realized that he too had heard it before when Little Crow told him of his clan¡¯s patriarch and founder; the famous Tengu, apparently also having originated from somewhere beyond the stars. Turning to Ryker, Kite broke back into the conversation when he found a suitable gap in Christine and Mtanga¡¯s back-and-forth discussion of astral magic theory. ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, Teacher, I have made numerous attempts to convince Laevyeth to share her existence with you. But while she might share some of my knowledge of you, trust is based on more than theory. And Laevyeth always felt afraid. So very afraid. Hence she had yet to acquiesce.¡± Ryker nodded once to acknowledge Kite¡¯s reasons and the apology therein before replying. ¡°How come you¡¯ve changed your mind now though and stopped respecting her wishes? Because from the sound of it, it isn¡¯t she that has changed her mind.¡± ¡°Because- ,¡± Kite began, steadying himself at the wave of bitter feelings welling up at what he was about to say. ¡°- she has been taken. Today. By the magic society, or at least one of its members. Lord Van Sztramm, their gold-ranker from the expedition, baited me into a trap at the trade hall. I honestly have no idea how they found out about Laevyeth¡¯s existence, but it was no fluke. He demanded her specifically, but always called her ¡®the spear¡¯ so might not have known the full extent of her sentience.¡± At this revelation, Kite felt the auras of all gathered sharpen in different reactions of outrage. Calling the cooperation smooth during the expedition would be a bald-faced lie if there ever was one, after all. And the first who spoke was the one who had borne the brunt of it. ¡°That underhanded son of a dung ooze!¡± Ryker swore. The man always looked gruff and terse, and Kite was surprised at the depth of the man¡¯s expressions as they could somehow convey the full, qualitative difference between his normal state and the fury which was rippling through his aura, clear as day as he continued. ¡°That decay-spewing mongrel. All that talk of the proper rules and codes of conduct, using the contracts as a weapon in every case possible no matter the dignity of it. And now he - a gold-ranker - outright robs one of ours?!¡± A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Ryker remained seated throughout the whole tirade, even if he gave off the sense of wanting to pace about the room like an agitated drake. ¡°But how would they even have known, if she¡¯s as good at hiding as you said, Kite?¡± Mtanga asked. ¡°From what I know, outworlders tend to often have their racial abilities made to help them survive their new environments, so if she has indeed been augmented in such a way I¡¯m surprised that they actually discovered her. I didn¡¯t think more of it besides finding it odd that you were carrying that spear around all the time without putting it into your dimensional storage, as- oh, wait! You couldn¡¯t right? Because she is also a person? Fascinating-¡± ¡°Mtanga has a point there,¡± Ryker said, interrupting before the more theoretically interested archer could go off on a tangent. ¡°But they might have suspected it early, perhaps even from the start. In direct opposition to our wishes, Lady Ljublia was one of the first to enter the ritual chamber once we broke through the door. Perhaps she noticed something, and that¡¯s why she tried to claim the spear from you then and there?¡± ¡°Perhaps,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°She did act oddly around me at times, both during the time spent at the order¡¯s compound and afterwards. Especially after one of the conference meetings where she was suddenly all polite and proper.¡± ¡°You mean that time she made some odd moves afterwards?¡± Christine asked, having been there. ¡°Indeed. But that is just mere speculation on my part, and probably less relevant to the more pertinent question; how can I get Laevyeth out from their clutches? I may not know her too well, but I am most convinced that no one - and least of all her - deserves to end up as someone¡¯s tool or test subject.¡± ¡°As, unfortunately, more than one outworlder has,¡± Mtanga added grimly. ¡°They aren¡¯t common in the first place, which has made some less scrupulous interested parties scoop them up for some disturbing so-called research.¡± ¡°My first thought was to go to Sir Ilmaril, but given what Van Sztramm said and the current level of discord between the two societies during this expedition, I wanted to broach the topic with you first.¡± The others seemed to give the matter some thought before Ryker eventually spoke. ¡°While I don¡¯t like it, I think that you were right to come to us first. Van Sztramm wouldn¡¯t have dared such a move, or at least not left you alive, if he had thought that you merely going through official channels would be enough to cause him trouble. It might just be the bluster of a jumped-up, core-using fop, but that fop is still a gold-ranker with a lot of local influence. Butting bureaucratic heads with the magic society would take time. Lots of time. Time which Van Sztramm can use to make the spear - Laevyeth, was it? - disappear properly.¡± Kite was about to reply when Ryker held up a hand, forestalling him. ¡°You barely know her, Kite. Is she worth tangling with local powers for, however shitty people they might be?¡± Kite took a few seconds to think it over and really ponder his question. And eventually, he nodded. ¡°You are indeed correct, Teacher. I don¡¯t know her, at least not in most ways. But I have felt her spirit and her fear, as well as a desperate longing for freedom and purpose. It may be a tad idealistic, but it feels like Laevyeth deserves a better chance to find them than this, especially under her circumstances. No one should be thrown into a world that is not their own only to end up a prisoner solely due to their nature. So¡­ yes. If I can, I will make the attempt. Perhaps I can portal in reinforcements from home, or-¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough for me. I¡¯m in.¡± Ryker¡¯s terse statement was a simple one, but carried a world of meaning as he gave Kite a nod, turning to the others. ¡°Christine?¡± ¡°Me too! From what you described, Kite, this Laevyeth is, in a sense, just another one of the people we adventurers - and Gauntlet - are here to protect. Scared, alone and caught up by powers beyond them wanting to use them for their own gains. My uncle might be very caught up in society politics these days, but he definitely raised me right,¡± the elf said, a hidden intensity smoldering beneath her calm exterior. Ryker nodded, seeming unsurprised as he continued. ¡°Mtanga?¡± ¡°Well, I can¡¯t just let you go off on your own like this. And I do agree with your sentiments too. Would feel wrong just to back out. And besides, meeting an outworlder isn¡¯t something you get every lifetime.¡± ¡°Linger? You haven¡¯t known the rest of us but-¡± ¡°Are you kidding? Dashing off to save a maiden in distress from unscrupulous researchers and haughty nobles? How could I not?¡± the celestine man interrupted, leaning forward eagerly before he turned to Ryker, his smile growing a bit more impish. ¡°And besides, don¡¯t pretend like the opportunity to maybe beat up a few magic society fops isn¡¯t part of the reason why you¡¯re in, team leader.¡± Ryker didn¡¯t confirm the other man¡¯s claim, but Kite did note that he sure didn¡¯t deny it either. ¡°It seems like we¡¯re all in then, Kite. But we need to think quickly here and move decisively, people. Intel will be sparse, but we¡¯re more than used to working with that. And I don¡¯t think it needs pointing out that this is something done strictly of our own initiative. Unless we deem it necessary from the beginning, Sir Ilmaril won¡¯t know of this unless he really needs to. Allows him deniability.¡± ¡°Teacher¡­ All of you, I-¡± Kite began, trying to express his gratitude when Ryker waved him down. ¡°Thanks are for later when we know if it¡¯s actually doable,¡± the gruff man said, standing up. ¡°We¡¯ll split up and make sure that we gather what we can. I assume that you have an idea on how to track this Laevyeth down in the first place?¡± ¡°I- I do,¡± Kite replied, collecting himself as his mind shifted to the familiar state of the preparations and planning he had done when things took an unexpected turn during previous contracts; hunker down, sweep for intel, move, act decisively, reassess, repeat. ¡°Laevyeth actually confessed to her having some kind of racial ability which hampered tracking. That was actually the reason we went to the trade hall from the start.¡± ¡°Interesting,¡± Mtanga said, ¡°From what little has been gathered, it seems to be a common power among outworlders, at least those that have shared. What solution did you come up with?¡± ¡°We¡­ hadn¡¯t actually come that far, so I had to improvise. When Van Sztramm Cornered us, I managed to have her take my adventure society badge into her dimensional storage space. It was a most improvised solution, but if she managed to drop it discreetly somewhere without too much magical shielding of the right kind, it should be easy enough for us to get a tracking stone.¡± ¡°Hmm, risky, but it could work,¡± Mtanga mused. ¡°The tracking link in the badges is quite potent, so it should give us a good shot. It might even be able to track it in her storage space, depending on how her power works. I wonder if she¡¯ll be amenable to sharing a bit more about it-¡± ¡°Then that is an option which you and Kite will pursue,¡± Ryker said, interrupting any further tangents. ¡°Linger and I will gather what intel we can on Van Sztramm and his research team. Depending on where he is and who¡¯s with him, going to Sir Ilmaril might be our only reasonable course of action. And Christine, you should go to him and ask for us to have some leave from his entourage for the final stretch of the conference. Use whatever codes you need to tell him that it¡¯s important but that he needs plausible deniability for now. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll understand.¡± ¡°Oh he will, especially when it is his favorite niece who comes knocking.¡± ¡°I thought that was Clara.¡± ¡°Well, his second favorite then,¡± Christine corrected, shooting the now subtly smug Ryker a flat look. ¡°Everyone understand? Then gather here in three hours at the most. Gauntlet, move out.¡± ¡°Thank you, Fortune. And you too, Unity. Because when it comes to company, I have truly been blessed,¡± Kite thought in silent prayer as they all rose to go about their different tasks. ¡°As for what might lay ahead¡­ Warrior, bless our strikes and keep our hearts steady. Because if things come to that, it sounds like we might soon be taking the fight to a gold-ranker.¡±
Laevyeth had really thought that she had learned patience after that indeterminable time spent strapped to the wall in some crumbling workshop. Patience and temperate self-restraint. But as she was currently held within the grasp of that reprehensible man with the blonde mustache, his gaze intent as seemed to bore into her much like he was currently doing with his aura. And with the contact, Laevyeth couldn¡¯t really hide, at least not all of her. Bits and pieces had started to slip from her spiritual grasp, and each one had seemed to egg him on. His spirit pressing into her was vile, rife with pure ambition and deceit of both others and himself. Through the disgusting close contact, she could feel that the man was even managing to convince himself that what he was doing was noble; an end to justify the means. ¡°Oh heavens, why would thou punish me like this,¡± she thought, having grown fond of Kite¡¯s habit of using the metaphor. It was vague enough to only indicate some higher power which may or may not exist, yet precise enough to add that dramatic touch to one¡¯s statement. Because at this time, Laevyeth really felt punished by some hidden force as her fears had come true. But at least there was one reprieve in the torment where she had found herself, as her own purity and nature meant that the man could not keep pressing her for long. ¡°Just a little longer-¡± ¡°Bah!¡± the man called, dropping Laevyeth back onto the workbench where his assistant, the blonde human woman, once more screwed a pair of sigil-embossed clamps around Laevyeth¡¯s haft. It was obvious that she suffered from the discomfort of the dissonance too, even though the woman¡¯s spirit was at least a smidgeon less reprehensible. Sure, Laevyeth felt much of the similar ambition in her, but it was purer and less filled with lies. This woman knew herself and there was a kind of purity in that. Not the one resonating with Laevyeth, not even close. But at least her touch wasn¡¯t as vile. ¡°Anything new, my Lord?¡± the woman asked, grabbing a notepad and pen as she had each time before in readiness to record his words. The man took a moment to straighten and regain his composure before he spoke, pacing slowly around the room - some kind of basement workshop that was leagues below what Laevyeth remembered from that of her creator - with his hands behind his back as he mused out loud. ¡°Trial five, six hours into initial testing. Aura probing continues to yield fragmented results. Snippets of emotions mostly, but enough to further solidify our hypothesis that the spear is alive and sentient. As it can resist even my attempts for prolonged time, we can¡¯t yet disprove that it possesses some kind of shielding or other enchantments for the purpose. A silver-ranked entity couldn¡¯t otherwise perform such a feat, of that I am sure-¡± The recitation continued for a while, which to Laevyeth seemed to consist of the man trying to say the same thing in as many different ways and wordings as possible. Still, his assistant dutifully noted them down during the ten or so minutes for which he spoke. Eventually, he turned to regard Laevyeth¡¯s still form with a considering look in his blue eyes. ¡°Another attempt, my Lord?¡± the assistant asked, and Laevyeth felt a wave or relief as the man eventually shook his head. ¡°No, not right away. A bit of refreshments and meditation first. Clear the mind and all that. Lana may be our only servant on staff currently, but she is a miracle worker in the kitchen. More staff should arrive along with the guards tomorrow, with the rest of my research team trickling in over the week. But be prepared to go on throughout the night, Astana. These initial tests might be crucial, allowing us to form a foundation. I should break through its spiritual defenses in this attempt or the next, which should open up a world of possibilities. You¡¯ll see.¡± The gold-ranker walked towards the door without further ado, waving behind him as he called over his shoulder. ¡°Make sure to fasten the truesilver clamps properly. While we have yet to see any attempts at shapechanging, I am not yet ready to rule out the possibility that the glimpse you caught was just that.¡± ¡°Of course, my Lord,¡± the assistant - Astana Ljublia, as Laevyeth had heard her be named - said, walking over and looking down on Laevyeth where she remained suspended above the work table. A few twists made the clamps keeping Laevyeth in place grip her even firmer, and after silent a nod of satisfaction, the human woman followed her superior, closing the door to the basement workshop behind her. This left Laevyeth alone with only the light of the glow stones for company as dusk had already fallen outside the thin windows close to the ceiling of the stone room. ¡°I say to thee; good riddance,¡± she thought, taking a moment to steady herself. The fear clawed at her insides, but Kite had been right during their last, brief conversation when things had gone oh so wrong; Laevyeth needed to focus. ¡°Come then, oh new form of mine.¡± But even though she sent the mental command to change shape, nothing happened. Her instinctual knowledge told her that the ability was still there, just unresponsive. ¡°What did they call these then? Truesilver?¡± she pondered, frustrated as she regarded the gleaming silver clamps keeping her suspended above the table. Each of the pair was covered with glowing lines of unknown purpose, or at least partially unknown as they apparently had the ability to block her shapeshifting. It was odd to feel a distinct sense of loss at the thought as Laevyeth pondered her options. The humanoid form hadn¡¯t been with her for long and she had used it only a handful of times, the fear of discovery urging caution. ¡°And look where that path took me,¡± Laevyeth grumbled. ¡°I could have made merry and danced through the streets with abandon whilst I yet had the chance. To think that one could miss something so foreign¡­¡± The thoughts and frustration made her feel small again, so very small, as it was as if she was back at the wall of that crumbling workshop. ¡°Oh, Kite, I beseech thee. Please keep thine promise and do not forget me. I-¡± Laevyeth¡¯s thoughts ground to an abrupt halt as they thought of the first human she had met on this world sparked a memory. A most important one, at that. ¡°Foolish spear! Foolish, foolish!¡± she thought as her mind went to the badge which Kite had pressed to her, resting in the space that was hers and hers alone. ¡°He gave you the potential of salvation, and what art thou doing? Mewling in misery. Truly, thou shalt be renamed ¡®The sodden lance crying desperate tears¡¯ if thou continue like this.¡± Kite had urged her to drop the badge somewhere, and it was not hard to guess that in plain sight of Laevyeth¡¯s captors would not do. ¡°So where¡­ Ah!¡± She had started looking around frantically, and soon saw it; a gap between the work bench she was currently strapped to and the stone wall behind. The back of the bench was a solid piece of wood which Laevyeth assumed stretched all the way down to the floor, thus leaving no risk for the badge to simply clatter out from beneath the piece of furniture. Without giving herself more time to fret, Laevyeth sent the mental command to her storage power, hoping that her sense of distance did not fail her. The badge appeared in the air without a sound, angled along the wall. Laevyeth was deeply thankful that Kite had urged her to get a feeling for the range of the ability during their days spent together, and so she had known that the thirty or so centimeters from her position to the wall was well within range. The pull of the earth soon asserted its dominance, and Laevyeth felt a vast amount of tension leave her spirit as the badge disappeared into the small space. ¡°And now, Laevyeth. Patience. Patience and temperance,¡± she told herself, steadying her spirit against the assaults that would no doubt continue in short order. ¡°And dare to trust in Kite. His vow seemed most earnest, after all.¡± 202. Progress requires sacrifice ¡°The ritual has found its target. Praise be to Fortune,¡± Kite breathed, shoulders slumping in relief where he sat opposite Mtanga, the two men illuminated from below by the fading light of the ritual circle. ¡°They do say that the third time¡¯s the charm,¡± Mtanga noted. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine it being easy to find a time to slip something out without a gold-ranker noticing.¡± ¡°Then let us make haste and hope that it is indeed the case,¡± Kite said, leaning forward and grabbing the newly imprinted tracking stone, its lone glowing dot pointing towards his adventure society badge somewhere to the northeast. ¡°We still have to wait for the others to return,¡± Mtanga replied, rising to his feet alongside Kite. ¡°Performing the ritual here in your room was a good practice in working with a non-ideal environment. It¡¯s easy to get complacent with the ritual chambers or artifact support. Still, it does make me even more impressed with the few combat ritualists out there. Real geniuses, those. At least those who survive long enough.¡± It took another half an hour for the others to return, with Christine slipping in just after Ryker and Linger returned. ¡°Do you have it?¡± the team leader asked without preamble, and Kite only had to hold up the tracking stone for Ryker to give a grunt of satisfaction. ¡°Good. Because from what we got on our end, we¡¯ll have to move quickly.¡± ¡°Oh, pray tell,¡± Mtanga urged, sitting down in one of the chairs as he packed away the last of his ritual chalk and other materials. ¡°It seems like Van Sztramm and Lady Ljublia left the city a few hours ago in one of his personal skimmers. Just the two of them,¡± Ryker said as he began to summarize the information they had gathered. ¡°Weren¡¯t subtle about it either. The information brokers we went to weren¡¯t even near the high-end of things, and they still all agreed.¡± ¡°Not too surprising, as the man is a gold-ranker after all,¡± Linger added. ¡°Also, Van Sztramm¡¯s research team is still all accounted for within the city, but there is a distinct mobilization of house guards and other staff in their family compound, so I assume that won¡¯t be the case for long. But from the look of things, we should have at least until the afternoon tomorrow, if not more.¡± ¡°Oh, how do you know?¡± Kite asked, curious. ¡°Well, they did have all those fancy skimmers being loaded with supplies. You know, the fancy kind that feels like it should break if someone sneezed at them the wrong way. Or, to take another completely random example, bent down and ripped off a few important-looking pieces from beneath them when no one was looking. At least no one who actually knew how to properly keep watch,¡± the gray-eyed celestine replied with a mischievous grin. ¡°So as things stand, we have about a day with Van Sztramm presumably away from the city at an undisclosed location with minimal guard and company,¡± Ryker summarized. ¡°Which actually makes what we¡¯re thinking of doing anywhere near plausible. Where¡¯s the tracking stone pointing us?¡± ¡°Northeast, I believe.¡± ¡°Hmm, no official holdings that way registered to his family, but that means little with these kinds of people. But even more remote is just better for us. It sounds like he truly didn¡¯t consider us coming after him to be an option,¡± Ryker finished, the slight grin tugging at the corner of his mouth assuming a distinct predatory feel. ¡°My uncle did sound a bit concerned, or at least exasperated when I spoke with him,¡± Christine supplied, having gone to speak with Sir Ilmaril. ¡°But he did seem to take me seriously when I gave him the code phrases that it was important and a rescue mission in which initial discretion was paramount. Uncle Ilmaril won¡¯t stop us, and will cover for us¡­¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Ryker prompted. ¡°But he will come after us if we aren¡¯t back or have reported in by sundown tomorrow,¡± Christine finished. ¡°Couldn¡¯t get him to back down on that part, and I¡¯m not sure I really want to when a gold-ranker is involved, core-user or not.¡± ¡°If Sir Ilmaril gets involved in an official capacity, we¡¯ll have a spectacular mess on our hands,¡± Ryker sighed. ¡°We¡¯ll probably be stuck here for months while the posturing begins anew, with all kinds of investigations and queries. But you¡¯re right. It¡¯s better to have the potential backup, at least. We¡¯ll make sure to drop one of our badges outside any building or the like to make sure that they can find us.¡± ¡°That¡¯s it then?¡± Kite asked, rising from where he had been seated floating cross-legged in the air. ¡°And¡­ you will actually accompany me?¡± At the exasperated glances of his companions, he felt forced to elaborate. ¡°I¡­ thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Thrusting this upon you is most selfish of me, especially for someone I don¡¯t even know that well. But it still feels important to give Laevyeth this chance at an actual life of her own, rather than some curiosity. And, honestly, to make sure that the vile karma Van Sztramm and his ilk have accrued is well and properly severed. Retrieving Laevyeth is my utmost priority, but if humiliating our soon-to-be host is at all possible, I surely wouldn¡¯t mind it.¡± He turned to each of his companions, giving all of them the deepest bow of respect and gratitude he could. ¡°So, I thank you all. Be it through debt, memory or karmic link, know that I will always remember your assistance in this matter, and will ever strive to repay in kind.¡± Silence fell after his proclamation, and through his spiritual sense Kite could feel that his words and feelings had definitely reached them. Perhaps a bit too much, as Christine seemed almost flustered and Ryker had to fight to keep his stern exterior. It was Linger who first broke the silence. ¡°Gods, Kite, you sure know how to deliver an epic thank you. Now I feel well and truly appreciated,¡± the celestine man said with a grin. ¡°Now, are we going or what? Getting ourselves a skimmer at this hour might be tough, but not impossible.¡± ¡°In that matter, my dear Glint has offered her assistance,¡± Kite replied, patting the bottle at his hip. ¡°It will cost me a fine treasure to add to her hoard, but it is money well spent.¡± ¡°Then gather your things,¡± Ryker said, the tone of command back in his voice. ¡°Take separate routes out through the city and meet up a few kilometers out along the northern road. We¡¯ll be traceable, but there isn¡¯t enough time for us to do it more subtly if we want to keep our momentum and potential surprise. And by the time anyone can muster a response, it should be too late anyway.¡± Ryker¡¯s face took on a more grim cast as he continued, the gravitas of the matter clear. ¡°We might be facing a potentially hostile gold-ranker though, so we¡¯ll need to plan it out as much as we can. Van Sztramm should be just above the threshold though, as anything else would just be to waste cores. And you¡¯ve all trained for this, even if it is a situation we usually strive to avoid. If we can keep up the pressure and capitalize on any gaps or weaknesses we can identify¡­ Well, then we might just get another proverbial feather in our caps,¡± he finished, the slight grin returning. That in and of itself was most reassuring to Kite. If Ryker thought it doable, then it was. Sure, they would be dancing on the edge if it came to violence. But that, at least, was something which the members of task group Gauntlet were used to. ¡°Any more questions?¡± Ryker asked. None came, so he nodded and turned for the door. ¡°Then, Gauntlet, we move out. And perhaps show an overconfident ass what power earned through actual work and danger looks like.¡±
¡°My Lord, the hour draws late. I don¡¯t want to overstep, but perhaps some longer intervals of rest might yield better results-¡± Lady Ljublia ventured carefully, but fell silent at a wave of the gold-ranker¡¯s hand. ¡°No, Astana. I¡¯m close, I can feel it. The enchantments must be mighty indeed to have kept me away from complete suppression for so long,¡± Van Sztramm said, but the slight jerking in his motions as he twirled one edge of his blonde mustache belied his mounting frustration. ¡°Even at this nightly hour, we must be persistent.¡± Lady Ljublia did not protest, even if she would very much have liked to have gone to bed by now. While Silvers like her could stay up for days, doing so when proper beauty sleep was an option was just plain wasteful. ¡°So, another try then?¡± she instead asked, flipping to a new page in her notebook. ¡°I¡­ yes, I should but¡­¡± Van Sztramm began, and Lady Ljublia hoped that his pause meant that he might have started giving her words some consideration. But the look in his eyes as he turned to her quickly quashed that hope, as it was the look of a man who viewed getting what he wanted to be a foundational truth of the world, and yet he was being denied. That kind of man was not prone to patience, not with the end goal so close. ¡°Astana, you have been crucial in providing me - us - with this opportunity so far. But before I continue I will have to make absolutely sure that you are indeed committed. That you have what it takes to go the distance and see this through. To be a pioneer, brave and daring. Because surely you do, don¡¯t you? I am an excellent judge of character, after all.¡± As he spoke, Van Sztramm had slowly closed the distance between them, the man eventually coming to loom above Ljublia as he finished his little speech. Looking up at her superior, Ljublia suddenly felt very small, a tiny part of her mind wondering if she had - perhaps - let her ambitions guide her too much as of late, allowing her to get mixed up in something that could get dangerous. ¡°No, you fool. Only a coward will shy away from opportunity,¡± she inwardly chastised herself, quashing the doubts. Van Sztramm could no doubt sense the emotions in her aura, so completely hiding them was out of the question. But he would know that it was her actual words and actions that mattered. So the words which left her mouth were at least decently confident, at least to Ljublia. ¡°Of course, Lord Van Sztramm. We shouldn¡¯t let anything stand in the way of progress.¡± Van Sztramm regarded her for a few more seconds in silence before he smiled. ¡°Good, it is as I thought then. Come with me. I might have something which can expedite our progress.¡± The pair had been seated in one of several parlors of the secluded villa to which Van Sztramm¡¯s servant had taken them, the living floors as filled with rustic charm as the basement laboratories were equipped; overflowing to the brink of becoming too much. The gold-ranker now led Ljublia back downstairs, cosy wooden paneling giving way to stone and clean tiles. But instead of back to the laboratory where they had left the spear, Van Sztramm took a few more turns before stopping at a seemingly blank space of wall. ¡°I hope you can appreciate the level of trust I place in you, Astana,¡± Van Sztramm said as he pressed his family signet ring against the wall. ¡°Most in my family do not know of this storage, only my research team. And as you are part of it now, you need to know everything at our disposal, no matter what the rest of the world might think.¡± The touch of the ring caused the wall to ripple and flow away, the stone behaving like liquid for a moment to form a square opening. Inside was a simple stone shelf holding three objects; a dodechahedron of polished steel, its facets seeming to reflect different spectrums of color, a handle of carved bone covered in sigils of silver and a bottle which seemed to contain an ever-moving tangle of meshed threads. None of them were things Ljublia recognized, but from the secrecy and the gold-ranker¡¯s words, she suspected that their legality was questionable at best. Van Sztramm regarded the items for a time before reaching in and picking up the bone handle before another touch of the ring caused the hidden compartment to close. As soon as the object left its storage, Ljublia¡¯s magical perception could start making it out, and she almost recoiled at the sense of the thing. ¡°W-what is that? My Lord?¡± she asked, hastily adding the honorific which she almost forgot. ¡°This, Astana, is something which I bought at an auction during my travels. A very discreet event, as you¡¯d probably surmised. It is apparently called an Anima Awl,¡± the gold-ranker explained, holding up the object as if carefully brandishing a knife with an invisible blade. ¡°It is an instrument with which to prod the soul. I¡¯ve only read a bit about the most interesting theories of the soul¡¯s reaction to such a process, the results as varied as they come. But so far, I have yet to have undertaken a project where it might come in handy. Until now. This should allow us to hasten the process of breaking down the defenses of that spear while also providing other important information, such as the nature of its sentience. It having an aura does imply it having a soul after all, but who knows? Perhaps the more advanced motive spirits can be close enough to fool even my deductions.¡± If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Ljublia was only half-listening as the implications continued to sink in. Van Sztramm apparently had something very, very illegal in his possession, the kind of things that might see him executed or skeletally suppressed should it come to light. And now Ljublia knew, even becoming partially complicit by that knowledge alone. She would not be able to leave this project now, even should she wish. Not with a secret like this. The gold-ranker gave her a glance as she didn¡¯t respond, but otherwise let Ljublia process as he continued. ¡°It will take me some time to familiarize myself with this instrument, and it is apparently a most mana-hungry thing too. As such, we have little time to waste. Come, let us return. You can have a go at your own ideas of investigations while I prepare.¡±
¡°It would seem as if our target at least knows how to pick scenic yet secluded places,¡± Kite murmured to the rest of the team present around him. From their vantage at the outskirts of a forest of evergreens, they had just the right angle to see the sprawling villa below. The building was nestled among a cluster of rocky hills in the wilderness outside Svyatograd, close enough to the city to make travel relatively easy yet far away enough to not warrant any unwanted visitors. Finding the place by chance among the other rolling hills of the region before the true tundra began was most unlikely, and Kite supposed that the villa being built with only a single floor above the ground was probably as much for concealment¡¯s sake as any sense of style. While it now sported several lit lanterns or similar sources of illumination casting their glow over the small circle of wild garden around the house, the lights hadn¡¯t been visible from outside the arrays either. ¡°Given that privacy array, I would say that the secluded part had a bit of help,¡± Mtanga muttered wryly from Kite¡¯s side, the archer currently busy with exchanging some of the rings and other trinkets he wore for those he deemed more suitable for the task at hand. ¡°And you¡¯re sure that we didn¡¯t trip any alarms?¡± Ryker asked, already fully prepared with enchanted cloth twined and braided along his torso and limbs for additional strength and protection. ¡°No, no, we¡¯re fine,¡± Mtanga said, waving off the team leader¡¯s concern. ¡°They were simple things for simple conditions such as random wanderers or stray monsters. From the defenses I have seen, this place is no fortress. But it doesn¡¯t have to be if you can¡¯t actually find it.¡± ¡°Assuming that there aren¡¯t more arrays hidden closer to the building itself,¡± Kite said, concerned. He was already restless from the waiting, eager to get on with saving the outworlder who he had tasked himself with protecting. Although Kite was pretty sure that he would have wanted to save anyone from the likes of Van Sztramm. Mtanga was about to answer, but was interrupted by Linger¡¯s voice which suddenly spoke softly nearby. ¡°No, the closer perimeter seems clear. Or at least it¡¯s only sporting the same level of protections as the outer arrays, also known as child¡¯s play.¡± the celestine said as his lurker form dropped its camouflage. Linger stayed transfigured, however, and pointed with one long arm towards the eastern side of the villa. ¡°I did notice more than a few cellar windows, so we¡¯d best keep an eye out for a basement level.¡± ¡°Auras? Or other activity?¡± Ryker asked. ¡°No, at least not what I could detect from outside the arrays. If you¡¯ll take us through, we¡¯ll all gain a better sense. But the tracks outside seem to confirm our information as I¡¯ve only found traces of three people.¡± ¡°Good. Then final confirmation of information,¡± their team leader said, turning to look at each adventurer present in turn. ¡°Objective?¡± ¡°To retrieve Laevyeth and extract, preferably with Van Sztramm or anyone else unable to pursue in the short run,¡± Kite replied, receiving a nod in return. ¡°Known essences and powers?¡± ¡°Van Sztramm possesses light, magic, resolute, avatar. Mostly a spellcaster according to the information brokers, racial gift for special attacks probably having been transfigured by the magic essence,¡± Christine said, ticking off the different essences on stone-encased fingers. ¡°Light beams and, Fortune be praise, only a small number of other offensive spells. But plenty of mana regenerating crystals and other such means, some utility. A weapon conjuration is rumored but wasn¡¯t confirmed.¡± ¡°We sure could have picked a worse gold-ranker to tangle with,¡± Linger noted. ¡°I¡¯d much rather face someone with a lot of utility powers rather than someone like Sir Ilmaril.¡± ¡°But he¡¯s still a gold. Even with little training, you know what they can do,¡± Ryker retorted. ¡°The strategy is clear though and you each know your part. What about Ljublia?¡± ¡°Essences are swift, balance, fire, mystic, although most of her power set is unknown at the level of information we had time to gather,¡± Kite supplied. ¡°But if she has extensive combat training Ljublia has either hidden it well or managed to silence any rumor thereof. Like Van Sztramm, she is a member of the adventure society in name only if their contract records are to be believed.¡± ¡°Good. Linger, be ready to take care of Ljublia. Glint, find the servant woman and contain her before joining us for some added pressure. And Mtanga, start preparations as soon as we enter.¡± ¡°Of course, Ryker. Thanks to Kite opening his purse, I¡¯ll even have the chance to try some new additions!¡± the archer said happily, patting a purse at his side while Kite did his best to hide his wince as he imagined the money spent. ¡°Then we form up,¡± Ryker confirmed with a nod, enchanted cloth strips tightening around his limbs as he started moving towards the building at a quick pace. The rest followed, easily swerving around patches of bushes and keeping to the stonier areas as they closed in on the concealed villa while keeping as much out of sight as possible. The wilderness around Svyatograd with its prickly bushes, patches of stone and tall wild grasses made for a harsh yet beautiful backdrop to their approach, the light of the moons creating sharp contrasts. But while Kite¡¯s senses were completely on edge during their approaches, expecting something - a cry of alarm, magical defenses, or anything, really - to make themselves known, there was no sign of discovery. Except for the lights dotting the exterior of the villa, there were almost no signs of habitation at all. Only the skimmer and some newly disturbed plants during its landing hinted at people being present, as well as the glowing dot on the tracking stone in Kite¡¯s hand. Just before entering the circle of more semi-kept gardens - probably arranged in that state to add some greenery while keeping the rustic, outdoors-fell - Mtanga went ahead of them and made a scan of the perimeter with a handheld device. A short time later, the archer shook his head and waved the others forwards even while his aura signaled that the approach should be clear. Then he got to work, having his own preparations to make. Wordlessly, the formation of the others changed as Kite took the lead. During more than one previous contract, it had been his role to charge first through the door; splinters flying and barriers raised. But tonight was not the time for such an approach. Instead, Kite slid up to the door as silently as his armored feet would allow, and while the others fanned out slightly to catch glimpses of the building¡¯s interior through nearby windows, he reached into a pouch inside and retrieved a small phial. Making sure to shield it from the wind, Kite uncorked it and tipped out a small pile of glittering powder into one palm before throwing it across the door in a swift, decisive motion. The impact caused a small, pale cloud to billow outwards and be carried away by the breeze but also the lines of an array to become visible. ¡°A most basic array, praise be to Fortune,¡± he thought, sending the small prayer as he lashed out with his hand again in a pointed thrust of gauntleted fingers which struck a most obvious node in the array before Disrupting strike caused it to fuzz and break apart. ¡°Braid would be embarrassed. But I suppose that having his work as a standard which to practice on for the last few years might be a bit unfair to most array-makers.¡± Before the array could reconstitute itself properly, Kite opened the door as silently as possible and slid inside, the others quickly following suit. As their auras were pulled tight around them to lower the risk of discovery, the group had to rely on more corporeal senses as they crept into the faintly lit entry hall. But for experienced silver-rankers, especially the ilk of Ryker, Christine and Linger who had been with Gauntlet for a lot longer than Kite, those senses were impressive. Only a few steps inside, Kite¡¯s expanded vision let him see Ryker pause briefly before tapping Glint¡¯s bottle while gesturing off towards the left. Another moment of focus let Kite register the faint clank of cutlery being put back into a drawer from a few rooms over in that direction. Still in her carp form, the familiar shot off through the darkened rooms like a silent shark about to tear into a tasty little seal. The others did not stop, however, as they had already seen the stairs leading down wards further down the hallway. From the start, the group had decided that any basement floors would be their first priority given what Linger had reported of the layout of the building. They had just reached the stairs when the clinking of cutlery was replaced by a sloshing sound and a female shouting voice thoroughly muffled by being encased in water, Glint apparently having handled the bronze-ranked servant that had allegedly accompanied her master to this remote place. Even so, the group froze for a moment as they all tensed in anticipation. Because if they could hear it, a gold-ranker within the house definitely could as well, assuming that there wasn''t anything blocking the sound. But as no sign of intervention came, Kite even dared to murmur under his breath; ¡°Isolated laboratory?¡± ¡°Most likely,¡± Ryker agreed. ¡°We go down and start our sweep from the left, then-¡± The team leader had barely begun giving out orders before a shrill and metallic whining sound suddenly came echoing up from below. It had a distinctly muted quality, hinting at it passing through at least one set of doors or similar barriers before reaching the corridor and stairs. And within the high-pitched noise, Kite also picked out the sense of something else, even alien as it might have sounded; a scream. ¡°So much for isolated,¡± Christine noted even as the group started moving as one, speeding up to a controlled rush which would still negate most of the noise they were giving off. Rustic wooden paneling instantly changed to cold stone and clean tiles as corridors stretched out in either direction. But the shrill noise continued, acting as a beacon, and a short stretch of hallway followed by a single left turn later, the team found themselves in front of a heavy metal door, obviously enchanted. ¡°I pulsed my aura. Nothing, so probably shielded. Prepare to breach. Directed force,¡± Ryker said, voice clipped. And Gauntlet went to work.
Ljublia didn¡¯t yawn, having long since cleared herself of such habits of a mundane body. ¡°This does feel like a moment in which a yawn would have been more appropriate though. Pushing on with experiments through the night is better left to those troglodytes back at the campus who barely leave their offices anyway,¡± she thought to herself, glancing out one of the thin windows to the basement laboratory. The stone chamber, furnished with several workbenches containing equipment for different kinds of magical examinations, was currently only lit by the moons outside, a single glow stone lamp on a table next to Ljublia and - more ominously - the now glowing sigils on the Anima Awl which Lord Van Sztramm had been intensely focusing on for the last half an hour where he stood before the work bench holding the spear across the room from her. It was odd, barely feeling that normally so domineering gold-rankers aura as each ounce of his spiritual strength was focused on the instrument in his hand. But while Van Sztramm had explained quite little in regards to its use, Ljublia wasn¡¯t surprised that the man¡¯s aura was somehow involved. ¡°Both ¡®Gadermann¡¯s Treatise on The Nature of The Soul¡¯ and ¡®Ictuanwi¡¯s Selective Studies on Spiritual Torments - a survivors¡¯ accounts¡¯ does agree that one of the most common ways to attack the soul is through the spirit,¡± she thought, turning back to watch the process while torn between fascination and revulsion. Much like the instinct to retract one¡¯s hand when someone described an injury to a similar appendage, the thought of something trying to pierce Ljublia¡¯s soul made her recoil on some deep level even though it was a sensation she had not - and definitely never hoped to - experience. ¡°Even so, progress requires sacrifice,¡± she told herself, repeating Van Sztramm¡¯s earlier words for reassurance. ¡°If the spear is truly sentient, which all current signs are pointing towards, there is a world of new discoveries awaiting us. Even if I still feel that employing such means feels a bit rushed compared to waiting for the others of the research team.¡± There was no outward sign that Van Sztramm was done except the man straightening a few minutes later, the Anima Awl held carefully as if one faulty motion might cause it to lose whatever potential it had so far gathered. ¡°Ready yourself, Ljublia,¡± the gold-ranker said. ¡°This should be enough to wear down whatever spiritual defenses this curiosity has remaining. Take notes. Because this might be the beginning of a new chapter in our careers.¡± Then, as if pushing through some kind of intangible resistance, Van Sztramm lowered the carved bone handle down towards the spear. When it was about a handspan away from the beautifully carved haft of the weapon, a shining spike suddenly materialised between the handle and point of impact; its impossibly thin tip pushing against the spear. The Anima Awl had no more than touched it when Ljublia rocked back from the sudden sound which followed; a high-pitched metallic shriek which would have no doubt burst the eardrums of normal- and iron-rankers alike had they been present. But deeply uncomfortable as it was, Ljublia also recognized the note for the scream that it was, emanating from the form of the spear as the weapon¡¯s aura was finally made properly manifest, its spirit flailing widely in blind panic. ¡°The spear reacts instantly to the touch of the Anima Awl giving off previously undocumented noise at impressive volumes. Its aura is now clearly discernible, alien yet familiar. I can sense its silver rank, but it is otherwise markedly different from that of any other living being I have met-¡± Ljublia¡¯s pen started to dance across the page of her open notebook, her swift essence lending her motions additional speed and precision. Her records of this event could become a significant addition to whatever would come of the discovery of this oddity, so Ljublia made sure to add as many personal touches as she could so that no one would be able to obfuscate the part she played in it. She started to move closer as she wrote, her steps measured as she circled Van Sztramm to get a better angle. ¡°-the shrieking is most loud, a clear indication of it possessing a soul. How an artifact came to somehow incorporate a true spirit is a mystery, one that we will make sure to uncover. For the sake of-¡± Ljublia was mid-step and mid-sentence, pen poised to make a nice and idealistic flourish when her notebook just¡­ disappeared. Or rather disintegrated, along with her pen and three of the fingers of Ljublia¡¯s left hand which had been holding the thing, as the metal door to the room was sent flying inwards with such force that it crossed the room as if launched by a siege engine. Straight into the deeply focused Van Sztramm. 203. Look whos talking During his years spent as an adventurer, Kite had witnessed many fortunate coincidences, ranging from the unlikely to the straight up improbable. Be it rituals failing at opportune times, abilities becoming available at the nick of time or more spectacular hazards - such as a pair of gold-rankers accidentally demolishing the temple within which their subordinates were fighting - coming close, but not close enough, to end one¡¯s life. As the prepared breaching ritual which the team used on the door to the laboratory beneath Van Sztramm¡¯s hidden villa sent said door shooting across the room, crushing work tables and no doubt most expensive equipment, only to then collide straight with the gold-ranker himself? That experience instantly made it to the topmost reaches of Kite¡¯s internal list of serendipitous events. In an ideal world, the flying door-turned-missile would have pasted their target against the far wall, ending the ensuing conflict in a most inglorious manner before it even began. But while serendipitous happenstance were bound to happen every now and then, it rarely managed to completely shove aside the stark reality that was personal magical power. ¡°Wha-!¡± Van Sztramm managed to call out even as he reeled back from the substantial impact, but the gold-ranker¡¯s couple of stumbling steps and crashing through another work table were a far cry from Kite¡¯s daydreams of a quick end to the conflict. ¡°You-¡± Gold-rankers were also pretty hard to properly stun for any extended time, their minds and bodies working beyond swiftly to help them find their bearings. As such, Van Sztramm had the time to take in the adventurers storming in from beyond the door and start forming another word, no doubt one of outrage. But what followed next was another truth of the adventuring life; that properly trained and experienced adventurers - especially those trained and acting within the elite task groups - did not place their trust in serendipity. Or even accounted for it. As such, Van Sztramm¡¯s next attempt at outrage was interrupted by multiple lengths of cloth strips, aglow with magical runes and their outlines carrying a distinct sharpness, which reached into the room and started to lash at his body even as stone and crystal projectiles as well as more subtle projected attacks carried the distance by focused intent. The gold-ranker¡¯s fine jacket and shirt were mostly shredded in that first instant of focused violence before the man gestured and managed a more coherent set of words. ¡°Luminous lance!¡± A lance of light shot from his hand as Van Sztramm swept it through the room at a slight upward angle, the beam carving through Ryker¡¯s cloth tendrils, a few of Christine¡¯s crystals as well as the ceiling above. The adventurers, already moving into the room, took the opportunity to scatter as they ducked through the now open doorway and the small curtain of dust and debris from above which the light beam had caused. ¡°How dare-¡± Another set of attacks struck, once more an interruption. However, this time some of them were also deflected by the set of crystals which had appeared floating above Van-Sztramm. The power, Crystallized Mana, was one of the more common powers of the magic essence shared by many adventurers around the world as well as quite a few of the foes which the adventurers of Gauntlet had faced. As such, the crystals soon started disappearing one by one as Kite shifted the targets of his projected attacks, hampering the source of mana recovery for the gold-ranker. ¡°Thank Fortune for my dispels ignoring rank-disparity,¡± Kite thought, the arms of his mantle casting their soft light around him as they blurred to keep pressuring the still somewhat reeling Van Sztramm. Kite himself was meanwhile making as straight a line as possible for the workbench where he had already spotted Laevyeth¡¯s trapped form, the scream of the spear having cut off the moment the launched door had hit the gold-ranker. This proved easier said than done, however, as Van Sztramm finally seemed to properly regain his footing and muster some kind of actual counterattack instead of shouting whatever protests he had attempted before. The lances of light became more frequent as the man started blasting in retaliation. One of the beams crashed through the first of the two barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding and almost cracked the second, even one of the smallest spells available to the gold-ranker proving a decent threat. The rest of the group were similarly assaulted, with Christine creating plenty of defenses-turned-offense stone barriers which blocked a spell before exploding into retaliatory shards and Ryker staying just ahead of the gold-ranker¡¯s aim by using his cloth limbs to rapidly change direction in all three dimensions while keeping up his own counterattack. ¡°My Lord! I will-¡± Throughout these first hectic seconds, Ljublia had mostly been staggering backward in shock and sudden pain, apparently having almost been caught in the path of the door-turned-projectile herself at the beginning. Finally catching her own wits and seeming to have managed to muster enough resolve to join the fray, Kite¡¯s expanded vision let him catch a glimpse of the researcher¡¯s head suddenly being enveloped by the huge hand of a lurker from above as Linger¡¯s towering form appeared behind her. The hand of the lurker jerked once, smashing the silver-ranker in his grasp into the ceiling above and then downward once again for good measure before reaching in with his other hand and - with surprising precision from the huge creature - snapped a suppression collar around the dazed woman¡¯s neck. But Kite had no time to witness the rest as he had already thrown himself into a slide across the floor to duck a sweeping beam of light which carved across the laboratory before springing to his feet just up against the workbench where Laevyeth was held. Unfortunately, Van Sztramm had noticed as well. ¡°Oh no, you little thief!¡± the gold-ranker snarled, accepting a few more attacks from the other as he turned and sped towards Kite. Even without dedicated magic to support it, the speed of a gold-ranker was nothing to scoff at, and Kite unfortunately only had the time to raise a barrier and prepare a dispelling counterattack against what came next, because while closing the distance Van Sztramm conjured a golden flanged mace which he swung. Kite did note the most inexpert handling of the weapon, but that knowledge helped little against the actual speed and force of the blow. It did help him assess the swing¡¯s trajectory correctly, however, and even though the barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding were cracked by some kind of special attack, Kite¡¯s own staff met the mace before it could connect with his armored side. The impact still caused him to slide a few steps to the side, Unyielding mitigating the worst of the force as the stone floor cracked in a wide area beneath Kite¡¯s feet, but it also left Van Sztramm with a conjured mace missing its head and the top of its haft as Pattern-Shattering Counter took its toll. ¡°Look who¡¯s talking,¡± came Ryker¡¯s voice from behind as he crashed feet first into the gold-ranker a moment later, having sprung off a stone wall in a powerful leap enhanced by both an essence power and the enchanted cloth empowering his legs. He rode the stumbling noble for a few steps as a few cloth tendrils anchored him to the man while the rest of his cloth formed the unfurling twined spike which was one of the team leader¡¯s more powerful special attacks. Ryker didn¡¯t hesitate to unleash it either, thrusting it down with a burst of expended mana as it punched into Van Sztramm¡¯s shoulder. It spoke to a gold-ranker¡¯s resilience that the powerful attack only caused a most messy, crater-like wound in his shoulder rather than ripping the limb clean off as it would have on anyone of silver rank. But Kite knew the tactic for what it was, observing the short exchange as he once more dove for where Laevyeth was trapped and started to rapidly unscrew the clamps while the arms of his mantle kept projecting strikes behind him, using special attacks as soon as they were made available. ¡°Keep up the pressure. Keep rotating. Keep them chasing. Keep them reeling. Keep nothing but your aces in reserve.¡± The words, almost like one of Kite¡¯s own mantras, echoed in his mind as he had been taught during his training with Gauntlet. Fighting up a rank between bronze and silver rank was quite a challenge, but one that most decently-trained adventurers should be able to do if the matchup wasn¡¯t overly terrible. But the gap between silver and gold was more substantial by far. Unless one¡¯s path near perfectly countered the gold-ranked being in question - such as an affliction skirmisher against a single slow and ponderous monster - you needed allies and you needed to keep the initiative. Task group Gauntlet had therefore taught even its outer, silver-ranked members plenty of ways in which to fight to give them a collective chance should an unexpected gold-ranker appear during one of their missions. Fortunately it was rare enough that Kite had never encountered one, but that did not mean that he hadn¡¯t paid attention. That was why as soon as Ryker had delivered his attack, he disengaged by springing off Van Sztramm¡¯s chest well before the unbalanced man could deliver a counterattack. Smaller attacks risked simply being overwhelmed by the natural recovery of a high-ranker, so more potent options like the unfurling, shredding cloth spike was often deployed early to actually have a chance to start slowing them down. Ryker disengaging therefore left room for a glowing crystal thrown by Christine which impacted the gold-ranker a moment after, sending a powerful stunning jolt through the noble just as he was starting an attempted pursuit of the team leader. And just as the man was starting to turn his ire towards the elf instead, Linger suddenly appeared in front of him, accepting the lance of light meant for Christine to land a set of raking, downward attacks with his huge lurker claws before disappearing again. ¡°D-dirty delinquents!¡± Van Sztramm called as he seemed unable to choose a target for his ire among the adventurers pelting him with attacks in tandem, flinching from the sting of the more potent ones that he failed to dodge. ¡°Stand and fight, cowards! Mana sphere!¡± Between cupped hands, a roiling sphere of crackling, raw mana appeared. It grew by the moment, and Kite knew that it would be a spectacular spell if charged far enough. But also that it was a spell which was most unwise to use when he was around. Turning in place and shifting so that the arms of his mantle kept freeing Laevyeth, Kite¡¯s staff swung through the air in a precise, chiming arc and a moment later a rippling shimmer in the air struck the forming sphere. The crack of an ephemeral mirror echoed faintly throughout the basement as Disrupting strike hit, causing the sphere to wobble. ¡°Wha-¡± Then the two echoes hit, courtesy of Kite¡¯s staff, and the Mana Sphere destabilized completely with an intense ripple of disrupting force hinting that the gold-ranker had already invested a considerable amount of mana into the spell in the few moments of channeling. And the spell crumbling seemed to be what was needed to stoke the fires of Van Sztramm¡¯s frustration to new heights. ¡°Why you-¡± he snarled, accepting a few more hits to whirl at Kite just in time to see him snap open the second clamp and yanking Laevyeth free from her confines. It only caused a moment of stillness in the gold-ranker, his outrage clear in the slight widening of his eyes, before Van Sztramm charged towards Kite with all of his innate speed. But that moment was enough. ¡°Sorry,¡± Kite murmured in advance to the spear as he passed it to one of the arms of his mantle in preparation. The feel of Laevyeth¡¯s aura, almost completely open to Kite upon touch, was that of a whimper; a sense of deep spiritual exhaustion. But Kite didn¡¯t have much more time before he needed to respond to the gold-ranker charging at him like a brawler, one glowing fist raised. Turning to face the onslaught, Kite used the pivot to bring his staff up in a retaliatory strike while the arm carrying Laevyeth threw her spear-body off to the side while casting a spell at the same time. ¡°Wall!¡± Panes of force appeared in front of the charging Van Sztramm, who instinctively punched through the first he encountered with a glowing fist as well as the next. However, Kite had conjured the barriers a bit unevenly in both distance between each layer and their shape, which led to the noble¡¯s legs crashing into a sudden and unexpected low segment just behind the third layer of barrier. While a gold-ranker had most impressive reflexes, they still needed actual essence powers or other similar tricks to change their momentum on a moment¡¯s notice. And given Van Sztramm¡¯s complete lack of proper footwork, even his innate attributes couldn¡¯t hinder his attempted charge from turning into a stumbling roll where his head of magically reinforced flesh and bone met the chiming metal one of Kite¡¯s staff, complete with the unfurling spatial tears of Void-Sunders-Firmament. Kite didn¡¯t stop to admire his handiwork however, but let the arms of his mantle swing two additional projected close-range attacks towards the rising gold-ranker before running off towards Ryker who had just caught the thrown Laevyeth, the team leader wincing slightly at the touch but easily keeping his grip. ¡°You think you can run, little adventurer rats!¡± Van Sztramm roared after them where he found his rise hampered by the stone floor melding to encase his limbs which he promptly began to rip free, one shower of stone splinters at a time. His right hand was the first to emerge, and kept on firing Radiant Lance towards the adventurers now on the other side of the room. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Ryker didn¡¯t even turn to acknowledge the man as he ducked and weaved, instead calling to Kite and Christine; ¡°Exit!¡± ¡°On it!¡± the elf woman called, conjuring a barrier of stone to shield her before she turned to the wall and started stone-shaping the villa¡¯s foundation. As Kite was closing in, he caught a more proper glimpse of his companions, somewhat singed and seared but alive and well thanks to Linger¡¯s shared regeneration. A tendril of cloth sent Laevyeth flying back into Kite¡¯s hands when he was but a few steps away from the wall where Christine worked her magic, the enchanted stone proving somewhat resilient and slowing down the process. But that was where Kite came in. As he hadn¡¯t the time for a proper explanation, Kite instead settled for a quick spiritual nudge of comfort towards the spear in his hands in preparation for what was to come. And then he made a running leap straight into the upper part of the laboratory¡¯s stone wall, its surface seeming to ripple and crack beneath Christine¡¯s ministrations. It had taken quite some time to get used to the idea of simply running through solid objects with Implacable motion. The ability wasn¡¯t needed all that much in most situations as a silver-ranker¡¯s attacks and the like could often create needed openings in short order. But as Kite dove into the wall and felt it simply crumble before him, the frosty night air welcoming him with its chilling embrace, he had to admit that the power did come with a certain rush of glory. And a cost in mana, which happened to increase the more sturdy and enchanted the structure he passed through was. ¡°Heavens, that is surely a new record. Most untimely too,¡± Kite thought as he felt the newly missing half of his mana pool. And with a quite upset gold-ranker in pursuit, the feeling of loss was keenly felt indeed. But there wasn¡¯t time to lament his choices at the moment, so Kite simply readjusted his plans and called out; ¡°Mtanga, we have it! Gold in pursuit!¡± Through his expanded vision, Kite saw the crumbling hole at the base of the villa behind him and the scattered debris from the no doubt impressive spray of stone and soil which had heralded his emergence. The rest of the team had already passed through as well, with Linger taking up the rear and letting his lurker body take the searing beams of light meant for the others. Kite saw the transfigured celestine take a step back as if to join them, but had barely begun the motion before a sudden impact from the hole behind sent his huge form shooting across the garden and into the wilderness beyond where he landed with a lengthy series of bouncing rolls. Where Linger had stood, Van Sztramm stepped up from the team¡¯s impromptu exit, emerging beneath the night sky with his conjured golden flanged mace in hand. ¡°You think you can evade me, thieving scum?¡± he called, glaring at them all while trying to settle his frazzled mustache with the other. ¡°You think you have won? That shows just what imbeciles you are, adventurer rubes. Out here, I can really let loose without demolishing more of my villa than necessary. And believe me, you all will pay for the damages and grievances which you have caused me in more ways than you can imagine.¡± As he spoke, striding further out into the garden towards the adventurers who were currently circling him, the gold-ranker''s body seemed to start glowing from within. It was a smooth light which belied its destructive nature, and Kite could see a clear sphere around Van Sztramm where disruptive force started eating away at everything in the surroundings. ¡°Let us see you try and outrun me, you filth. I will enjoy chasing you down and reclaim what is mine-¡± A barrage of attacks from the adventurers interrupted his little speech, causing him to raise one arm - the fine jacket mostly in tatters as the fabric struggled to self-repair in time with the damage - to shield his face. ¡°Fine!¡± Van Sztramm barked from behind his raised arm, starting forward. ¡°I¡¯ll just-¡± He was interrupted again, but this time it wasn¡¯t by the adventurers. At least not directly. This time it was due to the magical circle which suddenly lit up beneath his right foot, detonating in a flash of stone shards. ¡°Gah, wha-¡± ¡°Mtanga!¡± Ryker called, already sending his cloth tendrils out in waves to attack. The final member of the team needed no more signaling as a wave of arrows suddenly rose above the garden from further back. Each of the arrowheads glowed like pinpricks, adding stars to the partially overcast sky above as they formed a great fist which punched down towards the gold-ranker below. Van Sztramm did not just take it lying down though, swinging his mace in a wide arc which sent a huge rippling shockwave up towards the incoming volley to scatter it. But as the projectiles clattered down around him, the noble suddenly winced as another arrow came shooting in from the distance. Compared to the volley like falling stars from above, this arrow was more like a beam of light which seemed to instantly close the distance, and such was its force that it burrowed itself a good handspan or two into Van Sztramm¡¯s chest. The impact sent even the gold-ranker reeling, and Kite knew that the shot was Mtanga¡¯s most powerful, single-target special attack further boosted by a ritual circle beneath him. There would only be one such arrow fired during this battle. But in this case, given the specially prepared arrow which Kite knew had been fired, that one arrow should add weight far beyond its normal to the metaphorical scales of their conflict. All of the essence-users present clearly felt the small, artificial aura pulse which suddenly emitted from the arrowhead within Van Sztramm¡¯s shoulder. And, more importantly, so did the numerous magical traps which Mtanga had prepared and scattered around the garden that was to be their true battleground all along. ¡°Go!¡± Ryker called as the ground in front of the villa came alive. Arcs of lightning, seeking cyclical wind blades, conjured thorny vines and more erupted from the various magical circles, unerringly seeking the gold-ranker. Some were broken down or weakened by the shimmering light around Van Sztramm while others were dodged as the gold-ranker was forced into a most undignified scramble to try and avoid what he could of the magical traps. But the ritual-fueled attacks were plentiful enough to have some redundancy, and Van-Sztramm¡¯s outfit was soon even more tattered, especially as the adventurers went on the offensive once more and added their might to the sprung ambush. Kite sent what attacks he could spare towards the noble but mostly remained on the defensive. Van Sztramm¡¯s rays of light were too quick for him to try and disperse through projected attacks, but another factor allowed him to at least conjure the barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding to aid the steadily increasing stream of glowing beams; predictability. ¡°Heavens, it almost feels like I¡¯m back in the wilds outside Bastion,¡± part of Kite thought as he used his dispelling attacks to keep shattering the defensive crystals of Crystallize Mana, intercepted growing Mana Spheres or dispersed Van Sztramm¡¯s conjured mace when he could. Much like when he had once found himself in front of Mistress Withers, an early bronze before a silver, Kite¡¯s current opponent was stronger. Faster. Tougher. In many ways so much more powerful. But the way Van Sztramm had moved throughout their whole encounter confirmed what they had found about the man; that he was thoroughly lacking in both combat training and experience. This was not something Kite would expect of most nobles or highborne of the world, rather the contrary. Many prominent families trained each and every scion to a respectable standard, core-user or not. And against such a gold-ranker, Kite and the team would never have attempted their current brash path. But where another gold might have leveraged their potential power to focus and eliminate one of the pesky silvers at a time, Van Sztramm tended to switch targets often, sending Radiant Lances against the most prominent targets the adventurers presented or the one who managed a hit against him most recently. His attacks lacked finesse and were usually well-telegraphed, even fast and powerful as they were, and none of the ways which he moved hid his intent. ¡°Yes, Van Sztramm is very much like the late Mistress Withers,¡± Kite concluded as he took a quick few step forwards to lash out with his staff to project an attack towards another attempted Mana Sphere almost before it began to form above one of Van Sztramm¡¯s cupped hand. ¡°And unlike that time, I¡¯m not at the lower reaches of the rank which separates us. And neither am I alone.¡± ¡°Kite! The light. Get rid of it!¡± Ryker shouted, currently Van Sztramm¡¯s target of choice as he was using his cloth tendrils to drag himself backwards and teleport through the fabric to not get caught within the disrupting force zone for longer than Linger¡¯s shared regeneration could handle. Such a persistent damage skill needed nothing more than proximity to work after all, and skilled or not, moving closer was at least within the noble¡¯s capabilities. ¡°Sage, if you please,¡± Kite murmured before casting a spell of his own. ¡°Wall!¡± Hopefully Van Sztramm would- ¡°Rhhhaaahh-!¡± The force walls barely had the time to form a cage around Van Sztramm before he gave off a defiant shout, reconjuring his golden mace and swinging it in the wide-area special attack from before. The single layer of the panes of Leyline Warding shattered instantly, but Kite had interspersed the others in small clusters around the battlefield to provide more impromptu cover. The cage had only been a delaying tactic after all, which paid off as Sage floated up from its customary place behind Kite¡¯s back and unleashed a bright beam of transcendent light which hit Van Sztramm straight in the stomach. ¡°-aauuughhhhh!¡± While many of the other attacks delivered by the team might have been considered small-time by the gold-ranker, transcendent damage did not much care for his innate resistances. Thus, his shout became a wheeze of pain as Sage¡¯s beam dug deep and joined Ryker¡¯s deep, rupturing puncture as the most prominent injuries still remaining. And as Kite reabsorbed his familiar into his aura, not wanting to risk the astral gatherer more for at the moment retribution was sure to come, he himself was already swinging, chiming staff in hand even as the arms of his mantle each stabbed or sliced with a descendant of Matra in hand. Because even Sage had been a distraction of sorts. The projected attacks, mere ripples in the air before impacting the staggered gold-ranker, struck like a staggered barrage. And among the rippling spatial tears and mana-draining blue cracks hid Disrupting Strike¡¯s alternate effect, further fueled by Potential of Stolen Power to help it take hold. And, Fortune be praised, it did. ¡°Good job,¡± was all Kite heard from Ryker as the damaging light within Van Sztramm - that which caused the damaging sphere - winked out to the sound of an ephemeral mirror cracking. Sealed. Then, without warning or warcry, the team leader lashed out with a single tendril of thread and used it to pivot sharply, almost on the spot, before more enchanted cloth unfurled with a snap to send him shooting towards the gold-ranker like an arrow. Van Sztramm did react, but almost stumbled again as his feet were grasped by the stones below, halting him for another moment and letting more of the still incoming spells from the traps hit. Still, he raised his arm to send a beam of light straight towards the incoming Ryker, only for a huge clawed hand to slap the aiming arm to the side just as the spell discharged when Linger appeared from nowhere. ¡°No-¡± Ryker¡¯s spring-like cloth spike had once again formed around his right arm, and this time he managed to land right in front of the taller gold-ranker and deliver a vicious uppercut straight up into Van Sztramm¡¯s chin. The noble¡¯s lower jaw was torn apart as he was sent up and away in a majestic arc by the unleashed force, further enabled by Kite gradually having worn down the increased resistance of rank disparity during their extended clashing. It had been some time since Kite had gotten such a mileage out of the evolved racial gift from so long ago, but seeing the previously so high and mighty gold-ranker break so much more easily did bring a definite sense of satisfaction. While the man lacked flight powers of his own, the fall itself wouldn¡¯t hurt, but Mtanga did not let the moment go to waste as the gold-ranker¡¯s trajectory was interrupted by a whole flight of arrows converging on him like a grasping hand. ¡°Status?¡± Ryker asked in the ever-so-brief lull while giving a curt hand signal indicating that he was running low. Not critically, but enough to force him to be conservative with his mana from here on out. Kite replied with a similar sign, him bursting through the cellar wall costing an arm and a leg¡¯s worth of mana, and Christine did likewise while Linger and Mtanga fared better. Part of Kite had hoped that it would be over after such a demonstration of combined might, but the rest of him - trained by Gauntlet - knew that not to be the case. Not while facing a gold-ranker. You needed to thoroughly and utterly break them apart to properly take beings like them out of commission. But hopefully, the next phase would facilitate one of their plans to cut the battle short, even if that would be made all the harder by dwindling resources. ¡°Kite¡­¡± Kite almost started at the faint murmur that came from the spear now once again slung over his back. Laevyeth spoke no more, and Kite could feel a weariness from her that felt soul deep through the close aura connection of their proximity. But he did feel something else too; a spark of defiance. And the intent to help. So as the wounded and disheveled Van Sztramm threw himself back onto his feet, mace - now re-conjured - back in one hand and beams of light already gathering in the other, he was met by another aura joining the adventurers. ¡°Bloom of the Pristine Evergarden¡±
WWJS: - Bloom of the Pristine Evergarden - Innate. Cost: Extreme mana Cooldown: 6h Current rank: Silver Effect - silver: Cause flowers and vines of pure life and mana to bloom over the forms of allies within range. Affected allies instantly recover a moderate amount of health, mana and stamina, and gain a high ongoing recovery of all three while the effect persists. Additionally, while the effect lasts, spells and special attacks of affected allies which consume stamina or mana will have their effects increased.
Laevyeth¡¯s form lit up as the sculpted vines and flowers seemed to come alive with a clear, blue radiance. All of the nearby adventurers; Kite, Ryker, Christine and - presumably - Linger were caught in the light, and within moments found their armor and bodies adorned with vines of white light sprouting azure flowers. While the growing plants weren¡¯t truly corporeal, their effects were immediate as Kite felt himself revitalized in a burst of purity, the soothing sensation continuing to course through his body even as it felt like his mana flowed more smoothly through his magical matrix. ¡°There! I knew it!¡± Van Sztramm called, words slightly slurred by his recovering lower jaw while he pointed his mace towards the glowing spear which had now chosen to properly reveal herself to the world. ¡°Oh such a curiosity. Such power! It will be mine to understand and to replicate! Away with you, adventurer rats. I¡¯m done playing games with you! You won¡¯t stand in the way of progress! My progress!¡± 204. Dawning horror ¡°-done playing games with you! You won¡¯t stand in the way of progress! My progress!¡± Van Sztramm welcomed the chance to properly speak, any longer and coherent attempt at words having previously been rudely interrupted at almost every turn during this assault on his person. The frustration inside him had to go somewhere, after all, because the more direct route of breaking the bodies of the little silvers was not going as well as he¡¯d assumed. He hadn¡¯t even been able to thoroughly crush their auras, managing to suppress one of them at a time at most before the concerted effort of the others shoved his spirit back, stinging attacks breaking his focus. And that the spear had chosen to unveil itself now of all times just became an insult to injury. It was like a beacon to his mind as he got a proper sense of its aura, that which had earlier been glimpsed now connected like previously glimpsed spiritual tapestry now revealed in full; alien, pure and very much alive. Not that he had been doubting that after his earlier experiments though. Especially the application of the Anima Awl had proven it without a doubt. But the clarity of it all had Van Sztramm craving to know more, to pick it apart and understand it. How it came to be. And how he could control it. Perhaps even make more, changing how the world understood and made artifacts. But first, Van Sztramm needed to once more relieve the pesky little boy of the treasure, the task now gaining proper priority. It had been simple the last time, and should be again as long as he really put his mind to it, the others be damned. So Van Sztramm charged, barreling through the blasts from two of those damned traps which the cowards had prepared around his property to go straight for the now glowing spear. The world blurred around him and his hand, shining with the light of Lambent Battle Fist, broke through the pair of barriers which appeared to shield the little silver. And this time, Van Sztramm made no effort to avoid the boy¡¯s head either. He had chosen his fate when going up against his betters. ¡°That is not yours, thief. I- argh!¡± The little rogue had somehow gotten his staff up in time, making a whirling strike which impacted Van Sztramm¡¯s reaching wrist, knocking it slightly to the side as the light of the special attacks disappeared in a now all too familiar sensation of draining mana and sting of transcendent damage. Combined with those odd spectral arms reaching in to further push his hand to the side while the silver had already begun his sidestep - seemingly before Van Sztramm had initiated his charge - it caused his reaching fingers to miss the haft of the glowing weapon by a handspan. Meaning to bring Gilded Superiority, his conjured mace, to bear in a follow-up attack, he shifted his footing slightly to compensate and was just about to swing at the thief¡¯s lower body when one of his planted feet was suddenly yanked out from beneath him by another of those accursed cloth strips, ruining the strike. Van Sztramm managed to free his leg with a contemptuous shake, turning to face the incoming brute that was Ryker Lansar and temporarily forced to let the boy carrying the spear retreat a few steps. ¡°You pest-¡± Van Sztramm meant to turn the now botched swing into a strike against the gruff adventurer instead, but the man suddenly shifted and teleported through one of the lengths of fabric to instead emerge from below and behind in an upwards flurry of strikes which rent Van Sztramm¡¯s back into bloody strips. ¡°Stay still-¡± His field of vision turned bright green for a moment along with a good dose of pain as a launched crystal impacted the side of his face along with several arrows shooting in from afar. Those he at least managed to deflect with a swing and use of Force Shockwave, a special attack awakened from Van Sztramm¡¯s magic essence. In the end, he was forced to disengage slightly by throwing out a few more Radiant Lances towards the more aggressive adventurers, inwardly cursing. That monstrous thing had not reappeared yet, even though Van Sztramm could feel that it was nearby. Lurking. ¡°A temporary setback,¡± he thought to himself, a thought oft repeated during these past intense few minutes of his life. ¡°After I have crushed you, the adventure society will suffer for this. My allies won¡¯t stand for this treatment.¡± But among those thoughts, resolutely keeping to his pride and the knowledge that he was superior, a more traitorous part of his mind had been clamoring for a while now, growing stronger with each stinging attack and indignity which Van Sztramm was forced to endure; the realization that he might lose.
¡°Kite!¡± ¡°On it, Sir!¡± ¡°Good shot. Christine?¡± ¡°Grasp of the stone fundament!¡± ¡°Radiant La- Oh curse you, beast!¡± ¡°Good timing, Linger. And Mtanga. Keep it up!¡± The respite after the gold-ranker¡¯s first charge and attempted grab of Laevyeth had been but a brief one, but it had been enough for Kite and the team to wordlessly add another nuance to their dynamics. Kite had something their foe wanted, so they could somewhat count on Van Sztramm trying to close the distance to him and take it. Knowing of a gold-ranker¡¯s movements and stopping them could be quite different prospects, however, but so far the team had done an admirable job. Bounding leaps had been intercepted, attempted feints foiled and when Van Sztramm attempted to back off and skirmish with the adventurers from afar, they could compensate for their lack of individual power with coordination. As things were, the gold-ranker was starting to look ragged in attire and body alike, and that was saying little about the shattered remnants of the garden and parts of the villa when Van Sztramm had gradually been forced to take less and less care with his surroundings. And thanks to Laevyeth¡¯s blooming vines and the extended replenishment they had provided before fading, the adventurers didn¡¯t mirror his state. ¡°Mtanga, wide volley!¡± Ryker called to the still distant archer while making a curt hand gesture which only a silver and above would be able to make out at that distance. It was followed by two more even as he gave out a few more orders to coordinate the rest. The expected volley followed a few seconds later but was overtaken by another more powerful arrow streaking in low, courtesy of the predetermined gesture. ¡°Oh what I would not give to be able to communicate without my foes being able to hear it,¡± Kite though as he sprinted in towards the gold-ranker along Ryker and Christine, conjuring barriers above them all to deflect the unenhanced arrows raining down from above as they ran in close formation. Signaling via hand and aura was a decent solution, but left less room for improvisation and adaptation mid battle. But he was at least most sure of their next plan of action, as the signal to close in for their planned finisher was one none would forget or mistake. And while he didn¡¯t seem to know exactly what was up, Van Sztramm too noticed the shift in the adventurers¡¯ approach. ¡°Do you really think that any plan with you charging in could hope to work? That I haven¡¯t just been waiting for such an opportunity?¡± he called as they drew closer while sending out more Radiant Lances to harry the incoming warriors. None of the adventurers acknowledged the threat as they defended themselves from the weaker spells while sending out what counterattacks they could towards the man. Behind Van Sztramm, off in the distance, some tiles on the roof of the now quite weathered-looking villa cracked. ¡°Well then, imbeciles. It¡¯s time to end this farce. The cost of rebuilding will be worth it,¡± the gold-ranker finished, thrusting his hands out to the sides with palms facing outward. ¡°Expand, corona of luminous destruction!¡± In the space of a breath, several glowing circles appeared around the area. The first and most prominent one was a horizontal band around Van Sztramm, like a great chakram of bright light which seemed to constantly increase in intensity. And the rest appeared around the nearby adventurers, one each. They were similar to the ring around Van Sztramm at a glance, but where the one around the gold-ranker felt most destructive in how the air seemed to hiss and shudder around its luminous surface, the smaller ones were instead restrictive; their mere presence seeming to press inward on the adventure and hinder their movements. This spell, Destructive Corona, was another of Van Sztramm¡¯s essence powers that were known both in the sense that the man possessed it and that it was common enough around the world to be a known quantity. After a few moments of charging, the ring around Van Sztramm would rapidly expand outwards, a growing circle of most potent destruction. At gold rank, it would not only have a terrifyingly huge radius, but also came with the added bonus that the spell would restrain nearby foes for a few moments in an attempt to compensate for the otherwise most dodgeable attack as long as one could make a powerful enough jump. That was why Kite, Christine and Ryker found themselves held in place before the increasingly glowing circle, feeling the increasing fluctuations in the ambient mana which radiated outwards as if the world itself was bracing for the incoming destruction. Thanks to Implacable Motion, Kite could somewhat move even against the restraints, even though he felt most sluggish. But it was enough to start forming his spells in time. Because in the next few moments, a lot of things happened almost simultaneously. ¡°Dissolve the Patterns of Power! Wall! Ward! Void!¡± The flickering passing of Ripple of Cancellation had reached around halfway towards Van Sztramm when the gold-ranker sent the gathering corona erupting outwards with a sweep of his hands. For a moment it looked like a shining bright horizon sweeping towards Kite before the layered walls of Leyline Warding and the discs of Heaven-and-Void Warding turned it into a more indistinct blur as the barriers sprung up before the three restrained adventurers, who had chosen their close formation for that very purpose. Faintly off in the distance, the snapping of more roof tiles might have been picked up by those perceptive enough, but then any trace of sound from beyond and the sight of the incoming glowing line disappeared as Gate of Nihility appeared between the walls and the discs, a hungering aperture to nothing. This was an especially ravenous casting too, as Kite¡¯s latest charge of Potential of Stolen Power had gone into its casting. A wall of crystal-laden earth joined the efforts all while tendrils of enchanted cloths snaked out to wrap the bodies of all three of them. In another moment, Kite felt the snapping feedback of his layers of walls breaking down, causing the chitinous shield which had appeared on his left arm to start unleashing a cascade of seeking projectiles which curved around the dark gate and back toward the gold-ranker. But this process was soon forgotten as the corona struck Gate of Nihility, and Kite started pouring every mote of mana he could through his racial gift to keep the dark aperture steady for a few moments longer. His efforts received at least some acknowledgment right away as parts of the golden ring passed the three adventurers on either side of the gate as the unhindered parts of the spell continued onwards. And two heartbeats later the circle of nothingness was severed as well, bisected horizontally as the blazing corona broke through. But where there had once been a crisp line there now instead remained a roiling wave; wider, but much more dispersed and unstable. It still pushed through the remaining barriers though, sundering earth, cloth and ward before washing over the adventurers. Kite could feel his skin blister as he closed his eyes against the pain while ducking down beneath his shield. And then it was over, in more ways than one. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. *Click* Lowering his shield, Kite had already started to take in the devastation around them as everything in a wide, wide radius now shared a distinct maximum height; everything above that burned through. Far behind the adventurers, the trees of the nearby forest were still toppling and Kite could see the form of Mtanga leap down from one of the falling trunks. And ahead of them, the villa was in a similar state of collapse as Glint hovered above the rapidly forming wreckage upon a sphere of water carrying a restrained and collared bronze-ranker. But most important were the two forms in the center of the devastation; Van Sztramm, standing disbelieving with arms still outstretched, and the hulking form of Linger behind him who had, moments before, shut the gold-ranked suppression collar around the noble¡¯s neck. In the collapsing roof behind them, Kite could still see the two distinct depressions in the tiles where the lurker must have landed and sprung off, leaping in towards the very much distracted and stationary gold-ranker to enact their previously agreed-upon plan. A plan that had worked. ¡°Wha- You-¡± Van Sztramm had just about begun to utter words of protest before Linger¡¯s other hand struck and plowed the gold-ranker into the ground. Ryker and Christine moved as well, and Kite snapped out of his reverie a moment later to join them. Collaring a gold put them at a grave disadvantage, and Van Sztramm had already been sorely pressed given his limited combat powers and lack of experience. But their attributes were still most impressive, so the adventurers already knew that far more violence would need to be meted out before mercy might even be a true option. ¡°Stop! You cannot- Filthy-!¡± Tendrils of cloth, magically sharpened and heavily enchanted for cutting tore into a leg like a saw, three other silvers beating down other thrashing limbs until it finally came free in a cascade of blood. ¡°You will die for this! You will-¡± Next came the left arm, stone clamps holding it to the ground as repeated downward blows trailing sundering spatial tears severed it just beneath the shoulder. ¡°No- stop! I-¡± The other leg parted surprisingly easy as a crystal geode was driven deep into it by the enhanced strength of a lurker before detonating, making a mess of everything beneath the knee. ¡°Please- no- gods-¡± Ignoring the last struggles - now without much leverage at all - as well as any pleas, Ryker plunged a spike of tightly twined cloth into the last remaining appendage, creating a deep hole into the upper arm through which Kite could stab the lower end of his staff. More spatial tears unfurled, more blood painted the rocks and debris beneath¡­ And it was done. Basilev Van Sztramm lay helpless and collared on the ravaged ground of his villa, splattered with his own blood and missing all four limbs. His coat and clothes were in tatters, their self-repair enchantments having failed minutes - and a whole lot of punishment - ago. Kite found it distinctly odd to look at the gold-ranker without feeling that vast aura, core-laden or not. And he found the whole situation and the brutality of it unsettling. Necessary, but unsettling. ¡°You- you can¡¯t do this,¡± the man croaked. ¡°You don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve ruined. The things I could have discovered.¡± It spoke to the tenacity of a gold-ranker that even in his disheveled state, Van Sztramm was gradually working himself up to something resembling outrage again, the only feeble shield left to him to fend off the world. ¡°And you don¡¯t even have the shadow of an idea as to what my family will do to you when they hear of how you¡¯ve treated me, not to speak of the other houses or the duke. Filthy brutes! I-¡± There was another crunch as Ryker stomped down, putting an armored boot straight into Van Sztramm¡¯s mouth through the crunching of teeth. Some part of his ramblings still came through as even core-users started producing sound more and more through other innately magical means rather than a simple voicebox, but the planted foot was enough for Ryker¡¯s words to easily be heard. ¡°You know that we could just kill you, right?¡± the team leader asked, his face a stern mask. ¡°Because you¡¯ve made such a fine little hidden nook for yourself here, outside any public record. Who would know before it was too late to track us?¡± His words did cause the noble to fall silent, gaze flickering between defiance and a - given the situation - healthy amount of fear at the prospect of Ryker following through with the threat. Any potential vengeance was of little gain for a dead man, after all. ¡°You robbed one of ours in broad daylight like a common bully, believing your power and status a perfect shield that you didn¡¯t even attempt a sliver of plausible deniability,¡± Ryker continued. ¡°And then it turned out that it wasn¡¯t even a robbery at all, but a kidnapping of a lower-ranker for magical experimentation under duress. Again, done by a gold-ranker against a silver. So what would you actually complain about, oh mighty Lord? That the silvers you chose to bully turned out to actually have some power of their own and chose to use it? The way of this world, and all that, as you so eloquently told Kite over here.¡± Van Sztramm¡¯s gaze did flicker to Kite at the mention of his name, but mostly to the spear at his back. Seeing their prisoner distracted, Ryker bent down low, making sure to put all his weight on the foot planted in the gold-ranker¡¯s mouth to reclaim his attention. ¡°But you know what the best thing is, Van Sztramm?¡± he said, voice remaining gruffly even in the way that - of all the people he knew - only Ryker Lansar seemed to have mastered. ¡°We don¡¯t even have to kill you. Because you¡¯ve already done it yourself. See, I¡¯ve been part of task group Gauntlet ever since I made silver. Nineteen years, give or take, and now I¡¯m at the cusp of gold rank. Not the quickest, I¡¯ll admit, but I¡¯ve spent a lot of time training others to do important things. And during my years in Gauntlet, I¡¯ve seen quite a few nasty things which people have cobbled together. Things that would turn most stomachs a few times over. So, Lord Basilev Van Sztramm, I will inform you that I would recognize an Anima Awl anywhere. And I have both witnessed you possessing it. As well as using it.¡± In the silence that followed, Kite got to witness one of the most distinct examples of dawning horror which he would ever see in his life.
¡°I must say, Ryker¡­ This is not what I expected to arrive to,¡± Sir Ilmaril Thenston remarked as he stood beside the team, eyes like solid azure orbs gazing out over the wreckage of the villa where Christine was busy helping other adventures with appropriate powers excavate the workshop beneath where the team had blown in the door the day before. As agreed upon during his talks with Christine, the gold-ranker had waited until the following day before tracking the team down when they hadn¡¯t reported in. In this case it had been a deliberate act on their part as they hadn¡¯t wanted to risk a single member making the trip back to the city on their own due to the relatively high mana density of the area and the monsters it could produce. But neither had they wanted to part with more than one member in case allies or others supporting Van Sztramm would have arrived ahead of schedule. ¡°No, Sir? With all due respect, any undertaking of ours rarely ends without at least one building collapsing,¡± Ryker replied with a straight face. ¡°True, true,¡± Sir Ilmaril agreed. ¡°But essence-users fighting out some vendettas or other such quarrels isn¡¯t uncommon. And while I generally disapprove, I trusted you to keep it contained and within reason. You wouldn¡¯t have agreed to anything else. But I did not expect said quarrel to have an outworlder thrown into the mix, least of all one so exotic,¡± the elf finished, turning to face the others as he directed his gaze towards the spear which still hung at Kite¡¯s back, as she had done without pause since she had been freed from the truesilver clamps. ¡°Neither did we, Sir, as we weren¡¯t told until after the actual kidnapping,¡± Ryker replied, giving Kite a pointed look. ¡°From what these initial verbal reports have told me, your powers of concealment are most impressive, Laevyeth,¡± Sir Ilmaril noted. ¡°Of the ones I have met of your kind, yours are probably the most distinct and skewed though.¡± A few seconds of silence followed, but to Kite¡¯s surprise - and pleasure - Laevyeth eventually answered. ¡°I wouldst not know, Sire. But if thou hast met others like me, wouldst thou be willing to tell me? Of them?¡± While Kite had become most used to it, it was still a bit pleasing to sense the slight disbelief in the auras of his much more worldly and experienced colleagues at hearing the spear speak. Even Ryker, after already having had a few exchanges with her, seemed to still be adjusting. ¡°I would,¡± Sir Ilmaril confirmed with a nod. ¡°It would be the least I can do. While I won¡¯t claim any responsibility for the actions of Van Sztramm, it still feels important to show you some of the courtesies of this world. Not everyone in power is as ruthless or free of scruples. But given your unique nature, I can understand the mystery you might pose to some of them. Should you ever change your mind, know that the adventure society will welcome you and listen most attentively to what you would choose to share of yourself and your powers.¡± It didn¡¯t take a genius in aura reading to sense the effect Sir Ilimaril¡¯s words had on the spear, and the elf quickly raised his hands in a placating gesture to forestall Laevyeth retreating from the conversation, continuing. ¡°As I said, an offer and nothing more. And my own offer of information stands nonetheless. During my career, I have encountered three outworlders before you. Last I heard, two of them still lives, with the third lost before he could find safety. As you yourself have experienced, most outworlders come to be through rather spectacular - and therefore often hazardous - circumstances.¡± ¡°And what became of the two that lived?¡± Laevyeth asked, hesitant yet curious. ¡°I believe that one of them - Enkrath the Clay-Singer - still resides in Rimaros somewhere. Their species is one not found here in our world, looking more like a construct of porcelain than a biological being. But their mastery as a sculptor and stone-shaper proved extraordinary, so they quickly managed to make quite the comfortable life for themselves. The waiting list for their commissioned work was well over a decade, last I heard of it.¡± ¡°So not an essence-using species then, I take it?¡± Kite asked, also intrigued. ¡°Indeed not. Like most outworlders, they weren¡¯t very forthcoming about their circumstances before their unexpected arrival. But from what little they did tell, it sounded like this kind of individual freedom was quite the change from their previous circumstances. A most odd being, but their outlook was somehow refreshingly utilitarian,¡± Sir Ilmaril said with a smile, and was about to continue when some exclamations and flared auras back at the ruins of the villa interrupted him. ¡°Oh, so she did live,¡± Kite noted, seeing a much bedraggled Lady Ljublia being pulled from beneath the masses in the distance, hands and feet already in manacles as she was excavated. ¡°Riiiiight. I knew I forgot something,¡± Linger said, suddenly appearing next to Kite and Ryker. Sir Ilmaril was the only one who didn¡¯t flinch even slightly at the lurker¡¯s appearance, only turning and raising a blonde eyebrow in silent question. ¡°Well, I did bundle her up as was planned,¡± the celestine continued as he let the transfiguration fall off him. ¡°Collar, manacles, the works. But things got a bit during our exit so I just threw her into a corner so I could help harry the gold-ranker as he seemed to be too distracted by the fight to actually pin me down with his spiritual perception. I guess she was still there when he razed the house. Whoops,¡± he finished, sounding not the least apologetic. Off in the distance, Christine approached atop a small mound of moving earth, coming to a sliding stop in front of her uncle a moment later. ¡°We found it, uncle,¡± she stated, holding out a handle of bone whose magical sigils still glowed faintly. At the sight, Laevyeth gave off a low whining sound, aura shuddering. ¡°And I do believe that we don¡¯t need more confirmation than that in that this was what Van Sztramm used. Sorry, Laevyeth.¡± ¡°An Anima Awl indeed,¡± Sir Ilmaril said grimly, accepting the object. It floated up above his palm before a clear crystal suddenly materialized around it, encasing it completely. ¡°Keep searching the rubble. Where there is one such object, there might be more. Van Sztramm¡¯s type are often collectors.¡± ¡°And fortunately, it in and of itself is enough to doom Van Sztramm and make any questions of what we were doing here go away nicely,¡± Ryker said, nodding. ¡°All of his allies will be too busy distancing themselves.¡± ¡°The official reports will indeed need some creative wording, but it should be manageable,¡± Sir Ilmaril agreed before turning back to Kite and Laevyeth. ¡°Once more, I am deeply sorry for what you¡¯ve had to endure here, Laevyeth. That in and of itself might be reason enough to follow in the footsteps of Enkrath the Clay-Singer and find yourself a peaceful life. I can¡¯t promise that there aren¡¯t more people like Van Sztramm out there, but I will assure you that they are few and far between.¡± ¡°Thou hast my gratitude, Sire,¡± Laevyeth replied, her aura pulsing in agreement as she tried to mimic the spiritual nuances she had started picking up from the adventurers in the day since she was freed. ¡°But before we turn to the future, might I impose upon thee and hear the tale of the last outworlder?¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Another oddity, in her own right, but more in mannerisms than species as she was something close to a human,¡± Sir Ilmaril said, an amused smile on his face. ¡°Even as a normal-ranker, she felt slippery and carefree in words and spirit both, and nothing seemed to faze her even in her new surroundings. Didn¡¯t even give me a name, as she said she would choose a new one to better fit wherever she went. She just asked us for transportation to one of the mainland hubs north of port Singhni, some funds to get started, and off she went. I could probably see if I can find her current whereabouts in our records back at one of Gauntlet¡¯s campuses.¡± ¡°There is no need, but I still thank thee, Sire,¡± Laevyeth replied. ¡°It is nice to hear that one may indeed find freedom and purpose here.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking, Sir, was the final outworlder one of the essence-using races then?¡± Kite asked, curious. ¡°Indeed she was. She had only one essence when we parted ways which some innate looting power of hers seemed to have scrounged up. I actually offered to trade her for something better in order to get her started, but she seemed quite taken with it,¡± the gold-ranked elf said, looking as if the memory brought him quite a bit of amusement. ¡°But I suppose that there are many fine adventurers out there with the rat essence.¡± 205. Destiny! ¡°And you are sure?¡± Kite asked, turning over his shoulder to regard the spearhead of Laevyeth. They stood a bit removed from the others, Kite having activated a simple privacy screen which would shield them from any casual listeners. Just a few hours after Sir Ilmaril arriving with reinforcements, most of the villa ruins had been properly excavated where the adventurers had apparently found a few more quite damning objects. The team had given a proper report to their gold-ranked superior, but had otherwise been free to keep watch and recover. ¡°I am,¡± Laevyeth stated. ¡°If thou would still take me along, that is.¡± ¡°Indeed I will,¡± Kite confirmed. ¡°And, just to confirm, you still want to look for a matching wielder?¡± ¡°I do,¡± the spear replied. ¡°I did give it a lot of thought, though. But any true freedom of mine will probably have to be found in the company of one with whom I truly resonate, contrary as it might seem. But in the meantime, I would like to see this home of yours of which I only have borrowed memories.¡± Kite was about to speak again, but Laevyeth continued. ¡°And as to me saying farewell to the others¡­ My will remains firm. They deserve as much.¡± ¡°Then I believe that we might as well get to it,¡± Kite said, nodding to where the other members stood gathered in the distance to watch Van Sztramm¡¯s broken form - very much alive but also having seen much better days - being encapsulated in one of Sir Ilmaril¡¯s crystal prisons along with Lady Ljublia and the bronze-ranked servant. ¡°As things stand, we will probably be portaling out even before we reach Svyatograd, and Glint will carry us back quite swiftly to meet up with Riz on the way.¡± ¡°Lead the way then,¡± Laevyeth confirmed, seeming to steel herself. Kite hopped down from the rock he had been using as a perch and walked across the sundered remains of the gardens around the ruined villa. Sensing the tone of his aura, the others of his team turned to look at him as he approached. But as he drew near, Kite stopped and unslung the spear from his back, gently holding it out towards the others. ¡°Kite? Laevyeth? What is-¡± Christine began, but fell silent as the form of the spear started glowing and shifted, revealing Laevyeth¡¯s tall humanoid form who let go of Kite¡¯s hand to properly face the others. She was still dressed in Kite¡¯s spare robes, but looked surprisingly regal with her blue-tinted skin and silver eyes. Then Laevyeth bowed, speaking with eyes downcast. ¡°I¡­ wish to convey my utmost gratitude. If it weren¡¯t for your help, I would still remain a prisoner, having traded one cell for another even after crossing between worlds and all that lies betwixt,¡± she said, keeping her aura bare to show them her utmost sincerity. ¡°And I also wish to convey my apologies for not daring to reveal myself to ye. In the end, acting on my fears brought me what I most tried to avoid while bringing ye all danger. This will be a time of learning which I will never forget, of this I swear. And thus I wanted to tell ye this in person. Eye to eye, as I believe that the saying goes.¡± As she finished, Laevyeth rose from her bow and regarded each of the team in turn; the gruff Ryker, fascinatedly staring Christine, smiling Mtanga and thoughtful-looking Linger. ¡°While you don¡¯t know too much about adventurers yet-,¡± Ryker began, breaking the silence, ¡°I hope that you will at least remember us as a decent exemple in the years to come. Not all of us are perfect, but I have known plenty over the years who wouldn¡¯t have hesitated a second to come to your aid. And the adventure society would no doubt welcome you and any wielder you find into our midst, assuming that they aren¡¯t one already.¡± ¡°Many of us are quite the freedom-loving sorts, after all,¡± Christine said, breaking in. ¡°And we really, really didn¡¯t like how that Van Sztramm or his flunky Ljublia acted,¡± Linger chimed in with his usual cheer. ¡°So we got to rescue a beautiful outworlder in distress and beat up some magic society fops. I would count that as a win in all the ways that count.¡± ¡°But on the behalf of the actually competent part of the magic society, I do wish to extend our apologies as well,¡± Mtanga said, smile fading somewhat. ¡°May any further encounters with our members be peaceful, consensual and in the name of shared knowledge.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a shame we have to go though, as there is so much more I¡¯d like to ask you,¡± Christine said. ¡°Or perhaps only partially a shame. We all do want to go home. And you, Laevyeth, probably want to get far, far away from here. And as things would have it, Fortune has blessed us that uncle Ilmaril here will be the one to stay behind and handle the rest of the fallout from this little outing.¡± The crystal-armored gold-ranker in the distance turned and gave his niece an arched look at her words, but otherwise chose to not interrupt the silvers¡¯ moment. He had already had his fair share of exchanges with Laevyeth, and had made quite a few promises should she ever want to visit for some more moments to talk. ¡°This Fortune does indeed seem kind in the end,¡± Laevyeth agreed. ¡°Even though the concept of your divinities remain most alien to me.¡± ¡°Which only makes me want to ask even more questions,¡± Christine complained. ¡°Oh well, I supposed that we do have to get going. Your portal courier was to meet you outside the city, right?¡± ¡°That is quite correct. We sent word with those that went ahead and arranged for it. Best to not challenge fate more than necessary and stay around. Going halfway across the world should help dissuade any efforts at tracking us down in the short run, especially as we use the adventure society¡¯s couriers. There should barely be a trail to follow,¡± Kite confirmed before joining the others in striding towards the shimmering form of Glint who had already taken her customary place before Kite¡¯s enchanted ship. ¡°Soon, we shall be returning to my home. And from there, I assume that life will do plenty to keep me busy, especially if we add finding you a wielder to the list, Laevyeth.¡± ¡°Well, any ideas where to start then? Because if you are ever in the market for a hot elf woman with stone and crystal powers, don¡¯t hesitate to find me,¡± Christine joked, looking at the spear with faux expectancy. ¡°Honestly, no,¡± Laevyeth replied, walking beside them as she kept her humanoid form in order to more properly experience the world. ¡°But in a way, it is quite liberating. At least I can start my quest in a less¡­ spectacular setting. Kite¡¯s homeland seems to have its fair share of troubles, but its - what was the term? Lower mana density? - mean that I shalt perhaps find some relative safety.¡± ¡°About that¡­¡± Kite said as they stepped up onto the small wooden ship, finally managing to bring up a topic which he had been keeping to himself ever since meeting the spear-woman and learning of her circumstances. ¡°I would not want to push anything on you Laevyeth, so feel free to ponder the offer for as long as you need-¡± ¡°Kite, your earnestness is very sweet, but I do believe that your intentions have gotten across,¡± Christine added with a wink as she flicked a small conjured crystal his way. ¡°What is it, Kite? For all that thou have done for me, I would be remiss in not listening,¡± Laevyeth asked, stopping beside them on the small deck of the ship just outside the small cabin that was the seating area. ¡°As I was trying to say-¡± Kite continued, sending Christine a playful spiritual nudge in way of returning fire, ¡°- you are looking for a resonating wielder. And while I am sure that there are plenty of candidates around the world¡­ There is someone which I would very much like to introduce you to.¡±
¡°Please show me again, Teacher,¡± Sprite asked, a slight pleading tone to her voice. ¡°Again? That would be the third time.¡± Dragonfly retorted a bit amused where she sat atop a stone outcropping. Beneath them, the compound belonging to Kite and his family spread out among the forests and tall cliff spires, nestled up around the mountain containing the aperture to the astral space. The sun was just touching the horizon in the distance, with dusk arriving within an hour or two. Sprite¡¯s attempt to restrain her pleading eyes - only further heightened by her aura betraying the emotion - was enough for Dragonfly to roll her eyes even as a smile played on her lips. ¡°Fine, fine,¡± she said with faux complaint in her voice, rising from her rocky seat and hefting Piece of Heaven across one shoulder. ¡°The things you do for your student.¡± ¡°Thank you, Teacher!¡± Sprite said happily, scurrying a few steps back in clear anticipation. ¡°As I said before- ,¡± Dragonfly said, falling into a more balanced combat stance,¡± - your balance and readiness is the key foundation for your footwork. But when you strike, stepping with the blows and simultaneously keeping that balance is your next hurdle to climb. And you¡¯re getting pretty good at that too. But when your life is one the line, I¡¯ve found that an emission of spiritual force as well as physical will best help guide your intent. Hence¡­ Kyyyyaaahhh!¡± Dragonfly gave off a fierce warcry as she swung, her enhanced silver-ranked strength sending torrents of air sweeping in all directions around her from the force of the blow. To further add some flair, Dragonfly also activated Ripple of Flame which sent a cascade of flames shooting out over a dozen meters into the empty air with a roar of its own. ¡°That¡¯s at least what has worked for me,¡± she finished, turning to her willowy student who had fallen to her backside from the mere proximity to the demonstration. ¡°You couldn¡¯t feel it, but I shoved outwards with my aura as well. It¡¯s something Soul taught me, and I¡¯d like to think I¡¯ve gotten a lot better at it. You¡¯ll learn too, in time, especially when we know your path in the future. Oh, and speaking of Soul, it¡¯s probably time for us to make a trip to Convergence soon too. I wanted to wait for Kite, but as he seems to be further delayed he¡¯ll just have to catch up. If I choose my words well, I might even be able to convince Soul to give you some more pointers.¡± ¡°... Thank you¡­ Teacher,¡± came Sprite¡¯s reply, a lot less enthusiastic than before. ¡°Oh I know how she is. But you really improved in leaps and bounds last time,¡± Dragonfly said, trying to comfort the girl whose aura was now emitting a distinct sense of dread. She also leant to help Sprite to her feet, but the girl instead performed a decent technical stand-up as she regained her feet on her own. ¡°Well, she sure took to that quickly,¡± Dragonfly thought, inwardly smiling a bit helplessly at Sprite¡¯s persistent behavior. She could feel the girl steadfastly pushing down her trepidation through sheer tenacity before Sprite eventually gave Dragonfly one of her signature serious looks. ¡°If it can lead to me mastering the fire essence like you, Teacher, then I will bear it.¡± Her voice might have wobbled slightly there at the end, but Dragonfly pretended not to hear as she replied. ¡°That is most brave of you, Sprite. But on that note, don¡¯t settle on essences just yet as you have many years ahead of you. We¡¯ll see what path calls to you and what will be available at the time. My own master always provided for me, but my fire essence was part because she deemed that it fit my nature and part necessity due to it being relatively common. You and I now have the luxury of an even greater support system through the guild, and we should make the most of it.¡± ¡°Well, I still want a fire essence. If it is not too much to ask, Teacher,¡± Sprite said, deflating a bit as she forced some humility into her tone. She knew, at least in theory, the value of even the common essences and tried her best to not act too eager at the fact that she was well on her way to having a full set as soon as she came of age. ¡°I won¡¯t say no, Sprite, but I still urge patience,¡± Dragonfly said, clapping the girl on the shoulder. ¡°And speaking of, I believe that Dove¡¯s pot has been simmering all day. I can smell that curry even all the way up here. Let''s find our way down and-¡± ¡°Teacher? What is it?¡± Sprite asked as Dragonfly fell silent mid-sentence, eyes scanning the distance. ¡°I think¡­ Ah, there!¡± Dragonfly exclaimed, pointing off towards a patch just outside the family compound which was kept clear of any more sizeable greenery. A grey stone gateway had started to appear, and Dragonfly knew that if one gazed into its depths one would see a path lined with rows and rows of similar archways. ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ What is it?¡± Sprite asked, squinting as she tried to spot what Dragonfly was pointing out. ¡°It¡¯s a portal! Riz¡¯s portal! Which means that Kite should be back!¡± Dragonfly said happily, holding out one hand. ¡°Come, let¡¯s take the quick way down.¡± She felt Sprite shove down another wave of fright, letting it give way to the accompanying excitement as the girl took Dragonfly¡¯s hand and let her teacher scoop her up with one very strong arm as she grabbed her axe with the other hand. Then Dragonfly leapt, further augmenting the motion with her essence power even if she moderated the force carefully so as to not risk harming Sprite and her still oh-so-delicate insides. The pair soared out over the compound, and as they began their downward trajectory Dragonfly activated the animating power of her axe and used it to guide their descent in a much more graceful spiraling motion which had them touch down on the gravel path outside the gates mere moments after Riz - the colorful, elven portal-user - had exited the dimensional aperture. ¡°I hope you enjoyed your travel with the great Riz and her dimensional enterprises,¡± the elf began while bowing towards the portal like a polite manservant. ¡°The tip in the form of those candied fruits in port Singhni was most appreciated too and- oh, hi Dragonfly! I brought him home, safe and sound! And with an extra to boot!¡± The other silver turned and gave both of the new arrivals a cheerful wave as she skipped with excitement while Kite made his exit from the aperture. Used to portals by now, Dragonfly only detected a faint hint of disorientation in his aura upon his arrival before his spirit and eyes found hers immediately. ¡°Dragonfly!¡± Their auras intertwined slightly even before they had the time to close for an embrace, and Dragonfly felt the usual faint tension bleed from her heart. ¡°Thank Fortune that you are safe yet again,¡± she murmured into his chest, uncaring of the armor. ¡°I know you have good support and competent teams but- oh heavens!¡± Dragonfly cut off as she, from the corner of her eye, noted the other person emerging from the portal; a tall woman with skin tinted blue and silver eyes, otherwise completely bereft of hair and dressed in one of Kite¡¯s spare robes. She only had a moment to brush up against an odd aura, silver-ranked yet with a completely different feel to it than any Dragonfly had previously felt, before the woman, after a moment of wide-eyed fascination with her new surroundings, suddenly started toppling like a felled tree as her eyes lost focus. As one, the embracing pair disentangled and caught her before she hit the ground, and it was only then that Dragonfly¡¯s mind managed to belatedly register the ¡®extra¡¯ which Riz had mentioned which was only further confirmed by Kite being completely calm as his perception power had surely shown her emerge after him. ¡°Heavens¡­ Thine world is most¡­ unstable, Kite,¡± the woman said, silver eyes still partly glazed over. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. ¡°I do believe I warned you that the disorienting effects of portals would take more than a few hops to get used to,¡± Kite noted in return, helping Dragonfly to keep the woman steady as she found her bearings. Eyes clearing somewhat, the woman finally seemed to manage to focus on Dragonfly. ¡°Oh, and thou art Dragonfly!¡± she said, looking surprisingly happy at the apparent recognition. ¡°Kite is most fond of thee. Most fond. His memories of the time spent in thine company were very vibrant!¡± ¡°I¡­ am indeed,¡± Dragonfly replied, throwing Kite a befuddled glance. ¡°And you are¡­¡± ¡°My name is Lae- Laevyeth,¡± the odd woman said, finally managing to stand on her own. As if that explained everything. ¡°Pleasure to meet you¡­?¡± Dragonfly replied before remembering. ¡°Oh, and this is Sprite. Sprite, come greet our latest guest. I am sure that her story is a most interesting one,¡± she finished, giving Kite a curious look only to receive a nod and a look in return which easily transmitted the unspoken ¡®believe me, you have no idea¡¯. ¡°Little Sun Sprite, disciple of Dragonfly over Sun¡¯s Reflection greets the honored guest!¡± Sprite proclaimed loudly after a moment of embarrassment as she found her bearings. ¡°Well, it seems like someone has listened to auntie Crow¡¯s lessons in etiquette,¡± Kite noted amusedly as he returned her bow with the corresponding one of a returning acquaintance. He stopped and took a long, steadying breath and let his senses spread out over the compound, the inhalation more to properly take in the scents of home rather than any actual need for air. The forests, the scent of the wooden buildings, of the people and- ¡°And as for etiquette-,¡± he continued, turning to the others. ¡°- I believe that auntie Dove is making a most delectable curry. Why don¡¯t we show Laevyeth some proper hospitality?¡± ¡°That sounds most wonderful, my dear Kite,¡± Dragonfly said sweetly, waving farewell to Riz who went back into her portal before taking Laevyeth by the arm and guiding her towards the compound gates. She almost let go as the woman stiffened slightly, but seemed to accept the gesture after a moment, so Dragonfly continued. ¡°But I don¡¯t believe that you¡¯ll get too much eating done anytime soon, Kite. You¡¯ll be too busy telling us a nice, long and detailed story of - what I¡¯m sure - are most grand adventures.¡±
During the last day of Laevyeth¡¯s life, beginning with torment and ending with freedom and a stop in Port Singhni before moving on towards Kite¡¯s homeland, she had come to a few realizations. The first was that she did not want to be afraid anymore, especially not of each and every person. As such, she had tried not to stiffen or flinch too much as she had finally met Dragonfly and Dove, one of his adopted mothers. Both had greeted her with casual touch - and in Dove¡¯s case, a full-on hug - while Crow and the young Raven watched the newcomer from across the room. It was, in a way, people she knew. Or at least knew of. And knowing their importance to Kite, who remained her firmest anchor point in this new world of hers, Laevyeth decided to not make the same mistake as last time. As such, she bore their touches and the surprising amount of care shown to her as she was led into the house made of wood and smelling of herbs. It was an intense experience, but not an unpleasant one she decided once she had recovered from the shock of it. Second was that being part of a prolonged conversation, especially one between many people at once, was challenging. Through Kite she had a sense of the odd kind of rules and nuances in place, but actually navigating it remained a work in progress which Laevyeth suspected might take a while. And third, she had realized that this food which she had observed taking such a central place in the lives of the people Laevyeth had met so far had earned its place. And by quite the margin too. ¡°Would you like some more, Lavyeth dear?¡± Dove asked, holding out another ladle of curry. ¡°Please, Lady Dove,¡± the outworlder replied, accepting the third helping. Dove only smiled in response, pleased in equal parts of her cooking being appreciated and the most noble title. ¡°Oh it¡¯s no trouble, dear,¡± the woman replied, her tone pleased but even. ¡°It was a nice and needed break for me to gather myself a bit and find acceptance that I seem to be developing a case of bad hearing. Because I surely didn¡¯t just hear my little Kite telling me that he and his little Gauntlet friends decided to go and fight a gold-ranker.¡± ¡°I too, am most curious,¡± Dragonfly added with a more genuine smile. ¡°Kite, who was it? That Van Sztramm who robbed you? Oh, I hope it was him!¡± ¡°Dragonfly, don¡¯t encourage him!¡± Dove chided. ¡°Think of your student and what ideas this might put into her head.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ You¡¯re right¡­ Sprite?¡± ¡°Yes, Teacher?¡± ¡°You''re not allowed to fight a gold-ranker as a silver without asking me for permission first.¡± ¡°Understood, teacher.¡± It took Laevyeth a moment to untangle and sort the rapid-fire exchanges, where irony, humor, care and other abstracts mingled. But fortunately, she had the curry and flatbread with which to occupy herself as the family bantered. ¡°Well, he did effectively kidnap Laevyeth. And we were five against one core-user with only a few combat powers,¡± Kite added in an attempt at an explanation. ¡°And you still could have avoided it by going to that gold of your own, no?¡± ¡°But that would have given Van Sztramm time. Too much time, as it turned out,¡± Kite began, before glancing at Sprite and Raven. ¡°But those details are best left for another day,¡± he finished with a meaningful tone. ¡°But you did succeed then?¡± Dragonfly asked. ¡°I mean, you are both here?¡± ¡°That we did,¡± Kite agreed, as he started telling his family about their attempt at liberation. Laevyeth still found it fascinating to hear of it from another¡¯s perspective, and knowing the preparations which had been underway while she was enduring the spiritual pressure - and worse - did alleviate some of the more uncomfortable feelings which the memories gave rise to. She did note that Kite chose to highlight some parts of the fight more than the others, skimming past most of the actual violent details. ¡°It is¡­ for the young ones sake,¡± she realized after spending a moment sifting through some of the memories and knowledge which Kite had provided. ¡°An odd sentiment. I will have to ask him about it.¡± ¡°-and so, we returned as quickly as we could. Sir Ilmaril would make as sure as he could that our portal-trail wouldn¡¯t be on proper record and have the society keep an extra eye on anyone trying to access my files,¡± Kite finished. ¡°So we should not have any pursuers come looking for us anytime soon, or even at all, Fortune be willing. From what little Sir Ilmaril told me, I got the sense that Van Sztramm wouldn¡¯t be talking with anyone, anytime soon, if at all. He apparently had some most illegal possessions there at his hidden villa. Ones that will find even a gold-ranker in the deepest kinds of trouble.¡± As he finished, Laevyeth was surprised to find that most gazes shifted from Kite to her. ¡°You¡­ poor dear,¡± Dove exclaimed softly in the silence that followed. ¡°You poor, poor dear. Ripped across worlds - which in itself is still most baffling to me - and then having to go through such horrors.¡± Laevyeth did not know what to say. From what she knew of the woman from Kite¡¯s memories, this behaviour was entirely in line with how she would act. But to be on the receiving end of her concern like this¡­ Laevyeth had not expected the intensity of it, or the emotions that Dove¡¯s eyes - tears glistening at their corners - and aura would cause to stir inside her. ¡°I¡­¡± she began, but paused as she noticed something odd. Her vision was blurring as the remnants of roiling fear inside her felt like it became something else. The sensation was painful in a sense, but not like the touch of that horrible, bone-handled thing. No, it came with the sense of something - the fear perhaps? - wanting to come out. ¡°I believe that mine eyes might have suffered some kind of damage. They don¡¯t seem to be working as they should,¡± Laevyeth eventually managed to get out, feeling something wet rolling down her cheeks. Tears? She knew of them and had seen them just now. But from her? There was a moment of silence before Kite replied, voice gentle. ¡°There seems to be quite a lot more to your new self for you to experience,¡± he said, voice understanding. ¡°And plenty more than this, I assure you. But hopefully, you¡¯ll finally have the time to get reacquainted with what it means to be you.¡±
¡°And now we have not one, but two others sleeping downstairs, tucked away in their rooms,¡± Dragonfly mused where she sat on the edge of the bed she shared with Kite, wrangling her mass of curls into submission. ¡°Not that I¡¯m complaining mind you. If I can bring a student home unexpectedly, I won¡¯t complain when you do the same. Even if Laevyeth¡¯s circumstances are quite more spectacular. And she really is¡­ a spear? Or at least in part? I have seen it, yet it still boggles the mind.¡± ¡°Well, I believe that neither of us had the intent to return home in company when we set out, but hopefully it speaks well of our compassion,¡± Kite agreed, already in bed and just taking the time to admire his lover. ¡°In a sense, it almost feels like we¡¯ve gotten ourselves a little family. Even if Laevyeth is, in all probability, quite a temporary addition while she finds her way.¡± ¡°Certainly an odd family, if that is the case,¡± Dragonfly giggled, finally finishing with her hair and sliding down next to Kite beneath the covers. As silvers, neither really needed to sleep much, but as life often kept them apart for days or weeks, they made sure to keep the ritual of spending that time of rest close to one another. ¡°But I suppose that we lead an odd life, so it is surely fitting. Back to Laevyeth though¡­ She still seems set on looking for a compatible wielder?¡± ¡°That she is, even if I believe that some initial peace and quiet will do her good.¡± ¡°So¡­ have you told- ?¡± ¡°I sent a missive as soon as we arrived in Port Singhni. With Laevyeth¡¯s approval, of course.¡± Dragonfly sat up a bit, locking eyes with Kite. ¡°Then, Kite?¡± ¡°Yes? ¡°Swear to me.¡± ¡°That?¡± ¡°That I can be there when they meet. Kite, promise. Swear on it. Because I wouldn¡¯t miss his reaction for anything between heaven and earth.¡±
¡°Well, that could have gone better,¡± Koram grumbled as he exited the local branch headquarter of the adventure society. ¡°Brother, it could also have gotten a lot worse,¡± Maram countered, easily keeping pace with her brother even in her heavy armor. Every time Koram looked at his sister and her gear, he was a bit proud of his craftsmanship, with the steelglass allowing the natural glow of her runes to shine through. But this time not even that was enough to improve his mood. ¡°He keeps insisting on stepping out of his role whenever he deems it ¡®necessary¡¯. If this team is to function and not become a laughing stock wherever we go around the Sea of Storms, this little foreigner you¡¯re so fond of will have to learn his place.¡± ¡°But brother, his conjurations are-¡± ¡°-are just what our team needs, yes. They slot into things beautifully, power-wise. Gods know I¡¯ve never seen so many spears before,¡± Koram replied, preparing his retort. ¡°It¡¯s his mentality that is the problem. Just because you¡¯re sweet on him doesn¡¯t mean that we can just keep going like this.¡± ¡°Brother, I am not ¡®sweet on him¡¯.¡± ¡°Really? Could have fooled me, the way you¡¯re defending him.¡± ¡°Koram, the man unironically calls out his attack named ¡®Darkness Penetrator¡¯. I¡¯ve seen women actually flirt with him, and it¡¯s like his mind can¡¯t even register the attempt. I¡¯m more surprised that the church of Purity hasn''t scooped him up and named him a saint yet.¡± ¡°So why are-¡± ¡°Because-¡± Maram said, interrupting her brother. ¡°- he¡¯s only been with us for two months. And while it may feel long, it truly isn¡¯t in the grand scope of things. Given the fit of his power set, I¡¯d say he deserves at least a few more months to prove that he can acclimatize. Where else would we find such an ideal striker to synergize with your power set?¡± Seeing the other two members of their team across the small, rain-slick plaza, the runic siblings lowered their voices as they drew near. ¡°... Fine. Three more months. I¡¯ll offer him three more months,¡± Koram murmured begrudgingly as the other two came to meet them. ¡°Thank you,¡± Maram replied, smiling and waving at the others. ¡°That¡¯ll give me some more time to actually make my shot at him too.¡± ¡°Maram, you said-¡± ¡°That¡¯s not the actual reason, brother,¡± Maram replied with a roll of her eyes. ¡°But just look at him; dashingly handsome yet naively pure. Oh how I¡¯d like to corrupt him in juuuust the right way,¡± she finished, the gleam in her eyes as mischievous as it was lustful. ¡°Koram, Maram!¡± Before Koram could protest any further, Triumph of Indomitable Will, the object of the sibling¡¯s quiet dispute, gave them a cheerful call of greeting. ¡°How did you fare? Any troubles?¡± the tall, blonde elf asked, trailed by Xanon, the group¡¯s soft spoken healer. ¡°As we suspected, our work did not qualify for the bonus. But we did get paid,¡± Koram replied, straightening and assuming the posture that was his best attempt at the confident team leader. ¡°Hmm, a shame, but the path towards the heavens and the excellence found therein is ever the long one,¡± the elf replied, nodding sagely. ¡°It seems like I will need to further polish my Heavenly Shaft, even though fighting along your side is a great boon to me. Even after weeks of fighting together, I still marvel at what your forge path can bring out in my conjurations.¡± As usual, Will did not deign to acknowledge the wince and snickering which followed his particular choice of words, even though the reactions might have earned themselves the occasional grumbled ¡®base-born¡¯ or ¡®commoners¡¯ in the beginning. Instead, he turned to look out over the Sea of Storms off in the distance to the east, even striking a thoughtful pose as he gazed upon the raging waves beyond the storm shields. ¡°Well then, illustrious team leader, where to next? Have you picked up any more contracts? Just say the word and I will thrust into whatever targets you choose; thrust until my stamina is spent and I can thrust no more.¡± Behind him, Maram¡¯s smile only grew while Koram facepalmed. Still, after a nudge from his sister, the team leader straightened. ¡°About that¡­ We have indeed another contract; a broader monster sweep throughout some more rural regions further inland. A long and hard trip, but Team Grand Arsenal should not fear to keep throwing ourselves against the grindstone that is the world. As such, we would like to offer to extend your trial period by another three months before we can sit down for a proper evaluation. You bring much to the table, Will, and synergize splendidly. But our differences in methodology and approach still leaves some issues for us to iron out.¡± At Koram¡¯s words, Will turned to regard the runic man. ¡°As I believe I have said, team leader, my path is a calling in and of itself. To become the next Saint of Spears, I must strive for excellence, so limiting myself as you are suggesting does not harmonize with my nature.¡± The words weren¡¯t antagonistic but much the opposite, with Will delivering his sentiments as if trying to share something deeply personal and important rather than going on the defensive. ¡°If you are to be part of a team, Will, we will need to count on you upholding your role in our plans and formation,¡± Koram said, pressing an oft repeated point. ¡°I know that things are done differently in your homeland, and I will keep mustering my patience. But you are in Rimaros now, and from what you have said this isn¡¯t the first time this issue has come up. Still, we do hope that you¡¯d consider working with us some more. Perhaps you can yet become the offensive cornerstone of team Grand Arsenal.¡± Will looked to be deep in thought for a moment, before eventually nodding. ¡°Father did send me here to gather proper experience of the world and its myriad perspectives. And he is as patient as he is wise, so I shall have to trust his judgment in this too,¡± the elf said, giving each of the others a smile and a nod. ¡°Then, I would-¡± ¡°Message! A message for a¡­ Triumph of Indomitable Will¡­?¡± The messenger, having just emerged from within the adventure society administrations building, looked almost lost in his stride as he tried to comprehend the - to him - no doubt exotic name. Will waved the man over, and the full members of team Grand Arsenal could only watch with growing curiosity as the elf had to prove his identity both through his badge and a match against an aura reading, indicating that someone had paid premium to make sure that the message would only be read by its intended recipient. Seeming satisfied, the messenger eventually handed Will a sealed letter which he unsealed with a touch of his society badge, but not before moving away slightly from the others by stepping closer to the railing overlooking the distant ocean. ¡°My apologies. It was apparently stated most clearly that it was for my eyes only,¡± Will explained with an apologetic bow before he got to reading. During his time spent with the team, the elf had always displayed a good control of his aura. This meant that all three of the other members almost jumped in place as Will¡¯s aura suddenly surged outwards. Excitement, disbelief and - most of all - a passionate drive roiled in the man¡¯s spirit, enough to cause other nearby adventurers to cast disapproving glances his way. Moments later, Will folded the missive and tucked it away in an inner pocket of his flowing warrior¡¯s robes. ¡°I must go!¡± With that, he turned and strode briskly back towards the buildings of the society campus, team Grand Arsenal becoming stunned onlookers to his departure. ¡°W-what do you mean go? What happened? What was in the message?¡± Koram eventually managed to call after the retreating elf as he found his words. ¡°Destiny!¡± came the return call. ¡°An opportunity. Gods beyond, may my path - no - may I prove worthy! Portal! I need a portal!¡± And with that, Triumph of Indomitable Will vanished from sight. Heading home. 206. Things you hoped to experience Ametrine Dreams Wreathed in Silk sat back in her chair, one well-manicured finger tapping her white porcelain mask. Along with the other two gold-rankers currently leading Discord¡¯s grand undertaking, she was receiving the compiled reports of their informants. Given that the time frame of the projects were - even with the accelerated schedule - still counted in years rather than months, most of these reports became quite tedious; mere small pieces in a grand mosaic. But given certain other matters, Ametrine still had plenty with which to occupy her mind. ¡°Black Wood mask. It has to be her,¡± she thought, regarding the other woman who sat with her usual poise. As it was intended, Ametrine knew less of her fellow council members than she was comfortable with. This put their operations at less risk, should one of them be discovered. But the lack of transparency also left plenty of room for individual initiative. Or ambitions. ¡°The threads around the Valors are faint, and those adventurers and their investigations keep interfering. This has your touch all over it,¡± she thought, keeping her aura in check while letting her eyes cast vitriol upon the other woman. ¡°Was Breath of Valor your intended pawn, made to replace my King? Or does it go deeper than that? I will-¡± ¡°And now onto the next order of business,¡± Gold mask said, his words pulling Ametrine from her thoughts. ¡°We have received a tentative positive response to our initial contacts with the Builder¡¯s cult, and they seem open to discuss the details of future collaboration.¡± His words caused a slight stir of whispered discussion among the gathered clergy of the inner circle; devotees of Discord who had been initiated into the true scope of their plans while the rest knew only smaller bits and pieces. But Ametrine¡¯s reaction was another, as she sat straighter in her chair and spoke up. ¡°It shall be known that I remain firm in my stance that inviting further forces before the grand project reaches fruition is foolish,¡± she said, her words and aura silencing her lessers. ¡°Your objection is once again noted,¡± Gold mask retorted, the rolling of his eyes clear in his tone. ¡°But in this, you have been outvoted, Porcelain. Given the history of your recent projects, I find that this is for the best as your judgment has been found¡­ wanting,¡± he finished, seeming to enjoy driving the barb home. ¡°After our undertaking, these lands will be a haven for all who seek to leverage their own paths and stand by their own strength. And in providing them this haven, they will be our shield against the rest of the world who will surely want to force their stagnation back upon us,¡± Black Wood mask said, voice sober even though Ametrine thought that she could notice a hint of gleeful joy in its undertones. ¡°The cults of the great astral beings are odd and alien, but can provide us knowledge we otherwise lack. And unlike with our fellow devotees to the other gods, we won''t have to worry about them challenging us on pure principle of faith.¡± ¡°And what will it cost us? Surely they won¡¯t need what we are offering, given how few in this world who actually knows of the Builder¡¯s cult and their presence here,¡± Ametrine retorted. She meant it too, not just as a way to lash out at her weakened position within the council. The churches of the other shunned gods were a known quantity, as were other fringe groups like the Red Table or the different vampire clans. But the Builder¡¯s cult was alien and removed. To them, the world itself was but a speck of dust next to their master¡¯s perspective, and Ametrine did not like the thought of inviting such a force into their territories. ¡°That is for us to find out,¡± Gold mask said, gesturing with his hand as if to wave away Ametrine¡¯s concerns. ¡°This is just a first contact, after all. So keep your whining in check, Porcelain, at least until we know more. Now, onto the next-¡± As the congregation continued, Ametrine let herself sit back in her chair. She knew when she was beaten, at least for the moment. But that did not stop the plans and plots churning in her mind. There were other ways to prepare for using any faults in the plans of her ¡®peers¡¯ at a later date, allowing them to set themselves up to fail before an unexpected nudge might make them fall in the right direction. She knew the others did the same, of course, and while the results currently frustrated her, it was the name of their calling. To do anything else would be to ignore the creed of Discord.
¡°Don¡¯t peek!¡± Dragonfly called from beyond the folding screens from beyond which could be heard the rustling of clothes. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dream of it,¡± Kite called in return, humoring his lover. As things stood, anyone who saw him sitting there - floating in the air with his eyes closed in meditation - would know the truth of his words. ¡°Why ruin a surprise, after all?¡± he thought to himself, smiling before returning to one of the more difficult meditation practices which Ardent Horizon Seeker had taught him during their first days together. Back in iron rank, Kite had thought that meditation would simply become easier with time and rank; the greater mental faculties allowing for greater control. As it had turned out, he had only been partly correct. Long hours of practice and habit had made it easy to fall into the surface-level tranquility needed to start the process, but the techniques themselves? Reaching silver had meant realizing that what he thought had been deft spiritual ¡®motions¡¯ had been akin to Kite thinking that merely waving his arms around would let him swim. The greater heights opened up complex nuances of fine control which still sometimes boggled Kite¡¯s mind, as shown by the complex spiritual control he was currently attempting and failing. Repeatedly. ¡°To project one¡¯s aura senses while keeping the rest retracted at the same time? Isn¡¯t that like asking me to name the color of a thing while keeping my eyes closed?¡± he thought, surfacing from another attempt just as Dragonfly pushed the folding screens aside with a snap. ¡°Well? What do you think? Go! To the mirror! Look!¡± she urged, all but dragging the object of her attention for the past hour or so towards the mirror on the other side of the room. Laevyeth accepted the woman¡¯s guidance, seeming quite distracted by what she saw in the reflective surface as they approached. And given that she was currently looking quite different from before, Kite didn¡¯t blame her. ¡°I¡­ Heavens, as thou art prone to proclaim,¡± the outworlder said, taking in her new looks. ¡°I felt the changes, but even so, I didn¡¯t¡­¡± ¡°The gods have given us many things, and alchemy has got to be one of the more nifty ones,¡± Dragonfly said smugly. ¡°Do you know how in few of the really intense fights my hair comes through unscathed? The number is disturbingly low. Truly horrendous. And the hair-growth ointment always helps me, so I figured that it might as well work for you too, given how similar your humanoid body seems to be to ours.¡± Laevyeth now had hair growing from her scalp like most other humans, elves and celestines around the world. It had a pale blue color that made it look a lot like the veins of ice which suffused her spear form, and much like them the hair seemed to almost glow but without actually giving off any light. Dragonfly, taking the role of the hairdresser in their little venture, had apparently kept it simple so far with the initial trimming and pruning, which left Laevyeth with completely straight hair falling down to her lower back. ¡°Not everyone wants to take care of really long hair, but I thought that it would be the easiest to start off long and see what you think,¡± Dragonfly continued. ¡°And honestly, it feels like it suits you. All long and straight like a - well - spear. But just say the word and I¡¯ll help you cut it some more.¡± ¡°No¡­ No, thou art right,¡± Laevyeth said forlornly, reaching down to run her fingers along the strands. ¡°It¡¯s just the sensation of it¡­ Another thing to get used to with this new body of mine. But I like it. I truly do. So I thank thee, Dragonfly, for not only humoring my request but for also granting it so thoroughly.¡± ¡°Well, you did say there were a whole bunch of things you hoped to experience,¡± the shorter woman said with a smile and a wink. ¡°And following this, we have something even better to go with your new hair; shopping! I have some things I want to pick up for Sprite and myself, and both Crow and Dove seem to want to come join us for a trip to Bastion which means that Raven will come too.¡± ¡°Bastion? The city? Is¡­ Will that be safe?¡± Laevyeth asked, looking to Kite. ¡°Unless we find ourselves in the presence of something most unexpected, then yes,¡± Kite replied with a nod. ¡°Bastion is too low in mana-density for gold-rankers to stay there without burning through a ridiculous amount of resources in gold spirit coins. With your most impressive capacity in aura concealment, none should be able to truly sense your nature unless you wish for it.¡± It made Kite happy to see that Laevyeth only hesitated briefly this time around, before nodding her acquiescence. ¡°Embracing freedom indeed,¡± he thought to himself with a smile as Dragonfly started to explain to the outworlder the different stores and other places she wished for them to visit. Speaking aloud, he broke into the conversation once more as they reached the main house. ¡°I¡¯ll be visiting Peony, Sun and little Jasmine too. There are plenty of materials for her after this last excursion of ours. Unsurprisingly, they are rife with themes of ice and cold so I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be able to work them into something useful for both us and the guild.¡± ¡°Sounds good! Then let¡¯s gather the others and be off. The ship will be a bit cramped, but we should be able to endure for the few hours it will take us. Bastion awaits!¡±
¡°What do you mean there are no portals to Hua-Xi? I thought this courier station was said to have some of the most well-traveled employees in the dukedom,¡± Will asked, doing his best to school his impatience as he met the eyes of the older human lady manning the counter. ¡°Now, young man, don¡¯t be so impatient,¡± she replied with a pleasant smile, looking up at him. ¡°As the sign says, we keep plenty of people knowing the locations of actual importance. Niche requests like this are rare, after all. I¡¯m sure that Lin will be back soon with an alternate route for you- ah, here she comes.¡± Will had already felt the younger woman¡¯s aura approach, but given the chagrin and slight worry he felt in her open aura, he wished that he was mistaken. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, honored adventurer, so terribly sorry!¡± she called as she entered the room, even throwing herself to the floor while pressing her head to the wooden planks. ¡°This is the closest route I could find through our connections. Unless you wish to turn back to Rimaros and find a gold-ranked courier, please accept this with our apologies,¡± the younger woman finished, holding up a sheath of paper. Will accepted it, reading the proposed planned route in the trade script. ¡°Two portals over¡­ Travel by boat¡­ Stay in Khignai for an undetermined amount of nights, depending on when their couriers are made available by the local ruler¡­ Travel by boat again?!¡± ¡°As I said, honored adventurer, we are sorry that we cannot offer you more, but as our humble station-¡± ¡°No¡­ No¡­ This¡­ This will have to do,¡± Will said with a sigh, adding several more days to the date of his intended homecoming. At that moment, he deeply regretted his choice of grabbing the first portal out of the Storm Kingdom rather than to actually plan out his trip a bit better. ¡°This is surely a tribulation of the heavens¡­ Yes, a trial for my path.¡± Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡°Why would you even want to go to such a rural place?¡± the old lady asked from across the counter, apparently sharing none of the younger receptionist¡¯s fear of the essence-user. ¡°Had I not possessed the map, I wouldn¡¯t even have heard of this¡­ U-shi¡­?¡± ¡°Hua-Xi,¡± Will corrected, mind elsewhere. ¡°It might just be a place on a map for you, but for me, it is home. And as it happens, destiny might be awaiting me there. So I thank you, and will accept the offer. May your paths guide you to the heavens and beyond.¡±
¡°What? You¡¯re expecting another already? That¡¯s wonderful!¡± Dragonfly exclaimed, ignoring the dark-haired toddler - Jasmine - who was currently climbing up her back while using Dragonfly¡¯s hair as handholds. ¡°We are indeed. The years have been kind to our household,¡± Patient Sun replied, glowing with pride. ¡°Now that Peony¡¯s esteemed parents have their essences and are making their way to bronze, they are most happy to take care of Jasmine and however many siblings we would like to give her.¡± ¡°At least that¡¯s what they say now. We¡¯ll see how long they sing that tune as the numbers of little ones increase,¡± Peony called from where she and Kite sat sorting through the equipment he had brought her. ¡°And speaking of little ones¡­. That is a most interesting dagger,¡± the crafter continued, picking up a long, thin blade and flicking through her impressive array of lenses covering her eyes as she started analyzing its enchantments, cooing at the weapon. ¡°Oh the things I could do with you when I pick you apart.¡± ¡°I am starting to have some more ideas for things I¡¯d like to put up for commission,¡± Kite said, playing idly with an odd, many-pointed weapon somewhere between a sword and an axe shaped like a jagged snowflake. ¡°Another shield, for example. And perhaps a new suit of armor, or perhaps an improvement of the spellplate so that you might eventually find it in your heart to forgive my straying.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t hope for too much now, dear Pathbreaker,¡± Peony replied sweetly, using Kite¡¯s title most pointedly. ¡°But it would be a most appropriate peace-offering. Perhaps even one worthy of bringing out another of the treasures you brought out from the gate. I¡¯ll start with some drafts and concepts as soon as I finish the order for our esteemed guild master.¡± ¡°Oh, so uncle Walker finally took up my offer? Which one did he pick? The Singular Seed for his plant conjurations?¡± ¡°Indeed. Perhaps not the most out-of-the-box pick, but Walker does seem to value keeping his path close to its core. I¡¯m happy with how the bracers are coming along too.¡± ¡°And I¡¯m happy to hear that uncle Walker finally accepted some ¡®pampering¡¯, as he¡¯s prone to calling it,¡± Kite said, scooping up the seemingly fearless Jasmine who had abandoned mount Dragonfly and come wandering over in search of a new challenge. He started to create a simple set of barrier tunnels for the toddler with the channeled application of Leyline warding, complete with a slanted slide at the end, and the bubbling laughter was proof that his offering had been well-received. ¡°What about you, Dragonfly?¡± Peony asked as the woman came over to join them alongside Sun, who joined his daughter in playing as he scooped her up with his prehensile monkey¡¯s tail. ¡°Anything you want? With the right base-materials and quintessence I could perhaps give you something which causes your flames to burn cold instead.¡± ¡°Ooooh, tell me more!¡± Dragonfly said, and the planning session began anew.
¡°Oh Laevyeth! You look marvelous!¡± Dove called as the outworlder emerged from the tailor¡¯s shop along Dragonfly and Kite. ¡°Dost thou think so, esteemed Dove? I am yet too new to the concept to truly have a grasp of what you call ¡®fashion¡¯,¡± Laevyeth replied, looking down at her attire. ¡°It does seem to fit though, does it not?¡± she finished, and no one present missed the slight smile of wonder playing at the outworlder¡¯s lips. She was now dressed in a dress in the Hua-Xi style, but rather than the looser robes she had borrowed from Kite, the pale cyan garment was cinched tight to her tall form, buttoning up the side to a stiff collar. The skirt was slit down one side though, allowing for some range of motion. Overall, the attire just enhanced the outworlder¡¯s tall, thin frame in the way that seemed to have resonated with her so far. ¡°This young mistress agrees, of course, or I would not have allowed her to leave this establishment,¡± Glint called as she too emerged from the store, her own dimensional bags filled with new acquisitions. ¡°Glint¡­ does have a better eye for this, I¡¯ll admit,¡± Dragonfly agreed, turning to the familiar. ¡°It¡¯s really amazing how fast you¡¯ve picked up fashion.¡± ¡°Oh it is quite natural, I assure you. The potential was always there. I just needed the prerequisites to properly embrace it,¡± Glint replied. ¡°The fashions of the capital are, of course, the most progressive, but there is still a subcurrent of embracing elements of the more traditional-¡± The familiar continued into a more lengthy explanation, but Kite¡¯s aura senses - even mostly retracted as they were - had picked up something familiar. Or rather, someone. ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯ll be right back,¡± he said, nudging Dragonfly¡¯s aura to let her know that it wasn¡¯t something serious or dangerous before he moved off among the crowded streets of Bastion. His target wasn¡¯t far off, fortunately, and Kite only had to venture down half of the length of the Sixth Step to find the person emitting the familiar aura. ¡°Apparently the heavens smile upon this vagabond as it lets his path cross with that of the knowledgeable sage once more,¡± he called in greeting to the woman who stood waiting in one of the small sculpture-laden parks and looking off into the other direction. He accompanied it by a gentle nudge of his spirit, careful with the core-laden bronze one of his counterpart. ¡°Oh- wha- who- Kite?¡± Still Brook in Blooming called, jumping at the spot at his sudden arrival. ¡°The vagabond is pleased that you still remember him,¡± Kite replied with a smile. ¡°How have you been? As you might have noticed, it has been some time since my path last led me to the city.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡­ I have been well,¡± Brook replied, her usual slight shyness after a few months apart back as usual. ¡°Honestly, I can tell. You¡¯re progressing steadily through bronze-rank, so I assume that the magic society keeps appreciating you. And those are most flattering robes too,¡± he noted. ¡°Planning for a night out?¡± ¡°Well, thanks, Kite. I¡­ do, actually- ,¡± Brook began, but was interrupted by another call as a human man around their age came walking up towards them. He was tall and thin, black hair kept short along with a neat mustache and beard, and a magic society pin was fastened at his collar. ¡°Brook! Apologies for my tardiness! The samples had to-¡± the iron-ranker - also a core-user - began before finally seeming to notice Kite as he came close enough to catch a hint of the mostly retracted and concealed silver-ranked aura. He started, looking to Kite with a frightful expression. ¡°Oh heavens, I am sorry Master Silver. I was remiss in not offering my greetings to you. I am named Reaching Branch finds the Morning, but would be pleased for you to call me Tall Branch. Most everyone does,¡± he hurriedly said, bowing deep in greeting as he stopped at Brook¡¯s side. Kite did his best not to sift through their auras on any deeper level, but from the stirring feelings of anxious attraction between the two - now accompanied by a whole slew of worry and other more anxious ones from Brook as she looked between the two men - it was hard not to piece together who Brook had been waiting for and the purpose of their planned evening together. ¡°Greetings, Tall Branch,¡± Kite greeted in return with the appropriate bow. ¡°I am named Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, but would be pleased for you to call me Kite.¡± ¡°Wait, as in Kite¡¯s aegis? With the actual kites?¡± the man asked, understanding dawning in his eyes. ¡°The same, although it feels like half a life ago since those particular¡­ events,¡± Kite replied. ¡°Oh heavens, it really is you! And you know him, Brook? How?¡± Tall Branch asked, baffled and seemingly awed at the same time, a sentiment which Kite realized that he was a bit unused to these days after having moved more frequently in settings where a silver-ranker wasn¡¯t anything too special. ¡°Well¡­ I- We-¡± Brook began, and Kite could see the worry in her aura spike as she floundered for words. And as he felt that certain comparisons wouldn¡¯t be helpful in the slightest, no matter if they might be from the past or not, Kite chose to come to her aid. ¡°Actually, we grew up together, back in Starberry Peak, north of Gilded. I was fast friends with both Brook and her brother before they moved here,¡± he explained, completely omitting any further details of their teenage romance. ¡°We happened upon each other here in Bastion a few years ago, some time after Brook began working for the magic society, and I try to keep in touch when I am back in the city. Brook even helped me research some most important subjects too, and has been an invaluable help for this poor adventurer.¡± ¡°Really? You did? Brook, that¡¯s amazing! I am, as always, awed by the way you seem to know these libraries like the back of your hand. The head librarian was wise to recommend you for the position now that he¡¯s planning retirement,¡± Tall Branch said, turning to Brook who was now blushing beneath the praise. Kite didn¡¯t even need his spiritual senses to see how he went out of his way to praise her. ¡°Oh she did indeed,¡± he said before Brook could protest. ¡°She has helped me learn more of both my familiars, as well as given me invaluable advice before I took on one of the Queen¡¯s Gates.¡± ¡°No way!¡± ¡°It is most true, I assure you. Let me tell you all about-¡± Kite continued, but seeing the slight glare Brook was shooting him above her furious blush, he decided that he had probably rendered enough assistance for the time being. ¡°-it another time. Brook did say you were going somewhere, and I will not keep you. It was nice to meet you, Tall Branch. May the heavens keep you both and gods bless your evening.¡± ¡°Thank you, Kite,¡± Brook said, turning to Tall Branch. ¡°Mind giving us a quick moment?¡± ¡°Oh, of course, of course. Say your farewells,¡± the iron-ranker said, bowing to Kite before making his way towards the edge of the park. As he was out of earshot, Brook turned back to Kite, a slight blush once more visible on her cheeks. ¡°Really, thank you Kite. I will tell him. It¡¯s just- I don¡¯t-¡± ¡°It is no trouble, I understand,¡± Kite said, breaking in as Brook was fumbling for words. ¡°He really seems nice.¡± ¡°He is. He¡¯s within the alchemy department. We¡¯ve just started¡­ Well¡­ Seeing each other.¡± ¡°Then as I said, may the heavens keep you both. Do you still want me to come by from time to time when I am in the city? I wouldn¡¯t wish to complicate things.¡± ¡°No, please do. It should be alright. As I said, it¡¯s just so¡­ new. And I really want to see where it will go,¡± Brook said, turning to look towards the eagerly waiting alchemist. ¡°I should go. But it was nice seeing you, Kite. May the heavens keep you as well.¡± With that, Brook turned set off towards her date. Kite waved and turned to go back to the others, but his silver-ranked hearing did let him catch a bit of Tall Branch¡¯s words as the pair went in the other direction. ¡°-really Brook, you know a silver-ranker? I¡¯m so jealous.¡± ¡°Well¡­ I¡­ two of them, actually. Kite¡¯s lover, Dragonfly, is an adventurer too.¡± ¡°What? Amazing! Tell me all about it!¡±
Lingtung, dreaded pirate among the Palayan islands, grinned like a sea devil as his lookout - a bronze-ranker with the eagle essence - called down from the crow¡¯s nest to confirm that the passenger ship was now visible ahead. As a silver-ranker, he enjoyed being the biggest fish in the small nook of these seas, the relatively magic-sparse multitude of small islands rarely seeing the attention of anyone with actual powers. And with his crew, a few of bronze-rankers, a few more irons and some carrying one or two essences, Lingtung knew that whatever he chose to plunder in these waters would be easy prey, just as he liked it. Ahead, the ship - a huge catamaran-like vehicle carrying both passengers and cargo, came into view for his mighty senses. It had already started to light the warning beacons and Lingtun could vaguely make out small flittering forms across the deck as the sailors desperately tried to make the ship go faster. ¡°It is already too late,¡± Lingtung smiled as he sent the mental command to his familiar in the waters to increase their speed. Beneath the surface, chains snapped taut as the ravager dolphin started pulling them forward while giving off eager clicking sounds in expectation of the blood that were soon to paint the turquoise waters a shade of crimson. The pirate ship rushed forward towards their quarry as if riding a gale force wind. Lingtung could soon make out the panicking sailors in greater detail, with a captain trying to muster and prepare what defenses he could. And¡­ ¡°Wait, who¡¯s that elf?¡± Lingtung thought, noticing a figure clad in flowing robes around gleaming silver armor, blonde hair flapping dramatically in the wind. Then, somehow carried across the distance even over the crashing of water against the hull of the pirate vessel, Lingtung heard the chant. ¡°The oldest weapon, the purest instrument, wielded by many yet mastered by few. I call upon the might of the phalanx, the purity of the thunderbolt and the means with which to drive darkness before me. By the grace of the skies, we act as one!¡± Twenty-four spears appeared in the air around the elf, each glowing with different aspects of magical fury - from smoldering flames, to crackling lightning to the shuddering power of echoes and doom - and the elf raised his hand high as even more glowing javelins started appearing just as his next call carried across the waters to reach Lingtung¡¯s ears. ¡°No more delays! Destiny awaits me, and I don¡¯t have the time for the likes of you!¡± Then, judgment descended. 207. True to yourself ¡°Victory goes to Soul, of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild. Both of you have fought well, and Warrior is pleased,¡± the bronze-ranked acolyte of the very same deity called. From where he sat beside Laevyeth atop the low wall surrounding Soul¡¯s arena next to the Convergence guild hall, Kite couldn¡¯t help but appreciate the celestine¡¯s seemingly perfect poise which she had held after the open-palmed strike which had ended the clash; remnant wisps of transcendent light rising from the hand before dissipating into the sunlight. ¡°Thou art correct, Kite. She is most impressive,¡± Laevyeth murmured from beside him, her words drowned out by the cheering and murmuring of those gathered as the fellow sect-members of Soul¡¯s prone opponent helped the woman back to her feet. From the colors of their robes, the challenging group belonged to the Wandering Winds sect, and Kite¡¯s expectations were thoroughly subverted when all of them - the defeated challenger included - bowed as one to the victor. ¡°Thank you for your assistance in tempering my path,¡± the human swordswoman intoned once she straightened. ¡°Let it be known that I - inner disciple Fated Song of the Wandering Winds sect - acknowledge the rumors of your prowess and honor to be true, Soul. I will accept any pointers which you would be willing to offer, to further improve.¡± Soul bowed politely in return, albeit a lot shallower, as was her right as the victor. ¡°Before the eyes of Warrior, I thank you in turn,¡± the celestine intoned before falling into a more relaxed stance. ¡°Your master have taught you well and I can see that you have experience. Even so, there is an imbalance in your stance and poise whenever you step into your special attacks, probably a remnant habit from bronze-rank not yet corrected. If you want to give me a proper challenge, you will have to correct that as well as-¡± Kite was surprised once more as the inner disciple bore the suggested corrections which followed with surprising equanimity, considering Soul¡¯s characteristic, almost irritated bluntness. He did sense a few winces in the auras of the woman and her fellow disciples, but they were tightly controlled. ¡°She is indeed most terrifying in many aspects,¡± Kite replied to Laevyeth. ¡°And it seems like what my uncle said about her - and the guild¡¯s - reputation is true as well. Apparently, fewer and fewer challengers arrive at our gates with words of spite these days. Almost feels like a miracle in the making, honestly, although I don¡¯t know if I should be praising Warrior or Unity for it. With how things are going, our guild may even be invited to send a participant to the Grand Proving in the future, although I would expect that to be decades away, if at all.¡± ¡°And thou thinkst it safe to share my nature with her?¡± ¡°I do. Soul is, in my experience, exactly what she seems to be. She has not a shred of intrigue in her, but I think that she would be supremely qualified to help further seek a wielder for you, should you not resonate with my wayward friend, Will.¡± Laevyeth did not immediately respond, but seemed to look at Soul in a new light. ¡°I believe you¡­¡± she soon ventured, looking pensive. ¡°Part of me wishes to feel her spirit for myself first, but I don¡¯t think that I would be able to without also revealing myself. I suppose¡­ I suppose that it is the part which still fears.¡± ¡°Which is most understandable. Do you wish for me to speak with her alone?¡± ¡°No¡­ No, I will join thee. As soon as the others have left.¡± The pair remained seated for half an hour longer, watching the sect students leave and Soul interrogate a whole slew of guild members - from iron to bronze - in her exchanges as well as some of their own which had taken place earlier in the day. ¡°-but now, don¡¯t you all have contracts to be about? Go on, get to them! Warrior won¡¯t smile on those who just keep hanging onto the hem of my robes,¡± the celestine eventually said, waving off the lower-rankers like she was shooing away all too curious kittens that annoyed her. All of the guild members left, some even bowing or calling Soul ¡®Teacher¡¯ or ¡®Mistress¡¯ before departing. The celestine ignored them all, instead turning to finally lock gazes with Kite where still sat in his perch across the arena. ¡°Oh dear.¡± ¡°What?¡± Laevyeth asked, confused. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This is just Soul being Soul. I¡¯m not actually in dang- Wall!¡± Kite sprang from the low wall just as he called out his chant, and a cage of force walls appeared around Soul who had suddenly become a blur as she began a charge towards him. It didn¡¯t slow her down the slightest. ¡°Break or blink? Blink!¡± Kite¡¯s mind thought as his thoughts and reactions struggled to keep up with the sudden teleport as Soul appeared to his side mid-swing into a spinning kick. She already knew that she would, at most, get one of her teleports off against Kite and his Spirit Singularity as long as she did it quickly enough before his power found purchase. The glow of Kite¡¯s mantle sprung to life as the spectral arms appeared to aid in his defense which led to Soul¡¯s kick colliding with his chitinous shield that had similarly made its appearance. Simultaneously, the other arms of the mantle swung as best they could at the awkward angle, more to ward off the celestine and prevent a second or third attack than having hopes of actually accomplishing anything decisive. That, at least, worked as Soul twisted quicker than most silvers were capable of and used her gliding power to stay airborne for another moment so that she could use her other foot to kick off Kite¡¯s shield and disengage. Her feet had barely touched the ground, however, before she accelerated significantly as one of her boons activated. The half-circle she ran around Kite seemed to be completed in an instant before coming at him from the other side, transcendent light seeming to circulate within her body as she constantly moved the charging special attack around to confound and feint. Two quick jabs landed on the force discs of Heaven-and-Void Warding, the unenhanced attacks only creating small cracks before a leg sweep followed beneath the barriers. That was a series of quick attacks which had scored many a hit against Kite during his and Soul¡¯s numerous bouts against one another, and Kite felt a surge of pride as he this time managed to have his staff appear in the last moment to intercept and disperse the charging transcendent light which - due to his precise timing - Soul failed to hold back. The celestine allowed the momentum to carry her a bit further and wove between a pair of projected strikes from Kite before coming to a stop in a more relaxed ready stance a few meters away. ¡°Pathbreaker. You improve. Usually, I come out victorious in seven out of ten first exchanges, and less so when I take the initiative like today¡± she noted, her normally flat look and neutral facial expressions showing a hint of actual excitement. ¡°And how do you know that this wasn¡¯t just one of those three, most serendipitous instances?¡± Kite shot back, relaxing somewhat in turn. Not all the way, though. You never knew with Soul. ¡°Call it a warrior¡¯s instinct. Another?¡± ¡°In a moment. First, I¡¯d like to introduce you to someone.¡± ¡°Is that truly necessary? Tempering should always come first.¡± ¡°Well, in this case I believe that politeness is more prudent. And it is someone whom you might even find interesting,¡± Kite shot back, turning to wave for the still startled Laevyeth to come over. ¡°Soul, meet Laevyeth. We happened upon one another during my last contract with Gauntlet which turned out more complicated than we initially thought. And Laevyeth, may I introduce you to Soul, blessed by Warrior and champion of the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild.¡± ¡°My greetings to thee, Champion,¡± the outworlder said, making a decent Hua-Xi bow. ¡°I greet you in turn. Do you have any idea why Kite believes that I would find you interesting?¡± Soul replied forthright, as was her way. Laevyeth hesitated for a moment, looking to Kite before seeming to steady herself. ¡°It is due to my nature, I would assume. I come not from these lands, or even this world.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Soul said, nodding before turning back to Kite. ¡°Well, introductions have been made. Sparring?¡± Kite, in turn, instead turned to Laevyeth with a smile playing across his lips. ¡°I did tell you of her ways.¡± ¡°That¡­ that you did.¡± ¡°I would suggest that perhaps a more proper demonstration would be prudent,¡± Kite ventured, looking around at the empty arena. ¡°Assuming that we have some privacy?¡± Soul, apparently not battle-mad enough to be entirely disinterested at the hint of secrets, walked over to one of the pillars just outside the arena. Touching a crystal to it, the controls for an array appeared on its blank surface. A few motes of mana and deft manipulations later, the normally barely visible barrier around the open area became an opaque dome of shimmering white, changing the ambient lighting accordingly. ¡°Well?¡± the celestine asked expectantly as she turned back to the waiting pair. Laevyeth hesitated for a moment, but then shifted. In a surge of light, her form became that of the spear with the vibrant carvings and Kite gently caught her by the haft before she fell to the ground. Looking to Soul, Kite realized that it might have been the one of the few times he had ever seen the celestine surprised; her face retaining its normal, impassive features even as she distinctly cocked her head to one side. ¡°This is mine original form,¡± Laevyeth stated, voice manifesting from the spear. ¡°As Kite said, I am Laevyeth, the Blooming Lance that Pierces Iniquity.¡± Soul walked over, looking up and down the length of the weapon, seeming surprisingly reverent as she reached out a hand but paused just shy of grasping the haft. ¡°May I?¡± ¡°Thou mayest, but know that our spirits will then be open to one another. I will know thee, Soul, and thou wilt know me.¡± Unsurprisingly, Soul did not hesitate, taking Laevyeth from Kite¡¯s hand as she started moving the spear around in slow, controlled motions while her eyes seemed forlorn. ¡°An implement of battle, given flesh that can walk among us,¡± the celestine murmured. ¡°Warrior be praised, this is indeed remarkable. There is discomfort, though. Why?¡± ¡°Dissonance between thy spirit, and mine. Small though, much like that between Kite and myself,¡± Laevyeth explained. ¡°Most others would suffer a lot worse, should they touch me without the purity needed. And thou, Soul, are indeed pure in most ways. I can sense it in your spirit. But you lack the purity of nobility, even though your dedication to your ways are most impressive.¡± Soul only nodded, apparently taking the words in stride. ¡°I see. It is only right that something like you, holy one, should only truly accept the perfect hand for you.¡± ¡°Holy one? What does thou mean?¡± ¡°As I said, you are a blessed existence. Should you wish for it, I do not doubt that the priests of Warrior would elevate you to the highest position within his church. Are there more of your kind?¡± ¡°No¡­ Or at least, not here. Perhaps somewhere, out in the cosmos,¡± Laevyeth said, sounding sorrowful. ¡°I know not what became of my creator.¡± Soul didn¡¯t interrupt her slow spear-katas, the weapon seeming at least decently familiar in her hands as she turned to Kite. ¡°You were right, Pathbreaker. This was interesting. I would like to hear all of it,¡± she said, before adding. ¡°As long as the holy one approves, of course.¡± This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
Triumph of Indomitable Will stood high at the cliff in the rising dawn, looking out over the still ocean where other islands could be seen dotting the horizon. While he was outwardly calm and collected, the would-be saint of spears had to continuously fight down the creeping frustration within. But he was drawn from his inner turmoil when he saw it in the distance; a set of sails. ¡°Oh thank the heavens!¡± he breathed, turning to call down to the gaggle of people spread out beneath makeshift shelters at the treeline of the tropical island where they had found themselves stranded in the aftermath of the pirate attack. Will still winced at the memories and how his moment of glorious intervention, while effective, had proven unable to halt the advance of the charging pirate vessel and the silver-ranked familiar pulling it. Even as the pirate ship had been torn to pieces by his barrage of heavenly shafts, the ravager dolphin had just upped its pace further, crashing into and cleaving the passenger catamaran in two. At his cry of joy, the others looked up at him with gazes mostly adoring and hopeful, and Will couldn¡¯t help but straighten at least a little as he turned back to sea. ¡°At least it has been two days well spent,¡± he thought as he started to conjure glowing javelins that were launched in a stream straight up into the air to relay their plight to the ship in the distance. Should that fail, Will¡¯s armor - enchanted to the brim with ways for him to navigate aquatic environments both in and out of combat - would carry him over there in short order. It had been a must for someone like him when operating in the Sea of Storms, and he remained thankful for the investment, even expensive as it had been. But leaving, even briefly, was an option of last resort as the uninhabited island had proven to have a thriving monster population with a few silvers lingering. If one of them happened upon the other survivors¡­ Well, that wouldn¡¯t be very saintly of him, now would it? But Fortune did favor Will this time, as the ship in the distance turned toward them. The captain of their own sunken vessel soon identified the flags to be that of a merchant vessel, and cheers and celebrations broke out all over the beach as the three dozen people realized that they would be saved. ¡°But please, Fortune, please¡­ May the portal courier still be waiting for me in port,¡± Will thought in fervent prayer as he went down to guide and organize the castaways as the merchant vessel sent smaller boats in towards shore. ¡°Because if there are any more delays, I might as well just start walking instead.¡±
¡°Ahh¡­ This is the beeest,¡± Dragonfly moaned happily as she sank a bit further into the hot spring at the edge of Kite¡¯s family compound. Laevyeth¡¯s approach was more measured, the outworlder carefully dipping a toe into the steaming water, stopping as if to properly catalogue the sensation before she stepped in and slowly submerged herself as well. At first, she seemed to not know what to make of the experience, but eventually Dragonfly saw the other woman slowly lean back as well. ¡°This¡­ is most odd,¡± Laevyeth eventually said. ¡°The water is warm, a concept well known to me. But warmth and chill were mere concepts to me before; something of which I knew, yet carried little other meaning. Unless, I suppose, they would have been extreme enough to threaten the integrity of my original form. But this pool, this warmth¡­ It feels¡­ Pleasant. Most pleasant.¡± ¡°Then our guesses so far seem to hold up,¡± Dragonfly replied, glancing at the outworlder through barely open eyes. ¡°Your new body is mostly like the rest of us, sensations and all. I wonder why? A metal juggernaut or something similar might have been more safe or helpful, given how you arrived. But I know nothing of outworlders except for what Kite has told me, and his knowledge is mostly what those people from Gauntlet told him.¡± ¡°Why indeed¡­¡± Laevyeth mused. ¡°I will try something. Please, don¡¯t be alarmed.¡± Then she shifted, the water sloshing to fill the suddenly empty space as her spear form appeared in her stead before promptly toppling into the pool, vanishing from sight. As she could still feel the other woman¡¯s steady aura, Dragonfly leaned back and let Leavyeth do her thing. About a minute later, a glow from beneath the water heralded Laevyeth emerging in an impressive sloshing of steaming water. ¡°Hmm, curious. Mine true form still feels the warmth, but the pleasurable aspects are gone. The temperature is simply recognized, not enjoyed.¡± ¡°Well, it would be pretty inconvenient for you to feel everything the same between them. Just imagine if you felt pain each time your spear form clashed with something?¡± ¡°Thy words¡­ hold truth,¡± Laevyeth replied, troubled by the mental imagery. ¡°But no matter the reason, I will strive to experience more. Food can be wonderful. And, apparently, baths. And listening to ye all laugh and make merry. The feel of silk upon my skin¡­¡± ¡°Yeah, the world can be a pretty great place in many ways. There should be plenty for you to try out,¡± Dragonfly agreed. The two women fell into a companionable silence after that, each of them lost in thoughts. Eventually though, it was Dragonfly who first rose from the warm waters, stretching. ¡°Alas, I believe that I need to get going. I have a tiny - yet stubborn - student to entertain, as she should soon be done with today¡¯s lessons. She and Crow seem to get along well, too. With Kite away to help some of the guild members, how will you spend your afternoon?¡± Laevyeth didn¡¯t immediately respond, looking pensive as she too emerged from the baths along Dragonfly. ¡°I¡­ do not know,¡± she eventually said. ¡°I¡­ what¡­ should I do?¡± ¡°That¡¯s the fine part of freedom, no?¡± Dragonfly replied with a grin. ¡°Whatever you want.¡± Laevyeth seemed to give it some thought, before she nodded, pensiveness giving way to determination. ¡°Thou art right again, Dragonfly. There is so much to experience. I should - how goes the saying¡­ - seize the day?¡± she said, excitedly increasing her stride as she continued towards the exit. ¡°Ehm¡­ Laevyeth?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Maybe it would be best to put dressing yourself at the top of the list?¡± The outworlder stopped and looked down at her naked form. ¡°Ah,¡± she said, before grumbling. ¡°These social norms and conventions occupying my mind will be quite the challenge to remember to put into practice, I see.¡±
¡°Unfurling Petals of Dawn!¡± A dozen two meter long, curved swords of light manifested around Noel LanCaire and his allies, living up to the spell¡¯s chant as it did indeed look much like a blooming flower. The technique sundered and scattered the smaller rock elementals which tried to form as a primal kind of honor guard for the Crevasse Tyrant, a silver-ranked monster of the same variety. Second Spring and two other bronze-rankers of the guild quickly followed suit, sending attacks and spells of their own to further help clear the way towards the tyrant as the group stayed mobile while keeping close enough together to support one another. The tyrant, a towering mound of stone which looked like a rough human torso attached to a rumbling pillar of clattering stones, raised a slab-like ¡®sword¡¯ of its own in challenge before it swung towards the incoming adventurers to send clusters of sharp shrapnel their way, only for the adventurers to split into two pairs and scatter into a pincer strike in the last moment. Spring, transfigured into her fluffy and soft-looking sugar glider form, easily carried Noel in her hind claws as magical winds filled the membranes between her limbs to allow a surprisingly agile mode of flight even with the additional weight. Mid-air, she let go just at the right time to send the blonde man flying towards the silver-ranked tyrant, and Noel spared no time in drawing Carmine Sunrise from its sheath. Water condensed and formed along the sword¡¯s edge before rushing onwards like a whip-like extension which cut into the stone-shell of the tyrant with surprising efficacy. ¡°Children. They truly grow up so fast, don¡¯t they?¡± Jarvan said, voice full of pride as he stood beside Kite at a nearby cliff top. ¡°That is indeed the old adage, even if I have yet to know it as well as you do,¡± Kite agreed. The guild¡¯s bronze team seemed to have things well in hand for now, or at least as in hand as one could expect when fighting up a rank. ¡°Some of my older ones have reached silver already, while others take things slower,¡± Jarvan continued, neither of the two silvers taking their eyes off the fight below. ¡°Noel though¡­ He is ambitious. Running a guild branch while also pushing ahead to have his place within the more combat-specialized teams¡­ The boy might need to take a note or two from his father and learn to kick back and relax. And that girl Spring¡­ When I first met her, I thought her timid, but something seems to have lit a fire beneath her in recent years.¡± ¡°Well, she has her eyes set on a prize, at least of sorts,¡± Kite said with a chuckle even as a misstep below had him readying himself to conjure a barrier to protect the group¡¯s healer - a freckled elf woman called Ember - who found herself out of position. But Spring once more showed off her mobility as she made a gliding u-turn to land in between the healer and the encroaching smaller elementals who had reassembled themselves faster than expected. She landed in a burst of cutting winds before shooting off through the gathered rocky monsters, leaving a trail of detonating pollen while throwing wind slashes left and right. ¡°Wait, she still hasn''t given up on Walker?¡± ¡°As I said, she is persistent. But uncle Walker hasn¡¯t exactly done overly much to put an end to it, other than cite their differing age and rank as a reason.¡± ¡°Hah. Well, we might as well already consider it a done deal then,¡± Jarvan said, barking a short laugh. ¡°I¡¯ll give them until she reaches silver, not a day longer.¡± ¡°We should have a handful more silvers as company within the guild soon too, so she¡¯ll be in good company. This team and the other one show great promise, at least in my humble opinion. Or would the honored branch director disagree?¡± ¡°The honored branch director does indeed agree. I know their service records after all. This low-magic region doesn¡¯t make for the quickest going by any means, but they are most diligent in their work. Combined with your guild striving for travel-related powers, they can cover large areas and clear a lot of contracts even in these sparse lands. The guild you and Walker founded is probably one of the best things that has happened to the common people of northern Hua-Xi in recent memory, Kite. And they know it.¡± ¡°Your words honor me, Jarvan. And I am sure uncle shares the sentiment,¡± Kite said with a smile. ¡°It began as a way to connect the Autumn lands and to let some power stay within the region to help it grow. And now¡­ Well, it seems like we¡¯ll soon have enough silvers to rival some of the sects around Convergence.¡± ¡°Knowing what we do of the¡­ interests¡­ certain other parties seem to have in this country, I for one won¡¯t complain. Especially since me and the other branch directors get so many hard-working adventurers to boss around,¡± the blonde man said, grinning as he clapped Kite on the shoulder. ¡°I knew my good feeling about you would pay off.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that what they call anecdotal evidence? Mtanga - one of my friends in Gauntlet - was complaining about that a lot. Something about his work within the magic society.¡± ¡°Hah! Trust a magic society guy to turn even some good natured smugness into some fancy phrase. But come on, things seem to start coming to an end down there. Let¡¯s congratulate our little adventurers on their first silver-ranked kill. And grill them thoroughly in the evaluation!¡±
As he exited the portal, Will had to keep himself from falling to his knees. Not because of any actual faintness, with him being well-used to local dimensional travel these days. Looking out over the ever so familiar curved rooftops, the bustling streets and the robes which never seemed to go completely out of fashion, it was pure relief that almost brought the would-be Saint of Spears off his feet. ¡°I am here. I am¡­ finally here. Home,¡± he breathed, the silver-ranked portal courier behind him forgotten. The leonid spent a moment looking at Will staring off into the distance before shrugging and returning through the shimmering gate, already paid in full and more by the bounties which Will had inadvertently gathered on his way back. ¡°Two pirate attacks, one shipwreck, one crime syndicate locking down a town, five wandering monsters causing trouble. Heavens?! Are you pleased?! Have I entertained you enough?!¡± The last came out as a shout as Will turned his face towards the late summer sun, the winds of his homeland hinting slightly that the tipping point into autumn drew near. The sudden outburst made some people passing by stop and look, before most kept going with a shake of their head at the adventurer¡¯s antics. But one figure did not, rising from where he had been seated at a nearby stone bench and walked over with a posture worthy of his years of service. Will would probably have sensed his aura way earlier had he not been so overwhelmed with the sheer relief of having arrived, but when the unfurling of a parasol suddenly cast him into shadow, his surroundings and the recognition came crashing in as one. ¡°Grim! You came! Father got my message?¡± he cried joyfully, rising to meet the gaze of his guardian and manservant. The other elf, clad in his usual crisp robes of somber black, only bowed in response - the parasol unwavering - even though Will could feel the joy in the man¡¯s aura. Grim looked almost exactly the same as when Will had left for the Sea of Storms, the bronze-ranker aging very slowly so as to not yet show a speck of gray in his neat, black hair combed back over his head. ¡°Young master. You are quite late.¡± Grim replied. ¡°From your message, we would have thought to expect you just over a week ago.¡± ¡°Oh please, Grim, don¡¯t remind me. The amount of misadventures I had on the way back is enough to turn into a proper play for a whole acting troupe¡­¡± ¡°Indeed, Young master? Then I will commend you on your contributions to such a drama. That shout of yours towards the heavens did convey a lot of emotions, but I will remind you to think what your governess would have said, should she have witnessed such an outburst.¡± Will couldn¡¯t help it; he winced at the thought, as certain habits - him being a silver-ranker or not - were most hard to shake. ¡°I do hope that it will remain our secret then,¡± he said, before changing his tone as he clapped a hand onto the other man¡¯s shoulder, propriety winning out as he suppressed his instinct to give Grim a hug in way of greetings. Some things just weren¡¯t done. ¡°I truly have missed you, though. Father and mother too. And Kite, Dragonfly and all the others.¡± ¡°I am sure we all share the sentiment, Young master,¡± Grim replied, before gesturing back to the portal platform of Heavenward. ¡°But I hope I¡¯m not too presumptuous when I would ask if we could begin the return journey as soon as possible, as it will be a few hops until we reach Gilded as I will need to send you ahead before catching up as soon as the delay allows. The Young Master being silver these days, while most impressive, does make my own relative weakness more felt.¡± ¡°Gilded? Oh no, Grim. Bastion. We need to go to Bastion. Kite said he resides outside Bastion now!¡± ¡°Bastion, Young master? But surely, returning home to your father is more important than-¡± Grim fell silent as Will¡¯s other hand joined the first, the younger man now grasping both his shoulders as he spoke with true intensity. ¡°Bastion, Grim. We go to Bastion. Opportunity awaits me there¡­ An opportunity to prove myself worthy to rewrite my destiny.¡± The manservant remained silent for a few moments, gazing into his charge¡¯s eyes before eventually failing to entirely quench a suffering sigh as he recognized that the battle, as so many before, was already lost. ¡°It seems that you have stayed true to yourself in many ways, Young master,¡± Grim finally said, gesturing to summon his glass portal arch. ¡°Bastion it is, then. May the Master be in a forgiving mood once we finally return home.¡± 208. Let us pierce the heavens ¡°Dwagonfly, why ith your haiw pink? Awe you a thelethine too?¡± Raven asked in the way that only children just over two and a half years - or people who were quite drunk - were able to; with slightly garbled words and without a single care for the other conversations that those around them were currently having. The question did cause those gathered for a midday meal to fall silent, amusedly watching Dragonfly freeze with a bite of stir-fry noodles halfway to her mouth. As the late summer day was one of those which embodied the season, Kite¡¯s family - along with their guest and student - had chosen to eat at a stone-tiled patio surrounded by auntie Dove¡¯s garden at the height of its beauty. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, dear - what? My hair?¡± ¡°Yeth. Why ith it pink?¡± ¡°Well, no, I am no celestine, dear,¡± Dragonfly began, indulging the nowadays ever curious little girl. ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°Because none of my parents were.¡± ¡°Oh. So I am becauthe mommy ith one?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Raven said, taking a pause as if to ponder. ¡°But why ith youw haiw pink then?¡± ¡°Because I make it that way with the help of nice and talented alchemists.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because I like it pink.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because it¡¯s a pretty color.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because¡­¡± Dragonfly said, looking to the others for help only to find not a shred of mercy in her companions. ¡°Becauuuse it reminds me of the pretty clouds at dawn, and I want to look like them.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Raven said once more, pausing, which caused Dragonfly to try and seize back the initiative from the curious child. ¡°But your hair is black, and also very pretty.¡± ¡°...Thank you.¡± ¡°Do you know why your hair is black?¡± ¡°Becauthe of mommy.¡± ¡°That is right. Children usually have hair similar to at least one of their parents. Even if parents of different races make things a bit¡­ unpredictable.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Raven said, seeming to fall deep into consideration once more. Thinking herself off the hook, Dragonfly had just begun another attempt at eating, which in turn caused noodles to fly in an impressive arc at the child¡¯s next question. ¡°Then which colow will youwth and bwothewth childwen have?¡± This did cause a more varied range of reactions among the gathered adults; auntie Crow started rubbing the bridge of her nose while Dove in turn looked at the pair with a look which thoroughly conveyed ¡®Oh what an interesting question. What color, indeed? And while we are at it, how many are you planning?¡¯. Sprite was the only one except Dragonfly who showed the courtesy of blushing, while Laevyeth only nodded along as if it was a perfectly innocent question regarding a factual matter. And Kite? Well, Kite couldn¡¯t help but slap a hand over his mouth to try - and fail - to hide his grin of pure, unadulterated amusement. Was it a way to try and cover his own inner flushing and flustered mental sputtering? Perhaps. But at the moment, it felt most helpful. ¡°What?¡± Raven eventually asked, bemused at the odd reaction. ¡°I believe that the fault here lies with me,¡± Crow sighed, patting Raven fondly on the head. ¡°This little one has - as you have no doubt noted - discovered that learning about the world is most fun. And learning through questions seems to be her method of choice. The two of you came up during a rather long discussion about where children come from and which people that can have them together.¡± ¡°And you didn¡¯t just say that they were delivered by the great herons in the service of Fertility, like my parents did?¡± Dragonfly managed to choke out. ¡°Oh I did, but the explanation did not survive the ensuing scrutiny.¡± ¡°I, for one, find it an excellent question, Raven dear,¡± Dove added, joining in the head patting. Kite was just about to come to Dragonfly¡¯s rescue when all of the silvers present felt a new aura announce itself at the gates to the compound. And while it was familiar to all except Laevyeth, Kite and Dragonfly both stood bolt upright as they recognized it immediately. ¡°He¡¯s here?¡± they both said at the same time, Dragonfly¡¯s voice carrying a distinct note of relief. ¡°Oh, is it- wait¡­ Is that Will?¡± Dove asked as she seemed to need a few moments to place the feel of the spiritual present. ¡°It is, isn¡¯t it? What a nice surprise!¡± ¡°He¡¯s¡­ He¡¯s here,¡± Dragonfly soon repeated herself, more a statement than a question as her mind seemed to be working furiously. ¡°Shall we go greet him then?¡± Kite replied, gesturing towards the gates. ¡°I am sure that he will be most eager to-¡± ¡°No!¡± Everyone stopped and looked at Dragonfly, confused. ¡°No¡­ -¡± she continued,¡±- as in; could we please impose on you to let us have the garden here for a while? This moment¡­ It deserves preparation. Witnesses. The right lighting. Time. Time?! Kite, you go greet Will. Make sure that you keep him outside for at least half an hour.¡± ¡°I-¡± ¡°Half an hour. Please,¡± Dragonfly begged, excitement radiating from her spirit in waves. ¡°I¡­ see. Half an hour, then,¡± Kite tentatively agreed, sharing bemused looks with the rest of his family. Only Laevyeth, after sharing her own look with Dragonfly, seemed to know exactly what was going on, as she gave her own nod to Kite in support of Dragonfly¡¯s request. This left Kite heading towards the compound¡¯s gates alone, catching glimpses of a Dragonfly-conducted flurry of activities behind him before he rounded a corner. Will¡¯s aura was like a beacon ahead, and at a closer glance Kite could sense more subcurrents of nervous fidgeting from the man than he had ever done before during their years spent together. Only when he exited through the gates, closing them behind him, did Will¡¯s aura shrink back to its usual collected state as the two friends finally came face to face with one another after two years spent apart. ¡°Will!¡± ¡°Kite!¡± At a glance, the elven spearman looked much the same with the exception of some new pieces of equipment. Most prominent among them was his silvery scale armor with swirls of blue, but Kite noticed a few other trinkets and the like which he had not seen before. And while the features of a silver-ranker would look much the same after such a short time, Kite felt that there was a distinct difference to his friend in how he carried himself; as if Will¡¯s perception of his surroundings had grown more refined and focused, which was only further reflected in his aura. And to Kite¡¯s surprise, it was the scion who first opened his arms and closed in for a hug. ¡°Ah, my friend! How I have missed you!¡± Will exclaimed as the friends drew apart. ¡°Two years has been too long, even if they have been spent in hard work. My Heavenly Shaft is now even more firm and unyielding, tempered in the lands surrounding the Sea of Storms. I even got to witness the floating islands of the capital!¡± ¡°Changed, yet still the same,¡± Kite thought with some amusement as he replied. ¡°Will, my friend, it¡¯s wonderful to have you back. From the sound of it, you have a great many stories to tell us. And greetings to you too, Grim. It has been too long,¡± he added to the bronze-ranker who was unobtrusively waiting a few meters behind his younger charge.¡± ¡°Pathbreaker,¡± Grim acknowledged with a nod. ¡°Please, Grim, Kite will do fine. Iron rank may be many years ago, but we have fought and bled together enough. Let there be no formalities between us.¡± ¡°Very well,¡± the manservant acknowledged with a shallow bow, as Kite turned back to Will. ¡°From you being here, I would assume that you received my message?¡± At the mention of said letter, the anxiousness in Will¡¯s aura returned in force as he clasped Kite¡¯s arm, speaking gravely. ¡°So it is true then, my friend? Is there really such a lofty existence here among us?¡± Will asked, his word carrying a gravitas which Kite would otherwise have associated with speaking of the gods. ¡°She is. They-¡± ¡°Then what are we waiting for? Please, allow me to beseech her for permission to stand in her presence!¡± Will exclaimed, aiming to round Kite and enter the compound only to find himself blocked by a gentle, outstretched arm. ¡°They asked for us to give them some time to prepare, so I am to entertain you a bit as we wait,¡± Kite explained, trying to put as much sympathy as possible into his voice as he felt his friend¡¯s impatience, barely contained. ¡°But- destiny, Kite. It¡¯s-¡± ¡°Will, my friend, I do empathize. But you wouldn¡¯t want to start out on the wrong foot here in not respecting Laevyeth¡¯s wishes, no?¡± Will, true to form, reacted as if struck as realization dawned in his eyes. ¡°By the heavens, Kite, you¡¯re right. How could I be so dense? Coming before her in such a state¡­ This opportunity might be lost to me before I even knew what happened.¡± ¡°Then why don¡¯t we sit down instead? I can tell you of Laevyeth¡¯s history and unexpected arrival in this world, and you can share some of your adventures.¡± What followed was a study in contrasts, as Kite sat down in his floating, meditative position among the greenery at the side of the gate. Will tried to follow suit, but any attempts at finding a remotely tranquil state of mind quickly slipped through his fingers, especially when Kite told him of Laevyeth¡¯s kidnapping and subsequent rescue. ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t believe it! Those heaven-cursed, egotistical scum!¡± Will cursed as Kite finished. When more classic meditation failed, the elf had started to make slow spear-katas to get an outlet for his restless energy, but his last outburst had him direct a more forceful thrust towards a nearby tree which only survived the experience due to a quick barrier from Kite. ¡°While I agree with your sentiment, I would advise against harming the greenery around here without first consulting auntie Dove,¡± Kite remarked, reaching out and gently redirecting the tip of Will¡¯s spear in another direction. ¡°But yes, Van Sztramm basically acted as some less scrupulous high-rankers do. We can just praise Fortune that we were in a position to actually make an attempt at rescue due to him simply expecting me to not raise issue with the whole thing.¡± This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°And his punishment?¡± ¡°I know not the details, but from what Sir Ilmaril told me, it will be as harsh as it will be lengthy. Given the forbidden artifacts he carried as well as having performed soul-based, violating experiments - no matter how brief - not even execution seemed to be off the table.¡± ¡°Good¡­ Good. To sully such a being with his base ambitions¡­ Poor Laevyeth¡­ I will forever thank the heavens that she escaped and remain willing to be part of this world,¡± Will said somberly. ¡°Who could have held any other decision against her?¡± The spearman stood in somber silence for a while, gaze distant before he eventually turned to Kite, eyes as serious as Kite had ever seen in his friend. ¡°Do¡­ Do you think I even have a chance? This all seems so spectacular. Like something out of a legend. A lost, sentient artifact from beyond the veil, lost and seeking for a worthy warrior which she may walk beside to find her purpose. It feels like destiny, Kite. But¡­ Do I dare dream that it could be mine?¡± Kite took a moment to ponder the question, giving his friend¡¯s earnest feelings the consideration they deserved before he eventually answered. ¡°Honestly, my friend? I cannot be certain.¡± Seeing Will almost wilt, Kite quickly continued. ¡°But I do not think that even Laevyeth seems to know what she is looking for, at least not in detail. This ability of hers is foreign to me. Still, she did say that she should resonate with someone pure in mind, spirit and purpose; a noble soul who would stand with conviction against the shadows and falsehoods of the cosmos. And in that, my friend- ¡° he said, reaching out and clasping Will¡¯s armored shoulder along with the spiritual equivalent of a pat on the back, ¡°- is something I, at least, find resonates with your path and way of being¡­ well¡­ you.¡± As if on cue, the gates behind the two friends then swung open, revealing Dragonfly. She gave Will an excited wave before seeming to remember herself and assuming a more dignified, somber pose. ¡°Supplicant¡­ Lady Laevyeth, the Blooming Lance that Pierces Iniquity, will see you now, and know your heart and spirit.¡± While Kite stood dumbstruck by the sudden theatrics, Will instead straightened and gathered himself as if each of Dragonfly¡¯s words were perfectly reasonable and within expectations. ¡°Please. Lead me to her.¡± At this, Dragonfly pushed open the gates and led the way down the gravel path into the compound, and Kite could only meet Grim¡¯s eyes and give a small shrug before following, waving for the bronze ranker to join him. Their silent procession was accompanied only by the gentle susurrus of the surrounding trees and the crunch of gravel beneath their feet. Turning the corner and stepping onto the tiled path leading up to the patio where the family had previously been in the process of eating their lunch, they now stepped back into a garden transformed. What had previously been a beautiful cluster of vibrant flowers covering bushes, vines and other plants surrounding the chairs and table was now a verdant haven. Auntie Dove¡¯s spells of cultivation from her essence powers had surely seen heavy use as the plants now formed something akin to a gazebo of their own. Only a single table and two chairs had been left out, now almost completely overgrown as well, and upon one of the seats the outworlder waited, and Kite had to admit that her long and slender form looked most striking among the blooming splendor. As he drew closer, Will eventually seemed to slow to a halt, seeming overwhelmed by the moment as he could not wrench his gaze away from Laevyeth. Following Dragonfly¡¯s lead, Kite left his friend standing alone as he and Grim accompanied her to a nearby veranda where they could watch whatever would come of this moment. ¡°Art thou Triumph of Indomitable Will?¡± Laevyeth asked after a few more seconds of silence. ¡°I am.¡± Given his earlier nervousness, Kite was impressed that Will seemed to have collected himself enough to keep his voice steady. ¡°And what is thy path and purpose?¡± ¡°My path is that of the spear, purely and solely. In perfecting my arts and my Heavenly Shaft, I would seize the heavens and be known as the next Saint of Spears, immortal in purpose as I stride ever onward.¡± This, Lavyeth seemed to consider for a time, before she continued. ¡°Then tell me, Triumph of Indomitable Will, do thou know who I am? What I am?¡± ¡°I¡­ Know only the story, and therefore I will confess that I do not. I know not how you came to be or the purpose which you seek. I know not your heart and cannot see your soul,¡± Will began, seeming to find his stride as he continued to embrace his true ¡®Will-ness¡¯ that had always seemed like an inexhaustible spring, once tapped. ¡°And while I have also been told of the cruelties which you have endured, and the fates which you might still fear, I cannot truly claim to know them either. Even so, I come here to beseech you to touch my spirit and see what you find therein. Because, should you let me, I would like to know all these things. All of these things and more.¡± Will paused, and Kite could feel Dragonfly beside him choke down a squeal of excitement as all of this had apparently been exactly what she had hoped for. Perhaps even surpassed it. ¡°Because you, Laevyeth - the Blooming Lance which Pierces Iniquity - seem to be someone worthy of all those things; to rise into the heavens and find what destiny awaits you. And, as my true friend and companion Kite has so often taught me, the path towards the heavens need not be a lonely one as it intertwines with the bonds we forge. Perhaps our destinies would as well.¡± Kite couldn¡¯t help but smile as even the outworlder - so full of archaic eloquence and poise - seemed almost stunned by Will¡¯s most earnest and passionate profession, accompanied by his aura gradually leaking out to envelop the whole compound in its sense of righteous drive and almost naive purity of purpose. ¡°Then¡­¡± she began, almost seeming breathless even though the need for such a thing had never been part of her existence. ¡°Then come forward, and lay your hand in mine. Let me know thy heart, and may our spirits touch.¡± Will approached reverently, seeming to exercise what control he could over his spirit as he entered the blooming gazebo. One armored gauntlet was smoothly removed before he reached out one hand, stopping for a trembling moment before gently laying it onto Laevyeth¡¯s as she rose to meet him. At the moment of contact, it was as if Will¡¯s aura vanished, so rapidly was it retracted as the pair seemed to be in a world of their own, gazes distant as they stood as if in a trance. ¡°Oh sweet heavens,¡± Laevyeth whispered, the Hua-Xian expression having become one of her favorites. ¡°Thou¡­ Thou art¡­¡± The trembling of leaves in the wind her only accompaniment, Laevyeth finished her sentence. ¡°... Perfect.¡± Then both their auras washed outwards, Laevyeth¡¯s more vibrant and projected more forcefully than Kite had ever felt previously. It was as if the outworlder had found something which made her cease shying away from the world, instead opening like the blooming flowers that were symbolized in her name and title. A flash of light had her change, the spear that was her original form materializing in a flash of brilliance reflected through myriad frozen motes. ¡°Let me be embraced by thy hands, Triumph of Indomitable Will, resonant wielder of mine,¡± the spear called, seeming to hang waiting in the air during the brief moment. ¡°Grasp my shaft with all thy might, and let us pierce the heavens. Side by side.¡± With a shout of pure joy, Will acquiesced. He plucked Laevyeth from the air, the two laughing together in unison as he then burst out into the more open space of the garden. The spearhead started singing through the air, trailing glittering motes of snowdust as Will fell into a spear stance, thrusting, whirling and slashing as he started gaining speed and momentum. And as he did, more spears started materializing around him; floating in the air or bursting up from the ground for him to step upon as Will continued his spear dance up into the air. But unlike in the past, where the conjurations had been but glowing replicas of simple weapons, they were now as distinct as they were beautiful. Because they too looked like Laevyeth.
WWJS: - Thy sole instrument - Innate. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver Effect - silver: You may take on the effects of your wielder¡¯s conjured weapons, and each additional applicable weapon conjuration made by your wielder will be replaced with a simulacrum of you. The conjurations still retain their original effects which are further enhanced, and any of your ongoing powers currently in use will also be applied to them. You may choose to take on the mana cost for any weapon conjuration made by your wielder. Resonant - Triumph of Indomitable Will: When any of Will¡¯s spear conjurations disappear, their remnants will turn into a seeking bolt of frost, dealing low cold damage and applying a stack of [Touch of Purest Frost]
Be it grand lance or short javelin, each and every one of Will¡¯s spears now showed the blooming carvings and gleaming, long blade of the outworlder, complete with icy veins running through their form. More and more appeared as their dance continued. ¡°Thrusts of exalted celerity!¡± ¡°Yes! Let our touch be swift, yet carry our pure intent to those that harbor dark intentions!¡± ¡°Tide of penetrating glory!¡± ¡°Our beings entwined, a grand charge!¡± ¡°Face the defiant phalanx!¡± ¡°Let none reach those that we hold dear!¡± ¡°Spear of the heavens, let your image descend!¡± ¡°May the light of our union bring hope and leave lies shattered in our wake!¡± Reaching the apex of their climb, Will ended up with feet properly planted atop a horizontally floating spear where he balanced with seeming ease as he prepared for a final, mighty thrust towards the heavens. ¡°Heavenly shaft: Darkness penetrator!¡± The huge, golden image of his spear - now Laevyeth - appeared, pointing skyward for a moment before shooting up like a piece of the heavens returning to their origin. As the motion was completed, Laevyeth - as if by unspoken agreement - shifted back into her humanoid form. The shaft which Will had held became the outworlder¡¯s hand in his as she gently sank down to land atop another of her conjured replicas which remained interspersed through the air above the gardens. Taking Will¡¯s other hand in hers, the two stood there silently, just gazing at each other as their spirits soared. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s better than anything I could ever have dreamt of,¡± Dragonfly sniffled from beside Kite, keeping her tone down to the softest of murmurs as she leaned into him and clutched his arm, unable to take her gaze off the pair as they stood lost in each others¡¯ presences in the late summer skies. ¡°Heavens, this is perfect. Perfect.¡± ¡°I¡­ yes,¡± he could only agree, as stunned as the others who bore witness to what happened when Laevyeth found someone who so truly resonated with her. ¡°How- how long have you planned this?¡± ¡°Well, we did have parts of it down for a while, but had to improvise some as Will showed up from out of the blue. Laevyeth did splendidly, too! Really poured her heart out. I¡¯m just glad I had the peace of mind to remember to get out the recording crystal,¡± she murmured, gesturing to the crystal which had been silently floating in the air above her for some time. ¡°Oh, Kite, this is a good day. Such a good day.¡± ¡°Oh indeed it is¡­¡± he replied, leaning his head against hers as both sat back to just watch and take in the moment. ¡°Fortune be praised, as blessed serendipity has struck once more.¡±
Indomitable March of Glaciers, city lord of Gilded, felt the portal open in the courtyard of his palace up at the First Peak. Grim¡¯s magic was well known to him after many years of service, and Lord Indomitable smiled to himself as he rose from his seat and prepared to go greet his wayward son at his unexpected return. With Grim still being bronze-rank - peak, but still bronze as the funds allocated to supply the manservant with monster cores would only go so far - he would no doubt send Will through first and follow once the- Grim¡¯s aura exited the portal, which closed shortly thereafter. Lord Indomitable did not fret, however, as his servant¡¯s aura was calm and collected, even though it had undercurrents of exasperation mixed with awe. The bronze-ranker gave a deep bow in greeting as soon as he saw his lord emerge, waiting to be addressed as was Grim¡¯s way. ¡°Grim, pray tell; did my son not arrive as intended? Or, perhaps more likely, did he get sidetracked, as he remains prone to?¡± ¡°The latter, Master,¡± Grim replied, evenly. ¡°I should have expected it, I suppose,¡± Will¡¯s father sighed, shaking his head. ¡°What was it this time?¡± ¡°That, Master, is a question that feels challenging to answer. And one that perhaps should wait until we are in the sanctity of your study,¡± Grim suggested politely. ¡°Heavens know that it was something most out of the ordinary, even for your son.¡± ¡°Well, consider my interest piqued then. Let us retire and you may give your full report.¡± About half an hour later, Lord Indomitable sat back in his chair as the light of the recording crystal projector flickered and died. He was a man used to taking things slow and steady; to remain in control through patience and equanimity. It was rare, these days, for him to find himself stunned. ¡°Mistress Dragonfly was most kind to let me copy the recording she took - with the blessing of the Young master and his new¡­ companion, of course - for me to show you,¡± Grim finished. ¡°Master, I will admit that I know too little to even begin speculating what this could mean for your son, but would guess that few - if any - have found themselves with a similar opportunity.¡± Lord Indomitable pondered the statement for a while in silence, slowly nodding to himself as he spoke. ¡°In this, Grim, you are probably correct. Oh, little Will¡­ To think that your extreme path would lead you to this. The boy will be absolutely insufferable, Grim. I can already imagine it,¡± he said, feeling a mix of elation and chagrin at the thought. ¡°When you are able, please convey my invitations for my son, this Laevyeth and his other friends to visit us at their convenience. While I can understand that this matter might still require some secrecy, I would like to know everything I can of this entity whose path now seems to have intertwined with my son¡¯s.¡± ¡°Of course, Master. Although I will note that the transport will be a bit more complicated. From what we¡¯ve managed to gather, this Laevyeth does count as a full silver no matter which form she assumes. As such, I cannot carry them both as I currently am.¡± ¡°And knowing my son, he would not agree to be separated from such a¡­ kindred spirit,¡± Lord Indomitable agreed. ¡°Then they might have to impose upon young Kite and his familiar some more for transport?¡± ¡°Perhaps, Master, but your son did give me something which might soon open up other avenues of potential,¡± Grim said, retrieving a dimension satchel. ¡°While he did present them as a gift to me personally, I would still ask for your blessing before I use them.¡± As he spoke, the manservant started picking up monster cores which he laid out in a neat square on the table. All of them were of silver rank, and more than the Indomitable family could have afforded in a year without making a true dent in their funds. ¡°Well, I see that he remains thoughtful in his own way,¡± Lord Indomitable noted with a smile. ¡°Of course you have my blessing to rank up, Grim. Your service to our family has been impeccable, and it brings me only joy to see you join me at silver.¡± ¡°Thank you, Master. You are most kind.¡± ¡°Then go about absorbing these at a steady pace. It will give my son a few days to get better acquainted with his new companion. And when you feel that you are ready, please bring young Will home. It seems that we have quite a lot to talk about.¡± 209. Completion ¡°Are you ready, my Lady?¡± Will asked, watching the oncoming pack of six darkfire hounds as the monsters left a trail of black flames, which stood in stark contrast to the pristine white of their furs, as they raced along the floor of the ravine. ¡°Thou knowest I am, my Lord,¡± the spear in his hands replied as her bladed head started to emit a trail of glowing chill. ¡°Then let our first true test together commence! Descend, gifts of the heavens!¡± In an instant after Will¡¯s chant, a pair of spears - copies of Laevyeth - appeared in the air above the oncoming monsters before shooting downward. They came down like thunderbolts, explosions of lightning and disruptive force scattering or staggering some of the darkfire hounds. The spears carried random enchantments that were now further enhanced by Laevyeths, and would remain for an hour for Will to use as part of his spells or to simply boost him with their presence. The pair didn¡¯t just remain idle either as they were lifted up on a wave of conjured spears to charge even as the first spell struck. The darkfire hounds weren¡¯t completely taken aback, however, and started breathing hails of flaming projectiles towards the incoming, most pointy tide. Some crashed into the spears, cracking and dissolving some of the conjurations, but any which came close to Will himself were deflected and dissolved as he let Laevyeth dance around him in precise, whirling arcs. A bit off in the distance, Kite and Dragonfly stood as silent spectators; their auras retracted to let Will and Laevyeth have their first dance together among real foes in some semblance of privacy. In the skies above, Sprite remained on the ship alongside Glint where the student had been given a far-sight crystal with which to watch the proceedings. ¡°Heavens, they sure seem to have taken to one another,¡± Dragonfly noted, seeing the elf-spear duo descend among snapping fangs and flaming breaths. The flames did not only flow outwards though, as another one of the darkfire hounds¡¯ capabilities was to draw in and devour most other types of fires around them to replenish themselves. ¡°And I¡¯m glad they could have this particular pack upon which to practice. I hate those things.¡± ¡°And yet you have prevailed in the past, proving that tempering yourself against bad matchups is not beyond you, my ardent Dragonfly. May the heavens tremble at your passing,¡± Kite said, reaching out and draping one of his arms around her shoulders. ¡°And as for Will and Laevyeth, we did have an inkling that they might make for a fine match. Fate seems to agree.¡± As if to prove his point, Will rose upon wings of spears in the distance before the weapons shot down into the pack like a piercing, freezing rain followed by a diving spearman and more carnage. The number of Laevyeth-like simulacra around the ravine just kept on growing, which meant that Will¡¯s speed did the same while the hounds were gradually slowed by creeping cold. In a few minutes, it was over, and Will let all other spears dissolve as he whipped the remnant blood from Laevyeth before holding up the spear before him reverently. ¡°My Lady, you truly are a marvel.¡± ¡°We are, my Lord. Together.¡± At their words, Dragonfly looked up at Kite with a slight frown. ¡°They¡¯re¡­ probably going to continue like that.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°Probably as long as they live.¡± ¡°Sounds likely.¡± ¡°That is both very, very sweet and somewhat concerning.¡± Among the monsters in the distance, the pair had moved on from their adoration of one another. Instead, Will walked around and touched Laevyeth¡¯s tip to each of the monster corpses before moving off a bit towards his friends while pouring some crystal wash over the spear to clean away any lingering blood and dirt. Having been cleansed, Laevyeth¡¯s tip flashed once as Will held her up. ¡°In thy defeat, I claim thee!¡± All of the monster corpses dissolved at once, the foul-smelling rainbow smoke shooting up in a great geyser towards the heavens.
WWJS: Racial ability: [Claimed in Triumph] You and your resonant wielder may loot defeated foes. Items generated by this ability will be deposited into your dimensional storage space. If the space is somehow unavailable, the items will manifest in the air instead.
¡°Was it a grand bounty, my Lady? It was your first time, no?¡± Will asked as they drew closer, Glint already descending from the skies to pick them up as the group intended to hit a few more contracts spread across the northern parts of the kingdom over the coming week. ¡°As long as my first time is with thee, my Lord, I shalt not object. And the bounty was indeed something. Spirit coins, the quintessence which thou mentioned as well as the monster cores.¡± As the group prepared to board the small ship, Dragonfly leaned in to Kite and whispered, soft enough that only he could hear. ¡°You know, I rescind all my complaints. This is going to be even better than just Will alone.¡±
¡°Kite, would you mind giving me a moment of your time? In private?¡± ¡°Of course, Lord Indomitable,¡± Kite replied, throwing a glance at the others who were gathered around Will in one of the parlors of the city lord¡¯s palace. As Dragonfly, Glint and Laevyeth seemed to be enjoying themselves along with Will¡¯s mother and older sister, he stepped out after the older silver-ranker onto a balcony just outside. Below them, Gilded looked much like it had when Kite had first arrived; a great sprawl of lanterns illuminating the streets and gold-leafed trees below to ward off the murk of evening. ¡°I thank you again for your hospitality, my Lord,¡± Kite continued as he joined the elf at the finely sculpted wood railing. ¡°It would have been most understandable if you had wanted some time with Will alone.¡± ¡°It is of no concern, I assure you,¡± Lord Indomitable replied, glancing back through a window at the people gathered inside. ¡°As things have now played out, I sincerely doubt I will have any chance at a private conversation with him again. That outworlder and him are looking to be quite inseparable,¡± he finished, nodding towards where a perceptive observer could see Will¡¯s and Laevyeth¡¯s feet touching beneath their seats, a phenomenon which had become most common over the last week from what Kite had seen. ¡°They do seem to resonate well,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°I, for one, am both surprised and relieved that you so readily accepted Laevyeth¡¯s circumstances. Even for an adventurer like me, they feel as spectacular as they seem unlikely.¡± ¡°I have seen my fair share of things in my adventuring days, Kite. Never met any outworlders though, but other things both grand and foul. This world is filled with wonders, and new ones seem to keep springing up each day. This Laevyeth¡¯s aura feels as pure as my son¡¯s. While this may prove both good and ill, it does indeed look like they are kindred spirits.¡± A moment of silence stretched between them before Lord Indomitable eventually continued. ¡°And you, young Pathbreaker, seems to have once again been a catalyst for a great change in my son¡¯s life. First you gave him the awakening stones with which to complete his path. Then you gave him friendship, protection and - most importantly - perspective. And now, your own adventures have caused Will¡¯s fate to once again change its trajectory. Overall, you¡¯ve proven to be quite the meddler, haven¡¯t you?¡± he finished, chuckling. ¡°Will has long been a dear friend to me, but even before I knew him it was obvious that he would be a man who would rather drill through a boulder than to go around it,¡± Kite replied with a fond smile, remembering days past where he met an odd iron-ranker who had sworn friendship then and there as he had been presented with the two awakening stones of the spear. ¡°He has some quality to him that makes me want to see him succeed; a drive to make part of the world his own. In some ways it is a drive we both share, albeit through different means and ways. Back when we met, I had yet to discover that part of me. But Will? He was already living it. And helping him in what ways I can has brought me much joy.¡± ¡°Quite the observations for one so young. A fresh perspective on it, too. An old glacier like me can¡¯t really keep up with you and your climbs,¡± Lord Indomitable said with a fond smile. ¡°I will ponder what you have said, Kite. But nonetheless, I want to thank you again. Will and Laevyeth seems to have forged their bond, but your thoughtfulness gave them the opportunity. As a father, you have my gratitude.¡± The two stood for a few minutes in contemplative silence, looking out over the lights of the city below before a polite pulse of silver aura made them both turn back towards the palace. ¡°My Lord. Kite. The refreshments are here,¡± Grim announced with a polite bow. Silver rank had, as with most people, been kind to him. The elf had kept the stern ageless look from before, but it was now sharper and even more refined. ¡°Thank you, Grim. We will join you at once. And once more, congratulations on reaching silver. Your assistance in getting here was most appreciated,¡± Kite said as the two walked back inside to join the others. ¡°It was my pleasure, Kite,¡± Grim replied as he closed the doors behind them, the hint of a smile playing over his otherwise professional mask as he still seemed to revel at everything which silver rank had given him. ¡°My pleasure, indeed.¡±
¡°Little Kite, you really shouldn¡¯t have. They could¡¯ve gone to the guild¡¯s contribution store, or perhaps as a way to entice new members? Surely these are way too valuable to waste on an old man like me?¡± ¡°Oh hush now, uncle,¡± Kite said with a roll of his eyes, sliding the wooden box across the table to the older man while staying resolute in the pathfinder¡¯s final attempt at protests. Said protest finally fell silent as he leaned over and opened the lid, Walker¡¯s posturing changing from seeming to regard the box as some kind of poisonous snake to one of awe. ¡°I made sure that Peony poured a lot of work and attention into these, after all. And given how many contracts you still take on yourself or oversee for our junior members, you too need to be ready for the trials which the heavens may spring upon you.¡± Inside the wooden box was a pair of bracers constructed from some kind of irregular, organic-looking latticework of green crystal. It was as if a network of ivy had grown into the shape before crystallizing, its shape making it seem like it was still - somehow - growing. ¡°Go ahead, uncle. Try them on,¡± Kite eventually urged, tapping the box. ¡°They won¡¯t do much good just laying there.¡± Eventually, Walker nodded and reverently picked one of them up, turning it over to look at it from different angles. ¡°She¡­ sure did a great job,¡± he finally said. ¡°It¡¯s just odd, you know? I¡¯ve gone so long being probably one of the poorer bronze-rankers of the regions, and now I can have something like this just made for me? As a gift?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been a guildmaster for some time now, uncle. I would say that you should allow yourself to reap some benefits.¡± ¡°Sure, sure. But it takes longer for us old ones to shake such habits.¡± ¡°Uncle, you are what? Just over forty? That¡¯s hardly ancient. Give us a decade or two and we¡¯ll basically be considered the same age for most intents and purposes given that we¡¯re both silvers.¡± Walker only shot Kite a sour glare in response, grumbling something incoherent under his breath that sounded suspiciously like ¡®no respect for their elders¡¯ before his attentions was drawn back to the artifacts. ¡°So¡­ just channel some mana into them?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°Peony said they would refit themselves and expand a bit.¡± This proved true as the bracers suddenly glowed beneath Walker¡¯s touch, and a moment later the crystal lattice work slid up the guildmaster¡¯s arms. They lengthened somewhat too, and ended up covering his arms from the wrists and up, only ending a bit up and over the shoulders where they instead spread out a bit. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Walker moved his arms experimentally, nodding with satisfaction as the material bent with him where needed. ¡°Well then¡­ As these lavish things have been thrust upon me, I believe that it¡¯s only fair to get a proper sense of what they¡¯re capable of and- Oh¡­ Ooooooooh¡­¡± His eyes widened in realization as a bit of focus gave him the instinctual knowledge of what the artifacts were capable of.
WWJS: [Item] Branches of Burgeoning Eternity Bracers Silver rank - Epic [Effect] Increases the potency, size and resilience of any plant-based conjurations of the wearer. Additional size may be added for a corresponding cost of mana. [Effect] When a plant-based conjuration of yours would be consumed, destroyed or disperse due to its duration ending, you may pay a cost of mana for it to instead scatter into seeds which will instantly regrow as two smaller specimens of the same conjuration while keeping the effects of the original. Mana cost depends on size and complexity of the target conjuration. [Effect] You gain increased mana and stamina regeneration based on the number and collective mass of your conjured plants within a moderate distance from you. Regeneration gained is proportional to the number and mass of said plants.
¡°You did say you wanted more utility from them, uncle. But please forgive this young one for urging Peony to make sure that said utility could be useful in combat as well,¡± Kite noted with a satisfied smile as Walker started conjuring vines which crept up the walls of his office in the Convergence guildhall, only to let them disperse. Instead of the usual, simple dissolution of the conjurations, they fell into green, seed-looking fragments which soon grew into new vines; thinner but a lot more numerous. Walker looked as if he would protest again, but finally seemed to surrender his last bit of grouchy skepticism. With a sigh, he instead stepped up and wrapped Kite in an embrace. ¡°To think that my little Kite has grown so wise and resourceful that he can give his old uncle such a princely gift.¡± As he spoke, a shadow suddenly fell over some of the windows as something huge had suddenly grown out of the ground in the courtyard below, blocking out the sun. ¡°It would only be fair that I invited my benefactor to my first experiment of just how big I can grow my verdant companions now, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± Then Walker stepped off into a nearby set of vines and disappeared, his aura shifting to somewhere outside - or rather, above - the guildhall. ¡°A more foolish man might have proposed to race you, uncle,¡± Kite said with a smile as he started running for the nearby balcony to join Walker outside. ¡°But while I wouldn¡¯t claim to be as wise as you seem to find me, I will at least boast with having learned to not engage in completely hopeless battles. And that it is good to let one¡¯s elders show that they still have a thing or two to teach you.¡±
¡°- and so, the meeting is adjourned. Go, and spread the seeds of Discord.¡± Black Wood Mask finished, rising from her seat as the inner circle started to disperse. This time, Ametrine was first among them, conjuring her portal of shimmering smoke without another word and stepping through. Once she emerged within her chambers up at the royal palace of Heavenward, she let her porcelain mask vanish into her dimensional storage space before sitting down at her dressing table. Outwardly, she remained the very definition of poise and grace while her insides were currently freezing over with cold, frustrated fury. ¡°I keep getting outmaneuvered and pushed back. Soon there won¡¯t be much more for me to do than to nod along with the others,¡± Ametrine thought to herself, unflinchingly touching upon the bitter thought of defeat. She hadn¡¯t come this far by shirking away from the realities of things. ¡°Curse them, and curse the Builder¡¯s cult for agreeing to make plans for a joint operation, tentative or not. We don¡¯t need them here. They are too much of an unknown.¡± One hairpin after another was laid out in neat rows on the table before her as she let down her hair before rearranging it and pinning it up with a different, even more elaborate set. They had been a recent gift from his majesty, and she would wear them to court today as a symbol to the others of her continued favor. As usual, their god had been silent in the matters of inviting the Builder cult for collaboration. Strife and disagreements were of Discord, after all, so the deity let them figure out their way forward by themselves most of the time. And speaking of the creed and purview of her god, Ametrine found herself having ideas on the matter coalesce more properly. ¡°I suppose I will have to assist the others in this matter as best I am available, as was our agreement when forming the council,¡± she thought as she calmed down somewhat, meeting her own lustrous bismuth eyes in the mirror. Ametrine let a smile, small yet slightly triumphant, color her expressions, seeing that twinkle in her eyes which her King had so often admired. ¡°I am sure that some other players, if made aware in a careful way and at the right time, may bring strife enough into this little venture to satisfy Discord no matter the outcome.¡±
Little Sun Sprite gave off a cry in her best Dragonfly impression as she stepped into the staff-thrust, striking the shimmering pane of force close enough to the center to count as a solid hit. She spun directly afterwards to swing at another barrier which had appeared to her right before resetting and striking one low to the ground in a downwards slaw. Neither blow was strong enough to actually have a chance at cracking even the brittle barriers produced by Leyline Warding¡¯s ongoing effect, but Kite still let each disperse to give the girl the satisfaction of it. ¡°Well done, Sprite,¡± he praised, already standing quite close to the student in one of their compound¡¯s empty gardens as the aforementioned essence power had quite the limited reach. ¡°Thank you, Pathbreaker,¡± Sprite intoned in return, bowing as she stood at attention, just as Dragonfly had been drilling into her over the months they had spent together. Through his aura, Kite could feel that she was still somewhat anxious when left with him alone without her teacher, but the feeling was both less prominent and better held in check these days. Progress, at least of sorts. ¡°If I may give you a pointer, it would be one which uncle Walker - and later the esteemed Phiona Geller - spent a lot of time teaching me, one smacked hand or shin at a time; a staff has two ends, which each have their uses depending on your stance, balance and need. Use them both,¡± he finished, having assumed his best impression of the serious and driven Geller scion. To demonstrate, Kite let his own staff fall into his hands as barriers started appearing around him in a similar pattern. Much like Sprite, he struck out with a thrust and followed with a swing. But instead of resetting and striking a mighty downwards blow, Kite finished the final target by slightly shifting his stance and smashing it with the lower end of the staff instead. ¡°Why do you think they counseled me so?¡± he asked, staff disappearing back into his void sheath. Sprite, while slightly chagrined at the perceived mistake, straightened and took a moment to think. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ because of efficiency and momentum?¡± she eventually ventured. ¡°Keeping the initiative is more important if it leaves my opponents with less time and opportunity to strike me in turn?¡± ¡°Very good,¡± Kite said, reconjuring the barriers around her again. ¡°Why don¡¯t you try the exercise once more, but this time you instead alternate between using each end of the staff. It should give you some feeling for when it feels better and more efficient and when it just becomes awkward. But to complicate things somewhat, that will also change if you ascend through the ranks in the future.¡± The elf girl gave a determined nod and bow in return, then threw herself back into practice doing what Kite had suggested. It was a practice which Phiona Geller had Kite himself go through many times in the past, and readjusting it to Dragonfly¡¯s student seemed to work as he could see Sprite¡¯s brow crease in consternation as she found herself occasionally tangled in awkward angles, as well as elation when her next strike flowed just that much more smoothly due to the alterations. And soon enough, another thing happened which Kite recognized from his time being drilled by uncle Walker at a young age. Sprite, having increased in both speed and confidence, accidentally tripped herself when trying to strike low with the back end of the staff mid-pivot. Fortunately, Kite¡¯s reflexes were well beyond the level where he could have the barriers disperse before she banged her head against them, but Sprite¡¯s shame was still palpable as she now lay in a heap on the ground and tried to disentangle herself from the staff. Kite¡¯s first instinct was to help her up, of course, but it was soon tempered by previous rejections of a helping hand. ¡°But maybe¡­¡± he thought as an idea struck him. This meant that just as Sprite managed to find her bearings and was starting to try and rise, she found the head of a metal staff - trio of rings chiming gently - held out for her to grab onto. A surprised look and a moment of consideration later had Kite suppressing a smile as the elf girl reached out and grabbed the offered assistance, pulling herself up in a swift motion. ¡°Why don¡¯t we try again? You¡¯re making good progress, after all.¡±
¡°How far off are the four of you?¡± Kite called towards the bathhouse. Had it just been Dragonfly there he might have taken the opportunity to admire her stretching languidly in the hot springs, but as she was currently joined by both Sprite, Glint and Laevyeth, propriety won out by a good margin. ¡°Give us an hour at least,¡± came the relaxed call in return. ¡°If we¡¯re spending the next two weeks or more out in the wilds, I¡¯ll need to accumulate as much comfort as I can to make it last.¡± ¡°Take your time then,¡± he called in return before moving off. Seeing that Will was seated deep in meditation surrounded by several conjured copies of Laevyeth, and therefore wouldn¡¯t be much in the way of company, Kite instead set off towards the astral space. As they would be traveling for some time, an initially empty mana pool wouldn¡¯t be a detriment and might as well go to the seed below. A quick trek through purple sands and quick descent through a carved out tunnel leading down soon had him seated in the familiar cave, looking up at the thing. The seed still sat as a silent, mysterious monument, and as usual it greedily devoured each and every drop of mana Kite would offer with Sage acting as the conduit. ¡°I wonder how much more you need,¡± he murmured softly, as he had done many times before. But this time, the question was asked with a bit more anticipation, as there had been a marked difference in what vague sense he got in return from the thing for the last three months. The feedback had always been vague at best, but the soft glow from its small cracks had become a lot more stable. ¡°Will it be a week? A month? Another year?¡± As usual, the seed gave no answer, and Kite found his mind drifting onto other matters as the mana leaving him had stabilized at a pace that would let him continue channeling for some time before emptying out. Sage, being its usual self, hovered beside him with a patience only reserved for calligraphy and this task, the otherwise restless astral gatherer seeming content at accompanying Kite at his vigil. ¡°I hope that Wander and Braid might have something more for us when we meet up with them in Orchard,¡± he said, addressing the silent familiar to pass the time. ¡°It feels like the servants of Discord have made themselves most scarce, and that worries me. From his last missive, Little Crow seemed to think that the clan might have caught some faint leads in the capital, but still far from conclusive.¡± As was often the case, Sage didn¡¯t reply. The familiar did emote at times, but it was almost exclusively when its alien interest was piqued. Still, it was better than talking to himself. ¡°From what Ryker and the others at Gauntlet say, it¡¯s when the churches of the darker gods suddenly fall silent and go into hiding that one should be worried. If only we could catch a glimpse of what their actual objectives are. And why there seems to be so many differing interests converging here in our little kingdom. Discord, Undeath, Destruction, Plague¡­ As well as the differing cults like the cannibals of the Red Table or fleshwarpers of The Menagerie. How are we to-¡± ¡°Completion.¡± Kite was interrupted by the sudden emote from the familiar, who had apparently taken some kind of interest in his words this time. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Completion,¡± Sage repeated through its oddly interpretable rearrangement of the signs making up its form. Kite was about to ask which part of his musing the astral gatherer was referring to when he noticed it; he still had mana left. No more was transferred to the seed, the link currently fading much like when he had finished pushing a budding manifestation over the edge. The seed looked much like before on the outside though. Perhaps the slightly undulating glow was a bit fuller but- Then the glow suddenly stabilized into a firm, purple light. Kite¡¯s magical senses had a few moments to sense a thrumming shift from inside the thing before a loud crack resounded through the cavern. And pandemonium followed. In but a moment, the stalagmite carrying the seed shattered as questing roots exploded downward. They seemed to melt the purple stone at a touch as they went which crystallized as a glassy film. What was worse, they grew in thickness with alarming speed as they burrowed down and out to the side. ¡°Sage!¡± Kite called, alarmed as the space was rapidly filling with the expanding tendrils. He sprang to his feet, ducking beneath another root which shot out to the side and dove through the wall with ease as he made for the exit, only to find it rapidly closing up as more of the plant matter - at least Kite assumed that¡¯s what it was - was pushing for a most aggressive expansion. Fortunately, Kite was also quite familiar with the tunnels beneath the astral space by now, and a mental command to the astral gatherer - who now floated at its customary spot just behind him - sent a beam of resonating force upward in a sweeping blur which carved a hole through the stone ceiling leading to another passage up above. A few steps through the air on conjured panes of force took Kite up and through the new opening, and not a moment too soon as something from below started to grow upwards as well. ¡°No time- more openings!¡± he thought, and quickly used both remaining charges of his familiar to carve through the ceiling twice more as he fought to stay ahead of the churning, crushing masses unfolding below. Another layer of stone above - was that the final? - awaited him and Kite was just charging up a swing trailing Void-Sunders-Firmament in an attempt to push through when the floor beneath him buckled and then erupted upward. The tunnel ceiling rose to greet Kite at great speed as he suddenly found himself ascending, carried on something shooting up from beneath. At the moment of contact, mana left him in a great surge as Implacable Motion kicked in to help Kite plow through the stone and what he had left proved just enough to get him through the final stretch of stone and up into the oddly lit open air of the astral space above with only a few scrapes. As soon as he broke through, Kite dove to the side and ran straight out into the air with all the speed which his magically enhanced body and enchanted boots could muster. His expanded field of vision showed only an expanding geyser of purple sand behind him with the shape of something huge occasionally glimpsed in its center, and only once the eruption of purple debris had stopped expanding did Kite allow himself to slow down, eventually stopping and turning to get a proper look at the result of what he had helped set into motion. A branch came into view first as the winds of the astral space finally managed to start scattering the cloud of sand; deep, dark purple but covered in what looked like mostly translucent glass bark of a much lighter tone. More branches followed before the trunk of what turned out to be a majestic tree was finally revealed. It stretched well over a hundred meters up into the air, light purple surface shimmering in the even, sunless light of the astral space. The trunk split into several different lengths almost immediately above the ground and then further into branches which sprouted bright blue leaves at the tops, leading to the bare, glass-barked tree seeming to form an expansive roof of azure which stood in lone contrast to the otherwise unified purple color scheme of the pocket dimension. Kite stood transfixed for minutes as the burgeoning torrent of growth slowly seemed to settle, the landscape around the patch of cliffs where he had once discovered the hidden tunnels along with the Geller cousins and Vista now a wavy landscape of roots which had drilled through stone and sand alike. ¡°Sage?¡± he eventually murmured after brushing away the fine layer of purple dust which now covered him from head to toe. The familiar had floated up beside him, turned towards the new edifice of the astral space in rapt attention. It did not answer, but that did not deter Kite as he continued. ¡°I¡­ believe that we might need to postpone our trip a bit more, and see if we can¡¯t determine what - between the heavens and the earth - just happened here. And what might come of it.¡± 210. Unexpected predicament ¡°Heavens¡­ Kite, this is marvelous!¡± Dove exclaimed as she retracted her hand from one of the roots of the grand tree that now stood proudly dominating the skyline of the astral space. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen or felt anything like it.¡± ¡°But it is a tree right?¡± Dragonfly asked, poking the bark-like glass covering a bit more sceptically. Seeing the raised eyebrows of the others, she flushed but continued. ¡°Well, I know it certainly looks like a tree. But so do many wood elementals before they go on the offensive. And while I¡¯m as ready to fight monsters as the next girl, I would need a bigger axe to take on something like this.¡± ¡°Oh, good point, dear,¡± Dove said with a nod. ¡°But yes, this is a tree. A very odd, definitely magical tree. But it¡¯s neither a monster nor one of the native plant creatures. Look. Life¡¯s bounty, heed my guidance.¡± As she chanted, Dove waved her hand over one of the miniscule offshoot roots which emerged from the larger piece. Before their eyes, it grew a little thicker and longer as her spell took hold. ¡°Had this been something else, my spell wouldn¡¯t have any effect,¡± Dove continued, eyes sparkling. ¡°But you know what the best thing is?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°That my spell made such a small difference!¡± Dove cooed, going back to fondly patting the root. ¡°Aaaaaand that is a good thing?¡± Dragonfly asked, bemused. ¡°Oh it is. It is indeed,¡± the alchemist continued. ¡°My spell works on almost all plants, but it will make less changes for more mana the more potently magical the target.¡± ¡°Ooooh¡­ So that means¡­¡± ¡°That his beauty has so much potential! So much to learn!¡± ¡°Well, I for one aim to climb it and see the view from above,¡± Kite said, having stood watching the rustling leaves while his friends and family made what observations they could of this unexpected development. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m coming with you!¡± Dragonfly called. ¡°Sprite, stay here with Dove and Crow. We should have cleared out any monsters, but you never know in this place where our aura senses are hampered. The disciple looked both disappointed and relieved at her assignment, seeming to find her vantage from atop a nearby stone to be quite adventurous enough for the moment. ¡°We are coming as well, aren¡¯t we, my Lady?¡± Will asked Laevyeth who sat primly atop another root to his side. ¡°Of course, my Lord. I too wish to know more of this grand blooming that took place. It is truly a shame to have missed the event.¡± This meant that the four silvers - or five, if you counted the celestial carp who was currently snoozing away inside her bottle, unbothered by the events - were free to set off at their own top speeds toward the top of the tree. Dragonfly produced her axe and set off, easily balancing atop the animated weapon alongside Kite who simply ascended into the air as if walking a set of stairs. In their wake, Will unhurriedly held out a hand to Laevyeth who took, accepting the entirely unneeded help to get down from her perch. The outworlder¡¯s feet had barely touched the ground before she shifted into her spear form, and a moment later wings of her simulacra sprouted form Will¡¯s back as he took flight; like a majestic bird, each pinion a beautiful spear whose tips shone with a soft blue light. As they drew closer, Kite once more found himself appreciating just how vast the azure foliage of the tree was as it stretched out above them. While the light of the astral space didn¡¯t seem to come from a particular source, and the tree therefore casting no shade, it still felt a bit like shelter from the world once they were properly beneath it. Soon, the group landed atop one of the parts of its bough, just beneath where the foliage truly began. ¡°The view from up here is amazing. But I will admit that it probably would be better if the space didn¡¯t just stop pretty close by,¡± Dragonfly noted, looking around while easily balancing at the slanted surface. ¡°It is indeed impressive,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°But even so, I am more curious about its nature. Whatever could it be? Has it always rested below, coming into existence along with the astral space?¡± ¡°I would think so, or it would have to have been planted by someone both powerful and discreet. And those people probably wouldn¡¯t just have left it there without some kind of oversight for their project,¡± Will noted. ¡°This astral space has, as far as we know, only been seen as a bit of a nuisance for the Bastion city rulers, right?¡± ¡°That is true. They wouldn¡¯t have sold me the land otherwise, I assume,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°Let us look about then. At least it should be a pleasant kind of exploration.¡± As it turned out, his words held true, even though without the safety of silver rank - and all the powers that came with it - running, leaping and climbing along the branches of the great tree would have been a risky prospect for many. But for the group, it became something akin to a game as they sprang between great branches and tested how far up among the leaves they could get. Up close, said leaves were even more fascinating; long, blade-like fronds with purple stalks surrounded by blue. Each frond was about as long as a forearm, with plentiful smaller leaves along its length, and Kite was lost in thought as he stood carefully turning one around to inspect it when he heard Dragonfly call from a bit further off. ¡°Everyone! Come! Look!¡± As there was no sense of urgency in her tone, Kite made his way over at a more measured pace, and thus he was the last to arrive to where Dragonfly, Will and Laevyeth stood inspecting a break in the otherwise monotonous arboreal environment. They were now close to the center of the tree¡¯s massive canopy, at the edge of where the central bough started splitting off into smaller branches. And there, standing out among the mass of azure and purple, three pale, pink fruits hung from a small branch of their own. Each resembled a pink peach, but was covered in a network of blue webbing which matched the twin leaves at its top. The bough around the fruit-bearing branch crooked in upon itself, creating a kind of simple sanctuary for the fruits, which were incredibly small compared to the huge tree itself. ¡°Huh. I didn¡¯t figure this for a fruit tree,¡± Dragonfly mused, leaning this way and that to inspect the fruits more closely. ¡°If so, it is a pretty bad one. Three fruits among all of these branches?¡± Kite joined her, kneeling down to look close atop the wide bough which easily had space for all of them along its length. ¡°Hmm, it was a long time ago since I learned of it, but I do remember auntie Dove telling me of magical flora and their peculiarities. One is that some apparently concentrate a lot of their magic into fewer, more potent offshoots rather than spreading said potential out among many. This might be just that. And given its size- ,¡± he said, looking meaningfully at the huge tree around them, ¡°- this could indicate that these are quite potent, whatever they are-¡± Kite¡¯s words were cut off as he suddenly felt a pang of hunger and desire wash across his senses, potent enough to almost make him think them his own. But as it turned out, they were not, but rather belonged to the hitherto sleeping celestial carp in the bottle at Kite¡¯s waist. Since her transformation and integration into the more conventional society, the sensations Kite had gotten from Glint through their bond had also started to become more refined as she expanded her world. Not this particular one, though. The feeling was raw and gluttonous, a primal kind of need which he had so far not felt from his familiar, even if Glint being offered one of the shimmering scales had been slightly similar. And along with the feeling also came intent. Kite barely had the time to register his familiar¡¯s plan of action before Glint shot out of her bottle in a burst of pressurized water which caused Dragonfly to yelp in discomfort as she was hit by the spray. Glint, however, had eyes for nothing else but the fruits ahead of her. With one big gulp, the little carp swallowed one of the fruits whole. Through their bond, Kite could feel a deep satisfaction and hints of a most marvelous taste as the familiar devoured her caught morsel, floating happily atop a cushion of conjured water. ¡°Well¡­ I suppose that we might soon become wiser as to the effects,¡± Kite eventually said, throwing Glint a disbelieving look. ¡°Little beauty, are you sure that was wise?¡± ¡°My bond, while my actions might have seemed a bit impulsive and not proper for a young mistress like myself, the scent was simply so divine that I would have been an even bigger fool not to partake,¡± Glint replied after she had finished a rather lengthy savoring session. ¡°Then you must find some quality here unknown to the rest of us,¡± Will said, having also approached to inspect the two remaining fruits. ¡°Even with my senses, I smell nothing but a slight freshness.¡± ¡°That might just be you lacking the proper and refined scent palette,¡± the carp replied haughtily. ¡°But now, if you will all excuse me, I will once more retire as this marvelous experience has me feeling most-¡± Glint¡¯s words cut off mid-sentence as the water beneath her suddenly dispersed and fell along with the carp. Fortunately, it was a simple matter for Kite to reach out and scoop her out of the air. A cursory glance at Glint¡¯s aura revealed her to be merely asleep, and most contentedly at that. But as Kite let his spirit mingle alongside hers for a while longer, he also felt something else; an odd shifting, of sorts. It was subtle and hard to pin down, but something outside the ordinary was going on. ¡°Does anyone else feel that?¡± he asked, the others performing similar examinations at his prompting. ¡°Hmm, I think I do. It¡¯s a little bit off,¡± Dragonfly eventually said, being the one most familiar with Glint¡¯s aura as of late. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s anything dangerous? ¡°Nothing in her aura or bond seems to indicate distress at least,¡± Kite said, regarding the now placid shimmering carp before gently sliding her back into her dimensional bottle. ¡°I suppose that we¡¯ll just let her sleep it off, if that¡¯s what she needs. Hopefully it¡¯s nothing like the century-long torpors one hears about in stories and legends.¡± ¡°Oh just imagine the look on her face if she woke up and realized that she¡¯d missed a century of fashion,¡± Dragonfly said, giggling. ¡°Well, let¡¯s just avoid impulsively ingesting any more of these fruits for the time being,¡± Kite said with a laugh. ¡°But I¡¯m sure that auntie Dove would love to take a look at least. Come, let us go back below again and tell them of our findings.¡±
¡°Back again, dear? How have today¡¯s studies fared?¡± Crow asked as her wife joined them at the garden patio for dinner. The eating space was still in the same, verdant state as it had been when Will and Laevyeth first met, albeit with a few more wooden chairs added to leave room for everyone. The question was unneeded however, as one needed only to cast a glance at Dove¡¯s bright smile and the spring in her step to confirm that the plant-cultivating alchemist had become as one with the heavens. ¡°Oh love, it¡¯s so exciting! I¡¯ve been spending most of today trying to understand the surface of the tree. As we suspected, it''s less of an ordinary bark and more of a glass-like resin which it seems to make by assimilating materials in the environment as it grows. I¡¯ve taken some careful samples and-¡± Dove continued in a lengthy explanation that became a bit too technical for the rest of those gathered, with Crow being the one nodding along most attentively. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. ¡°-and so I decided to try and see what I can do with the samples in my laboratory for a few days. Get a break from all this sand,¡± Dove finished, making another futile attempt to brush the rest of the purple dust from the hem of her robes before sitting down and finally seeming to actually take in those gathered and noticing that some were absent. ¡°Oh? Where are Will and Laevyeth?¡± ¡°Off to seek out some contracts,¡± Kite explained, handing his auntie a steamed meat bun. ¡°He and Laevyeth felt that they still have a lot of work to do in order to really harmonize their paths with one another.¡± ¡°Oh Dove, you should have been here. Laevyeth said she would - and I quote - ¡®strive to embrace his Heavenly Shaft¡¯,¡± Dragonfly added, failing to keep a straight face while making her best Laevyeth impression. ¡°Oh¡­ Oh my,¡± Dove said, actually blushing a bit. ¡°I mean, I know how the young master is, but to think Laevyeth would be cut from the same cloth¡­¡± ¡°In Laevyeth¡¯s case, I suppose it is more like she knows logically but doesn¡¯t have the experience and context for innuendo to actually make sense to her,¡± Kite said. ¡°We¡¯ll see if it changes in the years to come, but for now they do indeed make for quite the pair.¡± ¡°Well, I suppose that you are right. It just reminds me a bit of how my dear wife here used to tease me all the time in our early days,¡± Dove continued, trying to ignore her slight fluster. ¡°Like what dear?¡± Crow asked sweetly. ¡°You mean like when we were talking about the anatomy of flowers and I started likening them to-¡± ¡°Anyway, where is Glint? Still asleep?¡± Dove interrupted, blushing yet again as she forcefully changed the subject. ¡°She is,¡± Kite confirmed, patting the bottle at his hip. ¡°She¡¯s the reason why we wouldn¡¯t go out with the others. I don¡¯t know what will happen when she wakes up and how she will be feeling, so remaining at home felt like the most prudent course of action rather than her needing help while we¡¯re neck-deep in monsters.¡± ¡°Such a considerate young man we¡¯ve raised,¡± Dove praised, before continuing. ¡°And speaking of other things to consider, have you thought of whom to bring in to consult about the state of the astral space and the tree? I will gladly continue to help you with the botanical and alchemical side of things, of course, but we will need more help than that if we are to truly have a chance at understanding what that tree is and how it might affect the rest of the dimensional pocket.¡± ¡°We have been discussing it, and decided to hold off on it for a bit and consult Jarvan and Dobrazza. They are more knowledgeable than us in regards to how to approach such a thing and, more importantly, who we might call upon to help us look into the matter. As you can imagine, I¡¯m not too keen on inviting just anyone to see this as it feels like the kind of thing which could lead to trouble, should the wrong people find out about it. Say¡­ like an unscrupulous gold-ranker in the magic society looking to claim potential groundbreaking research. It might prove entirely unimportant or insignificant, but I¡¯d rather have that confirmed by a secure source than risk a repeat of Laevyeth¡¯s kidnapping.¡± ¡°That sounds wise, little Kite,¡± Crow agreed, gently moving a few leaves aside to put her bowl down on the still overgrown table. ¡°At least there doesn¡¯t seem to be any signs of the space itself having changed so far, but I wouldn¡¯t have expected it either. My knowledge of astral magic is rudimentary at best, but I¡¯d imagine that it would take something a lot more spectacular than this to make short-term changes on that level. We-¡± She fell silent as they all felt the aura sleeping inside the bottle at Kite¡¯s belt stir, expanding as Glint seemed to be waking up and then contracting as the familiar brought her spirit under a modicum of control. Kite unhooked the bottle from his belt and put it atop the table to better allow for Glint to emerge, as he felt was her intention through their bond. But that swiftly changed to befuddlement as the bottle merely shook once with a soft ¡®clonk¡¯ before falling still again. ¡°Uhm¡­ Little beauty? Is everything well?¡± Kite asked in the silence that followed. He could sense more confusion and a bit of emotional turmoil from the carp within. Nothing dire, but Glint was definitely upset. ¡°It seems that this young mistress has found herself in need of some¡­ assistance,¡± Glint eventually said, voice echoing up from the mouth of the bottle. ¡°If you would be so kind as to handle the matter, my bond?¡± Curious, Kite leaned in and looked into the bottle, eyes going wide as he realized Glint¡¯s most unexpected predicament. ¡°Oh. Oh! Just hold on, Little beauty. I shall see what I can do.¡±
Breaking an artifact with dimensional storage could be a complicated or risky affair, depending on its size and what was in it. One did not very much wish to accidentally have some hoarder¡¯s whole collections of household furniture - kitchen sink included - to be suddenly emptied out into a potentially enclosed space smaller than recommended. But for a single bottle with a diminutive carp familiar and part of her little hoard of shiny things? The process was pretty straightforward. ¡°Careful, my bond! This young mistress would be most distressed to lose part of my wealth in this most embarrassing endeavor!¡± ¡°If you would prefer to remain inside for the rest of your days, Little beauty, I can promise to drop some food down into the flask every once in a while,¡± Kite teased in response as he laid the bottle on its side in the middle of one of the empty yards of the compound. ¡°Such disrespect¡­ Very well, if the heavens are fickle enough, then I will have to suffer the indignity of loss, should that prove to be the case,¡± came the grumbling reply. ¡°Ready yourself, then. Auntie Crow, is the formation ready?¡± ¡°Quite so, little Kite,¡± came the reply as Crow checked the last of the formation plates, part of a mobile one which was designed to contain forces from within. Better safe than sorry, after all. ¡°Then may Fortune see that all goes well,¡± Kite said. Then, without further ado, he conjured his staff and swung downwards in a controlled, measured strike that struck the bottle with a resounding chiming. While the container was enchanted to withstand the occasional impact, the directed attack proved enough. Glint¡¯s bottle cracked down the middle, and then there was a flash and a burst of force as the expanded dimension within spilled out into reality. The defensive formations flashed as coins and gems impacted their previously translucent barriers, and Kite felt them sting across the arm he raised to shield his face. Not enough to hurt a silver-ranker, but a reminder of the forces involved. Glint herself had been launched almost straight up into the air, but soon came floating down in a more controlled manner atop a cushion of water. And thus were the changes to her made apparent to all, because the small carp now sprouted a set of surprisingly sleek antlers from her head. In some ways they were similar to those of a deer, but more angled toward Glint¡¯s back. But perhaps the most stark difference was that they looked to be made of crystal, slightly faceted and clear enough to split the afternoon sunlight into the whole spectrum of color. ¡°Well, my bond, give me the truth. How bad is it?¡± Glint asked where she floated in front of Kite, somehow managing to convey the sense that she was blushing. The others around seemed stunned by this development, but Kite - who had already glimpsed the changes - managed to find his tongue a bit faster, even though he too had to stare in awe at the unexpectedly colorful display. ¡°Honestly?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes, my bond, honestly. Horns? Horns?! The indignity! I couldn¡¯t even exit my bottle without them getting caught¡­¡± ¡°Well, you sure look different, Little beauty. It definitely was not what I expected. But honestly? I would say that you look even prettier than before.¡± ¡°Hmph! Surely you jest, my bond,¡± the carp grumbled in return. ¡°Perhaps I can escape them if I-¡± Glint shifted to her draconian form, but alas, the antlers remained, growing in scale to fit her new size. She looked as if she was almost about to tear up when Dragonfly broke in. ¡°Glint, it¡¯s true!¡± she said, stepping up to stand next to Kite. ¡°They fit you. They really do.¡± ¡°R-really?¡± ¡°I will concur,¡± Crow added from the sidelines, adjusting her enchanted glasses as she further inspected the additions. ¡°They are both regal and exotic. Nobody will overlook your passing now.¡± ¡°And the way they catch the light? Just imagine how you can adorn them to further enhance it. Gold and some other gemstones to contrast would look marvelous,¡± Dove finished, the verbal coup de grace towards the wavering familiar. ¡°Fine¡­ Fine¡­ This young mistress should at least give herself a proper inspection before passing judgment,¡± she eventually relented, standing a bit taller in face of the praise. ¡°A mirror, someone?¡± One was soon produced, and Glint spent a long while looking at her reflection, looking this way and that as she gave herself a thorough scrutiny. ¡°To think that eating a fruit could cause such changes¡­¡± Dove noted while they waited. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of all manner of exotic plants with spectacular potential, but this? Why horns? What does it do? Would we undergo similar changes, should we try some?¡± ¡°All questions to add to our long list for the future, dear,¡± Crow said, patting her wife¡¯s arm as Glint finally straightened, seeming to have come to some kind of conclusion. ¡°This young mistress has found that these changes, while drastic and unexpected, will be workable. A challenge, to be sure, as I will have to take them into account as I redesign parts of my wardrobe. But it is a challenge I will take on with every ounce of dedication I can spare.¡± To punctuate her words, she tossed her head dramatically which once more caused the crystal antlers to catch the light. ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear it, Little beauty,¡± Kite said, relieved that he wouldn¡¯t have a sulking familiar for the foreseeable future. ¡°And¡­?¡± ¡°And, my bond?¡± ¡°And anything else? Any other changes you¡¯ve noticed?¡± ¡°Beyond the most important one? Well, now that it is out of the way, I suppose I should give the rest some thought,¡± Glint replied, unabashedly declaring her priorities. But she did close her eyes as the others could feel her aura - which had slightly changed at that - turn inwards in introspection. ¡°Hmm¡­ I get a sense of a shift¡­ My instincts guide me further¡­ Widened perspective¡­ The ebb and flow, unseen rivers and currents affecting other things far, far away¡­¡± she murmured, before eventually opening her eyes. ¡°You seem to be correct, my bond. Something in my magic has changed as well.¡± ¡°Amazing,¡± Kite breathed, trying to take in the implications. ¡°What? How?¡± ¡°I will do my best to regale you with what I believe, although I suspect that some practical testing will be prudent to get a proper sense of things. But as always, I will leave such tactical matters for you to work out, my bond, while I focus on what is truly important. Now, I will take my leave. I have some accessorizing to do.¡±
As he leaned back into his chair in branch director Carmella Dobrazza¡¯s office, Kite had to mask his slight disappointment as his story of the emergence of the huge tree, the fruit and Glint¡¯s subsequent transformation only elicited a soft humming of consideration from the smolder woman who sat tapping her lower lip as she regarded him with her usual intensity. The look of contemplation soon changed to a sly smile as she spoke; ¡°Oh I¡¯m sorry, Kite. It really is quite something. But when you¡¯ve spent some years travelling around the world to different magical hotspots, even such a tale loses some of its awe-factor. Perhaps it¡¯s just proof that I¡¯m turning jaded.¡± ¡°Or perhaps proof that I need to work on my aura control some more. My current teacher would be disappointed that you saw through me so easily,¡± Kite replied, thinking of his practice with Ardent Horizon Seeker. ¡°Don¡¯t fret, young man. I have quite a few years on you, and not just in aura practice. It isn¡¯t too uncommon for the younger generation of adventurers to receive a similar reception from us old-timers. Just wait until I reach gold rank someday. Then I¡¯ll probably start going on about how things were ¡®back in the day¡¯ a lot more frequently,¡± the smolder said, bringing out a pair of glasses into which she poured a clear, red drink and offered to Kite, who took it with the customary nod in thanks. ¡°That being said,¡± she continued,¡± I¡¯m an expert in neither botany, alchemy nor any other field adjacent to what you need. Ask me about how to properly spice a good drink no matter where I am in the world, then I¡¯m your woman. But that is actually how far my theoretical interests go, much to the frustration of a former team member of mine.¡± ¡°And I would not judge, as I cannot boast said acclaim either. But you do have experience and - perhaps most of all - contacts who might know more. Because surely you can see my initial instinct of discretion?¡± ¡°In that, you are correct. On all accounts,¡± Dobrazza said, sipping her drink while shooting Kite one of her normal, bordering-on-sultry smiles. ¡°You don¡¯t need to be in Hua-Xi to find people who would very much like to take nice and shiny things from others without a second thought if they could get away with it. Best to keep your little tree under wraps while we find out more. And on that note, I do find myself honored by the confidence which you place in me in this regard.¡± ¡°Given that you¡¯ve gone to great personal lengths to save my life and our most efficient collaborations on ¡®that¡¯ particular matter, both you and Jarvan were actually the first who came to mind,¡± Kite answered honestly, causing Dobrazza¡¯s smile to widen. ¡°Well, I am flattered nonetheless. Let me speak to Jarvan about it, and we¡¯ll start sending out some feelers with people we trust in how to go about this in a way that will benefit you the most. The tree might be nothing more than a pretty decoration in the end, or it might be quite the opportunity. But being careful will take some time, so I hope that you¡¯ll continue channeling that patience which you have shown so far.¡± ¡°Of course, branch director. I am ever grateful for your assistance.¡± ¡°Excellent!¡± Dobrazza said, leaning in slightly. ¡°And speaking of you being in a pleasant mood, there is another matter which I would like to mention. Nothing much, of course, just some contracts which I would very much hope that you would find it in your heart to suggest to your local hall master to put at a priority for your local guild branch.¡± His smile rueful, Kite leaned back in his chair. ¡°One should indeed make sure to reciprocate and keep our good karma when one can, director. Please, go on.¡± 211. There will always be more contracts ¡°Are you ready, Glint?¡± ¡°Of course, my bond.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll go in as planned and suffer the initial wave. An excellent way to see if your new powers work as intended,¡± Kite said, looking to the others for confirmation. Dragonfly and Glint both nodded, with only Will still showing a bit of hesitation where he stood holding Laevyeth in her spear form. ¡°Kite, my friend, I do ever trust in your capabilities, but charging the whole pack like this¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t fret, Will,¡± Kite said, clapping the spearman on the shoulder as he passed, setting out for the mouth of the valley in the distance where their quarries nested. ¡°I have the cleansing pill ready, as well as the healing ones should our theories prove false. And besides, I am quite used to this with Gauntlet. Going in first is kind of my signum by now.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Will. We¡¯ll only be a few seconds behind.¡± Dragonfly said, followed by Laevyeth. ¡°Also, my Lord, I shall bathe ye all in my light shouldst the need arise.¡± ¡°Then may Fortune favor us. And let us see if we can¡¯t, on behalf of adventurers everywhere, unleash some sweet vengeance on those gazers.¡± At that, Kite set off at a run, Glint joining him soon after as she changed to her much bigger serpentine form. That shape also sported the crystalline set of antlers, even more glorious as they caught the light of dawn in the distance, and she gracefully lowered herself to let Kite leap onto her back as they set off together. The brief ride where the pair blitzed across the landscape, wind roaring and the greenery of the hills dotted by smaller cliffs, did drive home to Kite that he was already most fortunate in so many regards. He had the power to make his way in this world along with those who mattered to him, and the freedom to steer his path in so many ways. Be it influence, leisure, security, ambition; all of them were attainable. Not always easily so, but attainable nonetheless. The idealized life of an adventurer, in many ways. ¡°Thank you, Fortune, for all of this,¡± he thought in silent prayer as the mouth of the valley drew closer at a furious pace while he felt the auras of his companions follow in his wake. ¡°And now, for the other part of the adventurer¡¯s life that makes all of this possible.¡± Just as they crossed into the valley proper, covered in once green but now withered and black grassy slopes with clusters of cliffs forming uneven ridges along its side, Kite let his aura burst outward in the most forceful projection available. At the same time, Glint twisted and flung him forward before transforming in mid-air to her draconian form which remained held aloft by conjure water. But the projection was not for the benefit of his allies, but rather his foes. Down in the valley, a gathering of over twenty tall, thin creatures suddenly turned as one to face him. Each of the monsters, called silent gazers, had one single big eye forming something akin to the head of an otherwise whip-like body with two tentacles for arms and just a single, long and sinewy tail making up the rest. They looked to be made from yellow, oily wax, but being silver-ranked beings meant that the brittleness was but an illusion to most of lower rank. And as the whole pack turned to regard him, each huge eye seemed to flash for an instant, and then the afflictions hit. So far during his career, Kite had found ongoing necrotic damage to be one of the most unsettling; a kind of mix between pain, feverish heat and chilling numbness as the magics of the gazers - unerring and unfaltering, requiring only line of sight and focus for the beings - tried to cause Kite¡¯s flesh to start sloughing off his body in stinking heaps. This instant, hard-to-counter barrage of short-lived, intense necrotic afflictions were the main reason why the gazers were so hated by adventurers everywhere. The monsters were bodily weak and not very bright for silvers, as well as manifesting in numbers which usually meant quantity over quality. But those flashing gazes meant that things could turn ugly fast if they happened to focus too much on one member of a group taking them on unless that person was very resistant to the necrotic attention or possessed other similar means. Or, as in Kite¡¯s case, had help. Because just as Kite had been flung towards the group of monsters, projecting his aura like a beacon in order to really grab their attention, a silhouette had appeared behind him. It was as if he had gained an additional shadow, two-dimensional and made from shimmering water. Much like a shadow, it mimicked his form perfectly. But unlike a shadow, this one was bound to him in another way. As such, Kite¡¯s flesh was unmarred and pristine as he completed his not-flight and descended towards the gazers below. In his stead, the watery image started withering rapidly into a trail of foam as it accepted the damage in his stead for the duration of its existence; a karmic reflection formed from Glint¡¯s new magic which shimmered like the antlers now adorning her head. The tattoos of Kite¡¯s mantle lit up just before he struck, and spectral arms thrust outwards as they projected attacks out into the mass of monsters while Kite himself swung his staff as it trailed the nothingness of Void-Sunders-Firmament, the attack lengthening through the use of Potential of Stolen Power. One should hold nothing back once you engaged a pack of gazers, as the delay between their eye-flashes was only around a dozen seconds. But at silver rank, a dozen seconds - especially if well-timed and planned for - was plenty of time. ¡°Ward!¡± Kite¡¯s barriers appeared to absorb some of the lashing, whip-cord strikes which the monsters started delivering towards him in eerie silence, the twin discs protecting his back and flanks while he himself attacked and countered wherever he was facing. Seeing that the watery image behind him was all but spent, Kite chose to accept a glancing blow to further test the new power, and noted with some satisfaction that the tentacle lashing across his shoulder barely felt like more than a touch while the image was sundered a bit more at the corresponding location before it finally collapsed completely. It was also at that time when Will - wielding a glowing Laevyeth as he soared across the rim of the valley on wings of spears - and the comet that was Dragonfly made their appearance, striking from each side in a pincer attack which cut through the monsters now turned inward towards Kite. Many fell before their onslaught, and even as the eyes of those remaining flashed a second time, the necrotic gazes were too spread out to make much of an impact, which only added further insult to injury as Laevyeth flashed with pure brilliance just after. ¡°Iniquity¡¯s bane!¡±
- Iniquity¡¯s Bane - Innate. Cost: High mana Cooldown: 10m Effect - silver: Release a powerful burst of revealing light which shreds the wicked, dealing high disruptive force damage to nearby foes. The light will attempt to dispel hostile illusions, with additional effectiveness against effects involving darkness, shadows or smoke. Additionally, the light will attempt to cleanse all afflictions of the curse, poison and unholy subtypes from allies within range. Resonant - Triumph of Indomitable Will: Each illusion dispelled and afflictions cleansed will coalesce into a temporary spear conjuration that is launched towards the origin of the dispelled effect.
The dark afflictions vanished in a literal flash while the monsters were rocked by the wave of disruptive force, soon followed by jagged and rough spear-like constructs that emerged from each adventurer and flew towards the reeling beasts. With the pack¡¯s focus scattered and the adventurers already among them, the remainder of the hunt was brief. ¡°Oooo that felt good,¡± Dragonfly cheered as she sat high up on the valley slope, watching the bodies of the monsters go up in rainbow smoke after Laevyeth claimed them. ¡°I mean, I usually love facing afflictions, at least when they¡¯re nice and slow. But these are just evil. And now we could just sweep in and ¡®boom¡¯.¡± ¡°It did work like a charm. Thank you, little beauty,¡± Kite agreed, giving his praise to Glint who currently floated at his side in her smaller carp form. ¡°This new power of yours is most impressive, and a true boon to us in the years to come.¡± ¡°Almost feels like healing in a way,¡± Dragonfly quipped. ¡°But without the part where you first get hurt.¡± ¡°It does add to my excellence, even though I can¡¯t help but feel disappointed that it cannot completely transfer heavier strikes,¡± the familiar added, her tone hinting at a frown. ¡°You may not be an essence user, but it seems that the rule of tradeoffs holds true for you too, perfect as you may be¡± Kite said consolingly. ¡°Had it been able to weather any blow, it might just have been able to transfer the one. Now you have a bit of duration, and as long as each hit or instant of damage isn¡¯t too great, your charge will remain unscathed. Heavens, just being this efficient against something like the silent gazers - universally shunned, from what I gather - is enough to earn you accolades wherever you may go!¡± ¡°And besides, the new retributive power is great too,¡± Will agreed, joining his friends in laying on the praise as thickly as possible. ¡°There just wasn¡¯t any need for it this time.¡± Seeing the familiar mollified, Dragonfly returned to their original topic. ¡°But we can honestly earn ourselves quite a bit of coin if we¡¯re willing to take on gazer packs. The contracts reward premium for a reason, as most groups just need to strike simultaneously from multiple directions and hope for the best.¡± ¡°Speaking of rewards, I would like to share some spoils with thee as well,¡± Laevyeth said, rising from where she sat next to Will. With a gesture, one essence appeared in each of her hands which she held out to Kite. ¡°A contribution to thy guild. While I wouldst not yet officially join and thus make myself known, I wish to maketh what contributions I may.¡± ¡°From the look of them, they are from this pack alone? Fortune truly blessed you then,¡± Kite said, regarding the two cubes. One seemed to contain manifold eyes looking outwards in all directions while the other looked to be made from rubbery tentacles, pseudopods and other similar appendages compressed together. ¡°The eye essence is obvious, but the other? That is a tentacle essence. Rare. Very rare, from what I gathered. Just trying to imagine where they usually manifest makes one shudder. That is worth a lot, Laevyeth, even by our standards. Are you really sure you want to make a gift of it?¡± ¡°Remember that I do knowest most that thou - and now my Lord - does of the world, Kite,¡± the outworlder said, still holding out her offering. ¡°This bounty alone shows that we will want for little, me and my wielder, no matter where we may find ourselves. So please, accept it with my gratitude. What thou did for me remains something I will never forget, debt of gratitude or not.¡± ¡°I suppose that this is a good reminder that it is somehow a lot easier to gift something lavish than accept it,¡± Kite reflected as he accepted the essences, stowing them away in the pouch where he carried other things for the guild. ¡°On behalf of the guild I thank you, Laevyeth. And you will always be welcome among us, officially or not.¡± As the last wisps of rainbow smoke, Dragonfly was the first to rise, stretching briefly before leaping up atop one of the low cliffs to look around while she spoke. ¡°Well, off to the next then? Heavens, it still feels like you can see so far compared to up north, even if they sure have less - and punier - cliffs and mountains around here.¡± ¡°Indeed, let us be off,¡± Kite agreed, the others joining him as they too got to their feet. ¡°Even in the face of spectacular trees and unexpected transformations, there will always be more contracts waiting for us, it seems.¡±
¡°Will, can I ask you something?¡± This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. ¡°Of course, Dragonfly.¡± ¡°Not that there¡¯s anything wrong with it, but I¡¯m just curious; have you been practicing being close to people during your time around the Sea of storms?¡± ¡°What? No, why? That hardly seems proper. None of the people I met there were one¡¯s I would have considered true friends.¡± ¡°Well, I just thought you might be more comfortable with it these days, since you always seem to be touching Laevyeth in some way.¡± The group, currently sipping tea in the Convergence guildhall while an autumn storm was in full swing outside, all turned as one to look at where the hands of the spearman and the outworlder were slightly overlapping in the couch they shared. This included Will and Laevyeth themselves, who regarded the point of contact for a moment before Will shrugged. ¡°That is obviously a different matter.¡± ¡°Is it? Because you always seem to be in contact one way or another.¡± ¡°Well, we are a pair, a unit. I am her wielder,¡± Will stated, as if that explained everything. ¡°That sure is one way to put it. Would you even say that you are committed to one another? A bond meant to last?¡± Dragonfly asked sweetly, voice filled with faux ignorance. ¡°Of course. I have sworn my hand to my Lady for as long as she would have me.¡± ¡°As have I,¡± Laevyeth added primly, but seemed content to let Will speak while she enjoyed her tea.¡± Their unbothered responses seemed both pleasing and frustrating to Dragonfly at the same time, who pressed on. ¡°But Laevyeth is still a woman.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°So would you be fine if I also hugged you more?¡± ¡°Well, you are my friend¡­ So yes, if in moderation.¡± ¡°But she¡¯s a woman too.¡± ¡°... Yes?¡± ¡°Bah¡­ You¡¯re no fun anymore,¡± Dragonfly grumbled, returning to her tea in defeat as Will¡¯s obliviousness had, for once, proven too great a defense for her to overcome.
A soft rainfall blurred the windows of the flying ship enough so that Kite could barely make out Bastion in the distance as they drew ever closer. ¡°I miss the winters in Gilded. Up there we at least got more snow than rain,¡± Dragonfly grumbled at his side. ¡°Agreed, even though Glint seems to be enjoying herself at least.¡± ¡°She¡¯s a fish-turned-dragon-turned young mistress, Kite. You¡¯d suspect that water shouldn¡¯t be a bother to her.¡± ¡°Point conceded,¡± Kite replied with a laugh. ¡°Still, I¡¯m curious if Jarvan and Dobrazza have received any word from their contacts. The call to the meeting didn¡¯t say, so it might just be an update in regards to the broader investigations of ¡®the matter¡¯ and new assignments of contracts to the guild.¡± ¡°And while you¡¯re going to meetings, Sprite and I will be shopping,¡± Dragonfly said, obviously pleased. ¡°We really need some more reading for my diligent little student, as well as to pick up a birthday gift for little Raven. To think that she¡¯s turning three already. Do you want us to find anything from you too?¡± At her words, Kite couldn¡¯t help but smile as said diligent student - who sat reading in another seat and most definitely wasn¡¯t listening in on them - straightened slightly in her seat. ¡°No, I believe that I have got that covered. Raven does love her shiny stones.¡± ¡°And with the rate you¡¯re constantly finding reasons to give them to her, she will have enough for several full sets by the time she actually comes of age.¡± ¡°Well I don¡¯t want to decide her path for her, do I? She will need some options, as well as some to trade for others, should she wish.¡± ¡°And here I thought that actual nobles were well off in the awakening stone department,¡± Dragonfly sighed with a roll of her eyes. ¡°Turns out that they¡¯re all completely outdone by an older brother with an odd familiar.¡± ¡°Careful, Dragonfly, or Sage might start withholding those additional monster manifestations you enjoy so much for training.¡±
As it would turn out, Kite was right in both his hopes and original predictions. Upon drawing closer to Dobrazza¡¯s office in the adventure society¡¯s Bastion branch, he could feel several familiar auras belonging to the people which usually coordinated around the continued hunt for the cells of cultists or other unpleasant elements which hid scattered around the rural wilderness or isolated settlements. Said cells were a lot fewer these days fortunately, and that by quite some margin as the investigators had been quite persistent in rooting them out. But there was one aura among those gathered which gave Kite pause as he sensed it, a smile spreading across his face as he recognized it even after the changes it had undergone since they last met. ¡°Bloom! My congratulations on reaching silver,¡± Kite exclaimed as he entered Dobrazza¡¯s office. The former young master and partial antagonist had apparently already sensed Kite as well, having already risen from his seat. ¡°Senior brother Kite! It¡¯s been too long,¡± Brilliant Bloom replied, walking over to give Kite a quick, friendly embrace in which he was sure to prove his now silver-ranked strength. ¡°As is often said these days, or at least that¡¯s what it feels like. Once more, congratulations. Silver has treated you most well it seems. Was it recent? I haven¡¯t heard anything through the guild yet.¡± ¡°Well, I might not have done it with your speed, oh Pathbreaker, but I did say that I would strive to catch up to you. Even¡­ if it looks like I still have quite some way to go,¡± Bloom added, a bit dejectedly as he seemed to get a better sense of Kite¡¯s own aura which hinted at his slight progression past the infamous wall of silver rank. To his credit, it soon passed only to be replaced by determination. ¡°But then we must find the time to spar, and let me get a proper sense of how our paths measure up these days. How long will you be staying?¡± Kite was about to reply, but was interrupted by a firm nudge of aura accompanied by a cleared throat from the others gathered inside the spacious office. ¡°Boys, while your reunion is touching, would you mind waiting until after the meeting to make more private plans?¡± Dobrazza asked archly. Both young men had the good sense to look at least somewhat abashed at the light chastisement, and soon joined the others in the seats reserved for them. Dobrazza remained seated at her desk, clearly claiming center stage as she presided over the meeting. Jarvan sat next to Kite along with his deputy director Rupert Versis who had been more present these days now that Grim could portal several silvers with ease. Bloom took his seat next to Azure Devil, the scarred elf who had assumed the deputy director position beneath Dobrazza around half a year earlier when his predecessor returned to his homeland. With five silvers present, each having reached their current rank the hard way, the gathering was a surprisingly potent one in the region where more than two or three silvers in the same place was quite rare outside of the feasts and gatherings of the city¡¯s elite. Some of Azure¡¯s closest subordinates were present as well, local bronze-rankers who had forsworn sect membership to work more closely with the adventure society, but they kept to the background and let the silvers do the talking. Bloom had previously been one of them, working closely with Azure in certain contracts, but his recent advancement had now given him a seat at the table proper. ¡°Well, let us get this little gathering underway,¡± Dobrazza continued once they had all settled in their seats. ¡°I will get right to business; we are closing in on a decision point in our little¡­ venture. Traces of illicit activities are now few and far between, and have been for some time to the extent that we have been able to let the Autumn Wanderer¡¯s guild handle the few that have sprung up. And neither of those have had the same scope and organization as we saw in the initial days.¡± ¡°You might be wondering why this is a bad thing, and don¡¯t get us wrong, it truly isn¡¯t,¡± Jarvan added, continuing the explanation at a gesture from Dobrazza. ¡°While northern Hua-Xi will probably always have enough nooks and crannies for filth to crawl into, the concentration isn¡¯t there anymore. We should be able to leave it to normal adventurers in the years to come. But that does leave the question of where to go next, as we have few illusions that our targets have just up and left, at least not the country as a whole.¡± ¡°And I assume that simply continuing southward is more complicated than just doing it, else we wouldn¡¯t have the need for this discussion?¡± Kite asked. ¡°Shall I presume politics?¡± ¡°Ah, it warms an old man¡¯s heart to see what a perceptive adventurer we have raised, doesn¡¯t it, Rupert?¡± Jarvan replied, getting a nod - accompanied by a tired eye roll - from his leonid companion. ¡°But yes, Kite, you are right. Anasta Temren, or national director and head of the Heavenward branch, has done an admirable job in covertly disseminating the information to the branches whose leadership she felt could be trusted, but so far I know of no efforts as concerted as ours, with many branches working together.¡± The blond man rose from his seat as he talked, and started pacing back and forth around the room while swirling his glass of some kind of constantly boiling liqueur. ¡°If we want to expand south, we will have to cue more of them into what we know, which means a whole process of investigations and vetting to make sure we don¡¯t just tip our hand. And not just to our enemies. Plenty of other branch heads aren¡¯t as¡­ skeptical¡­ to their local sects as I myself have been, and while the sect warrior would probably do a fine job with the strikes themselves, you can count on them falling over one another in the quarrels of who gets assigned which special contracts. And we can¡¯t really wait for them to hold a local tournament to figure out the pecking order each time either.¡± At this statement, Rupert cleared his throat in a low growl which caused Jarvan to stop and take note. ¡°Ah, yes, thank you Rupert. As my dear friend probably wished to point out, we do have one distinct ally among the sects. The Fated Severance. They will probably be most useful companions in their region of the kingdom, assuming that Sect Leader Dew has managed to properly purge unwanted elements?¡± ¡°She has indeed, at least to her knowledge,¡± Rupert confirmed. ¡°While a sect is slow to change, being the only gold-ranker in it does help quite a lot; both in getting the respect she deserves and helping her know the heart of those around her. She sends her regards to you in particular, Kite.¡± ¡°It is most flattering that she still thinks of me. I do hope to visit in the months to come, even though the guild, Gauntlet and other matters are enough to keep me quite busy.¡± ¡°To bring us back to the matter at hand -,¡± Dobrazza said as she once more claimed everyone¡¯s attention, ¡°- we have a choice to make. To continue this line of investigations with the risks that it entail, or leave it as is for now, which means letting the other branches pick up the slack.¡± ¡°I mean, is it even a choice? Would we, the adventure society, just sit back and leave things be now that we have their scent and know their ways of operating?¡± Jarvan asked, making his stance clear. ¡°It is, as the other choice would be to trust in our colleagues - who are also of the adventure society - to do their job,¡± Carmella shot back. ¡°They would, they would. It¡¯s not like we can just barge completely into their areas of jurisdiction. But we could give them a lot of information, contacts and -,¡± Jarvan said, eyeing Kite,¡±- some competent contacts who they could draw upon to advise and support them. And us directors can provide both some push and incentive if we can get Temren on board. Assuming that people like our dear Kite here are willing to push further south in your wanderings, with all the trouble I am sure that entails.¡± Seeing Jarvan¡¯s gaze upon him, Kite took a moment to collect his thoughts before nodding. ¡°As you probably know, directors, me and mine are already quite committed to this venture. Even should you decide to sit back, I will not let this rest. But you also know that I am no investigator, and would therefore be most grateful for any assistance you would provide.¡± ¡°See, a most wise young man,¡± Jarvan said, obviously pleased. Azure Devil took this opportunity to break in himself, turning to Dobrazza. ¡°You know we¡¯re dedicated too, Carmella. Surely you¡¯re not suggesting we just leave this be?¡± The smolder turned to look at her deputy, one eyebrow raised before chuckling to herself. ¡°No, Azure, no I¡¯m not. But the question needed to be asked and truly considered as there are real risks to it. But no, I would rather see this through. Or at least as far as possible. My tenure here does end in three years, so you¡¯ll have to be ready to take over by then.¡± ¡°We¡¯re at least in agreement then. Good. Had someone truly protested, I might even have gone native enough to challenge them to a clash in the matter. I¡¯ve always wanted to do that, ever since getting here,¡± Jarvan said, obviously pleased as Kite too nodded with a smile. ¡°Having decided, this does mean that we will have to plan out our next steps. Us directors should be able to handle the communications with our peers around the kingdom, but that does leave you and your guild, Kite. Think you can expand your influence southward a bit more?¡± ¡°That, director, is a bit more complicated prospect,¡± Kite said, leaning back in his chair with a concerned frown. ¡°If possible, I believe it would have to be through other means than to overtly create a new guildhall in - say - Orchard, given the pushback we faced the last time. Even though other forces seem to have pushed the matter to its more violent head, the sects closer to the heartlands are much more powerful as well as influential. We will do what we can, of course, but it will have to be measured. I¡¯ll make sure to talk with my uncle about it.¡± ¡°Excellent. Then the preliminaries are decided upon. Let us get a lay of the land and see what we have to work with in the upcoming years,¡± Dobrazza said, rising in a clear sign that the meeting was now adjourned. As Kite too rose, Jarvan caught his eye which had him fall in step beside the branch director on the way out. ¡°I have some more matters to see to here, but why don¡¯t we meet over dinner today and catch up, Kite?¡± Jarvan asked casually. ¡°With as many kids as I have, there are plenty of updates to give, as well as a certain other matter which Carmella and I have looked into.¡± ¡°Oh? Of course, Jarvan. I¡¯d be delighted, and most curious too,¡± Kite replied honestly, feeling a thrill at the excited gleam in the other man¡¯s eyes which no doubt meant that Jarvan too was eager to share the news. ¡°Good, good! Meet me at that dumpling place just outside the society campus at sundown! Until then, I have a certain hall master of a son to seek out and lavish with praise, affection and some stern words from his mother back home.¡± 212. Wealthy ¡°I wonder how many spatial bags with conservation enchantments I can fill with dumplings when it is eventually time to move on from this kingdom,¡± Jarvan LanCaire mused as he started his third plate of the savory goodies and their different dipping sauces. ¡°While I¡¯ve been around quite a few places back in my active adventuring days, none really make them like you people.¡± ¡°Why director, I¡¯m not sure to be pleased that our humble cuisine has gotten to you or wounded that the dumplings are what you¡¯ll miss the most,¡± Kite retorted fondly while trying to finish his current plate and catch up to the older man. ¡°Bah! At that time, you and the others will be influential enough to come visit. Adventurers move a lot easier than good dumpling places.¡± ¡°How old are the twins now? Four? That should leave us a good amount of time to further ingratiate ourselves then. Assuming that your plan still is to leave once they come of age?¡± ¡°Ah, yes, they do grow up so fast,¡± Jarvan said, getting that wistful look reserved for parents and other close relatives. ¡°Even after a few years, Fantina almost seems lost now that she can constantly move around unhindered by that belly. Had we not had a most clear agreement, she would probably just have kept them coming. But I suppose that is truly the luxury of a silver-ranker to be so cavalier about such things, when it is barely a hindrance to be mentioned. As to our plans, they do remain. We¡¯ll see how the twins fare. I suspect that they¡¯ll be early bloomers, but that should leave at least a dozen years and change as we want to really make sure that they¡¯re settled in somewhere before uprooting ourselves properly.¡± ¡°Thank the heavens then. I¡¯m not sure what I would do without my favorite branch director around.¡± ¡°Given that you¡¯re on track to reach gold before me, Kite, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll manage,¡± Jarvan grumbled good-naturedly. They continued like that while they ate, with Kite getting more updates on the goings on of Jarvans¡¯s horde of children while giving him the latest news and gossip of the guild. Around them, the popular dumpling restaurant bustled with constant activity and a mishmash of auras all squeezed into the tight confines, as the restaurant¡¯s close proximity to the adventure society campus up at topmost step of Bastion¡¯s stair-like layout gave it an impressive concentration of essence-users in the clientele. It was only when the cups of steaming tea that would round out their impromptu feast had arrived that Kite leaned back and broached the topic he had been most eagerly awaiting. ¡°If it wouldn¡¯t be too much of a bother, director, I am most curious as to what information you were hinting at earlier. And while my patience is decently tempered through meditation and experience, even that is starting to crumble due to curiosity alone.¡± ¡°Hah! Well I suppose I can be generous enough to get to it. Honestly, I¡¯ve been dying to tell you this whole time, but there aren''t too many opportunities for us to just catch up these days.¡± Pausing, Jarvan touched his director¡¯s pin which caused a privacy screen to spring up around the pair and the small booth they shared. Even though the restaurant was crowded, none had so far tried to approach the two silvers or asked to use the empty seats, and the shimmering screen was only another layer of deterrent as well as to keep out any attempts at eavesdropping. ¡°As you might have guessed, it is in regard to your little tree and the changes you¡¯ve described in Glint since she ate one of its fruits. Both Dobrazza and I have reached out to trustworthy contacts, both fellow adventurers as well as the magic society, and she gave me leave to share the responses she¡¯s received in return.¡± At that, he produced a stack of letters which he placed on the table, gesturing for Kite to look through them. Kite did just that, his rank allowing him to quickly scan and memorize their contents. While the individual tone and contents varied, there was a distinct theme throughout which quickly became obvious. ¡°Huh¡­ So it wasn¡¯t just us who thought it an extraordinary occurrence. From the wordings of some of these, I imagine that I would have some pretty motivated help, should I wish to extend the invitation. Just this one alone even seems to be threatening to stab you, director, unless you provide them with more details this instant. A threat made through¡­ mail¡­¡± ¡°Oh, that? That¡¯s just Savialaina. She¡¯s always like that. If she hasn¡¯t threatened to stab me at least once, then we haven¡¯t had a proper conversation that actually interested her,¡± Jarvan chuckled. ¡°Her part of the Mirror Kingdom is an odd one. Somber people but still somehow passionate and ever fond of their knives.¡± He finished what was left of his cup of tea in a single, long gulp before continuing. ¡°But honestly, Kite, I¡¯m not too surprised. As you well know, I¡¯m definitely no scholar. But if that tree of yours produces a fruit which can essentially, and assumedly permanently, add to the nature of an inherently magical being? And in just a week? That ought to cause a stir in certain parts of the magical world. Some sub-species like the Stormcaller Leonids didn¡¯t appear in just a week or two.¡± ¡°Assuming that is indeed the case, of course. We still don¡¯t know too many details about it.¡± ¡°True, true,¡± Jarvan agreed. ¡°But astral spaces, while often more mundane and boring, can produce some oddities of their own from time to time; something which shouldn¡¯t be possible in that part of the world or the environment outside their apertures. You¡¯ve made yourself quite the real estate deal with that piece of land of yours.¡± ¡°Then I will need to thank Fortune once more. And also figure out what to do about it,¡± Kite said, sharing his thoughts. ¡°While auntie Dove will keep looking into it, she has been clear that she will also need help to properly understand the tree within any reasonable timeframe. We need to know if it poses any hidden dangers and if there are other properties we should be aware of. So, do you have any thoughts on which of these I should begin with? Of those that seem eager to know more, that is?¡± ¡°While Savialaina would probably stab me for real if she heard this, my first answer is none.¡± ¡°None?¡± ¡°None of them,¡± Jarvan confirmed with a grin. ¡°Then I assume that you have some other suggestion which you¡¯d like to share?¡± Sage advice for this young adventurer and his mysterious gains?¡± ¡°Ah, you know me so well. The young does show some wisdom at time, stopping to listen to the advice of their elders-¡± ¡°Director, please-¡± ¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯ll get to the point,¡± Jarvan said, leaning forward conspiratorially. ¡°Ponder this, Kite, if you please; both mine and Dobrazza¡¯s contacts found these fruits of yours most interesting. But they are both scattered across the world and - honestly - not that important people, at least not on the grand scale of things. Through them, you could get some help in researching forward, but I can¡¯t help feeling that it would be to waste the potential here. If these few contacts find it so interesting, then there are surely more who might. People or organizations who might pay handsomely for a sample. Because I¡¯d imagine that even with your essence and stone-spewing, wonderful familiar, the guild, your equipment and that compound of yours does eat it¡¯s fair share of coin.¡± ¡°So you recommend that I try selling them? The fruits?¡± Kite asked, sitting back as he pondered the implications of such an action. ¡°But how? And where? Wouldn¡¯t that just risk what I have so far tried to avoid; some random gold-ranker deciding to just come and take it from me?¡± ¡°Not if you¡¯re reasonably smart about it. Say, how familiar are you with the auction houses?¡± ¡°Somewhat. There is one in Heavenward, no? I¡¯ve yet to visit one myself though, beyond using their services to trade essences through proxies.¡± ¡°And what if I told you that the one in Heavenward is just a small peddler in comparison to one in the great adventuring capitals of the world?¡± ¡°Jarvan, I¡¯ve visited Rimaros briefly with Gauntlet. I don¡¯t need you to tell me that my homeland is small by comparison.¡± ¡°Ah, sorry. I keep forgetting that you¡¯ve actually been around a bit these days,¡± the director excused himself, holding up his hands placatingly. ¡°But what I¡¯m trying to get to is that in places like Rimaros, there are truly important and powerful people who use their services. People who truly value their privacy. As such, these auction houses are discreet. You want to be anonymous? It shall be so unless - I suppose - some random diamond-ranker suddenly decides to take an interest. And there¡¯s not really anything anyone can do about that ever, as are there almost never reasons for them to take notice anyway. You want to add a way for some of the bidders to make contact with you for potential future arrangements if you find them interesting or agreeable? The auction house will make it happen. Want to be hand-fed grapes by a hunk of a leonid while the auction goes down? The auction house will make that happen¡­ As long as you pay enough.¡± ¡°That was¡­ oddly specific.¡± ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is-¡± Jarvan said, charging onward while ignoring Kite¡¯s raised eyebrow. ¡°- is that going through some establishment like the great auction houses might be your best shot at getting paid well and finding hints as to which people or organizations might be able to help you further, should you wish for it. And their appraisers are some of the best in the world, so they¡¯ll even be able to help verify what those fruits do. Heck, I¡¯ll even come with you and help you along.¡± As the onslaught of information wound down, Kite once again found himself sitting back in his booth. And, staying true to the habit he had long since tried to keep cultivating, he took a while and really thought things through. Risks warred with potential rewards, his mind their battlefield while Kite himself sought to temper outlandish fears or too grand dreams with a healthy dash of realism. To his credit, Jarvan too leaned back and let Kite take his time, pouring himself another cup of tea while waiting. And, soon enough, Kite felt that he had made up his mind. ¡°While certainly a lot more¡­ bold¡­ than what I¡¯d initially had in mind, director, I will admit that you make a convincing point. Quite a few, actually. While I¡¯ll wish to discuss the matter with my family, I¡¯d be willing to give a preliminary agreement here and now. It does sound quite exciting. Your help would also be greatly appreciated, of course,¡± he finished, smiling inwardly as he felt the other man¡¯s excitement start leaking into his aura. ¡°Great! Great!¡± Jarvan exclaimed, almost leaping out of his chair as Kite¡¯s budding suspicions were all but confirmed as the man animatedly started making suggestions of where to go and other points of logistics to take into consideration. Because it did indeed seem like their esteemed branch director was much in need of a vacation.
¡°I do apologize, Felicity. Bloom was most insistent, so I hope that I haven¡¯t held up our plans for your day off too badly,¡± Kite quietly murmured to the woman at his side while they both waited for the man in question to finish the reservation of a private dueling area which could accommodate silver-rankers at a booth off in the distance. Winter Morning Felicity looked much like her usual self even after reaching bronze rank through cores, auburn hair kept in the usual neat bun held in place by the golden hairpin which Bloom had once gifted her. While some grew leaner and more athletic while ranking up, Felicity¡¯s features had rather leaned into the dimpled cheerfulness she had always possessed, further highlighted as she happily waved to her colleagues working at the local adventure society branch. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. ¡°Oh you¡¯ve just noticed? Then try living with the man,¡± Felicity noted with cheerful sarcasm. ¡°Showing off silver to you seems to have been everything Bloom has been talking about as of late. Had he been able to, he would probably have run off to you first thing. Good thing you were out of the country when it happened.¡± ¡°Really? Is it that important?¡± ¡°Well, I might be exaggerating a bit, but less than you¡¯d think. Friendly rivalries are all well and good though, even if your absence has probably made you all the more of a giant in my dear husband¡¯s head. So it will honestly be good for him - and therefore me - to finally get it out of his system. Lunch can wait until afterwards,¡± she finished, joining Kite to meet the eager Bloom who had now finished at the counter and started making his way back. ¡°Senior brother, I managed to reserve the enclosed hall for us,¡± the former young master said as he reached the pair. ¡°It should give us ample privacy to really let me show you what I can do.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t doubt it, my friend,¡± Kite replied with a smile as he and Felicity fell in behind the excited Bloom even if Kite already knew the way well. He and Vista had spent plenty of bouts there during his time in Bastion, after all. The pair were soon sizing each other up from across the spacious hall, adorned with the amulets that connected to the protective enchantments of the place. Kite wore his usual plate armor which shimmered slightly as his mana started running through it. Across from him, Bloom had just finished tying his long black, red-streaked hair up in a high ponytail before falling into a ready stance of his own while his shimmering butterfly familiar - Glitz - manifested at the side of his head like a living ornament. The man wore light combat robes in white and red of the classic Hua-Xi style, augmented by metal armor pieces around the torso, lower arms and shins. ¡°I¡¯ve been training intensely for this moment, Senior Brother. You may have reached the wall, but the next few years will be when I finally catch up to you,¡± Bloom said proudly, the excitement palpable within his aura. As he spoke, his sword of pure light manifested in his hand while the air around him started to shimmer with glittering particles. Kite was pondering on how to approach this bout when he found himself meeting Felicity¡¯s eyes at the sideline. Bloom¡¯s wife rolled her eyes once before winking and mouthing ¡®Show him up good¡¯ before she raised her hand and let it drop, signaling the start of the bout. At once, the shimmering cloud burst outwards from Bloom, the power of his dust essence turning the inside of the practice arena into a complete haze. Gleaming blades of light manifested at once around Kite, held by semi-tangible illusions who immediately went on the offensive. ¡°Ward.¡± Having sensed Felicity¡¯s intent in her aura, Kite decided to heed her words as he was most curious to hear of her reasoning after this bout was over. As such, the tattoos of his mantle lit up immediately. Along with the barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding, the incoming specters were rebuffed and dissolved through precise counterattacks which dissolved a few of them as Kite ripped the magical constructs asunder. ¡°Still, the cloud isn¡¯t as affected,¡± Kite thought, noting that the shimmering haze did not ripple as much as it had during previous bouts. ¡°More resistant to disruption? A most useful silver upgrade.¡± ¡°See, senior brother?¡± Bloom called from somewhere in the room, unseen. ¡°My shroud has grown strong. You can¡¯t simply shatter it anymore with a wave of your- Agh!¡± His words were interrupted as Kite had turned and jabbed out the side with his staff, sending a rippling attack projecting out into the swirling shimmer which connected. Carrying Disrupting Strike¡¯s alternate function, targeting a special ability which Kite had no doubts would prove quite effective. ¡°Wha- what did you do? I- I can¡¯t see!¡± Kite didn¡¯t answer, but instead used some of the stored power in Unyielding to make a powerful leap straight towards where he had managed to catch hold of Bloom¡¯s aura. To the other man¡¯s credit, it hadn¡¯t been an immediate process through the distortion of the haze, and it had taken Kite a few seconds to manage. But unlike his friend, hard-working and driven as he may be, Kite had trained extensively with Gauntlet for just these kinds of situations, further tempered by the guidance of Ardent Horizon Seeker. As Kite drew close, guided by spiritual sense alone, Bloom managed to get his sword up just in time for an instinctive parry as he finally noticed Kite¡¯s approach. An instinct which, in this case, betrayed him as the first strike was made with one of Matra¡¯s descendants. Its dispelling attack shattered the sword of light before Kite¡¯s staff impacted the side of Bloom¡¯s head in a heavy, stunning strike before he followed up with a few more mana-draining one¡¯s during the brief moment of the other silver reeling back. Bloom did have good instincts though, tempered by experience in fighting through all the monsters which Bastion¡¯s surrounding and working for the guild would offer. He almost managed to disengage before Kite managed to lock him in place, first through the Inescapable affliction of the trio of vortices and then more physically with the barriers of Leyline warding. And when that failed, Bloom instead went as evasive and elusive he could while creating more and more offensive illusions through his phantasmagoria confluence in an attempt to ward Kite off and bog him down. Against many others, both monsters and essence-users, it would have made quite the difference; forcing them to retreat if not suffer outright defeat. But in his case, the sustained and heavy expenditure of mana led to him being unable to keep up with Kite who drank freely of the other man¡¯s magic through presence, attacks and retaliation all. Even striking Kite¡¯s barrier had become a trap these days, after all. ¡°I do believe that the bout is mine, Junior Brother Bloom,¡± Kite eventually said, laying his staff at the neck of the other man who was currently wobbling on his feet as the mana fatigue began to set in. ¡°Curses¡­¡± Bloom muttered, but did indeed step down as the haze around them vanished. ¡°What was that you did to my perception power? I have never felt so blind.¡± ¡°A sealing effect. While it cannot target your aura power, any other passive ones might find itself blocked,¡± Kite explained. ¡°I¡¯ve needed to get much practice in assessing or guessing lynchpins in my foes¡¯ paths. Most effective when used right, I assure you. Even if this is the first time I¡¯ve found myself wanting to go after the perception power. Thank you for this help in tempering my path,¡± he finished, allowing a bit of cheekiness to bleed into his comment. ¡°Bah, such nonsense should only be expected from the Pathbreaker,¡± Bloom muttered. ¡°Then I say we go again. I will need to temper myself further against your tricks.¡± He swallowed a mana-restoring pill and sat down to meditate, shaken by the sudden turn. But determined.
¡°Well, he is nothing but not driven,¡± Kite noted where he and Felicity sat next to the unconscious Bloom, waiting for him to once again recover enough mana. ¡°The guild is truly glad to have him among our ranks.¡± ¡°Oh, he is. Such a sweetheart,¡± Felicity agreed, seeming unbothered by her husband laying sprawled on the floor of the dueling arena. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking though, why did you suggest me taking such an unrestrained approach? I would first have assumed that letting him show off a bit more might have been more satisfying for him. Even though I suppose that his multiple attempts did go through most of his path.¡± ¡°Because that¡¯s what he truly needed, at least from how I know him,¡± Felicity said fondly. ¡°My dear Bloom is most fond of showing off, and his self-proclaimed rivalry with you drives him greatly. It gives him something to strive towards and have him constantly pondering new ways to improve, even though he somehow never fails to shower attention upon me between his contracts. While some superficial part of him might have thought him ready to hold firm against you this time, I am quite sure that he would soon have sensed any attempts at holding back on your end. And for the Bloom I know, not being taken seriously would have been a much more grievous blow. Now he can set new goals.¡± She looked at Kite, suddenly abashed. ¡°Oh, look at me rambling. Sorry.¡± ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be. It is honestly most heartwarming to see how much you think of him. And how well you know him.¡± ¡°Well, as his wife I must look out for his interests, don¡¯t I?¡± Felicity replied with a bright smile. ¡°Speaking of marriage though, I believe that I owe the two of you a gift. Seeing that it happened as I was away with Gauntlet.¡± ¡°Why Kite, that¡¯s so sweet of you. But you don¡¯t have to-¡± ¡°Please, I insist,¡± Kite said, using a gentle nudge of his aura to drive the point home. ¡°It is honestly the least I can do. Bloom might remember it differently, but our meeting next to the stream all those years ago feels quite fated now that hindsight provides some context. That encounter is not unlike a stepping stone for me, and our continued friendship and his help with the guild makes it a bond which I cherish. This makes the bond between the two of you all the more worthy of celebration.¡± The two continued to trade some stories of their memories of Bloom over the years. And, lying on the floor a short distance away, the prone - and barely conscious - man smiled.
As Raven¡¯s little aura slipped into the placid state of blissful sleep, Kite slowly rose from where he had sat at the edge of her bed. Seeing the now three year old girl clutching the stuffed toy rune tortoise - full scale, which meant that it was bigger than Raven in most dimensions - along with the awakening stone of the cloud which was the latest addition to her collection of shiny rocks, he couldn¡¯t help the widest of smiles which colored his features. ¡°Happy birthday, little Raven. May the heavens bless your fourth year as well.¡± He then made his silent exit, gently closing the door and joining his aunties, Dragonfly, Sprite, Will and Laevyeth who were spread out around the common room of the main house after an evening of celebration. ¡°Given how she clutched your gift even while asleep, Dragonfly, I would deem it a great success,¡± Kite said as he sat down next to his lover in one of the couches. ¡°Well that¡¯s a relief. Did you hear that, Sprite? Thanks for helping me pick it out.¡± Dragonfly¡¯s student straightened at the praise, but couldn¡¯t get very far as she was currently seated in front of auntie Dove while getting her hair braided and being clearly ambivalent about the whole experience. ¡°As the past year has been one to celebrate and remember until the end of days, may the heavens tremble before what we can accomplish in the one to come,¡± Will called from where he sat next to Laevyeth, their feet lightly touching as they partook of steaming hot tea. ¡°As soon as you get back from this auction trip, Kite, we should make plans to really test ourselves. Let no contract be left hanging on those boards!¡± ¡°Speaking of the trip, did you finish your list, auntie Dove?¡± Kite asked the woman, who sighed. ¡°I think so¡­ But there¡¯s probably so much I can¡¯t even imagine¡­ Vitesse¡­ The famed city of flowers,¡± she said wistfully. ¡°Use your best judgment, little Kite. Bring back as much as you can carry!¡± ¡°Any idea why the director chose Vitesse? Pranay should be closer,¡± Crow asked, looking up from the formation plate she was currently working on. ¡°According to him, distance. While I would definitely not be recognized by anyone in Pranay, the risk is even less once we cross the continent. With all the rumored exotics of the city, it is most probable that the fruit won¡¯t stand out enough to cause any problematic ripples,¡± Kite explained, before adding. ¡°But honestly, I believe that our dear director might also be a bit homesick. He is from Estercost, after all, and apparently hasn''t been home for over two decades. Seeing that he would manage the portal reservations, he won¡¯t find me complaining either.¡± Looking around the room at his friends and family, Kite smiled as he continued. ¡°Not that the current company leaves any room for complaints either. Thank you for your continued patience as it seems fate will once more carry me across the world. It¡¯s not entirely without risk for us this time, but I still find that Jarvan¡¯s words make a lot of sense.¡± ¡°Little Kite, you are probably the most worried in that regard. We trust your judgment,¡± Crow said, smiling slightly as she kept her eyes on her work. ¡°And we do need the help,¡± Dove added with a sigh. ¡°Just me working alone will take ages, and I freely admit that I lack the more analytical mindset for this kind of exploratory work. That tree is a marvel, but it¡¯ll just remain a frustrating one unless we change our approach.¡± ¡°Someday we¡¯ll have to go together too though,¡± Dragonfly added, leaning her head against Kite¡¯s side. ¡°Once Sprite is old enough for her essences, I¡¯m sure that things will be stable enough around here for us to see the world a bit more, like so many adventurers seem to do eventually.¡± ¡°Then let us toast to that, my ardent Dragonfly,¡± Kite said, raising his teacup and gently clinking it to hers as he once more looked around the room and the people therein, each important to him in their own way. ¡°To unknown riches, potential benefactors and future plans. Even if I admit to feeling quite wealthy here and now already.¡±
In the capital of Heavenward, the mountainous district of the heavenly stairway was bathed in the light of the winter moons. Much like the bustling city beneath, the loftier perches of Hua-Xi¡¯s most influential families saw traffic and activity at all hours. Essence-users required less sleep, after all, and while the darkness of night was less of an impediment to them, each family still prided itself in its display of colorful lanterns to bathe the streets outside in pleasant luminescence. Therefore, Little Crow Plucks the Moon had quite the view from where he sat on a balcony at his family¡¯s compound, relaxing with a good book and a small cup of fine wine. At least until he felt the nearby shadows emit a most potent presence as Obsidian Crow Unseen on Skies of Night - or Senior Brother Crow, as most silvers called the gold-ranker - made himself known. ¡°We finally have something to track,¡± the disembodied voice said as it spoke from the shadows. ¡°Oh? So you managed to get past the interference of their gold?¡± Little Crow asked, the book now forgotten as he sat straighter in his seat. ¡°Perhaps¡­ But given the previous hindrance they have proven, this lapse makes me wary,¡± Obsidian Crow replied. ¡°Still, it is plausible enough to be just that; a gap in their defenses, finally revealed. It isn¡¯t much though, but at least it is a thread. And sometimes, pulling on that one is enough for the whole tapestry to start to unravel. Ready yourself and the family, Little Crow. It seems like we will have to truly earn our keep in the months to come.¡± 213. Winter Bloom ¡°Hello and welcome to Riz¡¯s magnificent dimensional conveyances. One portal to Jayapura will soon be ready for your disposal! And wow, such a handsome new passenger as well! Say, I know many good places for a drink in our destination. Perhaps I could show you one or twelve while you await your connecting portal?¡± Kite and Jarvan, along with the rest of Kite¡¯s family who had come to see them off, had barely gotten the chance to say hello before the colorful elven portal user had burst into her usual spiel while honing in on the older man like a hawk spotting its prey. ¡°While flattering, this handsome passenger is happily - and most solidly - married,¡± Jarvan replied with a chuckle, even if he did preen a bit at the sudden attention. ¡°Well, shame for me but great for your spouse. But if you do find yourself available in the future, do keep this particular spatial-skipper in mind though! I assure you-¡± Kite, most amused, left Jarvan to fend for himself as he went over to his friends and family to say some proper farewells. ¡°Take care, little Kite. I know that this is much less dangerous than when you go away with Gauntlet, but even so! Vitesse is a big, big city from what I heard. Don''t accidentally offend a gold-ranker. I hear the city is filled with them to the brim!¡± Dove said anxiously after giving him a warm hug. ¡°I will endeavor to be most pleasant, auntie,¡± Kite said while moving on to embrace auntie Crow as well. ¡°We¡¯ll be looking for business and potential help, not trouble.¡± ¡°We aren¡¯t worried though, are we my Lady?¡± Will asked Laevyeth at his side as their turn for embraces and well-wishes came up. ¡°I¡¯m sure our dear Pathbreaker could make a splash in the local dueling scene too, should he wish!¡± ¡°Indeed, my Lord. And I knoweth for a fact that he can be subtle. Our discovery by the villain in Svyatograd was through no fault of his,¡± the outworlder added. ¡°Our well-wishes to thee, Kite. We shall endeavor to grow in strength until the day of thy return.¡± ¡°Which should not be too far off. Many contracts with Gauntlet have lasted far longer than we expect this trip to,¡± Kite said, but was interrupted from further comment as Dragonfly - true to form - sprang upon him in a hug that caused the ground beneath his feet to shudder slightly as Unyielding siphoned off the impact. ¡°You¡¯ve said that before, naughty Pathbreaker. The last time, you were delayed for weeks and came back with an outworlder in tow along with stories of fighting a gold-ranker. An amazing outworlder, sure, but let¡¯s not set too much of a precedent.¡± ¡°I will strive for some better results in that regard, I assure you,¡± Kite replied with a laugh, holding his lover for some time before eventually letting go. That only left Raven and Sprite last, the former sullenly hiding behind the latter. As such, Kite gave Sprite a more proper, respectful bow in farewell before crouching down. ¡°Brother will miss you a lot, little Raven. Do be nice to everyone now, and I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± At first, he only got a pouting nod in reply, with Raven refusing to meet his eyes as if doing so would only truly confirm the impending departure. But as Kite started to rise, he felt the determination give way within the aura of the three year old before Raven ran in for a fierce embrace, sticking to him even as he stood up more properly. She didn¡¯t say anything, but the hug conveyed enough, and when Kite eventually managed to deposit the girl with auntie Crow, he did get a wave of farewell before he set off towards his waiting Riz and Jarvan. ¡°Off to Vitesse then, director. I will be in your care.¡±
Before his time spent training and working with Gauntlet, Kite suspected that he might have been well and properly trampled if he had emerged onto the portal plaza of the famed city of flowers. Even today, it took a surprising amount of self control to not just immediately stop and gawk at the overwhelming impressions of one of the world''s true adventuring capitals, and Kite even felt a bit of pride in that he managed to go at least two dozen paces to a spot away from one of the main thoroughfares before truly drinking in his new surroundings. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s been too long,¡± Jarvan said wistfully from his side after having waved farewell to their portal courier. ¡°The winter gardens look particularly resplendent this year, but it might be my long absence coloring my impressions.¡± ¡°This¡­ is how they look in the winter?¡± Kite managed to get out. ¡°By the heavens, then what is spring like?¡± Even though the winters were very mild in southern Estercost, they were still just that; winters. Colder, drab and generally more miserable for everyone involved even though no snow fell. And yet, the manifold towers of the city were still absolutely covered in flowers of all colors, as was many other parts of the city Kite could see. In addition to that, it was a city where magic was truly on full display. Flashing enchantments decorated every storefront, and air traffic was heavy as everything from the ubiquitous floating discs to exotic familiar mounts criss-crossed the airspace in a display that was as chaotic as it was impressive. ¡°There is a reason that the flower festival causes people from all over the world to flock here. And it¡¯s not just the wines, trust me,¡± Jarvan replied. ¡°I might not be from the city, but as an Estercostian adventurer, one will almost inevitably find themselves here often enough.¡± Glint had also perked up inside her new bottle, which was more akin to a small jar due to the extra wide opening, and she too seemed a bit overwhelmed as she tried taking in all the impressions. ¡°Where to then, director? Kite asked. ¡°The auction house?¡± ¡°We might as well head there directly and see when the next auction is held and turn in your contribution for appraisal,¡± Jarvan agreed. ¡°While they are held regularly, there might still be a few days to wait. Not like we cannot keep ourselves entertained in a place like this though. I wonder if the Ruby Rooster is still open? Oh well, we can check that out later. Do you mind helping us along, Glint? The trip will be much faster through the air lanes.¡± For once, the familiar seemed almost too overwhelmed to give a proper response, and as such the carp only nodded before floating out and growing to her much larger, serpentine form. The appreciative and interested looks which were drawn by her glittering scales and crystal antlers did cause any distraction to wear off rather quickly, and Glint was soon showing off her full, graceful splendor to all who would watch as they let Jarvan guide them through the airspace of Vitesse. ¡°-and over there is the Remore academy. And I suppose it¡¯s hard to miss the grander temples there to the north. Oh, and there¡¯s the adventure society campus. Almost like a small city unto itself. Did you know-¡± Jarvan was in full guide-mode, guiding the others¡¯ attention to points of interest as they crossed between flowery spires. ¡°-and not all of them are airship ports either. Many affluent families, like the Gellers, make their home in some of them as a kind of informal seat of power. Oh, but there is the auction house we¡¯re looking for.¡± It turned out that ¡®house¡¯ was a bit too modest a word for the manor-like complex which rose from part of the more mercantile districts of the city; a monolith of fine marble seeming to exude a sense of dignified wealth. ¡°It¡­¡± Kite began, words faltering as he tried to take it in. ¡°Quite something, no?¡± Jarvan said with a grin. ¡°Never visited one of the bigger auction halls during you stays with Gauntlet?¡± ¡°There has never really been time for that during contracts. And Gauntlet is rarely needed in the biggest metropolises whose higher-ranked guardians tend to be able to handle attempted darker congregations. Or perhaps those are more often assigned to Gauntlet¡¯s inner members, with their set teams?¡± Kite mused. ¡°Well, I assure you that you won¡¯t be disappointed,¡± Jarvan said, guiding Glint to swerve into another lane and draw closer to their destination. ¡°There are actually several auction halls of different sizes inside. You have the grand hall of course, for the most public spectacles. But many others are held, most being invitation-only for those in the right social circles. At least that¡¯s what the rumors say, as your dear branch director - while most worldly and impressive in both means and station - have never been quite so influential as to get said invitations.¡± They landed at an assigned spot in the outer courtyard of the auction house, quickly getting out of the way once Glint shrunk back to carp size so that they weren¡¯t in the way of the frequent stream of traffic. Here, the auras were even thicker and more densely packed as the clientele of an establishment like this were almost exclusively essence-users. Silvers were even the norm, so neither Kite nor Jarvan stood out in any particular way. Even Kite¡¯s metallic tattoos barely drew a glance from those passing around them. ¡°I have the main item with me of course, but I also hoped to perhaps trade some essences for the guild. Do you think that I can do both?¡± Kite asked Jarvan as they passed into a lavish entry hall and walked to an adjacent section labeled for those seeking appraisals. ¡°Oh, undoubtedly,¡± Jarvan replied. ¡°Essence auctions are probably running regularly, as well as the trading systems we have at home. But I believe that the staff at the counter over there will probably be able to give us all the details as long as we''re patient.¡± As there was a bit of a line, the pair sat down to wait until they were called around a quarter of an hour later. Soon enough, they were seated in one of many booths dividing a long counter into several partitions, and a privacy screen sprang up around them and the celestine clerk. She was a core-using bronze-ranker, and had hair and eyes like malachite. And everything about her, from her posture to the neat and tidy uniform she wore to her controlled aura screamed professionalism. ¡°Greetings, patrons. I am Sephia, junior functionary of this auction house. How may I be of service?¡± Even though the greeting was probably repeated many, many times each day, Kite was impressed with the level of presence she managed to infuse into it, causing him to sit a bit straighter in his seat. ¡°Greetings to you in turn, honored functionary,¡± he replied, once more going by the assumption that politeness rarely led one astray. ¡°I have a few items which I would like to put up for appraisal and potential auction. We have traveled far to be here today, and I will admit that I know little of the details surrounding these things.¡± ¡°Of course. If you¡¯d please deposit the items with me one at a time, along with what you know about them, I will make sure to take notes and have our appraisers look at them. You are aware of the fees which the auction house asks for?¡± ¡°I am,¡± Kite replied, having been somewhat informed by Jarvan. ¡°Excellent. Please produce the first item.¡± Kite did so, putting down the tentacle essence which Laevyeth had produced. Hopefully, it would net enough to trade for some other, more common or niche ones for the guild. ¡°One tentacle essence,¡± Sephia noted, having conjured a slender pencil from thin air. Kite followed with some more from the guild¡¯s vault; decently popular ones that would fetch a good prize or be able to be traded for multiple others. Given the guild¡¯s focus and recent popularity, quantity won out over popularity. ¡°Excellent,¡± the functionary noted when he was done. ¡°Essence auctions are held regularly, and I can already assure you that they will be put up for sale. Anything else?¡± ¡°Well, yes. This one is perhaps more exotic,¡± Kite said, producing one of the two remaining fruits from the grand tree in his astral space. It was contained in a stasis cylinder fueled by spirit coins so as to not risk it losing its potency during parts of the transit where it had to be kept outside a dimensional bag. ¡°It is a fruit found in an astral space.¡± ¡°Understood. Any specific properties you have observed? Do note that our appraisers will do their own investigations nonetheless, so overstating any effects will do you no service.¡± This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. ¡°Quite understood. So far, we have only one instance of consumption when my bound familiar here felt that the fruit was most alluring. This caused a week of sleep, before-¡± Kite did his best to summarize the process, choosing to trust in the famed discretion of the auction house. At the end, he even coaxed Glint out of her bottle to show her crystal antlers. ¡°I¡­ see,¡± Sephia replied, her hesitation the first show of surprise so far. ¡°This would no doubt fall beneath the categories of exotic goods, which always requires more verification and study of property. Knowing the additional fees for such a process, do you still wish to turn it in?¡± ¡°Yes please,¡± Kite replied, gently pushing it across the counter. ¡°Then I will have to ask you to please lay your hand on this stone and imprint your aura. If you have an adventure society badge, it will be helpful if you do the same with it as well.¡± Kite did as asked and was given a small chit in turn; like a ceramic coin in which he could feel traces of his own spirit. ¡°Please return tomorrow for the results of the appraisal,¡± Sephia told them politely after having stashed the objects in a separate dimensional satchel. While still professional and precise in her motions, she did handle the stasis cylinder with extra care before turning back to Kite and Jarvan, lowering the privacy screen. ¡°We thank you for entrusting us with your goods. May Merchant bless your sale. Next!¡±
Leman Poroux was most fond of his job. While his two siblings, adventurers both, may still keep poking fun at their core-using brother even after one-hundred and fifty years for his choice of path, Leman felt that it was he who truly saw adventure each day; one fragment at a time. Working as an appraiser for the grand auction house of Vitesse let him come into contact with grand items of all kinds; from ancient enchanted swords to odd artifacts created by looting powers or artwork liberated from old and lost collections around the world. Given his long service and essence-powers that lent themselves well to the task, Leman was also good at his job. Very good. Good enough even that him reaching gold rank through cores wasn¡¯t an impossibility as the auction house paid premium to make sure that his loyalties did not stray. Given his senior station and long experience, it wasn¡¯t to anyone¡¯s surprise when Adrie Gorman announced herself by his office door through a pulse of her aura, entering as soon as Leman had pulsed his in return. ¡°Problems, Adrie?¡± Leman asked from where he was seated at his desk while using a set of varying lenses to inspect an old signet ring which carried a rather antique and mysterious enchantment. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to disturb you, Leman, but you are right; I¡¯ve found myself quite stumped as to where to begin with an object that was turned in today,¡± Adrie said, remaining in the doorway. The elf was a silver-ranker just like Leman, but he had a good hundred years and change on her when it came to age and professional experience both. Still, she wore the crisp blue suit of the auction house staff well these days. ¡°You may not be my student anymore, Adrie, but I did say that my door would always remain open to you. Let our pursuit of knowledge continue to unite us, no?¡± he asked with a smile and a bit of well-hidden pride. It was so easy to feel superfluous as a mentor once the young ones made full appraisers in their own right, after all. ¡°Oogle, would you please continue studying this piece while I go help my dear colleague?¡± As he spoke, Leman let the addressed familiar manifest from his own eyes; a flying collection of eyeballs which moved much like a school of fish might as they swept over to the desk and started inspecting ring from each and every direction, complete with spectrums of color unavailable to Leman even with his eye essence. ¡°Thank you, Leman,¡± Adrie said as he fell into step beside her for the short walk to her own office. ¡°It¡¯s a fruit, and you know how I still fall short with the more obscure flora.¡± ¡°A good time to learn more for us both then,¡± Leman replied good-naturedly. ¡°By the way, what did that banner last week sell for? The one with Champion¡¯s heraldry?¡± ¡°Only one and a half percent above my estimate,¡± Adrie replied with obvious pride. ¡°Then your hard work delving into those old records paid off. Congratulations! What will you do with the bonus?¡± ¡°I have kids to feed and essence up, Leman. They¡¯re like the most loveable spatial tear, but you can pour how much money, time and love upon them you like and there will still always be room for more.¡± They reached Adrie¡¯s office and, true to her words, a fruit rested atop her desk. It was kept in a stasis cylinder which meant that Adrie hadn¡¯t felt the need to deactivate the thing for more samples yet. ¡°I see you remember my lessons well, Adrie,¡± Leman said while leaning in for a closer look. ¡°If you need to risk the integrity of an object to-¡± ¡°-to do your job, you¡¯re already past the point where you should have called in an expert.¡± Adrie finished. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want a repeat of that story with the sparkling potion. Lesson well and truly learned,¡± the elf finished, wincing at errors long in the past. ¡°Anything your powers can give me? Your essences will always carry an edge over mine.¡± ¡°We shall see, we shall see,¡± Leman muttered forlornly. He had already activated powers of his knowledge essence and started taking in the fruit. It looked like a pink peach covered in blue webbing, with a pair of leaves in a similar shade at its stem. ¡°What did the seller state of its effect? Unknown?¡± ¡°No, not this one,¡± Adrie said, looking for the note to make sure she didn¡¯t get anything wrong. ¡°Apparently, this fruit is claimed to have made permanent additions to the seller¡¯s bound familiar, unlocking a new aspect of powers.¡± ¡°Sounds quite unlikely,¡± Leman scoffed. The claims of the sellers were almost always overstated in one way or another. But where they painted a picture of grandeur, people like Leman and Adrie made sure to dig out the truth. ¡°It did. But so far I am stumped in both confirming or denying such a claim.¡± ¡°Well, let me see what I can¡­ ¡° Leman muttered as his analysis spell from his knowledge essence had finally compiled its results. It had taken him quite some time to truly master the nuances of the identification procedures, especially given the interference which rank and other odd effects could have on the information. But Leman was an old hand at this, and as the first results started coming in as instinctual knowledge in his mind he kept casting different spells while compartmentalizing the results for later summary rather than let his judgment be clouded by the initial findings. Some of the spells had a longer cooldown which made him reserve them for cases just like this. Adrie was a friend, after all. ¡°There¡­ Done. Let us see here then,¡± he muttered, eyes flickering as he took in the torrent of knowledge which started to paint a metaphorical picture before his eyes. Eyes which soon widened. ¡°What? What is it?¡± Adrie asked, sensing the startle in her former mentor¡¯s aura. ¡°It¡­ It seems to be true,¡± Leman said, amazed as he once more reviewed the results. ¡°At least from what I can gather. An oddity in its structure, probably from an astral space. But my power doesn¡¯t contradict anything from the statement, even if some pieces are still missing. Remarkable.¡± ¡°But if that¡¯s the case, then this would be worthy of the grand auction, no? This surely has to be a unique oddity, which means an equally unique opportunity,¡± Adrie asked, excitement clear in her voice. ¡°That¡­ might indeed be the case,¡± Leman agreed. ¡°And that would also mean yet another feather in your cap, my friend!¡± ¡°Or rather yours, Leman. I believe I did use the word ¡®stumped¡¯ before, no?¡± ¡°A shared endeavour then? There is enough glory for both of us for such a find.¡± ¡°... Fine. But I¡¯ll remember this, Leman. It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t owe you enough already,¡± Adrie finally relented with a smile. ¡°What are favors between friends, no? And still, if we consider putting this up for the grand auction, I¡¯d say we¡¯d best still call in an outside expert to verify. It¡¯ll eat a bit into our bonuses, but it will be worth it to not risk the embarrassment of being found wrong.¡± ¡°Of course, but who? Some of the botanists from the magic society?¡± ¡°A decent choice, Adrie, but in this case I do believe that I have a certain contact who should eclipse them,¡± Leman replied with a knowing smile. ¡°One of Gaia¡¯s seedlings is still in the city after all. One that I know well enough to have them at least entertain a request from me. And they will probably be quite interested in this curiosity we¡¯ve found ourselves with.¡±
¡°- and then you swirl it like this to really release the aroma. Breathe it in- yes, just like that - and let the taste that comes with it linger in your mouth; a herald of-¡± ¡°Director?¡± ¡°Yes, Kite?¡± ¡°Is all of this¡­ truly necessary?¡± Kite asked where he sat and dutifully swirled a glass of flower wine. A truly huge glass, at least compared to what he was used to from back home. Did one really need to imbibe so much at once? Jarvan, seeming very much to be as into the experience as his enthusiastic instruction indicated, froze mid-smell at his words and managed to look quite aghast. ¡°Kite! The proper imbibing of flower wine is a tradition older than many kingdoms! How else could one truly enjoy this magnificence?¡± he asked indignantly, giving the pale blue liquid in his glass another swirl. ¡°Given what it cost, I do suppose that one should make it last,¡± Kite hesitated, hiding the smile threatening to break out as he kept teasing Jarvan. And it looked to have worked, as Jarvan¡¯s eyes widened before he seemed to catch on, turning the expression to a suffering shake of his head. ¡°Jarvan, you¡¯re slipping. You have way too many adult children to let yourself be goaded like that,¡± he sighed. ¡°But at least admit that the ambience is quite something?¡± The last question was accompanied by a small sweep of his arm out to the vista beyond the terrace where the pair sat. It showed a splendid view of Vitesse at dusk, with several of the blooming spires in sight above the ever bustling cityscape where you could always find one magical wonder or another as long as you looked long enough. As it turned out, several of the flower species apparently kept glowing even as the darkness gradually kept upon them, which only heightened the experience. ¡°I would be a liar and a fool to deny that,¡± Kite agreed, smiling as his expanded field of vision let him take in even more of the sight at once. The pair lapsed into a companionable silence for a while before Kite eventually asked; ¡°Do you think that you and Fantina will return here? Once your tenure in Hua-Xi is over?¡± ¡°To visit? Definitely. But to live? No, that is unlikely. Perhaps if we are to truly settle down at gold rank it might be worth it. You¡¯ve seen the streets, Kite. Sure, Estercost is an amazing place and its magical density will ensure that the manifestations - and therefore adventuring work - always keeps coming. But there are already adventurers aplenty here, which means that unless we want to involve ourselves in some guild here and the politicking that no doubt follows, we might see our long-delayed progress take quite some time as we elbow our way to what contracts we can.¡± He smiled wistfully, looking out over the cityscape. ¡°Places like Hua-Xi sure have their downsides, but there is a good reason why I chose to accept the position in Gilded, as it would let my children start out and find their initial way in the world on their own. Choose their own path and all that. Sure, many leave to join one of the family teams but some, like Noel, find other endeavors which suit them. The lower magic zones of the world do give that freedom even if the contracts themselves are less lucrative. So as to your question, both Fantina and I are in agreement that we will pick up adventuring again. But we¡¯ll start out somewhere a bit more modest than grand Vitesse.¡± Jarvan¡¯s words left Kite in a thoughtful mood, with images of possible futures for himself playing before his mind¡¯s eye before he eventually raised his glass in an attempt at a more classic Estercostian toast. ¡°To humble beginnings with great potential then?¡± ¡°Angle the glass slightly. Aaand remember the pinky- there we go,¡± Jarvan directed before clinking his glass against Kite¡¯s with a smile.
Despina the Bloom-Shepherd felt a bit of the exhilaration of spring in her step when she entered the rooftop garden that was her home, even though the season itself was still a month or so away. While not in one of Vitesse¡¯s famous spires, her dwelling still had quite the view over the blooming city in all its winter splendor; an open gazebo of verdant growth. Walls would only serve to separate Despina from the elements of nature, and being a gold-ranker as well as a dryad meant that such a divide would only weaken her instead of shelter. But for one of her kind, Despina was also most metropolitan as she had lived in Vitesse for a long, long time, as was evident by the fine furniture, enchanted bathtub and extensive wardrobe which decorated the garden. None of these creature comforts were even close to the forefront of her mind though as she strode up to the tree at its center. Some would call it ¡®her¡¯ tree, and Despina still found that a most amusing misconception, but one that she had no qualms in letting them keep proliferating. She was it and it was her in equal measure, after all. But that tree also served as a link to something greater; the once-seed now an impressive hazel tree. Even grown, it - and therefore Despina too - served as a bridge to their progenitor in more ways than one. And as Despina laid her hand against the oh so familiar bark, that connection quickly grew from a whisper to a stream as her mana flowed into it. ¡°I can feel you, little seedling. You are excited. What counsel do you seek from your progenitor?¡± The words resonated from within the bough, not really sound but still registering like a whisper to Despina¡¯s spirit; old, very old. But also patient and kind. ¡°Great Gaia,¡± Despina said in return, knowing that her words would carry back through the connection. ¡°I was called to the grand auction hall today as Leman Poroux once more asked for my assistance in verifying the traits of a peculiar fruit.¡± ¡°Ah¡­ I see¡­ And since you come calling to me, I assume that it is something you believe could be of interest to the Grove?¡± ¡°I do. This is probably the most interesting specimen I have seen in the last three decades.¡± ¡°Then please explain more.¡± Despina did, and as she eventually fell silent after finishing her explanation she could feel her progenitor¡¯s approval, as well as curiosity, through their connection. ¡°It would seem that your life in that city continues to be to our advantage, even contrary to my earlier misgivings. It was recent¡­ right?¡± ¡°Two centuries now, great Gaia.¡± ¡°Recent then, as I said. But back to the matter at hand. I will, of course, grant you leave to use what resources from the Grove you find necessary. Procure that fruit, little seedling. And see if you can¡¯t find out more about how and where some little adventurer found such a treat.¡± 214. The grand auction of Vitesse ¡°Konrad, come on let¡¯s just go.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t believe we¡¯re just going to take this lying down, Chantelle. We - the Sun Wraiths - bled for that thing. That appraiser had to either be lying or drunk. You saw how it shone-¡± ¡°Konrad, it''s the grand auction house. They don¡¯t make mistakes like that. It¡¯s not their fault that we got conned. You need to accept that and move on.¡± ¡°No! We didn¡¯t! There¡¯s no way-¡± Both Kite and Jarvan made a point not staring at the group of four silver-rankers exiting the grand auction hall¡¯s foyer just as they entered, with one of the humans of the group - apparently named Konrad - being all but bodily hauled from the building by a huge and heavily built runic woman which seemed to be his teammate. ¡°She¡¯s right. The grand auction house isn¡¯t perfect in its estimates down to the last lesser coin, but they don¡¯t make those kinds of mistakes,¡± Jarvan murmured once the group was out of silver-ranked earshot. ¡°And they surely don¡¯t short-sell their clients either. Purity¡¯s prunes, just imagine how much their reputation is worth to them.¡± ¡°Fortune be willing, we hopefully won¡¯t have to leave with disappointment equal to theirs,¡± Kite agreed, following Jarvan towards the hall with the many clerks receiving listings. Recognizing the malachite-haired celestine from yesterday at one of the booths further into the room, they got in line and eventually found themselves seated across from Sephia. ¡°Greetings, honored functionary,¡± Kite said, giving a short bow as he laid out his token on the table. ¡°Are we perhaps blessed enough that the appraisal of the item we turned in yesterday is done?¡± ¡°One moment, and I will check,¡± the celestine woman replied, still brimming with the same professionality as yesterday as she touched Kite¡¯s token to an enchanted stone slate while gesturing with her other hand which caused a stack of papers to float gently into the air as it seemed to rifle through itself. ¡°Ah, here we are. It seems to have been completed and-¡± Both Kite and Jarvan straightened as they felt the startle in the bronze-ranker¡¯s aura even though the only outward sign of it was the pause, that alone was enough given her earlier composure. ¡°Is¡­ something amiss?¡± Kite asked as Sephia¡¯s aura calmed somewhat. ¡°My apologies, I was simply surprised. It isn¡¯t too often we get items in this price range from a silver-ranker. On behalf of the auction house, I am pleased to inform you that the fruit you left with us has been deemed worthy to be auctioned off during our most prestigious event. Should you wish for it, the next grand auction is held in nine days, and a private booth will be provided to you as a contributor of one of the most highly valued listings. Here are the detailed information and going rates,¡± she finished, sliding a small stack of papers across the counter. Kite picked them up and quickly started going through them while Jarvan read over his shoulders. It stated the different appraisers involved in the process and their verdicts as to the authenticity of the object, the cut which the auction house would receive in the case of a sale and a starting price at¡­ ¡°That¡­ that is a lot of gold spirit coins,¡± Kite breathed, reading and re-reading the number. Jarvan in turn only laughed out loud, clapping a hand on Kite¡¯s shoulder to steady himself. While Sephia threw him a slightly disapproving look, the privacy screen surrounding them would mask the reaction for most anyone else. ¡°Merchant¡¯s mighty manhood, Kite,¡± Jarvan eventually managed to get out, earning himself a disapproving frown from the clerk. ¡°I mean, I suspected it might be interesting to some important people, but this? Well, suddenly your family compound seems a lot smaller than it could be. Or perhaps should.¡± Sephia took the moment of silence which followed as an opportunity to continue. ¡°Do you wish to confirm the listing now, or do you wish for some time to consider?¡± Collecting himself somewhat, Kite once more gave a quick bow to the clerk before he replied. ¡°It would be my pleasure to confirm the listing at once, honored clerk. Not taking this opportunity would be beyond foolish. Tell me, is it possible to add some information and a request to be announced along with the item at the auction?¡± ¡°Of course, esteemed patron.¡± ¡°Excellent. Then I have a few choice words I¡¯d wish to add before we will bid you farewell. It seems we will now have a couple of additional days to spend in this grand city. And, should everything go well, this most fortuitous development opens up a whole new host of options.¡±
¡°And- this- is why- you- don¡¯t- neglect- your- grappling-¡± Soul said, punctuating some of the words with a fierce jab to the trapped axeman¡¯s face. His weapon, a brutal, double-bladed thing with serrated edges and enchantments increasing its momentum did little of all the severing and slashing which the wielder had promised upon the start of their duel as it was instead harmlessly pinned to the ground along with its wielder¡¯s arm. The man in question, a silver-ranker clad in the colors of the Flowing Viper sect, did put up some fight as he struggled to get loose from Soul ignobly pinning him to the stone ground of her arena. But from the way he had so far failed to produce any kind of power which could dislodge either himself or Soul, the man was left with his silver-ranked body and technique. And they were both found sorely wanting. ¡°Fight- fight me, outcast wench!¡± he slurred between the blows before once more trying to spit blood up at Soul. To his credit, the attempt was actually an attack made possible by his blood essence which turned the blood into long needles which carried potent venom. But it was nothing new, and much like before Soul used her greater speed to flick the projectiles away before punching him again, this time with a fist glowing with transcendent light. ¡°I am, in front of Warrior and onlookers both,¡± she commented matter-of-factly as he was momentarily stunned by her flashing fist. ¡°It is through no fault of mine that you are performing your part so poorly. Her response this time was only a snarl as the man heaved again, failing to throw her off even while he unleashed more toxic blood,this time in a wave erupting from his body. As there was no dodging while keeping her hold, Soul simply activated a pair of her boons in response to reduce damage and heighten her regeneration while trusting another special ability to deal with the toxin in short order. A worthwhile trade, it turned out, as it also let her land a heavy elbow strike to his throat on her way down from an attempt to heave her off. The following wheeze let Soul shift and further grip his head in a firm hold between her thighs - which caused a not inconsiderable amount of jealous looks from some among the audience - while her shins still pressed down on the prone man¡¯s arms long enough for her to finish the bout and a few, mighty hammer blows which threatened to crack the stones beneath with their resounding force. ¡°Victory goes to Soul, blessed of Warrior and Mistress of the Autumn arena!¡± called the acolyte of Warrior who was currently presiding as the man between her thighs fell limp in body and spirit both. Soul released her hold and nimbly rose to her feet, casting a glance which indicated that she would quiz them of the bout later to the guild members who kept returning to the arena time and time again no matter how she protested. It was only when she felt several silver-ranked auras push against hers that she actually stopped to properly take in the others who had crowded into the floor of the arena. ¡°S-such dishonor towards the inner disciple! Have you now shame, outcast?¡± a woman in the robes of the Flowing Viper sect demanded, backed up by three more equally outraged members. ¡°It demands retribution, swift and brutal! The honor of the Flowing Viper demands no less! You will regret-¡± ¡°Get in line, little snakes. The blessed one has said she will take on all challengers who wish, and we¡¯ve been waiting for our chance of tempering with the dignity that befits upstanding members of a sect of any true importance. I recommend that you do the same.¡± To Soul¡¯s surprise, another woman - a tall elf with pale blue hair and lips - had teleported from her place among the audience to stand at Soul¡¯s side, with her companions already moving in to gather behind her. Soul did not know her name, but recognized the robes of the Fated Severance sect, meaning that this group had also traveled far. ¡°You dare? Does the Fated Severance sect side with outcasts now, getting in the way of proper retribution?¡± the other inner disciple called back, but seemed a lot less sure of herself now that there were five other silvers looming behind Soul. ¡°I, Cobalt Breath, Inner Disciple of the Fated Severance sect, have heard rumors of this champion in the north, blessed by Warrior as an incarnation of skill and prowess,¡± the elf replied calmly even though her aura was fierce and solid. ¡°Much like you have, I surmise, or you wouldn¡¯t have come crawling here, little snake. Your Inner Disciple here knew what he was getting into. Now cease this misconduct and either take your place in the line of petitioners looking to fight the blessed one or leave. Either way you sully the purity of this arena with your tantrum, a place dedicated to combat beneath the glorious gaze of Warrior.¡± The disciples of the Flowing Viper bristled at the words, but it did not take more than a quick glance around to see that the others of the audience had nothing but looks of disdain to offer them. Their parting threats barely registered to Soul as they dragged their fallen fellow from the arena, as the celestine instead turned to regard Cobalt Breath with a raised eyebrow. ¡°We are sorry for the interruption, blessed one,¡± the elf said in return. ¡°But word of your prowess and the purity of this place of tempering has spread far and wide even with its¡­ unconventional foundation in this guild of yours. We have come far, as have others, in order to test ourselves as warriors first and sect members second. It only felt proper to denounce those fools who interrupted your proceedings.¡± Soul regarded the other woman for a while before she eventually responded with a single nod. ¡°Then may the next challenger approach. I need no time to recover from this last one. May Warrior bless me with more of a challenge.¡±
¡°Why director, you look most impressive,¡± Kite noted as Jarvan joined him in the lobby of the hotel in which they had stayed during the past week in the city of flowers. The director was wearing a gray suit in the Vitesse style with embroideries and cufflinks in gold which matched his fair hair, now neatly trimmed to further hint at the lion¡¯s mane which Kite had always likened it to in his head. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not often I get a chance to visit a proper tailor,¡± Jarvan replied, adjusting his sleeves. ¡°No offense to the Hua-Xi fashion, but it does feel good to wear a proper suit again. But you wear your native style well too, I suppose. I did say that mister V was a master of many styles and regions, did I not?¡± ¡°Once more, I am awed by your worldliness,¡± Kite replied cheekily, even if he had to admit that he was most pleased with how the enigmatic tailor had managed a proper set of midnight blue robes in the style of his homeland while playing with the cut of the sleeves and the arrangement of the buttons just enough to hint at the local fashions. ¡°Let us be off then. And do remember to give your regards to Glint. She has been working on her outfit for quite some time.¡± If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The familiar was already waiting outside for them in her larger, serpentine form which now wore a mesh of thin golden chains across her back which even looped up into her crystalline horns where other pale gems hung like the charms of some fairytale spirit. Glint was already accepting impressed glances from plenty of passersby, but was otherwise happy to be off towards their destination and her true chance to show off. ¡°A good night, my bond. A good night indeed,¡± she noted as they streaked along the still heavy air traffic of the Vitesse evening in the light of the magical city beneath. ¡°Try not to steal the spotlight too much, little beauty,¡± Kite said fondly, patting one of Glint¡¯s shimmering scales. ¡°One does not steal what already belongs to her.¡± As it turned out, the grand auction was quite the event even by Vitesse standards, only dampened somewhat by its regularity. But given its status as one of the adventuring capitals of the world, there was simply so many curiosities coming into the city at any given time that the frequency was due to simple demand. As such, it had also become an event where the mighty found reason to gather, mingle and make connections even though they might not have any actual interest in the listed items. Drawing close, it was easy to make out the line of gold-rankers heading towards their assigned entrance in one type of exotic transport or the other, while Kite, Glint and Jarvan instead joined the much longer line of silvers hoping to make deals and contacts in equal measure. With so many auras squeezed into one place, the norm was to keep one¡¯s spirit both contained and relatively close as any slip up could attract the attention of some disgruntled gold. The wait was a pleasant one though, with the mild winter evening combined with the many exotic essence-users around providing something new to notice each moment. And even in that crowd, the now adorned Glint did get her fair share of appreciative glances, further highlighted by the faint veil of glittering mist she had conjured to coil around herself. Once they arrived at the entrance platform for those who approached through the air, Kite and Jarvan dismounted through easy leaps before Glint shifted to her draconian form and joined them. The thin gold chains shifted with her, rearranging themselves into a long dress in the local fashion; sleeveless and leaving much of the back exposed. ¡°Hats off to your tailor, Glint. Or perhaps goldsmith?¡± Jarvan mused with an appreciative clapping of hands. ¡°I can see why you¡¯ve been spending so much time there during the last week. Attuning those enchantments to your shifting couldn¡¯t have been easy.¡± ¡°A worthwhile endeavor, to be sure,¡± Glint agreed while she stepped ahead of them to strike a pose for an onlooker with a recording crystal before rejoining the others as they entered the huge lobby adjoining the huge main auction hall. While the opulent space - complete with plenty refreshments available for purchase from a multitude of bars - wasn¡¯t tiered or otherwise split into sections, anyone with an aura sense would still be able to easily feel the different heights of power gathering and sorting themselves like light split through a prism. The golds mostly kept to themselves while followed around by lower-ranked attendants or family members while the mix among the silvers was greater but still easily noted. ¡°Some things apparently are the same anywhere,¡± Kite noted as he looked around the gathering from where the trio had stopped near a small alcove after purchasing drinks. ¡°Such is the hierarchy of power,¡± Jarvan agreed. ¡°Most golds I¡¯ve met are decent people, but after a time of moving in a bit of a different world and timeframe than many of us of lower rank they tend to gravitate more and more towards their peers.¡± While the mingling continued, it was easy to note a few draconians carefully making their way closer to the trio. Or more specifically, towards Glint, but they were each left disappointed as the chime announcing the start of the auction interrupted their social prowl. A short queuing later, Kite and the others found themselves following an auction house attendant through more narrow corridors and stairs around the grand auction hall, eventually ending up in the private booth they had been promised. ¡°The panels here control the privacy screens as well as the sound distortion, should you wish to use it when making any bids of your own,¡± the elven attendant explained while gesturing around the small but comfortable circular space containing four lavish armchairs and tables brimming with different kinds of snacks. The booth was like a small balcony which jutted out into the conical auction hall, the walls gradually narrowing down the the floor level where more cramped seats were arrayed in lines before the podium where the auctioneer would hold their mercantile court in the hours to come. The trio got seated after thanking the attendant and Kite leaned back in his armchair and just took a moment to really take in the gathering of the mighty. Unlike what he would have thought, the golds were surprisingly divided in where they sat as they either occupied the largest private booths at the very top of the hall or the seats closest to the podium. ¡°Ah, this takes me back,¡± Jarvan said as he finished pouring himself another drink. ¡°Me and Fantina got to accompany my uncle here back when we were just early bronze-rankers. I remember sitting down there and just trying to keep holding my aura under control and not embarrass myself.¡± ¡°Amusing, as I feel a bit of the same even as a silver with a private booth,¡± Kite admitted. ¡°I¡¯ve never been in the presence of so many golds at the same time before.¡± ¡°And you probably won¡¯t be outside of gatherings like this. Even in the high-magic parts of the world, it¡¯s not like they¡¯re that common in the grand scheme of things. It usually takes events like this to get this many to gather. But speaking of events, it looks like things are about to start off.¡± Jarvan¡¯s words were accompanied by the susurrus of murmuring voices dying down as a runic woman with brilliant golden runes visible across her scalp, face and bare arms took to the stage. She too was a gold-ranker, and enchantments on the podium let her words carry across the entirety of the hall with ease. ¡°Welcome, one and all, to the grand auction of Vitesse; the foremost seat of magical wonders in all the world! For those who don¡¯t know me, I am Marielle du Fleurlevoux; head auctioneer and curator of this establishment. It is not every auction where I choose to personally officiate, but with the interesting set of wonders listed tonight, I simply could not keep away as Lord Merchant would surely have smote me thoroughly if I neglected such wonderful goods.¡± The presentation continued as Lady du Fleurlevoux went over the rules of the proceedings. As he had taken a look at the listings beforehand, Kite had quickly realized that many of the more unique things were probably out of his price range as he was not bold enough to assume that the sale of the fruit would truly go for something along with what the listing told. Using money one did not have was a surefire way to trouble, after all. With the introductions out of the way, the grand auction of Vitesse began in earnest. Kite found the process surprisingly fascinating, both the items themselves as well as the obvious skill with which Lady du Fleurlevoux set the mood for each new listing. Some were made to seem most mysterious and rare while others were presented with excitement and flair, and he had to really center himself and keep a tight grip on his spirit to not be swept up in the excitement and add bids on listings which he was only passably interested in. And during one particular listing - an impressive and unique silver-ranked growth item in the form of a greatsword - another reason for the Lady¡¯s presence today was revealed. ¡°-and as I said, Ratainne, my family will not look kindly upon you attempting to drive the prize up even though you know we will get it in the end. None of your brats are fit for the sword anyway, making your attempt as obvious as it is pathetic.¡± ¡°That just shows how ill informed you are, Chambers. My grand-nephew has just come of age and absorbed his essences. He¡¯ll be a mighty champion, mark my words, and this blade will be perfect for him when he comes of age. Now step aside and end this farce. You have been trying to shove my family down for too long!¡± The shouting match was between a pair of gold-rankers who, after an extended series of bids, had started letting their frustrations with each other get a bit more heated than what was proper. Along with the heated emotions, their auras had started to gradually slip as well which left their clashing spirits like an oppressive weight over the room. That is, until Lady du Fleurlevoux stepped in. ¡°Gentlemen,¡± the runic said as her own aura, previously only a background whisper, unfolded into something of surprising potency as she separated their squabbling spirits like an adult untangling a pair of wrestling children. ¡°While competition is the name of the game, this has gone on for long enough. Any more bids from the two of you will be delivered via proxies, because if either one of you speaks another word I will have you removed from the premises.¡± As the pair fell into sullen silence, Jarvan leaned over to Kite as he whispered. ¡°Lady du Fleurlevoux is old. Very old. And it seems she hasn¡¯t let her aura skills decline either.¡± ¡°One probably needs it in an event such as this,¡± Kite agreed. ¡°Just imagine some poor silver standing there helpless as things devolve into brawl.¡± ¡°Oh believe me, that can happen anyway. I¡¯d almost like to see it. Lady du Fleurlevoux isn¡¯t a core user, after all, and rumor has it that she has taken out the trash many times herself in the early days of her position here. Before people learned. Besides, I¡¯d also bet that both of those two posturing up there are just trying to one-up each other rather than having an actual interest in the sword itself. Such is the rivalries of the mighty.¡± Still, things did calm down somewhat and Kite and his companions had a great time speculating on the prices - and sometimes even the uses - of some of the items listed. ¡°-and sold to the esteemed anonymous lady for two gold and seven silver coins. May you find all the options of the casket of tentacles to your liking,¡± Lady du Fleurlevoux proclaimed as the shuddering object was carried from the stage by her two burly and impeccably groomed pale-furred leonid men. ¡°Your fruit is up next, isn¡¯t it?¡± Jarvan asked, glancing at the pamphlet in his hand. The listings were all there, but most - Kite¡¯s fruit among them - were only announced in veiled and mysterious terms. ¡°It is,¡± Kite confirmed, leaning forward. ¡°May Fortune bless our endeavors here.¡± The words were said with a kind of nervous energy which had been accumulated over the last hour, the festive mood proving most infectious. ¡°Oh, and what have we here?¡± Lady du Fleurlevoux asked theatrically as she looked at her list while one of the leonids carried forth a tray with a velvet cloth hinting at the stasis cylinder beneath. ¡°The third true curiosity of the evening if you ask me.¡± With a flourish, she reached out and revealed the fruit, clearly visible through the translucent cylinder. Its revelation caused a curious murmur to spread through the hall as some leaned in as if to get a closer look. ¡°This here is an exotic find from an anonymous seller, carried here from a far-away astral space. A fruit, ladies and gentlemen. But not just any common treat. We have it on good authority from our appraisers, and with verification from none other than Despina the Bloom-Shepherd, that this curiosity is able to awaken new powers within certain magical creatures. It has been used on one bonded familiar so far, with apparently spectacular results as its repertoire of magical power grew permanently more versatile. Still, the limited stock has meant that no more trials have been made which makes this a marvelous opportunity. And you know how astral spaces are. Who knows if more will ever be found even within the lifetimes of us gold-rankers.¡± She fell silent, letting it all sink in as the murmur in the room grew from curious to excited or disbelieving. Still, no calls of lies and falsehoods arose, proving the reputation of the auction house and its experts. Apparently having decided that those present had stewed enough, Lady du Fleurlevoux continued. ¡°Whether it may be for your dear familiar, guild mascot or perhaps botanical research, this does indeed smell like the opportunity of a lifetime, does it not?¡± Lady du Fleurlevoux called, but held up a hand to forestall the murmur which had begun rising in volume again. ¡°The seller does seem interested too, because there has been a note added to the item. Should they wish, any who purchase it may leave a time and a place for a secure, private meeting which will be conveyed to the seller for a chance at further collaboration on the matter of this most exciting listing and its origin. It¡¯s truly a shame that I am not allowed to bid myself, as my darling familiar Pontefoux would surely have loved this. The bidding starts at twelve gold coins, and-¡± Kite instinctively leaned back in his seat as a small cacophony of bids followed. Not a complete roar, as most present wouldn¡¯t be able to afford the ridiculous starting bid. But the fruit did seem to have made all of the big players interested, at least enough to make them want to be seen taking part in the fun. ¡°Heavens. This¡­ This is¡­¡± Kite breathed as the bidding passed twenty gold spirit coins, and were well on its way towards twenty five when a single bid caused the room to fall silent as if someone had severed the noise with a scissor. ¡°Four diamond coins.¡± The voice came from one of the private booths which had its privacy screen set to opaque, voice garbled into odd androgynity. But the bid itself spoke volumes. ¡°That¡­ is noted,¡± Lady du Fleurlevoux said in the silence which followed. ¡°Then we have a bid of four diamond coins, or forty gold. Any other takers?¡± The prompt seemed pretty half-hearted to Kite, and the silence which followed was deafening as neither present, not even the golds, made another bet. ¡°Then it is sold to the anonymous bidder in booth eighty-one,¡± Lady du Fleurlevoux called, deciding not to miss a beat. ¡°Definitely our record bid for this evening, and in diamond coins too! My, now I¡¯m even more curious! Alas, it seems that it is not for the rest of us to know. Now, as for the next listing, this is sure to get your blood up and running again after this scare. It is-¡± By now though, Kite wasn¡¯t listening. Instead he sat back in his chair, stunned at the bid and its implication. ¡°Fertility¡¯s feisty fanny, Kite,¡± Jarvan said at his side, seeming a bit less stunned and a bit more excited as he turned to the younger man. ¡°It seems like you¡¯ve caught the attention of a diamond-ranker.¡± 215. Accord Once more, Kite and Jarvan found themselves at the elevated terrace of their hotel and looking out over Vitesse and its spires at sunset. This time though, Glint too had joined them and their privacy screen was up and running. ¡°The Grove¡­¡± Kite murmured, once more looking down at the small envelope which had been waiting for him along with his payment at the auction house the next day. Payment that he had been most grateful to leave to the auction house to safely deposit at one of the global banks, not wanting to carry such wealth around in a mere dimensional pouch. The letter was a simple affair, but the moss green broken seal depicting a stylized tree still conveyed an odd sense of gravitas. Kite had already read its contents a few times; a most polite offer of a meeting to discuss further cooperation. Said meeting was in two days time at a specific fountain in one of Vitesse¡¯s largest and most sprawling parks, which was a lot more public than Kite had previously expected. Still, given what their day of information gathering had told them, the choice was also pretty obvious. ¡°Still pondering whether or not to go?¡± Jarvan asked while swirling his wine in that little ritual whose importance he had so far tried - and failed - to properly impress upon Kite. ¡°The information I could request through the adventure society was pretty clear.¡± ¡°Honestly, I do believe that I have already decided to attend,¡± Kite replied, taking a sip of his own wine. ¡°It¡¯s just that I felt so ignorant when I realized that I knew next to nothing of the coalitions of magical creatures.¡± ¡°It¡¯s easy to forget when you spend almost all your time among essence-users. Present company notwithstanding,¡± Jarvan said, adding the last at a meaningful glance from Glint. ¡°At least the Grove is known to be a benevolent bunch, if a bit distant from modern society. Apparently there are others who take¡­ issue¡­ with creatures choosing to become bonded familiars. And given that they could throw in diamond coins payment, this whole business probably has the blessing of Gaia the Eighth herself. The society even has her marked as an ally and sometimes benefactor.¡± ¡°What about you then, little Beauty?¡± Kite asked his familiar. ¡°If I attend, do you want to come too? I believe that they would probably want to meet you and hear of your experiences after eating the fruit. And perhaps it would be nice to meet someone from a faction with so many inherently magical creatures.¡± ¡°I have considered it, my bond, and I agree. This young mistress should have nothing to fear from others of her ilk, distant relatives as we may be. This Gaia the Eighth is a dragon too, after all.¡± ¡°A verdant dragon,¡± Jarvan reminded her. ¡°One who¡¯s rumored to be the size of several city blocks. Apparently they are more similar to a tortoise in shape than many others of your kind.¡± ¡°A dragon nonetheless. As long as I may present myself properly, I will not object.¡± ¡°Then it is well and truly settled. Fortune has seen fit to bless us this far,¡± Kite replied, raising his half-empty glass. ¡°Here¡¯s to her kindness carrying us forward just a little bit longer.¡±
It turned out that, much like the spires, the parks of Vitesse were deeply impressive even in wintertime. Archways of cultivated flowers created something close to tunnels across many of the stone or gravel pathways which meandered around the recreational areas, green even in the slight chill. And they saw frequent use as well, as Kite could feel hundreds of auras of varying ranks in just the park which was their destination; playing children, relaxing elderly people and some young adults who weren¡¯t as circumspect as they might think with their amorous endeavors. Overall, the area still evoked a sense of life and potential, but that did little to keep Kite from his other musings at the moment. ¡°Any last minute advice?¡± he asked Jarvan at his side as they drew closer, surrounded by their privacy screen like many others walking up and down the busy streets surrounding the park. ¡°For meeting a diamond-ranker? Well, first of all I doubt that you¡¯ll be meeting her in person. But if that was the case, I honestly wouldn¡¯t worry too much. If a diamond wanted something from you they were willing to take, you wouldn¡¯t have it anymore. The auction house may pride themselves in their discretion and confidentiality, but that can only be kept due to diamond-rankers being polite enough to not pry. Or at least pretend that they don¡¯t.¡± ¡°So¡­ stay polite and respectful, as with most others?¡± ¡°Got it in one, Kite. I haven¡¯t, to my knowledge, met any diamonds myself. There aren¡¯t that many of them in the world after all, at least not on the grand scale of things. Politeness seldom hurts though, even if diamonds are known to often be more eccentric. But I suppose being on the height of power and fearing little in this world would allow one to be a lot more relaxed.¡± Kite nodded to himself as they entered the park proper, joining the groups strolling long the pleasant paths. Given the buildings and spires towering above them, the greenery truly felt like an oasis in the busy city. Fortunately though, it did not take long to find the fountain in question and as Kite saw the shape he realized this particular choice was no mere coincidence as he saw the massive sculpture in the middle. Rising from the waters was a sculpted creature that did indeed bear similarities to a tortoise, but with a distinctly draconic head and clawed feed visible in the water beneath. Its wide shell sprawled with sculpted greenery; trees, bushes of all sizes depicted in finely wrought stone. The water of the fountain flowed down from the top of the largest tree in the center of the great shell like a spray, before falling like rain upon the faux greenery below which then gathered and flowed down from the edge of the shell. ¡°Gaia the Eighth, mother of dryads and bringer of the blooming,¡± Kite read aloud from the plaque at its base. ¡°Then we don¡¯t really need to question if we¡¯re in the right place, do we?¡± Jarvan said, and the group dropped their privacy screen and joined the scattered groups of people who sat down at the edge of the wide fountain. It was apparently a popular spot for children to splash into the waters and play as well, and from his fond smile it was easy to see Jarvan¡¯s thoughts on the matter as he watched a small group leap and splash under the supervision of their guardians. Kite was just about to ask him about homesickness when his attention was drawn by something else. A small bird with distinct and incredibly vibrant coloring had emerged from a nearby tree, its wings an indistinct blur as it zoomed towards them with great speed, enough so that Kite had trouble following its movement until it was suddenly hovering in front of its face. The distinct look it gave him, along with the faint gold-ranked aura he could sense from the diminutive creature, told him enough as it did a little loop in front of him before turning and flying off at a speed which anyone could follow at a comfortable walk. Taking a moment to steady himself, Kite gestured to his companions before they followed, leaving the well-kept paths and entering the copse of trees. Their avian guide had turned, hovering backwards while looking at them with its head turned this way and that, and it didn¡¯t take long before it turned and zoomed away again in the blink of an eye. ¡°Wait, we-¡± Kite began, but another aura which revealed itself nearby caused him to falter. It was rich and potent, and much like Laevyeth¡¯s it was also distinctly different from that of an essence user. Where those usually felt like a beacon of themselves, concepts of their personality and essences shown to the world, this spirit instead seemed to be more like a part of said world springing to vibrant life as it melded into the perception of the three silvers. ¡°Do not fret, young human. My friend has already done his part,¡± a melodic female voice called, seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere at once for a moment before it too coalesced into a more coherent form when a woman emerged from a nearby tree. Unlike uncle Walker¡¯s teleportation through plants, which had the distinct look of him using the flora as an odd kind of gateway, this woman seemed to form from the wood itself; like a new branch which grew outward while new textures, patterns and colors sprang up to shape a lithe but tall humanoid, standing around two meters tall. She was clearly gold rank and breathtakingly beautiful, but in an alien way with her skin seeming wrought from smooth, pale wood and hair like green ivy falling in long rivulets along her back. Given her looks, Kite was almost surprised to find her wearing clothes, but she wore the loose and silky pale green dress very well with a body sculpted much like that of a curvaceous human. And her eyes, like those of a deer, regarded the trio with curiosity even though it was clear that among them, Glint was the one which drew her interest the most. ¡°My oh my¡­¡± the gold-ranked being mused with a curious smile as she regarded the familiar, still in her draconian form while Glint did her very best to stand tall and proud in one of her favorite dresses. ¡°Young dragon, it would seem like you have partaken of this most interesting fruit already. I have met one of your kind before, and those antlers¡­ They surely aren¡¯t part of your original form.¡± Even though he could feel Glint¡¯s spirit quivering slightly in the presence of the powerful being, Kite was impressed as she drew herself up a bit, raising her snout in challenge. ¡°I would claim that this young mistress wears them very well, earlier conventions or not.¡± ¡°Oh indeed, I meant no disrespect. They are fascinating,¡± the wooden woman said as she drew closer, tentatively reaching out a hand towards the nearest tip of one of the crystal antlers. ¡°May I?¡± ¡°This young mistress would like to point out that wanting to touch before even introducing themselves might be considered a breach of decorum,¡± came Glint¡¯s reply, and Kite winced internally. Not that he disagreed, but when faced with an unknown gold-ranker, the instinct to just acquiesce was surprisingly strong. Fortunately, the woman took it in stride as she retracted her hand and took a few steps back. ¡°And in that, young dragon, you are completely correct. Allow me to correct this oversight, so that we may have a fruitful discussion of this most curious matter which you have brought into this city. I am called Despina the Bloom Shepherd, and I am dryad of the Grove, seeded by the first dryads of the great Gaia the Eighth herself.¡± Hearing the name, Kite had to admit that he felt a jolt of surprise as he recognized it. ¡°Greetings, great Mistress. I am called Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, but please just refer to me as Kite,¡± he said while bowing deeply. ¡°And if it isn¡¯t too bold of me to ask, then I will note that I recognize this name of yours. You were the one who had assisted the auction house in examining the fruit, were you not?¡± ¡°An odd kind of name for these parts. While it is easy to see that you aren¡¯t one of the locals, it hints of somewhere very far away,¡± Despina replied, touching upon his spirit more directly as she regarded him. ¡°But you are correct in that I helped the auction house in this matter. They call upon me from time to time in regard to my intimate knowledge of plants and all things growing in nature.¡± ¡°And yet you were at the auction too, outbidding the rest?¡± ¡°Ah, yes. It is a perk, you see, for me and others with the requisite knowledge beyond even their appraisers. A reward for my knowledge and help, as it leaves me - and therefore the Grove - with a chance to become aware of plants and other things of interest before the auctions themselves. I assure you that the auction house is most pleased with the deal,¡± the dryad said, before regarding the others. ¡°And your companions? Who might they be? I can feel the familiar bond between you and the young dragon of course, but that does not tell me of her name.¡± The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°I am called Glint, as named by my bond before my ascension to a more coherent state. It still resonates with me, and I carry it with pride,¡± the shimmering draconian replied, giving a surprisingly good show of a Vitessian curtsy. Now when had she found the time to pick up that particular skill? ¡°And I am Jarvan LanCaire, branch director of the adventure society in Gilded, Hua-Xi. Kite¡¯s homeland,¡± Jarvan explained, giving a formal bow of his own. ¡°Know that the adventure society remains ever grateful of the fruitful collaborations our two organizations have had in the past.¡± ¡°Then I greet you both in turn, even if you¡¯ll have to forgive my amusement, director. Calling the Grove an organization might be technically correct, but a vast gathering of magical beasts and similar beings does make for quite a bit more¡­ organic structure,¡± Despina said before once more focusing on Glint. ¡°As to you, young dragon, my intent was never to offend you. But with a touch I will be able to more properly sense your being and the changes it has no doubt gone through. You are a creature of native magic, after all, as are the rest of the Grove. So I ask again; may I?¡± ¡°Very well, this young mistress will acquiesce,¡± Glint said, even tilting her head a bit towards the dryad as she once more approached and laid a delicate finger on the tip of a crystal antler. The pair stood still for a while, and beyond the slight rustling of Despina¡¯s aura, Kite could feel nothing from the exchange beyond a slight sense of warmth through his bond with Glint. ¡°Fascinating, as I believe your scholars would say,¡± the dryad said, eyes half-lidded as she kept in contact with Glint. ¡°A creature of the flowing water and roaring might, yet now also more. I sense the aspects of karma in the eddies of your magic, young dragon, the ebb and flow of connection. It¡¯s still raw and new in a way, while at the same time having integrated smoothly enough to always seem to have been part of you. My, I believe that it would probably even breed true, should you desire offspring. Quite remarkable. I can just imagine plenty of creatures around the world who would crave something like this to make their heritage stronger.¡± ¡°Karma¡­¡± Kite murmured to himself as it made quite a lot of sense given the new manifestations of Glint¡¯s powers. ¡°That is amazing, little beauty. Such a concept. Is that what the fruit adds then, Mistress? To any compatible creature imbibing it?¡± ¡°No, I don¡¯t believe so,¡± Despina replied, retracting her hand from Glint and stepping back. ¡°From what I have sensed from the specimen you brought, it seems more akin to a catalyst; a spark to light the fires of change within a being, bringing forth something latent or unformed. Perhaps another of Glint¡¯s kind would find the same changes brought upon them. But then they would have to imbibe it young, like Glint here. Silver is probably the last rank where its effects could take root and make the changes.¡± Her statements brought Kite pause, in more ways than one as he tried to process the implication while also sorting through all the questions this gave rise to. ¡°And you could gather all of this so quickly? Glean its secrets?¡± he asked, awed. ¡°I am a creature of growing, verdant life, Kite. It is within my powers. They may not be as plentiful as those of an essence-user, but within their domain they are powerful indeed,¡± Despina replied with a smile. ¡°And speaking of secrets, I have a question of my own; why did you open up the option for this meeting at all? I was pleased, to be sure, yet still curious.¡± Kite was about to answer, but stopped and gave a pointed look to the trees and bushes around them, where the public park should just be a stone¡¯s throw away, letting any silver and above in the area listen in. He should even be able to hear the frolickers and- Seeing Kite start at the surprising lack of noise from beyond, Despina smiled. ¡°As I said, the verdant places are my domain. Unless a local diamond or very, very persistent gold has decided to listen in, I assure you that this place is most private. ¡°Heavens, I can¡¯t even feel their aura. Perhaps the weakest hint if I focus,¡± Kite murmured, reaching out with his spirit which proved surprisingly hard as it tried to pass through the trees. Instead of enveloping a good distance around them, it was diffused and weakened very quickly; a wave turned a mere lapping against the shores. ¡°It¡¯s almost like the mangroves I have seen during contracts with Gauntlet; a seemingly gentle diffusion. But potent.¡± ¡°An apt metaphor,¡± the dryad replied with a soft smile. As she spoke, Kite could sense a trickle of mana suffuse from her down into the ground, where roots and vines slowly emerged to weave themselves into simple chairs. ¡°But with this little demonstration done, I do believe that I¡¯m still waiting for an answer.¡± The trio joined her in seating themselves, and Kite spent another moment to ponder his response. Falsehoods would be detected, so lies were off the table. But he did have some power in where to begin and what to highlight as he tested the waters. ¡°These fruits come from a tree inside a remote astral space. One believed to be mostly useless before it sprung from the ground. I came here to test the waters with the fruit. In part to acquire funds, true, but also to seek someone who might help me understand the tree further. What it is, how to care for it, how often these fruits will sprout, and other similar considerations. One of my family members is a herbalist and an alchemist, and while her plant essence helps somewhat, she herself would freely admit that she lacks the knowledge to really understand the tree within any reasonable timeframe.¡± Despina regarded him for a short moment, before nodding. ¡°Truthful and forthright, even earnest in your wish to care for the tree. I can appreciate that.¡± ¡°And when I learned more of your Grove, I thought it worth the chance to approach.¡± ¡°Even though we could just sweep in and take possession of this tree?¡± ¡°As could any gold-ranker who wished to, should they come to learn of it,¡± Kite replied with a shrug even while suppressing an inner tremble of worry. ¡°And as I believe that, while the location is quite remote, its existence will probably come into light sooner or later, I might as well try to at least somewhat affect the outcome. So I come seeking help and collaboration. And, I suppose, protection. At least from those who would try and seize the tree and the astral space upon learning of it.¡± At this, Despina leaned back in her chair and gave a show of giving his words some proper thought even though her swift mind had no doubt already considered options aplenty. ¡°You are fortunate then, young Kite, that it was us and not some of the other more nature-aspected gatherings which you made contact with. The Primal Council, for example, might not have cared much for your interests had they learned of this. But Gaia is patient and thoughtful. She cares for this world, even the cities and things wrought from the bones of nature. I, personally, do find your offer to be an interesting one. Had I not been firmly rooted here already, I might even have wanted to come myself. But alas, the older we get the longer it takes to relocate.¡± ¡°Well, Kite, I believe this is the time to say ¡®I told you so¡¯,¡± Jarvan said smugly, even if he too seemed to relax a bit at the dryad¡¯s words. ¡°Do not count your heidels yet, director,¡± Despina replied, her smooth use of the idiom hinting at her long time of having lived among the people of Vitesse. ¡°This kind of arrangement would lean in part on the protection of the Grove, and therefore also Gaia herself. As such, she will need to be consulted on the matter.¡± ¡°And how long would that take? Our stay in the city soon draws to an end,¡± Kite said, brow furrowed. ¡°Perhaps we should arrange for means of contacting-¡± ¡°Oh, do not fret. It will take but a moment,¡± Despina interrupted. ¡°A moment, but quite a lot of mana too.¡± As if to punctuate her words, Kite, Glint and Jarvan could all feel a rush of magic surge from within the dryad¡¯s body, coalescing between her thumb and forefinger in the form of a blindingly bright mote of white and green. The mote grew until it was the size of a walnut before it solidified into a deep brown seed which Despina pushed into the ground in the middle of the vague circle formed by the grown chairs. A much smaller surge of mana later, a trumpet-like yellow and blue flower stood between them, swaying gently on a tall, thin stem surrounded by plenty of long, narrow leaves. The gold-ranked dryad even looked a bit weary as she sat back down in her chair, and silence reigned for a while as the other three looked at the flower curiously. And after a few seconds, its purpose was revealed as the hint of a presence could be felt from the plant. A vast, old presence, its power easily discernible even though it was also obvious that it was coming from far, far away. ¡°Little seedling, you call upon me again. But not from your tree. Come, reveal your spirit to me.¡± The voice was low, as if echoed across a great distance. But someone powerful was definitely on the other side of whatever connection that had just been formed. In response to the words, Despina leaned forwards and touched the bloom reverently while clearly baring her spirit more properly for the first time during their meeting. ¡°Ah, curiosity. You have found potential. Was it this fruit of which you spoke of, just an eyeblink ago?¡± ¡°I have, great Gaia. The fruit is a venture worth pursuing for us. And I also come before you with something more; the one who sold it. He has come seeking our collaboration in further understanding this new and most curious growth.¡± ¡°Oh? Is he here too? Then have him make himself known to me as well. Everything is so very dull through these temporary connections.¡± ¡°He is, great Gaia. But before you touch upon his spirit, I would urge some care, as he is but a silver-ranked human.¡± ¡°Little seedling, I have handled far, far more delicate things than that in my days,¡± the voice replied, seeming amused in the way of an elderly grandmother rolling her eyes at the well-meaning yet silly worries of a child. ¡°Come, little human. I would know your spirit.¡± Even after having seen Despina do it before, Kite cast the dryad a questioning look as he leaned forward. Only after a nod of confirmation did he follow suit, and projected his aura towards the flower as he touched one of the yellow fronds. The spiritual contact which followed was¡­ odd. For a moment, it felt like his spirit brushed upon something vast yet distinct. It was like laying his hands upon a boulder jutting from the ground, only to realize that he could feel a whole mountain range in the distance from touching that small part of the whole. And that proverbial mountain range felt him in turn. Kite had expected that even the briefest touch of a diamond-ranker¡¯s spirit would be leagues beyond that of any gold which he had felt. As such, the gentle, subtle impression he got in return almost made him draw back in sheer surprise as it flowed over and through him without using the slightest amount of brute force. ¡°Ah, little human. A fleeting life, yet some of your kind are so earnest and vibrant,¡± the voice mused. ¡°Who are you, young one? And what collaboration is it that you are seeking with the Grove?¡± ¡°Honored Gaia the Eighth,¡± Kite began, once more looking to Despina and receiving a nod in encouragement. ¡°It is indeed I who have come into possession of the fruit of which Mistress Despina speaks, as well as the astral space holding the tree from which it has sprung. I reach out to you in search of collaboration; to understand and to nurture this wonder. Something which me and mine cannot do ourselves. And protection, from others of power who would seek to take it for themselves, should they come to learn of it.¡± ¡°I see¡­ I see,¡± the voice replied, somehow conveying an expression of a great head nodding slowly and knowingly. ¡°And little Despina would not have gone through the effort of creating a temporary medium like this had she not already thought this to be something worth considering. Then I would have you tell me of this tree, little human. Let us see if we can reach an accord.¡±
Ametrine Dreams wreathed in Silk kept herself composed even through the urge to violently crumple the letter in her hands. Instead she read it once more, memorizing each word before idly reaching out and letting the shimmering smoke which surrounded her envelop it. The smoke briefly flashed upon contact before the paper crumbled to dust fine enough to elude even the diligent palace staff. Her frustrations weren¡¯t completely directed at the contents of said letter; confirmation of their initial accord and future collaboration with the cult of the Builder, as well as some actual plans of how to begin. Ametrine had already started her own plans on how to deal with it. No, her frustrations were directed more towards the need to do so at all. ¡°To think that I, of all people, have yet to claw myself back to some leverage with the council. Me! They would be far, far behind our current schedule without my King, and yet one of them has the gall to try and supplant us? All of this time maneuvering could have been better spent on working towards our actual grand undertaking.¡± Ametrine may be a priestess of Discord, but she had always prided herself on being able to be pragmatic as well. Their god¡¯s purview could be directed and interpreted after all, guided away from themselves. And given their long, long project slowly turning the kingdom into their perfect seedbed, Ametrine had thought the others to be of similar mindset. But alas, such was the nature of the world, suffused by their god¡¯s touch wherever people gathered. And, as always in the conflicts between their followers, Discord themselves remained silent. Ametrine soon composed herself though, seated in her chambers while preparing other missives in response to the one she had just disintegrated. ¡°I have clawed my way all the way up here through strife and intrigue, fighting for every step with all the means available to me. Discord does ever wish for people to be strong, after all. Only the strong can survive in their garden,¡± part of Ametrine¡¯s mind thought as she began to choose which of her people to assign to which task with the utmost care. ¡°It seems like this will just be another test to prove my place. Oh Discord, bringer of strife and change. Your servant will prove herself yet again. This I swear before the heavens.¡±